My Pappaw

My brother, Gabe, and I drove my two little boys to Ruston on Saturday morning so that we could be with our Pappaw and Nannie as Pappaw lived out his last couple of days. I am so thankful that we were here to read scripture to him, sing his favorite hymns, and watch as Nannie held his hand during his final hours.

Pappaw was ninety years old and he and Nannie had been married 69 years. Pappaw's eyes were barely open his last couple of days and his mouth was slack as his organs failed. He might slightly incline his head towards you when you were singing to him but he wasn't very responsive. However, on his last breath, his eyes opened wide and he smiled a big smile. What a beautiful finish, what a beautiful beginning.

Pappaw's service was today and it was incredible. Pappaw was not perfect but you NEVER doubted where his faith lay because he told you, he told everyone. He was a barber and everyone that came into his place of work heard about Jesus. He had a "million dollar bill" that he shared with people to illustrate who Jesus was and he was never ashamed of the beauty of the gospel.

I love that about my Pappaw. He was cantankerous, as the preacher said today, but he was a faithful man and nothing meant more to him than the Lord and his family. He wasn't perfect but he didn't wait to become perfect to boldly share the good news. I think that's the greatest lesson that I learned from him. He was so thankful for all that God had done for him and he shouted it from the rooftops (and the barber shop and the nursing home and the streets). He was devoted to his wife and so proud of his family. Now, he is singing beautifully and worshipping, free of pain or fear.

His obituary:

Bobby James Conville, Sr. was born March 11, 1921 in the Bienville Parish community of Driskill Mountain to Robert Newton and Mary Belle Smith Conville. At age 17, Bobby accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and went to be with Him on September 4, 2011 in Ruston, Louisiana.

On June 13, 1942, Bobby married the “love of his life” Kathleen Best. In October of 1942, Bobby joined the United States Air Force. He was stationed in Montgomery, AL; Nashville, TN; and Spokane, WA. He served his country as a baker for a crew of 2800 in the Pacific Theatre; specifically, the Philippine Islands and Irumagawa, Japan.

After his military service, he moved to Simsboro, LA and worked as a barber in Arcadia for over 50 years. In 1952, he became a member of Simsboro First Baptist Church where he served as deacon for 57 years. In October 2010, he was awarded the title Deacon Emeritus. He was elected Simsboro Town Councilman for 20 years. He was a 60 year member of the Hamp Michael American Legion Post #70 where he served as chaplain from 1983 until his passing. For 40 years, he directed a Sunday School Mission at the Ruston State School. Anyone who knew “Mr. Bobby” was aware of his love for the Lord and his Christian witness. He boldly shared the Good News of Jesus Christ.

As a passionate gardener, Bobby was known for his abundant harvests which he shared with family and friends. Watching his children and grandchildren participate in church, school and sports activities was a source of great joy. He was a member of the 1940 Arcadia Hornet State Football Championship Team. His love of football continued as he remained a loyal fan of the New Orleans Saints, LA Tech Bulldogs, and LSU Tigers. He never met a stranger and loved to share stories with his barber customers, family and friends.

He is survived by his wife of 69 years, Kathleen Best Conville; son, Bobby Conville, Jr.; daughters, Nancy Conville Giesse and Kathy Conville Sims; daughter-in-law, Lora James Conville; son-in-law, Bill Sims; eight grandchildren, Scott (Caroline) Conville, Todd Houck, Greg (Christine) Sims, Gabe Conville, Drew (Jessica) Sims, Brooke (Kevin) Sims Langford, Camille (Adam) Conville Jennings, and Michael Giesse; and six great-grandsons, Caleb & Cade Conville, Case & Luke Sims, and Henry & Elliot Jennings.

Visitation was held Tuesday, September 6, 2011 from 10:00 until 11:00 AM at Simsboro First Baptist Church. Funeral services were held at 11:00 AM with Dr. Wilton Wall officiating. Burial will follow in Simsboro City Cemetery under the direction of Kilpatrick Funeral Home of Ruston. Pallbearers will be grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Simsboro First Baptist Church deacons. Memorials may be given to the Simsboro First Baptist Church Mission Fund or Building Fund.

Special thanks to the nursing staff of Ruston Nursing and Rehabilitation Center and Professional Hospice Care for their excellent care.
Bobby “fought the good fight, finished his course, and kept the faith. Now, there is a crown of righteousness which the Lord will award to him.” II Timothy 4:7-8