Robert Lee (“Bob”, “R.L.”) Shaw, Sr., beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, son, and friend, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, November 28 at age 87. He left this world peacefully and surrounded by his loving family as he was welcomed into glory by his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Bob is survived by sons Michael “Mike” Shaw (Jackie) and Mitchell “Mitch” Shaw (Ann), grandchildren Brittany Shaw Bowab (Ben), Michael “Brett” Shaw Jr. (Katie), and Amberley Shaw, great-grandchildren Caroline Bowab and Charlotte Bowab, and brother Cecil Shaw (Sue). He was preceded in death by his loving wife Joan Marie Picard Shaw, infant son Robert “Bobby” Lee Shaw Jr., mother Lillian Dove Shaw and father Albert Henry Shaw, and sister Elizabeth Shaw Livingston.
Bob grew up on a mill-village in Greenwood, South Carolina. Bob loved sports and excelled athletically, especially as a lefty; he played baseball and football for Newberry High School, playing in the 1952 Paper Bowl in Canton, NC. He enlisted in the Navy in 1952 at age 17 to escape the life of textiles, where he learned to weld as a Metalsmith, eventually becoming a Hull Technician, specializing in underwater welding. During his a 33-year career in the Navy, Bob earned the rank of Master Chief Petty Officer and served as the Command Master Chief for the Navy Reserve Center, Charlotte. Providentially, it was during an active duty assignment to Davis Field, Rhode Island where he met his future wife Joan, and proposed to her after just one date.
After they were married, the couple moved to Charlotte, NC and reared their sons, Mike and Mitch in Mint Hill. Bob worked in outside sales for more than 25 years with Mill Power Supply Company, and moved to Greenville, SC in 1985 to manage Mill Power’s office. An active member of the community, Bob was a founding member and Past Master of the Mint Hill Lodge 742 A.F. & A.M. and a 33rd Degree Mason with the Oasis Temple, and he volunteered every year at the Kemper Open at Quail Hollow Country Club. Bob and Joan were faithful members of Wilson Grove Baptist Church in their early marriage and as they reared their boys, West End Baptist Church in Greenwood, SC and finally at First Baptist Church Indian Trail later in life.
After retirement, Bob and Joan enjoyed spending time at Lake Greenwood and traveled extensively across the country and world. One of their most treasured experiences was pulling their fifth-wheel RV to Omaha each summer to attend the College Baseball World Series. Bob and Joan were early supporters of the Panthers, owning PSL’s since the founding season, and never missing a game even once they could no longer attend in person. Bob enjoyed talking to anyone who was willing (or even not willing) to listen. He knew enough about enough to hold his own in a conversation with just about anybody about anything and was always happy to do so.
With a large frame, a brutally honest tongue, strong opinions, and a wry sense of humor, Bob could be a commanding and intimidating figure. However, to those who knew him best, he was simply “Papa” or “PopPop”: a man who fiercely loved his family, and would unquestionably do anything for them. The countless ways in which he supported and provided for the members of his family, often occurred behind the scenes without asking for anything in return or seeking recognition. He also quietly instilled the significance of a strong faith in God and leaves a legacy of stewardship and devotion to Christ. He lived a life of strength, integrity, and conviction, which has and will undoubtedly continue to influence the lives of many generations to come.
As we reflect on his life and his death, we are grateful for a man who worked hard to provide for his family, persevered after the loss of a child, remained married to his wife for 65 years, never complained and loved his family the best way he knew how; he was an imperfect man who was saved by grace, and we loved him deeply. Whenever we eat Lexington bbq, make Chicken Stew, eat boiled peanuts, receive a newspaper article in the mail, watch the Red Sox play, take a sip of bourbon or drink a cheap bottle of wine, eat a hot dog with mustard, chili and onions, feast on Lance nabs, see a Red Dodge Ram, or slather on Duke’s Mayo, we will be reminded of him and the gap that his passing has left in the lives of those he loved. We will miss him greatly, but are comforted that he has been reunited with his faithful wife of 65 years, and his son and namesake, “Bobby”. We are thankful that his body and mind have been made whole and we look forward to the day in which we will be reunited with him again in Glory.
A graveside Memorial Service to celebrate Bob’s life will take place Saturday, December 11th at 3:00 p.m. at Wilson Grove Baptist Church Cemetery, 6624 Wilgrove-Mint Hill Road, Mint Hill, NC 28227.
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