Bobby Coles McDonnell

Bobby Coles McDonnell, 86, of Charlottesville, VA, went to join his sweetheart, Carolyn, in heaven, on October 1, 2023.

Bobby was born on Feb. 18, 1937 to the late Orman and Elizabeth McDonnell of Charlottesville, VA. He married the love of his life, Carol Merten, on June 15, 1972.

Bobby worked for UVA for 30 years (1969-1999), where he made countless friends; which is evident from this quote from one of those many friends: "If you can measure a person's value by the number of people who call him

'friend,' Bobby is worth a million."

Bobby had a great sense of humor and a welcoming spirit. He enjoyed being outdoors, whether that was spending the day hunting in the woods, or out on the boat fishing. At home, he could be found woodworking or tending to his vegetable garden. He loved having family over for the holidays, as well as summertime cookouts, and going out to eat.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Orman and Elizabeth McDonnell, his wife, Carolyn, and his daughter, Roxanne Mann of Tennessee.

Bobby is survived by his children, Rose Graham and Wanda McDonnell Ferguson (husband, Jack) of Tennessee, Brenda Murray and Debbie Marshall of Charlottesville, Sharon Hodges of Ohio, and Doug Pirkle of California; grandchildren, Keith Payne, Kristie Chandler, Emily Dean, Olivia Woodson, and Marquette Garrison of Charlottesville, Christopher Hodges, Joe Hodges, and Kitty Payne of Ohio, Michael Mann of Kentucky, and Dominique LaTora of Tennessee; and 10 great-grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held at 2pm Monday, October 9, 2023 at Monticello Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Association.