Obituary – Bobby Ray Axselle

Bobby Ray Axselle, 83 of Mechanicsville, claimed the promise of the resurrection peacefully in his sleep at his home on February 14, 2021.

He was born on February 7, 1938, in Henrico, Virginia. A Graduate of Hermitage High School class of 1956.  Proceeded in death his infant son Kevin Ray, his mother Alma Anderson Axselle, and his Father Ed Axselle. He leaves his loving high school Sweetheart and wife of 66 years Joan Foster Axselle. He is survived by his three daughters Pam Meadows and her husband Everett Meadows, Donna Crews and husband Russ Crews, Susanne Laliberte and her husband Rich Laliberte. Seven Grandchildren Sydnie Monaghan, Maura Davidson (Josh), Brandon Meadows, Mallori Norman (Scott), Amanda Laliberte, August Seelmann, Blake Laliberte. Four step grandchildren, Kevin Laliberte, Alexandra Crews, McKenzie Crews, Ryan Crews. Four great-grandchrildren that he adored more than anything: Buxton Monaghan, Hunter Davidson, Talon Norman, and Ridge Norman. His brother David “Acky” Axselle, his wife Patty, their children Dack Axselle, Annie Cifers, Jonathan Axselle (Lauren) 2 great nephews Tyler & Ezra. Many other nieces and nephews that he loved very much.

His first paying job was delivering the New Leader in Lakeside when he was 13 years old. Bobby enlisted in the Army National Guard in 1956 and served four years. He worked for a short time at C&P telephone company. In 1951 his father started Axselle Auto Service at 5515 Lakeside Ave. where he worked part time until he was 21. He went full time with his father in 1959 until he retired in 2001. He was on the board of IGO (Independent Garage Owners) and the treasurer of VASCO (Virginia Automotive Service Cooperative). He had long time hobby of restoring cars. He was a great deal maker, entrepreneur, and negotiator.

Bobby treasured his time with his family at his summer home in Nags Head, North Carolina on the golf course. He loved to swing in his hammock under the house and tell all his children and grandchildren how good they looked after coming off the beach after a long day in the sun, he would say “you are brown as a berry!” He had a longtime passion for fishing and golfing and always knew how to take a good nap. Bobby and Joanie built an amazing life together that included over 6,000  competitive games of cards at the kitchen table over coffee (their morning ritual). They took many adventures around the world, to Australia, Alaska, Hawaii, New Zealand, and many places in between. He always made sure his Queen was taken care of.

Papa always knew how to make you laugh and feel good. He never met a stranger and was always willing to help anyone in need. He was a great mentor to many young men in the community. His legacy will live on through his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren, of whom he was so proud. Bobby will be greatly missed, and we are so thankful for the all the amazing times we had with him.  The family would love to see all of Bobby’s friends on Saturday February 20, 2021 at Monaghan Funeral Home 7300 Creighton Parkway Mechanicsville, Virginia 23111 from 12-2 where a service will be held at 2:00 at the chapel. Interment will take place a Hanover Memorial Park Cemetery 4447 Mechanicsville Turnpike Mechanicsville, Virginia 23111