Robert Gaffney Laney, Jr., was born to Robert Gaffney Laney and Dorothy Dover Laney on June 22, 1926 in Monroe, NC.  Robert passed away peacefully on March 17, 2014, with Martha, his loving wife of 64 years, by his side. 

In addition to his parents, Robert was predeceased by his brother, John Dover Laney, his granddaughter, Sarah Quinn Laney, and his son-in-law, Paul Geoffrey Hastings. 

Raised in Shelby, Robert graduated from Shelby High School.  He attended Clemson University for one year prior to enlisting in the United States Merchant Marine Academy following the outbreak of World War II and proudly served his country throughout the war.  Following Robert’s military service, he entered the Steven’s Institute of Technology from which he graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering.  After graduation, Robert returned to Shelby and united in marriage with Martha Ann Byers on March 4, 1950 and began a life-long career with his family’s business, Dover Textiles.

In addition to his wife Martha, Robert is survived by his children, Dr. Robert Gaffney Laney, III, and wife Caroline; Ann Laney Hastings; and Carol Laney Schenck and husband Michael.  “Pop” will be greatly missed by his grandchildren Elizabeth Laney Addington (Tane), Dorothy Laney Strickland (Talmadge), Laura Gray Laney Lefcoski (Joseph), Evelyn Laney Schenck and Michael “Tripp” Schenck III; and also by his adoring great-grandchildren, Bailey Grayson Strickland and James Barek Cardell. 

Robert’s life was one of service to others and steadfast dedication to his family and friends, his work, church, and community. 

A celebration of Robert’s life will be held at Central United Methodist Church on Saturday, March 22 at 2pm.  The family will receive friends following the service in the Fellowship Hall.

The family expresses heartfelt appreciation to the staff of Cleveland Regional Medical Center, Helping Hands Nursing Service, and Hospice of Cleveland County who so compassionately cared for Robert throughout his illness.  

Memorials may be made to: Central United Methodist Church, 200 East Marion Street, Shelby NC 28150, Hospice Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Drive, Shelby NC 28150, or the Salvation Army, P O Box 1764, Shelby NC 28151.   

Cecil M Burton Funeral Home and Crematory is serving the family of Mr. Blanton.