Bobby Jay Stillwell

Bobby Jay Stillwell

1950-2024

Bobby Jay Stillwell, aged 74, passed away on Aug. 19, 2024, in Bosque Farms, N.M.

He was born on July 3, 1950, in Monahans, Texas, to Herb and Billie Rogers Stillwell. The family soon moved to Odessa, Texas, where Bobby was raised.

Bobby attended Permian High School, graduating in 1968, and furthered his education by attending Texas A&M, the University of Texas and Odessa College, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude in 1977. His academic journey was marked by diverse experiences, from being in the Corps of Cadets at Texas A&M to living the hippie culture at UT Austin.

Professionally, Bobby had a varied and prolific career. He excelled in any endeavor he undertook. Early in his career, he worked as a certified operating room technician for numerous Odessa doctors. Bobby became a highly sought-after newspaper circulation manager. This was the culmination of years in the newspaper circulation business, a career, which began when he and his older brother Gary (ages 11 and 13) partnered on a large newspaper route (1,000 newspapers), beginning in 1961.

After a career in the newspaper circulation business, Bobby agreed to move from Florida to Albuquerque, accepting Gary’s request to join him there. At that point, they formed the partnership of Stillwell and Stillwell Investment Company in 1982. Together they were involved in commercial and residential real estate development, banking, insurance and real estate brokerage.

As president of Sentry Management Corporation, a subsidiary of Security Savings Bank, Bobby managed many different types of businesses. He was a director and officer of the bank. He was an excellent construction manager, a licensed insurance agent and a licensed real estate broker.

In addition to all his other endeavors, from 1985 until his death, Bobby owned and managed Stillwell Laundry, Car Wash and Self-Storage, which he built, in Los Lunas. Over the years, he had generations of the same family working for him. He was very compassionate with his employees and his customers.

To satisfy his desire for knowledge Bobby read countless books, and then he would share them with others. Bobby’s lifelong interest in music led to his excellence in playing all kinds of drums. As a young man, he studied percussion at the Boston Conservatory of Music. He played drums in a band at special events for many years. He liked one-line jokes and he continuously wrote himself notes to help properly manage his many endeavors.

For years, Bobby traveled back and forth to Peru, where he developed an interest in handmade Peruvian goods. This led to his importing and selling the goods widely in New Mexico.

Bobby led a frugal life, living well below his means, but he gifted significant sums to people he knew were in need. He developed a love of shopping for bargains in flea markets. He delighted in “going junkin’” with his mom, helping her with her extensive Coca-Cola memorabilia collection.

Bobby is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Gary and Julie Stillwell; sister and sister-in-law, Gail Stillwell and Kathleen Brasfield; sister and brother-in-law, Holley and Clay Kemper; along with numerous nephews, nieces and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents.

Bobby deeply cared for and loved his family and friends. The family would like to gratefully acknowledge the special relationship between Bobby and E.J. and Charlene Sena and their family.

Bobby Jay Stillwell, beloved son, brother and friend, will be sorely missed by many.

A celebration of Bobby’s life will be held on Monday, Nov. 11.

In lieu of flowers, please send any memorial donation to the Salvation Army.

Arrangements will be made by Noblin Funeral Home in Los Lunas.