Owen Boyce ("O.B.") Sullivan died on Monday, December 1 at the John F. Keever Solace Center in Asheville, N.C., after a long battle with Parkinson's and Lewy Body Disease. Those illnesses slowed him but never extinguished his generosity, wit, charm, love of travel, or dancing skills.

Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. on Tuesday at Elkins Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m. at Elkins. Burial will be in Wesley Chapel Cemetery.

Born in Florence in 1937, he attended Coffee High School, Auburn University, and the University of Florida. He served his country as a member of the Army reserves. O.B. taught junior high school in Jacksonville and St. Augustine, Florida, before becoming a designer and leading salesman for department stores in Sarasota, San Francisco, Jacksonville, Detroit and Alexandria, Va.

With his partner, he founded and ran three bed and breakfast inns in Martinsburg, WV and Asheville.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fletcher and Nadine Sullivan. He is survived by his cousin Mary Alice Young, by his second family Beverly Buckins, Sondra Oldham, and Bob Tidwell; and by his partner of 40 years and frequently delighted victim of his practical jokes, Ripley Hotch. He made a family of his many friends all over the country.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to MemoryCare; 100 Far Horizons Lane; Asheville, NC 28803 with our deepest thanks for their care and compassion.