Robert Edward Hailey

Obituary

With deep love and sorrow, the family of Robert Edward Hailey announces his passing on February 19, 2026, at the age of 75. A native of Greensboro, North Carolina, born on March 18, 1950, Robert was a man of wit, an intellectual by nature, and a steadfast pragmatist. He will be remembered for his composure in the face of challenges, his quiet determination, and the beautiful car restorations that became both his signature and his legacy—most visibly through his successful business, Hailey Import Service, in Greensboro.

Robert’s life was shaped by the harmony of skill, patience, and curiosity. A lifelong automotive enthusiast, he poured his heart into car restoration, finding joy in precision and craftsmanship and sharing that passion at car shows and around the racing community. He also loved the freedom and discipline of sailing, a counterpoint that matched his calm approach to life’s currents. In work and in friendship, Robert was measured and insightful, a careful listener who prized solutions over spectacle. With a characteristic half-smile, he often put things in perspective with his favorite reminder, “It’s only money,” an expression that revealed his values: people first, integrity in the work, and a sense of humor sturdy enough to carry a day.

At the center of his world was family. Robert is survived by his daughter, Karen Hailey, and his cherished grandson, Alex Belmont, whose milestones brought him pride and delight. Beyond family, he leaves many friends, customers, and fellow enthusiasts who came to rely on his clear-eyed guidance, steady temperament, and generous willingness to help. Those who knew him best will remember the way he carried himself—in control without being controlling, focused yet warm—and how his workmanship on a car could quietly say everything about the man who built it.

 Robert’s family invites all who knew him to honor his memory in the ways he valued most: take care with your craft, show up for the people you love, and keep a cool head when the road gets rough. May his example of composure and determination continue to guide us, and may the echo of his good humor—“It’s only money”—remind us to hold fast to what truly matters.

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