Robert "Bob" Steven Dorr

The original “Tampa Bay Bandit” mascot and true cowboy in every sense of the word, Bob Dorr, passed away September 16th, 2022 at the age of 63.  He was the USFL team mascot riding the black horse “Smokey” in the games, which the team was owned by Burt Reynolds and coached by Steve Spurrier.

Bob enjoyed training horses at a young age and participating in rodeo events including bullriding, roping, teampenning and ranch sorting winning many awards and achievements for the competitive spirit he had.  Bob also enjoyed training young horses as he had a skill with reading them. He was also part of the State Agriculture Department testing cattle.

Bob had an extensive career of 40 years as a well- known farrier for corrective shoeing for both performance horses ranging from hunter/jumpers, rodeo performance horses, reiners, cutting horses and gaited horses.  He had a way about him with horses and with his skillfulness, Bob would always say that he loved a challenge to correct an issue involving lameness.

Bob was the Director of WCAA Basketball at Pasco County District Park for 10 years and instrumental in initiating the basketball program there.  He also coached Football and Soccer for his grandchildren.  He had also coached both Football and Basketball at Cypress Creek High School for 2 years. He loved teaching the kids and helping them to gain confidence and skills within themselves.

Bob is survived by his loving wife, Vida of Wesley Chapel; 2 children, Heath (Sarah) Dorr and Tiffany (TJ) Flanders of Brooksville; father, Howard Dorr of Lakeland; 11 Grandchildren; brother, Todd Blanchard; sisters, Teri Fox, Holly Carrier, Janine Blanchard, Christina Ayers, Stacie Klemt, and Tammy Swenson.  He is preceded in death by his mother, Roselle Maddocks and grandparents, Cecil and Louise Dorr.  

A Memorial Service will be held at 1:00pm, Saturday, October 8, 2022 at Merritt Funeral Home, Brooksville Chapel, where a gathering for family and friends will follow from 2:00-3:00pm. 

Memorial donations in Bob’s name may be made to: Rucki Hospice Gulfside Care Center www.Gulfside.org\make-a-gift 1. Donate now 2. Make a donation and choose Bob’s name.

ARRANGEMENTS BY

MERRITT FUNERAL HOME

BROOKSVILLE, FLORIDA

(352)796-6699

www.merrittfuneral.com