Robert Allen Gatlin, 88, passed away at his home in Memphis, Tennessee, on October 7th, 2026. He was born on September 1st, 1938, in Limestone County, Alabama, to Winfred Franklin Gatlin and Clara Florene Chapman Gatlin.
Robert graduated from Colbert County High School in 1956 and went on to get his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama in 1963. Throughout his career, he worked on NASA’s Apollo program at the Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama, before going to work for IBM. He later relocated to northern Virginia, where he worked for the United States Department of Treasury in Washington, D.C. While there he was honored to be chosen to work on President Jimmy Carter’s President’s Reorganization Project.
After relocating to Columbus, Mississippi, he worked for Ceco Building Systems. He finally retired from The University of Memphis, where he served as Director of IT Tactical Planning and Project Management.
Robert married Wanda Lee Hill on July 22nd, 1957, and had four daughters who thought he was the greatest Daddy and could do anything. He and Wanda Lee were married for over 60 years. Robert was a deacon in his church and participated in foreign mission work. He enjoyed a photography hobby as well as building and fixing almost anything. He always loved keeping up with the latest electronic and computer “tech.”
Robert is survived by his daughters, Stacey Gatlin Murray (Billy) and Sarah Kate Gatlin; his brother, Tony Gatlin (Anita): and his sister, Margaret Gatlin Timbes. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Billy Murray III (Leah), Lauren Hunter (Derek), Sarah Martin (John T.), Gatlin Murray, Hattie Murray, Joshua Smith (Lindsey), Kelsey Munson (Nicholas), Michael Smith (Hannah), Kristin Simpson, Kayla Simpson, Steven Twigg, Robbie Twigg, and Susan Twigg; along with several great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wanda Lee Hill Gatlin; his parents, Winfred Franklin Gatlin and Clara Florene Chapman Gatlin; his brothers, Eldridge C. Gatlin and Morris Ray Gatlin, Sr. and his daughters, Susan Diane Simpson (Bill) and Sandra Lee Smith (George.)
Graveside service will be Monday, October 12th, 2026, at Oak Grove Cemetery at 2 pm.
