Robert Edwin Cale

Mr. Robert Edwin Cale, 69, of Durham, North Carolina entered into eternal rest on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at Croasdaile Village Retirement Community in Durham, North Carolina. 

Visit https://www.youtube.com/live/aSJXLJcWqJU?si=lILOoLjvONiZJD9l for livestreaming of Mr. Robert Edwin Cale Funeral Service on Thursday, May 14, 2026.  It will begin on Rose Highland-Sharpe YouTube Channel (Live Stream) at 12:30pm during the viewing.

Robert “Bobby” Cale, 69, passed away peacefully on May 9, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family and friends. Born in Middletown, Delaware, Bobby was raised as one of the middle children in a large and loving family, where his quick wit, competitive spirit, and natural charisma began to shine early in life. 

A gifted athlete from a young age, Bobby attended Middletown High School, where he earned All-State honors in football, basketball, and baseball in both 1974 and 1975. Though he was drafted directly out of high school by the Baltimore Orioles organization to play baseball, Bobby chose instead to follow his passion for football and attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill on a football scholarship. 

At Carolina, Bobby became a four-year letterman and starting cornerback, whose talent and determination left a lasting mark on the program. He led the ACC in interceptions in 1976, was a member of the nation’s “First Team Defense” in 1977, and earned Second Team All-ACC honors in 1978. Following college, Bobby played professionally with the Seattle Seahawks in 1979 and the Baltimore Colts in 1980 before returning to Chapel Hill to serve as an Assistant Defensive Coach. Following his coaching experience, Bobby spent the remainder of his career at the Duke Diet and Fitness Center with his amazing DFC family. 

On January 7, 1982, Bobby married the love of his life, Emily Cale. Together they built a family grounded in love, loyalty, laughter, and unwavering support. Bobby was a devoted husband, proud father, and loving grandfather whose greatest joy came from the people he loved most. 

Bobby will be remembered not only for his accomplishments on the field, but for his style and the unforgettable presence he carried everywhere he went. He was supremely well dressed, confident, and effortlessly smooth when it came to fashion and personal style. Whether headed to work, a golf outing, or a formal event, Bobby was known for looking sharp from head to toe, often topped with one of his signature hats. His love for hats became such a part of who he was that his license plate proudly read “MAD HATTER,” a nickname that suited both his style and larger-than-life personality perfectly.  

He was funny beyond measure, impossible to outwit in an argument, and always ready with a comeback that could leave an entire room laughing. His personality was magnetic; people naturally gravitated toward him. During his time in rehabilitation following his stroke, visitors came daily, often several times a day prompting staff to ask, “Who is this man? Is he famous?” To those who knew him, the answer was simple: Bobby made people feel valued, welcomed, and at home. Though the phrase may sound cliché, he truly never met a stranger. 

He was also fiercely protective of those he loved, especially his daughters and nieces, and anyone hoping to join the family quickly learned they had to earn Bobby’s approval. 

Bobby was preceded in death by his parents, William A. and Ruth (Loat) Cale, and by his brothers William A. “Jabo” Cale, Jr. and Michael Cale. He is survived by his loving wife of 43 years, Emily Cale; daughters, Charmain, Brooke, and Madison Cale; grandson, Mason Cale; seven sisters, Gwendlynn Cale, Lucinda Cale, Patricia Cale, Pamela Todd, Sheryl Cale, Celeste Chandler, and Beverly Cale; and a host of beloved nieces, nephews, extended family members, and lifelong friends. 

Though his accomplishments were many, Bobby’s greatest legacy will always be the way he loved his family and the way they loved him.  He will be deeply missed, long remembered, and forever loved. 

Please keep the family and friends of Mr. Robert Edwin Cale in your thoughts and prayers. 

Arrangements are entrusted to McLeod Funeral Home of Southern Pines, North Carolina.

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