Robert Austin Stebbins, a native of Eustis, Florida, born June 14, 1934, passed away May 18, 2023. He was the son of deceased parents, Frank W. and Eleanor D. Stebbins. Bob attended public school in Eustis, then entered Marion Military Institute, Marion, Alabama, to complete his last two years of high school and two years of college as well as four years of ROTC training.
Bob then graduated from Florida Southern College, Lakeland, Florida, where he received his B.S. Degree and his commission as Second Lieutenant in the U. S. Army. He completed his tour of duty at Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, and remained in the U. S. Army Reserves for nine years obtaining the rank of Captain before retiring.
Bob then attended John B, Stetson University College of Law in St. Petersburg, Florida, and after one year transferred to Lamar School of Law at Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia, receiving his Doctor of Law. He joined his father, Frank W. Stebbins; in the firm Stebbins & Stebbins, Eustis, Florida practicing law since 1962 together, until retiring fifty-nine years later.
Bob served as President of the Lake-Sumter Bar Association, Mayor and Commissioner City of Eustis, President of the Eustis Chamber of Commerce, as well as the Chairman of the annual Washington’s Birthday Celebration.
Under special appointment by County Judge, he served as temporary County Prosecutor in Lake County. He also served as Eustis City Prosecuting Attorney and was a member of the Fifth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee “A”.
He was a past Director of Florida League of Cities, Past Director of Pine Meadows Country Club, life member of Elks Lodge BPOE #1578, past President of Eustis Optimist Club, past member of Waterman Hospital Foundation, Treasurer of the Eustis Downtown Merchants Association, Lake County League of Cities, lifetime member of Lake County Historical Society, the Eustis Historical Museum and member of the NRA.
Bob served on various committees for the PTA and Eustis High School Band Boosters supporting his children through the years in all their activities. He loved traveling and vacationing with his family and friends in the North Georgia Mountains.
Bob was a member of First United Methodist Church, Eustis.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy D. Stebbins, having a beautiful marriage of sixty-four years. Bob is survived by his loving children, Deedra S. Walker and husband John, and Robert A. Stebbins Il and wife Judith. Also, four wonderful grandchildren: Catherine Kirkland, Thomas Kirkland, Elizabeth Stebbins and Robert A. Stebbins, Ill. Surviving brother Alan F. (Becky), and preceded in death by his brother, Daniel W. (Janet).
A memorial ceremony will be held at Hamlin & Hilbish chapel Saturday, June 17, 2023 at 10:00 AM. Rev. William Boyer will be officiating.
