Robert "Bob" Anthony Marcis, 61, of Lexington, North Carolina, passed away on June 23, 2026. Bob was a hardworking man who took pride in a job well done. He had a desire to understand how things worked and a gift for mending what needed repair. He brought that same care and dedication to the way he treated others, along with a quick wit that brought laughter to those around him. He was a steady, thoughtful presence to those he loved, always willing to lend a hand. He will be deeply missed, and his memory will remain close in the hearts of his family and friends.
Bob was born on July 15, 1964, in Marathon County, Wisconsin, to Donald and Carol Marcis. Growing up, he showed care for all living things and was well liked by those who knew him. He loved spending time with the family dogs, Nelson and Champ, and was rarely without a mechanical project. As a young adult, he enjoyed building and racing cars at Tomahawk Speedway alongside his brother, Bill. Though he won often, Bob realized early on that he preferred the garage to the driver's seat.
At 16, Bob began working at Sears Roebuck & Company in Wausau, Wisconsin, as a general mechanic. He graduated a semester early from Wausau East High School in 1982 and was recruited to attend Sears University. His dedication and skill led to a promotion to Auto Sales Manager in Green Bay, Wisconsin, and eventually to a position as Automotive Store Manager in Hoffman Estates, Illinois. He briefly worked as manager of Penske Auto Center in Crystal Lake, Illinois before relocating to North Carolina in 1997. There, he joined his uncle Dave Marcis' Auto Racing team, where he served as Dave's NASCAR Crew Chief. He later transitioned to Petty Enterprises, where he served as an Area Team Leader for the assembly and teardown teams until 2008. From 2009 to 2021, Bob served as the Xfinity Series Suspension Department Supervisor at Richard Childress Racing, contributing to four championship titles across multiple NASCAR divisions, including the 2019 Xfinity Series title. In 2021, Bob joined Collins Aerospace in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, as a Senior Engineering Technician, a position he held until his passing. His work there took him to Germany five times. He greatly enjoyed these trips, and they inspired him to practice the language daily.
Outside of work, Bob enjoyed collecting and restoring antique radios and clocks; golfing and fishing with friends; tending his property from the seat of his tractor or mower; watching NASCAR races and the Green Bay Packers from his recliner; and taking trips to Lowe's with his Boxer, Elli Mae. Bob became happily engaged to Denise Lara on August 10, 2019, and their lives were enriched by the companionship they shared. Together, they found joy in everyday moments with Elli Mae, watching birds from the porch, grilling delicious food, shopping in downtown Lexington, and enjoying meals at their favorite local restaurants.
Diagnosed with glioblastoma in 2022, Bob underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation with Denise by his side. Despite a grim initial prognosis, his cancer remained in remission for the rest of his life. While some things no longer came as easily as they once had, Bob was determined to overcome any challenge he faced and was an inspiration to others.
In death, as in life, Bob continued helping others by giving the gift of life through organ donation.
He is survived by his loving fiancée, Denise Lara of the home; her children, Alexandria (Tommy) Thompson of Sabetha, Kansas, Dustin Lara of Santa Barbara, California, and Adrianne (Trey) Allen of Olathe, Kansas; his father, Donald Marcis of Wausau, Wisconsin; his brother, Bill (Peggy) Marcis of Wausau, Wisconsin; his nephew, Brandon (Autumn) Marcis of Medford, Wisconsin, and their son, Cash; his uncle, Dave Marcis; his aunt, Toni (Paul) Seccomb; his aunt, Mary (Jerome) Janikowski; his cousins, Shawn (Sam) Beam, Richard (Koloma) Marcis, Kim Kudronowicz, Lee (Dané) Kudronowicz, Morgan McKenzie, and Dylan Shaw; and many dear friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Carol Marcis; his paternal grandparents, Anthony and Lucille Marcis; his maternal grandparents, August and Lucille Sell; his former fiancée, Carla Stewart; and his beloved Boxer, Elli Mae.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Don Juan's Mexican Restaurant in Lexington, North Carolina, on August 15, 2026, from 2 to 4 p.m.
Those wishing to honor Bob's memory may make donations to the Glioblastoma Foundation online or by mail to Glioblastoma Foundation, P.O. Box 62066, Durham, NC 27715. If possible, please include BobMarcisMemorial@gmail.com on the online donation form so the family may be notified of your gift.
