Dr. Bob Patrick

Dr. Robert Tyree Patrick, born on March 20, 1942, in Humboldt, Tennessee, passed away on October 1, 2024. He was 82 years old.
He leaves behind a loving family, including his three children with his wife of 55 years, Deborah Dolfinger Patrick: Robert Tyree (Sarah) Patrick Jr. of Jackson, Tennessee; Casey (Chris) Patrick of Indianapolis, Indiana; and Rachel Patrick of Nashville, Tennessee. He also leaves behind his brother, Dr. Kirk Albert (Judie) Patrick Jr., and five grandchildren: Raymond Kenley, Leopold Kenley, Frances Rogers, Everette Rogers and Sydney Rogers. He was preceded in death by his beloved parents, Kirk Albert and Frances Tyree Patrick.
Bob graduated in 1960 from The Webb School, in Bell Buckle, Tennessee. He attended The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon Fraternity, and earned his doctoral degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry.
After graduation in 1967, Bob moved to Stanton, Virginia, and worked in public health. He opened his dental practice in Milan, Tennessee, in 1969. After six months in Milan, he met Debby Dolfinger. They got engaged ten days later.
Despite having no farming experience, Bob and Debby transformed a hog farm on the outskirts of Milan into a rambling, verdant country home for their family. Bob spent hundreds of joyful hours planting more than 150 trees of all kinds while listening to Herbie Mann and Dave Brubeck from the cab of his backhoe.
During his retirement, Bob returned to public health for two years and generously served his community as a hospice volunteer. He and Debby loved animals. They had more than 17 dogs through the years, and spent many days and nights feeding and watching the deer and wild turkeys in their backyard. He was a longtime attendee of First Presbyterian Church in Dyer, Tennessee.
One of Bob's greatest gifts to the world was his abundant warmth and ability to find common ground with anyone he met, whether it was over Gibran or his failed attempts at learning the banjo. He was loved by many and will be missed dearly.
SERVICES: A Memorial Service for Bob will be held on Friday, October 4, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the Chapel of Bodkin Funeral Home. Visitation with family and friends will begin at 10:00 a.m. Gifts in memorium may be made to First Presbyterian Church; mail check c/o Sherry Fisher, 310 Currie Road, Dyer, TN 38330.