Robert "Bobby" Coleman Lineberger

Dr. Robert Coleman Lineberger “Bobby” passed away at his family farm with his wife and loved ones by his side on April 13, 2020. He was 84. Bobby was born October 31, 1935 in Columbia, TN to the late Evelyn Warren Tucker and Edd Coleman Lineberger. He grew up in Columbia and moved to Nashville in his elementary school days.

He was a graduate of Montgomery Bell Academy (Class of 1954) where he developed lifelong friendships. He played four years on the varsity gridiron, receiving MVP his senior year. He was possibly the only graduate to have played for three head coaches in four years at MBA. He played three years of baseball and served three years on the Honor Council, the last of which he served as president. He was a charter member inductee of Totomoi and held many other offices and leadership positions. He was also known for participating in several pranks through his high school years, adding to the enjoyment of his days on the Hill. He credited his years at MBA as the most influential in his life.

He attended Vanderbilt University where he was a member of SAE fraternity, editor of The Commodore (yearbook) and held leadership posi-tions with the Student Christian Association. He remained a life-long Vandy fan. Following his graduation in 1958, he went on to attend Dental School at the University of Tennessee, Memphis. He was by then married to his wife of 62 years, Anne Mashburn Lineberger.

He served as first lieutenant in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps in Charleston, S.C. then returned to Nashville where he began his dental and orthodontics practice of 35 years. During his years practicing, he also served as adjunct professor at Vanderbilt University and Centennial Medical Center.

Bobby loved the outdoors and being a farmer, raising Polled Hereford cows that always found ways to escape his fences. He thoroughly enjoyed hunting birds but especially waterfowl. He hunted in Canada, the States, Argentina, and Uruguay; in search of great experiences and waterfowl. He would hunt the occasional pheasant in North Dakota or ride horses chasing quail in South Georgia. He also loved “his crappie hole” in the lake on his farm. His interests were many including fishing, woodturning, golf, gardening, nature and the love of his dogs.

Bobby always found time for his great wife, two daughters and son. He supported his children’s and grandchildren’s extracurricular activities with enthusiasm. He was supportive, firm, loving and at times “hard headed”.

Doc, as some called him, had a huge heart for children. At times, he would pay tuition for those who could not afford it. In the last several years of his practice, he along with a friend, Dr. Tom Orcutt, donated surgery time at Centennial Medical Center and other hospitals in the South for infants who had been born with cleft palates. That, he noted, was the most rewarding aspect of his years of practice as he knew these infants would not grow up with a cleft palate abnormality.

Bobby was plain spoken. You knew where you stood with him. He was a man who had persevered, had integrity and had earned the respect of his peers. He was a success in the eyes of his family having helped provide a better life for his wife and children than he ever knew growing up.

Bobby is survived by his wife of 62 years, Anne M. Lineberger; daughters, Anne C. Lineberger, Martha Gorham (Matt), son, Rob Lineberger; and grandchildren, Sarah Gorham, Jody Gorham, Gordon Lineberger, Halle Lineberger, Drew Lineberger and Cole Lineberger.

In light of social distancing and safe at home orders, a memorial service celebrating Bobby’s life will be held at a later date. The family extends deep gratitude and thanks to Avalon Hospice, Wade Russell and his recent caregivers.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Montgomery Bell Academy, 4001 Harding Road., 37205; Interfaith Dental Clinic, 600 Hill Ave, Suite 101., 37210; The Nature Conservancy of Tennessee, 2 Maryland Farms, Suite 150.,37027; or a charity of your choice.