Survived by his daughters Brenda Bussell-Winnett and Brandi VanSteenwyk (nee Winnett), grandchildren Marc Jacobsen, Kandi Carter, Amanda Pettit and Anthony VanSteenwyk , his 3 great-grandchildren and a single cousin. He is also survived by his life-long friend, high school sweetheart and long time companion/caregiver Jacqueline Brown. He is preceded in death by his Aunt, Helen Ross, and his parents.
Mr. Bob, as he was affectionately know by many, was a man of many talents and interests. He loved to travel, which started when he was very young traveling between his home state of California to often visit family in Texas as he was growing up. He had a long career as a truck driver, travelling sales and many other adventures, including radio newscaster and DJ, but his favorite of all was touring coast to coast, border to border, 49 states and all provinces of Canada with the Nitty Gritty Dirt Band from 1989 until his health took him off the road in 2002. His love of music gave him the talent to play many instruments including keyboards, violin, guitar, mandolin and just about any other stringed instrument AND he could SING. Fond memories of garage jam session music have stayed with him , his family and friends for many, many years.
He was a person that never met a stranger and would always welcome you into his home and often into his heart. He loved many people in his life and was loved by many in return. He was a friend, teacher, mentor and counselor. He was known as Dad, Daddy Dearest, Mr. Bob, Bobert, Grandpa Bob , Pops, Grandbob and likely a slew of other unmentionable, yet affectionate, terms of endearment. He had friends from all over the world that he met during his association with the Dirt Band and also via HAM radio and still kept in touch with them. Once you knew him you always knew him and he never forgot you.
Life leads us all on many journeys and Mr. Bob enjoyed his share of journeys during his life. Born and raised in California, he also lived in Texas, Utah, Idaho, Tennessee, Kentucky and finally followed his heart which led him to Mississippi and back to his high school sweetheart--Miss Jackie. His life was a circle that brought him back to what he really loved the most and had sought out for many years with just a few detours to bring along more wonderful memories to share.
Mr. Bob will be very dearly missed by all that knew him. Each will have their favorite memory, favorite story or just a special thought to share. He will now be travelling far and wide once again as he watches over each and every one of his family and friends as they continue on their own life journey.….and remember---if you can’t dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bull shit.
Private services for Mr. Bob will be celebrated at a later date.
Memorials in his memory can be made to St. Jude Children's Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Place, Memphis, Tennessee, 38105 or to www.stjude.org/donate
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