Bobby Eugene Shaffer

Sunrise – May 24, 1944 – Sunset – May 17, 2026

Bobby Eugene Shaffer, 81, of Kingsport, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 17, 2026. He was born on May 24, 1944, in Kingsport, Tennessee, the first of eight children born to the late Rev. Carson and Lizzie Jane Shaffer.

Bobby was a lifelong resident of Blountville and Kingsport. He graduated from Blountville High School, Class of 1962, and was employed by Kingsport Press for more than 35 years. He was a devoted fan of the Atlanta Braves, the Tennessee Volunteers, and wrestling, and he enjoyed playing softball for over 25 years. Bobby also loved playing music and singing for his church children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Doris Shaffer; brothers, Billy Shaffer and Randy Shaffer; sister, Brenda Maples; brothers-in-law, Henry Maples and Emmett Sims; son-in-law, Russell Meade; and great-grandson, Jasper David Stambaugh.

Survivors include his children, Tony (Charlene) Shaffer, Tammy (Leland) Smith, Tonya (Mark) Trivett, Bobbi Soper; seven grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; siblings, Francis Imogene Sims, Janette (Fred) Sawyer; Rev. Dewey (Brenda) Shaffer, Terry (Christine) Shaffer; sister-in-law, Sherry Shaffer.

The family will receive friends on Friday, May 22, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Dewey Shaffer, Pastor Ryan Shaffer and Brother Danny Taylor officiating.

Graveside services be held at 3:00 p.m. at East Lawn Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Tony Shaffer, Kyle Shaffer, Leland Smith, Aleesha Robinson, Oaklee Leegaard, Justin Shaffer and Dalton Robinson. Honorary pallbearers will be Dewey Shaffer, Danny Taylor, Ryan Shaffer, Terry Shaffer and Jerry Shaffer.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Katie Beckett or Amedisys Hospice.

Special thank you to Bobby’s children, Dewey Shaffer, Ryan Shaffer, Danny Taylor, Judy Rutter, Indian Path Hospital, Holston Valley Medical Center, Amedisys Hospice and Meals on wheels.