Robert "Bob" Edward Heil

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Robert “Bob” Heil, who left us on April 1, 2025. Bob was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend, known for his kindness, patience, generosity, and adventurous spirit.

Born in Louisville Kentucky on May 17th, 1939, Bob lived a life full of love and dedication to his family and friends. A humble pipe salesman, Bob’s love of people served him well as he traveled the country. Those who worked for him knew him as the man who always had a cold drink waiting for them on hot days, and the man they could count on to honor his commitments.

A veteran of the US Army, Robert’s fierce discipline met his worldly curiosity when he deployed to Berlin, Germany in December of 1961, where he faithfully served for three years during the Cold War, his magnetism forging bonds that would last a lifetime.

Throughout his life, Bob was an expert at finding the joy in every little moment. Be it a well placed joke, a perfectly executed prank, or a fantastic story, he never failed to turn even a minor inconvenience into a memory that would bring laughter for years to come. In hard times, Bob knew how to measure his advice carefully- speaking little, but always finding the right thing to say. He was a man of few words and boundless wisdom.

Robert’s gentle spirit shone brightest when he was feeding the birds, fishing, reading his favorite philosophers, listening to Bach, playing cards with his family, and traveling at his wife’s side. His family proudly carries his legacy of compassion, humor, devotion, and humility into the future, so that they might continue to share the peace and joy that Bob cultivated for them over so many years.

Robert Heil is survived by his loving wife of nearly 60 years, Patricia Heil, his son Martin Heil, and his grandson Chance Heil, as well as many dear friends and loved ones. He was preceded in death by his daughter Bridgett Heil.

A memorial gathering will be held to celebrate Bob’s life on April 26th from 12:00pm-4:00pm in the pavilion of Harpeth Hills Memory Gardens.

He will remain in our hearts forever.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to The Wounded Warrior Project