It is with heavy hearts that the family of Robert Arnold "Hobby" Hobkirk, 83, of Vicksburg, Mississippi announces his passing on May 9, 2022 after a valiant battle with congestive heart failure and kidney disease. Hobby was surrounded by his family when he slipped away peacefully while under the care of his medical team at River Region Hospital.

Hobby was born August 11, 1938, in Louisiana, Missouri. There he met and married the love of his life, Wanda Hobkirk. They remained at each other's side for 61 years and were never away from one another for more than a couple of days at a time throughout.

Hobby worked for Bechtel Corp for 23 years building power plants in Florida, Mississippi, Louisiana, Arizona, and Georgia. He later retired from Letourneau, Inc. He served as a Deacon at Immanuel Baptist Church, Bowmar Baptist Church, which is now Crossway Church.

He was a skilled craftsman and carpenter who could repair just about anything that was broken or build anything from wood that he set his mind to building. Working with his hands and reading the Bible every day was among his favorite pastimes. Never one to rest on his laurels, nor allow work to detract from family time, Hobby and Wanda traveled to 49 states, many times with the entire family in tow, creating memories to last a lifetime.

Hobby was preceded in death by his parents Robert M. and Eileen Houchins Hobkirk, and his son Robert Bruce Hobkirk. He is survived by his wife Wanda Spires Hobkirk; daughters Janice Hobkirk Hendrix (Doug) and Jaudon Hobkirk Presson (Mike). Hobby is also survived by grandchildren Christopher Hobkirk, David Hobkirk, Niki Hobkirk, Christin Koestler, Laken Koestler, Candice Presson, Connor Presson, Jonathon (Joey) Presson, Joshua Presson, Kimberly Presson, Makayla Presson, and Michael Presson. Hobby's extended family included 14 great-grandchildren.

The sun has set on an amazing life. Tomorrow, where the light dawns in heaven and darkness is no more, it may be a long walk, but our paths will cross again.

Visitation for Hobby is Monday, May 16 at 10:00 am at Fisher-Riles Funeral Home.  Funeral services will begin at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Terry White of officiating. The interment will be Greenlawn Cemetery following the services.

Pallbearers are Douglas Hendrix, Christopher Hobkirk, David Hobkirk, Connor Presson, Jonathon Presson and Joshua Presson. Arthur Baldwin and Mike Presson are honorary pallbearers.