Robert Franklin Walters

Born in Columbus, Ohio, on November 12, 1955, to Evelyn and James Walters, Robert, affectionately known as Robby, grew up as the son of a military father and was constantly on the move. In 1961, the family moved to Bangor, Maine, where he welcomed his baby sister, Susan. In the late 1960s, the family returned to the Mississippi Delta to be closer to relatives while his father served in Vietnam. After his father’s return, Robby spent his elementary school years in Columbus, Mississippi. The family lived just outside the Air Force base, where he wandered the woods, rode bikes, looked after his baby sister, and entertained his family with his easygoing spirit.

Robby spent his junior high and most of his high school years in Plattsburgh, New York. Quickly adapting to new places, he made friends easily. He loved playing ice hockey and even built his own rink in the yard. He was also a member of the basketball and baseball teams, as well as the track team, where he specialized in hurdles. Always willing to lend a hand, he worked after school bagging groceries at the commissary.

During his senior year, after his father retired from the Air Force, Robby moved with his family to Webb, Mississippi. He attended Strider Academy, where his northern “Yankee” accent and long brown hair made him something of a novelty. While at Strider, he continued participating in his favorite sports and was instrumental in adding hurdling to the track team. After graduating from high school, Robby attended Northwest Junior College.

Robby first met his lifelong love, Sherry, at a dance. When they met again later, he asked her out, but she declined. Undeterred, he asked her mother instead, and this time the answer was yes.

On their first date at the movies, Sherry was won over by his big personality and easygoing nature. Although they did not see each other much for a short time afterward, their paths kept crossing until it became clear that fate had other plans. The two soon became sweethearts. Robby was drawn to Sherry’s beauty and sweetness from the start, while she admired his sense of humor. Her thoughtful seriousness and his playful spirit balanced each other perfectly, and together they built a life side by side after marrying in 1976, remaining devoted to one another for the rest of his life.

Robby and Sherry began their journey together in Memphis, Tennessee. Guided by his entrepreneurial spirit, the couple lived in many places while building their family, including Hollywood, Florida; Jackson, Tennessee; Duluth, Georgia; and Nashville, Tennessee. In 1990, they found their forever home in Bartlett.

Throughout his life, Robby was a loyal friend and a guiding father figure to many, earning deep respect and affection from all who knew him. Gifted with countless talents, he was the person people turned to when something needed to be fixed. He was always ready to offer help or a listening ear to anyone in need.

One of his favorite pastimes was building go karts, a hobby that became especially meaningful as he worked side by side with his son, supporting his racing interests. He enjoyed the simple pleasures that made life fun. For Robby, nothing beat good company, a great song, or a beautiful day by the water. Some of his favorite memories were made at the helm of a boat, with a fishing rod in his hand, or during a family pool day. When he was not by the water, he was just as content watching his favorite movie, following NASCAR races, enjoying a cold Coca-Cola, and reaching for a handful of jelly beans to satisfy his sweet tooth.

Robby embraced life with a spirit many admired, living fully and freely without worrying about tomorrow. His home radiated warmth and became a gathering place where friends, family, and newcomers felt instantly at ease. To Robby, every person was welcome. He truly never met a stranger. Robby loved his family deeply and took immense pride in his children, cherishing every moment spent with them. That happiness grew with each new grandchild, who brought him even greater joy as he became their beloved Papa.

He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Sherry Huggins Walters; his children, Jennifer Walters Isenhower (Clinton), Brittany Leigh Morris (Sean), and Robert Franklin Walters II (Chelsey); his grandchildren Addison and Hudson Isenhower; Jackson, Maggie, Haleigh, Cooper, Owen, Dela, Lainey, Adrian, and Griffin Morris; Charleigh Camp; and Everett Walters; and his great grandchild, Everleigh Morris. He is also survived by his sister, Susan Walters Rish (James), along with many nephews, nieces, cousins, aunts, uncles, and dear friends.

We are comforted by the knowledge that Robby’s legacy lives on through the lessons he taught and the unconditional love he shared. He will be remembered for the energy and spirit he brought into every room. His genuine warmth, quick wit, fearless attitude, and generous spirit created memories that will be cherished forever by all who knew him.

Visitation will be held Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Memphis Funeral Home & Memorial Gardens, 3700 North Germantown Parkway, Bartlett, Tennessee 38133. A funeral service will follow at 2:00 p.m. A graveside service will be held immediately following the service, with a reception to follow. As Robby would wish, all are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Robby’s memory.