Robert W. "Bobby" Clarkson

CHARLOTTE – Family, going into the real estate business with his brother, playing football in his younger days and then cheering on his beloved teams from Miami – all of it brought joy to Bob Clarkson's life. Not even the cleaning person throwing his collection of 400 ball caps into the wash and nearly ruining them could dampen the optimistic spirit that graced his life's journey.

Then, at age 60, a brain disorder began taking its toll, eventually putting him in a wheelchair and requiring a move from Florida to Charlotte, N.C., in 2024 to be closer to family.

It's easy to smile through the good times. What made Robert Clarkson special is that he was able to smile through the bad.

He was 68 when he died on January 4, 2026, 3 years after an extended period of declining health required living in senior living facilities

Bob – Bobby to his family – was born on January 16, 1957, the youngest of Harold and Jean Clarkson's six children. He grew up in West Palm Beach, Fla., where he played football for Forest Hill Community High School. Though he was a ferocious lineman, he topped out at 6 feet, not quite gargantuan enough to play college football at a higher level. That turned out to be a blessing. He found his place at Davidson College, helping anchor the offensive line and graduating in 1979 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History.

Forty-five years after receiving his diploma, his teammates arranged for Bobby to join them at the first football game played in Davidson's new football stadium. That Saturday afternoon in September 2024 meant everything to Bobby. So did the guys he played with, the ones who made this day possible. So did the limo ride they arranged to take him home at halftime. So did the No. 66 jersey they autographed, framed and inscribed "Teammate. Brother. Squatty Body." It held a prominent place on the wall of Bobby's room in assisted living. So did paraphernalia from his beloved Miami Dolphins and University of Miami Hurricanes.

After college, Bobby worked in real estate for the Safeway grocery chain in Oakland, CA, and Baltimore before returning to Florida and going into commercial real estate with his brother, Charles. At various points he lived and worked in Orlando, Jacksonville and Miami. At one point, the family company owned or managed more than 2,000 apartment units. Bobby was a natural in the real estate business, an industry where success is built on establishing positive relationships.

Years later, when his father passed away, his mother moved in with Bob in Miami. How these two roomies brightened each other's lives. Jean Clarkson was 97 when she passed away in 2013.

Bobby served his country in the U.S. Army from 1979-88, rising to the rank of Second Lieutenant.

He is survived by four siblings – Ann Clarkson Turpin of Silver Spring, Md., Dr. John G. Clarkson (Diana) of Charlotte, N.C., Charles A. Clarkson of Arlington, Va., and Julia Clarkson Wittman of Minneapolis. He is also survived by five nephews and five nieces.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Lawrence W. Clarkson (Barbara), of Marietta, Ga.

A service to celebrate Bobby's life will be at Christ Church in Ponte Vedra, FL.

A gift in his memory can be made to the Boys and Girls Club of Northeast Florida,

820 Seagate Ave, Jacksonville Beach, FL 32250.

The family is deeply grateful for the care and kindness shown by the staff of Monroe Rehabilitation Center and Atrium Health Hospice who provided compassionate, personalized care.

Bobby's body may have ultimately failed him, but illness couldn't touch his heart. He didn't get depressed. He never complained. Tears came. But his smile dried them. That was the story of his life.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.