Ernest John Bobbing III (Bob Bobbing) of Fort Lauderdale passed away peacefully on July 6, 2024, at the age of 73 surrounded by his family. Bobs fun loving larger than life personality developed at an early age. Surrounded by friends while fishing, diving, surfing, and boating. As a kid he enjoyed the sun and the fun of his hometown. He graduated from Stranahan High School in 1968. Along with him excelling in basketball this is where he developed his love for music. This passion grew stronger with each band he formed. His instrument was the bass and his groups played in clubs in Lauderdale and Miami at a time when live entertainment was the demand. Later while traveling the southeastern music circuit with his groups, he learned more about the business end of music. Next, he formed his own production companies. With his acquired knowledge he gave a start to many artists in their own music careers. He also worked closely with club owners personally giving them the entertainment they needed for their venues. As his reputation and expertise grew Bob produced many side projects. None being more important to him than his long-time friend and fellow bassist, Jaco Pastorius. Bob gave years of his life helping to create a legacy for Jaco’s family.
Throughout his life, Bob loved his fresh-squeezed juices, vitamins, good food, and fishing. He was always ready for a good time of retelling stories of his past with family and friends. But we can’t forget that he was always loaded and ready for a good debate on any issue. In his later years no matter what Bob was searching for he was always passionate and believed he would make a difference. He is survived by his sister Patty, his 3 daughters Heather, Ashlie, and Nicole as well as 4 grandchildren. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Arrangements entrusted to Boyd-Panciera Family Funeral Care, University Drive Chapel.
© 2025 Boyd Panciera. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Ronnie Ciago
August 23, 2024, 11:25 pm
I just found out that my longtime friend Bob Bobbings passed away by his daughter Ashlie told me today. She found my texting on his phone. I was wondering why he hasn’t called me. We would spend hours on the phone.
She told me he was diagnosed with stomach cancer on June 5th and passed away on July 6th !
Fast…. I think he was sick a long time but didn’t tell anyone.
He was that way…
When I saw Ashlies text that said to get a hold of her when I can. I knew right away he’s not with us anymore. I truly felt it..I met my wife of 28 years through Bob. He wanted her to be in the band I was in. We were married 28 years and had 2 children who are now son 22 and daughter 25 and I am also a grandfather with my daughters son. I’m truly Blessed & Heartbroken 💔
I’m
Agueda Bermudes
November 7, 2024, 3:08 pm
Te extrañaremos bob excelente persona att las colinas restaurant
Chuck Belloise
December 27, 2024, 8:57 pm
We are saddened to hear the passing of BOB BOBBINGS! He was a genius in the entertainment business and music field, also was responsible for Kelly (Wife) and myself being in Miami/Ft Laud from 1989 to 1992. Even though I had been in the night club music field for sometime when we met, and brought us to SW Florida, I still learned many things from him concerning stage concept and entertainment value. We were Brother Bass players and he was good friends with Jaco and his family and I heard many early recordings, probably still not heard by the general public.
The funny thing is the video I recently put up (just above this post) is the time period he came up to Tampa and heard Kelly and myself and offered us a spot (house gig) in Ft Lauderdale.
He always would call or text me every few months but haven’t heard from him in a while and was wondering what was going on. He recently came up and saw us and we took some photos together (one is below).
Below are a couple of videos Bob took of us. They aren’t very good due to the quality of the mic on the camera, the terrible room acoustics and how old and degraded the VHS tape was.
He was a big part of Kelly and my life because the short years we spent together were so important to us. Though there was only seven years difference between Bob and myself he was like a father figure to Kelly and I. . We will never forget you Bob …
https://www.facebook.com/chuckatbelloisebrothers
https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=28751490787771536&set=pcb.28751680137752601