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Condolences:
Robert F. Whitaker
2020-06-17
Robert Frank Whitaker, 87, went to be with the Lord on June 16, 2020, following a brief illness.
Robert �Bob� was born April 14, 1933 in Ashville, NC, and served in the US Navy Air Division during the Korean Conflict from 1952-1956. Upon discharge from the service, Bob came to Jacksonville, FL in search of work and was employed for seven years as a millwright for Container Corporation of America in Fernandina Beach.
Shortly after arriving in Fernandina, he met and married Melba Prosser, a local school teacher from Statesboro, GA. After a brief stint in Atlanta as an owner-operator of several fast-food restaurants, Bob and Melba returned to Fernandina, where Bob spent the next two years running an inspection service out of Jacksonville. In 1966, they purchased Robison Jewelry in downtown Fernandina Beach, and Bob steadily grew the business over the next 30+ years. Bob was also instrumental in the successful effort to revitalize the Historic Downtown District in the mid 1970�s.
As a longtime member of First Baptist Church, Bob taught Sunday School and served as chairman of the Senior Adult Ministry. He also participated in two separate mission trips to Honduras.
Bob was a gifted artist, and enjoyed fishing, as well as playing tennis and golf. His greatest enjoyment, however, was supporting and following their two sons in their many activities.
Bob is survived by Melba, his wife of 63 years, and their two sons, Jeff (Paige) and Brett (Jeanette), as well as eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at First Baptist Church on Tuesday, June 23, at 11:00 am. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 10:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, gifts in honor of Bob may be given to the respective building funds of First Baptist Church, Legacy Baptist Church, or Amelia Baptist Church.
Memories
GENIE DUGGAN June 17, 2020
My deepest sympathy to the family. Bob was a fine man.
BEN AND GAIL SHAVE June 17, 2020
Melba, Brett and Jeff, we are so very sorry at the passing of Bob. What a great man
Our prayers are with all of you. True gentleman come alon very seldom. Bob was
A true gentleman and will be missed.
GLENDA SAPP LUCKIE June 17, 2020
Praying for peace for the family during this difficult time. Mr. Whitaker was truly a special man.
CYNTHIA AND DAVID SAPP June 18, 2020
David and I were so sorry to hear of Mr. Whitaker�s passing. He was very special to both of our families. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
JOANNA CASON June 18, 2020
Melba please know that I am so sorry to hear of Bob�s passing. I am praying for you and the boys that the Lord give you comfort and support during this time.
CINDY EVANS June 18, 2020
Mrs. Whitaker, Jeff and Brett. I am sooo sorry to hear about me. Whitaker. Such a nice man and always a joy to do
Business with at the jewelry store. Prayers for your sweet, wonderful family.
PAM RICHARDSON June 18, 2020
I am so very sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Whitaker. My thoughts and prayers for Mrs. Whitaker, Brett and Jeff.
STANLEY AND CHRIS STEWART June 18, 2020
We are deeply sorry for your loss. We are praying for you.
JENNIFER WEBBER June 18, 2020
It has been my privilege to have known Bob for thirty years. As the head of the Whitaker family business at the time when I was hired I was lucky to spend the next twenty plus years in his company daily. He was kind, fair, and generous to all he knew. Dedicated to his community, business, church and family. His good humor and ethical standards made it a pleasure to be a part of his staff. My condolences to Melba, Jeff, Brett,Paige,Jeanette and all the grandchildren. He shall be missed by many but most especially you.
RHONDA CAMPBELL June 18, 2020
My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
JACK AND DIANA IPOCK June 18, 2020
We are deeply sorry for the loss of your loved one. Praying for Gods peace and comfort during this time of grieving.
KEVIN & SISSY DRAKE June 18, 2020
Mrs. Melba, Jeff, Brett, and Family, know that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God grant you His grace and His peace. It was always a pleasure doing business at Robison Jewelry. Mr. Bob always had a smile on his face. He and his boys always treated us as family. While we are grieved to hear this news, we know that the best is yet to come. God bless.
