Robert Allan Emken, Jr. Winston-Salem, NC - Robert Allan Emken, Jr., "Bobby", aged 54, passed away on February 28th at Duke University Medical Center from complications of a brain tumor. Born in Winston-Salem, NC on May 1, 1963, to the late Robert Allan Emken Sr. and Constance Cook Emken, he arrived in this world on his parents' 9th wedding anniversary. It was said many times that Bobby was the best anniversary present they ever received. Bobby attended local Winston-Salem schools and enrolled at Forsyth Country Day in its inaugural year in 1970. An excellent and hardworking student, he extended his academic tenacity to sports. His passion for athletics narrowed and found its way to the soccer field, where his teammates gave him the nickname "The Crusher." After his family moved to Summit, NJ in 1975, Bobby attended The Pingry School where his love for the game continued. Upon his family's return from New Jersey to Winston-Salem in 1979, Bobby returned to FCDS for his last two years of high school. Always humble regarding his accomplishments on the soccer field, he initially thought Sports Illustrated was attempting to sell him a magazine subscription when a reporter phoned him for an interview after he was named an "All-American" in soccer. All of this led to his 2007 induction into the FCDS Athletic Hall of Fame. After graduating from FCDS in 1981, he signed on at Wake Forest University to play varsity soccer. While at Wake Forest, Bobby studied abroad in London at Worrell House. After graduation from Wake Forest in 1985, Bobby entered law school at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he met and fell in love with fellow law student Lynne Bronnenberg. After graduation in 1988, they married in Lynne's hometown of Hickory, NC. Bobby and Lynne's newlywed years were spent in Charlotte, NC, where he was an Associate for Womble Carlyle Sandridge and Rice (now Womble Bond Dickinson). They relocated to Greensboro, NC in 1991, where he began a 14-year career at Guilford Mills. While at Guilford, he earned an M.B.A. from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University, graduating in 1995. It was in Greensboro that their sons Alex and Nick were born and spent their early years. In 2005 Bobby left his position as General Counsel at Guilford Mills to join the law department of Reynolds American Inc., where he felt privileged to be a part of the legal team that helped guide Reynolds through several transformative years. While remaining dedicated to his career and profession, he served on the Board of Directors of Senior Services Inc. Bobby leaves behind his devoted and cherished wife and best friend of 29 years, Lynne, and sons Alex and Nick. Also surviving him are his sisters Judy Emken of Charlotte, and Janice Emken Mullin and husband Rick of Charleston, SC, nephews Brett Buening, Matt Buening, and Henry Mullin, and niece Stafford Mullin. In addition, he leaves behind his brother-in-law Jeff Bronnenberg of Hickory, NC. The family would like to thank Dr. Eugene Paschold and Paula Norman of the Novant Health Derrick L. Davis Cancer Center for the excellent care they gave Bobby and the years of support they gave all of them. Additionally, and in recognition of their work, which enabled Bobby to live a rich, fulfilling, and active life for the 6 years preceding his passing, the family would like to thank Dr. Annick Desjardins, Dr. Leslie Thomas, Dr. Allan Friedman, and Rosemary Ketring of Duke University Medical Center. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke. Those wishing to donate may do so at tischbraintumorcenter.duke.edu, or may write checks payable to Tisch Brain Tumor Center, and sent to The Preston Robert Tisch Brain Tumor Center, DUMC Box 3264, Durham, NC 27710. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends at their home from 4 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, March 6th. Online condolences may be made through www.salemfh.com. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston

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Published by Charleston Post & Courier from Mar. 2 to Mar. 3, 2018.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Emken

20 Entries

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Debra Wenzel

February 26, 2020

I worked along side with Bobby for several years. I miss him terribly still. I miss his kindness, his authentic caring for others and his sense of humor. He was a wonderful family man who loved Lynne and the boys more than anything. There's still a big hole in my world with Bobby having passed away. God bless his family always.

