Chef Rumbsy “Trey” Rhorer McCartt III, formerly of Elsah, IL, passed away peacefully at his home in North Port, Florida on Friday, January 16, 2026.

Due to his parents Air Force careers, Trey spent his youth traveling, residing and attending schools throughout England, Europe, Greece, Crete, Spain, and Turkey. He graduated high school in Madrid, Spain and attended the University of Illinois (Macomb) and Principia College where he studied computer science, math, and German.

Trey spent his life perfecting his skills in the world’s culinary arts and was awarded a bronze medal from the American Culinary Federation. His love of preparing cuisine was passed along by his mother who realized early on that Trey was destined to cook for and feed humanity after trying to feed his 10-day old brother bacon because he was concerned that the infant was only drinking milk.

Trey spent the past 27 years at Principia College in Elsah, IL serving as the executive chef to the Office of the College President while also serving as the Assistant Director, and more recently, the Director of Dining Services. Throughout these years, Trey prepared meals for national and world dignitaries visiting the College. They would often visit him in the kitchen to personally thank him and compliment him on his cuisine.

One of Trey’s most memorable experiences was traveling with the Principia College Solar Car team to Australia as their team chef during a grueling international race through the Australian continent.

Trey loved life. He was a wonderful husband to his wife Amber of 32 years and father to Sydney and Blayke. As a family they loved and cared for several dogs. Trey was admired and trusted by many and respected by students and his dining services staff. He was a natural leader and peacemaker. Trey will be remembered for his sense of joy and humor.

Trey had many interests including studying the life and times of Christ Jesus and all who followed him on his healing mission. In addition to cooking, Trey loved cruising the Caribbean, container gardening, playing cards, and learning languages. He was a computer gaming genius.

Trey is survived by his wife, Amber Small McCartt, sons Sydney and Blayke, Mother Evelyn Maxine Whiteside McCartt and brother Sgt. Scott McCartt of Fort Campbell, KY, and Timewell, IL, sisters-in-laws, Liisa Small Hilbert Nichols (Tipper) and Anna Small Conti, brother-law, John Small (Jill) and several nieces and nephews. Trey was preceded in death by his farther, Rumbsy Rhorer McCartt Jr., a Vietnam war veteran, who served in and retired from the Air Force and his in-laws Gary and Kaarina Small of Port Charlotte.

A celebration of life will be held in Elsah, IL. Details will follow.

Friends may visit online at www.robersonfh.com to extend condolences to the family.  Arrangements by Roberson Funeral Home, Port Charlotte, Florida.