It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Robert “Bobby” Alva Marks who left this world on April 19, 2024. Bobby was born on October 16, 1947, in Panama City, FL, and grew up in Pensacola, FL. He was a pillar of love and support for his beloved family and his community.

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, Charles F. Marks, Jr. and Joyce Powell Hinckley Marks. Bobby is survived by his wife Geraldine “Gerry” Busbee Marks, whom he married in 1971. Their love story was one that was admired and cherished by all who knew them. In addition to Gerry, Bobby leaves behind his sons Ryan, Sean (Aldridge) and Kevin (Melissa). He was also a proud grandfather to Aileen, Cade, and Mary-Hartely Marks. Additionally, he is survived by his sisters Joan (Carl – deceased) Houck, Marilyn Oberhausen (David), and Janice (Michael, Sr. – deceased) Valvano, who fondly remember their baby brother for his kind heart and inspiring spirit.

On a college spring break trip to Florida, Bobby took a flying lesson and was suddenly hooked on aviation. During his last semester at the University of South Alabama, he convinced his marketing professor to have their class perform a marketing feasibility study on the viability of a regional commuter airline based out of Mobile. He graduated on June 6, 1971, started Southeast Commuter Airlines, using the study to secure a bank loan, on June 7, and married Gerry on June 26.

A few years after being in business, Bobby was approached by Mayer Mitchell, CEO of The Mitchell Company, who asked to charter the airline’s aircraft to The University of Alabama home football games. In December of 1973, he was offered the position of Chief Pilot at The Mitchell Company. He always cherished the time spent working with the Mitchell family and the relationships he built with the Mitchells, the Lubels, and others at the company.

In 1991, The Mitchell Company agreed to Bobby’s purchase of the company aircraft so he could form Charter Services, Inc. CSI provided aircraft charter to Mobile-area clients for nearly 2 decades before transitioning to Jet Services, Inc. in 2010. His final chapter in aviation was to mentor and support his sons, Sean and Kevin, as they worked to grow Jet Services. Jet Services currently employs over 30 pilots, mechanics and aviation professionals with the focus of providing comprehensive aviation services. Bobby’s 30 years of dedication and leadership helped to develop the careers of countless aviation professionals who passed through the doors of his businesses. His vision in college to develop a Mobile-based aviation business is a reality and we are forever grateful for his efforts.

Bobby and Gerry have long been staunch supporters of the University of South Alabama. Both early graduates of the school, they have volunteered countless hours to various causes. In 2014, Bobby and Gerry were selected for the USA’s Distinguished Service Award to recognize their years of volunteer involvement. Specifically, Bobby served many years with the Jaguar Athletic Club and the Jaguar Athletic Fund. Bobby and Gerry are also Lifetime Members of the USA National Alumni Association.

Bobby was a long time member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church. He served on the parish council for a number of years and was a eucharistic minister for most of his time as a church member. Among all of his interests and endeavors, family remained the central focus. Bobby loved his family and always took an interest in supporting the things that were important to them. He was especially fond of his three grandchildren and enjoyed watching them grow-up. In his final few years, he would make special arrangements to attend as much as possible while coordinating the required time necessary to conduct his home dialysis regiment. He was always willing to try and pack in as much as possible in support of family.

In his lifetime, Bobby touched many lives with his kindness and philanthropy. He will be deeply missed, his memory cherished, and his legacy will continue to inspire those who were fortunate enough to know him.

In Bobby’s honor, the JagGals leadership team voted to create the JagGals Bobby Marks Memorial Scholarship Fund. Donations can be made to this fund through the University of South Alabama. Please make checks payable to “JagGals Bobby Marks Memorial Scholarship” and mail to: University of South Alabama; Office of Development; 650 Clinic Drive TRP III, Suite 1500; Mobile, AL 36688. Donations can also be made at the following online giving link: https://bit.ly/BobbyMarksMemorial