Robert Torbert Sr.

1931 - 2021

Robert Torbert, Sr.

Nashville - Nashville - Robert Edward Torbert, Sr. May 21, 1931 - January 10, 2021

Robert Edward Torbert, age 89 of Nashville, died Sunday, January 10, 2021 at Centennial Hospital.

Mr. Torbert was predeceased by his wife Mary Charlene Shaw Torbert, parents John Henry Torbert and Irene Salley Torbert, brother John Torbert and sister-in-law Betty Sue Torbert.

He is survived by children Rob Torbert, Jr. (Tina), Nan Dodd (Thomas), Mark Torbert (Amy); grandchildren, Cole Torbert (Hannah), Carson Torbert (Amerrica), Caroline Dodd Foote (Daniel), Cameron Dodd (fiancé Mary Holt Mock), Mary Frances Torbert, and Mark Torbert, Jr. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Dad was born on May 21, 1931 in West Point, Mississippi. There are not enough good words to describe our Dad, Papaw, Grandad, Granddaddy Bob, Uncle Bob, Mr. T. or just plain Bob. Regardless of how you knew him, you knew him to be a man of integrity who incredibly loved his wife of over 64 years, was proud of every member of his family and loved his church and church family greatly. Quietly, he served his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ through his church, Forest Hills Baptist Church, in many different roles, some in an official capacity and some unofficial, for over 50 years. Dad met Mom in a department store where she was working in Water Valley, Mississippi and he loved when she told people that she found him at a sale! He was a graduate from Mississippi State University and a member of Sigma Chi Fraternity and began his business career with Malone & Hyde, a food broker, for whom he worked 15 years. Dad resigned from there and purchased a small wholesale candy and grocery distributorship, David & Cooke, Inc. The business was also known for being the Slush Puppie business to many and this was one of his favorite parts of his business. After 20 years, he sold the business to "retire." He and Mom were both extremely dedicated to their growing family over the years. They loved their two daughters-in-law and son-in-law like their very own. And when the grandkids came, they loved spoiling them over the years. When the grandkids married, they loved their spouses like their own as well. That never stopped. Dad looked for and found a church home for us before we moved to Nashville from Memphis in 1965. Forest Hills Baptist Church held a special place in his heart and he and Mom served in many ways over the years. He served on several committees and served as Chairman of the Deacons multiple times through the years. For over 35 years he served as Treasurer for the church and loved every minute of it and every person with whom he served. Some have said that he was a mentor to them. We have no doubt that he was a huge influence in an untold number of people's lives. He enjoyed serving with the crew to count the offerings for so many years and really hated when he had to give that up just a couple of years ago. That crew was his Sunday School class and he dearly loved serving with them.

We have heard the word "kind" and "loving" used to describe Dad. If you rejoiced in something, he rejoiced with you. But if you were hurting, he hurt with you. If help were needed, he would not hesitate and never, ever wanted recognition for it. He was not an "in the spotlight" kind of person. If you were a recipient of his kindness or generosity, very likely no one knows about it.

He had a unique and fun sense of humor, usually ready with a story or a joke. When he heard a good one, he would make every effort to repeat it-sometimes successfully! He loved to laugh. He had many sayings that he used over the years, many that he picked up from his grandfather. In the family these have become known as "Granddadisms." We will miss hearing him use them, but we anticipate they will still come up from time to time as we all use one or two, remember him and laugh. Our family would like to thank the doctors and nurses who have cared for him over the years and most recently the front line Covid doctors and nurses of Centennial Hospital during his short stay in their unit. The compassion they have for each patient struggling with this virus is incredible. Please continue to pray for them as they exhibit incredible amounts of skill and care each day. A Celebration of Life service will be planned for a later date.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the building fund for Forest Hills Baptist Church. Forest Hills Baptist Church, 2101 Old Hickory Blvd., Nashville, TN 37215.