Robert “Bobby” Land was born October 22, 1938, in Louisville, MS. to Edwin and Bessie Land. In 1956, he graduated from Louisville High School. He went to Mississippi State University and graduated with his bachelor’s degree in pre-dentistry. Following graduation, he married Mary Elisabeth Carothers in December 1961. They moved to Memphis, TN where he enrolled in the University of Tennessee. During his time at the University of Tennessee, Bobby was as member of the Psi Gamma Chapter of the Psi Omega Fraternity. After getting his dental degree in 1964, Bobby worked at a penal institution in Georgia as a prison dentist. Shortly after, the Lands moved back home to Louisville where he started his own dental practice. Bobby practiced dentistry for forty-two years enjoying general and orthodontic dentistry. Bobby, along with his staff saved thousands of smiles. The Mississippi Dental Association recognized Bobby as a life member in 2004. Throughout the years, Bobby was active in the community, obtaining many accomplishments, including President of the Mississippi State Bulldog Alumni Association of the Louisville Chapter, President of the Winston Academy Board, and host to a foreign exchange student Achill Schurmann. Though Bobby loved being a dentist, he also loved travelling. Bobby was well travelled and loved traveling in the US. He was a beloved father, brother, uncle, friend, and “Pop.”
Bobby is leaving behind many fond memories to his family and friends. To know him was to cherish him. Bobby was able to share his passions with his family and his love of dentistry with his granddaughter, Ramsey. Bobby was a proud supporter of the Mississippi State Bulldogs. His family will miss his wisdom and wit immensely.
Bobby is survived by his three sons, Robert Taylor Land Jr. and wife, Erin of Louisville, MS, William Carothers Land of Biloxi, MS., David Christopher Land Sr., and wife Tracy of Jackson, MS.; four grandchildren, Ramsey Taylor Land, Bailey Carothers Land, David Christopher Land Jr. and his wife Jena, Zachary Boyd Land.; Sister Dorothy Wiggs and husband, Steve Wiggs of Houston, TX., Sisters-in-law Harriet Land and Amy Land, and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family wants to thank Dr. Steven Brandon, Katherine Miller, and Quality Care Hospice.
He is preceded in death by his wife of forty-six years, Mary Elisabeth “Betty” Land, and by parents Edwin and Bessie Land; Brother Edwin Land Jr., James Land, and Harold Land.
In lieu of flowers the family prefers donations to be made in Bobby’s honor to the Mayo Clinic, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, to the Winston Academy Scholarship Fund, Post Office Box 545, Louisville, MS 39339.
