Bobby Joe “Bob” Durham passed peacefully from this life on September 1, 2025, at the age of 92.
Born at home on March 5, 1933, to his parents Eulam Durham and Lois Durham, Bob was raised on the family farm several miles outside the small community of Cedar Hill in Floyd County, Texas. Helping his dad on the family farm, he earned a passion for ranching, trucking and being a good steward of the land.
Growing up with his three sisters, Billie, Betty and Sue, Bob attended the small school in Ceder Hill. In his third year, Bob was the only students in the 3rd grade class, so was moved up to 4th grade. In the same year, school systems went from 11-year education to 12-year education and the 4th grade class moved up to 5th grade. In one year, Bob passed 3rd, 4th and 5th grade. After completing high school, Bob bought his first truck at the age of 16.
Bob dedicated his life to family and hard work. A cowboy at heart and a trucker by trade, Bob managed and owned trucks throughout his professional career and started White Transportation in 1984. In parallel to a successful trucking career, Bob built a commercial cattle herd which he later converted to a registered show cattle operation as he was determined to create opportunities for his grandchildren to get involved in stock-showing. With a genuine passion for having fun and meeting new people, he forged lifelong friendships along the way. Bob was known for giving endearing nicknames and in return, received many for himself. “Pig”, “Oscar Potts”, and “Harvey” are just to name a few. Among the grandkids he was known as “Pee-Paw” and “Pop”.
Bob took great joy in spending time with his family, hosting big parties, telling old cowboy and trucking stories, playing games (he was very competitive), hauling grandkids to stock shows all over the nation, supporting community youth, seeing old friends and continuing to make new ones.
Among Bob’s many accomplishments, some of his proudest were becoming an Honorary Member of the New Deal FFA, receiving the State of Texas Rancher Water Conservation Award, and being a member of the Texas Shorthorn Association.
Bob touched the lives of many through his genuine love of God, family, and friends. He laughed, joked, and lived life to its fullest. As a man of faith, Bob often spoke to “the man upstairs” while out in the pasture with his cattle.
Bob was a cherished father and grandfather, remembered for his warmth, kindness, orneriness, and unwavering support for those around him.
Bob is survived by his children, Kirk (Vanessa) Durham, Dawn (Jerry) Hatley, Mark (Karla) Durham, Johnny Durham, DeRene (Ernie) Sutton, Bill (Anna) Durham, Michael (Carmen) Durham; grandchildren, Sheray (Jason) Reddin, Deana Durham, Travis Durham, Summer Durham, Cara Munoz, Jamie (Joe) McKenzie, Jill (Brett) Tunnell, Jered Bowers, Rusty Durham, Adam (Kayli) Durham, Bobby (Rishonna) Durham, Lane Durham, Justin (Krystal) Sutton, Sammy Sutton, Gabrielle Hawthorne, Jackson Hawthorne, Sophia Hawthorne, Micah Hawthorne, Nicole (Tarek) Bitar, Anthony (Sarah) Durham; 28 great grandchildren; siblings, Betty Cox and Sue Irwin. Along with countless friends and loved ones who will deeply miss him.
He was preceded in death by his father Eulam Ithran Durham, his mother Lois Ford Durham, his sister Billie Birdwell and the love of his life, wife, Virginia Ann “Gin” Durham.
The family wishes to thank everyone for their love and support during this challenging time. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to New Deal Methodist Church, PO Box 206, New Deal, TX 79350 a cause close to Bob’s heart.
Bob’s legacy of kindness, generosity, and compassion will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. May he rest in peace.
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