Bobby Lee Kuykendall

Bobby Lee Kuykendall, a loving father, grandfather, and great grandfather, 91, of Asheville, NC, passed away on May 17, 2026, in Hendersonville, NC. He was born on November 1, 1934, in Asheville, NC to the late Elijah Luther Kuykendall (1943) and Survilla Elizabeth Lunsford Kuykendall (1973). In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his fourteen siblings.

Bobby grew up in Asheville, NC and spent a brief period of 5 years in Wellford, South Carolina before returning to Asheville, NC, the place he called home for 86 years. He attended AB Technical Community College. He proudly served in the United States Armed Forces as a member of the Army National Guard Reserve.

Throughout his career, Bobby devoted himself to public service, beginning as a fireman and later serving as a police officer. He proudly owned a daycare for about 5 years called, Momma Bear Daycare, where he spoiled all the kids. In addition to all his children at the daycare, Bobby spoiled and doted on his own children. He was also a Mason and a devoted Baptist, and was a member of Trinity Baptist Church under Pastor Ralph Sexton Sr. Known for his many interests, Bobby enjoyed collecting coins and admiring old-timey cars. His two favorite pastimes, however, were spending time with animals and babies. In his younger years, he rebuilt a car that was later featured in the movie Thunder Road, a memory he cherished deeply.

Bobby is survived by his children, Debra Shropshire (Brian) of Asheville, NC; Melissa Dawn Kuykendall of Leicester, NC; and Donald Douglas Evans (Adrienne) of Cary, NC; his grandchildren: Christopher Michael Shropshire of the Charleston area; Leighanna Jacqueline Sill (Dalton) of Chesnee, SC; and Nicholas William Coughlin of Leicester, NC; and his great grandchildren, Destiny Elizabeth Shropshire Hall(Kyle Hall) of the Charleston area, and Nikolai Sill and Liam Sill, both of Chesnee, SC.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the Humane Society or any other animal charity of your choice.

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