Robert Jones Chipman

Robert "Bob" Jones Chipman, 84, of Everglades City, passed away on November 13, 2025. He was born on December 11, 1940, in Lakeland, Florida, to Cabal "Chip" Dewitt Chipman and Laura Jones Chipman.

Bob attended Lakeland High School, where he discovered a lifelong passion for golf and played on the school team. His talent earned him a place on the Wake Forest University golf team, though he left college early to begin building a life of work, family, and service.

He founded and ran Fish Haven Lodge in Auburndale, Florida - a business that welcomed families and fishermen alike - for more than 30 years. In those early years, he married Bickley Abranovic, and together they welcomed two children, Bo and Rachel. Later, Bob was married to Linda Holman for more than 20 years.

During his years at Fish Haven Lodge, Bob was known for his steady leadership and generous spirit. He was an avid bowler, an active member of Rotary, and served as President of the Rotary Club of Auburndale. He had a charitable heart and was often quietly helping others in practical and meaningful ways. Bob was happiest when he was hard at work on a project and finding a way to give to others.

After semi-retiring to Everglades City, Bob earned his captain's license and became a professional fishing guide in the Florida Everglades - work that perfectly matched his love of the outdoors and his ease on the water. When his grandchildren, Mary Clare and Connor, were born, he returned to Central Florida, splitting time between Orlando and Everglades City. In his later years, he continued to follow the life he loved most: fishing the Everglades and golfing three times a week with his men's group in Jasper, Georgia, where he also kept a home.

Bob had a gift for connection and could strike up a friendship anywhere. He was deeply grateful for the close friends who walked with him through the final chapter of his life, especially John Williams, Ken Dowacter, Tim Stair, and Jim Saullo.

For decades, Bob was a devoted member of St. Alban's Church in Auburndale, where he played a meaningful role in church leadership. He remained a committed Christian throughout his life, always excited about church music and a good sermon.

Bob is survived by his half-brother and half-sister, Chipper Chipman and Cathy Meincer; his former wives, Bickley Wilson and Linda Chipman; his two children, Bo Chipman and Rachel C. Allen; Bo's wife, Elizabeth Eggleston, and Rachel's partner, Willie Allen; his three grandchildren, Natalie Chipman, Mary Clare Allen, and Connor Allen; and his beloved dog, Penny.

A Celebration of Life will be held at DeGusipe Funeral Home, 9001 Orlando Ave, Maitland, FL on January 2, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., with a reception to follow. In place of flowers, donations can be made to the Jasper County Humane Society.