James Robert Stogner, Jr, 91, died peacefully on Saturday, March 9th in Knoxville, TN. “Bob” was born January 9, 1933 in Hartsville, SC to James Robert Stogner, Sr. and Alice Harrelson Stogner.
Bob attended Hartsville High School where he captained the football team. After a knee injury at Clemson University ended his days of playing football, he transferred to Davidson College where he was a proud member of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. A member of ROTC, Bob was captain of the Scabbard and Blade National Honorary Military Fraternity. Upon graduation from Davidson, Bob served two years as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army Infantry, including a tour of duty along the border separating North and South Korea. After returning home from active duty, he moved to Raleigh, NC where he met the love of his life, Patricia Ann Everton. Pat and Bob were married in Pat’s hometown of Columbia, NC on Easter Sunday, April 17, 1960. For over 63 years they had a loving marriage and true partnership, united in their faith, their dedication to each other, their family, church, and community.
Though his career included several additional ventures, Bob spent many years as a banker, working first at the C&S Bank of South Carolina. During that time, he received his MBA from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking. Bob began working at The Park National Bank in Knoxville in 1970, and concluded his career at The Home Federal Bank. Bob loved banking and he and Pat were blessed with special friendships around the Southeast through his participation in Robert Morris Associates. In addition to his dedication to his work, Bob believed in giving back through service. He was an active church member and served countless terms as elder at First Presbyterian Church, and later at West Hills Presbyterian Church. Pat and Bob were instrumental in establishing Young Life in Spartanburg, SC and Bob served on the founding development board to create the Young Life Camp, Windy Gap. He was an active member of the Chamber of Commerce. Bob was honored to serve as Chair of the United Way Campaign in 1977. He served on the Board of Directors at St. Mary’s Hospital and at Cherokee Textile Mills.
Bob and Pat’s life has been enriched by many friendships throughout South Carolina and their home in Knoxville. Those many who have passed and those who remain are profoundly appreciated for their gift of caring and love. Pat is especially thankful for her dear friends who have walked beside her all these years, and especially these past few months.
Bob was predeceased by his parents and his sister, Sylvia Hardy and brother-in-law, Carson. Surviving Bob are his devoted wife, Pat, of Knoxville; sons, Bobby (Judy) of Knoxville and Stuart (Kim) of Winston-Salem, NC. Also surviving are his beloved grandchildren Will Stogner (Taylor) of Nashville, TN; Anna Stogner of Raleigh, NC. Katie Stogner of Kansas City, MO, Camille Stogner of Asheboro, NC, and Tess Stogner of Durham, NC. Also surviving are his brother-in-law, Bob Everton (Pam) of Midlothian, VA, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
A service will be held on Saturday March 30th to remember and celebrate Bob’s life at New Life Gathering Church, 1300 Rocky Hill Rd. Receiving of friends will begin at 11:00, followed by the service at 12:00 noon. After the service an additional opportunity for fellowship is offered to family and friends at Bobby and Judy’s home, 1520 Markham Rd.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Bob’s favorite charity, Knox Area Rescue Ministries. On-line donations may be made at www.karm.org or P.O. Box 3310 Knoxville, TN 37927.