Robert Milford Shinn

Robert (Bob) Milford Shinn, 85, of Concord, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

A funeral service will be held on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at Central United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends following the service in the church narthex.

Bob was born on February 4, 1941, the son of the late Lillie Milford Shinn and Franklin Harris Shinn and the brother of James Franklin Shinn, with whom he enjoyed many adventures growing up in Concord and who preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Rebecca (Becky) Wood Shinn of Concord; daughter Cory Prudhomme and husband Greg of Concord; daughter Kindl Detar and husband Scott of Charlotte; six grandchildren, Jackson Lippard and wife Becca, Georgia and James Prudhomme, and Bobby, Sam, and Beck Detar; and many extended family members and dear friends. 

Bob earned a bachelor's degree in history from Duke University and a master's degree in education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was an avid Duke basketball fan and never a fan of the Tarheels. For over 30 years, Bob was a proud member of the A.L. Brown High School faculty. A longtime history teacher, he later served as principal and in the superintendent's office for Kannapolis City Schools, but teaching was his love and he was always happiest in the classroom. His daughters often hear stories about the mark he made as a teacher and how his wisdom and storytelling made history come to life for his students. 

Bob and Becky spent the first years of their marriage in Germany, where he taught at the Heidelberg American High School and where weekends were spent exploring Europe in their VW camper. For many years after, they delighted in leading groups of students and friends on European adventures. Most recently, they traveled with their daughters and families visiting battlefields, beer gardens, and the Alps. On this trip, at Ocean Isle Beach, in the North Carolina mountains, or at the home he and Becky renovated in downtown Concord, Bob valued time with family and had no greater priority than their well-being. 

Bob was devoted to his community, serving in leadership roles with Central United Methodist Church, the Cabarrus Partnership for Children, Smart Start, the Academic Learning Center, Hospice, the local Democratic Party, and as the longtime "voice of the Wonders" for A.L. Brown High School football. 

Bob was immeasurably kind and wise, and treated all people with respect and empathy. He lived a life that focused on the things that matter. His family is humbled by and profoundly grateful for the example he set.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central United Methodist Church or the Alzheimer's Association, in honor of his wife.