Bobby J. Pigg

Bobby J. Pigg, beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather, “crossed over” on July 18, 2023.

Born on December 19, 1928, in the rural community of Elbridge, Tennessee, he was the son of Myrtle Winsett Pigg

and William Boyd Pigg. He is survived by his daughter, Barbara Link (Ken); four grandchildren: Kristin Link Ullrich

(Bill), Madison Pigg Loerward (Kris), Graham Stephen Pigg (Ashley), Nicolas Colin Pigg; and six great grandchildren:

Harper and Hugo Ullrich, Samantha and Otis Loerward, and Stephen and Cara Pigg; one brother, Roy Wayne Pigg

(Bonnie). He was preceded in death by his son, Dwight Stephen Pigg; his wife, Evelyn Jewel Pigg; and his brother,

William Carlton Pigg (Lillian).

After graduating from high school, Bob joined the Navy. At age 17 he entered as an E-1, the most junior enlisted

personnel and retired 28 years later with the rank of commander. In Navy terms he was a Mustang, an officer

promoted up the ranks of Navy enlisted personnel. He served aboard the USS Randolph and USS Forrestal, on the staff of

the Commander Naval Air Force, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, and in Northern Virginia at the Bureau of Naval Personnel. Bob

retired on a Friday in July, 1974. He took the weekend off and on Monday began work at a trade association in Washington,

D.C. where he served as executive director, president, and consultant for over four decades.

Bob was a longtime member and elder at Falls Church Church of Christ in northern Virginia. He loved the rituals,

activities and fellowship that marked the life of this church and could always be counted on to say “Yes” to: officiating at

weddings, MCing talent shows (lip syncing a Ray Stevens hit and slipping into an imitation of a west Tennessee

auctioneer). “Yes” to speaking at graduation celebrations and Senior Saints gatherings, preaching, teaching Sunday school

and delivering eulogies.

Bob was devoted to family. He and Jewel called time spent with grandchildren and great grandchildren “building

memories,” and they did so with great joy. The grandchildren and great grandchildren will always remember special

moments: trips to Florida, vacations in the Pennsylvania mountains and endless playfulness and affection.

Bob spent his last years at the Martha Jefferson House in Charlottesville, Virginia. “I’m so lucky to be here,” was his

mantra. We are indebted to the many lovely residents at the MJH who became Bob’s friends and especially to staff who

always . . . always cared for him with kindness and compassion.

Our patriarch has gone home, his remains to rest beside his beloved Jewel, beneath a marble headstone at Arlington

National Cemetery. He leaves behind a precious legacy, a sweet song that echoes even now and will continue in the

days and years to come.

In lieu of flowers, friends and family may send donations to the Martha Jefferson House Employee Christmas fund, 1600

Gordon Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22903.

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family on Bob's tribute wall.