Robert Cabaniss

1929 - 2010

SHELBY - Mr. Robert Franklin Cabaniss " Bob", 81, died at home on Friday, Feb. 12, 2010.
He was born on Jan. 17, 1929, in Cleveland County, to the late Athel and Aileen Hoyle Cabaniss. He was self-employed as a farmer and poultryman.
He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Helen Harmick Cabaniss of the home; sons and daughters-in-law, Richard F. "Dick" Cabaniss and wife, Jenny, Dwight Cabaniss and wife, Mary, and Tim Cabaniss and wife, Cindy; his sister, Janice Cabaniss Vehaun and her husband, Rev. Lewis Vehaun; sister-in-law, Dale Cabaniss, wife of the late Donald Hoyle Cabaniss; and eight loving grandchildren, Katie, Ben and Claire Cabaniss, Brannon, Curtis and Carrie Cabaniss and Mary Elizabeth and Jim Cabaniss.
Bob was an active member of Zion Baptist Church for more than 60 years, where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and a member of many committees. He also served as committee chairman of Boy Scouts Troop 118 for 35 years. "Bones", as he was affectionately known, enjoyed playing baseball and basketball and was member of the 1945 American Legion Baseball team who played in the 1945 Junior World Series. He also loved playing church softball for many years. Mr. Cabaniss was very involved in many civic and community organizations. In 1957 he was named the Cleveland County Young Farmer of the Year by the Junior Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he served on the Agriculture Stabilization and Conser-vation Committee for 20 years. For many years Bob was instrumental in leadership in public education, serving at the county and state levels. He was a member of the Cleveland County School Board for 24 years, serving as chairman for more than 20 years. During his service, the county schools went through desegregation, consolidation and the merger of the three county schools systems into one. Some of his proudest accomplishments during his tenure on the board were the great improvements in school facilities. His leadership saw the construction of Burns and Crest Middle and High Schools, as well as several new elementary schools, including Boling Springs Elementary, Union Elementary and Township 3 Elementary. He served on the North Carolina School Board Association from 1983 to 1992 and was elected president in 1988. Mr. Cabaniss received the North Carolina School Board Association's highest honor, the Raleigh Dingman Award for Outstanding Boardmanship in 1991. Bob was also selected as the North Carolina Outstanding Citizen in 1992 by the Phillip Morris Company in recognition for his numerous civic contributions. Additionally, he was a member of the Dover Educational Foundation, the Cleveland Community College Board of Trustees and the Life Enrichment Board of Directors, serving as president in 2001.
PawPaw Bob never met a stranger and was known for his honesty and integrity. His greatest joy was spending time with his family and watching his grandchildren participate in sports. His wife, Mary Helen, and his grandchildren were the loves of his life.
Visitation: The family will receive friends Saturday, Feb. 13, 5 to 7 p.m., at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home and other times the family will be at the home, 1804 Chatfield Road, Shelby.
Funeral: Sunday, Feb. 14, 3 p.m., Zion Baptist Church; The body will placed in the church 30 minutes before the service.
Officiated by: Dr. Tim Elmore and Rev. Lewis Vehaun
Burial: Zion Baptist Church Cemetery following the service
Memorials: Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby, NC 28150; or Zion Baptist Church, 525 W. Zion Church Road, Shelby, NC 28150; or Life Enrichment Center, 103 T.R. Harris Drive, Shelby, NC 28150
Funeral home: Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory
Online guest registry: www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com