Robert Baker Shaffer II

Robert Baker Shaffer II, 79, of Burwood, Tennessee, passed away peacefully on October 31, 2025. Rob was born on August 13, 1946, in Corpus Christi, Texas, to Fannie Bernice and Robert B. Shaffer.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 56 years, Anna Louise Peschell Shaffer; his son, Robert B. Shaffer III (Eszter) of Budapest, Hungary, and their three children, Jacob D. Shaffer of Los Angeles, CA, Isabella A. Shaffer of Elon, NC, and Gabriella Shaffer of Budapest, Hungary; his daughter, Margaret Louise Shaffer Lindley (Matthew) of Franklin, TN, and their four children, Robert Winston, Patricia Jane, Henry Thompson, and Anna Catherine; and his daughter, Rebekah Thompson Shaffer Malone (Ryan) of Franklin, TN.

Rob graduated from Sullivan High School in Sullivan, Missouri, in 1964, and from the University of Missouri–Columbia in 1968 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. He was a member of Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, where he held several leadership positions.

Rob served in the U.S. Army from 1969 to 1971 and sat on the boards of the Heritage Foundation of Williamson County and the Boy Scouts of America. He also served as a mentor in the Williamson County Big Brothers Big Sisters program. Rob enjoyed the fellowship he found as a deacon at Brentwood Baptist Church.

In 1971, Rob began a 36-year career with Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, starting as a Financial Consultant in St. Louis, MO. He later moved into management as a Regional Vice President, a position that brought him to Middle Tennessee and Nashville.

Rob thoroughly enjoyed both participating in and watching sports; he rarely missed Sunday afternoon football. He was a member of the starting five on his high school basketball team, and one of his fondest memories was scoring 29 points in a regional basketball tournament.

Rob was the quintessential grandfather. His quiet, gentle nature was a perfect complement to his seven grandchildren. He could create games with just a few rocks and a stick. The children loved playing “crazy rain” with him—they would sit in the hay barn to avoid a storm, and then he would shout “crazy rain!” and they’d all sprint into the rain, laughing as they got soaking wet. The joy and laughter he shared with them were infectious. He adored them, and they adored him.

The single most important aspect of Rob’s life was his love for and relationship with his Savior, Jesus Christ. In times of trouble, he turned to his Bible and to prayer. His life verse was Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Rob was never a quitter—he always persevered.

Friends are invited to Rob’s service at Clearview Baptist Church, Pastor Matt Pearson officiating, on Wednesday, November 12. Visitation will be from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m., followed by a service at 11:30 a.m., with a reception immediately afterward in the church fellowship hall.

Active pallbearers are Robert B. Shaffer III, Matt Lindley, Ryan Malone, Jake Shaffer, Winston Lindley, Henry Lindley, and Stewart Parker.

A private family graveside service and interment will take place at Leiper’s Fork Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, gifts may be made to Clearview Baptist Church, 573 Franklin Rd., Franklin, TN 37069, or to The Hope Clinic, 1819 Hayes Street, Nashville, TN 37203.