Bob Arey

Robert “Bob” Jackson Arey, 94, passed away on June 10, 2015. Born in Shelby, N.C., he was the son of William Griffin Arey and Catherine Roberts Arey.
He was the epitome of what has been named the “greatest generation.” He and his family persevered through the Great Depression. He earned the Boy Scout rank of Eagle which was presented to him in 1937 by President Franklin D. Roosevelt at the Scout Jamboree in Washington DC. Following graduation from Oak Ridge Military Academy, he entered into the U.S. Army and served in the Asiatic Pacific Campaign during World War II.
When he returned home to Shelby, he continued building a family business with a work ethic which is one to be admired and emulated. Endless hours of hard work made Arey Oil Company an integral piece of Cleveland and surrounding counties. In 1997 he was recognized by the N.C. Petroleum Marketers Association with its highest honor that honors one’s personal integrity and service to community and industry.
Bob loved Cleveland County and he loved his church. He was among the handful of people, who walked among the cotton fields in 1953 in west Shelby and declared this was the perfect place to build Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Throughout the years he offered his wisdom and leadership skills in numerous capacities.
Without question, the most important things in his life were his God, his family, and his country. He was a kind and gentle man who got it right. He gave gladly and generously to countless causes. He truly followed Matthew 6:3-4.”But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret.”
Always the gentleman; his easy going manner, sense of humor, and love of dance never failed to attract those around him. Bob loved the game of golf, but more importantly the hours of fellowship shared with his golfing buddies. He possessed an endless quest for learning that kept him “in the know.” And his storytelling was legendary. Just ask his grandsons!
Bob treasured his family. He is survived by his devoted wife of 67 years, Loraine Clay Arey; his two children, Robert Jackson Arey, Jr. and wife Candy; Kim Arey Bridges and husband Mike; four grandsons and two great grandchildren as well as his sister, Mary Alice Dorton of Chapel Hill, N.C. He was so very proud of each and every one of them.
The family would like to thank all who cared so well for Bob during his stay at Brookdale of Shelby, including Helping Hands, Shelby Medical Associates, 4th floor Transfusion Dept. at Carolinas HealthCare System Cleveland and Hospice.
Funeral services will be held at 10 a.m., Tuesday, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, officiated by the Rev. Sylvia Wilhelm and Dr. Hal Warlick. The family will receive friends following the service in the Epworth Building.
Burial will follow at 1 p.m. in Sunset Cemetery with full military honors.
Memorials may be made to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1207 W. Dixon Blvd. Shelby, NC 28152; BoyScouts of America Piedmont Council, 1222 E. Franklin Blvd., Gastonia, NC 28053; or the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.ClayBarnette.com
Arrangements by Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby.