Bobby L. Ditto

Bobby L. Ditto July 18, 1936 - November 13, 2011 Bobby L Ditto, 75, Satsuma, died November 13, 2011 at his home. Bobby loved the outdoors from an early age and hunted and fished at every opportunity while growing up in Kentucky. Bobby worked on his father's dairy farm while going to school and graduated in 1954 from Breckinridge County High School in Hardinsburg, Ky. He joined the Marines out of high school and served for 3 years and was honorably discharged with the rank of Corporal. Bobby returned to work at his father's business, Ditto's Welding Shop in Hardinsburg, as a small engine and outboard mechanic, earning a reputation as one of the best around. During this time he met his wife and started his family and in 1968 moved to Florida with his father and started Ditto's Sales and Service in San Mateo that grew to the largest bass boat marine dealership in the state. His association with the boating and fishing industry allowed him to meet many new friends locally and from all over the nation. He was a founder and charter member of the Bass Capital Bassmasters fishing club in Palatka and the Oklawaha Navy. Bobby was honored to serve on the board of the B.A.S.S Research Foundation starting in 1974 and was also advisor to many marine and fishing industry organizations and companies because of his innovative knowledge and integrity. He was elected to the highly regarded Mercury Marine Dealer Congress several times. In 1980 he purchased a small plastic fishing worm company and Ditto Manufacturing became a very well-known lure company, selling his products all over the United States and in several foreign countries. Bobby fished for several years on the B.A.S.S tournament trail and Ditto Manufacturing products were used by many professional fishermen, at least 4 of which used Ditto products to win the prestigious Bass Master Classic. During this time while he raised his family in Putnam County, Bobby developed a reputation for his knowledge of fishing the St. John's River and won countless tournaments individually and with his wife. He loved the competition and sportsmanship and his creative fishing influenced many anglers of all ages and he enjoyed mentoring and teaching anybody that sought his advice. In his later years, he moved to Satsuma with his wife, becoming a member of the Welaka United Methodist Church and considered the people there as his extended family. Bobby had a simple, outgoing personality that made many like him instantly and he always tried to do the right thing. Bobby Ditto's humble life touched so many others in a profoundly positive way and that legacy is how he should be remembered. Memorial services will be held 11:00 a.m. Saturday November 19, 2011 at the Welaka United Methodist Church with Rev. Gary Isner officiating. Flowers are gratefully declined and those wishing may make a contribution in his memory to Haven Hospice, 6400 St. Johns Ave., Palatka, FL 32177. He is survived by his wife, Judy Ditto, Satsuma; three sons, Mike Ditto (Trish), Satsuma, Patrick Ditto (Amanda), Palatka, Bruce Ditto, East Palatka; daughter, Marty Ditto Smith (Mike), Palatka; one brother, Jim Ditto, Cloverport, KY; 9 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter. St. Johns Family Funeral Home, St. Augustine, is in charge of arrangements.