Rev. Bobby HaleyIrmoRev. Bobby Haley passed away peacefully on March 20, 2017 at his home in Irmo, South Carolina from complications from Alzheimer's. Bobby, son of the late Melvin Haley and the late Neva Travis McElhinney, was born on August 24, 1938 in Wesson, Mississippi.Bobby was a graduate of Mississippi College and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. Upon graduating from Southwestern in 1966, he was called by First Baptist Spartanburg as Youth Minister, where he served until 1977. Bobby was Minister of Youth and Education at First Baptist Rock Hill from 1977 until 1980 and Minister of Education and Outreach at First Baptist Church, Pickens, from 1980 until his retirement in 2000.During his ministry, Bobby impacted many lives. Through numerous mission efforts, including Kentucky Missions, choir tours, outreach efforts in the local area and other endeavors, Bobby passed on his love of missions and Christian service to countless others. He led over 40 mission trips to lead Bible Schools in the hills of Bell County, Kentucky and also participated in mission trips to Jamaica, Brazil and the lower part of South Carolina. He was involved in denominational work and led many VBS and Sunday School conferences throughout South Carolina. Bobby mentored and encouraged people of all ages, and many of the students in his ministry went into full time Christian vocations.Bobby was an encourager and friend to all, never met a stranger and loved to make others laugh. An avid sports fan, his day wasn't complete until he read the sports section of the newspaper. He especially loved cheering for the St. Louis Cardinals, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Carolina Gamecocks. He met his wife, Sylvia, while at seminary and the two celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in July 2016. Following his retirement, Bobby was an active member of both Berea First Baptist and Easley First Baptist and sang in the choir, served as deacon, Sunday School teacher and VBS teacher.He was a proud, loving and selfless father to his three children. He helped raise and mentor a young man, Travis Lollis, whom he loved and treated as a son. He adored and doted on his six grandchildren and they lovingly referred to him by his first name. Bobby cherished his son in law and daughter in law and shared a close relationship with both.Throughout Bobby's illness, Sylvia was his primary caregiver and an example of love in action as she cared for him at home.Bobby leaves a legacy of kindness, gentleness and humility and the impact he left on his family and friends is immeasurable. His smile, laughter and personality will be missed by many. It only takes a spark…..A service to celebrate Bobby's life and ministry will be held at Easley First Baptist Churchon Saturday, March 25, 2017 at 2:00 p.m. with visitation following the service.The family would like to offer special thanks to Lighthouse Hospice of Irmo.Surviving Bobby are his wife, Sylvia Hall Haley of the home; three children, Angela Marie (Spartanburg), Jeff (Terri) of Chongqing, China, Cheryl Cooley (Johnny) of Irmo; grandchildren, Kate, Jack and Luke Haley of Chongqing, China, and Nate, Seth and Zach Cooley of Irmo; sister, Lynda Hurteau (Randy) of Spartanburg; and nephew, Doug (Erica) of McClellanville.In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to ELIC (English Language Institute China) at www.my.elic.org/support/teacher_pages/haleys; or Lighthouse Hospice Group 110 Oak Park Drive #C of Irmo, SC 29063; or Kentucky Missions of First Baptist Spartanburg 250 East Main Street Spartanburg, SC 29306.Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.