Grace, left, and Angie Wilson at the 2015 Heart Gala.
We at Moxley Carmichael were not in much of a party mood the other day when we headed to Cherokee Country Club for the 30th annual Heart Gala. Although we did get dressed up (and looked pretty darn good, if I do say so myself!) and had a table in the center of the ballroom, we knew the evening would be one of mixed emotions for us. This year’s Heart Gala, which funds the American Heart Association‘s fight against heart disease and stroke, was dedicated to our late friend and co-worker Bob Wilson.
A year ago this month, I answered my cellphone on a Sunday morning and my friend Erin Donovan was on the line. Trained as a reporter, she got straight to the point. “I’ve got some bad news,” she said. “Bob Wilson died last night.”
“What?” I asked, thinking she must be referring to somebody else with the same name. “Bob Wilson? You don’t mean MY Bob Wilson!”
Unfortunately, she did. Erin was a close friend of Bob and his wife, Angie, and I knew she was in a position to know. As in all sudden deaths, there was some confusion at first when his body was discovered by his brother-in-law in the back yard. Had he fallen off a ladder? Had a branch hit him on the head?
Bob’s parents, Dan and Eleanor Wilson, at the Heart Gala.
But, it turns out, Bob, at age 47, had been stricken by a silent disease. That afternoon, he had opted not to go with Angie and others to the UT basketball game, choosing instead to work in his back yard. While doing chores, Bob had a sudden heart attack. When Angie’s brother found Bob, his arms were by his side. He had not even tried to break his fall. Bob left this Earth before he hit the ground.
The rest of that day — like many that would follow — was awful. Alan and I called staff members and everyone was just stunned. And devastated. Bob was such a fun and lively guy. He seemed so healthy. Our manager of digital media, he worked closely with every member of the Moxley Carmichael team and nearly all our clients. After Alan and I visited Bob’s home that Sunday afternoon to pay condolences to Angie and their daughter, Grace, we gathered our staff at the private upstairs room at the Bistro on Gay Street. We wanted to be together, but we just couldn’t quite face going to the office yet. The gathering was solemn. We tried to piece together what had happened. But we really were just in shock.
Scott Bird, Moxley Carmichael’s vice president of marketing, embraces Angie Wilson at the Heart Gala.
Monday at the office was every bit as bad as you would expect. Some of us were crying. Some of us were angry. Unexpected things would trigger emotions. Like seeing the ugly green coffee cup Bob always used. Over the next few days we had the funeral to get through and we had lots of paperwork to take care of. We were very concerned about Angie and Grace and wanted to help them with all the bureaucracy of getting Bob’s paycheck and access to his profit sharing account at Moxley Carmichael and other details.
A few days after the funeral, our friend and client Tim Young of Summit Medical Group, also a friend of Bob and Angie, was talking with me on the phone. “Are you all all right?” he asked. “Do you need help?” “What do you mean?” I said, puzzled. “A grief counselor,” he said. “I can recommend one.”
Dr. Renee Repka was a godsend. She came to talk with us in our conference room. She explained that all the feelings we were having — even the sometimes short tempers and inappropriate behaviors — were normal. She told us what to expect. Again, many of us cried. Some of us laughed at “Bob stories.” But that session was a turning point for us.
After that, things stabilized. We still were sad and cried sometimes. But we relaxed into the emotions rather than fighting them. We gave ourselves and each other a break when needed.
And, a year later, we’ve come through.
We still have a very close relationship with Angie and Grace. We see and talk to them frequently. We set up a college scholarship fund for Grace (to which many others contributed) and are so proud of the beautiful young woman she has become. The two of them were amazing at the Heart Gala. Angie spoke about Bob from the stage — a very courageous act. And Grace narrated a video tribute to her father.
As you can see from these pictures, the Heart Gala was a big success. But I just wish we hadn’t had firsthand experience with its purpose.
Bob’s family at the Heart Gala. From left, Ronnie Dozier, Joan Dozier, Keith Dozier, Angie Wilson, Grace Wilson, Beth Wilson Waters, Eleanor Wilson, Dan Wilson and Steve Wilson. Photo courtesy of Angie Wilson.
Here’s the “Tribute Wall” honoring Bob.
Angie and Grace with Angie’s mother, Joan Dozier, left, and our friend, Peter Acly.
Loved Peter’s tie!
Roger and Shaun Hyver, left, with Linnie and Charley Sexton. Shaun is CFO of Moxley Carmichael, and Charley is our creative director.
From left, Lisa New, executive director of the Knoxville Zoo, with Ellen Robinson and Peter Acly. Ellen, who now is with the downtown law firm, Lewis Thomason, formerly was with Moxley Carmichael and worked with Bob.
Angie, center, with, from left, Shanna Browning, Michael Higdon, Scott Bird and Erin Donovan.
Eddie Mannis, CEO of Prestige Cleaners and Prestige Tuxedo, was chairman of this year’s Heart Gala. He’s with Lisa Knott, left, and Holly Watkins.
WBIR-TV’s John Becker and Robin Wilhoit were master and mistress of ceremonies. Robin also was a close friend of Bob.