KIM STEWART June 18, 2020
Sending sincere sympathy to the Whitaker family. Hugs and prayers to all.
KIRSTEN CAMPBELL June 18, 2020
So very sorry for your loss and sadness. But Praise God we will see Mr. Whitaker again!!! Praying for you during this time of grieving. We love you!!
LINDA MCCOY June 18, 2020
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
MARSHA GERAGHTY STARLING June 18, 2020
Jeff and Brett, I�m so sorry to hear of your Dad�s passing. He was such a sweetheart. Take good care of your mom. She�ll be at a total loss without him. May the Lord wrap you in his arms, Melba.
KAREN HAGINS June 18, 2020
Sending prayers and love to you all during this difficult time. May God wrap his loving arms around you all for comfort .while grieving the loss of a wonderful man. In my thoughts and prayers.
JANICE TINER MCCLAIN June 18, 2020
Melba, Jeff, Brett and family. The Tiner family send our sympathy on the loss of Bob. We have so many great memories over many years of being neighbors. He was truly a very fine man. Praying for peace and comfort during this difficult time
GIB AND ALLYN GRAVES June 18, 2020
Melba, Jeff and Brett We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Mr. Bob. We very much appreciate your whole family making us feel welcome when we moved to Fernandina While he will be missed, Praise God we will see him again. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all. We miss you.
ADDIE UNDERWOOD June 18, 2020
Melba, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Bob will be missed by everyone that knew him. All of you have been special to my family. May you feel God�s strength as you travel this grieving path.
DARYL SIMS June 18, 2020
Mrs Whitaker, Jeff, & Brett, I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Whitaker�s passing. After losing my Dad a little over a year ago, I understand the pain of the loss, but it�s so comforting to know we�ll be reunited one day in Heaven as I know will be the case for y�all as well. Please know that the Sims family will be praying for God�s peace and comfort for you during this time.
SUSAN MURRAY June 19, 2020
Mrs. Whitaker and family. So sorry to hear of Mr. Whitaker�s passing. He was always a happy, friendly person. Always enjoyed seeing him at the jewelry store and around town. You all are in my thoughts and prayers.
SARAH BECKER June 19, 2020
Mrs. Melba and the family. My sincerest condolences in the passing of Mr. Whitaker. You all are in my thoughts and Prayers.
TODD AND SUZANNE WILLIS June 19, 2020
Lifting your family in prayer. Mr. Whitaker will be missed by all but we know he is rejoicing in Heaven. May God�s love, peace and comfort surround your family during this time.
DARRELL AND JUDY HOLCOMB June 19, 2020
Melba, Jeff,and Brett we are sad to hear of Bob�s passing. It was an Honor to have know him. So glad to have known him, May God Bless all of the family in this time of sadness.
DON AND MARGOT SHAW June 20, 2020
Melba,Jeff and Brett. Saddened to hear of the passing of Bon. He was an outstanding citizen ,and an example of Christian living. He will be greatly missed in the community. Our thoughts are with you.
DAVID ROBERTS June 20, 2020
Growing up in Fernandina Beach the Roberts and Whitaker families were very close. I remember some fun vacations to Callaway Gardens and general fun hanging out at the Ocean View Motel pool. Very good times. Mr. Whitaker will be missed!! My Condolences to Brett and Jeff and the rest of the family.
GLENDA ENNIS June 20, 2020
Melba, I am so sorry for the passing of Bob. He was a true gentleman and will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
KEN AND SHARON BURCH June 20, 2020
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with your families.
DAVE AND ANGIE ADAMS June 20, 2020
We are thinking of you during this unimaginable time of sorrow. May the glory of God give you strength in your hour of need.
STEPHANIE RONCSKA June 20, 2020
I am so saddened to hear this, I loved and enjoyed Mr. Whitaker when I was employed at Robison�s 28 years ago. Love and Prayers for the entire Whitaker family.
