William Millender Jr.

1940 - 2010

On November 27, 2010, Captain William Robert Millender, Jr. embarked on a trip to his final destination, heaven. Better known as "Captain Bobby" he was born in Carrabelle, Florida on February 20, 1940 to Bob and Minnie Millender (deceased). Captain Bobby masterfully operated a Research Vessel for the University of South Florida's Florida Institute of Oceanography for 26 years and has been retired for the past 8 years. His duties entailed cruises on the R.V Bellows, a 71' steel hull vessel, which was for the purpose of Marine Biology research, reaching from Key West to Puerto Rico, from the Cayman Islands to the Bahamas and Dry Tortugas, along with all Universities touching the Gulf of Mexico. Captain Bobby was responsible for taking marine biologists and their students to these locations for the purpose of oceanography research. His mission was always to provide a precise and safe voyage for his students and professors, while at the same time making it a memorable trip for all.
Captain Bobby was instrumental in assisting in the research for Florida State University's documentary about the March of the Spiny Lobster. He had a great love for the sea and loved to spend all of his free time fishing. A few of his fishing buddies include his son Thomas, his nephew, Pren Crum and friends Freddy Puckett, Jack Sisk and Dwight Trucker.
Captain Bobby is survived by Rita, his wife of 33 years along with his son Tim, son Bob (and his wife Jennie), son Thomas, daughter Renee Stone (and her husband Anthony) He is also survived by eleven grandchildren: Will, Mandy, Jake, Kirby, T.J., Nik, Rick, Stacey, Harmony, Piper Belize and Tara and six great grandchildren: Haley, Valerie, Kaydence, Kayla, James and Zac.
He is preceded in death by his son, Kliff Brown.
Captain Bobby faithfully attended the Carrabelle United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Carrabelle United Methodist Building Fund, P.O. Drawer C, Carrabelle, Florida 32322
The family would like to thank Captain Bobby's doctors and their staff for their tender care and also family and friends for their love, support and prayers throughout his illness.
Funeral services will be Wednesday, December 1, 2010 at 2:00 p.m. at Carrabelle United Methodist Church in Carrabelle. Burial will follow at Evergreen Cemetery. Bevis Funeral Home, Harvey-Young Chapel in Crawfordville is in charge of arrangements.