Bobby Gene Hannon, 84, beloved father, grandfather, brother, friend and businessman passed away peacefully at his Vicksburg home Tuesday morning, Sept. 2, 2014.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 50 years, Louis Jane Owings.

He is survived by his brother, Johnny Hannon; sister, Willard Green (Winfred); daughters Barbara Rials (Robert) and Cindy Hannon; and grandchildren Miller and Aden Rials.

The son of Murlene Spencer and Edward Owen “E.O.” Hannon, Bobby was born in Smithville on Oct. 28, 1929. After graduating from Smithville High School, Bobby attended Itawamba Junior College, where he played on the basketball team. After college, Bobby joined the Army Reserve, attaining the rank of sergeant and serving in the Korean War.

Bobby first demonstrated his entrepreneurship as a young man when he opened and operated a gas station in Amory. In 1955, Bobby married the love of his life, Jane Owings, and the couple moved to Memphis, Tenn., where Bobby took a job with DuPont.

Ten years later, they moved to Vicksburg, where Bobby opened the first of his Kentucky Fried Chicken franchises. Bobby proudly owned and operated KFC franchises for over 48 years, with stores in Mississippi and Louisiana.

He was a fisherman, golfer and avid Ole Miss fan.  He was also a lifetime member of the KFC Breakfast Club. Mr. and Mrs. Hannon attended First Baptist Church of Vicksburg.

Services will be held at Riles Funeral Home, 5000 Indiana Ave., Vicksburg.

Visitation is Thursday from 5 to 7 p.m. The funeral is Friday, Sept. 5 at 11 a.m., followed by a private internment at Lakewood Memorial Park in Jackson.

Pallbearers will be Charles Toney, Sr., Richard Marcus, Robert McConnell, Bill Caldwell, Jesse Banks, Kirk Hannon, Harry Rayburn and K.O. Dottley.

Honorary pallbearers will be the distinguished gentlemen of the KFC Breakfast Club.