Robert "Bobby" Dale Fricks

Robert “Bobby” Dale Fricks, 69 years, passed away March 25, 2019 at the VA hospital in Nashville, TN. Bobby was born in Cape Girardeau, Missouri on February 10, 1950 to Robert Jefferson and Dorothy McCloud Fricks. He lived most of his life in southern Illinois and was a resident of Columbia, Tennessee as of last year. Bobby was extremely honored to have served his country as a member of the United States Army and a Vietnam era veteran. He continued to serve as a volunteer in various capacities helping other veterans in numerous ways and spreading courage, hope and love to those lives he touched through his music. He also served as Sergeant-of-Arms for an Illinois DAV chapter and was a very active advocate for Veterans’ Rights. Bobby was well-known as a singer/songwriter throughout Middle Tennessee as well as other areas of the country. His knack for spinning his stories to his music and delivered with gusto in his gravel-road voice immediately captured you and pulled you into whatever journey Bobby was taking you on at the time. Bobby is best known for his humble, loving spirit and generous nature. He was a man of many talents and interests and traveled many diverse paths in his lifetime; among them are: Licensed Hairdresser, Riverboat Captain’s assistant, Union Labor construction worker, Mental Health Facility Technician. Bobby was proudest and most honored of his job and gift of being father, Dad and friend to his only child, his Beloved Son Cody. In addition to his music, Bobby enjoyed motorcycle riding, boating on local lakes, time on his farm with his cherished pets and life in general. He was also a Mason. He is survived by his loving son, Cody Jefferson Fricks of Columbia, TN; sisters Nancy (Jimmy) Watkins of Jonesboro, IL; Lana Knupp of Anna, IL and many nieces, nephews; special friends Robby Russell and Brenda Lynn Allen as well many other family and friends, and lastly by a vast musical family of songwriters, pickers and fans. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters, Joan Ferrell of Raleigh, IL and Diana Lee Fricks of Grand Tower, IL; Grandparents, Earnest “Fitz” McCloud of Jonesboro, IL and Jeff and Ruth Fricks of Chattanooga, TN. A Celebration of Bobby’s Life will be held Friday, March 29, 2019, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 2800 Trotwood Avenue, in Columbia, TN. Rev. Jeff Kane will lead the service. Visitation with family and friends is from 1-2p.m. and service is at 2p.m., both in the church’s sanctuary. Oakes & Nichols Funeral Directors are assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be extended online at www.oakesandnichols.com. In lieu of flowers, Bobby’s family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made to: DISABLED AMERICAN VETERANS CHAPTER 22 in Maury Co. 931-626-5583.