Bobby Ray Caudle

1930 - 2025

Bobby "Bob" Ray Caudle, 95, of Raleigh, NC, peacefully went to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 16, 2025. A memorial service will be held at Hayes Barton Baptist Church in Raleigh, North Carolina, on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at 2:00 PM by the Rev. Dr. David J. Hailey. Born in Mecklenburg County, Bob was the son of the late Ethel and Lomon Caudle. He was a member of Hayes Barton Baptist Church in Raleigh. Bob was married for 76 years to the love of his life, Jacqueline "Jackie" Butler Caudle, who passed away earlier this year.

He is best known for his work as a legendary professional wrestling announcer with the National Wrestling Alliance (NWA). During the 1970s and 1980s, Bob was the voice of Mid-Atlantic Championship Wrestling, World Championship Wrestling, and Smoky Mountain Wrestling. In 2007, Bob was inducted into the NWA Wrestling Legends Hall of Heroes. Outside the ring, Bob was a longtime newscaster and weatherman at WRAL-TV in Raleigh. Later in his career, he became a legislative assistant for U.S. Senator Jesse Helms, holding that position until he retired in 1996. During his retirement, he enjoyed being with his family on the water at Lake Gaston or Holden Beach and spent time fishing and boating. He was an avid sports fan and loved the Yankees and NC State athletics.

Bob is survived by his three children, Michael Caudle and wife Mary of Maryville, TN, Bob Caudle and wife Susan of New Bern, and Lisa Caudle, of Raleigh; grandchildren, Robert Caudle (Kristi), Cate Smith (Mark), Joe Caudle, Lori Caudle (Jeremy), Mary Walker (Brad), David Caudle (Anna), Carrie Barnhart (Thomas), Sarah Moore (Arieana), Rachel Talley (Micah), Abby Moore, Lauren McMinn, and Chris McMinn; sixteen great-grandchildren; many nieces and nephews; great-nieces and nephews; and caregiver LaTonya Winfield. He was preceded in death by his sisters Betty Bartlett, Kathryn Estes, Carolyn Hines, and his wife, Jackie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Lutheran Services of the Carolinas - Development Office, Child and Family Services, P.O. Box 947, Salisbury, NC 28145. https://lscarolinas.net/donate-onetime/