Robert Eugene Zimmerman

Robert Eugene Zimmerman, 84, beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and adored husband of Joan H Zimmerman, left us on March 14, 2016 surrounded by his family. Born in Greensboro, he was the son of Reuben and Margaret Zimmerman.

After majoring in economics and business at Guilford College, Robert served in the U.S. Army Adjutant General Corps, finishing his tour of duty in Nuremberg, Germany in 1955. While there, he met the love of his life Joan, and they married in Greensboro on September 22, 1956.

Soon after, the newlyweds went into business together, and in 1962, they moved, along with their two sons, to Charlotte to continue the company that is now Southern Shows Inc. A pioneering leader in his field, he helped establish industry associations and standards. Recognitions include the NC Travel Council’s Nisbett Award, the Charlotte Chamber’s Entrepreneurial Award, the Ethics in Business Award, and induction into the Queens University McColl School Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame.

Robert was past president of the Home & Garden Show Executives International, and Charlotte Sales and Marketing Executives, and was involved in many local, regional and national and organizations. He was an elder at Covenant Presbyterian Church.

“Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm” was his favorite quote and exemplified his life. Whether creating spectacular events, cooking, gardening, woodworking, or simply spending time with family, he undertook all with purpose, love, caring and gusto.

In both small and significant ways, Robert touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to meet him. Warm, gentle, talented, bright, passionate, kind, friendly, patient, thoughtful and generous. Just some of the words used to describe a truly remarkable man who led a remarkable life.

Left to remember his life, in addition to his wife, Joan; are sons Robert Jr., David (and wife Anja Zimmerman, who Robert loved like a daughter); grandchildren Carl, Lila, Alex, and John; many special nieces, nephews; Nora and Alan Kuester; Joan’s family in England; many friends who added joy to his life; and his Southern Shows family.

The family gives thanks to Drs. Teigland, Garner, Weeks, Alexander, Woollen, and the compassionate professionals at Novant Health.

A celebration of Robert's life will be held Friday, March 18 at 3 pm at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 E. Morehead St., with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall.

Remembrances can be made to the College Scholarship Fund at Covenant Presbyterian Church, or the Novant Health Foundation Presbyterian Medical Center.