Bobby Gaskell

Robert Walter "Bobby" Gaskell, 85, a resident of Columbia and formerly of Santa Fe, Tennessee, passed away on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Maury Regional Medical Center.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, March 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM with military honors provided by Herbert Griffin American Legion Post 19 at Santa Fe Cemetery, with Brother Stephen McCollum and Brother Anthony Muston officiating. Heritage Funeral Home is honored to assist the family with arrangements.

Born on April 25, 1939, in Maury County, Tennessee, Bobby was the son of the late Clyde and Rebecca Gaskell. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps and attended Knob Creek Baptist Church for many years. He graduated from Columbia Central High School and earned his bachelor’s degree in agriculture at Austin Peay State University. His career was dedicated to sales at Lorillard Tobacco Company for 40 years, and he also worked as a cattle farmer, having the first herd of Charolais cattle in Maury County. There were 125 head of cattle looking like snow on the hill, with all of them being white.

On April 11, 1964, Bobby married the love of his life, Janice Wall Gaskell, and together they built a beautiful life filled with love and family. They built, remodeled, and decorated many homes together during their 60-year marriage. He was a friend to all, with a kind heart, always willing to do anything for anyone. Bobby enjoyed playing softball for The Santa Fe Sluggers, The Baker Equipment, and The International Interstate Equipment teams. He found joy in golfing with his buddies at least a few days a week. He will be remembered as a devoted husband, father, and uncle.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Janice Gaskell; his son, Randall Clyde “Randy” Gaskell; brother-in-law, Charles Wall (Diane Bullock); numerous nieces and nephews, including Valerie Gaskell, Libby Gaskell, Janet Darlene Gaskell, Debbie (Phil) Bagsby, Wayne Huff, Alan (Tammy) Huff, Jan Greene, Jeanna (Eddie) Brooks, Dane Wall, Darren (Jeanean) Wall, David (Pam) Wall, and Mike (Linda) Wall; step-granddaughters, Jessica Miller and Jessie Lee; and several great-nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by his brothers, Tom Gaskell and Eddie Gaskell; step-grandson, Cody Miller; brothers-in-law, Carroll Wall and Neal Wall; and sister-in-law, Doris Huff.

The pallbearers will be Mike Wall, David Wall, Dane Wall, Darren Wall, Alan Huff, Wayne Huff, Eddie Brooks, Bill Ammons, Donald Kincaid, and Wayne Harris.

Honorary pallbearers will include the members of Knob Creek Baptist Church, Milton and Donna Beard, Jeannie Harris, Molly Ammons, Keith and Debbie Baker, Marvin Bailey, Jim Baker, Dwight King, Nancy Jo Garner (James), Mark and Janet Garner, and Sheila Debruhl.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Knob Creek Baptist Church, 2054 Knob Creek Rd, Columbia, TN 38401, or Santa Fe Cemetery, c/o Mark and Mimi Priest, 3682 Raleigh Beard Road, Santa Fe, TN 38482.