Robert "Bob" Earl Osborne

Robert "Bob" Earl Osborne, 84, of Kingsport, TN, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family.

Bob was born on August 11, 1942, in Castlewood, VA.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Janice “Ginger” Owens Osborne; daughters, Angela Cassell "Daughter" and her husband, Joe, "J", Stephanie Skye "Little One" and her husband, Neil "Son-In-Law" with whom he shared a birthday; his grandsons, whom he was Papae to, Hayden "Brother" and Logan "Critter"; four much-loved granddogs, Maddie, Max, Holiday, and Lorenza; and his special traveling buddies/cousins, Teresa and Larry Lane and Tammie Gillenwater; and special friend Marvin Egan.

Bob attended Midway Baptist Church and was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He spent more than 30 years working at Mor-Flo Industries in Johnson City, Tennessee, where he served as Vice President of Engineering. After a lifetime of work, he enjoyed his retirement and the freedom it gave him to spend more time doing the things he loved.

He had a curious and adventurous spirit and loved to explore. His curiosity about this world and how it worked was unparalleled. World structures will breathe a sigh of relief at no longer being tapped, poked, and prodded. He especially enjoyed traveling with his family and special traveling companions, spending time in nature, and photography. But he LOVED fishing and relished spending time with his family on the water in a boat, or on the banks of a lake or river trying to catch a big one. His greatest joy was watching his grandsons play ball. He also loved to tinker and work with his hands, particularly when it involved rebuilding old cars. There was no project he couldn't take on, no broken item that he could not fix, nor any problem he could not solve.

In his later years, he discovered another passion, the guitar. He enjoyed learning some favorite songs: Country Roads, I'll Fly Away, You Are My Sunshine, and Will The Circle Be Unbroken. He greatly loved music and sharing Bob Seger and John Denver songs with his grandsons. You could also occasionally find him battling his way through the video game, Zelda.

Bob's greatest legacy will not be found in his career, the cars he rebuilt, or the places he traveled, but in the love, he gave to his family and the lives he touched simply by being himself. He will be remembered for his kindness, his genuine nature, his joyful spirit, his curiosity about the world, and most of all, his unwavering love for his family.

He was preceded in death by parents, Charles and Georgia Ramey Osborne; his first wife, Margie Combs Osborne and his infant son, who both passed away in childbirth; and his special cousin, Sue Osborne Campbell.

He will be deeply missed and forever loved by his family and all who had been blessed to love him. His family is grateful for every conversation, every adventure, every laugh, and every memory they were privileged to share with him. Country roads, take him home.

Thank you to Amedisys nurses and employees for their special care and compassion.

Receiving of Friends: Wednesday, August 26, 2026 6pm-9pm Hamlett-Dobson funeral home, Kingsport.

Graveside service: Thursday, August 27, 2026 1pm Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Gate City, VA, with Rev. Marvin Egan officiating. Procession to begin at Hamlett-Dobson at 12:20pm.

Friends and family may call at the home anytime.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.