Bob and Nancy Spivey
Heart of Rutherford Foundation was established in 2024 to honor the enduring legacy of its founders, Bob and Nancy Spivey. Bob and Nancy were strong believers in the power of personal development and education to transform communities, and their unwavering commitment to those tenants continues to inspire and guide the Foundation’s mission. Bob and Nancy were passionate about using their estate to enable enrichment opportunities for other residents of Rutherford County.
Bob Spivey served as the Mayor of Smyrna from 2001 to 2009, leading the community through a period of significant residential and retail growth. He was instrumental in developing properties at the Sam Ridley Parkway intersection of Interstate 24, enhancing the town’s infrastructure and accessibility.
Before his tenure as mayor, Bob founded and operated Imperial Foods until 1998, contributing to the local economy. He also played a pivotal role in raising initial funds for the Motlow State Community College Smyrna campus and served on the Motlow Foundation, leading to the naming of the Hiatt-Spivey Center in his honor. His service extended to various organizations, including the Executive Board of Destination Rutherford, the Board of Industrial Development during Nissan’s early days in the area, the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport Authority, and the Smyrna Board of Appeals. He was also an active member of his church and the Smyrna Rotary Club for over 30 years, serving as president in 1979.
Nancy Spivey, a native of Nashville, was deeply involved in the Smyrna community. Her commitment to the town and its residents was evident through her active participation in various local initiatives. Together, Bob and Nancy exemplified a profound dedication to public service and community enrichment. Heart of Rutherford Foundation strives to continue their work by supporting nonprofits that focus on education and personal development, ensuring that their legacy of fostering growth and opportunity in Middle Tennessee endures.