Robert Larry Jacoby

January 24, 1944 - September 7, 2013

Mr. Robert Larry Jacoby, age 69 of Columbia, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family, on Saturday morning, September 7, 2013 in Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday, September 10, 2013 at 1:00 PM from the chapel of Heritage Funeral, officiated by Pastor Bobby Smart. With military honors provided by the United States Army, Mr. Jacoby will be laid to rest in the Garden of Love in Maury Memorial Gardens, adjacent to Heritage Funeral Home. The family will receive friends for visitation from 5:00 – 8:00 PM on Monday, September 9, 2013 at Heritage Funeral Home. Heritage Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

Mr. Jacoby was born January 24, 1944 in Gettysburg, PA and was the son of Kermit Leroy and Evelyn Grace Rohrback Jacoby. Following high school, he served his country in Vietnam in the United States Army, and later in the United States Army Reserve.

The foundations of his faith were based in the Lutheran Church where he was recognized for being present every Sunday for 14 years, growing up. His faith carried him through his service years, and into a career of service as a fireman.

He retired on his birthday in 1999 with 25 years of service as an Engineer with the Columbia (TN) Fire Department. One of his fondest memories was a trip to Appleton, WI with his friend, and co-worker, Billy Ray King to drive the newest ladder truck back to Columbia. The hours on the road created a bond of friendship between the two that could not be broken.

Outside of his career, he will be remembered as a family man who loved his children and grandchildren more than anything. He dedicated his life to create an environment of love and protection for them. Self-taught, his wife and children remember him as an excellent cook, using the description “Creative Chef.” He could create a meal from the most limited set of ingredients and make sure nobody left the table hungry. He believed in providing for those in need, but not wasting the blessings given.

His ability to create with food also extended into his artistic talent of drawing. Many homes in the area are home to his artwork which will be enjoyed for years to come. His love extended to his pets and chickens. He loved the time spent on his “Gentleman’s Farm” and enjoyed caring for the animals and fields. He was also an avid sportsman who enjoyed dove and deer hunting. Many times his dear friend, Freddie “Bear” White, would join him and take the children out hunting as well. Their lifelong friendship will also be cherished by Robert’s family.

Robert always stated to his wife, children, and grandchildren: “If I got a home, you all got a home.” In the morning hours of September 7, Robert left the earthly home he had worked to create for his family to begin work on their eternal palace. His leadership, compassion, and love will be missed by his family and friends.

He leaves to celebrate his life his wife of 45 years: Carolyn Gowan Jacoby; three sons and daughters-in-law: Robert L. “Bobby” & Lara Jacoby, Michael Paul & Kristen Jacoby and Troy Shawn & Crystal Jacoby; and a daughter: Lessa Dawn Jacoby, all of Columbia. He is also survived by a brother: Barry Jacoby and two sisters: Naomi (Paul) Warren and Debbie (Rob) Grimm, all of Gettysburg, PA; 11 grandchildren: Savanna, Sloan, Trevor, Joshua, Caitlon, Sierra, Olivia, Addika, Colton, Bronson, and Laisyn; and two precious great-grandchildren: Annalise and Laytan. He is also survived by his special nephews: Timmy & Phillip Gilbert of Memphis, TN and Tommy Gowan of Pulaski.

Pallbearers will be members of the Columbia Fire Department. Honorary Pallbearers will be Robert’s former co-workers from his 25-year career.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Kermit Leroy and Evelyn Grace Rohrback Jacoby; and a brother: Kermit L. Jacoby Jr.

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