Robert Paul Hyatt

Robert Paul Hyatt, known to most as Bob or Bobby, passed away on May 8, 2025, surrounded by loved ones. He was 78 years old. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Bob lived a rich and remarkable life full of love, laughter, and adventure.
Born in New Rochelle, New York, Bob was the oldest of six siblings. He proudly served his country as a Captain in the U.S. Army Special Forces as a Green Beret in the Vietnam War. His bravery and resilience were evident even before his military service-having survived polio as a child and being shot by a protester prior to deployment.
After the war, Bob settled in Knoxville, where he met the love of his life, Cathy. The two shared nearly 50 years of marriage and built a beautiful life together. Bob was a barber-more than that, a beloved hairdresser and "therapist" to many, known not just for his skill with scissors but for his stories, laughter, and generous spirit.
He was a man of many talents and interests-Bob loved a good beer, cigars, music, playing the banjo, growing his garden, rolling his own sushi, and supporting his grandchildren at every game, meet, and recital.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Elly Hyatt, siblings Babs Thissen, Joby Hyatt, and Steve Masters. He is survived by his wife, Cathy, children Rachel (Tyler) Williams, Matt (Brittany) Hyatt, Mandy (Stephen) Brooks, and Liz (Justin) Myers, grandchildren Ellie, Henry, John, Robby, Benjamin, Alexander, Millie, and Hannah. Also survived by siblings Bonnie (Dieter) Hansen, Tim (Mary Ann)Thissen, Carla Hyatt, Annabelle (Scott) Burton, Tom Hyatt, Sharon (Bill) Harward, Joyce (Bill) Johnson, Paul (Deborah) Masters, John (Suzanne) Masters, Michael (Julie) Masters as well as beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family is receiving friends at Farragut Church of Christ, 136 Smith Road, from 5-7 Wednesday, May 14 with a short service to follow.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to CurePSP in Bob's memory.