Robert Jamison Sudderth Jr.

Born in Chattanooga, Tennessee on June 18, 1942 to Robert Jamison Sudderth and Eleanor McGlathery Sudderth, Bo, as he was affectionately known, attended Normal Park School and Baylor School for Boys. He continued his education at Vanderbilt University and graduated with a B.A. in chemistry.

Bo returned to Chattanooga, where the analytical skills he had developed in his science studies, coupled with his warm personality, calm determination, and eye for opportunity led him into a decades-long career in banking. Recruited by American National Bank and Trust Company, he started as a teller in 1964 and rose through the ranks to become chairman, chief executive officer, and director. A notable achievement during these years was the bank’s backing of Cleveland, Georgia entrepreneur Xavier Roberts’s creation of what became the Cabbage Patch Kids dolls. After studying international banking at the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University, Bo established an international banking department and made the bold move of sending an emissary to Saudi Arabia to discuss the possible use of Tennessee textiles in the sheiks’ tents.

Bo also distinguished himself as a civic leader of energy and purpose, working tirelessly to realize the promise of his beloved hometown. To strengthen the public schools, he became a founding director of the Public Education Foundation. He also served as a trustee of the Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, the Benwood Foundation, the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga Foundation, and Baylor School. In support of the business community, Bo was a director of The Dixie Group and U.S. Express; his appreciation of the diverse needs of the community led him to serve as a director of United Way of Greater Chattanooga and Allied Arts of Greater Chattanooga.

From 1965 to 1971 Bo served in the United States Marine Corps Reserves. He was named outstanding recruit in his platoon and rose to the rank of sergeant. A lifelong aficionado of history and the written word, he collected Revolutionary War documents, Indian treaties, and letters from the era of the British Empire. For several years, Bo and compatriot Kim Jackson partnered in Mountain City Manuscripts for the purpose of acquiring and selling rare books. Bo also sponsored several writing projects carried out by John Longwith, related to the business history of Chattanooga.

An adventurous spirit and inquisitive mind inspired frequent trips abroad. Bo especially enjoyed visiting the United Kingdom, where punting on the Thames, boating on the Dart River, and sipping stout were favorite pastimes. He became involved in the Royal Society for the Arts, eventually becoming honorary corresponding secretary.

A lifelong learner, Bo pursued post-retirement economics’ studies in Venice, whose watery vistas and aqueous eccentricities captured his imagination. After moving to Charleston, South Carolina, where he married his counterpart, Kate Adams, he engaged in courses ranging from organic chemistry to Russian literature at the College of Charleston. In 2018, he and Kate moved to Durham, North Carolina, where he continued to take courses through the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute.

A constant presence throughout Bo’s life was his brother, Bill. From brothers, they grew to be friends, and Bill provided invaluable advice and support, as well as the comfort that comes with shared experience. Bo was also grateful for the professional and personal support of close friend Andy Cope. In his final years, Bo had the great good fortune of meeting Matthew Gbenga, who became a devoted guardian and beloved member of the family.

No remembrance of Bo would be complete without mention of his love for cats. Like all of his cars, all of his cats were black. Erlanger and Peanut were especially loyal companions, who patiently indulged his habit of flipping their ears.

Bo had a keen appreciation of the wonders of our world. Even greater was his pleasure in sharing them with others. He will be remembered as a generous and loyal friend, a munificent mentor, a visionary leader, and a steadfast husband. He left the world a better place and will be missed by many.

Bo is survived by his wife and indomitable partner, Kate Bullard Adams; two daughters, Nelson Campbell and Eleanor Whitaker (Matthew Shallbetter) from a previous marriage to Nelson Whitaker Campbell; two grandchildren, Rhys and Kes Shallbetter; a brother, William Preston Sudderth (Brenda Niel); a nephew, Robert Preston Sudderth (Molly); two stepchildren, Laura Adams and Ben Adams (Laura Smearman Adams); and five cousins, Eleanor Godwin Gunter (widow of Tom Gunter); Dorothy Dale Schneider (Tom); Jan Castillo; Marilyn Backus; and Velda Dyer.

A private memorial service will be held at Chattanooga Memorial Park, arrangements by Advantage Funeral & Cremation Services – Franklin Strickland Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts in Bo’s name may be made to The Community Foundation of Greater Chattanooga, Baylor School, and Rock Steady Boxing.