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Robert Alphin Obituary
June 18, 1937 - January 31, 2025
Winston-Salem, North Carolina - Robert "Bob" Ledford Alphin, 87, died peacefully at home in Winston-Salem on January 31. He was a man of faith, hard work and laughter.
Born in 1937 to Rob and Grace Alphin in Raleigh, NC, he spent his boyhood working his paper route and exploring the neighborhood with his cocker spaniel, Benjy.
He met the love of his life, Stephany ("Step"), while they were at Wake Forest University. Bob, an avid tennis player, popped the question on the courts. They spent the next 62 years living one of the world's great love stories, holding hands and screaming "Go Deacs!"
In 1960, after serving in the Air Force, Bob joined Wachovia Bank. As a proud Wachovian for 40 years, Bob's keen eye and straight-shooting approach earned him the nickname, "Bottomline."
Bob was a man of empathy and generosity. He envisioned and created the Alphin Family Center for Diabetic Family Support at Camp Hanes. Every holiday, he cooked up countless boxes of peanut brittle from his father's recipe, with proceeds to the YMCA. He tutored prisoners, helping them learn to read. He put others before himself. When you were with him, his first question was often, "How can I help?"
A star athlete, music lover, fisherman, world traveler, armchair philosopher, architect, beach bum, oyster slurper and banjo plunker. He had a penchant for funky art and played a mean game of ping pong. Bob, a quintessential son of North Carolina, had extensive knowledge of backroad BBQ joints. He braked for hot dogs and banana puddin'.He was on a first-name basis with migrating hummingbirds, and enjoyed sipping wine while communing with pelicans flying past his balcony at Wrightsville Beach.
He is survived by his wife Stephany, sons Jeff and Kent and their wives Jane and Tracy, his sister Patricia and her family. We will miss Big Bob and his big smile.
A celebration of life is in the works. If you'd like to pay Bob's legacy forward, consider donating to YMCA Camp Hanes.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Alphin
Sponsored by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home & Crematory.
Katie Price
March 2, 2025
I never had the honor of meeting this man, but I know his name well:
My Dad is Bill Price, and he would tell us stories about how Bob Alphin used to be the hero of Byrd Street: he would protect my dad and his buddies from the neighborhood bully. He always said he did it with grace and assertiveness .....and always followed up with a little kindness-like a pat on the back, or a little help dusting off and getting back on steady footing. Like a: "come on , Bill- you´re gonna be ok" sort of pep talk..Through these stories, I learned from a young age that this is what a hero is: someone who will speak up for others that aren´t as big or strong as they are...
Thank you Bob Alphin for helping out my beloved Dad-he´s still alive and was saddened to hear this news/ and I am sharing this sentiment on his behalf. Our hearts go out to his wife and children!
Alan Painter
February 21, 2025
Bob lit up the room. I will never forget his smile, laughter, and genuine interest the lives and wellbeing of those around him. The passion and compassion in the words above are no surprise. Uncle Bob was a great man!
Walter McDowell
February 17, 2025
Bob was one of the great guys in the world. He was genuine and always setting a good example for all around him
Chet Nations
February 17, 2025
When you saw Bob headed your way you instantly knew you would soon feel even better. Bob always brought a genuine sense camaraderie !
of friendship & camaraderie
Julia and Joe Ledford
February 10, 2025
What a wonderful man and commendable life in every aspect! Our hearts are saddened by his death but warmed by his memory. He had a spirit of hospitality about him that made anyone feel welcome. Our thoughts and prayers are with Step, Jeff and Kent and the wider family who mourn his passing. He left quite a meaningful legacy.
Mary Nan Moser
February 10, 2025
Bob was a wonderful friend. Spending time with the Alphin´s was a joy. They were so welcoming and both had a great sense of humor. Bob would look at you with a huge smile and twinkling eyes. Behind that smile was a sharp intellect. My late husband, Ken Moser, loved spending time with Bob and Stephany whenever possible. Bob was a man of courage. When he had to have an operation on his vocal cords, he didn´t shy away from laughing and tell you stories even though he knew his speech was raspy. Bob and Stephany treated each other with great love and tenderness. They loved everything Wake Forest. Bob will be missed. Mary Nan Moser
Darryl Head
February 10, 2025
Bob was one of my heroes! He was an amazing friend and an even better man. I was blessed to be one of those at the YMCA that got to see him make the peanut brittle and patiently package it with teens in the after-school program. I knew how lucky I was every time he beat me in ping pong to have spent that time with such an uplifting friend. We are all better because we knew Bob Alphin!
Greg Humphreys
February 9, 2025
Great memories of Bob, a kind and generous man. Sending love!
steve and nancy duggins
February 9, 2025
a good man prayers for the family
Lori Wood
February 9, 2025
Sounds like your Dad was the kind of person who created lots of great memories with his family and friends. Hoping those memories will bring you comfort during this difficult time. A big hug to you and Tracy.
Stan greenspon
February 8, 2025
one of my closest childhood friends on Byrd st..we had loads of fun and high spirited..what a great guy .sincere condolonces
Keith Lawder
February 6, 2025
From the time I met Bob at Wachovia in the mid seventies, he was a good friend and mentor. He was always willing to help and was a strong leader. My favorite memory of Bob was when I went with him to Belmont to see the facilities of the bank we had just acquired there. One of our group picked up a box in the parking lot and threw it into a dumpster Out popped a man and his wife ! We laughed all the way back to Charlotte where Bob made calls to get the fellow some help. Rest in peace Bob.
Frank Spence
February 6, 2025
I absolutely adored and highly respected Bob! I am thankful for the time that I had to know and work with him. He will be missed.
John Hipp
February 6, 2025
Bob was an iconic figure at Wachovia. One of the best credit people in the company. I had the honor to watch him and be a beneficiary of his teaching and coaching. Always admired Bob in so many ways. I could never thank him for taking an interest in helping me be a better banker. Condolences to the family. John Hipp
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