Bobby Rae Hewitt Sr., 79, of Rockingham, passed away at his home late Tuesday, June 2, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Richmond County, on Oct. 15, 1946 to the late Edward Junior Hewitt and Sarah Kissiah Hewitt.
Bobby was a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather. His greatest joy in life was his family, and he deeply loved his wife, children and grandchildren. He was a faithful member of Abundant Life Church, where he cherished not only his church but also his church family. His faith and fellowship were important parts of his life.
He enjoyed working and spending time outdoors fishing, boating, camping and traveling. He never met a stranger and had a unique ability to make everyone feel welcome. A natural jokester, he loved making people laugh.
He was a man with a compassionate heart, always offering a shoulder to cry on and a listening ear to anyone in need. He believed in second chances and never looked down on anyone. Instead, he treated people with kindness, understanding, and respect, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew him.
Though he will be deeply missed, his love, laughter, generosity, and example of compassion will live on in the hearts of his family, friends, and church family forever.
Along with his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by his son, Benny Gray Gilmore; grandson, Shane Tirpitz; brothers, Billy Franklin Hewitt Sr. and Jimmy Wayne Hewitt; and sisters, Jane Elizabeth Hewitt and Bobbie Jean Daniels.
Left to cherish his memories, his loving wife, Della Hewitt of the home; daughters, Belinda Mae Hewitt Holder (Roger) and Della Miranda Gilmore (Terry Dawson), all of Rockingham; sons, Bobby Rae Hewitt Jr. (Amie) of Holly Springs, Georgia, Joel Wayne Knight (Carey) of Rockingham, and Johnny Ray Knight of Troy; grandchildren, Dillon Hewitt, Andrew Hewitt, Bobby Hewitt III, Sean Tirpitz, Kayla Oblinger, Stephen Bullard III, Austin Bullard, Justin Knight, Angel Thompson, J.W. and Shanna; 10 great-grandchildren; sister, Susan Hewitt Kreamer (Tom) of Wilmington; daughter-in-law, Michelle, of Hamlet; and numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, from 2-3 p.m., at Abundant Life Church in Rockingham. A memorial service will follow the visitation at 3 p.m., with Pastor Joe Wilkes officiating.
Harrington Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the Hewitt family.
Online condolences may be made at harringtonfuneralhome.com.
