Robert “Bob” Truman Metz, 85, of Parsons, passed away on Jan. 12, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family. Born on July 30, 1938, in Pisgah, he was the son of the late James Russell and Grace Winifred (Butcher) Metz.
Bob proudly served his country in the United States Army. He worked in the Steel Mill industry, as a heavy equipment operator, owner of Auviltown grocery, and volunteered as a transport driver for the Veterans Association. He enjoyed buying, selling, and trading. He spent countless hours in his garage creating cabs for his tractors and four-wheelers and manufacturing anything he set his mind to. He loved spending time in the woods, riding his side-by-side, and creating new roads for the hunters. He enjoyed hunting and fishing but rarely took a trophy home as it was more important to him to spend time with his family and friends in the woods and on the shore banks. He had a special place in his heart for the campground that he built, Trinity Campground, where his renters were family to him. His favorite times were spent at the campground, surrounded by his family and friends, enjoying the beautiful life God gave him.
He is survived by his children, Joanna Kelley, Randy “Banjo” Kelley and wife Ruby, and Pam Kelley; seven grandchildren, Kelli Roby and partner Mike Harding, Kristie Mayfied and husband Chad, Kimmi White and husband Jeremy, Melissa Kelley and partner Chad Wells, Randy “Bubby” Kelley Jr., and wife Aileen, Jordan Fenner and wife Rebecca, and Elizabeth Fenner; eight great-grandchildren; three siblings, William Metz, Thomas Metz and wife Judy, and Darla Brown and husband Tim; along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and his adopted family from Trinity Campground.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife, Mary Elizabeth (Tennant) Kelley Metz, to whom he was married in 1980; a brother, Ralph Metz; and a sister-in-law, Jerri Metz.
Friends will be received at Sycamore Grove Church, 219 Bull Run Rd., Parsons, from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 19. A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. with Pastor Bob Yothers officiating. Interment will follow in the Pifer Mountain Cemetery.
The Hinkle-Fenner Funeral Home is honored to be serving Bob’s family.
