Robert "Bob" Oliver Frensley

Robert O. (Bob or Bobby) Frensley died peacefully at his home in Nashville on February 12, 2015 surrounded by his family. He was 76 years old. Mr. Frensley was preceded in death by his mother, Effie Marie Miller Frensley, and father, Thomas Edward Frensley III, sisters Agnes(Amie) Patricia Cunningham, Annie Elizabeth Frensley, and Effie Marie (Tommy) Humbrecht, and brother Thomas(Bo) Edward Frensley IV.

Bob is survived by his loving and devoted wife of twenty-five years, Kaye Duke Frensley, and stepson
Don (Janet) Duke; his daughters Sharon (Kelly) Potter, Tracey Anderson, Jennifer (Jeff) Webb, twelve grandchildren: Ace Potter, Jenni, Jesi, Amiee, Annie Anderson, Katie (Michael) Lumpkins; Lexie, Jeffery and Jerrett Webb; Jack, Molly and Matthew Duke; four great-grandchildren: Dylen Anderson, Camden Potter, and Brice and Blair Lumpkins. He is also survived by numerous nephews and nieces, great nephews and nieces, and cousins.

Bob attended the Cathedral of the Incarnation Church and School. His family moved to East Nashville where Bob attended Holy Name Catholic Church and School and later attended Father Ryan High School.
His love for baseball is what started a bond between him and his coach, former Police Chief Joe D. Casey, who remained a loyal and loving friend throughout his life. He also remained close to his graduating class of 1957 as well as many other Father Ryan graduates and teachers, and many teammates and competitors from the ball fields.

Bob was literally born to be in the automotive industry. Growing up, he developed a passion for cars. His uncles encouraged him to work on cars and his love for speed led him to the auto race tracks. He was a national number one race car driver. He enjoyed racing his 1956 black and gold Chevrolet and became known as the "The King of the Hill" at the Union Hill Dragstrip. Bob's overwhelming love for cars would soon begin his life long career in the automotive industry. He began his professional automotive career at Capital Chevrolet in Nashville where he became a leader in automobile sales. Ford Motor Company
soon offered Bob his first automobile dealership in 1965 in Louisville, Kentucky. After great success there, he was offered a Ford franchise in Nashville. In 1970 Bob opened Bob Frensley Ford "Home of the SUPERDEALER" and that was the start of a new era. Bob Frensley Ford reigned number one for years and he was happy to be back in his beloved Nashville. This property is now, fittingly, the Chief Joe D. Casey Police Precinct. During his career, Bob owned a number of successful automobile franchises including Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep, Ram, Ford, Chevrolet, Isuzu, Suzuki, Lincoln-Mercury, Volkswagen and Subaru.

Bob loved people, his work and his employees. His motto for his dealerships has always been "Enter as a stranger, leave as a friend."

Aside from the automotive industry, Bob was one of the co-owners of Rivergate Station in Madison and also took pleasure in bringing the Broadway Dinner Train to Nashville, offering a new experience to the city. Bob served in the Tennessee Air National Guard, attaining the rank of Captain, and meeting many lifelong friends. Bob earned significant recognition for his accomplishments during his military service, including the Governor's Medal of Recognition.


Bob served on the Municipal Auditorium Commission and the Metro Parks Board for a number of years. He had a passion and gift for golf, with "golf rooms" both at the dealership and his home where he designed and made his own golf clubs. He participated in many golf tournaments for fundraising purposes throughout the city and surrounding areas. Bob cherished the many friendships that he developed while serving on these boards and on the golf course.

Bob dedicated his life to God from childhood, and supported his Catholic community's beliefs of giving of yourself and talents to better the lives of others. He often commented about how good Nashville residents had been to him and took pride in the contribution's he gave to the city he loved so much.

Bob loved his family and friends. He considered many of his friends to be "like family" and loved them all. His grandchildren want to express what they always said to him, when he would ask them "Who do you love?" they would respond by saying, "We love you the MOSTEST of all!" He knew how to win them over.

Funeral Mass will be celebrated Monday, February 16, 2015 at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, Thursday February 19, 2015 at 10:00 am. Interment to follow at Calvary Cemetery.

Visitation with the family will be held in The Fleming Center at the Cathedral of the Incarnation, 2001 West End Ave., Nashville, TN on Saturday, February 14th from 5:00-8:00pm and Sunday, February 15th From 2:00-6:00 pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Catholic Charities of Tennessee, Inc., Father Strobel's Room in the Inn, or the Tennessee Diabetes Association.