Robert Franklin Hartsell

Robert “Bob” Franklin Hartsell passed away peacefully on February 11, 2026, at the age of 78. Bob was born November 29, 1947, in Elkin, North Carolina, the son of late William F. Hartsell and late Margaret H. Hartsell. His childhood in Jonesville, North Carolina was filled with family, friends, church, sports, Boy Scouts, and automobiles.

At the young age of 14 he achieved Eagle Scout and was part of the track, wrestling, and football teams during his high school years. He also enjoyed automobile design and entered his designs with Fisher Body, a division of General Motors Corporation, winning multiple awards while in high school with his futuristic automotive designs and sketches.

After graduating from Jonesville High School, Bob attended Catawba College and graduated with a BA in English. While in college Bob enjoyed interning at The Cape Theater in Cape Cod Massachusetts, where he used his creativity and attention to detail to design theater sets as well as play bills.

After college Bob joined the military, he was an ardent patriot, and a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer. Bob’s career in government investigations and security spanned over forty five years with the N.C. SBI, N.C. State Bar, and Department of Defense. He was well respected by his peers for his integrity, as well as being a tireless and meticulous investigator.

Through the years he had a passion for photography, history, and racing sports cars in SCCA. Once his children were old enough to participate in travel sports he was committed and loved to be a part of all the early mornings at a cold hockey rink with Grant and long weekends with Ashley’s travel soccer.

Bob is survived by his children, Ashley Hartsell Karlsten (Markus) and Grant Hartsell (Sarah); sisters, Billie H. Freeman (Duff), and Jill G. Hartsell; granddaughter Alessandra Karlsten; nephews Gordon Freeman (deceased) and Taylor Freeman (Anna); great nieces, Isabella Gordon, Anna Ricks, and Lucy Fuller Freeman.

A memorial service will be held on March 21st, 2pm at Hanes Lineberry Funeral Home, 515 N. Elm Street, Greensboro, NC.

In lieu of flowers, it is requested that contributions be made to Paralyzed Veterans of America, www.PVA.org.