Robert E. Zimmerman CHARLOTTE - Robert Eugene Zimmerman, 84, beloved father, grandfather, uncle, and adored husband of Joan H Zimmerman, left us on March 14, 2016 surrounded by his family. Born in Greensboro, he was the son of Reuben and Margaret Zimmerman. After majoring in economics and business at Guilford College, Robert served in the U.S. Army Adjutant General Corps, finishing his tour of duty in Nuremberg, Germany in 1955. While there, he met the love of his life Joan, and they married in Greensboro on September 22, 1956. Soon after, the newlyweds went into business together, and in 1962, they moved, along with their two sons, to Charlotte to continue the company that is now Southern Shows Inc. A pioneering leader in his field, he helped establish industry associations and standards. Recognitions include the NC Travel Council's Nisbett Award, the Charlotte Chamber's Entrepreneurial Award, the Ethics in Business Award, and induction into the Queens University McColl School Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame. Robert was past president of the Home & Garden Show Executives International, and Charlotte Sales and Marketing Executives, and was involved in many local, regional and national and organizations. He was an elder at Covenant Presbyterian Church. "Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm" was his favorite quote and exemplified his life. Whether creating spectacular events, cooking, gardening, woodworking, or simply spending time with family, he undertook all with purpose, love, caring and gusto. In both small and significant ways, Robert touched the lives of everyone fortunate enough to meet him. Warm, gentle, talented, bright, passionate, kind, friendly, patient, thoughtful and generous. Just some of the words used to describe a truly remarkable man who led a remarkable life. Left to remember his life, in addition to his wife, Joan; are sons Robert Jr., David (and wife Anja Zimmerman, who Robert loved like a daughter); grandchildren Carl, Lila, Alex, and John; many special nieces, nephews; Nora and Alan Kuester; Joan's family in England; many friends who added joy to his life; and his Southern Shows family. The family gives thanks to Drs. Teigland, Garner, Weeks, Alexander, Woollen, and the compassionate professionals at Novant Health. A celebration of Robert's life will be held Friday, March 18 at 3 pm at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 E. Morehead St., with a reception following in the Fellowship Hall. Remembrances can be made to the College Scholarship Fund at Covenant Presbyterian Church, or the Novant Health Foundation Presbyterian Medical Center. Condolences may be offered at www.HarryandBryantFuneralHome.com.

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Published by Charlotte Observer from Mar. 17 to Mar. 18, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Zimmerman

35 Entries

Ken Conrad

April 18, 2016

As a Charlotte broadcaster over the years, I've had the pleasure and honor of meeting and working with some wonderful people. And Robert Zimmerman is a name on that list. While his wife, Joan, is certainly the "voice" of Southern Shows events, Robert was the "face"... the sweet, gentle man always extending a smile and handshake to event visitors. (Not to take anything away from you, David)And, during Christmas Shows, he would sometimes brave the cold outside Liberty Hall to make guests feel warm and welcome even before they entered the doors. My wife, Bonnie, and I will miss him.

Sorry this entry is so late. But, Joan and David... our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

Ken Conrad

Rita Wilson

April 5, 2016

Dear Joan, David and family,
I was heartbroken to hear of Robert's passing. He was such a kind and wonderful person. When I think of my days at Southern Shows, I often think of Robert's smile and gentle ways. He will be missed by all who knew him. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.

Eva Marie Everson

March 24, 2016

One of the greatest bits of my life is that I had the opportunity to know Robert (and Joan). I interviewed them for a book, using my camera to capture the words and emotions. I still watch them, laughing at Robert's sense of humor at all Joan put him through to win her heart and hand. Such a beautiful man and Christian! My heart's best thoughts and prayers for the family.

