April 5, 2023
April 5, 2023
Bob, I can only imagine the foursome you’ve joined in heaven - some of Madden’s best, I am sure. I will miss you, my friend.
Robert Alexander "Bobby, Bob, Uncle Bobby, Pops" Sankey succumbed to Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Wednesday March 22, 2023 at Miami Valley Hospital. Bob was born July 2, 1948 in Indianapolis, Indiana. He was the second child to James and Roberta (Dillard) Sankey. Bobby moved to Dayton, OH in 1949 and lived here until his passing.
He attended Willard and Highview Elementary School through the 8th grade, then went to Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School and graduated in 1966. While in high School Bob was in college prep classes and played varsity betball. After high school Bob attended Central State in Wilberforce, OH.
As a youth Bob was involved in Boy Scouts, Little league, and played trombone in the orchestra. He played varsity baseball and while in high school became interested in bowling. Bowling was a great passion for Bob for many, many years. He won trophy after trophy, enough to overflow the house. But for Bob, it was not about the hardware, he generously gave his trophies to friends who expressed an interest in them. Along with bowling. Bob was an avid golfer, fisherman and pinochle player. He was a volunteer at Jamaica Run Golf Club and loved every minute he served.
Bob was known for his expert skills in shoe, luggage and leather repair. He could work wonders with shoes that were in any condition. Bob learned his shoe repair skills from his parents. His dad James, learned the cobblers trade at Alabama A&M in Huntsville, AL. James taught his wife the craft and they both taught Bob. Bob and his mother had a shoe shop in Xenia, Ohio that was destroyed by a tornado. Bob worked for many shoe repair shops in and around Ohio. In the 1990's Bob bought Helm's shoe repair in Centerville, OH and worked there until he retired. In recent years Bob, partnered with the late Archie Phipps and continued to work part time on a craft that he loved.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents James and Roberta; Grandparents Johnny and Louvenis Sankey and Robert C. and Rosebud (Clark) Dillard. Bob is survived by and will be lovingly remembered by son Todd Matlock (Kenyata) of Dayton, OH; Sister Carrie Sankey, Sister in love Jacque Fisher of Dayton, OH; Nephew Francis Sankey (Kathy) of Pittsburgh, PA; Grandchildren Rajenae Green, Kylin Matlock, Dajuan Sales of Dayton, OH and Amaya Matlock of Sidney, OH: Great niece Elisabeth Sankey of Pittsburgh, Pa; dear and devoted friends Vernon Bowden, Lloyd Bowman, Emmett Thomas, Ron Allen, Jesse Norris, Al Turner, Butch Bradley, Jiles Hale, God Son Daryl Turner (Donna) and a host of other cherished friends that loved and helped him.
Professional services entrusted to W.E. Lusain Funeral Home and Crematory.Tributes
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March 28, 2023
March 28, 2023
Bob has been my friend for over 60+ years! He will be truly missed by many. Had many good times bowling and playing cards. Will keep the family in my prayers. LOVE. Terry Smith
March 27, 2023
March 27, 2023
I love you Bobby, when I was 19 months old you came into my life. You made me a big sister- your big sister. We were a dynamic duo. You always thought of me whenever you talked to adults. If someone gave you a treat you always asked that they give you “ one for your sister “.
We ran the family car into another car in the Sears parking lot; you were four and I was five. I gave you your first ever haircut. Your hair made me jealous; I really envied your curly hair. So when you were 2and I was 3. I waited for you to fall asleep I did to you what Delilah did to Samson. Momma and daddy found this totally unacceptable and corrected my bottom with a deserved spanking. You however did mind and thought your sister was a good barber.
Those were just a couple of our early times together. Over the years we’ve had lots of shared experiences. I love you thanks for sharing with your sister!!
We ran the family car into another car in the Sears parking lot; you were four and I was five. I gave you your first ever haircut. Your hair made me jealous; I really envied your curly hair. So when you were 2and I was 3. I waited for you to fall asleep I did to you what Delilah did to Samson. Momma and daddy found this totally unacceptable and corrected my bottom with a deserved spanking. You however did mind and thought your sister was a good barber.
Those were just a couple of our early times together. Over the years we’ve had lots of shared experiences. I love you thanks for sharing with your sister!!
March 24, 2023
March 24, 2023
My cousin Bobby,
You lived your life like your famous golf stroke-
Strong, deliberate and steady. Thank you for the joy you brought to many. Your memory will forever burn in our hearts!
Alicia Lockett and the Dillard/ Delmore Family
You lived your life like your famous golf stroke-
Strong, deliberate and steady. Thank you for the joy you brought to many. Your memory will forever burn in our hearts!
Alicia Lockett and the Dillard/ Delmore Family
March 23, 2023
March 23, 2023
Pops,
Where do I begin. First, I would like to thank you for being the man that you've always been to me my entire life. I couldn't have asked for a better male role model growing up. You will truly be missed pops. I love you and I'll look to one day see you again. Take care yourself rest in heaven.
Where do I begin. First, I would like to thank you for being the man that you've always been to me my entire life. I couldn't have asked for a better male role model growing up. You will truly be missed pops. I love you and I'll look to one day see you again. Take care yourself rest in heaven.
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Recent Tributes
April 5, 2023
April 5, 2023
Bob, I can only imagine the foursome you’ve joined in heaven - some of Madden’s best, I am sure. I will miss you, my friend.
March 28, 2023
March 28, 2023
Bob has been my friend for over 60+ years! He will be truly missed by many. Had many good times bowling and playing cards. Will keep the family in my prayers. LOVE. Terry Smith
March 27, 2023
March 27, 2023
I love you Bobby, when I was 19 months old you came into my life. You made me a big sister- your big sister. We were a dynamic duo. You always thought of me whenever you talked to adults. If someone gave you a treat you always asked that they give you “ one for your sister “.
We ran the family car into another car in the Sears parking lot; you were four and I was five. I gave you your first ever haircut. Your hair made me jealous; I really envied your curly hair. So when you were 2and I was 3. I waited for you to fall asleep I did to you what Delilah did to Samson. Momma and daddy found this totally unacceptable and corrected my bottom with a deserved spanking. You however did mind and thought your sister was a good barber.
Those were just a couple of our early times together. Over the years we’ve had lots of shared experiences. I love you thanks for sharing with your sister!!
We ran the family car into another car in the Sears parking lot; you were four and I was five. I gave you your first ever haircut. Your hair made me jealous; I really envied your curly hair. So when you were 2and I was 3. I waited for you to fall asleep I did to you what Delilah did to Samson. Momma and daddy found this totally unacceptable and corrected my bottom with a deserved spanking. You however did mind and thought your sister was a good barber.
Those were just a couple of our early times together. Over the years we’ve had lots of shared experiences. I love you thanks for sharing with your sister!!
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