Robert Crews Jones

Bob was born in Charleston, West Virginia in Charleston General Hospital on November 22, 1941, to Robert Benjamin Jones and Mary Glenn Crews.

Bob grew up in the Charleston area with an affinity for radio broadcasting. After a brief stint working at the World’s Fair in New York City from 1964 to 1965, Bob moved to the Fort Myers area for a job as a radio announcer. His smooth vocal delivery and deep tones earned him the title of “The Voice of Southwest Florida” as he became known for his prolific voiceover work on hundreds of local productions.

Bob accepted a position at WBBH-TV in the 1970s in a move that brought his famous voice to television. At the NBC affiliate, later purchased by Waterman Broadcasting before becoming known as NBC-2, his creative talents elevated him to head the commercial production department, aptly named Creative Services. As Director of Creative Services, Bob appeared in, voiced, and directed thousands of TV commercials broadcast to Southwest Florida households. His work for Gaddy’s Hardware and Culligan Water made him a recognizable local celebrity, and his unique creative directions on productions for the Mole Hole chain based in Naples garnered national renown.

Bob ended his lengthy career with Waterman Broadcasting by retiring in 2010.

Retirement didn’t slow Bob down. Before each Christmas, he volunteered as Santa Claus for the Salvation Army ringing a bell in a Santa suit in front of the Publix store on College Parkway near his home. He enjoyed throwing parties and traveling as well, journeying to such far-flung locations as Hawaii, the Caribbean, Canada, Europe, Turkey, and China. Cruises aboard Cunard luxury liners were his favorite. He especially enjoyed formal attire, gazing at art, fine dining, and catching an Off-Broadway musical in the theatre.

Throughout his life, Bob remained young at heart and maintained a sharp sense of humor that could present itself in just about any moment or situation. Though he leaves behind no immediate family, he is dearly missed by many, many close friends. He is survived by his long-time partner, Modesto Maldonado.

Bob has requested that no formal service be held for his passing.