Karen Ramus

March 19, 2016

Dear Joan, Robert, David & Anja,& grandchildren,
We are thinking of you & hold you all in our prayers. Robert was a leader in in our industry, so respected & such a gentleman. His sons are such a great testament to his love for family. We pray for you as you celebrate his amazing life. Hugs, Helen Berg & Karen Ramus

March 18, 2016

Dear Joan, Bill and I will hold you and your family close to our hearts as you mourn the loss of your wonderful Robert. Cynthia Carlson & Bill Bullock

Alan Hardee

March 18, 2016

Saddened to hear about Mr. Zimmerman passing. Condolences from Metrolina Model Railroaders, Belmont. Mr. Z always had a big smile on his face every time he visited the model railroad layout at the Southern Christmas Show.
Alan Hardee,
President, Metrolina Model Railroaders

March 18, 2016

Dear Joan:

We are saddened with the news of Robert Zimmerman's death and send sincere Sympathy. Robert was a special friend and will be missed.

Crowder and Barbara Falls

Joseph Burden

March 18, 2016

On behalf of the Metrolina Model Railroaders, it has been a privilege to be associated with the Southern Christmas Show in Charlotte these many years and we would like to offer our condolences to his family. It has been an honor to be associated with Mr. Zimmerman and we will miss him. He will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Lynn Collins

March 18, 2016

Dear Joan, David and all your extended family. Dave and I were so sad to hear of Robert's passing. He leaves memories of a warm Southern gentleman we often met when he and Joan visited England over many years. When Joan's late sister my dear friend Anne and I made a trip to Charlotte and visited the Christmas show it was a memorable time we recalled often in the years that followed. Robert and Joan made us so welcome on that occasion, both in Charlotte and in their home in the mountains near Blowing Rock which was closed! You will be so missed Robert and will always be remembered with love. Dave and I send our condolences to you all.

March 18, 2016

Joan, I'm very sorry to hear about the loss of Bob. It was a pleasure to have known Bob over the years. I will keep you and your family in my prayers.

Phil Youngerman

bill and Rita Vandiver

March 18, 2016

Joan, so very sorry to learn about Robert's death. He was a good man, lived a great life, and you and family will be in our thoughts and prayers.

Kim Abernathy

March 18, 2016

My heart weeps with you today as we celebrate the life of Mr. Zimmerman. It has been a privilege and honor to have known him.

Charlie Gayle

March 18, 2016

Joan, You and your family have my codolences and deepest sympathy in the loss of your husband,Bob. I have known both of you from the many times I worked the Southern Christmas Shows in the Red Cross First Aid teams and then when I went to work with the Salvation Army and at the Festival of Tables where I last saw you and Bob.May God bless you.

Brad Gabosch

March 18, 2016

Joan and David, sorry to hear of your loss of Robert. It was a privilege to have known Robert as a successful businessman and as the fine person he truly was. You and your entire family are in Sally and my thoughts and prayers.

March 17, 2016

Joan, We are so very sorry to learn of the world's loss of such a special person, but do hope you will be able to celebrate his wonderful life. You are blessed to have had such a unique partnership, and we owe you both a tremendous thank you for all you have done for our community. I would love to reconnect with you and wish you peace during this difficult time. With deepest sympathy, Anne and Piero

Peggy Phipps

March 17, 2016

So saddened to hear about your loss, Joan. What a wonderful person he was. Always so kind and friendly to the Phipps family. It was a pleasure working at the shows and having him come by our booth and speak to us. He will be greatly missed. Sending prayers and condolences.

Brant Hart

March 17, 2016

Joan So sorry to hear about Robert. He was always nice to me whenever I saw him at The Southern Shows. I will miss seeing Robert ! May God comfort your family in your time of sorrow.
Brant Hart WHVN Radio.

Larry Economos

March 17, 2016

Joan , Bob (Jr) and David,

I have just learned of the passing of Bob (Sr). i will be unable to attend his funeral. But I want to tell you that, in youth re my youthful best friend (Bob Jr) that I offer my condolences on his passing. Despite his many remarkable accomplishments in the real of business, my memories will always be of a lanky, kind, and gentle man that it was my good fortune to know in youth, who raised two remarkable sons. I have many memories, all incredibly sweet. I wish him peace and love in the afterlife, and peace and love to each of you for having such a kind gentle man in your lives. He was indeed a special soul - may he have peace, as all you surely will have as well in having him in your lives. Much love , Larry

Andy Phillips

March 17, 2016

Dear Joan and David, sorry for the loss of Bob a great man and pioneer of the consumer show business .

