Robert Thomas Cashion

Robert Thomas Cashion, Cornelius, NC - Robert Thomas Cashion, son of Carl Spencer Cashion and Clara Thomas Cashion, died at home on October 13, 2014 at the age of 83. He was born May 23, 1931 in Charlotte, NC. Robert and his older sister, Dorothy, were raised in Cornelius, NC. He graduated from Randolph Macon Academy in 1949 and the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill in 1956. He served his country in the United States Army. Mr. Cashion loved his community and the people in it. For more than 50 years, Robert (Bob) Cashion has been a household name in North Mecklenburg. Upon returning from UNC in 1956, Robert worked with his parents at C. S. Cashion Groceries. Bob and his mother, Clara, continued to run the local grocery business after Carl Cashion passed away in 1957. On July 19, 1959, Bob married Mary Louise Long of West Jefferson, NC. Together, Bob and Louise expanded their business, establishing Cashion's Food Mart, Inc., where they employed and mentored several generations of North Mecklenburg residents. Early in his career, Bob recognized the need to support his community and give back with his time and resources. From the beginning of his career, he established a "1% Give Back Policy". Every year Cashion's would "give back" 1% of customer's sales to the charity of their choice. He continued that policy through the life of the grocery business, giving back to the community by supporting local churches, schools, scouting programs, civic groups and other charitable organizations. Bob and Louise were founding members of the Lake Norman YMCA and grass roots contributors to the building of the Cornelius Library. Robert was honored by the receipt of many awards, including the "Spirit of America" Award from the National Grocers Association, the North Mecklenburg Civitan Club's "Citizen of the Year" Award, and the Celebrate Cornelius' " Citizen of the Year." In 1993, Robert was recognized by the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce as "Business Person of the Year," an award which is now named in his honor. He was a longtime member and former president of the Rotary Club and was a life-time congregant and former board member at Mt. Zion Methodist Church. In addition to his recognition for leadership, uncommon generosity, and service and commitment to his community at every turn, Robert also was a wonderful host, a fine storyteller, and a dedicated family man. He treasured his many friends within church and community and took great pride in his children and grandchildren. Robert was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Clara, sister Dorothy Cashion Robbins, and brother-in-law Clontz Robbins. Mr. Cashion is survived by his wife Louise Cashion of Cornelius, NC, and their three sons and wives; Bobby and Beth Cashion of Davidson, NC, John and Lisa Cashion of Charlotte, NC, and Gordon and Raegan Cashion of Cornelius, NC. Additionally, he is survived by eight grandchildren: Spencer, Folger, Carlisle, Maggie, Thomas, Kendall, Anna Flynn, and Cole. Also surviving are his nephew Carl Robbins, his wife Pam and daughters of Mooresville, NC, his niece Sara Jane and Ed Collins and their daughter, Claire, of Mooresville, NC, and his niece Mary Clare Robbins of Raleigh, NC. In lieu of Flowers, donations would be welcomed to the Charites below: Mt. Zion Methodist Church Memorial Fund (www.mtzionumc.net), Lake Norman YMCA (www.ymcacharlotte.org/branches/lakenorman/ln.aspx) or University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill (www.unc.edu). Visitation will be held Friday October 17, 2014 from 5 pm - 7 pm at Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home 16901 Old Statesville Rd., Huntersville, NC. The Funeral Service will be conducted at 2 pm. on Saturday October 18, 2014 at Mt Zion Methodist Church, 19600 Zion Avenue, Cornelius, NC 28031. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Raymer-Kepner Funeral Home is assisting the family. Friends may offer condolences to the family at www.raymerfh.com.