Legacy Stories SHARING HIS THROUGH Bob

White’s Favorite Books

BY MICHELLE HAYES UHLFELDER

Have you ever popped by Sundog Books in the heart of Seaside, Florida?

Chances are you unknowingly interacted with the beloved Bob White, co-owner of the bookshop with his wife, Linda.

Since the humble beginnings of this iconic independent bookstore in 1986, most days you could find Bob at the front table rearranging each book stack to precise ruler measurements— likely an excuse to greet customers with a hearty “Let me know if I can help ya!” paired with his trademark Mississippi accent that dripped with charm.

Without a doubt, one of his greatest joys was recommending reads to customers and engaging with those who sought the prize of a good story. And boy, were they in the right spot, because Bob White had a nose for sniffing out the best authors.

—BOB WHITE, IN RESPONSE TO SOMEONE ASKING FOR A NON-FICTION RECOMMENDATION own-to-earth and easy to talk to like any good Southern boy, Bob was utterly delightful with that dry sense of humor he possessed. Customers, staffers, friends, and family alike recount the times when a twinkle came to Bob’s eye and he uttered a riotous line that left them rolling on the sandy wooden floors. And Bob loved it when that happened—he absolutely lived for that reaction.

Bob passed away in January of 2023, and the South Walton, Florida, community came together to celebrate his life and legacy. This outpouring of love and support exemplified the kindness he showed to everyone throughout his time in Seaside and the genuine feeling of family among the town’s merchants and residents. Thank you, Bob, for shining your light on Seaside.

It’s safe to say Bob saw himself as much more than just a bookshop owner or a bookseller but as a steward of these incredible stories and a door to the world of literature.

Their many staffers, who count him and Linda as mentors, dear friends, and the family they chose, regularly walked into the bookshop to find Bob’s personal books waiting for them, with their names attached and a quick scribble of “I think you will really like this!” This was the mark of a read that will knock your socks off. It meant you had less than seven days until he started dissecting plot points with you, so you’d better read fast.

Linda and Bob were always the first to throw up their hands to anyone in need, on staff, or within the community. The charity work, countless donations, and silent outreach conducted over nearly four decades from this bookshop are a credit to the couple’s generous spirit. The impact of their combined legacy within the town’s extended footprint will never be fully known because so much of what they have done for others has been a whisper. From helping a single mother needing support, donating thousands of books to prisoners in need of literature, and every other circumstance you can think of, they are the kind-hearted, silent heroes who rarely make the news.

Next time you’re at Sundog Books, be sure to look at Bob’s Staff Recommendation Shelf. Pull a book or two from it—don’t worry, the staff replenishes his picks. Bob would want you to read his selections. Then, if he were still with us, he would put his arm around your shoulders and, in his honey-thick Southern accent, tell you exactly why this particular book is the read just for you, just for this moment— all with a twinkle in his eye.

Bob, we’ll continue to honor you always at Sundog Books. We’ll keep your memory alive within these walls and pass on your book recommendations just as you would want us to. We love you dearly.

This story was originally published by Seaside, Florida. Read along at SeasideFL.com for the latest news from this charming New Urbanist town.

Left and opposite top: Photos by Brenna Kneiss

Opposite middle: Bob White with his wife and Sundog Books co-owner, Linda

Below: Bob’s Top Five Book Picks

Photos courtesy of Sundog Books