Bobby Ray Foushee

August 21, 1934 - February 13, 2021

LA JOLLA — Bobby Ray Foushee, aged 86, passed away in his sleep on February 13, 2021, in his longtime home of La Jolla, CA.

Bobby was born on August 21, 1934, to Bob Henry Foushee and Ann Lee Foushee in Martinsville, VA where he was raised, partly in town and partly on a small, rural family farm. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a master’s degree in chemical engineering and moved to San Diego, CA, to join General Dynamics Corporation in designing rocket and missile engines.

In a short period of time, he became Program Manager of the Centaur launch vehicle program, and had the distinction of helping to deliver the

Surveyor missions to land on the moon, the Mariner spacecraft to visit Mars, and the Pioneer spacecraft, the first to travel to Jupiter and continue beyond to exit the solar system.

Bobby was a role model in so many areas of his life – as an extraordinary and devoted father, as a committed friend, and engaged contributor to

his community. He was a man of warmth and integrity, dedicated to his family, and had a calm, centered presence. He traveled to six continents, read widely, grew orchids and bromeliads, and was a San Diego Chargers season ticket holder for over 50 years.

Beyond family and career, he was committed to “giving back”, serving on the Board of Deacons of La Jolla Presbyterian Church, as President of the Friends of the La Jolla Library (where he led fundraising for and construction of the new library building), and as President of the La Jolla Golden Triangle Rotary Club, among other activities.

Bobby is survived by his loving son, Scott Foushee and his wife Susan, and his two adored grandsons, Riley and Henry. He was predeceased by his wife Jeanette and is survived by his step-daughter Kathy Hammerand, her husband Alan, and their son Tyler, and by his step-son Steve Winn. He is also survived by his niece Michelle Payne, her husband Tim, and their daughters Devon and Brighton; and by his nephew Brad Jacobs, his wife Jill, and their daughter Dana. He is, and will always be, deeply missed.

A memorial service will be held at La Jolla Presbyterian Church in late summer or early fall of this year, once in-person gatherings are possible.

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