Former Zebulon Mayor Bob Matheny dies at 76

Longtime Zebulon Mayor Bob Matheny died at the age of 76.

Matheny passed away from pancreatic cancer Saturday, the morning of Zebulon's Christmas parade. According to his obituary, his children, who inherited his sense of humor, resisted the temptation to announce Bob's death by sneaking the hearse into the parade's route.

A Vietnam war veteran, he was the town's mayor for 28 years.

His memorial service was held Friday morning at Zebulon Baptist Church.

Matheny was born in Nashville, Tennessee, to parents, Sam and Estie Matheny; The family later moved to Charlotte, N.C.

After graduating from South Mecklenburg High School, he got a football scholarship to Wake Forest University.

He enlisted with the U.S. Navy and served four years on active duty, including deployment on the USS Forrestal. After his honorable discharge, Bob made his home with Ann in Zebulon where they raised their three children; Michelle, Sam and Jim Matheny.

Matheny was elected town commissioner in 1973, and in 1993 he was elected Zebulon's mayor. He led the town as mayor for 28 years until his final term ended December 2021.

"He was a true leader and role model who loved his family and community," his obituary reads. "He possessed a rare combination of humor, humility, ingenuity, and leadership with a keen gauge of fairness."

An advocated for public service, he served on the fire department and helped found the Zebulon Rescue Squad. He also served on the town's planning board and was president of Jaycees.

Matheny's devotion to helping local governments extended beyond Zebulon. He served as president of the North Carolina League of Municipalities and president of the Wake County Mayors Association.

In 2019, Bob received The Order of the Long Leaf Pine award, the highest honor from North Carolina's governor, for his significant contributions to the state and his community.