Bobby Allen Kessler, 90, went to be with Jesus on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Mary Immaculate Hospital, Newport News, Virginia. He was born February 22, 1936, to Tennis Garrett & Lena Ferguson Kesler in Roanoke, Virginia. The family moved to Hampton, Virginia, in 1944. He graduated from Hampton High School in 1954. Later, in 1966, Bobby and Grace moved their family to Edgehill in Yorktown, Virginia, where he was a resident for 60 years.

Bobby leaves behind to cherish his memory four children Michael Allen Kessler (Amy) of Gilmer, Texas, Linda Diane Kessler Van Dyke (John) of Seaford, Virginia, Susan Elizabeth Kessler Cherry of Poquoson, Virginia, and James Garrett Kessler (Angie) of Clermont, Florida; six grandchildren, Scott Alan Coughlin of Yorktown, Virginia, Hannah Lynn Kessler Sosnowski (Spencer) of San Antonio, Texas, Christina Joy Kessler Dale (Gilbert) of Royse City, Texas, Madison Grace Van Dyke of Ewa Beach, Hawaii, April Lee Cherry of Poquoson, Virginia, and Zachary Lee Kessler of Clermont, Florida; great grandson, Gyle Wyman Dale of Royse City, Texas, sister, Faye Kessler Appleton of Greenville, South Carolina, two sisters-in-laws,  Janet Kessler of Poquoson, Virginia, Eva Deaver Hinds of Newport News, Virginia; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Grace Deaver Kessler; his parents, Tennis Garret & Lena Ferguson Kesler; two brothers, Gordon Kesler and Shirley "Blinkey" Kessler; one brother-in-law, Merideth Appleton; two sisters-in-laws, Evadeen Kesler and Betty Deaver Abbott; two nephews, Dale Kesler and Christopher Hinds.

Bobby served in the US Army from 1959-1965. He was active duty in Germany for 2 years and then the Reserves for 4 years receiving the Gold Conduct Medal with his honorable discharge.

He worked as a master electrician local IBEW #1340. He did commercial construction including the original Hampton Roads Bridge Tunnel, Executive Towers and many Power Plants. Sometimes his work would be out of state like Delaware, Ohio, or West Virginia. He came home every weekend.

In 1980 he worked Civil Service at NASA, Hampton, Virginia. He retired after 20 years in 2001.

He married the love of his life, Grace Deaver, on March 2, 1957. Together they raised their four children in a wonderful Christian home.

Bobby was extremely talented in repairing or making anything. He repaired or rebuilt numerous cars in the garage he built himself.

He was a Free Mason, serving as Past Worshipful Master at the Yorktown Lodge. He was also Past District Deputy for the 57th Masonic District for the state of Virginia.

His highest calling in life was to glorify Jesus by serving others. He truly loved his neighbor as himself. He was on constant call to help repair or build anything, whether it was your car, your electrical problems, adding a room to your house or cutting down your dead tree.
He was a member of Grafton Baptist Church since 1967. He was instrumental in building the Church's facilities in the 1970s and continued to repair or remodel them for many years. He served in numerous capacities and worked with children. He was faithful to the Lord's Church and served others in the name of Jesus in his community! He loved us all!

Visitation will be Friday, March 27, 2026, from 6:00-7:00 PM at W. J. Smith and Son Funeral Home, Newport News, Virginia. The Celebration of Life will be on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM  in W. J. Smith and Son Chapel with Interment to follow at Peninsula Memorial Park, Newport News, Virginia.

The family requests any donations in Bobby's memory be given to Bland Ministry Center, P. O. Box 211 Bland, Virginia 24315 or give online to blandministrycenter.org. He loved this ministry!

Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.