Robert (Bob) Richter, Sr.

Robert Linley Richter, Sr. (Bob) went home to Jesus peacefully with his loved ones by his side on February 15, 2024. Bob was born the third of three boys on January 5, 1931, to Arthur and Margaret Richter. Growing up during the Great Depression in the Mississippi delta town of Greenwood, Mississippi, wasn't easy but Bob never realized that. He was always a happy and positive human being even into his final years on earth. As a boy, he was always involved in sports, from playing high school football and baseball to leading youth activities each summer on Greenwood public playgrounds. It was there he found his calling of mentoring those younger ones coming along behind him—a love that would follow him throughout his life in all seasons. 

Bob graduated from Millsaps College, and while there, he was a member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity, a three-year letterman in varsity football, and sports editor of the college newspaper and yearbook. But most importantly it was there where he met Sara Nell Linn, fell in love, and eventually made her his wife.

After college, he joined the Army Security Agency and served 18 months in Korea. Even at 93 he was a proud Veteran and was always seen wearing his Veterans hat.  Returning home to Nashville, Tennessee, he was hired by General Shoe Corporation (now Genesco) and, through the years, held several executive positions including President of Charm Step Shoes. Later he joined Allen-Edmonds Shoe Corporation as Military Sales Manager and southeast sales representative. He retired in 1998 after 50 years in the footwear industry.

Bob and "Linn" built a happy marriage that lasted 70 years. They had two children, Becky and Linley, and as a family, their lives were centered around the church. As both Bob and Linn had a great love of young people, they became a team serving as Jr. High department leaders and youth choir sponsors, frequently chaperoning out-of-town youth trips, local hayrides, and such.

Raising their children was the greatest joy of their lives and relating to their children's friends was a treat. Their home was always open to them. Later, they took great delight in their three grandchildren, Aubrey, Davis, and Josh... and later still their great-grandsons, Carter and Brooks.

As time moved on Bob and Linn were instrumental in forming a Supper Club for 55-Plus church members, as well as a small group home Bible study-the Koinonia Group. Bob was a deeply spiritual man who shared God’s love with others. He was an inspiration to all who knew him and was loved and admired by many. He took great joy in reading the entire Bible many times over. The impact of Bob’s life will be felt for years to come. Bob's hobbies were tennis, golf, and trips to the beach. He loved God, life, family, and friends with all his heart. He is preceded in death by his parents and two brothers Dr. Arthur Richter Jr. and Rev. William Richter and is survived by his loving family, wife Linn, daughter Becky Naish (Phil), son Linley Richter (Kathy), grandchildren Aubrey Naish West (Matt), Davis Naish, and Josh Richter plus two great-grandchildren Carter and Brooks West.

A service to honor his life will take place on February 20, 2024, at Harpeth Hills Memorial Gardens. A private graveside military service will be held for the family immediately following. We would like to give special thanks to his nephrologist, Dr. Julia Lewis, and the staff of Davita dialysis unit, who loved him very much. The family would also like to thank his compassionate and loving caregivers, Scott Landis from Integrity Homecare Solutions, and select staff from Griswold Home Care, case manager Athena Sizemore, and caregivers Renee Goines and Lisa Mickler. We were so blessed to have Henry Beasley and Linda Cooper, who beautifully attended to his every need in the last month of his life.  We were also blessed to have Aveanna Hospice at the end of his life.

Pallbearers will be Davis Naish, Josh Richter, Matt West, Mike Linn, Kevin Carroll, and David Gregory.

Honorary Pallbearers will be Carter West, Brooks West, and Matt Linn.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place., Memphis, Tennessee 38105.