Robert G. Cabaniss, 94, of Shelby, passed away on Sunday, November 3, at Terra Bella Shelby.

Born on January 22, 1930 in Shelby to parents Turner and Bryte Beam Cabaniss, Robert led a rich life centered around his family, his business, and service to his church and community.

Robert graduated from Lattimore High School in 1948 and was soon inducted into the U.S. Army, where he served as a Sergeant in the Korean War and proudly served his country.

After his military service, Robert attended and graduated from Atlantic Christian (Barton) College and NC State University. He returned to Shelby and began his career at the Charles Hoey Insurance Agency. Upon the death of Charles Hoey, Robert founded and served as President of his own company, Robert G. Cabaniss Insurance, Inc.

For over 40 years, Robert led his company and became a faithful, trusted, and beloved friend and business leader in the community. He was elected President of the Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce, President of the Shelby and Jamestown, NC chapters of the Lions Club, and was awarded the Lions Club's highest honor, the Melvin Jones Fellow. He also served on the Board of Directors for the Shelby City Park and Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland County. At First Baptist Church, he served as deacon chair, chaired other committees, and was a faithful choir member and soloist for over 50 years.

Robert never met a stranger, and his ever optimistic and hopeful outlook, coupled with his sense of responsibility and steady nature inspired all around him.

It was during his years as a student at NC State where he was introduced to Evelyn Woodall, a Raleigh native. They married and celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary prior to Evelyn's death in 2020.

Robert was also preceded in death by his parents and eight of his nine siblings.

He is survived by his children Garry Cabaniss (Karen) of Shelby, Mark Cabaniss of Nashville TN, Michele Peraldo (Jeff) of Summerfield, sister Brenda Curtis and brother-in-law Steve Curtis of Shelby, sister-in-law Martha Cabaniss of Shelby, sister-in-law Annette Looper of Raleigh, grandsons Aaron Cabaniss of Atlanta GA, Thomas Altmann of Greenville SC, and Nathan Altmann of Summerfield, and many nieces and nephews.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the loving and caring staff of Terra Bella Shelby and Hospice of Cleveland County, for their compassionate care.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Robert's memory to Terra Bella of Shelby (terrabellaseniorliving.com) and/or Hospice of Cleveland County (viagiving.org)

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Saturday, November 9 at Zion Baptist Church in Shelby at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Glenn Davenport and Rev. Bynum Orr officiating and Elizabeth Williams-Taylor, soprano. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM in the church sanctuary. Burial will be held following the service at Sunset Cemetery in Shelby.

Cecil Burton Funeral Home is serving the family.

Messages and condolences for the family may be shared at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com