Robert "Bob" Carlson

Robert John “Bob” Carlson, age 87 of Athens TN was welcomed into the presence of his Lord and Savior on August 30, 2025, peacefully at his home surrounded by family. Bob was born on May 16, 1938, to the late John and Berce Carlson in Minneapolis MN. He was one of three children. Survived by his brother Richard (Jennifer) Carlson of Minneapolis MN. He was preceded in death by his sister Phyllis Lamkin and his son Stephen Carlson.

Bob leaves behind his treasured wife Jayne Carlson of 63 years and his children Rob Carlson of Athens TN, Nicole (Jason) Hogle of Sutton NH, Jaynel (Tracy) Watkins of Cleveland TN, Jered (Cynthia) Carlson of Blountville TN, 9 grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

Bob was a military veteran of the U.S. Army in 1962 for 8 years. He had a great work ethic to support his family. He worked for Old Dutch Foods in St. Paul MN for 30 years and never missed a day of work. He ran a Saturday and Sunday paper route of over 400 papers where he and his kids delivered them before 6am and still managed to never miss a church service. He also had a home business as a master woodworking craftsman where he built many things. After moving to Athens, TN in 1996, Bob worked at Mills Products for 11 years, then retired.

Bob was a dedicated athlete winning trophies in tennis and racquetball. He finished two 26-mile marathons in Duluth MN. Bob loved weightlifting and fitness until the age of 86.

As a servant to the Lord, Bob volunteered for the church in various ways: Awana Commander for 20 years, Sunday School Teacher, Bus Driver, church committees, Mission Trips repairing storm damaged homes at Woodcrest Baptist in MN. At First Baptist Church in Athens TN, Bob volunteered woodworking skills and was on various committees. He loved serving Jesus whole-heartedly. He imparted the word of God and importance of his love for Jesus.

Bob had a servant’s heart and a willingness to put others needs before his own. He was a dedicated leader in the church and at home. His family is grateful for his consistent example of love, integrity, and faithfulness to the Lord. Bob’s hope is that you will accept Jesus in your heart as your Lord and Savior, John 3:16. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2Tim 4:7).

A special thanks to hospice of Chattanooga for their loving care. We are truly blessed for all the staff and nurses that helped care for Bob.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to https://www.miraclelake.org/.

Funeral Service will be held at Good Samaritan Funeral Home located at 1326 Frye St, Athens, TN, Thursday September 4, 2025, at 7 PM. Visitation from 5 pm to 7 pm prior to the service. Interment will be at McMinn Memorial Gardens, Athens TN on September 5, 2025, at 2 pm. Friends and Family will assemble at the Funeral Home Friday at 1:00 pm to proceed to the cemetery.