Phyllis, I remember the first time Rob spoke to you.  We were going up the steps in Williams High School building.  He came over to you and asked your name.  You told him and we walked on.  He called you and you two became a team.
My sympathy to you and your family,
Harriet Blue Leathers

Rob Wells: In Appreciation
Rob’s style generated respect.  And that respect begat friendship.  People knew he cared.

Our introduction to Rob Wells was in the bar of Cabbage Key, upon arrival in our sailboat having come from the Dry Tortugas.  We were trying to explain to the bartender that the boat’s bow thrusters were out and wanted to spend two days docked in the “big slip”, not knowing it was where the ferry docked.  A stranger at the end of the bar said, “You may have an interesting story, but I am not interested.”  We silently wondered “Who are you to butt into our discussion?” We later found out he was the owner of Cabbage Key!

We returned to Cabbage Key many times, sailing and tarpon fishing and were fortunate to get to know Rob.  He graciously took one of our group and his two sons on his boat for a memorable day trip Snook fishing.  

One day of high winds, Rob said, “There is zero possibility you will catch a tarpon.”  Word came back from the guides before we arrived that we caught a 180 lb and a 200 lb tarpon.  Upon walking in bar, Rob said with a grin, “Well done, I was wrong.” 

He cared about Cabbage Key, he cared about fishing.  He was a tough, strong, confident and kind man.  That, presumably is the way he wanted to be remembered.

We all feel that we will not see his likes here again.

Respectfully, Rob, Randy, Mark and Tom

With deepest condolences.  My family loves both your restaurants and enjoy bringing our out of town guests. It’s always such a joy to see the tortoises and tour the island.  May you find comfort in your wonderful memories.

Rob was the true definition of a great southern gentleman. He will be missed by everyone who was privileged to know him. Skip camp.

To you Sons of Rob, I am so sorry for all of our loss. May he rest in Heaven as I will be there soon. Peter Aldrian

I once helped host events he would attend. He was a class act always. Greeted us all at Cabbage Key like we were visiting dignitaries too. Lucky I was able to know him. RIP Rob. Deepest sympathy to your family and freinds.

Very sorry for your loss.  What a nice man.  In 2017, we were at Cabbage Key at the Inn over Christmas weekend.  We were one of 2 couples there.  He came over and asked us to his Christmas Eve party that Sunday night.  It was beautiful and even after Irma, in pretty good shape.  There are not a lot of people like that; someone who would invite total strangers but it is something I will never forget.  Magical.

Janet Davis, Ft Myers FL

I met Rob and Phyllis in the late 1970s not too long after they had purchased Cabbage Key. We are both Tar Heels from NC and proud of it! I fondly remember many visits to their island and some wild New Year's Eve gatherings. Must've put about 100 autographed one dollar bills on those walls over the years! I remember when Rob and Ken were born and have loved watching them grow up and assume the roles of managing CK and Tarpon Lodge in a grand manner only the Wells Family can achieve. Rob and Phyllis and their sons have been a huge part of Lee County and have done so much for many. It was a week ago today that Rob passed. That evening I stood on our dock on Cayo Costa and looked over at the light on the water tower as I have so many times. This time was different, however. I said a long prayer for Rob and his family wishing them the best to get through this hard time. He can rest in peace knowing their strong conviction with Our Creator will carry them through. Wishing the best always for the Wells Family and know Rob's legacy will carry on and his spirit will forever be over Pine Island Sound.

Phyllis,
How can this be? I am so sorry to hear this news. I have been so proud of yours and Robs Accomplishments over the years Gone too soon,but when I saw him in pics I knew he was not well. He has a great life with you. You are one of the nicest people I have ever known. God bless and comfort you 
Ann Little

Rob Wells has been my friend for over a decade. I loved him and his family. They gave me a home and a great job at a time when I wasn't doing so good. I will miss you. My deepest condolences to the entire Wells family.  Love always Joey.

Our community and the world has lost an icon with Rob's passing, but his spirit, legacy and family lives on, keeping his memory alive. We mourn and extend sincere condolences to Phyllis, Robert, Jessica, Ken, and the many grandchildren who grieve most at this time. Helen Keller once wrote: "We bereaved are not alone. We belong to the largest company in all the world--the company of those who have known suffering." With deepest sympathy, Nancy Glickman & Robert N. Macomber

OBITUARY

Robert Arthur Wells Jr.

October 10, 1945 – April 15, 2024

Coral Ridge Funeral Home & Cemetery

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