Robert Thomas Grubbs

GRUBBS, Robert Thomas, 90, of East Palatka, Fla., passed away Wednesday October 1, 2008 at Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center in Palatka, following a brief illness. Robert was born July 3, 1918 in Richmond, Va., to the late Thomas and Almeda Grubbs. He graduated from the Varina Agricultural High School on June 9, 1936 in Richmond. After serving his apprenticeship with the railroad he moved to Jacksonville, Fla. While continuing his career with SeaBoard Coastline, he then relocated to East Palatka, Fla. He retired in 1983. Mr. Grubbs was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II, Private First Class Company "1", 169th Infantry. He served in Lyzon as an automatic rifleman. Mr. Grubbs was a lifetime Master Mason of the Ionic Lodge # 101 in Jacksonville, Fla., for 64 years, and was a member of the American Legion. Mr. Grubbs enjoyed working on his house and in the yard, watching stock car races, and the river. He also enjoyed watching Pastor Joel Osteen on Sunday mornings. He was of the Baptist faith. Robert was a beloved father, grandfather and a great friend, and he will be greatly missed. Mr. Grubbs was preceded in death by his sisters, Evelyn Grubbs Reed of Richmond, Va., and Mary Lou Grubbs Garland of Charlottesville, Va.; by his brother, Clayson K. Grubbs of Richmond, Va.; and a grandson, Kevin DiCarlo of East Palatka, Fla. Surviving are a daughter, Mary Linda (Alan) DiCarlo of East Palatka, Fla.; sons, Emory Clayson Grubbs (Louise Molander) of East Palatka, Fla., and Robert T. Grubbs Jr. (Connie) of Neptune Beach, Fla. His grandchildren, Anthony Tony DiCarlo of East Palatka, Fla., Teresa Fay (Grubbs) Flanders of Orange Springs, Fla., Robert Paul Grubbs of East Palatka, Fla., Kimberly Ann (Grubbs) Null of Pierson, Fla., Letitia Jean (Grubbs) McFarland of Palatka, Fla., Hailey Grubbs and Lindsey Grubbs, both of Neptune Beach, Fla. His great-grandchildren, Wesley Grubbs, Abby Flanders, Desiree DiCarlo, and Clayson Null; special friends, Carolyn Ross, Reba Hess, and Christine Sheridan. No services are scheduled at the request of Mr. Grubbs. A celebration of his homecoming will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be sent to Haven Hospice Roberts Care Center, 6400 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, Fla. 32177. Masters Funeral Home of Palatka is in charge of arrangements.
This obituary was originally published in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.