Bobby grew up in Louisiana as the youngest of six children. He remained extremely close to his sisters even though work had relocated him to Tennessee 25 years ago. He retired from Amerisource Bergen where he had begun his career working on the warehouse floor and advanced to a position of Vice-President in charge of a distribution warehouse.
After retiring, Bobby bought Hermitage Stationers and transformed the store into Deede’s Hallmark. Bobby did not just manage his store; he nurtured it and everyone connected to it. He loved interacting with his customers. His associates who worked at Deede’s Hallmark became part of his extended family. Bobby’s work with Hallmark allowed him to spend more time with his wife Deede and daughter Megan and develop personal friendships with his customers, sales representatives, and members of special organizations such as Music City Ornament Club.
Bobby was passionate about New Orleans Saint football, Jimmy Buffett music, Corvettes, and all dogs. He never met a dog that he didn’t want to take home which is why he had three.
Bobby was an amazing father, husband, brother, and friend.
Bobby Melder was preceded in death by his parents Milton and Palmire Melder; sister JoAnn Melder; and brothers Jimmie Melder and Johnny Melder. He is survived by his wife of 31 years Deede Melder; daughter Megan Melder; and sisters Francis Budd (Lonnie), Sue Cathey (Gary), and Jackie Sumrall.
A gathering of friends and family will be held Wednesday, May 29,2024, from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Hermitage Funeral and Memorial Gardens, Old Hickory, Tennessee. Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel of Hermitage Funeral Home. Interment will follow in the Garden of Memories, Hermitage Memorial Gardens.
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