Robert Leonard "Bobby" Townsend Jr.

Asheville - Robert Leonard Bobby Townsend, Jr., 55, was raised up to be with his Lord Wednesday, December 8, 2004. A lifelong resident of Buncombe County, he was self-employed as a paint contractor, a professional dancer, was active in the ministry of the Unity Ministry for Jesus Christ, and was a Vietnam Veteran in the US Army. He was the son of the late Robert Leonard Townsend, Sr. and Elsie R. Townsend. Family members are his wife, Sandra Townsend, whom he married July 19, 1985 at Basilica of Saint Lawrence; four sons: Jason Wallace and wife April, Robert Townsend, III and wife Melissa, Joshua Townsend and wife Dawn, and Keith Sheppard and wife Autumn, all of Asheville; five beautiful granddaughters: Haley and Skyler Townsend, Joscelyn Wallace and Jade and Amber Sheppard; sister and brother-in-law, Pat and Roger Edwards of Asheville; sister and brother-in-law, Joanne and Thad Coates of Asheville; and sister-in-law Barbara Aulseybrook of Florida. Honored also are his uncle, Rev. and Mrs. George Roberts of Asheville; friends, Daniel Miller and family; Jamie Bourne; William H. Rice; Martha Penka; and Martha Papp; honorary brother, Michael Adams, of the home; covenant partner friend, Bruce Sprouse of Alexander; and nieces and nephews: Dale and Ramona Edwards, Jon Ledford, Chris and Jackie Height, and Carson Humphries. Funeral services in his honor and giving glory and honor to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will be held at 2:30 PM Sunday in the chapel of Anders-Rice Funeral Home, with Pastor Bobby Benson, Pastor Willie Warren, and Father Will Thomas officiating. Rev. Bob Mashburn, Brother Thom Murphy and friends will be in charge of the message in music. Burial will be in the Green Hills Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7-9 PM Saturday at the Funeral Home. Flowers and donations for the family are welcome.