Category: General

Robert Vernon Knight, Jr. of Charlotte, North Carolina, age 94, died March 6, 2023 after a brief illness. Born October 27, 1928, Bob was the son of the late Robert Vernon Knight and Ruth Sydnor Dedmon Knight of Tarboro, NC.

He was educated in the public schools of Tarboro and graduated from Tarboro High School in 1945.

Bob was a 1949 graduate of Davidson College with a BS degree where he was a member of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He served in the US Air Force during the Korean conflict and rose to the rank of Captain.

After five years with Wachovia Bank N.A. in Winston-Salem and Raleigh, NC, Bob joined Home Finance Group, a predecessor company of American Credit Corporation and Barclays American Corporation. He retired from Barclays American Corporation as Senior Vice President in 1990, after serving thirty-two years with a variety of responsibilities, among them as Director of Administration and Corporate Affairs. After retirement, Bob served as Executive Director of Central Piedmont Community College Foundation for three years.

A firm believer in the importance of a traditional liberal arts education, Bob was a founder of Charlotte Latin School, serving as treasurer and member of the Board of Trustees intermittently for more than two decades. He was also a Deacon of Myers Park Presbyterian Church. Active in both business and civic affairs, Bob was Campaign Chairman and President of Arts and Science Council; Campaign Chairman of Capital Funds Drive of Junior Achievement; President of Friends of UNCC; President of Charlotte Merchants Association; and served on Boards of Directors of United Way, Wing Haven, Charlotte Mecklenburg Seniors Centers, and approximately thirty-five financial trade organizations. At the time of his death, he was a member of the Charlotte Country Club and the Charlotte Rotary Club.

In Bob’s own words, his greatest pride in life was the love and success of his children and four granddaughters. His lifelong hobby was being devoted to and supportive of his many friends of all ages. Many name Bob their single best friend.

Bob epitomized what it means to be a gentleman – charming, spirited, gracious, generous, and humble, with a grand sense of humor.

In 1979 Bob was preceded in death by his first wife of 27 years, Betsy Knott Knight. In 2005 he married Barbara Fehr McManeus, who predeceased him in 2019. Surviving are his daughter, Ruth Knight Gammon and husband Robert Christopher (Chris) Gammon of Charlotte; son John Ruffin Knight and wife Denise Bourassa Knight of New York, NY; four granddaughters, Anne Sydnor Gammon of Charlottesville, VA, Elizabeth Louise (Betsy) Gammon, MD of Nashville, TN, Julia Anne Knight of New York, NY, and Helen Perry Knight, MD and husband Zachary Lawrence (Zach) Baca of Boston, MA. Also left to cherish Bob’s memory are Barbara’s children, Marcia Teal, Rob McManeus, Cammie Stadler, and Marc McManeus.

A memorial service will be held at a later date. A private, family interment was held March 8, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the McIntosh Leadership Center at Charlotte Latin School, checks payable to Charlotte Latin School, 9502 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28277; or to Myers Park Presbyterian Church, 2501 Oxford Place, Charlotte NC 28207.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.

James Daniel Simpson, III, born in Little Rock. Ark., on April 18, 1940, passed away on Feb. 19, 2023. He is preceded in death by his parents, James Daniel Simpson, Jr. and Ellen House Simpson; grandparents, James Daniel Simpson and Ruth Bales Simpson, Joseph Warren House and Julia Clarke House.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia (Ginna); daughters, Jody House Simpson and Clarke Lea Simpson; grandsons, James Russell Thompson, Joseph Townes Delp, and Warren Forbes Delp. J.D. is also survived by his brother, Joseph Warren Simpson (Cindy), their children, Ellen Garrett Simpson Thalheimer (Evans); great-niece, Sloan Elizabeth Thalheimer, Preston Modisette Simpson, and Parker Danielle Pitts, his cousins, Robert Williams Tucker (Diane) and Everett Tucker, III (Becky).

J.D.’s life was defined by the things he was dedicated to: a lifelong passion for duck hunting, his beloved dogs, and spending time with his girls, (but only during the “off-season”). His dedication to duck hunting and preserving the habitat for ducks was limitless. His dedication to his job at Stephens Inc., for which he worked for over 50 years knew no bounds.

