Tim Tebow is in mourning after the death of his father, Bob Tebow.
“Heaven ushered in a hero of the faith last night as my Dad was welcomed home!” Tim, 38, wrote via Instagram on Friday, April 24. “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!”
In his emotional tribute on social media, Tim shared a collection of photos with his dad, who was 78, over the years. The former NFL quarterback also celebrated Bob’s Christian faith.
“I asked him last week what he looked forward to most about Heaven, and he simply said, ‘Jesus,’” Tim recalled. “He couldn’t wait to see Jesus face to face. Praise God that his wait is over. Death has been swallowed up in victory. He’s healed and whole now.”
He continued, “So we don’t mourn as those with no hope. See you soon, dad!”
In 2016, the former football player announced in an interview with People that his father had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. His official cause of death, however, has yet to be revealed.
Despite the difficult diagnosis, Tim’s wife, Demi-Leigh Tebow, said her father-in-law never lost his faith in God.
“I am grateful for the man who raised the love of my life,” she wrote via Instagram on Friday. “The man who shaped him to be strong yet humble, courageous yet kind, bold yet deeply compassionate… a protector, a leader, and above all, a man who loves God and loves people well.”
Demi-Leigh, 30, continued, “We know heaven is rejoicing as he is welcomed into his forever home… but on this side of heaven, the emptiness is real, and it is heavy. We will miss him. And we will do our best to carry forward the legacy he lived so faithfully.”
In addition to being a devoted father and grandfather — Tim and Demi-Leigh have 9-month-old daughter Daphne — Bob is being celebrated for his work as a board member for the Tim Tebow Foundation.
The nonprofit, which has a “mission to bring faith, hope and love to those needing a brighter day in their darkest hour of need,” released a statement praising Bob’s work within the organization.
“Mr. Tebow’s life was spent advancing the Kingdom of God, creating paramount impact through his personal ministry reaching millions in the Philippines with the gospel of Jesus Christ, through his spiritual leadership as a founding board member of the Tim Tebow Foundation, and generationally through the investment he made in his children, grandchildren and the multitudes he influenced through his deep, unapologetic love of the Savior,” the foundation stated via Instagram. “One who is surely hearing, ‘Well done good and faithful servant.’”
