Obituary of Robert Lee Shanks

Robert Lee "Bob" Shanks, 75, of Mary Esther, FL, went to be with his Lord on January 11, 2025.  

He was born on December 3,1949, to the late Robert Lee and Mary Frances Shanks in Nashville, TN.  He completed his education and began his career in the jewelry business in Nashville, before discovering the beautiful beaches on the panhandle of Florida and moving to Fort Walton Beach.  Bob's artistic and creative talents greatly contributed to his success in designing jewelry and pursuing his passion for photography.  He retired in 2019 after over 50 years of crafting unique and exquisite jewelry for various stores throughout his career.

Bob was a true Parrot Head.  He took great pleasure in bringing family and friends together for poolside barbeques and was especially delighted in following the lives of his grandchildren and great-grandson.

He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Phyllis Shanks; daughter, Amber Embry of Ft. Walton Beach, FL; three grandsons, Shawn Embry of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, Caden Embry of Shalimar, FL, and Jalen Gantt of Tallahassee, FL; granddaughter, Breighann Raybon of Crestview, FL; great-grandson, Henry Embry of Shalimar, FL; sister, Nancy Head (Tom) of Walla Walla, WA; and many many nieces and nephews.  He is preceded in death by his sister, Mary Sue Khoury and two stepdaughters, LeeAnn Phillips Raybon and Melissa Kay Phillips McKinney.

Throughout his cancer journey, he was grateful for the support and presence of wonderful family members and friends, both near and far.

The family kindly requests donations to Panhandle Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in lieu of flowers, to honor Bob's compassion for animals in need of rescue.  This where he and Phyllis adopted Bear, Cheyenne, and Bama.

In Memory of Bob Shanks, 752 Lovejoy Road, Fort Walton Beach, FL 32548