J.D. was a man of great empathy. He was a philanthropist that spread the gamut from such organizations ranging from a recovery center to a donkey rescue farm. There is much more that the family could say to the life of J.D., but the family is most aware that he was not a fan of long obituaries. Therefore, we will only say in ending is that there was not anything in life he loved more than his family. If he loved you, you knew it and if he didn’t, you knew that too. We loved him dearly and we will miss him every day. The family is fairly certain that Heaven has never seen anyone like J.D.

Visitation will be held at Ruebel Funeral Home Thursday, February 23, from 3:30-6 p.m. The funeral will be a private graveside ceremony.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, EasterSeals of. Arkansas, Nature Conservancy, Boy’s Club, or PARK. Arrangements are under the direction of RuebelFuneralHome.com

McLean Mitchell (Mack) died on February 17, 2023 at the age of 95. 

He was predeceased by his wife, Hazel McKeel Mitchell, his five siblings, Nicholas Worth Mitchell, Marion Mitchell Daves, Geraldine Mitchell Warren, Wilson Walker Mitchell, Emily Mitchell Williamson; and one nephew Nicholas W. Mitchell, Jr. He was a native of Winston-Salem, NC and the son of Annie Walker Mitchell and Nicholas Mitchell. He is survived by nine nieces and nephews: Shirley Mitchell Snow (Jim), Nicholas Daves (Elaine) and Jane Williamson Helvey (Jay) all from Winston-Salem; Weston Warren of Aiken, SC; Meriel Mitchell Gregory of Atlanta, GA; Melissa Daves Johnson (Steve) of Spartanburg, SC; Jeffrey Warren of Ashburn, Va; Ann Williamson Peterson (Bill) of Sandy, Utah; and Scott Williamson (Colleen) of Fredericksburg, Va.

Mack was a 1949 graduate of Davidson College and held a Master’s degree from UNC-Chapel Hill. In 1953 he was awarded a post-masters fellowship in humanities from Columbia University. Mack was a legendary teacher at Reynolds High School, Forsyth Country Day School and the Career Center for 44 years, often encountering multiple generations of families in his classes. He was a captivating speaker on American and European history. He made topics come alive by taking student groups to historical sites in the United States and Europe. He opened his home to students on nights and weekends to enjoy conversation and classical music in the context of his classroom teaching.

After retiring from the classroom in 2001, he completed the docent training classes at Reynolda House Museum of American Art and served as a volunteer tour guide at Reynolda House for 15 years, retiring at the age of 88.

He was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church.

As he requested, his funeral will be a private family service.

Memorial gifts can be made to Reynolda House Museum of Modern Art, 2250 Reynolda Road, Winston-Salem, NC, 27106; the Fund for Davidson College, P.O. Box 7170, Davidson, NC 28035; the RJR High School Alumni Association, P.O. Box 26172, Winston-Salem, NC 27114, or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be made at www.salemfh.com.

Charles Goddard McClure, Jr. (Chick) died 2/15/23 (Age 89) in Raleigh, NC of a subdural hematoma resulting from a fall. Survivors include his wife, Joyce, of Raleigh, NC; daughter Catherine McClure Adams (Bill), of Perth, Australia; son, Charles G. McClure III and granddaughter, Avery Catherine McClure of Raleigh, NC. Chick is also survived by his brother, Robert C. McClure (Carole) of Plantation, FL. He is predeceased by his parents, Charles and Henrietta McClure, of Fort Lauderdale, FL, and Dr. Mercer L. McClure of Santa Ana, CA. 

Chick was born in Louisiana where his Presbyterian Minister father held a pastorate. He later attended primary school in New Orleans until his father accepted another pastorate in Charlotte, NC.  Chick completed primary and secondary (Central High) public schools in Charlotte and then graduated Davidson College in 1955. Shortly thereafter he entered the Army and completed his military service in 1957 as a 1^st Lieutenant. Post-military Chick completed an MBA at UNC Chapel Hill. He was employed as a CPA with several companies in the Carolinas until he accepted a position as Trust Officer with Nations Bank in Charlotte where he remained until he retired from the Raleigh office of Bank of America in 1998.

