Robert Lee Meinecke, Jr.

Mr. Robert Lee “Bob” Meinecke, Jr., 75, of Lowgap, passed away Sunday morning, January 22, 2023, at his home.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Lee Meinecke, Sr. and Maria Elisabeth Poth Meinecke; his first wife, Cheryl Kee Meinecke; a son, Christopher John Meinecke; and a daughter, Jennifer Meinecke.  He leaves behind his wife, Judy Walker Meinecke; a daughter and son-in-law, Nancy and Mark Kautzman; two grandchildren, Gabriel Kautzman and Audrey Kautzman; and two sisters, Sandie Meinecke Smith and Rebecca Meinecke Gazaway.  Bob was born August 23, 1947, in Goddelau, Germany, but grew up in Texas.  As a young man, Bob thrived on stage, sharing his passion for singing.  As an adult, he had a successful 28-year career in the wine industry.  Throughout his career, he lived in many states, North Carolina being one of them.  He planted some roots in Mount Airy, where he became a business broker and proprietor of Liberty Business Partners.  Bob lived to serve.  He loved helping others and creating positive experiences for people in his community.  He was an active congregant and choir member of Calvary Baptist Church.  He was the past president and a long-standing board member of The Shepherd’s House, past president of the Mount Airy Rotary Club, and the past president of the Carolina-Virginia Business Broker Association.  Bob was instrumental in creating the Rotary’s Budbreak and Craft Beer Festival that is one of the largest festivals in the community.  In addition, he worked part-time at the Mount Airy Visitor Center, where he brought smiles to people’s faces whether driving visitors around in the “Andy Griffith Squad Car” or directing them to the biggest and best of the area.  Bob will always be remembered for his perseverance and giving heart.  For he often said, “When you see a need, fill it, as when you are giving, you get something back.”  A service of worship and celebration of Bob’s life will be held Monday, January 30, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Calvary Baptist Church, with the Rev. Alex L. Martin officiating.  No formal visitation will be held.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Shepherd’s House, P.O. Box 1722, Mount Airy, NC  27030; Calvary Baptist Church, 314 South Franklin Road, Mount Airy, NC  27030; or Mountain Valley Hospice and Palliative Care, 1427 Edgewood Drive, Suite 101, Mount Airy, NC  27030.  Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.