Bobby E. Lathem

Rincon- Bobby E. Lathem, 86, died Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at Effingham Care Center.

The Hall County native entered the US Air Force in 1949, where he was stationed at Travis Field in Savannah, then in South Carolina, Oklahoma, France, Illinois, Georgia and Ohio. Bobby retired from the Air Force in 1969 as a Master Instructor of Flight Training with 20 ½ years of service having been awarded the Air Force Commendation Medal. After military retirement, he worked at Sears for 9 years as an appliance repairman, then at Flight-Safety International instructing pilots and mechanics until retirement in 2002.

Bobby was a member of First Baptist Church of Rincon, the Brotherhood Sunday School Class, the American Legion Post #209, and the NRA. He was a charter member of the Rincon Lion's Club, where he had served as secretary. He had served on the Effingham County Board of Equalization and on the Effingham County Hospital Board. He volunteered at South Effingham Elementary School and was nominated by SEES as Rotary Club of Effingham 2002 Volunteer of the Year. Bobby enjoyed travel in Europe and camper travel across the US, especially Texas and Arizona. Bobby loved lively tunes such as John Philip Sousa marches and polka music. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence C. & Minnie Lee Cronic Lathem; and daughter, Susan Lee Lathem Rankin.

Survivors include his wife, Mary F. Hadden Lathem; daughters, Beth Lathem Pye (Lenny) and Mary Jane Callaway; son-in-law, Johnny Rankin; and two grandsons, Jared Lathem Pye and Harrison Seth Callaway.

Visitation: 6-8 pm Friday, June 1, 2018 in the funeral home.

Funeral: 10 am Saturday, June 2, 2018 in the funeral home chapel.

Interment: Rincon Cemetery.

Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel (912) 754-6421.