Ernest Cooper Bobbitt, 77, of Roanoke Rapids passed away on Monday, February 24, 2025 with his family by his side.

He was a native of Littleton and was the son of the late Floyd Ernest Bobbitt and Aileen Cooper Bobbitt. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Betty Bobbitt Willis.

Ernest grew up in Littleton where he graduated from Littleton High School. He was a lifelong member of Enterprise Baptist Church and for 53 years attended St. John the Baptist Lutheran Church with his family. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corp, member of AMVETS Post 38, Sons of the American Revolution and various committees over the years. He spent 31 years with the Roanoke Rapids Police Department. He started out as a patrol officer and over the years moved up in rank and retired as the police chief. After retirement, he was elected to the Roanoke Rapids City Council and served for 20 years.

He is survived by his wife, Dorothy Shimko Bobbitt of over 53 years; their daughter, Ashley Bobbitt Rook and her husband, Jason, their son William Bobbitt and his wife, Hollie both of Roanoke Rapids; his grandchildren, Caitlin Bobbitt, Emerson Bobbitt, Colby Bobbitt and Brooklyn Bobbitt; his special cousin that was like a brother, Perry Bobbitt and his wife, Maxine; and numerous other Bobbitt and Rodwell family members.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday from 6:00-7:30 PM at Askew Funeral and Cremation Services in Roanoke Rapids and also on Thursday from 1:00 PM until service time at the church.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at St .John the Baptist Lutheran Church, 1351 W. Atlantic Street, Emporia, Virginia with Pastors Dennis Rhoads and Tom Clocker officiating.

Interment will follow in the church cemetery with military honors.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Valarie and Paula of Gentiva Hospice.