Bobby Lavelle Sullivan

Bobby Lavelle Sullivan, born September 1, 1957 in Delhi, Louisiana to George Lavell Sullivan and Thelma Jean Kile Sullivan, took his last earthly breath February 12, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.

 Bobby’s life and work reflected his firm values of family, faith, and community. A business owner and bank technician, he built relationships everywhere he went, forming connections easily due to his genuine nature. Bobby was a metal detecting enthusiast, boasting an impressive collection of civil war memorabilia. He put his principles into practice as a member of the Republican Party, traveling to conventions, meeting like-minded individuals, and turning beliefs into actions. Bob-the-Big-Hearted opened his home to many foreign exchange students through the years from all over the world and successfully maintained contact with them and their families, earning several return visits. “It’s not goodbye,” he would say. “Bis später.” See you later.

 Bobby is survived by his loving wife, Becky Sullivan, with whom he shared forty-eight years of marriage, along with his children Julie Longmire and husband Shane; Susan Gutierrez and husband Danny; Mandi Longmire and husband Dwayne; Pete Sullivan and wife Michelle; his father George Sullivan; his brother, Gary Sullivan and wife Regena; his sister, Pamela Martin and husband Jack; and numerous nieces and nephews. Bobby was immensely proud of his legacy of twelve grandchildren: Andrew, Alyssa, Bethanie, Matthew, Makayla, Joey, Eva, Nikki, DJ, Caleb, Liam, and Nora; and four great-grandchildren: Brooklyn, Camila, Lucas, and Benjamin.

 He was preceded in death by his mother, Thelma Jean Sullivan, from whom he received his heritage of steadfast faith.

 Visitation with the family will be held on Sunday, February, 16 at Rader Funeral Home in Kilgore, TX. from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m.

 A service to honor Bobby’s life will be held Monday, February 17, 2025, at First Pentecostal Church of Kilgore, TX at 10:00 a.m. with Pastor James Boatman officiating. Burial will follow at Rock Springs Cemetery.