Bobby Lutz Obituary

Bobby J. Lutz DENVER, N.C. Bobby Jean Lutz, 76, of Denver, N.C., passed away Wednesday, April 11, 2012, at his residence. Born June 30, 1935, in Lincoln County, he was the son of the late Thaddeus Moore Lutz and Nettie R. Lee Hoover Lutz. Lutz was a 1954 graduate of Sherrills Ford High School. He was co-manager of Howard's Furniture Store from 1958 to 2001. In addition, he coached the softball team until 1979, compiling a record of 1282-291, including three national championship teams. Lutz is enshrined in the Amateur Softball Association National Hall of Fame in Oklahoma City. Faith and family were the most important parts of his life and he was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather. He was a member of Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church for most of his adult life. Lutz and his wife, Janice, often traveled with the basketball teams of his son, Bobby, at Pfeiffer College (now University) and UNC Charlotte. Many of the players and assistant coaches lovingly referred to Lutz as "Big Daddy." As his granddaughters ventured into competitive sports, Lutz rarely missed their competitions, finding much joy in watching them compete. In his last years, he was a devoted husband to his wife. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Tammy Lutz, and two brothers, Virgil and Donald Lutz. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Janice Howard Lutz of the home; his son, Bobby M. Lutz and wife, Janet, of Raleigh; two grand-daughters, Natalie and Christine Lutz, both of Raleigh; three brothers, Hansel Lutz of Sherrills Ford, Elmer Lutz and wife, Abby, of Newton, Thad Lutz and wife, Sue, of Sherrills Ford; and a sister-in-law, Peggy Lutz of Sherrills Ford. The funeral service will be held Saturday, April 14, at 11 a.m. at Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church in Sherrills Ford, with Rev. Joe Westfall officiating. The body will lie in state 30 minutes prior to the service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends today, April 13, from 5 to 8 p.m., at Burke Mortuary in Newton. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Western Carolina Chapter, 3800 Shamrock Dr., Charlotte, NC 28215 or Mt. Pleasant UMC, 4136 Mt. Pleasant Rd., Sherrills Ford, NC 28673. Visit burkemortuary. com to register your condolences online. Burke Mortuary in Newton is serving the Lutz family.

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Published by Hickory Daily Record from Apr. 12 to Apr. 13, 2012.

Memories and Condolences
for Bobby Lutz

10 Entries

John Ely

April 18, 2012

Bobby and family. I am so very sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. He was a quiet man of great strength and character. In you I see so much of him. I hope as the days go by you are able to find great consolation in the love and guidance he gave to you and others.

Becky Littlejohn

April 16, 2012

Bobby, I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My prayers are with you and your family.

Mike Cranston

April 15, 2012

Bobby and family,

I'm very sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts are with you.

Sue Earnhardt

April 14, 2012

Bobby and family, so sorry to hear of your loss. You all are in my prayers.
Sue Earnhardt (Dan Blairs sister-n-law...formely from New London, NC)
.

Dan Blair

April 13, 2012

Bobby and family - Just a moment ago was I made aware of our loss of Bobby, Sr. He was a great and caring person. One of the nicest person's it has ever been my priviledge to have come in contact, Our friendship goes back to the beginning of Howard's softball, when Bobby, Jr. was just a child. He was what a man should set his goal to be just like - devoted to his family and a friend to his friends. I'm thankful the Lutz and Howard families came my way. Bobby, my friend on and off the field, even if I were an umpire - and all our games were filled with great memories. Could write a book about my many games with Howard's.
Bette and Dan Blair Blowing Rock, NC

Nita Krafft Hardin

April 13, 2012

Janice and Bobby, so sorry for your loss. Our prayers are with you.

Kay Click

April 13, 2012

Bobby, Janet & family - So sorry for your loss! My Dad, Jerry Fandel, enjoyed talked to your Dad before the UNCC games. Thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Kay & Joe Click and the Fandel family

Lisa Blalock

April 13, 2012

Coach Lutz & family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I'm so sorry for your loss. May God grant you strength and peace in the coming days.

Bill Plummer

April 12, 2012

My prayers are with the Lutz family. Bobby Lutz was an outstanding men's slow pitch manager for Howard's Furniture and Western Steer, leading the team to back-to-back titles. He was inducted into the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame in 1983. He managed the team for 17 years and also played for the team. He was be missed not only by his family and friends, but by the many people who got to know him through softball.
Bill Plummer
former manager of the ASA National Softball Hall of Fame

Tracy Blanton

April 12, 2012

Bobby, Janet & family. I was so very sorry to hear of Bob's passing. My prayers and thought are with you during this very difficult time. I hope you find peace in knowing he is with the Lord, and Tammy now. My love to you all.

Tracy Lineberger Blanton

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