Louis Bobbitt

Obituary for Sergeant First Class Louis Bobbitt, U.S. Army (Ret.)

Sergeant First Class Louis Bobbitt, United States Army (Retired), entered eternal rest on Sunday, January 25, 2026, surrounded by the deep love of his family. Born to Joseph and Florence Bobbitt on July 30, 1944, in Durham, North Carolina, Louis lived a life marked by honor, humility, courage, and an unwavering devotion to those he cherished.

Louis was educated in Durham Public Schools and graduated from Merrick Moore High School. He proudly served his country for 23 years in the United States Army, retiring on December 31, 1992. During his long and distinguished career, he earned numerous honors, including the Bronze Star, which was delivered to him personally by President George H. W. Bush.

As one of "The Lucky 12", Louis was not sent to Vietnam—where he lost his closest friend—but instead served along the tense and heavily guarded Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). He faced hardship and danger with quiet bravery, carrying those experiences with grace and dignity throughout his life.

Louis was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Mary Alfreda Bobbitt, with whom he shared many years of partnership, strength, and love. Born into a large and loving family, Louis was one of eight siblings. He was preceded in death by Lucille Peaks, Joe Bobbitt Jr., and Bernice Bobbitt.

He is survived by Juanita Evans, Lyda May Hamilton (spouse Charles Hamilton), Bernard E. Bobbitt, and Emma Jean Harris (spouse Harvey Harris). Louis was a proud and devoted father. He was preceded in death by his son, Celceil A. Bobbitt, whom he now joins in eternal peace.

He is survived by his children:

Celia Mendez (spouse Andrew Mendez)

• Celneque Bobbitt (spouse Kerry Bobbitt)
• Celnell Bobbitt

Louis was blessed with eight grandchildren:

Christine Mendez, Andrew M. Mendez (spouse Sidra Mendez), Anais Panton (spouse Dmitry, deceased), and Sophia Mendez, all of Lake Stevens, Washington; Quahary Bobbitt, Celneque Louis Bobbitt II, Cynaye Bobbitt, and Celise Bobbitt, all of Killeen, Texas.

He also leaves behind four great-grandchildren—Nadezhda Mendez Panton, Samson Panton, Kenlei Atkinson, and Sebastion Panton—with two more expected in the summer of 2026.

He is further survived by eight nephews, ten nieces, and a host of extended family members who loved him dearly.

Louis believed deeply in working hard, staying active in mind and body, and never living idle or dormant. He carried that discipline into his military service, into fatherhood, and into every chapter of his life. He showed his children and grandchildren, through his actions, that strength is found not just in duty — but in consistency, perseverance, and integrity.

Louis also embraced life with curiosity and enthusiasm. He was never afraid of technology — quite the opposite. From the earliest CDs and DVDs to smartphones, apps, and smart home security systems, he eagerly learned every new device. In his later years, he even used modern technology to help write and preserve his own story, including The Lucky 12, a powerful record of his service at the Korean DMZ. He believed that learning never stops, no matter one’s age.

A world traveler, Louis explored much of Europe while stationed in Germany, and his military career carried him across Asia as well. He believed in broadening one’s perspective through experience, cultures, and the beauty of seeing the world firsthand.

In his final moments, Louis was not alone. His daughter Celia was by his side, holding him with love as he took his last breath — a sacred honor she will carry forever.

Before he passed, Louis shared one final and heartfelt wish for his family: that they love one another, embrace unity, and live free of discord. Peace within the family was his greatest desire.

Louis’s life was a blessing. His memory is a treasure. His legacy of strength, wisdom, faith, curiosity, hard work, and unity will endure through every generation that follows.

“Well done, good and faithful servant.” Rest peacefully, SFC Bobbitt. Your watch is relieved.