Debra Wenzel

February 26, 2019

Bobby was a wonderful, kind human being. He is missed more than words can ever say. I miss working with Bobby on a daily basis and I miss his smile, his kindness and his sense of humor. I will never forget him and always hold him and his family near to my heart. Debbie Wenzel

Jon Ottati

March 8, 2018

My sincere condolences go out to your family. I just saw this and my heart sank. Bobby always seemed to be genuine and good hearted. Always glad to see you and an overall great man. He will be missed by many. If there is ever anything I or my family can do please know that we are a phone call away! Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family.

Jeffrey Beckerman

March 7, 2018

I first met Bobby in the early 1980s as Judy and I were classmates at Emory Law. He was such a wonderful brother to Janice and Judy and devoted son to Connie and Bob. My sincere condolences to his family as his passing is such a tragedy.

Mike Phillips

March 6, 2018

I was very sorry to see Bobby's obituary in the newspaper. I worked with Bobby and his father at R.J. Reynolds. I retired in 2007 so I was not aware that Bobby was ill. He was very bright and likable and I always enjoyed interacting with him. My thoughts and prayers are with the Emken family at this difficult time.

Elizabeth Wills-Hull

March 6, 2018

The world is a lesser place without him and he will be greatly missed.

David Gramley

March 6, 2018

My heartfelt condolences to all of Bobby's family. I was able to work with Bobby during his years at Reynolds, and have nothing but the highest regard for him. He was a humble person who worked harder than anyone I knew. My prayers will be for him and for all of you in his family.

Dean and Teresa Tsipis

March 6, 2018

Words cannot adequately express how much we will all miss Bobby. He was a valiant warrior possessing a rare combination of intellect, passion and humbleness, and a selfless and caring friend. May the strength of your faith and the love and support of your family and all of us friends help carry you through this difficult time. We continue to keep you and the family in our thoughts and prayers.

David Osorio

March 5, 2018

I'm so sorry for your loss. I read his obituary and sounds like an amazing man. Cherish the memories and know that you shall all see him again one day.

Debbie Wenzel

March 5, 2018

Lynne, Alex & Nick: Bobby was a wonderful, kind human being and I will miss him more than words can express. Continuing to pray for strength and for peace that passes all understanding for you all.

March 5, 2018

Ragan and I are so sorry to hear about Bobby's passing. He was a terrific person, caring, humble and bright. Bobby also was one of the best lawyers I had the pleasure to work with. His attention to detail and ability to analyze complex legal issues, particularly in M&A and financing matters, is unparalleled. He will definitely be missed as a friend and colleague. You all are in our thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Dara and Ragan

Steve and Sandy Zitta

March 5, 2018

God Bless Bobby - He was a devoted father and husband, often he spoke praise of his sons. I have never worked with a more kind and gentle soul. We will miss him dearly.

Ralph Nesbit

March 4, 2018

So very sorry for your loss. My prayers are with your family.

March 4, 2018

We are so sad to learn of Bobby's passing. He will be remembered as such a kind and gentle soul. We're keeping you all in our prayers.
Patty and Bill McIvor

Susan Speckman

March 4, 2018

We are so very sorry for your loss. We are keeping you all close to our hearts. Love The Speckmans

Jimmy Wilson

March 3, 2018

I was fortunate to be on a baseball team with Bobby in the summer of '74 at Phillips Bridge Road. He was our shortstop and very athletic. He batted in the #2 spot. We weren't expected to do much that year, but made it to the championship game. I still remember beating a very good team sponsored by Dial Finance in the semifinals, the team expected to win it all. After the game, the Dial Finance players were crying as their parents had a cake and ice cream that was supposed to be there for their big victory. It was surreal. None of us on our team expected to be in that game, much less win it in the final inning. We didn't know what to do. Standing around, Bobby led us over to shake their hands and let them know what a great team they were. He was a leader then. Will never forget Bobby.

Brian and Denise Wakeland

March 3, 2018

So sorry to here of Bobby's passing. Our prayers are with the family and Our Lord in Heaven has another Angel!

March 3, 2018

My condolences to the family. May the wonderful memories of your loved one comfort you until God's promises are fulfilled. Matthew 5:5

Mark Smith CMPD

March 2, 2018

So sorry to hear the news of Bobby's passing. Please know that your entire family will be in my prayers during this difficult time.

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