Robert Ray Redden

Robert Ray Redden was born on March 10, 1938, to Mildred and Ray Redden. He was the quintessential middle child, and according to his sister Anna Ruth, “All Bobby wanted to do was play.” He had a contagious smile, an unforgettable laugh, and a gift for telling a good story. He spent most of his life in Old Hickory, Tennessee, although he was happiest in the woods, on the lake, or anywhere he could enjoy God's creation.

Although his parents named him Robert, he collected quite a few other names along the way, depending on when and how you knew him. Bobby, Fireball, Bob, and Daddy Bob were just a few. But his favorite name, BeeBob, was given to him by his grandchildren.

After high school, Bob attended Middle Tennessee State University before finding his way to Harris School of Art, where he honed his God-given artistic talent. Over the years, he shared that talent through his work with the Baptist Sunday School Board, Studio 6, The Art Office, Buntin Advertising, Redden & Co., and LifeWay Christian Resources.

One of his lesser-known accomplishments was designing, hand-lettering, and illustrating a logo for a little local restaurant you may have heard of: Cracker Barrel. Although his name isn't attached to it, his work lives on in the original logo with the capital R's, still seen in some locations today.

On November 5, 1960, Bob married his high school sweetheart, Anita Allen. They walked through life together for just one day shy of their 66th wedding anniversary, building a family, sharing adventures, weathering challenges, and demonstrating that a lasting marriage requires both tremendous love and a good deal of hard work. Together, they built a legacy that reaches well beyond the two of them.

Bob firmly believed that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing right. And preferably, perfectly. You could see it in the extraordinary detail of his watercolor paintings, the shelves of meticulously labeled and organized fishing lures, and his remarkably well-maintained 2001 Dodge Ram truck.

He held himself to a high standard and did his best to encourage everyone around him to do the same. He wasn't necessarily opposed to doing things differently, as long as you understood that his way was probably the right way.

That attention to detail followed him into his work, his church, his hobbies, and just about everything else he touched.

So, naturally, when Bob retired, he did retirement exceptionally well.

His sister Anna Ruth's words from childhood still rang true: “All Bobby wanted to do was play.” Only now, he had more time to do just that. Time with his family and grandchildren, and countless hours spent fishing, hunting, and golfing with his buddies.

Bob lived by his own set of standards, and he spent a good deal of his life trying to convince his children and grandchildren that they should live by them, too. Some lessons stuck better than others.

A few things Bob believed everyone should know:

1. Details matter. Notice them.

2. Buy the best you can, take care of it, and be a good steward of what you've been given.

3. The best songs tell a good story. (Think The Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald.)

4. Telling a good story is an art worth mastering.

5. Put things back where you found them.

6. A good dog is good for the soul.

7. Sunday nights are perfect for cereal or cinnamon toast.

8. Squirrels can make surprisingly good pets. (His was named Frito.)

9. Don't get your days and nights mixed up.

10. If you borrow something, return it in better condition than when you received it.

11. And if you make a mistake, own up to it, flash a million-dollar smile, and hope it gets you out of trouble.

Bob's faith in God ran deep. It wasn't simply a part of his life; it was the foundation on which everything else was built. Throughout the years, he faithfully served First Baptist Church Old Hickory (FBC at the Village) in whatever way he was needed. He drove Bus Number 5, helped prepare ham suppers and fish fries, worked with Vacation Bible School, and served as a deacon.

But perhaps Bob felt closest to God when he was surrounded by the intricate details of His creation. The fan of a bird's wing, the ridges of a mushroom, or the unexpected colors of a wildflower. Where others might have seen something ordinary, Bob saw the unmistakable handiwork of God. As an artist himself, he appreciated the artistry of the Creator.

Of course, no obituary could capture all the stories, the laughter, the lessons, or the countless little things that made Bob who he was. But perhaps these give you a glimpse.

Bob leaves behind his wife, Anita, and the family they built together: his son, Allen Redden, and Allen's children, Craig Redden and Rachel Redden; his daughter, Angela Estes, and her husband, John, and their sons, Thomas Jesse (TJ) Estes and Scott Estes, Scott's wife, Jillian, and their boys, Jackson and Oliver Ray. He is also survived by his sister, Anna Ruth Wilson; his brother, William Redden, and his wife, June.

Family and friends are invited to gather and celebrate Bob's life at Hermitage Funeral Home. Visitation will be held Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

A celebration of Robert Ray Redden • March 10, 1938 – November 4, 2026, of his life will take place Sunday, November 8, at 2:00 p.m., with visitation beginning at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service.

Honored to serve as pallbearers are Bob's grandsons, Craig Redden, Scott Estes, and TJ Estes; his nephew, Nathan Wilson; his cousin, Richard Bomar; and his friend and fishing buddy, Lee Buck.

There are so many other people who held a special place in Bob's life that trying to name them all would inevitably mean leaving someone out. The truth is, if Bob liked you, you knew it. You were special to him, and you were loved deeply.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to make a donation in Bob's memory to Raise the Roof Academy, a Christian organization doing wonderful work through education and community development in Uganda. Donations can be made online at ww.raisetheroofacademy.org or mailed to Raise the Roof Academy, P.O. Box 92216, Nashville, TN 37209. Please indicate that your gift is in memory of Robert Ray Redden.

And one more thing.

Go outside. Take a walk. Look closely at the tiny details God has tucked into His creation.

Notice the colors, the textures, the things most people hurry past.

BeeBob would have wanted you to see them.