OBITUARY: Robert (Bob) Thompson VanHooser Jr.

Robert (Bob) Thompson VanHooser Jr., age 92 passed away Monday, November 22, 2021 at his residence.

He is preceded in death by his spouse Anna Ruth Spivey VanHooser, daughter Kathy Dowell, parents Robert T. VanHooser Sr. and Lanner Bell VanHooser, and sister Harriett Underwood.

He is survived by his daughters Robin Ann (Joel) Wright, Regina Kay (Al) Cobb, and son-in-law Jim Dowell; grandchildren, Adam Taylor Wright, Natalie Anne Cobb Griffin, & Robert Allen Pierce Cobb; great-grandchildren, Jaiden Lynn Griffin, Soren Robert Magnus Wright, and Noomi Faolan Wright; brother Wesley Clayton VanHooser. A special thank you to Premier Health Care caregivers, Crystal, Alisha, Valerie, Tina, Danielle; Avalon Hospice; and Willowbrook Home Health Care.

Robert was born in Martha, Tennessee on August 10, 1929, where he grew up working on the family farm. After high school graduation in 1947, he began a 70 plus year career in banking. His first job was at Commerce Union Bank in Nashville, Tennessee. Not long into his employment with Commerce Union Bank, he was promoted to manager of the Donelson Branch. He became very well known to his friends and customers as Bob VanHooser. During his time in Donelson, he enlisted and held the rank of Staff Sergeant in the US and Tennessee Air National Guard. After his honorable discharge, he returned to Donelson and continued his banking career. He met and married Anna Ruth on June 6, 1954. Moved to Lebanon Bank in 1960, where he became President and Chairman of the Board. Retired from Lebanon Bank in 1989. At which time he continued his banking career as a member of Wilson Bank and Trust Board of Directors and was still a member of the Emeritus Board upon his death. He was Chairman of the WBT Board from 95 to 98, and again in 2003. In 2017 Bob was named a Leader in Banking Excellence by the Tennessee Bankers Association (TBA).

Bob was also a member of the UMC Governor’s Board from 1986 till 1990. He was elected Chairman in 1989. He was a member and President of the Lebanon Lions Club, the Lebanon Wilson County Chamber of Commerce President, a member of the Wilson County Jaycees, and a member of the Water and Wastewater Authority of Wilson County.

He was a member of the Baptist denomination all his life. He attended Mt. Olivet Baptist church as a child and youth. While in Donelson was a member of the Donelson First Baptist Church. Upon moving to Lebanon, he joined and was ordained deacon at Trinity Baptist Church. He later became a member of Lebanon First Baptist Church, and then a charter member of West Haven Baptist Church.

Bob was an avid hunter, enjoyed dove hunting and deer hunting. He also enjoyed horticulture, ranching, construction, antique restoration, and was a fine wood furniture craftsman. Many in the community had the opportunity to receive a piece of his fine workmanship.

Visitation will be held on Friday, November 26th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Partee House (233 West Main St. Lebanon, TN 37087) and Saturday, November 27th at 11:00 a.m. until funeral service at 1:00 p.m. at West Haven Baptist Church, 5860 Lebanon Road, Lebanon, TN. Dr. Jonathan Richerson will officiate the services. Bob will be interned at Cedar Grove Cemetery with full military honors. Active pallbearers, Phil Bryant, Jack Bell, Jim Allen Dowell, Joel Wright, Al Cobb, Allen Cobb, and Daniel Steger. Honorary pallbearers, Larry & Linda Squires, Robert & Deanna Jackson, Royce & Anita Slaven, Karen & Sean McBrien, Jimmy & LaVelle Allen, Randy & Chris Steger, Cindy Clark, Bob & Shirley Lowe, Julie Hopkins, Charles & Elaine Bell, Johnny & Alice Trice, Jerry Franklin, Wilson Bank & Trust Board of Directors, Mike Morello, Dr. Hardie Sorrels, Dr. Bruce Johnson, his West Haven Sunday School Class.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Mr. VanHooser’s memory to the West Haven Baptist Church or to the Gideon International. PARTLOW FUNERAL CHAPEL (615) 444-7007 OBITUARY LINE (615) 444-7700. www.partlowchapel.com