January 2, 1948-October 5, 2024
Bobby Allison, beloved musician, husband and father, died October 5, 2024, at his home in Ouray, Colorado surrounded by his family.
Born in Levelland, Texas, he followed in the footsteps of his mother, singing on radio shows at the early age of 4. The family later moved to Roswell, New Mexico, where Bobby attended high school. At 18, he joined the Denver music scene. With guitar in hand, he displayed his talent and love for songwriting. His golden voice and ability to deliver a song were his gifts from God.
In 1975, Bobby was in an automobile accident and was told he would never walk again. He proved them wrong, learning to walk and perform again, becoming an award-winning musician and songwriter. In 1987 he won the National Country Showdown in Nashville, a CBS recording contract and was added to the Colorado Country Music Hall of Fame for his songwriting. Bobby’s favorite pastime was working in his home studio where he produced five albums.
In the 1990s, Bobby relocated to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to perform at a casino resort, where he remained for the next 15 years. During this time he became a member of the St. Rose de Lima Catholic Church Choir in Bay St. Louis, Mississippi.
In 2005, Bobby and his wife, Ernestine, lost everything to Hurricane Katrina. Again, rising through adversity, he learned to paint and express himself through visual arts, so it became he and his wife’s mission to replace the many stained glass church windows destroyed in the hurricane.
Throughout the remainder of his life, Bobby continued to sing for audiences always with a desire to provide listeners with endless memories through song. Bobby’s friend, Gerry Spehar, released the album “Delta Man” in 2022. Dedicated to Bobby, it is a compilation of songs they recorded throughout their years together.
When asked what he would like to be remembered for, he said, “Making life a little easier for others through my music.” His friends remember him as eternally hopeful. “He was our anchor through the storms and our inspiration for expression. His wickedly funny sense of humor always made life joyful. His poetry touched our hearts.”
Bobby is preceded in death by his mother, Norma Fowell; and his father, Candelario Rodrigues. He leaves behind his trusted service dog, T-Geo; his wife, Ernestine; a son, Bobby Allison Jr.; (Kristina), three sisters, Donna Allison and Kathie Cochran of Denver and Connie Luman of Paris, Texas; and his grandson, Zachery Allison (Hannah). He also leaves behind many nieces, nephews and friends who loved him and will miss him dearly.
A Mass will be held at noon Saturday, November 9, 2024, at St. Daniel the Prophet Catholic Church in Ouray, Colorado.
