Bobby Joe Gann

Bobby Joe Gann of McMinnville, Tennessee, passed away surrounded by his family after living a life full of grit, humor, and love. Born August 28, 1962, to the late Clara Harlow Gann and Robert Gann, Bobby grew up with a work ethic he liked to say made him “work like a rented mule.” He carried that same determination through every part of his life.

In 1982, he married the most beautiful woman he ever laid eyes on, Rhonda Machelle Hennessee Gann. For 43 years, they shared a love that never lost its spark—a true picture of devotion and partnership.

Bobby was a proud Army veteran, a true patriot, and a man of deep faith. As a long-time member of McMinnville Primitive Baptist Church, he often reminded his family, “Everybody wants to go to Heaven, but no one wants to go right now.” He left this world saying it had been a good life—and that he had a great wife.

He was a Harley-Davidson enthusiast, loved tinkering with old cars, and could usually be found with a story, a laugh, or a little advice (wanted or not).

Bobby is survived by his loving wife, Rhonda; his two “knuckleheaded” children, Joseph Ryan Gann (Nikki Kinslow Gann) and Candice Nicole Gann Moore (Don Moore); three grandsons who were the pride of his life, Kalan Clark Lusk (Katie Lawrence Lusk), Tylan Cole Lusk, and Declan Robert Lusk; two sisters, Patricia Gann Lea (Ken Lea) and Johnnie Ruth Gann Sanders (Ed Sanders); his brother-in-law Garrett Henry; and his sister-in-law Teresa Odom Gann.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister Robbie Sue Gann Henry; and his brother Robert Michael Gann.

Bobby’s family finds comfort in his faith and in knowing he lived exactly the way he wanted: as a loving husband, devoted father, proud grandfather, loyal friend, and child of God.

He will be deeply missed, but his humor, his wisdom, and his example of love and strength will live on in all who knew him.

“Keep Your Hand in the Hand of Jesus”

Keep your hand in the hand of Jesus,

And everything will be alright,

As He kindly, gently leads you,

Through the darkness of the night.

Thrust thy finger, doubting Thomas,

Feel the imprint of the nail,

Though the world may rise against you,

Though the hosts of hell asail.

Hold the hand that touched the leper,

Hold the hand that broke the bread,

So that baskets full remained,

When the multitudes were fed.

Hold the hand that dripped with water

As He washed the way-worn feet,

Of the faithful few that followed,

In the path which He had beat.

Hold the hand that flowed with blood,

Running down on yonder tree.

Hold the hand that was made willing,

So that you would be set free.

Soon the hand that touched the bier

As He spoke, “Young man,… Arise”,

Stretching forth will then receive you,

To thy home beyond the skies.

Written by: Elder Jerry Hennessee

(When Mother had just been diagnosed with a terminal brain tumor, Daddy spoke to a woman at the reception desk of the hospital who relayed to him the last conversation she had with her father before he passed away. She said, “My name is Margaret, but he always called me Gal, and he said, ‘Gal, keep your hand in the hand of Jesus, and everything will be alright’”. Daddy came home and wrote this poem, my favorite.)

Mr. Gann will be cremated. No service or visitation will be held at High’s.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home and High’s Cremations, Inc. are in charge of arrangements.