Robert Leonard Lorance

Robert (Bob) Leonard Lorance, 98, passed away on January 8, 2023 at his youngest daughter and son-in-law’s home in Belmont, NC.  He was a native of Gaston County and the son of the late Daniel Lafayette Lorance and Aicy Wilson Lorance of McAdenville, NC.

He is preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Doris Rayfield Lorance, his five brothers, Carl, George, AC, Luther, John and four sisters, Lela Mae, Ruth, Lois, Ethel, and grandson, Derek C. Lackey.

Bob served during WWII in the US Army in the Adjutant General’s Department under General Omar Bradley in England, France, Germany, and other parts of Central Europe.  Bob earned five Bronze Service Stars along with the Good Conduct Medal.

Bob also loved nature and was an avid gardener.  He and his wife Doris raised many vegetables, especially tomatoes and okra, that they sold and gave to neighbors.  If Bob was not in his garden, he was likely bass fishing or camping at the beach, where he fished for coastal flounder.  As a younger man, Bob had Tennessee Walking Horses which he rode in local horse shows.  Bob attended Catawba Heights Baptist Church and was a man of strong Christian faith. 

Family was Bob’s greatest source of pride, and his true legacy in this world.  Holidays with his family brought him immense joy and he never missed sending a birthday card to each one of them.  He was a wonderful husband to his late wife, Doris Rayfield Lorance, and was always a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Janet L. Pittman and husband Don of Fuquay-Varina, NC, Robert Dennis Lorance and wife Debbie of Belmont, NC, and Karen L. Mathis and husband Larry of Belmont, NC, grandchildren, Erik J. Pittman and wife Jennifer of Apex, NC, Amber P. Barnes and husband Greg of Holly Springs, NC, Ashley Lorance and husband Gerrit Baumann of Charlotte, NC, Emily L. Rall and husband Tobi of Aalen, Germany, and Dillon Lackey of Charlotte.  Great-grandchildren are Ben and Caroline Barnes, Kenan and Anna Lynn Pittman, Hugo Baumann, Mathilde Lorance and Elly Mae Rall.

Bob’s family gives special thanks to Gaston County Hospice for their compassionate care.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be made to Gaston County Hospice, P.O. Box 3984, Gastonia, NC. 28054.

A graveside service will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, January 12, 2023 at Greenwood Cemetery, Belmont, NC with Phil Meadows officiating.

Online condolences may be made at: www.withersandwhisenantfuneral.com  

Withers and Whisenant Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 2916 Union Road, Gastonia, NC (704) 864-5144 is serving the family.