Robert Joseph McCommons Jr., 58, of Wake Forest, N.C., passed away unexpectedly but peacefully on Wednesday, February 5, 2025, at his home. Robert was born in Statesville, N.C., on June 12, 1966, to Robert Joseph McCommons Sr. and Mary Ann McCurdy McCommons. He graduated from Statesville Senior High School and earned his bachelor’s degree from Appalachian State University.

Robert built a successful career as a mortgage loan officer, dedicating many years to Wells Fargo before sharing his expertise at United Community Bank. Throughout his career, Robert helped families fulfill their dreams of home ownership.

Robert’s sentimental nature and open expression of his emotions were a gift to all who knew him, but especially to his wife and daughter. With a heart devoted to being present, Robert always prioritized time together to savor the little moments that made their family of three so deeply special. He would make sure they saved little tokens of time—movie ticket stubs, Putt-Putt scorecards, UNO tallies, wristbands, ballgame tickets, and love notes scribbled on sticky paper—all thoughtfully tucked away so they could one day look back and vividly remember the laughter and love they shared.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Robert was a devoted Tar Heels fan and could always be found cheering for the Heels, the Phillies, the Braves and the Hurricanes.

Robert’s deepest love was for his family, the heart of his world. He and Tara, his adored wife, the love of his life and best friend for 23 years, created a beautiful life together, filled with laughter and treasured memories. His daughter, Clare, was his absolute pride and joy; he was her most ardent fan in every pursuit, from YMCA Y Guides adventures, dance recitals, piano lessons, cross country and track meets to her countless academic achievements — topped off with the proudest of all, her college acceptance letters, the last milestone he had the privilege of celebrating (immensely) with his Clare Bear.

Robert treasured family traditions, embracing both the everyday rituals and the grand celebrations that defined their lives together. Whether it was soaking in sunsets on the back porch, playing cards at the beach with his daughter, nieces and nephews, or the special traditions that marked their years—Halloween trick-or-treating with his little (then big) girl, Tar Heels Football Game Days, Birthday celebrations, the Thanksgiving Day Gobbler Run, Easter egg hunts, and the much-anticipated annual trip to pick out their Booger Mountain Christmas tree — he poured his heart into every moment.

He loved life’s simple delights—long walks, hikes, and bike rides along the greenway trails with his girls. He found both challenge and camaraderie on the golf course with his Heritage golf league, and his dart league relishing the game just as much as the friendships it fostered. He had a passion for firing up the grill and perfecting new recipes; his St. Paddy’s Day smoked corned beef and grilled chicken wings became revered favorites. And in quieter moments, he found solace in the pages of a good book, always loving the exchange of books with his parents and in-laws.

Robert’s love was steadfast, his presence unwavering and his joy for life infectious. His enduring spirit touched the lives of countless people. He will be remembered for his kindness, his humor, his loyalty and his unmatched dedication to his family and friends. To be loved by him was to be truly cherished, and his legacy lives on in the hearts of those who were blessed to call him Husband, Daddy, Uncle, Son, Brother, Family and Friend.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife, Tara Cooper McCommons; daughter, Clare Kathleen McCommons of Wake Forest; parents, Robert Joseph McCommons Sr. and Mary Ann McCurdy McCommons; sisters, Elizabeth McCommons and Jennifer (Darren) Hodges of Statesville; nieces and nephews, Benjamin Forrest Humphries, Rebecca Anne Humphries, Sara (Ted) Kathryn Hodges-McInville, Kaitlyn Marie Nucci, Isabella O’Neill Nucci, Christopher James Schriber, and Caitlin Alexis Schriber; uncle, Daniel McCurdy; aunts, Judy Hopkins and Joe Ann (Mickey) Huneycutt; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Patrick and Deirdre Cooper; sister-in-law, Erin (Brendan) Schriber of Huntersville; as well as a large, loving extended family and countless friends whose lives were forever touched by Robert and who will miss him dearly.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, February 17, 2025, at 11 a.m. at St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Church in Wake Forest.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial contributions be made to Backpack Buddies at North East Wake Backpack Buddies, P.O. Box 182, Rolesville, NC 27571,(www.newbackpackbuddies.org), an organization near and dear to Robert’s, Tara’s and Clare’s memories together.

Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 6 p.m. on Sunday, February 16, 2025, at Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home, 1051 Durham Road, Wake Forest, NC 27587.

Clancy Strickland Wheeler Funeral Home is serving the family.