Bobby Doyle Lawrence, age 79, of Hermitage, Tennessee, passed away on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. Born in Lebanon, Tennessee, on April 18, 1947, he was a 1965 graduate of Central High School in Nashville.
Bobby dedicated 24 years of distinguished service to the Metro Nashville Police Department, serving as a patrol officer and homicide detective from 1971 until his retirement in 1995. Outside of his professional career, he was an avid lover of animals and music, and found immense joy in cooking and grilling for those he loved.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Charlene; his children, Chad Lawrence Hilburn (Eric), Mandy Lawrence, Caleb Lawrence (Tara), and Robby Ragan (Brook); six cherished grandchildren, Brandon, Madison, Katie, Jaylen, Bo, and Arno; and his great-granddaughter, Avery. He also leaves behind his brother, Johnny Lawrence; his sister, Terri Lawrence; and a host of extended family, including cousins, nieces, nephews, in-laws, and dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, James Oval Lawrence and Etheleen Kelley Lawrence; and his sisters, Dianne Dean and Sondra Lawrence.
Memorial service will be held Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Woodlawn-Roesch-Patton Funeral Home in Nashville beginning at 2:30 pm followed by visitation with family and friends to share memories, photos and music that Bobby enjoyed listening to until 5:00 pm.
In lieu of flowers, Bobby requested that donations be made to Proverbs 12:10 Animal Rescue or to an animal rescue of your choice.
