Verrrrrrrrry Interesting.........

Yes, you have to be of a certain age to remember that line. I saw this online last week, someone has a sense of humor:

Robert Matheny

BORN

1946

DIED

2022

ABOUT

Wake Forest University

FUNERAL HOME

Massey Funeral Home

913 N. Arendell Ave.

Zebulon, NC

ROBERT MATHENY OBITUARY

Robert Matheny

August 13, 1946 - December 3, 2022

Zebulon, North Carolina - Robert Samuel "Bob" Matheny, the former longtime mayor of Zebulon, died Saturday, Dec. 3, 2022, surrounded by loved ones.

Bob died at his home on the morning of his town's annual Christmas parade. His children, who inherited his sense of humor, resisted the temptation to announce Bob's death by sneaking the hearse into the parade's route. Bob rode in enough parades as mayor of Zebulon for 28 years.

Bob lived a great life. He said so himself. He was a true leader and role model who loved his family and community. He possessed a rare combination of humor, humility, ingenuity, and leadership with a keen gauge of fairness.

Bob's quick wit constantly entertained his wife, children, and grandsons. His tireless work ethic provided all of them opportunities and resources to prosper in whatever they pursued. He nourished his family with delicious meals as a remarkable cook. He could feed large crowds at parties and neighborhood pig pickins. He was a master beekeeper who enjoyed giving people the honey he harvested.

Bob was born in Nashville, Tennessee, to parents, Sam and Estie Matheny. The family moved to Charlotte, N.C., where Bob excelled at academics and athletics at South Mecklenburg High School. His strength and speed as a sprinter and running back earned him a football scholarship at Wake Forest University.

At WFU, Bob met classmate Ann Davis of Zebulon. They wed in 1966 and were happily married 51 years until her death in 2017.

When Bob's college athletic career was cut short by injury, he took a semester off and worked as a counselor at the N.C. Advancement School in Winston-Salem. That's when he was promptly drafted into military service during the Vietnam War. He enlisted with the U.S. Navy and served four years on active duty, including deployment on the USS Forrestal.

After his honorable discharge, Bob made his home with Ann in Zebulon where they raised their three children; Michelle, Sam, and Jim Matheny.

In Zebulon, Bob's commitment to volunteerism and public service spanned more than half a century. He served on the fire department and helped found the Zebulon Rescue Squad. He served on the town's planning board and was president of Jaycees.

In pursuit of a more open local government, he ran for town commissioner and was elected in 1973. He was elected Zebulon's mayor in 1993 and led the town for 28 years until his final term ended December 2021. He prioritized transparency and open-mindedness. He took pride in listening to others and caring about their opinions, even when he disagreed. Civil discourse was important. His leadership helped expand the town, bring minor league baseball to Zebulon, revitalize downtown, and attract industry. He and Ann were proud of their work to preserve the historic Wakelon School by transforming it into the town hall and police headquarters.

Bob's devotion to helping local governments extended beyond Zebulon. He served as president of the North Carolina League of Municipalities and president of the Wake County Mayors Association. He was devoted to empowering citizens while providing open and effective government practices to people throughout North Carolina.

In 2019, Bob received The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award, the highest honor from North Carolina's governor, for his significant contributions to the state and his community.

Bob's prodigious public service was done in his free time alongside a variety of full-time professions. He sold insurance, owned a Sears franchise, and retired after many years as general manager of Whitley Furniture Galleries - sort of. He then obtained his license as a general contractor, home inspector, and was an all-around talented handyman.

Bob relished nature and the great outdoors from land, water, and air. He was an aviator with certification as a private and commercial pilot. He loved to fish, boat, hunt, hike, and camp. He emphasized conservation and preservation. One of his most cherished refuges was the log cabin he built with his family in the mountains of Virginia.

Bob is survived by children; Michelle Matheny, Sam Matheny and Jim Matheny (Ellen); as well as grandsons; Ty Matheny and Liam Matheny. He was also blessed with a treasured extended family of nephews, nieces, cousins, and in-laws. Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Dr. Ann D. Matheny, who he cared for with incredible devotion during her final years of terminal illness. In addition to his parents, Bob was also preceded in death by his beloved sister, Shirley Matheny Gantt.

The cause of Bob's death was pancreatic cancer. His family would like to gratefully acknowledge the support of many friends and loved ones.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, December 9, 2022, at Zebulon Baptist Church. Family will receive friends at the church immediately following the service. A private burial will follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Zebulon Baptist Church Missions Fund, 400 N. Arendell Ave., PO Box 366, Zebulon, NC 27597.

Arrangements by Massey Funeral Home, Zebulon www.masseyfuneralhome.com

Published by The Herald Sun on Dec. 8, 2022.