Earl Robert "Bob" Caldwell III, age 75 of Murfreesboro died on March 16, 2021.  He was born in Memphis and was preceded in death by his parents, Earl Robert Caldwell, Jr and Francis Fisher Caldwell.

Bob is survived by his wife of 38 years, Debbie Caldwell, children, Dana Lyons (Rob), Rob Caldwell, Amanda Baskin and grandchildren, Justin Gwinn, Faith Gwinn, Robbie Caldwell, Pepsi and Ashton Phomthisene and great-grandchild RJ Caldwell; sister Evelyn Park (LD), his dog Kodi and a host of family and friends.

Bob received his Bachelor of Science Degree from Memphis State University and was a licensed civil engineer.  Bob served as the first Town Administrator for the Town of Smyrna as well as City Engineer for the City of Murfreesboro, and founded his own engineering firm, Caldwell and Associates. Bob engineered projects in Smyrna, Murfreesboro, Shelbyville, Franklin and landfills across Middle Tennessee.

Bob was a member of the Rutherford County Public Building Authority, Leadership Rutherford's Class of 1992, St. Mark's United Methodist Church and was President of the Lion's Club.

Bob's hanger at Murfreesboro Airport was one of his favorite places.  His planes took him all over the US, including bush flying in Alaska and trips to hunt, fish, golf or just get seafood for lunch.

He was the patriarch of his family. Dad and Granddaddy Bob/Papa was a great father to his children and grandchildren, who loved him right back.  He was proud of them and it showed.

The love of his life, though, was his wife Debbie.  They spent 38 years of marriage and they loved deeply.  Debbie and her "Bobby" enjoyed Friday night dinners with their many friends as well as trips to the beach and Cashers.  Bob took good care of her and she adored him for it.

Smart, Bob always had a plan.  He was always "getting ready to get ready." Bob viewed rules as suggestions, and he did things his way. He was a friend you wanted to have.

As the song says, Some glad morning when this life is over, I'll fly away to a home on God's celestial shore…Yeah, when I die, Hallelujah, by and by, I'll fly away.  His favorite time as a pilot was flying - The idea of landing was too finite for Bob's imagination and sense of adventure.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, March 21 from 2 pm to 6 pm at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.  Bob will be interred in the St Marks United Methodist Columbarium at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requested donations be made to St. Jude's or Alive Hospice in Bob's memory.