Robert Baker Burns

Robert Baker Burns also known affectionately as Bob, Rob, and Robbie, was born into this world May 26, 1954 to parents Elaine Atkins and Robert William Burns, in Casper, WY with a love for music and a smile on his face. He died unexpectedly, but peacefully, at his home in Old Hickory, TN, on March 24, 2023, leaving many hearts longing for more time with him. Bob spent his youth picking roses from his sisters' rose bush and wildflowers from the fields where they played and searched for arrowheads in the warm summer sun together. He loved music and was drawn to the guitar as his instrument of expression in which he sang, wrote, and played beautiful music and some all out wonderful jams. Many of us would say he rocked! Music was his life though Bob was an artist with many talents and joys. He also loved painting and poetry much like his mother. He was an incredible Uncle that spread joy, was always down for ice cream and arcades, or the movies. He never missed a birthday which meant more than he probably knew. He was an amazing friend and mentor that was an amazing example of what a Christian man should be. Once grown he spread his wings and moved to Billings, MT where he lived the dream of rocking out in a band called Skybound with friends Duane Nichols (now deceased), Chuck Clark, Tim Weisner, and Stick (Maury) Steiger. Bob, like many artists, tried a multitude of careers, but it was after the passing of his parents that he took the leap to Nashville to follow his dreams. As an avid guitarist and collector he took his chance at applying for work at Gibson and landed a job leading to over 20 years of service with them! Always learning and growing, he was living the dream and impacting so many with his infectious smile, kind words, and generous nature towards all. We all wish he could have stayed longer and that there were more people like him in this world. He was a deeply faithful man dedicated to his God and daily prayer with his favorite person of 30 years, his fiance, Gabriella Raphael. They met in church 30 years ago, both musicians deeply rooted in their faith, they became fast friends spending every day together creating music and taking on life's great adventures. Bob had a powerful gift of discernment that helped the two of them navigate both the storms of life and actual storms where they felt God guide them through tornados and 100mph winds to safety. Gabriella would say Bob's built in GPS (God Positioning Satellite) was on point as they explored the countrysides of Tennessee and Kentucky searching for treasures at antique shops and Goodwills letting God guide them while taking in the beauty around every corner, farms, wildflowers, cute animals, state parks, and historical landmarks. They had fun together every moment they could. They were without a doubt, the greatest gift from God for each other in so many ways. Bob's greatest heart desire was touching the lives for God's Kingdom. His legacy is one of showing the love of Jesus, compassion, and kindness wherever he went. He was truly the hands and feet of Jesus to so many which is evident from the incredible outpouring of love that others had for him. He touched so many more lives than he ever could have imagined. Bob was truly a beautiful soul who loved selflessly, gave grace and compassion generously and exuded pure joy. It is now time to honor his legacy by picking up the baton and following in his footsteps to continue touching the hearts and lives of those around us for the Lord. His motto was "Change the world one heart at a time". He is preceded in death by his mother, Elaine Atkins, father, Robert William Burns, Aunt, Jane Atkins, and his grandmother, Annabelle Hawkins Atkins. He is survived by his fiance, Gabriella Raphael, sister, Joan Zarlengo, nieces, Kira James and Sheena Cauthorn, great-niece, Chloe James, great-nephew, Evan Dix, Uncle, Ray Atkins, Uncle, Bob and Aunt Billie Atkins, Cousins, Pam, JoAnna, Glenn, Candace, Andrea (Luke), and so many other family and friends that already miss him dearly. Natural Burial services will be conducted Wednesday, April 12th, at 11am at Larkspur Conservation, 155 Bear Carr Rd. Westmoreland, TN. Please arrive 15 minutes early, dress comfortably, and wear appropriate walking shoes. "Change the world one heart at a time"

Robert Baker Burns

May 26, 1954 - March 24, 2023