James Robert "Bobby" Painter, age 79, of Dalton, Georgia, departed this life Thursday, October 23, 2025, at Erlanger Medical Center in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Bobby was born November 18, 1945, in Loudon, Tennessee, a son of the late Claud Byron and Emily Reathel Stamey Painter. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Walt Painter and Greg Painter, and brothers-in-law, Leon Scott and Randall Dills.

A 1964 graduate of Dalton High School, Bobby worked many years self-employed in the plastics industry.

During his teenage years, while working as a bag boy at North Dalton Grocery, Bobby met the love of his life, Margie, when she accompanied her mother to the store. When he got home that day, Bobby told his mother he had met the girl he was going to marry—and he was right. For Bobby and Margie, it was love at first sight. Their love was one of devotion, faith, and joy, and they would have celebrated their fifty-eighth wedding anniversary on December 8, 2025, and the true love of their life was their only child, Bobby Painter, II.

Bobby loved his Savior, Jesus Christ, and lived every day as a testimony to his faith. His life was truly Christ-centered, and his kindness, integrity, and devotion to others reflected the heart of a servant. He was a faithful member of Rock Bridge Community Church and a proud member of his community. Bobby deeply loved his family and lived his life supporting, encouraging, and cherishing them.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Margie Painter, of the residence; son, Bobby Painter II, of LaFayette, GA, and his fiancée, Leanne Stephenson, of Rocky Face, GA; sisters, Dianne Nicholson of Dalton, GA, and Virginia Scott of Ringgold, GA; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Donna and Brian Southerland of Cleveland, TN, Rhonda and Brad Bilbro, Ruthie and David Hawkins, and Gregg Dills and Debra Whitener, all of Rocky Face, GA; and a host of beloved nephews, nieces, great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends who will miss him dearly.

Services to celebrate the life of Mr. James Robert "Bobby" Painter will be held Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Ponders Melrose Chapel with Reverend Matt Evans, Dr. Glenn Cummings, Reverend Adam Calabrese, and Reverend Doug Hunt officiating. He will be laid to rest at West Hill Cemetery with Clay Cochran, James Wade, Brad Bilbro, Brian Southerland, Robert Hill, and Ken Brown honored to serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Gregg Dills, David Hawkins, Frank Taylor, and Lamar Brown.

Click here for the live stream service of James "Bobby" Painter.

The family will receive friends at Ponders Melrose Chapel after 11:00 a.m. Tuesday until the service hour.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, TN.

Arrangements are by Ponders Melrose Chapel, 138 Melrose Drive, Dalton, GA 30721, 706-226-4002.
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