Robert Alan Stelzenmuller

Robert Alan Stelzenmuller, age 93, died at home on March 20, 2025. He was born on May 7, 1931 in Birmingham, Alabama to the late James Grey and Helen Brennan Stelzenmuller. 

After graduating from the University of Alabama, Al served in the United States Air Force in Louisiana. It was the first of many Southern homes he shared with his wife of 71 years, Elizabeth Jo (Harvey), before his 35-year career as a Sears executive settled them in their beloved Durham in 1975. 

Al loved family more than anything. The youngest of seven children, he delighted in his sibling relationships and cherished their adventures growing up in Birmingham. When he wasn’t cheering on his two favorite teams, the Duke Blue Devils and the Alabama Crimson Tide, he was on the tennis courts. An avid tennis player, he played countless matches on the courts of Hope Valley Country Club, where he earned the nickname, “The Human Backboard.”

Most significantly, he was a kind, gentle man who never passed a stranger without speaking. His warm, friendly, unassuming nature drew people to him, and he was absolutely beloved by his large, extended family and his many friends. An eternal optimist, Al would often enter a room declaring, “Today is the greatest day of the rest of your life, and tomorrow’s going to be even better.” It was a gift to know him, love him and share life in the warmth of his beautiful smile.

To say he was a stellar father, grandfather and great-grandfather is an understatement. In addition to his wife, Liz, he is survived by his three daughters, Helen Eve Stelzenmuller (Durham), Lee Ann Stelzenmuller (Atlanta, Ga), Betsy Stelzenmuller Harlan (Asheville), his son-in-law, William Robert Harlan, III, daughter-in-law, Donna May Stelzenmuller, grandchildren Elizabeth Jane Stelzenmuller, Robert Alan Stelzenmuller III, Brennan Harlan Lovejoy (Jonathan), Mary Chamberlain Harlan, William Robert Harlan, IV, two great-grandchildren,Elliot James Lovejoy and Grace Alexandra Lovejoy, his sister, Anne Stelzenmuller White, and countless beloved nieces, nephews and cousins. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Alan Stelzenmuller Jr. 

The family welcomes visitors at the home and plans a private family ceremony. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice in Raleigh, NC.

 The Stelzenmuller family is under the care of Hall-Wynne Funeral Service. Online condolences: www.hallwynne.com – select obituaries.