Robert Craig "Bob" Carraway

Robert Craig Carraway, 81, of Charlotte, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on March 2, 2026, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on November 19, 1944, in Miami, Florida, to Bert and Bette Carraway, Bob spent his childhood moving across the country and the world as the son of a Naval officer, living in places that included Guam, Morocco, South Carolina, Florida, and Virginia. Outgoing and personable from an early age, he formed friendships wherever he went.

He married Mikki Walsh in 1967, with whom he had a daughter, Kelly Carraway Straub. Though they later divorced, Bob and Mikki remained lifelong friends. In 1988, he married the love of his life, Debi Carder. The couple lived in Herndon, Virginia, before moving to Charlotte in 1994. Together they enjoyed boating, attending the symphony, gardening, and playing games such as Rumikub and Spades with Kelly, stepchildren Erin and Scott Carder, and extended family.

Bob retired from Xerox in 1999 after a 30-year career. In retirement he earned his Master Gardener certification and volunteered at Southminster Retirement Community, teaching seniors how to use technology. After losing Debi, he took up house flipping, putting his construction and financial skills to work. He also discovered the game of bridge, becoming a skilled player and passionate advocate who made many new friends through the game and taught it to his youngest sister, Kathy Bailey, and her husband, Robert.

Some of Bob’s happiest days were spent with his daughter Kelly, her husband Bob Straub, and their daughters, Sydney and Camryn. After the family moved to Florida, he bought a condo in Ponte Vedra Beach so he could visit often. He was an incredibly proud father and grandfather, delighting in Kelly’s career accomplishments, the girls’ academic success, Sydney’s achievements in swimming, Camryn’s softball talent, and above all, their kindness.

Bob never lost his sense of humor or positive outlook, even during his final health challenges. He will be remembered as a smart, generous, funny, kind, and joyful man who could fix anything and was always willing to help family and friends with projects ranging from leaky faucets to car repairs. He owned every tool imaginable and took genuine pleasure in teaching others how to do things for themselves.

He is survived by his daughter and son-in-law, Kelly and Bob Straub; granddaughters Sydney and Camryn Straub; sister Kathy Carraway Bailey and her husband Robert Bailey; eight nieces and nephews; and eleven great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Debi; parents, Bert and Bette; sister, Coleen Carraway Marshall; and brother, Bertram Reid Carraway II.