Hallerin Hilton Hill, left, and Alan Carmichael chatting during the cocktail reception.
Brenda Wood, left, and Kay Clayton.
My brother and sister-in-law, Jimmy Moxley and Tess Richard, were spending the weekend with us. Here they are with Alan. (Jimmy’s tux is from Prestige, which generously offered discounts for men going to the Heart Gala. Thanks, Eddie.)
Tammy Brogan and Robin Brendle during the reception.
When they opened the doors to the ballroom, it was filled with fog and lights. Very dramatic.
Red roses carried the theme.
I love a salad that has fruit in it. The California kale salad had fresh kale, Mandarin oranges, goat cheese, strawberries, candied pecans and a raspberry vinaigrette.
Rick and Karen Lassiter at the Covenant Health table.
Dr. Nicholas Xenopoulos and Dr. Gina Tourassi at the Covenant table.
Dr. Ayaz and Quyn Rahman at the same table.
Also from Covenant, Mike and Janice Belbeck.
Although distorted by the lighting, the main course was delicious. It was a duo of hickory grilled prime pork tenderloin with vanilla roasted apples and pan-seared steelhead salmon with a lemon-thyme sherry beurre blanc sauce and fried capers.
David and Nancy Keith were there.
Suzanne Schriver and David Rechter were Heart Gala chairs in 2003. Past chairs took turns telling us what was going on in the world during the year they were the chair.
Rick Giecek and his fiance Dr. Susan Newman were holding down the UT Medical Center table.
From left, Jerry and Melanie Burgess with Jerry Askew at the Tennova table.
Gina Changas, left, and Jennifer Dunn.
Joey and Janet Testerman Creswell.
Auctioneer for the evening was Blake Wilson, who was with his daughter, Sidney Wilson.
Dino Cartwright looked dapper, as usual.
Entertainment on a revolving stage was by Elenowen, a husband-and-wife team you may have seen on “The Voice.”
Dessert was interesting. A deconstructed cherry cheesecake tower.
Marty and Barbara Blevins were at the TeamHealth table.
As were Dr. Roger and Darlina Brooksbank.
Janet Testerman Crossley and Bill Regas.
Marga and Jay McBride enjoyed the dance floor.
Tami and Tim Purcell at the Pilot Flying J table.
Chef David Pinckney, one of the best things about Cherokee Country Club, surprised Alan with a banana pudding. He said he was tired of Alan saying how great the banana pudding is at other places!
It was pretty impressive.
Scott and Alan approved!
The after party was under a tent on the terrace. Here’s radio personality Phil Williams with his wife, Kay, left, and Cory Dickson.
Phil Williams and Janet Testerman Creswell cutting a rug.
Joey Creswell with Kay Williams.
Angie and Grace with Beth Wilson Waters, Bob’s sister, and Keith Dozier, Angie’s brother.
Our ad in the Heart Gala program.
Cynthia, it was a beautiful tribute to Bob.
Thank you, Joan. He was a wonderful man and we are so lucky to have worked with him.
Beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. Your Blue Streaks are always very good, but this one was exceptional.
A loving tribute to someone you clearly valued for many reasons. Thanks for sharing. The grief counselor detail got to me.
Michelle and Annette: Thanks.
What a wonderful tribute to a man you all truly loved.
Thanks, Lynne.
Sometimes it’s still hard to believe. A guy in seemingly good health that lived life to the fullest, gone in a split second. So sad. This event was full of emotions for me. The fact that it took place one week prior to the one year mark of Bob’s death was one of many “hmmm” moments for me or “pigs from heaven” as Angie and I call it. When Bob first passed away Angie said there was sign after sign that Bob was there with (and for) her. She said I believe if I asked for a pig to fall from the sky right now I would get it. She was referring to how everything she needed to find a way to make happen was happening for her and Grace. Some sort of unexplained way, things were just falling in place. Hence, “pigs from heaven”. This was a great tribute to a wonderful man, Cynthia. Bob is still in motion. 🙂 Forever in our hearts. Forever part of our team.
Wow, I’ve never heard Angie say that, Shaun. That’s very touching. Thanks for joining us at the Heart Gala. It helped that we had a full table of folks who were going through the same feelings together.
The way Angie and Grace have emerged from this – and I know the pain is always there – is a remarkable example of courage and grace.
Maria: That is so true. They are an inspiration to the rest of us. I know Bob would be very proud of both of them.
Cynthia…. I just love this. You and your work family are just awesome. Thanks for taking care of our girls thru this! Bob is loved and missed everyday!
Thanks, Shanna. You have done a great job supporting Angie and Grace, too. We have a good village.
What a lovely tribute to Bob–I will always remember him as Bob in Motion. I met him for the first time at one of the Tweet-Ups you organized. I love the way you & Alan look after your work family.
Thanks, Gay. I loved his Twitter handlie – @BobInMotion. We do tend to stick together here at MoxCar.
Wonderful coverage of a wonderful event! Thanks.
Thanks for sharing this memorable and meaningful celebration. Memories of love and friendship are treasures to carry with you always!
Thanks, Peter and Reba.
About the Author
What You’re Saying
What’s Hot
My Favorite Blogs
Archives