March 17, 2016

Dear Zimmerman family. Very sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Zimmerman. He was a great father figure to me and many other when growing up.
Dean Dugger

S.R. Counts

March 17, 2016

Dearest Joan, David, Anja , Robert and Family,
The World and especially Charlotte is a better place due to Robert Zimmerman. He never met a stranger !! The lessons he taught through his generosity, kindness, and compassion no matter who you were will remain forever with mankind .
We Love You Dearly.
God's Blessings, The Counts Family

March 17, 2016

Dear Joan and family,

I am saddened by the loss of a truly wonderful human being, Bob. All the adjectives used to describe him are so accurate and true. Whenever I saw Bob or the two of you he always had that great smile and a warmth so special.

He will always live in the hearts of those who loved him. Please know that you and the family are in my thoughts and heart.

Thom Powell

Sydnor Alexander-Malloch

March 17, 2016

Joan, So sorry to hear about your loss. My mother so loved both you and Bob and enjoyed working at the Southern Garden Show so much. I hope they can plan another garden together. God bless you and your family.

March 17, 2016

Dear Joan, David and family,
so sorry to read of your loss.. we.will miss his smiling face and conversations at the Christmas Show and that twinkle in his eye...may you take comfort in all your memories, praying for strength and comfort. Bill and Jan Shumway

March 17, 2016

A true gentleman. The obituary covers his personal characteristics correctly. He would not remember us probable but we were fortunate enough to know he and Joan for 20 years at the Southern Christmas and Spring Show. Dave & Kathleen Savage

Brooks and Susan Shepherd

March 17, 2016

We are so sorry to hear about Mr. Zimmerman and our hearts and prayers go out to his family. Mr. Zimmerman will always be remembered as a kind and fair man with a keen mind for business and quality. He and Mrs. Zimmerman will leave a long lasting legacy on Charlotte. We, who knew him, are better people because of his example to others. He will be sorely missed!

Dana Lowery Ramseur

March 17, 2016

Thinking of your family during your loss. Mr. Bob was an amazing man that truly knew how to brighten a room. Please know that my mom Judy and I are praying for you all. Celebrate his name everyday.

Stella Nell

March 17, 2016

Dear Joan and David - Unless you knew Robert - it would be hard to believe that anyone could be so kind and considerate. Over the years I've told many people how he frequently would surprise all of us with a breakfast muffin. I have very fond memories of being part of the Southern Shows family - and Robert was a big part of that. His legacy goes on in David. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

March 17, 2016

Joan,
My condolences on your loss
Paul Lawler

Sam Phillips

March 17, 2016

Joan, Robert, Jr. and David. I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

June Stilwell

March 17, 2016

Such a sweet man...Honored to have known him, worked for him and be a friend. Thinking of everyone who loved him. Prayers and Peace to you all.

Lynn Riggsbee

March 17, 2016

Joan, David, and Bobby,
I send condolences to all of you from all the Nichols family. We all fondly remember the four of you from Greenbriar Ct. in Greensboro. We know only too well the pain of loss and pray for all of you to have a peaceful heart. Joan, my mother, Elaine sends her deepest sympathies. May God bless all of you in this difficult time.

Tyree Robinson

March 16, 2016

Joan, David, Bob & families
All of you are deeply in my thoughts today.
I still remember the first time I met Robert and we had lunch just before I came to work at Southern Shows. He was such a joy to work with and be around. Robert was the true Southern gentleman and everyone who knew him loved him. I know he will always be with us in spirit and he and Buddy are sharing a good laugh.

Thinking of all of you at this time.

Tanya Wiley

March 16, 2016

David and Joan - I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I so remember Robert in his office in the front of the building to make sure he could keep a watchful eye on all the goings on. He led with a quite confidence.

I also remember the extra spring his step when it came time for the flowers to start coming in for the Spring Show. I often heard him say it was his favorite time of year.

He was a wonderfully generous man, as is your entire family. He will be sorely missed.

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Sarah Conner

March 16, 2016

David and Joan, I am so sorry for your loss. Bob was a wonderful man and during the 25+ years I have know ya'll and worked with you, I have always been a recipient of his love and advise. Much love and prayers to your family

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