Mr. Bobby Cecil Iler, affectionately known as “Bobby,” was born on December 26, 1931, in the Register Community of Bulloch County to the late Robbie Iler and Vertie May Hagans Iler.
Bobby attended Bulloch County schools and proudly served his country in the United States Army, enlisting in 1952. He was stationed in Norfolk, Virginia, and served during the Korean War.
Following his military service, Bobby made his home in Savannah, Georgia, where he lived for several years before returning to Bulloch County in the late 1970s. He settled in the “Pigeye” area near the Ogeechee River, a place he dearly loved.
A true outdoorsman, Bobby found great joy in gardening and fishing, but his greatest passion was woodworking. He was a gifted craftsman who spent many years as a custom cabinet builder and installer, designing and creating beautifully crafted cabinets.
He worked with Wilmington Cabinet Company on Wilmington Island in Chatham County before establishing his own independent carpentry business, where he built homes, completed renovations and continued his custom cabinet work for many years.
Later in his career, Bobby joined Gretsch Guitar Company in Ridgeland, South Carolina, where he worked for 14 years building and finishing custom guitars, drums and other musical instruments, combining his craftsmanship with his love of music. Following his time there, he spent 25 years with Coastal Exterminating, where he continued to work faithfully until his retirement.
In his later years, Bobby enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: tending to his garden, working in his personal woodshop, playing his guitar, attending church and spending time at bluegrass festivals. He also enjoyed riding his golf cart and sharing fellowship with friends and family.
In early 2023, Bobby moved to Heritage Inn Health and Rehabilitation Center, where he quickly became a joy to those around him. He loved playing guitar and singing, participating in card games and bingo and enjoyed photography during his time there.
Bobby was a faithful member of Lanes Primitive Baptist Church in Brooklet, Georgia, and also attended Landmark Holiness Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wives, Phonsene Graham Iler and Eva Pitts Iler; one brother, Charles Edward Iler; and one sister, Mary Alice Iler Hilton.
Surviving are two sons, Richard Iler of Springfield, Georgia; and Bobby Iler of Brooklet, Georgia; one granddaughter, Taylor Iler of Fitzgerald, Georgia; and one grandson, Jonathan Iler of Rincon, Georgia.
The graveside visitation and burial services were held on Saturday, March 28th, at 10:30 a.m. at Lanes Primitive Baptist Church in Brooklet, Georgia. The family received friends prior to the service.
Deacons of Lanes Primitive Baptist Church served as honorary pallbearers.
Remembrances may be made to Lanes Primitive Baptist Church or Landmark Holiness Church.
Friends may sign the online register book at www.joineranderson.com.
Joiner-Anderson Funeral Home and Crematory of Statesboro is in charge of the arrangements.
Statesboro Herald, April 2, 2026
Sign the Legacy online guestbook at www.statesboroherald.com.