GATES, N.C. — Robert Lee “Bobby” Savage Jr., 77, passed away on July 10, 2019, in his home.

A native of Gates, North Carolina, he was the son of the late Robert Lee Savage Sr. and Sally Mary Draper Savage, and is also predeceased by a sister, Jeanne Carter Elder.

Bobby was an Army veteran during the Vietnam War, and retired from the Sheet Finishing Department at Union Camp Corporation/International Paper.

He was a member of the Gatesville AF & AM Masonic Lodge No. 126, the Gates County VFW and the REA Community Board.

He followed his father’s footsteps in growing watermelons and other produce and was known as “Watermelon Man” in Gates County.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Jean Byrd Savage; a daughter, Robin R. Savage and special friend, Joseph Unser; a son, Robert Brian Savage and wife, Sandy Derby Savage; a sister, Betty Byrum Umphlett; two grandchildren, Brandon and Michael Savage; two fur babies, Sassy and Doodlebug; and two grand dogs, Tonka and Harley.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 5:30 p.m. on Saturday, July 13, in Wright Funeral Home followed by a memorial service.

The family suggests that memorial donations be made The Huntington’s Disease Foundation at www.huntingtonsdiseasefoundation.org.

www.wrightfuneralhome.org.