Robert Emmett “Bobby” Marks, 72,m died peacefully Monday, Jan. 29, 2009, surrounded by family and friends.
Born and raised in New Orleans, he attended Warren Easton High School where he lettered in football, baseball, basketball and track and was later elected into the Warren Easton Sports Hall of Fame.
He was recruited to Texas A&M University by the legendary Coach Paul “Bear” Bryant. While at Texas A&M, he earned three varsity letters, playing football from 1954 until 1957, and was named All-Southwest Conference and Honorable Mention All-American in 1957.
After graduating from Texas A&M, Bobby began his coaching career in Nederland, Texas, and was later named Houston Area High School Coach of the Year in 1965. In 1968, he was hired as an assistant coach at Texas A&M where he remained for three years.
In 1972, Bryant asked Bobby to join his staff as an assistant coach at the University of Alabama. There he coached wide receivers and tight ends for 11 years, earning eight SEC Championships and three National Championships.
Following Bryant’s retirement, he joined the Denver Broncos as a pro-football scout. During his 10 years with Denver, he was a part of three AFC Championships. In 1993, he began scouting for the Dallas Cowboys where he remained for seven years and was a part of two Super Bowl titles.
He was a resident of Tuscaloosa for 34 years.
Devoted husband and family man, cherished friend, mentor and above all, a Godly man, he was affectionately known by many as “Coach.” His gift of recognizing real talent and his easy, effective communication style enabled him to teach and coach many young men who went on to accomplish great achievements both on and off the football field.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Philip William Marks Sr., and Sophie Rosa Marks, five brothers and two sisters.
Survivors include his loving wife of 29 years, Ann Thrasher Marks; three sons, Bobby (Stephanie) Marks Jr. of Dothan, Keith Marks of Houston, and Jared (Dianne) Marks of San Antonio, Texas; two daughters, Beth (Chris) Ransom of Birmingham, Katie (Jason) Yates of Birmingham; grandchildren, Michael Marks, Lindsey Marks, Lauren Marks, Shaelyn Marks, Ashley Ransom, Claire Ransom and Emerson Yates; sisters-in-law, Diane Marks of New Orleans, Katherine Marks of Meridian, Miss., Suzette (Tim) Carter of Alabaster; nephew, Freddie Carter; niece, Shae Carter; numerous other nieces and nephews from the Marks family.
Visitation begins at noon with funeral services at 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 29 at Riverchase United Methodist Church, Hoover, with pastors Bobby Marks Jr. and Keith Pugh officiating. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 30 in Bay Minette.
