Robert Oliver Zanone

Robert Oliver Zanone, fondly known as Bob or Bobby, was born in Nashville on January 15, 1928, to Joe Zanone, Jr. and Lucylle Oliver Zanone. He had one sister, Mary Louise Flautt. For secondary school he attended Montgomery Bell Academy and later went on to graduate from Vanderbilt University. However, during his freshman year just weeks after he turned 18, he enlisted in the army on January 23, 1946. Serving our country during World War II, he was stationed at the Peiping Headquarters in China during the end of the war.

Upon his Honorable Discharge and the completion of his college degree, he went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery (DDS) from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, in Memphis and his post graduate degree in orthodontics from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine in Philadelphia. Many Nashville children lost their crooked smiles and emerged with nice, straight teeth and even happier smiles after completing their treatment with Dr. Zanone. He used to joke that he was sure many children were glad to never have to see him again after the many months and years of wearing braces and that their mothers were probably even happier not to have to listen to them complaining anymore!

On December 2, 1955, Dr. Zanone married Joan Bush and together they raised six children. Besides his private orthodontics practice, he was also very involved in his church, First Presbyterian Church of Nashville. There he served as a deacon and engaged with various Sunday School classes and Bible studies. In 1972, Dr. Zanone, a man of strong faith, was led by the Lord to the mission field. Together with his wife, Joan, they were appointed by the Board of World Missions of the Presbyterian Church, U.S., to serve as medical missionaries in the Republic of Zaire, now known as the Democratic Republic of the Congo. During his time in Africa, he served those in desperate need of dental care as well as sharing his faith in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Upon his return to the United States he joined the orthodontic practice of Dr. Frank Boyer in Knoxville, TN and continued his work as an orthodontist. Following the passing of his wife of 34 years in 1990, Dr. Zanone married Patty Heller. Patty brought to the family six more children, and many more grandchildren and great grandchildren. They spent the next 34 years together enjoying traveling to visit their mutual children, grandchildren and great grandchildren including attending many family weddings, caring for their grands and taking pride in all their family’s accomplishments.

In addition to his orthodontist practice and raising his children, Dr. Zanone enjoyed fishing, golfing, looking for “treasure” with his metal detector and digging for old bottles to add to his collection. He always enjoyed the outdoors and especially loved the beach. Most family vacations were spent on Sanibel or Captiva Island in Florida. On weekends he often took his growing children to the country to play in creeks, fish in ponds and explore woods and old abandoned homes. In the evenings you could find him with several children piled around him in bed as he read them stories. Through all of life’s ups and downs he kept his dry wit and sense of humor.

Dr. Zanone is survived by Joretta Holmes, McLane (Rusty) Layton, Kim Strickland, Bob (Michelle) Zanone. Jr., and Kelley Zanone. He is also survived by 16 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his first wife, Joan Bush Zanone, his second wife, Patti Heller Zanone, son, Tweed Zanone, and his sister, Mary Louise Flautt. “We love you Dad and will carry your faith and your spirit in our hearts forever.”

2 Timothy 4:6-8

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day--and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

A Gathering of Family and Friends for Robert will be held Wednesday, March 20, 2024 from 10:00 AM to 11:30 AM at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home & Memorial Park, 660 Thompson Ln, Nashville, TN 37204, followed by a graveside service from 11:30 AM to 12:30 PM.