MOLLY KNOWLTON June 20, 2020
Bob was such a gentle soul whose smile brightened up the room. My condolences, Melba, to you and your family. May his memory be for a blessing.
LINDA NEAL June 20, 2020
Melba, Brett and Jeff, heartfelt sympathy and prayers are with you and your entire family in the loss of Bob. He Will be sorely missed.
ANN CREWS HORNE June 20, 2020
God has received another Angel. What an amazing man, husband, Father and friend. He always had a smile for everyone and I am so very sorry for your loss. I am praying for each and every one of you. He will be forever missed by all that knew him.
KAREN LANGSHAW June 21, 2020
so sad to hear about his passing�what a great love you had�thinking of you and your sons and family
GUY AND PAM STALVEY June 21, 2020
Miss Melba, please know that you, Brett, Jeff and your family are in our prayers during this sad time. Every memory I have of you and Mr. Whitaker no matter where I encountered you, at the store or around town is of the warm sweet smiles as well as the warmth and kindness of your voices . You both have a way of making people feel as though they are family. Fernandina has lost a great human being in Mr. Whitaker but I know his boys will carry on the legacy. May God comfort y�all and give you strength and peace in the coming days ahead. Much love goes out to you all from all of Fernandina��
DAN LOWE June 21, 2020
Abba Father GOD I Pray In JESUS Name That You will draw near to the entire Whitaker family and provide them with your Divine Peace during this time of Great Loss! Amen <
SUSAN SHEARER June 22, 2020
It is with a sad heart and many tears that I leave this condolence. I had the pleasure of working with Mr. Whitaker at Robison Jewelry for twenty years and he became like a second father to me. I will miss his friendly smile and kind words. He was truly a great man, a successful businessman, a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and friend. He was a devoted Christian and we can all find peace in knowing that he is walking with our Lord and Savior now. My sincere and heartfelt sympathy to Melba, Jeff, Brett, Paige, Jeanette, and grandchildren. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
VICKY VOLTMER June 22, 2020
We are praying for all of you to have the peace & strength our LORD promises at this time. You have our deepest sympathies for you loss. Vicky & Bill Voltmer
VALENCIA DUBBERLY GOWER June 22, 2020
Mrs. Whitaker, Jeff, and Brett, I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Whitaker�s passing. May God surround you with His comfort. Keeping you in my prayers.
LESLIE AND HENRY BERGHOEF June 22, 2020
Jeff and Brett and families,
Our deepest condolences to you during this time of loss. You are in thoughts and prayers. He must have been a great dad because he raised two wonderful and kind sons.
ROBERT H SANDERS June 23, 2020
Find comfort in the memories and faith in the path of the journey that takes him home. Rejoice in the journey complete, cherish the grief in Love remembered. As memories turn grief to gratitude, allow them to return Love completely and bring you Peace.
LAVERNE CRAIG June 23, 2020
Melba and family, so sad to hear of Bob�s homegoing. I can only imagine the celebration he is having with all those there to receive him! He was a man of many accomplishments but he would be quick to say his faith and family was his greatest!
My prayers are with you as you walk through the days ahead.
MARY VOLLENWEIDER June 23, 2020
Melba, Jeff, Brett and all the family, I extend sincere sympathy in the passing of Bob. He was a fine gentleman and will be missed by so many admirers. Love and prayers for you.
RALPH GREEN AND CATHY LEWIS June 23, 2020
Sending our love and condolences to Mrs. Whitaker, Jeff, Brett and their families. I have known Mr. Whitaker as a fine man from my school years, our few years as neighbors on Highland Street in the 80�s and on to now. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him and as a prominent part of the Fernandina community. Mr. Bob will live on in our fond memories.
JO MUSGROVE June 23, 2020
Whitaker Family, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Whitaker.
He was a very nice man, always greet you with a smile. My thoughts and prayers are with the family. God Bless you all.
LINDA ABBOTT June 24, 2020
I�m so sorry for your loss. Mr Whitaker was always a joy to see at the jewelry store.