Bobby Byrn Hollingsworth

Bobby “Bob” Byrn Hollingsworth, age 88, of Hermitage, Tennessee, passed away on August 11, 2026. He was born July 2, 1938, in Old Hickory, Tennessee, lived at the Hermitage for over 20 years, and then spent most of his adult life in the Mt. Juliet community. Bob lived a rich and varied life shaped by art, music, teaching, faith, friendship, and a deep interest in the world around him.

A gifted artist and educator, Bob spent much of his professional life teaching the visual arts. He also served as a supervisor and later operated KwikSketch at Opryland Theme Park.

Over the course of his career, Bob taught thousands of students, many of whom continued to speak of him with great affection and gratitude decades later. He was remembered not only for what he taught, but for the guidance, encouragement, and leadership he gave so freely. The lasting regard of his former students is perhaps one of the clearest measures of the influence he had as a teacher.

Faith and music were important parts of Bob’s life. He was active at Donelson Presbyterian Church and Hermitage United Methodist Church, where he led the choir for 29 years. Through worship, music, and fellowship, he shared his talents generously and became a cherished part of his church communities.

Outside of his work and church life, Bob had an adventurous spirit and a wide range of interests. He was a member of the Old Hickory Bunch, the Tennessee Longhunters, and numerous other groups and organizations over the years. He approached his interests with enthusiasm and curiosity, whether through art, history, music, travel, or the many hobbies and pursuits that captured his attention.

Bob also had a wonderful memory for people and experiences, and he enjoyed sharing them with family and friends. His warmth, humor, and ability to connect with others made him someone people remembered long after meeting him.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Dewey and Willie Mai Hollingsworth; sisters, Juanita (Milton) Sanford and Alleta Hollingsworth; his wife, Joyce Hollingsworth; and brother-in-law, James Rudd.

He is survived by his wife, Beverly; sons, Lin (Young) and Robert (Beth); sister-in-law, Kathy Rudd; and grandchildren, Grant, Evan, Keith (Achille), Rachael, and Maggie Hollingsworth, along with many extended family members, former students, fellow church members, and friends.

Bob leaves behind a lasting legacy in the people he taught, the music he shared, the artwork he created, the friendships he formed, and the family who loved him.

Although his earthly story has come to an end, his family finds comfort in the faith he carried throughout it. We look forward to the day when we will meet him again in Beulah Land and share in the Story that has no ending.



In lieu of flowers, the family asks you make a donation to the Hermitage (in honor of Bob’s life there), Earmark it in memory of Bobby B. Hollingsworth, Lifetime Member…thehermitage.com/give-form

And in a way Bobby himself might have appreciated, his family invites those who knew him to keep his stories alive: tell one, write one down, laugh about one you have heard a dozen times, and remember a life that was very well lived and very much worth talking about.

Visitation will be held at Hermitage Funeral Home, 535 Shute Ln, Old Hickory, TN 37138, US, on August 19, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

Visitation will also be held at Hermitage Church of Nazarene, 4151 Saundersville Rd, Nashville, TN 37138, on August 20, 2026, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at the same location at 12:00 pm. The burial will immediately follow at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.