Obituary for James Ratliff "Ray" "Ray" Hobbs Jr.
James Ratliff Hobbs Jr., 66, of Pace, FL passed away surrounded by family on April 12, 2023. He was born on April 4, 1957 in Atmore, AL to his loving parents, James and Vivian Hobbs.
James, better known as Ray, met and married the love of his life Kathy in 1984 and spent 30 wonderful years together. They later started a family and had a beautiful set of twins, Timothy and Kimberly Hobbs. Ray was a hardworking man of many talents. He could fix just about anything. He spent 30+ years working as a truck driver. When he wasn’t working, his true passion was working on cars. He could take a motor apart and completely rebuild it from scratch. His love of cars was so big, he would even rebuild motors in the kitchen of his home. If you needed mechanical help, he was the man for the job. The love of cars and racing runs deep in Hobbs’ blood. Whether it was on the streets or at the racetrack, he spent a lot of time racing with his brothers Terry and Carl. They would even drag along their sisters, Cathy and Norma. He loved spending time with his family, most especially when he became a grandfather in 2011. His new favorite title then became “Poppy”. To say he will be missed is an understatement. Ray, go rest high on that mountain and know your work on Earth is done.
He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly (Chris Chappell) Hobbs; granddaughter, Aaliyah Smith; bonus grandson, Miles Chappell; brother, Terry Hobbs; sister, Norma (David) Nance; sister, Cathy (Billy) Bennett; brother, Carl (Sheri) Hobbs; and bonus brother, Kenny (Mary) Keith; as well as many nieces, nephews, and many many cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Vivian Hobbs; wife, Kathy Hobbs; and son, Timothy Hobbs.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 P.M. until the funeral service begins at 3:00 P.M. on Monday April 17, 2023 at Trahan Family Funeral Home, Milton Chapel.
James, better known as Ray, met and married the love of his life Kathy in 1984 and spent 30 wonderful years together. They later started a family and had a beautiful set of twins, Timothy and Kimberly Hobbs. Ray was a hardworking man of many talents. He could fix just about anything. He spent 30+ years working as a truck driver. When he wasn’t working, his true passion was working on cars. He could take a motor apart and completely rebuild it from scratch. His love of cars was so big, he would even rebuild motors in the kitchen of his home. If you needed mechanical help, he was the man for the job. The love of cars and racing runs deep in Hobbs’ blood. Whether it was on the streets or at the racetrack, he spent a lot of time racing with his brothers Terry and Carl. They would even drag along their sisters, Cathy and Norma. He loved spending time with his family, most especially when he became a grandfather in 2011. His new favorite title then became “Poppy”. To say he will be missed is an understatement. Ray, go rest high on that mountain and know your work on Earth is done.
He is survived by his daughter, Kimberly (Chris Chappell) Hobbs; granddaughter, Aaliyah Smith; bonus grandson, Miles Chappell; brother, Terry Hobbs; sister, Norma (David) Nance; sister, Cathy (Billy) Bennett; brother, Carl (Sheri) Hobbs; and bonus brother, Kenny (Mary) Keith; as well as many nieces, nephews, and many many cousins.
He is preceded in death by his parents, James and Vivian Hobbs; wife, Kathy Hobbs; and son, Timothy Hobbs.
Visitation will be held from 2:00 P.M. until the funeral service begins at 3:00 P.M. on Monday April 17, 2023 at Trahan Family Funeral Home, Milton Chapel.