Robert "R.E." Botkin Jr.

STAUNTON, VA Robert Eugene "R.E." Botkin, Jr., 55, of Staunton passed away Monday, November 9, 2015 at the University of Virginia Medical Center. He was born June 12, 1960 in Staunton a son of Audrey (Lockridge) Botkin and the late Robert E. "Bobby" Botkin, Sr. R.E. attended Linden Heights Baptist Church and was member of the Staunton Moose Lodge #1635. His life was surrounded by trucks and his trucker friends, whom he loved to travel with. R.E. could not drive but he was a good driving instructor. He loved to watch sports, especially NASCAR and enjoyed dirt track and drag racing. R.E. is survived by his mother, Audrey Botkin of Staunton; brother, Gary L. Botkin and wife, Debbie of Fishersville; two sisters, Brenda Landes and husband, Danny of Staunton and Phyllis L. Botkin of Staunton; nieces and nephews, Ryan Whitesel and wife, Ashley of Stuarts Draft; Mia Strickler and husband, Greg of Spring Hill; Andrew Lee Botkin (Anna) of Fishersville and Kendal Lynn Botkin (Paul) of Fishersville and great nieces, Avery and Rylee Whitesel of Stuarts Draft. He also leaves behind two uncles, Larry Botkin and wife, Pat of Staunton and Sheril Botkin and wife, Sandra of Churchville; several cousins; special friends, Drew Hudnell, Gene Gutshall and Buck Cook. Special thanks to Greg Strickler for spending the last night with R.E. and to the BTS employees. He was preceded in death by father, Bobby Botkin; maternal grandparents, Lee and Hazel Lockridge and paternal grandparents, Bob and Icie Botkin. A funeral service will be conducted 1 p.m., Monday, November 16, 2015 at Linden Heights Baptist Church with the Rev. Luke Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Lawn Memory Gardens. Active pallbearers will be Gene Gutshall, Drew Hudnell, Dwight Strickler, Arthur Cook, Jay Strickler, Jimmy Mason, Scott Buchanan and R.L. Flint. Honorary pallbearers will be friends attending the service. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Sunday, November 15, 2015 at Obaugh Funeral Home in McDowell. Memorial contributions may be made to UVA Children's Hospital, (for Cerebral Palsy), 1215 Lee St., Charlottesville, VA 22908 or charity of your choice.