Bobby Dunn, Farmville & the Dogwood Festival

The Standard May 6, 2023

If you ever have been to the Dogwood Festival rides or to a Farmville Central football, volleyball or basketball game, chances are good that you have seen Bobby Dunn. Bobby will turn 44 this June. He is a graduate of FCHS who is in a wheelchair due to cerebral palsy. An extremely sociable guy, Bobby loves to be introduced to new friends, to be around people and to talk. Sadly, his father died over eight years ago, and his mother passed away many years before that. In 2022 Bobby moved from an assisted living facility in Goldsboro to a small group home in Greenville.

He is very fortunate to have loving friends like Jay, Mary, Phil, Diane, Sheila, Allen, Karen and more who pick him up, take him out for a meal, include him in parties or picnics, take him fishing, or bring him home to spend a night or two. Bobby loves going to church and to youth group events. Worship Under the Son, Christian concerts, Simply Natural Creamery, Mike’s Farm, Judgment House- Bobby loves visiting them all. Talking about Jesus and what’s going on with people in Farmville are high on his list of favorite things, as is going to watch FCHS win state basketball titles.

One day Bobby hopes to get a chance to preach. His dream is to be adopted, become a daily part of a caring family and to move back to his beloved hometown. It must be very difficult to be so young at heart yet to be surrounded mostly by older, more challenged people. Bobby prays that he will get married someday.

Certainly, we should pray for him and for others who are lonely or who desperately want a permanent family. While asking God to comfort them and to assure them of His empathy and grace, we also need to take action. “Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves, Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:9-13)

“Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:15-17)

There are people who appreciate prayers and cards, but who also need the encouragement and unmatched boost which come from being together physically. It could be a home visit or a trip to get a meal. For Bobby, one of the biggest delights is being rolled down Main Street or around a Farmville sporting event, greeting each person who passes by. This summer let’s make it a priority to show hospitality. We could invite a few people into our homes or onto our porches/patios or out for lunch and truly lift some spirits.