Bobby James Leverett, a man whose nickname was “Not Robert,” passed away January 14, 2022. He was 67. He grew up in Knoxville, graduating from Fulton High School in 1973. He played basketball at East Tennessee State University and obtained his bachelor’s degree in correctional services with a minor in psychology.
He worked as a senior probation counselor at Knox County Juvenile Court for 14 years, then moved to the state of Tennessee where he held various management positions until his retirement. He was the first African-American to hold the position of regional administrator of Knox County DCS and statewide coordinator for resource linkage DCS.
Friends included former state Rep. Joe Armstrong and former Knox County Commission chair Thomas “Tank” Strickland. He was a member and trustee of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of his fraternity brother, Elder Dr. Joe B. Maddox.
Friends will gather Saturday, January 22, for a public walkthrough from 11-12:30 at the church, 2504 Cecil Avenue, Knoxville, after which Dr. Maddox will lead a celebration of life for Mr. Leverett. Additional obituary information is here.