Robert Frederick Carlson

Robert Frederick (Bob) Carlson, 83, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday following a series of long illnesses. A lifelong resident of Greensboro, he was the son of the late Carl Frederick Carlson and Katherine Wharton Carlson. Growing up, he was an Eagle Scout, student body president of Greensboro Senior High School, and graduated from N.C. State University where he was student council treasurer.

Bob had the great fortune to meet Harriette, his wife of sixty years, at First Presbyterian Church while they were both still in college. Following his tour with the U.S. Air Force in Korea, they settled in the Kirkwood neighborhood, living there for over 40 years. He had a long career in life insurance sales and was a member of the Society of Financial Services Professionals and the Greensboro Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors.

He was an active member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon and loved being a part of the Young Men's Bible Class. He was also active in the Greensboro Kiwanis Club where he was a member since 1971. He treasured the many friendships he made there and loved to participate in the club's Terrific Kids program.

A big part of Bob's life was Sherwood Swim and Racquet Club. He liked nothing better than to spend time at the pool talking with friends and showing kids how to use his “aquanaut” underwater breathing machine or his “water walkers”.

Bob really loved people and was a big kid at heart. He was happiest when he was entertaining neighborhood kids, showing outdoor movies, making cotton candy or homemade apple cider in the driveway, stringing lights on the 60 foot Christmas tree in his yard, or lining kids up to play tug-of-war against a parachute on windy days. He was known for his unusual toys and gadgets which would appear in Kirkwood’s 4th of July parade. One year he and friends constructed a bicycle built for eight. Another year he put wheels on a pair of water skis and skied down the street propelled by a giant fan on his back. And anyone living in Kirkwood in the 1960s will remember his amphibious car.

In addition to his wife, Harriette Anthony Carlson, he is survived by son Carl Frederick Carlson, II, daughter Elizabeth Anthony Carlson, and three grandsons Taylor Christopher Carlson, Robert Wharton Carlson, and Hugh Dobson Carlson. Also surviving is his sister Ann Carlson Patterson of Greensboro, brother-in-law Gene Holton Anthony of Knightdale, and sister-in-law Nancy Anthony Morgan of Shelby.

A memorial service celebrating Bob's life will be held at 2:00 pm on January 28th in the Life Center of First Presbyterian Church. The family will visit with friends from 6:30 – 8:00 pm on January 27th at Hanes-Lineberry Funeral Home, Elm St. location.

The family would like to thank the staff and congregation and the Young Men's Bible Class of First Presbyterian Church for their help and support during his final illnesses. Also, special thanks to Betsy Carlson and Libby Murphy, who cared for Bob during his final months and to Wendy Graham with Hospice of Greensboro.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro.

On line condolences may be made at www.haneslinebnerryfuneralhomes.com.