Robert Wilson “Bob” Webb, 85, of East Palatka, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 27, 2015 at Haven Hospice Satterwhite Campus for Care and Compassion.
He was devout in his faith, kind-hearted in spirit, fierce in his convictions, staunch in his politics, dedicated to his community, and passionate in his abiding love for his family. Webb had four constant loves in his life; his sweetheart and wife of 61 years, his children and grandchildren, the church and Rotary.
He was born in Russellville, AL on February 12, 1930. He attended Phillips High School in Birmingham, AL. In 1945 his family moved to Palatka. He graduated from Mellon High School in 1947 where he held numerous leadership positions.
At the University of Alabama he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha, Men’s Spirit Committee and Arnold Air Society. He was President of Alpha Epsilon Rho, an honorary fraternity, and Commanding Officer of Scabbard and Blade, an honorary military society. He graduated with a BA degree in 1951. In June of 1951, Bob married Hazel Leona “Lee” Brashier from Jackson, MS.
He received an R.O.T.C. commission in the U.S. Air Force and served during the Korean conflict. He wrote, produced, and narrated a weekly Air Force radio show. He later served as Club Officer and Housing Officer.
In 1953 he joined his father operating a chain of stores until 1974 when the stores were sold. In June 1974 Bob and Dick Westbury founded an advertising/public relations agency of which Bob was President. In 1977, Palatka Printing Company was acquired.
Bob had a keen interest in his community. He was a member of Palatka Jaycees, Variety Stores Association, Federation of Independent Business, P.T.A., Putnam County Historical Society and Putnam County Genealogical Society. He served as President, Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, Palatka Retail Merchants Association, Ambassadors Dinner Club, and Palatka Quarterback Club. He was Chairman, Putnam County Cancer Crusade, Troop 62 Committee Boy Scouts, and Cubmaster. He was the first Chairman of the Palatka Housing Authority. He served on the Sales Tax Study Committee, Putnam County Development Authority, and Board of Trustees of St. Johns River Community College. He was a founder and Chairman of the Board of Briarwood School. He served as a member of Palatka Planning Board and Putnam County Planning Commission. In 1963 he received the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award as the Outstanding Young Man of the Year.
He was often called upon to be a Special Gifts fund raiser by the National Foundation, United Fund, Boy Scouts and others. An effective public speaker, he addressed numerous organizations. He emceed hundreds of events. He enjoyed serving as a volunteer dishwasher at Bread of Life and for several years as a “bell ringer” for the Salvation Army at Christmastime.
Bob joined Rotary at age 23. He served as President twice. He addressed numerous District Conferences and Assemblies. He was District Governor in 1976-77. He was a Paul Harris Fellow. He later served as District Chairman of Public Relations. In 2002 he was presented a “Lifetime Service Award” by the Rotary Club of Palatka. He received the “Love of Rotary Award” in 2003. In 2007, the “Lifesaver Award” was presented to Bob as “Mr. Rotary”.
Webb was a Deacon Emeritus in First Baptist Church where he served as usher for fifty years. He served three years as Program Vice-President of the Brotherhoods of the St. Johns River Association comprised of thirty-eight Baptist churches. He was responsible for the engagement of Christian speakers such as the state attorney general, state Supreme Court chief justice, university president, U.S. congressman and numerous executives of national corporations. He was Chairman of Public Relations, Stewardship, Pastor Search, Personnel, Spokesman of the Church Council and member of the Scholarship Committee.
A charter member of the Putnam Society, bob served as Director, Secretary-Treasurer, and President. As an officer of the club, he hosted and introduced speakers including General Alexander Haig, John Sununu, Hugh Downs, Linda Ellerbee, Lewis Grizzard, and others of national prominence.
The Jaycees recognized his company as the Outstanding Business of the Community in 1984-85. That year the company was also the recipient of the Palatka Elks Club Civic Betterment Award. In 1992 Palatka Printing Co. was a Special Honoree during the Chamber Industry Appreciation Week.
For sixteen years, Webb sponsored the Top 50 Scholars Awards presenting the “Award of Excellence”. In 2001, the Palatka Daily News assumed sponsorship and named the award the “Robert W. Webb Award of Excellence”. In 2002 he received an award by the Florida Commissioner of Education for his support of education.
Upon his retirement in 2005 as CEO of WebbCOM Corporation, Bob and his wife, Lee, were presented an award by the City of Palatka for “Many years of exemplary service and professionalism to the citizens of Palatka”.
He was preceded in death by his parents Ocie Monroe Webb and Ora Wilson Webb, his sister Polly Webb Bond, his wife of 61 years Hazel “Lee” Webb and son-in-law Charles MacAndrew.
He is survived by his sons David S. Webb and Douglas E. Webb of Palatka; Randall L. Webb and wife Florence of Willow Spring, NC, his daughter Diane MacAndrew of Maitland, FL; one granddaughter Leah Webb of Willow Spring, NC; brother-in-law Richard Bond of Ocala, FL, “adopted” granddaughter Macie Butcher, “adopted” grandson Nick Butcher of Jacksonville, longtime faithful caregiver Brenda Masters and devoted friend Jean Sagin Montney of Jacksonville.
Services celebrating Bob’s life will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, June 3, 2015 at Johnson-Overturf Chapel in Palatka with Dr. Kirby Kennedy and Bro. Charles Rabun officiating. Dan Martinez and C.L. Overturf, Jr. will also offer remembrances of Bob. Interment will follow in Palatka Memorial Gardens with the U.S. Air Force conducting military honors. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6:00 – 8:00 pm at Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home.
Flowers are gratefully accepted or memorial donations may be sent to Rodeheaver Boys Ranch, 380 Boys Ranch Rd., Palatka, FL 32177 or Building Fund, First Baptist Church, P O Box 130, Palatka, FL 32178.
Memories and condolences may be expressed to the family at Bob’s Book of Memories page at www.johnsonoverturffunerals.com .
Arrangements are under the direction of Johnson-Overturf Funeral Home in Palatka.