Bobby graduated from Deshler High School in 1958 and was a member of the baseball, basketball, and track teams for the Tigers. In baseball he was a catcher that was known for his defensive skills behind the plate and was selected to play in the East West All-Star Game. As a member of the track team he took part in the broad jump placing third in the T.V.C. winning the district meet and advancing to the state meet during his senior season. While being a valuable member of the Tiger baseball and track squads it was on the hardwood that Bobby excelled. In basketball he was the point guard averaging 10 points a  game as his leadership and passing skills were evident on a team that featured All-State College performers John Burnett and Howard Smith. He was instrumental in the success of the team as shown by his selection to the All Tri-Cities Team following the 1957 season. After high school Bobby went on to play both baseball and basketball at Florence State College during his freshman and sophomore years before going to work. He was in Advanced ROTC during his junior and senior years in college which would lead to a military career as an intelligence officer. In 2011 Bobby was selected as Alumnus of the year at the University of North Alabama.