Robert Lanier Hull

Robert L. “Bob” Hull, 85, bon vivant and fund-raiser extraordinaire, died August 12, 2026 at Clements University Hospital, UT Southwestern Medical Center. Bob loved his family and friends, a good Burgundy wine, opera, chamber music and jazz, and being the last to leave every party. Bob was born and raised in Decatur, Alabama. He graduated from Decatur High School, and attended the University of Georgia and Vanderbilt University, where he earned a Master’s degree in English Literature. While working on his Ph.D. at Vanderbilt, he was recruited as the fundraiser for Vanderbilt Law School. His success in that job led to his long career in fundraising and nonprofit management. Bob served as Director of Development for UT Southwestern prior to his retirement, and as Assistant General Director/Development for The Dallas Opera. He was also Managing Director of the USA Film Festival, and previously worked in Development for Vanderbilt and Rice Universities and was Director of Development for the Santa Fe Opera. He was a trustee of The Dallas Opera and of the Santa Fe Chamber Music Festival. He served as Grand Sénéchal of the Confrerie des Chevaliers du Tastevin Sous-Commanderie de Dallas, and enjoyed many trips to Burgundy in France. Bob enjoyed participating in French Heritage Society and the Order of St. John.

Bob was pre-deceased by his parents, Harold and Virginia Hull, his brother David Andrew “Andy” Hull, his sister Susan Loveless and many close friends. He is survived by his wife Myra Barker Hull, sons David Hull (Amy), Ben Hull (Stacy) and stepson Chris Barker (Yoko Negita). He is also survived by six grandchildren,

Natalie Hanifl (Matt), Morgan Getz (Austin), Benjamin Hull (Jess), Samantha Hull, Atticus Hull and Alexandria Hull, and by his former wife, Patricia Groves Hull. He was delighted by his great-grandsons Max and Oliver Hanifl.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial gifts may be made to The Dallas Opera, attention Ashley Harris, Margot and Bill Winspear Opera House, 2403 Flora Street, Suite 500, Dallas, TX 75201, or to UT Southwestern Medical Center, Office of Development and Alumni Relations, PO Box 910888, Dallas, TX 75391-0888.

The family wishes to thank the physicians and staff of UT Southwestern for their excellent care and the staff of the Claridge for all their help and support.

A memorial service for Bob will be held Thursday, October 1st at 4:00 p.m. at Sparkman/Hillcrest Funeral Home, 7405 W. Northwest Highway, Dallas, TX 75225, followed by a reception at the Claridge, 3510 Turtle Creek Boulevard, Dallas, TX 75219.