Robert Poteat

Robert Edward “Hobbs” Poteat, 77, of Drexel, 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 (U.S. Air Force Major 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.

Sossoman Funeral Home and Crematory Center is assisting the family with the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.sossomanfh.com.