Robert Samuels Petree

He was born and raised in Hickory, NC but has been a resident of Asheville since 1968. He was of the Episcopal faith and was retired from Berlin Tire. He was preceded in death by his father, Joseph A. Petree, Sr., mother, Gwendolyn “Pidge” Apple Petree and brother, Morris L. Petree, all of Hickory, NC

Survivors include his wife, Roberta D. Petree; son and daughter-in-law, Robert S. Petree, Jr. and Patty of Clemson, SC; daughters and sons-in-law, Elizabeth P. and Hal Hemme of Asheville, Catherine P. and Marty Merrick of Knoxville, Tenn.; five grandchildren, Michelle and Robert S. Petree, III, Brent Merrick, Sarah and Savannah Gibson; two step-sons, Michael Anderson of Florida and Robbie Anderson of Asheville; brother, Joe A. Petree, Jr. and his wife Francis of Newton, NC and a sister, Evelyn P. Sigmon of Asheville.

Private graveside services will be held for the immediate family at Calvary Episcopal Churchyard.

The family will receive friends from 6:30-8:30pm Friday at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian.

Memorials may be made to Southeast Cancer Fund, c/o Cancer Research Institute, 681 5th Avenue, New York, New York 10022.