OBITUARY: Dr. Robert Bob “Bob” Satterfield

Dr. Robert G. “Bob” Satterfield, MD

October 2, 1945 – May 20, 2026

In Loving Memory

Dr. Robert G. “Bob” Satterfield, MD, passed away peacefully after a life defined by intellect, curiosity, service, adventure, and deep love for family.

Born in Owensboro, Kentucky, on October 2, 1945, Bob distinguished himself early as a gifted student, earning the Bausch & Lomb Senior Science Award upon graduating from Owensboro High School in 1963. An Eagle Scout and lifelong learner, he attended Murray State University, where he excelled academically in chemistry and biology, studied Russian, and was active in Sigma Chi fraternity leadership before entering medical school early.

Bob earned his medical degree from the University of Louisville School of Medicine in 1970, where he was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society and served as a class representative to the Student American Medical Association. He completed his internship and residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Vanderbilt University Hospitals, interrupted by honorable military service in the United States Army Medical Corps during the Vietnam War.

As a Captain in the U.S. Army Medical Corps from 1971–1973, Bob served in South Vietnam, where he organized medical relief efforts for civilians and acted as an OB/GYN consultant for the 3rd Field Hospital in Saigon. For his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star.

Following military service, Bob completed a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology at the Medical University of South Carolina, where he directed clinical research investigating gonadal dysgenesis and infertility. He later served as Assistant Professor in OB/GYN and Director of Reproductive Endocrinology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences before establishing a long and respected private practice in the Nashville area.

From 1978 until his retirement in 2002, Dr. Satterfield practiced obstetrics, gynecology, gynecologic oncology, and reproductive endocrinology in Hermitage, Tennessee. He served on the medical staffs of Donaldson Hospital and Summit Medical Center and remained active in numerous professional organizations including the American Medical Association, Tennessee Medical Association, and Nashville OB/GYN Society.

Outside of medicine, Bob embraced life fully and passionately. He was an adventurer at heart – a pilot, motorcycle enthusiast, boater, and lifelong student of art with a love for Van Gogh. Together with Pauline, the love of his life and wife of many years, he traveled extensively around the world, creating a life rich in experiences and shared memories.

Bob also had a deep love for golf. He loved studying the game, playing it, watching it, and even authored and executive produced The Anatomic Swing Method, a work exploring the relationship between anatomy, physics, and golf performance. Golf was not merely a hobby to him, but an intellectual and lifelong passion.

At home, Bob had a special affection for cats and cherished the companionship they brought throughout his life.

More than anything, Bob loved his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Pauline Satterfield; his brother, William and Carolyn Satterfield; his nephew, Will Satterfield and wife Meredith; and his niece, Caroline McClain and husband Jason.

He was also deeply loved by his stepfamily, including Matthew and Oksana Gallant and daughter Amelia; Courtney Gallant and daughter Sydney, and the late Michael Gallant; and Stephen and Yvonne Gallant.

Bob will be remembered as a brilliant physician, decorated veteran, devoted husband, passionate golfer, explorer of the world, and a man who lived life with uncommon curiosity and depth.

“A life marked by service, curiosity, adventure, and love.”

A special thanks to all the wonderful staff at the Tennessee State Veterans Home who were so caring, compassionate, and supportive in their care for him.

Visitation will be held Friday, June 5, 2026 from 2:00pm-4:00pm with Celebration of Life at 4:00pm at Sellars Funeral Home Mt. Juliet.

Arrangements by Sellars Funeral Home at Mt. Juliet, 2229 N. Mt. Juliet Road, Mt. Juliet, TN 37122, 615-758-5459, obituary line 615-758-8818, www.sellarsfuneralservices.com

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This obituary was published by Sellars Funeral Home at Mt. Juliet.

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