James Oliver "Bob" Warren
April 26, 2017
Newton- James Oliver “Bob” Warren II went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, April 26, 2017. He was surrounded by his family. Few words can describe the impact that Bob had on this earth. Simply put, his loving spirit touched all who knew him.
Bob was the first-born to Hannibal Godwin and Gwendolyn Wilburn Warren on March 11, 1954, in Birmingham, Alabama. After moving to Charlotte as a young child, Bob graduated from South Mecklenburg High School, where at the age of 15, he met the love of his life, Karen. After graduating with a business degree from Wake Forest University, he entered the textile industry. He and Karen moved to the Hickory area where they would raise a family. In 1987, he founded Jamesco, Inc.
Bob was always known for his engaging personality. He cherished the authentic relationships that he made through his career. With a true passion for life, Bob had many hobbies and interests. He loved live music and exploring new and different styles of music. He was a passionate Demon Deacon and Panthers fan – a PSL owner since the Panthers’ first season in Clemson, SC. Bob enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors – being one with God’s creation. He was an accomplished trombone player. After playing in the Wake Forest marching band, he continued his craft at both Ardmore and New Hope Moravian Churches, where he led the brass band for many years. All of his interests had one thing in common – they were all outlets he could share with his family.
Bob and Karen were married for 40 years. For their children, and for all who witnessed their marriage, they demonstrated the ultimate in self-sacrifice and love. Bob loved his children, Jimmy and Heather, unconditionally and, to them, “he couldn’t have been a better dad.” From coaching ball teams, taking them to concerts, “sneaking” to buy gifts for Karen, to many a family adventure, he always made his children a priority. They would never doubt how proud he was of them and how much he loved them, because he always said just that. Later in life, that love expanded to his grandchildren who affectionately called him “Bobba.” Being a child at heart, he could always be heard from the next room singing one of his patented made-up songs and eliciting giggles from them all. He loved being their Bobba, and he never denied that his role was to spoil his grandkids.
If there is one word to describe Bob, it is LOVE. He made all whom he came in contact with feel important and loved. He filled the room with his presence and truly earned the nickname “Uncle Fun.” He will be missed by all who knew him. The world will certainly be less fun without Bob Warren, though his spirit dwells in his beloved family and friends. With his passionate love of the Lord, Heaven gained a great saint and an amazing man.
Predeceased by his parents, Hannibal G. and Gwendolyn W. Warren, and his brother Sion Wilburn “Billy” Warren, Bob is survived by his wife Karen Washam Warren of Newton, NC, his son James O. Warren III, and his wife Kristi of Charlotte, NC, his daughter Heather Warren Dickey, and her husband Jeff of Virginia Beach, VA, his brother Hannibal G. Warren, Jr., and his wife Elizabeth of Charlotte, NC, his sister Bonne Warren Stukey, and her husband Dave of Charlotte, NC, his grandchildren, Addi, Laney and Oliver Warren and Sophia Dickey, and many nieces and nephews.
A celebration of Bob’s life will be held on Saturday May 6, 2017, at 2:00 PM. at Sharon Presbyterian Church, 5201 Sharon Road, in Charlotte, NC. The Reverend Scott Venable will officiate. Memorials may be made to New Hope Moravian Church, 2897 Sandy Ford Road, Newton, NC 28658, or the Charlotte Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 33000, Charlotte, NC 28233.
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth Poe Funeral & Cremation Service. 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28205. 704-641-7606. Condolences may be left online at www.kennethpoeservices.com.
Comments
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Karen, we are so saddened by news of Bob's death. We are thinking of you and your family and hoping that his joy for life will help sustain all of you during these coming days. Are you still in our area? Had Bob been sick? Sending wishes of fond memories--- Also, I grew up in the Sharon area---Sharon Hills Road. we were there before it was paved! I don't remember ever connecting the Sharon experience with you guys. My younger sister attended the new South HS. I left for college on 1958. If you are back in this area, give us a call. We could meet for dinner, lunch? When you are ready. 828 465 2664---Peter and I are thinking of you and your wonderful family group.
Molly and Peter LaFontaine -
As we say in North Carolina, Bobby was a "good'n". He called you when you were down and lifted you up. He saw the positive in life and shared it with you. He laughed, guffawed and hooted and you couldn't help but do the same. He was kind and thoughtful and left an indelible mark on all he met. I will really miss him.
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Bobby will be missed. We have fond memories of him when all of us would gather at Jimmy & Mary Rose's house. Words can't express how deeply sad we are that Bobby is no longer with us physically, but his spirit lives on through memories. We lost a friend, but Heaven gained a blessing. May God hold you in his arms and give you peace.
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