Bobby George Rich

He leaves behind his wife of 47 years, Jacqueline Fowler Rich, two daughters; Stephanie Rich Isbell (Jason) and Erica (Riley) Rich Skaggs, 8 grandchildren; Lane Isbell, Liberty Rose Isbell, Zoe Sunshine Williams, Zane Rich Williams, Gracelyn “Buttercup” Skaggs, Brett Williams, Beverly Skaggs, and Logan Skaggs. Also left missing him is his extended family made up of in laws, out laws and honorary sons, daughters and grandchildren he gathered throughout his life who are too numerous to name but know who they are.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred W. and Edna A. Rich, brother; Eugene Rich, and sister; Marie Rose, as well as many other members of his extended family.

Born in Bonifay, Florida to Fred and Edna Rich, Bobby (NOT Robert! This fact would plague him throughout his life) moved with his family to Pensacola, FL as the youngest of 3 siblings. After spending his childhood in the downtown area, his family relocated to Ferry Pass. It was there, at age 16, he met and fell in love with his wife of 47 years.

He and Jackie married January 24, 1970 and spent the early years of their marriage traveling between Mississippi, Georgia, and Florida for his job as an electrician. While in Tallahassee, in 1974 he gained his first daughter Stephanie and while in Tallahassee again in 1977, he gained his second daughter Erica.

After deciding to settle back in Pensacola, he and Jackie built two houses – not had them built, but actually built them themselves. At the time of his passing they still resided in the second one – the place where they lived, loved, raised kids and spoiled grandbabies for 31 years.

Between working, raising kids, and house building, his greatest joy was fishing. Bass was his fish of choice to catch and many of his biggest are on the walls of his home. However, he was also known to pull in quite a few sheepshead in his day.

He and his bride worked, saved, and worked some more and Bobby was eventually able to open Rich Electric Company, Inc. which he successfully ran from 1990 until his retirement in 2008.

Bobby was a devoted husband, a wonderful daddy, and a proud Poppy. In his later years, many would refer to him as “The Candy man” as he was never without a Werther’s Original or a coffee flavored hard candy and he always wanted to share. He was the epitome of a “Liberal Redneck” who never hesitated to show and tell his views to anyone who would look and listen. He flew 3 flags in his yard: The American Flag, a Democratic Party Flag, and the FSU Football Flag. His love of all things FSU is nearly legendary with those who knew him.

Bobby was an unconventional man and that carried over into his final wishes. His Celebration of Life/FSU Tailgate party will be held Saturday, September 2, 2017 in the house he built at 2674 Pleasant Valley Drive, Cantonment, FL 32533 at 2:00 pm. A time of celebration and remembrance will be held and followed by a time of enjoying one another’s company with a fish fry, swimming, and lots of love.

Any who ever knew him is invited to attend. Dress casual. All you need to bring is yourself, a bathing suit and towel if you’d like to swim, and if you are so inclined bring a covered dish, dessert or drink of your choice for the cookout. After the fun, all are invited to stay and watch the FSU/Alabama game. We welcome any FSU fan, and even those who decide to be a temporary fan just for the day, to join him in spirit to cheer his Noles to victory. Bama fans are also welcome – he was always a good sport, win or lose.

Please join us in this celebration of Bobby’s life. No flowers, please, but if you are so moved please make a donation to the organization of your choice in his honor (well, as long as it isn’t Alabama or Gator football). Oak Lawn Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.