Former Florida Gators quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow announced Friday that his father, Bob Tebow, has died at the age of 78. Sharing the news through his social media channels, Tim described his father’s passing through the lens of the family’s deep religious convictions.
“Heaven ushered in a hero of the faith last night as my Dad was welcomed home!” the younger Tebow wrote. “Many will say sorry for your loss but the truth is he’s not lost, we know exactly where he is. He’s home. Forever!”
Bob Tebow’s health had been a public point of concern since 2016, when Tim revealed in an interview with People magazine that his father had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Despite the physical toll of the illness, Bob continued his long-standing commitment to missionary work.
In 1985, Bob and his wife, Pam, moved their family to Mindanao in the Philippines with the goal of sharing their faith across the region. Even after his diagnosis, Bob returned to the Philippines to visit orphanages, a mission Tim described in 2015 as his father’s “most comfortable place to be in the world.”
The tribute posted Friday highlighted a final conversation between the father and son regarding their shared faith. Tim noted that when he asked his father what he looked forward to most about the afterlife, Bob’s answer was simply, “Jesus.”
“He couldn’t wait to see Jesus face to face,” Tim wrote. “Praise God that his wait is over. Death has been swallowed up in victory. He’s healed and whole now. So we don’t mourn as those with no hope. See you soon Dad!”
Bob Tebow is survived by his wife, Pam, and their children. The family has long been recognized for their charitable efforts, particularly through the Tim Tebow Foundation, which carries on much of the missionary work Bob began decades ago in the Philippines. No public memorial services have been announced at this time.
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