MARKS, ROBERT EMMETT "BOBBY" 


Robert Emmett "Bobby" Marks, died peacefully at the age of 72 on Monday, January 29, 2009, surrounded by family and friends. Born and raised in New Orleans, LA, Bobby 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, TX 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, Coach 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 eleven years, earning eight SEC Championships and three National Championships. Following Coach Bryant's retirement, he joined the Denver Broncos as a Pro-Football Scout. During his ten 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. Coach Marks was preceded in death by his parents, Philip William Marks, Sr., and Sophie Rosa Marks; five brothers and two sisters. A Tuscaloosa resident for 34 years, he is survived by his loving wife of 29 years, Ann Thrasher Marks; his sons, Bobby Marks, Jr. (Stephanie) of Dothan, AL, Keith Marks of Houston, TX, Jared Marks (Dianne) of San Antonio, TX; his daughters, Beth Ransom (Chris) of Birmingham, AL, Katie Yates (Jason) of Birmingham, AL; and his grandchildren, Michael Marks, Lindsey Marks, Lauren Marks, Shaelyn Marks, Ashley Ransom, Claire Ransom, and Emerson Yates. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Diane Marks of New Orleans, LA, Katherine Marks of Meridian, MS, Suzette Carter (Tim) of Alabaster, AL; nephew, Freddie Carter; niece, Shae Carter and numerous other nieces and nephews from the Marks family. 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. Visitation for friends and family will be held at Riverchase United Methodist Church, 1953 Old Montgomery Highway, Hoover, AL 35244 on Thursday, January 29, 2009 from 12 noon until 2:00 pm. Funeral services will follow immediately at 2:00 pm with pastors Bobby Marks, Jr. and Keith Pugh officiating. A graveside service will be held in Bay Minette, AL on Friday, January 30, 2009 at 1:00 pm.

Published in The Birmingham News on 1/27/2009