Born: 12/6/1941
Wife: Loretta K. Haley (1974)
Children: Wayne Yelverton, Jason and Justin Haley
Grandchildren: Emily, Ashley, Kelsey, and Courtney
Bobby Haley was born and raised on a farm in the Watertown/Alexandria area in Wilson County. His parents are Johnny Garvin Haley and Ruby Neal Haley and he is one of six siblings. During his youth, Bobby’s Dad was a Baptist minister and farmer. Bobby helped the family by milking and working on the farm. His father is ninety‐ three and now lives in Warren County.
Bobby graduated from Watertown High School. He was a member of the FFA and the football team. Bobby continued his education at University of Tennessee, Knoxville, where he was a member of the Block and Bridle Club. A tour of duty in the United States Navy interrupted his college career. Bobby returned to college at Middle Tennessee State University where he was a charter member of the Block and Bridle Club, and graduated in 1968 with a degree in Agribusiness.
Bobby worked as a sales representative and poultry technician (chicken doctor) for Central Soya, Decatur, Indiana. In 1969, Bobby returned to the farm in Watertown and began raising tobacco and beef cale. That same year he opened the Watertown Farm Supply and managed it until 1976, but continued to own it until 1993 1976, but continued to own it until 1993. In 1974 Bobby married Loretta Haley and they moved to a farm that had been in Loretta’s family and now is registered as a Century Farm known as Haley Farm. Bobby’s grandfather was John Haley and Loretta’s grandfather was John Haley (no relation) and they both had farms on either end of what is now Haley Road. They are still very active in beef cattle and cropping. In 1977 Bobby began a trucking business to assist farmers with their hauling needs. Bobby has served Wilson County in many capacities:
He has been a Wilson County Fair Board member since 1982 and Chairman of the Century Farm Luncheon beginning in 1993. Bobby was the 1995 Soil Conservation Farmer of the Year. He is a Master Beef Producer and Gardener. He is a retired member of the Watertown Lion’s Club having served as President and was a charter member of the Sue Talley Scholarship Fund.
Commander and Adjutant of American Legion Post 76, Adjutant and Vice Commander, Boys State and Girls State Chairman of American Legion Post 15, and Commander of VFW Post 5015 exemplify Bobby’s continued commitment not only to Wilson County, but Tennessee and our Nation.
Loretta and Bobby are members of the Lebanon Cumberland Presbyterian Church where Bob teaches Sunday School. Bobby’s dearest accomplishment is seeing his family happy and watching his grandchildren laugh and grow.
