COL(R) Bobby Towery, JR of Oxford, Mississippi died unexpectedly after finishing the Great 38, 8 mile race on October 26, 2019. Bobby, age 59, leaves behind his wife, Lisa Carver Towery of Southaven, Mississippi; two sons, CPT Patrick Towery of Fort Carson, Colorado and Nathan Towery, doctoral student at University of Alabama; future daughter in law, Zoe Karaminas and his grandog, Walther. In addition, Bobby is survived by his beloved mother, Kaye Hooker Bryant; sister, Julie Kaye Fanton; brother in law, Bud Fanton all of Oxford and nephew Nicholas Fanton and his wife, Madeline of Goleta, CA.
Bobby was born on August 14, 1960 to LTC(R) Bob Towery, Sr (deceased) and to Kaye Bryant. In addition to his father, Bobby was preceded in death by his step-father, Buford Bryant and his grandparents, Elton and LeEarle Hooker and Woodrow and Frances Towery. Bobby married his best friend Lisa, whom he met at Ole Miss, on February 12, 1984. Bobby and Lisa lived in 19 different homes over the course of Bobby’s 30 years of active duty military service before settling in Oxford after retiring from the US Army. After retirement Bobby became President of ProMatura, a company located in Oxford. He also took on business ventures with members of the Oxford community supporting a landscaping business and organic farm. Throughout his life, Bobby was a tree farmer along with his mother, Kaye.
Bobby was commissioned as a US Army Armor 2LT in 1983 from the University of Mississippi Army ROTC. He served in many leadership and command positions over his 30 years of service to include commanding two Armor Companies at Fort Polk, Louisiana. Additionally, he commanded the 3rd Forward Support Battalion 3rd Infantry Division into Iraq in 2003, was the Senior Logistics officer for the 82nd Airborne Division, and commanded the 61st Ordnance Brigade in Aberdeen Proving Grounds, MD before becoming the 49th Deputy Commandant of the US Army War College in Carlisle, PA.
Bobby had a servant’s heart and his mantra was “do everything in love.” He taught 1st and 2nd graders Sunday School in Taegu, Korea, 3rd and 4th graders at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, and couples Sunday School in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. He coached soccer, baseball, and volunteered in many booster events. Bobby served as President of Booster Clubs and was recognized as an outstanding volunteer on several occasions. Bobby served as the President of the Ole Miss ROTC Alumni Club and held Masters Degrees from the University of Mississippi and the United States Army War College. He has loved St Peters Episcopal Church since birth and served as an acolyte for many years. He also has served as the chair of stewardship committee and head of ushers.
Bobby loved to travel and spent much of his free time in recent years behind a boat wake surfing and skiing. He most loved sharing his Smith Lake home with family and friends. He loved the Ole Miss Rebels and was at every home football, basketball and baseball game since he retired to Oxford.
Bobby’s numerous awards and decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with silver and bronze oak leaf clusters, Army Commendation Medal with V device for valor and 3 bronze oak clusters, Army Achievement Medal with bronze oak cluster, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal with 2 stars, Army Service Ribbon, Overseas service ribbon, Military Outstanding Service Medal, Combat Action Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge (Jumpmaster), Canadian Jump Wings as well as the Mississippi Magnolia Cross. Bobby is a 2006 inductee to the Ole Miss Army ROTC Hall of Fame. Bobby lived like he died. His focus to live a life of fitness, fun and in service to others is greatly reflected in his last moments on this earth. He ran an 8 mile race last Saturday morning for his own fitness, for fun and to raise money for the Chucky Mullins Endowment which supports students with physical disabilities who attend Ole Miss.
Funeral services will be held this Wednesday, October 30, 2019, at 11:00 at St Peter’s Episcopal Church in Oxford with The Rev. Jody Burnett officiating. Visitation will be prior to the service beginning at 9:00 in the Parish Hall at the church. Interment will follow immediately at Oxford Memorial Cemetery. Waller Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St Peter’s Episcopal Church, 113 S. 9th Street, Oxford, MS 38655 or Army Emergency Relief (AER), 2530 Crystal Drive, Suite 13161, 13th Floor, Arlington, VA 22202.
