Bobby Gene ‘Bob’ Golliher

Published 9:38 am Thursday, April 24, 2025

Bobby Gene “Bob” Golliher, of Mocksville, N.C. passed away on April 19, 2025 surrounded by his loved ones.
He was born on Aug. 1, 1932 in North Wilkesboro to Glennford “Glenn” and Grace Golliher, whose roots traced back to a rural region of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Virginia. The family later settled in Ronda, NC, where Glenn and Bob worked at Home Furniture Company.
Bob graduated from Elkin High School and soon after married the love of his life, Evelyn Faye “Sally” Transou. Together they raised two children, Jeffrey Mark Golliher and Wendy Jane Golliher.
Bob had one brother, Glenn Golliher, and sister-in-law, Betty Golliher. They had one daughter, Susan.
Bob was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sally Golliher, and his daughter, Wendy Worrell.
Bob’s career in furniture manufacturing was marked by integrity, craftsmanship, and leadership. After early work in High Point and Lexington with Burlington Furniture, Bob moved to New England, where he served as Chief Manufacturing Officer at Ethan Allen Furniture. He later continued his work with Ethan Allen in Spruce Pine, NC, where he eventually retired. Throughout his career, Bob earned widespread respect for his deep knowledge—from crafting chairs with his own hands to modernizing production with cutting-edge computer technology.
Beyond his professional life, Bob was an accomplished duck decoy carver and painter, and an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting deer and bear, trout fishing in local streams, and tying his own flies. He and Sally traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad, but no matter where they were, Bob’s devotion to his family remained his greatest passion.
He is survived by: his son, Jeffrey Mark Golliher, and daughter-in-law Lynne Golliher; his grandchildren, Sally Ann Ressa (Adam) and Joshua Lackey; and his great-grandsons, Patrick Luca Ressa and Finley Golliher Ressa, who brought him immense joy and pride. He is also survived by his niece, Susan.
Bob will be remembered for his steady presence, skilled hands, sharp mind, and loving heart.
A memorial service will be held on Aug. 1 at Crestwood Memorial Gardens in Elkin, N.C., followed by a celebration of life at Grassy Creek Vineyard and Winery in Elkin. All who knew and loved Bob are welcome to attend and share in remembering a life so well lived.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Bob to: The Episcopal Church of the Ascension at Fork, a place he held close to his heart.
Online condolences: www.eatonfuneralservice.com.