Asbell
They say you should write your own obituary. So here goes. This is what happens when a writer writes his own obituary: Robert Norman “Rob” Asbell, 61, passed away Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Hospice of the Golden Isles with his wife, Candy, and his son, Adam, by his side.
Asbell had recently been ill with kidney failure and was on dialysis.
Along with his wife, he is survived by his son, Adam of Brunswick, and several cousins, including Jill and Steven Smith of Hortense and their children Kathleen Lane (Caleb), Taylor, Jonathan and Jeremy; Toombs/Montgomery County cousins, Marty and Sadonna Burkette, David and Jan Burkette.
The son of the late Daddy Rick and Judy Asbell, Asbell was a southend Brunswick “local,” growing up with his brother, the late coach Tinker Asbell.
He considered his life as one big adventure — from national karate competitions, steering a ballistic missile submarine, to traveling the world with the love of his life, Candy.
A Master Free Mason, Asbell served as Past-Master of Ocean Lodge #214 F&A.M. in Brunswick.
During high school at Glynn Academy, Asbell took a job in the broadcasting industry. It was a career that lead him to stations in South Carolina and Maryland. Asbell returned to Brunswick where he became “Stormin’ Norman” and helped start “Magic 105.9” and later as program director of J.Wayne Stewart’s stations in Brunswick.
After radio, Asbell became a reporter for The Brunswick News, chasing stories across Glynn County. He won several statewide awards and was named The News’ Employee of the Year for his work.
Following the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, Asbell joined the staff of U.S. Rep. Jack Kingston. He served as national Communications Director while remaining in the 1st District to assist constituents until accepting an early retirement following the loss of his daughter.
Asbell began to write for 912 Sports magazine and became editor, leading the organization into podcasting and video broadcasting. During the past few years, he also worked as a security manager at Sea Island which he enjoyed immensely.
As a young man, Asbell began studying Shotokan karate and attained the rank of nidan, winning many tournament trophies. After graduating from Glynn Academy, he attended Georgia Southern University on an academic scholarship.
It was there that he was initiated into the Delta Chi fraternity where he made many lifelong friends.
In 1990, Asbell’s life found its purpose when he started his family by marrying Candy, who gave Rob the greatest joys of his life by being mother to their son, Adam, and their daughter, Tori, who tragically died in 2007, the greatest loss of his life.
Along with his wife, Candy, and his son, Adam, Asbell is also survived by his beloved cats who were his constant companions.
The family will receive guests at their home: 131 Buckmeadow Drive in Brunswick. Visitation will be held Friday, May 22, 2026 at First United Methodist Church, 1400 Norwich St, Brunswick, from 10 a.m.-11 a.m.
A memorial service will be held Friday, May 22, 2026 at 11 a.m., at First United Methodist Church.
Pallbearers will be Hilton Neeld, Joe Sousa, Kenneth Carroll, Jimmy Brumit, Larry Stevens and Gil Werntz.
Honorary pallbearers are all local Glynn County Masons.
Arrangements are with Frye Funeral Home, Nahunta.
Sympathy may be made by signing the online registry at www.fryefh.com.
