Robert Harrison Hice

Robert Harrison Hice "Bob" CHARLOTTE - Robert "Bob" Harrison Hice, 78, of Charlotte, NC, passed away on February 9, 2013. He was a born sportscaster. Bob was present when the first words were broadcast on live television in Charlotte. He worked for WBTV while still in high school as a member of the floor crew and went on to win Sportscaster of the Year in 1975 for his work. He was born in Charlotte, NC. to Harrison Alexander and Gwendolyn Severs Hice and proud grandparents Lemuel Evander and Morgan Pyron Hice on August 24, 1934. Bob graduated from Central High School in 1952 and went on to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he studied radio and television. Bob then joined the Air Force in February 1957 where he served until December 1961. During his years of service he worked at the Air Force Petroleum Headquarters in Pittsburgh, PA. He also served as a base supply sergeant in Killeen, TX. on a top-security base. Bob worked for WRAL in Raleigh, NC, WSOC in Charlotte, NC, as a radio disc jockey, and went on to become a television weatherman and sportscaster for WSOC before going on to work for WBTV again, but this time as their award winning sportscaster. He was awarded Golfcaster of the Year in 1975, the Charlotte WBTV Presidential Plaque in 1981, and the Electronic Media Award of Excellence in 1987. He also won 1st Place for Feature News TV Broadcast in 1987. Following his work in television, Bob went on to work for Muhleman Marketing where he worked in public relations for several NASCAR teams and began to follow the racing circuit full time. One of the numerous clients he represented was Hendrick Motor Sports. Following Muhleman he worked for Keystone Sports and Marketing. Bob's love for the sport of racing was evident when he retired from his career and went on to work in the Hendrick Motor Sports Museum and give tours around the complex. One of Bob's favorite groups to provide tours for was the Medal of Honor veterans who came to tour the complex. He was a talented bowler and played with several winning teams in the Charlotte area. He also enjoyed golf and rubbed elbows with the professionals. He even got a hole-in-one on the Raintree Country Club course once when playing with friends. Bob sang in the bass section of the Charlotte Choral Society for years and enjoyed being a part of their annual "Singing Christmas Tree." He enjoyed flying, building model planes, and was an avid reader. In 1961 Bob met the girl who would become the love of his life, Frances Louise Robinson, whom he asked on a date to the Plaza Theater. He went on to marry Frances on June 16, 1963. Throughout their marriage and careers, Bob and Frances travelled across the United States and around the world covering news, sporting events and vacationing. Bob was an active member of Myers Park United Methodist Church and was a pillar of faith and love to his friends and family. He passed away at home surrounded by family and with his loving cat, Scooter. He is survived and missed by his wife Frances, as well as his neighbors, friends and family. Bob will be buried in a private ceremony followed by a celebratory service to which all are invited at 2:00 PM, Wednesday, February 13, 2013, at Myers Park United Methodist Church, 1501 Queens Road, Charlotte, NC 28207. A reception will follow the service in Jubilee Hall at the church. Arrangements are in the care of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service; please share condolences online at www.hankinswhittington.com.