Clarence Christian

Clarence Bobby Christian, 81, of Northport, Al., passed away peacefully Tuesday, May 26, 2020 at his home. Services will be 1 p.m., Saturday, May 30, 2020, at Magnolia Chapel Funeral Home, in Northport, Al., with Bro. Richard Bowers officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, in Northport, Al. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, C.B. Christian and Mattie B. Christian; his brother Percy E. (Butch) Christian; and sister Sarah Christian.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Doris West Christian, of Northport, Al.; sister Mary Lee, of Northport, Al.; sons Clarence Jeffrey Christian (Pamela) of Houston, Tx., and Charles Bobby (Bubba) Christian (Kim) of Northport, Al.; Grandchildren Brett Christian (Ashley), Ashley Christian, Parker Christian (Courtney), Chase Christian (Kelsey), Connor Christian, and Noah Christian; as well as Davy Farris (Aimee), Ryan Lopez, Dylon Farris (Haley), Matthew Lopez, Jenna Farris (Blake) and Jordan Lopez; Great-Grandchildren Kynslee Christian and Karsyn Christian; as well as Dani Farris and Skylar Farris.

Pallbearers will be Brett Christian, Parker Christian, Connor Christian, Ricky Reese, Davy Farris, Dylon Farris and Chase Christian.

Honorary Pallbearers include former co-workers at Gulf States Paper Corp., Elk Roofing Corp., and the hundreds of boys and girls he coached in little league baseball at Kentuck Park.

Bobby was a devoted son, caring brother, and loving husband to his wife Doris. He attended Tuscaloosa County High School and was a proud Wildcat from the class of 1957. He and Doris also attended First Free Will Baptist Church of Northport.

After serving in the Alabama National Guard, Bobby worked at Gulf States Paper Corp., until it closed. And then at Elk Roofing Corp., until his retirement.

Bobby played a huge role in helping build the original baseball diamonds at Kentuck Park in Northport and coached for 21 years, winning numerous championships. He also served as the athletic booster club president for several years at Tuscaloosa County High School.

Bobby was known by many as a caring man, who you could hear coming thanks to his whistling.  The young men he coached and the ones who played against him loved and respected Coach Christian.

Living his entire life in Northport, Al., Bobby and Doris were frequent customers at Buddy's Steak House, Bill's Country Restaurant and The City Café.

Bobby loved his wife Doris and cherished their trips to Cades Coves and the mountains in Gatlinburg, Tn. He was also blessed with a very large and extended family filled with grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And he loved each and every one of them. He enjoyed watching the University of Alabama play football, as well as playing golf and fishing.

Bobby was loved by many and will be truly missed.