Robert Alan Gwaltney

Robert Alan Gwaltney, 88, of Concord, passed away on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Tucker Hospice House in Kannapolis.

Robert (known as Bob and Dr. Bob) was born November 21, 1936, in Statesville, North Carolina, to the late Zim and Haleen Gwaltney. He was also preceded in death by brother, James Henry Gwaltney, brother, Richard Clarke Gwaltney, and sister Edna Patricia Jerome.

Bob graduated from High School in 1955 and joined the United States Army in October 1955 where he served two years active duty. He continued his service in the Army Reserves, retiring as a Chief Warrant Officer CW04 after 32 years of military service from the 108th training division in Charlotte. After retirement, the Pentagon Chief of Army Reserves appointed him to a 3 year term as the North Carolina Army Reserve Ambassador to represent his office on reserve issues.  

Bob attended Elon University, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in math in 1964. He also earned his master's degree from Appalachian State University. Then he earned his doctorate in education administration from Duke University.

Bob's passion was being an educator. He taught high school math in Virginia Beach, VA. Then became Registrar at Elon University. Then he became Assistant Registrar at NC State University, where he met his future bride, Renda. They were married in 1974 and moved to Charlotte to begin a long career at UNC Charlotte, where he spent time as Registrar and Dean of Admissions.

Bob and retirement did not go together. After a 20 year career at UNC Charlotte, Bob worked at East Coast Bible College. Then he went back to doing what he loved more than anything, which was teaching math. He taught at Mooresville High School for 5 years, then spent the next 21 years at Concord Academy, where he worked until he was unable to in October 2024.

Besides teaching, Bob loved singing in the church choir and with the Charlotte Choral Society, which he did for over 50 years up until his energy would not let him continue. He also loved sports, with a particular passion for college basketball. He not only enjoyed watching his favorite teams (Duke Blue Devils, UNC Charlotte 49ers, and NC State Wolfpack), he enjoyed playing basketball as well.

Bob married Renda Griffin Gwaltney in 1974 at Duke University Chapel. His love for his wife and his children was matched only by his love for his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. This was exemplified in Bob’s daily life through his patience, humility and genuine concern for others. Perhaps the biggest impact he had on those closest to him was how he spent 51 years unconditionally loving his beloved wife, Renda.

The memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at 11:00am, with receiving of friends from 10:00 am - 10:45 am, at Central Church in Charlotte, NC.

Survivors include wife of 51 years, Renda Griffin Gwaltney; son, Billy (Ann Marie) Gwaltney; daughter, Caroline (David) Vergato; 4 grandchildren, Ava Gwaltney, Gavin Gwaltney, Luke Vergato, and Clara Vergato; brother, Gene Gwaltney; sister, Elizabeth Tilley; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Dr. Bob Memorial Scholarship Fund of Concord Academy; https://concord.academy/

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Gwaltney family.