Robert Tyler Windham Sr.

Robert T. (Bob) Windham, a native of Pensacola, FL, and a builder whose vision helped shape the city he loved, passed away on October 21, 2026, in Columbus, GA. He was 87 years old.

Born on October 4, 1939, in Pensacola, Bob graduated from Pensacola High School. He attended Marion Military Institute and The University of Tennessee, with additional banking courses at the University of Virginia.

Bob began his business career in banking, first in Knoxville and then in Pensacola with Commercial National Bank. Later, Bob became an owner and founding board member of the Bank of Pensacola.

Bob’s true passion, however, was building and development. He joined Hector Construction Co., growing it into one of Pensacola's major homebuilders during the 1970s, then founded his own construction company, crafting premium homes and structures that still stand throughout the city today. That work led him into the hospitality industry, where, alongside his father, Robert O. Windham, he built, developed and managed a vast network of Econo Lodges of America and other hotel properties across the Southeast. He served on the Econo Lodges of America Franchisee Association's board of directors for two decades, and as its President.

Bob founded The Windham Company, entering the full-service hotel, resort, and timeshare sectors. Among his proudest accomplishments was the construction of the Pensacola Hilton Hotel in the 1980s, which helped change the city's skyline, along with the adjacent Pensacola Civic Center.

He received numerous accolades from the Pensacola business community, including the 1982 Pensacola Businessman of the Year from the Pensacola News-Journal and Chamber of Commerce, and the 1988-89 Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Service Award as Vice President of Tourism and Convention Development. He was a long-time member of the Pensacola Country Club and was involved in the Fiesta of Five Flags organization for many years, known for his outgoing personality, quick wit and infectious laugh and smile.

It was while working in banking in Knoxville, Tennessee, in 1961 that he met Sandra Turner, who would become his wife of 64 years and his constant companion through a remarkable life. Bob retired with Sandra to Destin, Florida, where they enjoyed twenty happy years near the waters of the Gulf. In 2017, they moved to Columbus, GA, to be near family and medical care.

Bob is survived by his wife, Sandra Windham, son, Robert T. Windham Jr. (LeDare) of Columbus, GA; grandsons, Robert Tyler Windham III (Allison) of Wilmington, NC, Andrew Brewer Windham (Tiffany) of Columbus, GA, Brian Turner Windham of Eagle, ID; great grandsons Brewer and Charlie Windham of Columbus, GA; sister, Jane Gouffon (Charlie) and brother, Thomas Windham (Chris), niece, Elaine Smiddy, and nephews, Michael Smiddy and Tyler Windham, all of Knoxville, TN. He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert O. Windham and Myrtle C. Windham.

A service will be held in Pensacola in the coming weeks, with Bob being laid to rest at Bayview Cemetery in Pensacola near his parents, in keeping with his final wishes. We ask that you remember Bob’s smile and humor, the grand times he shared with his friends and colleagues in Pensacola, and his love for the community he helped shape. The City of Five Flags was very dear to his heart.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the caregivers, staff and administration at Ridgecrest Rehab and Skilled Nursing Center in Columbus, GA, for their compassionate care and support during Bob's final years. In lieu of flowers, Bob’s family asks that you please donate to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, www.donorservices.Alzheimer's Association