Robert Franklin Colwell III

August 29, 2024
CHARLOTTE – Robert Franklin Colwell III, 76, passed away Thursday, August 29, 2024, following a period of declining health. A native of Brevard, NC, Bob grew up with his two brothers Charles and George and their parents, Charles Edward and Eleanor Rotah Colwell, all of whom predeceased him.
Following his graduation from UNC-Chapel Hill, Bob and his wife, Barbara moved to Charlotte, where he began his career as a Certified Public Accountant. Within a few years he formed his own firm which soon thereafter merged into the global accounting network, BDO Seidman. As a tax specialist and leader, he rose in the ranks to the position of tax director for BDO's southeast region, splitting his time between Charlotte and Atlanta.
Bob and Barbara eventually resettled in Charlotte. Anticipating semi-retirement, he established his one-man accounting practice, subleasing office space from Pesta Finnie & Associates. For the next 20 years the firm enjoyed his presence, professionalism, collaboration, and friendship. Throughout his career, Bob served his clients as a trusted business advisor, confidant, and friend.
He also served the Charlotte community. Bob chaired the Arts & Science Council Board of Directors in 1994-1995 when a record-breaking arts endowment campaign was successfully undertaken. In addition, he had a long-standing relationship in service to the Foundation for the Carolinas and was a member of the Patterson Foundation Board awarding grants for animal welfare from 2020 to 2023.
Throughout their 54-year marriage, Bob and Barbara treasured the time they spent at their cabin in Transylvania County, NC, where they loved entertaining friends. Both valued the natural beauty of the surrounding countryside as they enjoyed long walks with their beloved canine companions, Mac - and, later, Will. As members of Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, Bob and Barbara worshiped in the Sanctuary most Sunday mornings.
Bob's only survivor is his wife of 54 years, Barbara Roland Colwell, also a native of Brevard.
A memorial service celebrating Bob's life will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Covenant Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends following the service in the Welcome Center. The service will be livestreamed at:
Memorials may be offered in memory of Bob to Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1000 East Morehead St, Charlotte, NC 28204 (https://www.covenantpresby.org/ways-to-give) or The Humane Society of Charlotte, 1348 Parker Drive, Charlotte, NC 28208 (https://humanesocietyofcharlotte.org/give/in-honormemory-of/); or VIA Health Partners, 7845 Little Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28226 (https://www.viagiving.org/donating).
Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Ave., Charlotte, NC 28204; (704) 641-7606. Online condolences may be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.