Robert Edward “Hobbs” Poteat, 77, of Drexel, N.C., passed away Monday, July 21, 2025, at Mercy Hospital in Charlotte following a brief illness.
Born in Burke County, N.C., on April 14, 1948, he was a son of the late Charlie Edward “Pat” Poteat and Beatrice Robbins Poteat.
Robert was a member and class president of the 1966 graduating class of Drexel High School and later earned his bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University.
Robert was a member of the First Baptist Church of Morganton and retired from Drexel Heritage Furniture after 35 years of service. He was the third generation of his family to work at Drexel Heritage, following in the footsteps of his father, Pat, and his grandfather, John.
In his free time, he was an avid church and industrial league softball and basketball player, and he loved hiking in the mountains with his dog, particularly in the rugged terrain of Linville Gorge and along the cooling waters of Wilson Creek.
Robert was also a die-hard fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers, going back to their days in Brooklyn, and of the Washington Commanders, better known as the Redskins.
Those left to cherish his memory include his wife of 54 years, Rebecca Myrick Poteat; brothers, Johnny Poteat (Jane) and Bill Poteat (Dinah); nephew, Trey Hamilton Ward (Lyn); nieces, Caroline Poteat and Jennifer Poteat (Dr. Jordan Ellis), and a great-niece, Margot Avery Ellis.
The family will receive friends from noon to 1 p.m., Friday, Aug. 1, 2025, at Sossoman Funeral Home. A memorial service will follow at 1 p.m. in the Colonial Chapel of the funeral home with the Rev. Dr. Thomas A. Bland, Jr. officiating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Grow With Drexel, PO Box 177, Drexel, NC 28619.
Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements.
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I am so sorry to hear of my dear cousin passing. I will miss Robert's smile and his sense of humor, he always made me laugh when we got together. My thoughts and prayers are with Becky, Johnny, Jane, Bill and all of our family. Until we meet again, rest in heaven my dear, sweet cousin. Love you. ❤️ 🙏
Robbie will be sorely missed. I worked with him at Drexel for over 30 years and he made everyone who knew him happy. He loved to pick on this NY Giants fan as we were archivals with his beloved Redskins. We shared a strong dislike of the Cowboys. I will always treasure our friendship. Love & prayers to Becky & the rest of the family.
I am so sorry to hear the news of Robert's passing. My sincere condolences go out to Becky and the family. May the Lord be with Robert as he continues his journey. Peace
Sorry to hear of Robert’s passing. He was a friend of my mama Carolyn Beck , Cindy and Mom’s restaurant. My mama has passed but he spoke every time I saw him out at the grocery store. He will be missed.
Robert was such a sweet, quiet soul. We knew him during our 9 years in NC between 1989-1998. May God’s peace be with his soul as he rests in His arms now.
Robert was one of my closest friends. He was a good man, fun to be around and always willing to help. He was an avid Freedom High basketball fan and for more than twenty years we attended their games together, He especially enjoyed the away games as we planned which restaurant we would visit. We both liked to eat and I often shared my cooking with him. Rest in peace my good and faithful friend. You will be greatly missed. Vonnie and I send our sincere condolences to Becky and the family.
Robert was a fine man and was part of a great family. Prayers for you Becky and the family 🙏🏻
Praying for you! We love you all. Wayne and Sheila
Becky, I am so very sorry and heart-broken for you. My thoughts and prayers are of you and pray for God’s help through it all. Turn to your treasured memories.