Robert Winfree

Robert Odell Winfree, age 81, passed away peacefully Thursday, September 4, 2025, at his home in Gallatin, Tennessee.
Born in Smith County on May 22, 1944, Bob spent most of his life in Wilson County only recently relocating across the river to be near family.
Following military service, he returned to Lebanon working at Texas Boot Co. and Texas Eastern Transmission Pipeline Corp. before contracting as a consulting engineer to Dupont Memphis and the American leg of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline out of Omaha, NE. He returned to Nashville to employment with IC Thomasson and Associates, Inc. where he spent the most meaningful years of his professional career in engineering, bringing order and clarity to the world around him. He retired as a Principal of ICT in 2010 following 28 years of service.
Retirement was spent near the lakes and golf courses. He enjoyed country music, watching the Tennessee Vols, and was a founding PSL holder for the Tennessee Titans. He was an early investor in the revitalization of Lebanon's Historic Public Square when he bought and funded deep renovation of the century old 126 Public Square building. It was a labor of love with his wife and daughter that preserved history and created something lasting for future generations
Bob was a genuinely kind and gentle person. While he might not speak loudly, he spoke with wisdom and intelligence. He always thought before he spoke and could be counted upon to offer sound advice and great comfort. He will be remembered for his steadfastness, integrity, generosity, and devotion to family.
Bob leaves behind a loving family: his wife of 48 years, Debra Bass Winfree; two children, Keith Travis (Lauren) Winfree and Beth (Ben) Winfree-Sparks; grandchildren Graci (Josh) Luck, Mattie Winfree, and Kate Sparks; great-granddaughter Camren Reese Luck; brothers Richard Winfree and Kenneth Winfree; sister-in-law Ginny Winfree; brother-in-law John Harlin; cherished nieces and nephews; best buddy Rosey Pearl.
Preceded in death by mother Genna Ve Crawford Murphy, father Francis Odell Winfree, stepfather Fred Murphy, father-in-law Walter Hearn Bass, sisters Virginia Winfree Harlin and Rebecca Ann Winfree, sister-in-law Becky Jennings Winfree, and faithful four-legged companion Della.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Ascension St Thomas Foundation or other worthy non-profit organization.
The family extends appreciation to Drs. Mark Aaron, Elizabeth Willers, Brian Hay, Newton Allen, their staff and other professionals of Ascension Saint Thomas West Hospital for their exceptional care.
PARTLOW FUNERAL CHAPEL is in care of arrangements. 615-444-7007 www.partlowchapel.com