Robert L. Lord

Bobby Lord passed away at Martin Memorial Medical Center in Stuart, Florida on February 16, 2008. He was 74 years old. A native of Florida, he and his wife Mozelle have lived in the Stuart area since 1969. Bobby was a successful recording artist, songwriter, guitarist, and television star. He had his own long-running syndicated television show in the 1960s - The Bobby Lord Show - produced by WSM-TV in Nashville, Tennessee. He was a member of the Grand Ole Opry from 1960 through 1975, and continued to perform on the Opry for many years afterwards. For several years in the 1980s, he hosted another television show, Celebrity Outdoor, on The Nashville Network. In Stuart, he developed Nettles Island, and was instrumental in the development of Indian River Plantation. Locally, he enjoyed a successful career in real estate and founded Stuart Insurance, which he partnered with his son Cabot. Throughout the years, he generously gave of his time and talents to support numerous Treasure Coast charities and events. His music career began as teenager in Tampa, Florida, where he had his own television show shortly after graduating from high school, The Bobby Lord Homefolks Show. In 1953, at the age of 19, he signed his first recording contract with Columbia Records. Bobby recorded several "rockabilly" and country hits for Columbia. In 1955, he was signed to become a featured performer on The Ozark Jubilee, an ABC television network show hosted by Red Foley based out of Springfield, Missouri, where he remained until 1960 . In 1960, Bobby made the move to Nashville. That year he joined the Grand Ole Opry, where he quickly became a featured performer. He was a Grand Ole Opry regular throughout the 1960s and into the mid-1970s. In 1961 he began recording for the Hickory label. In 1967, he moved to the Decca label. During that time be released several additional popular country hits. Bobby was perhaps best known for The Bobby Lord Show, a nationally syndicated TV show produced at WSM-TV in Nashville during the 1960s. The Bobby Lord Show was syndicated throughout the United States and in other 34 countries around the world. In 1969, he semi-retired from the music business. Bobby accepted an opportunity to oversee the development and sales of several large condominium campgrounds across America, one of which was Nettles Island. Falling in love with the Martin-St. Lucie County areas, Bobby moved his family to Stuart. Shortly thereafter, he assisted his parents and both of his brothers in relocating to Stuart from Tampa. Since that time, several generations of Bobby's extended family have grown and prospered throughout the Treasure Coast area. On the Treasure Coast and nationally, he enjoyed much success in real estate sales and marketing. Locally, in addition to Nettles Island, Bobby was involved in the sales and development of Ancient Oaks Resort in Okeechobee, Bryn Mar Resort in Vero Beach, and was instrumental in the development of Indian River Plantation. He also founded an insurance agency, Stuart Insurance, with his son Cabot. Cabot continues to own and operate Stuart Insurance. A devout Christian, Bobby wrote a book entitled Hit the Glory Road, published in 1969 by The Broadman Press. In Hit the Glory Road, Bobby explored the grassroots gospel behind country music. Bobby is survived by his wife of over 53 years, Mozelle (Jensen Beach, Florida); his three children-- Rob (Bethany) Lord of Jensen Beach; Sarah (John) Williams of Dothan Alabama; and Cabot (Annie) Lord of Stuart; his brothers: John (Anita) Lord and Steve (Patsy) Lord, both of Stuart; ten grandchildren (Nicole Williams, John Robert Williams, Zachary Williams, Olivia Lord, Allie Lord, Cabot Lord II, Katie Lord, Kelly Williams, Erin Williams and Katie Smith) and one great grandchild (Tristan Williams). There will be a visitation from 5 to 8 p.m. on Wednesday, February 20, at Forest Hills Memorial Park and Funeral Home, 2001 S.W. Murphy Road, Palm City, Florida. A funeral service will held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 21, at Tropical Farms Baptist Church, 1555 Southwest Kanner Highway, Stuart, Florida. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to the Jubilate Choir of Jensen Beach High School (checks payable to Jensen Beach High School, mailed to Jensen Beach High School, Attn: James Paul, Choir Director, 2875 N.W. Golden Rod Road, Jensen Beach, Florida 34957). Bobby's family would like to thank all of Bobby's friends and colleagues for their kindness and support. A very special thank you is extended to the wonderful healthcare professionals and support staffs who provided Bobby with extraordinary care over the past few years. God bless you all.