Robert Wilburn Fidler

Robert Wilburn “Wibby” Fidler passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 21st, 2022, with his family at his side and our Lord in his heart. He was a man of great honor who loved deeply and was deeply loved in return. His life was blessed with not only the most loving family, but the most loyal of friends.

Robert is survived by his wife of 54 years, Dottie Brink Fidler, his two children and their spouses, Meredith (Chris) Fortune and Brink (Sally) Fidler, his sister, Elizabeth (Bob) Bussey, his other three brothers-in-law, Ernie (Connie) Brink, David Brink, Bob (Linda) Brink, sister-in-law Peggy Fidler, six nieces, seven nephews and a slew of cousins. He is preceded in death by his parents Cullie Stafford and James Murray Fidler, as well as brothers Jimmy and Legette.

Robert was born May 27, 1942, in Charlottesville, Virginia, and went on to spend his early years in Richmond, Virginia. At the age of 16, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee where he graduated from Hillsboro High School, then continued his education at Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville, Tennessee.

Leadership was a very natural identity for Robert from the very start of his life. He always wanted to bring people together to do good things, to help in any way he could. It was no surprise that he was elected Student Body President starting as young as he was in middle school, again in high school, then once again, in college.

Robert’s career in mortgage banking spanned over 45+ years, beginning in 1967 at Guaranty Mortgage Co. He often told that though he only changed jobs once, had 14 different names on his door, but his phone number never changed. He was a product of acquisitions and mergers and gratefully “always made the cut”. Active in all aspects of mortgage banking, he went on to serve as President of the Nashville Mortgage Bankers Association, the Tennessee MBA and as Treasurer of the National Association.

While work filled many of his hours, he loved time spent mentoring others who entered the mortgage banking field and celebrated their successes with great pride.

Along with his strong work ethic, Robert was passionate about serving his community and joined the Brentwood noon Rotary Club. He was a member for 23 years, serving as President in 2006 – 2007. He was honored to have been the recipient of both the Bob Billington and Dan Askew Awards for his service to this organization that meant so very much to him.

But no honor could ever compare to winning the heart of the one he so proudly referred to as “his bride”, Dottie.

His greatest joys were his daughter, Meredith, his son, Brink, and his wonderful grandchildren, Olivia, Thomas, Julia, Culley and Hawsen. They lit up his life and he lit up theirs, passing on a legacy of hard work, kindness, compassion, love, and good will.

Robert, also known as “Wibby”, “Pawpaw” and “Fid” had two main philosophies of life. “Hand out roses to the living” and “Always leave something better than when you found it”. His family, his friends and anyone who had the honor of knowing him saw him do just that in his life…leaving us all better than when he found us.

Robert’s funeral will be Monday, June 6th at 11:00 A.M., at Holy Family Catholic Church in Brentwood, Tennessee. Visitation is 9:00-11:00 A.M. and 1:00-3:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, the family requests gifts to the Brentwood Rotary Club Charitable Foundation (BRCCF) in memory of Robert. P.O. Box 382, Brentwood, TN 37024 – 0382, OR to High Hopes Preschool and Pediatric Therapy Clinic, 301 High Hopes Ct, Franklin, TN 37064.