Robert B. Yudell, MD, 87, passed away unexpectedly, Monday, June 26th, 2017, while vacationing with his beloved wife, Anne. Bob was born in New York City on January 2nd, 1930, of immigrant parents from Russia and the former Austro-Hungarian Empire. At the age of 12, his father, a military merchant, moved the family to New Bern. Bob graduated from high school at age 16 to attend Duke University for undergraduate and then medical school. He accredited Duke for "saving his life" with scholarship funds when his father suddenly passed away his sophomore year.

When he met Anne Borow, it was love at first sight. They married in 1953. After finishing medical school, they moved to Massachusetts, where he served as a Lt. Commander in both the Marines and the Navy. He continued his medical training in Washington, DC, earning his specialty in Ophthalmology. The family moved to Charlotte in 1960, where Bob started his own private practice which later became Laurel Eye Associates. As an accomplished surgeon, he was selected to be the Chief of Ophthalmology at both Presbyterian and Mercy Hospitals. At the forefront of his field, he performed the first intraocular lens implant surgery in North Carolina.

Bob was an active and philanthropic supporter of the arts and the community at large. Once retired, he volunteered by performing eye exams for the Lions Club. Bob was a lifelong member and former President of Temple Beth El. He was one of the founding visionaries of Shalom Park. Bob was an avid tennis player for the past 50 years, playing regularly in Charlotte and Myrtle Beach. Pickleball became his next racquet sport and he played tennis or pickleball almost every day. Bob loved the Carolina Coast and returned there often with his family.

Bob is survived by his wife, Anne, of 63 years, and four daughters: Nancy Yudell, Wendy Rose (Sandy), Sherry Yudell (Larry Raines, fiance) and Emily Freudenberger (Ronald). He is also survived by six grandchildren: Adam Segal (Ashley), Mark Segal, Sarah Rose (Zack Schwartz), Nina Rose, Eve Freudenberger, and Max Freudenberger.

Graveside services will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, June 29th, at the Hebrew Cemetery, 1801 Statesville Ave., Charlotte, with Rabbi Asher Knight officiating. A Memorial Shiva service will be held 6:00 PM Thursday at Temple Beth El, 5101 Providence Road.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Temple Beth El General Fund 5101 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28226 at TempleBethel.org or to Duke University at www.Duke.edu. You may also contribute to a charity of your choice.

Condolences may be offered at www.HarryandBryantFuneralHome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Charlotte Observer from Jun. 28 to Jun. 29, 2017.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Yudell

17 Entries

Steven Goldman

November 15, 2017

We are so sad to hear of Bob's passing. We will forever remember his wonderful funny jokes and intelligent words of wisdom. Words can't say how wonderful of a man he was. Steve and I will remember you in our hearts for ever. Our condolences to Anne and your children. R.I.P Bob We love you all Steve & Deborah Goldman

September 8, 2017

We just heard today of Bob's passing. Not only was he a great doctor ,he was a great human being. I always admired him. Our condolences to you and the family.
Fejz and Ginger Bakalli

Danni Dowell

September 4, 2017

Ms. Yudell, I just learned of Dr Yudell's passing. I am so sorry. I worked for him for 6 years at Laurel, he also freed me from corrective lenses with RK surgery. I have thought of him through the years with a smile. He was a caring and generous boss, a successful surgeon, and a friend with funny stories . Thank you for sharing your husband in so many ways. He gave this world a lot- which will be remembered for many years!

Mary Crews

July 21, 2017

From the time we moved to Charlotte in 1961 until Dr. Yudell's retirement he took care of our eyes and those of our growing family. He also became our friend and Jim's frequent tennis buddy at Olde Providence. I will always remember his warm, kind, steady, observant, intelligent and caring presence as both doctor and friend. I am so sad that he's left our physical world. Anne, you are so in my thoughts. I grieve for your indescribable loss, and for your family's.

Gerringer clapp

July 1, 2017

I had the privilege to deal with Dr.Yudell in a retail setting. He was a quintessential gentleman who treated all well. He was a rare person......one of God's best
Gerringer D Clapp
Charlotte

Patsy Davis Crump

June 30, 2017

Mrs. Yudell and family,
I am so so sad to hear. Just can't even imagine. He was a wonderful man! If my mother (Chris Davis) were still here she would be devastated. She thought so very much of him and all of you, always. My deepest sympathy to your family! I know he will be missed!
Patsy Davis Crump

Ron Clemmer

June 29, 2017

Dear Anne & family, We are sorry to hear about the passing of Dr. Yudell.

Len & Ron Clemmer

Glenda Schock

June 29, 2017

My thoughts and prayers are with you all. I too was privileged to work with Dr. Yudell. He was everything you would want in a "boss". He was a kind and caring man of great integrity. He was quick with a smile and a word of encouragement. He was selfless and full of life. We could talk tennis and about life. I am thankful for the time I worked with him and all the other wonderful co-workers that became friends and family to me because Dr. Yudell treated us like HIS family. Heaven rejoices....

June 29, 2017

Nancy, please accept my condolences on the passing of your father. And, know you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Louise Jordan-Norman, Charlotte, NC

June 29, 2017

My prayers are with your Family at this difficult time.
Marty Oxman,Charlotte NC

Sydney and Joe Stimpson

June 28, 2017

Dear Anne and family, Joe and I were saddened to hear of Bob's passing. We enjoyed many afternoons of tennis with him at Olde Providence, and we know he will be very missed by many people.

Angie (Williams) Madigan

June 28, 2017

I am saddened to hear of the passing of Dr Yudell. I worked for him in the 80's and loved him. He treated me like a daughter. He was a dear man and passionate about his patients. He adored his wife and was always so proud of his daughters. He will be sorely missed but will always have a special place in my heart

Julie Blackwelder

June 28, 2017

Mrs. Yudell and family, I am so saddened to hear about Dr. Yudell. He was a wonderful doctor and a kind, generous man. I worked for him in the 80's and 90's when he was on Cottage Place and at Laurel Eye. I will always remember his sense of humor, his love for his patients and how much they dearly loved him. His loss here on Earth is Heaven's gain. May God Bless you and surround you with His love during this difficult time.

Dennis Townsend

June 28, 2017

I want to offer my sincere and heartfelt condolences on the loss of your loved one. I will miss seeing him at the men's breakfast and I will be keeping all of you in my prayers.

Cathy Echerd

June 28, 2017

Dr. Yudell was such a kind and gracious man. He gave me my first job in the field of ophthalmology 41 years ago, and I owe my career to him. He will be missed by his family and friends.

Carol & David Wahlberg

June 28, 2017

Dear Anne and Family:
We're so sorry for your loss. David played Pickle Ball with Bob and found him to be a most valued partner and a formidable opponent. We both knew him as an always friendly gentleman. He will be missed by many.

Donna Ferraro

June 28, 2017

What a beautiful tribute to the man that was like a second father to me. He was an honest and caring surgeon, treating everyone the same. He was generous to everyone and anyone. I will miss him sorely. I love you, Dr. yudell.

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