Robert Andrew Metzger ("Bob"), of Spring Hill, Tennessee, passed away on 9/20/2026 after a brief illness, leaving behind a legacy of love, generosity, dedication, and kindness. Born on May 19, 1968, in Buffalo, New York, Bob lived a life centered on family, friendship, hard work, and caring for others.

Bob was the beloved son of Raymond and Rosemarie Metzger and the loving brother of Dawn Hawthorn (Metzger). He graduated from Kenmore West High School in 1987 and continued his education by graduating from Buffalo State College, carrying with him the values of integrity, perseverance, and compassion throughout his life.

From an early age, Bob demonstrated determination and leadership. As a young man, he earned the distinguished rank of Eagle Scout, an achievement that reflected the character, discipline, and commitment to service that would remain hallmarks of his life. He was also an exceptional athlete and an accomplished tennis player, known among family and friends for both his skill on the court and his love for friendly competition.

His childhood was filled with happy summers at his grandparent’s cottage at Silver Bay in Ontario, Canada, where he gathered with family along the lake, enjoying laughter, adventure, and the close bonds that remained important to him throughout his life. He often told funny stories about the beach shenanigans that he was a part of with his sister and cousins.

Bob devoted his entire professional career to the automotive industry, a field he truly loved. He spent many years at Northtown Automotive in Amherst, New York, before continuing his career at Volkswagen of Franklin, Tennessee, where he served as a trusted and respected Service Advisor. He was known for his automotive expertise, strong work ethic, and ability to build genuine relationships with customers and coworkers alike.

Bob was an avid collector of wrist watches as well as vintage cars and he loved to share his knowledge and expertise about them with others. Bob especially found joy in restoring and preserving a wide assortment of classic vehicles. Among all the cars he cherished, his favorite was his beloved orange Volkswagen Beetle, a vehicle that perfectly reflected his enthusiasm, personality, and lifelong appreciation for automotive history.

What truly set Bob apart, however, was his generosity of spirit. At work, he made sure his desk was always stocked with Matchbox cars, purchasing new ones every week so that children waiting with their families during service appointments would have a small gift to brighten their day. That simple but meaningful gesture brought smiles to countless children and reflected the kindness and thoughtfulness that defined his life.

Bob's compassion extended beyond people to animals as well. He was a faithful dog lover and adored his four dogs, Rosie, Chloe, Jack, and Macy, who brought him endless joy and companionship. On weekends, he generously volunteered his time at the local animal shelter, caring for animals in need and helping them find loving homes. His love for animals reflected his gentle heart and belief that every living creature deserved kindness and care.

Bob was also a music fan with a particular love for alternative music from the 1980s. He could always be found listening to his favorite artists, and he was always eager to attend a concert whenever the opportunity arose. Whether it was Depeche Mode or Morrissey, few things made him happier than experiencing live music and sharing those moments with family and friends. He never could let go of his retro 1990’s CD collection.

A proud native of Buffalo, Bob remained a loyal fan of the Buffalo Bills and Buffalo Sabres throughout his life. Some of his happiest memories were made by attending games with his children, cheering on his favorite teams, and sharing his love for Buffalo sports with the people he loved most. Whether celebrating a victory or enduring a tough season with a super bowl loss, Bob's enthusiasm never wavered, and those trips to the games, both in Buffalo and Nashville, became treasured family traditions filled with laughter, excitement, and unforgettable moments.

Above all, Bob was a devoted husband and father. For 28 wonderful years, he shared a loving marriage with Melissa Metzger (Lyons), his best friend, partner, and greatest supporter. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and cherished memories. They spent many hours on the back porch together having porch coffee or porch beers. Their marriage was a testament to commitment through all of the good times and the challenging ones too. They have 4 amazing children together; Bob was a proud and loving father to Andrew Jameson, James Patrick, Tessa Caroline, and Nathan Robert. His children were the center of his world, and he took immense pride in their accomplishments and in the people they became. He was their constant source of encouragement, guidance, wisdom, and unconditional love.

Those who knew Bob will remember his warm smile, generous heart, strong character, and ability to make everyone feel welcome. Whether helping a customer, offering a meal to the homeless, volunteering at the shelter, or spending time with his family and crazy dogs, Bob made a lasting impact on the lives of everyone he met.

Bob is survived by his beloved wife of 28 years, Melissa Metzger (Lyons); his children, Andrew, James, Tessa, and Nathan; his parents, Raymond and Rosemarie Metzger; his sister, Dawn Hawthorn (Metzger) and her husband Karl; Melissa’s parents James and Carole Lyons; Melissa’s sisters Jeanette Gridley (Lyons) and her husband John and Carrie Auwarter (Lyons) and her husband Kevin; and nieces and nephews Brendan, Patrick, Ryan, Kaelyn, Lily, Charles and Caroline; his beloved dogs, Rosie, Chloe, Jack, and Macy; and many other extended family members, friends, coworkers, and loved ones who will forever cherish his humor and his memory.

Though his passing leaves an immeasurable void, Bob's legacy lives on in the love he shared, the lives he touched, the animals he cared for, and the countless acts of kindness that defined him. Bob’s love of watches is a poignant reminder for all of us. May we always remember to make the most of every minute that we have, just as Bob did.

"Be good, do good, God bless, and go Bills." ~Josh Allen MVP17

A celebration of life will be planned for a future date.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to:

Ways to Help | Vanderbilt Children's Hospital Nashville, TN

Donations | Maury County Animal Services, TN