Robert Harold Lutz, surrounded by family, entered heaven on October 24, 2014 to celebrate his 91st birthday with his heavenly father and all those who went before him. Robert was born in Cleveland County on October 24, 1923. Upon graduating from high school he entered the Army, serving in Germany during WWII. Returning home he entered into a family business, Lutz- Yelton Oil Company, with his father, and later his brothers. He branched off to form L&R Oil Company with his uncle, Lloyd Lutz. Robert was a member of the Oil Jobbers Association, through which he developed many friendships. He was also instrumental in bringing Phillips 66 to NC. Robert was a faithful member of First Baptist Church where he proudly served as a deacon for several terms. He always enjoyed being involved with community services. He was active in Boy Scouts as a child which led to an interest in joining the Lions Club as an adult. Robert worked diligently to begin the first Winter Night Shelter in Shelby; devoting his time to feeding and providing a safe haven for the homeless. His years of commitment to the Winter Night Shelter led to him being recognized as a “Volunteer of the Year.” Robert was an avid reader; daily enjoying the Bible, the Shelby Star, and the Charlotte Observer. He always enjoyed traveling to new and unseen places. Robert was also a lifelong Braves fan. Upon retirement he discovered a joy in yard work and gardening – working daily in his yard. The family recognizes that Robert’s last years on earth were made possible due to the excellent care, love and attention he was given by Rebecca, Teresa, Sherese, Shirley, Mable, and Wanda. Robert was also blessed to have been under the wonderful care of Dr. Brent Farrell for years until his precious Hospice nurse, Sandra, stepped in.
Robert was preceded in death by his loving wife of 55 years, Betty Jolley Lutz; parents J. Ray and Lilly Lutz; two brothers Ray Webb Lutz and Bill Lutz; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Violet Lutz , Josie and Maurice Guffey, Pearl and Robert Kennedy and Earl and Sarah Jolley; and great-grandson Philip Lewis Thomas.
He is survived by one son, Bob Lutz and wife Jane of Dallas Texas; two daughters Sara Tidwell and husband Charles and Betsy McPherson and husband Jerry all of Shelby ; one brother, Jack Lutz of Forest City; one sister, Betty Bowling and husband Dick of Shelby; two sisters-in-law, Sue Lutz and Carolyn Lutz both of Shelby; eleven grandchildren Hal, Alexa, and Lilly Lutz, Lyndi DeWalt and husband Trent, Robin Navarro and husband Al, Lew Thomas and wife April, Emily Lleo and husband Elio, Charlie Tidwell and wife Amy, Allison Bansen and husband Jim, Matt McPherson and wife Amy, and Clint McPherson; and eleven great grandchildren.
The Celebration of Life service held on Monday, October 27 at First Baptist Church at 11:30 AM in the sanctuary. Mr. Lutz will lie in state one hour before the service. The family will receive friends in the Dover Activities Building following the service. Graveside service will be held at Sunset Cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at the home of Betsy and Jerry McPherson at other times.
Memorials can be made to: First Baptist Church at 120 N. Lafayette St. Shelby, NC 28150; Baptist Children’s Home, P.O. Box 338, Thomasville, NC 27360; Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby NC 281150; or The Lutz Foundation Scholarship Fund, 214 Windsor Dr, Shelby, NC 28150.
