Robert Mell Tennille IV

November 16, 1964 - August 14, 2014
Robert Mell Tennille IV

Memorial Gifts & Donations




It was 5 o’clock somewhere when Heaven landed one of its finest catches, but not without a fight.

Robert ‘Rob’ Mell Tennille, IV took on his next task — teaching the disciples the secrets to landing the Big One. Rob was born on November 16, 1964 to his proud parents Joanne and Bob Tennille in Wilmington, North Carolina.

He has been reunited with his grandfather Captain Robert Mell Tennille, Jr., his grandparents Louise and Joe LeGwin, his uncles Tommy and David, and his friends Clay, Brad, Warren, Brian, Stephen, and Dr. Ben. He will be forever missed by his sister Leigh Hardy, her husband Joel, and nephew Vance, and “brother from another mother” Stewart Newton and his wife JoJo, and his grandmother Ellen Tennille, great aunt Catherine Blanchard, aunts Mary McKeithan and husband Chris, and Anita ‘Doodle’ LeGwin as well as many adoring cousins and special friends.

Rob graduated from New Hanover High School in the Class of 1983. He always let the wind carry his sails to various work ventures in his life, but ultimately his heart always brought him back to his calling on the ocean. His port of call has remained Wrightsville Beach where he organized the annual Masonboro Inlet Sportfishing Tournament, which has been enjoyed over the years by so many local fishermen. His contagious smile and energy, unforgettable laugh and sense of humor, captivating fish tales, and loyalty to his family and friends will keep him in our hearts forever.
Due to the outpouring of so much love from so many friends and family this past week in the hospital, Rob could not have had a better send off from those he loved.

A celebration of his life by the Reverend Bob Bauman will be held August 18th, 2014 at 3:00PM at Wrightsville United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his memory to: The Billfish Foundation, designate your contribution to their Satellite Tagging Project, 5100 North Federal Highway, Suite 200, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308, www.Billfish.org; Hope for the Warriors, PMB 48, 1335 Suite E, Western Boulevard, Jacksonville, NC 28546, www.HopeForTheWarriors.org; Mother Hubbard’s Cupboard, 315 Redcross Street, Wilmington, NC 28401, www.MotherHubbardsNC.com.

Please share condolences and memories with the family by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Arrangements are in the care of Wilmington Funeral & Cremation 1535 S. 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403. 910.791.9099


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  • August 18, 2014
    Mike Moon says:
    What a great friend , you will be missed . RIP Rob

  • August 18, 2014
    Lance Goodgion says:
    It has been a long time but I will always remember growing up with Rob and his love of life and free spirit. Godspeed brother!

  • August 18, 2014
    James Robinson says:
    Prayers to the families. We have lost one of the most contagious smiles I have known. NHHS Class of '84

  • August 18, 2014
    Randall & Kitty King says:
    Bob and Joanne, We were so sorry to hear about Rob. You and your family are in our prayers. Randall and Kitty King

  • August 18, 2014
    Penny Philligin says:
    My thoughts and prayers are with you all.