Robert Bruce Wilson

Robert Bruce Wilson of Charlotte, 91, passed away surrounded by family on Monday, August 17. He was a beloved father and friend whose presence will be greatly missed.

Robert was born August 28, 1934 in Charlotte, North Carolina to Leslie Raymond Wilson, Sr. and Lois Culp Wilson. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Patricia (Pat) Shubert Wilson; his brother, Leslie Raymond Wilson, Jr. and his sister, Shirley Kennedy.

He is survived by his daughters Holly Lynn Wilson of Charlotte and Robin Beth Wilson of Marion, North Carolina, as well as his sister Nancy Stiles of Portsmouth, Virginia, family friend Michelle Rodriguez, son-in-law, Jacob Blair, and many nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends, including his caregiver, Julisha Byrd, and honorary daughter, Ana Goforth - all of whom will cherish his memory.

He will be warmly remembered for his devotion to his family and generous spirt. Robert exuded a quiet strength and was known for his kindness and his dry, sharp wit. He delivered this wit seamlessly, effortlessly and, often times, without warning; his commentary brought laughter to many, even to those who were the subjects of his wit.

He spent his childhood in Deep Creek, Virginia, a small community near the Great Dismal Swamp that in the 1930s and ‘40s provided an abundance of adventure for a young boy, his siblings and their neighborhood friends. He would later join the United States Air Force stationed in Oregon, training as a jet engine mechanic, before settling in Charlotte, where he and his wife, Pat, raised two daughters. He retired in his 80s from Equipment and Supply of Monroe, where for decades he managed the company’s extensive inventory of aviation parts. Robert knew better than anyone where to find a part, because he adhered to his own advice, which was to put things back where you found them.

In retirement, frequent trips to the Independence Regional Library were among life’s simple pleasures, pleasures which also included a steaming-hot cup of coffee, catching up with his friends and neighbors on his front porch, and maintaining a meticulously landscaped yard. An avid reader, he spent his retirement quietly reading mystery novels; he also loved watching TV shows like Gunsmoke and Agatha Christie’s Poirot from the comfort of his worn-leather La-Z-Boy. Often times, the family cat, Beatrice, joined him in his La-Z-Boy for naps, so long as she behaved. He enjoyed dining out with family and friends at local diners for breakfast - his favorite. Along with good friend and former co-worker Jimmy Helms, weekly lunch at Golden Corral was a joy and the perfect opportunity to share his wit.

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held Monday, August 24, 2026, at Tribute and Tallent Funerals and Cremations, 1937 N Sharon Amity Rd, Charlotte, NC 28205, beginning with visitation at 11:00 a.m. and a celebration of life at noon to be followed by a graveside service.