While in grad school Chick met Joyce, a Registered Nurse who often attended his father’s church. He would tell the story of “picking her up” by asking for her phone number in a local restaurant nearby. They were married two years later and recently celebrated their 62^nd wedding anniversary. 

Chick had two great loves: his family and tennis. He was dedicated to his family and would play tennis wherever he moved; the latest courts being at Raleigh Racquet Club. He has a paver there with an inscription that reads RRC was his home away from home. 

Chick was a quiet man, a good man, a man of Christian faith. He will be greatly missed.            

A memorial service is planned for Wednesday, 5/10/23 at 2:30 PM in Davidson Chapel, White Memorial Presbyterian Church, 1704 Oberlin Church Road, Raleigh, NC 27608.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to either White Memorial Church or Springmoor Retirement Center, 1500 Sawmill Rd. Raleigh, NC 27615.

On February 5, 2023, Robert “Bob” Hunter Moore, loving husband, and father of two children, passed away at the age of 82. Bob was born on March 26, 1940, in Richmond, VA to Homer Plato and Odell America.

Majoring in History, English and Education, Bob graduated from Davidson College in 1962 where he was a member of the basketball team. Bob completed graduate studies at American University, was a graduate of the Federal Executive Institute and a Program for Senior Executives in National and International Security at Harvard.

Bob began work with the Department of Defense while serving in the USAF including assignment with Strategic Air Command, Airlift Division in Vietnam, and Military Traffic Management and Terminal Service. Entering civilian service, Bob worked his way up to Directorate for Transportation and Distribution Policy for the Secretary of Defense where he was a charter member in Senior Executive Service and Staff Director. Bob retired from the Pentagon as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations and Senior Transportation Advisor. Bob’s numerous awards include the Bronze Star for his service in Vietnam, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Department of the Army Meritorious Civilian Service Medal and DOD Distinguished Civilian Service Medal. Bob was twice awarded the Presidential Rank of Meritorious Executive in the Senior Executive Service.

Bob and his beloved wife of 47 years, Martha (predeceased) resided in Falls Church, VA and raised two children, Emily and Kathy. Post retirement, Bob enjoyed traveling, continued work with Christian Education at Falls Church Presbyterian and volunteering at VBS. He was an avid gardener, gifted carpenter, and a talented artist. Bob’s artistic ability led to teaching art classes in FCPS, recognition as Volunteer of the Year, and Clay Works in his home.

His love spread and grew into his second marriage to Carol Loy Bentley in 2014. He joyfully shared 9 years of marriage with Carol and took on the loving name of “Grand Bob” to all of his growing family. Carol and Bob enjoyed traveling, taking long walks with special dog Janie, and spending time with children and grandchildren.

Bob was preceded in death by his father Homer Plato Moore and mother, Odell America Moore; his wife, Martha Jean Moore (Shortridge); his brother William “Willie” Moore, and his brother Homer Plato Moore Jr. He is survived by his daughter Emily McCarley Dodge; grandchild Elena Marie Dodge; his daughter Katherine Jean Johnson (Charles “C.J.”); grandchildren Elizabeth Ashley Johnson and Connor Dallas Johnson (Brittany). His second wife, Carol Loy Bentley and her son Callan Bentley (Lily); grandchild Baxter and her son Connor Bentley (Karyn), grandchildren Hunter, Madison, Parker, Dylan, Drew, Kameron and Thomas James. His sisters, Sarah Lee Province and Odell Womble; his brother-Charlie Moore (Vicky); cherished cousins, especially Ann Sale; many very special nieces, nephews, neighbors, and friends. The family would like to thank the compassionate staff of Renaissance of Annandale and Goodwin House Hospice.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 11, 2023-11 a.m. at Falls Church Presbyterian Church. A private graveside service will be held on Monday, February 13, 2023, 11 a.m. at Knollkreg Memorial Park in Abingdon, VA. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Falls Church Presbyterian Church.