James R. “Bob” Overby, 76, of Ballantree  Drive, died Sunday, July 13, 2008 at  J.F. Keever Solace Center.   A native of Newnan, GA he was son of the late Duke A. and Mattie Glazier Overby.  He was also preceded in death by his wife, Bettye J. Overby, and a brother, William T. Overby.

     Bob received a B.S. degree in Textiles from Georgia Tech.  He moved to Asheville from Newport News, VA in 1986 and later retired from BASF Corporation in Enka where he was the Textile Development Laboratory Manager.  He was a member of the Asheville Civitan Club and Past President of Reuter Center Singers.  His passion was singing and he especially loved singing during “Christmas at Biltmore Estate”.

     He is survived by his two daughters, Susan and her husband, Joseph G. DeVincentis, Jr. of Garland, TX and Diane C. Overby of Asheville; a sister, Martha West of Newnan, GA and his grandson, James M. DeVincentis. 

     A funeral service will be held 11:00AM, Wednesday, July 16, 2008 at Central United Methodist Church with Rev. Robert Blackburn, Jr. officiating.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the parlor of the Church.  Burial will be at 1:00PM, Thursday, July 17, 2008 at Oak Hill Cemetery in Newnan, GA