Robert Roger Arguelles

Robert Roger Arguelles was born on March 29, 1967, in Lima, Peru, to Roger and Pam Arguelles. His first present was a train set, which he loved and had to compete with his father and pet bird for playing time.

When he was four, his sister, Raquel, was born, and he took his big brother responsibilities very seriously, including holding her by her feet over her crib when she was a week old to hear her burp. During one of his first visits to the States to see his grandparents, he was amazed to see snow and said that cement was falling from the sky.

The family moved to the United States in 1980 and settled in Pennsylvania. Prior to him starting high school, they moved to Fairport, New York, where he was very active on the swim team, including achieving All-American status in the 200 Meter Freestyle, ranking 9th overall in the nation. He enjoyed playing soccer and football. He attended college at Old Dominion and received his BSME in Mechanical Engineering.
He was fluent in multiple languages, including his first language of Spanish, French, German, and a little Japanese. He found employment with several companies, including EDS, ITT Automotive, Valeo, Continental Automotive Systems, KEMET Electronics Corp, and Dematic. These opportunities afforded him the honor of traveling and seeing the globe. During his time with KEMET, the family moved to Tokyo, Japan, for a couple of years and ultimately returned stateside, residing in Georgia. During this time, the family always maintained their home in Taylorsville.

Though his roots were in engineering, he would be recognized for his leadership potential in directives, including the creation of the vehicle back-up camera, as well as the Electronic Stability Control mechanism. He was known for his expertise in business relations. He later transitioned into the private equity arena through Dematic, where he lived by the principle of salvaging U.S. companies from being taken overseas unless absolutely necessary.

During this time, the pride and joys of his life were born. His son, Brennen, and his daughter, Keira. The family settled in Taylorsville, where Rob became involved with the local community and was elected to the Alexander County School Board, including serving as chair, where he successfully solved the budget crisis he inherited once assuming the role in a matter of months. Rob was an amazing father who put everything on the line for his children. His devotion was unmatched, and he put their safety and happiness above everything.

Soon after, he met the love of his life, Lynda. Brennen remarks that his father once told him that he did not believe in soulmates until he met her. They were married in 2024. Rob was the heart and soul of the family and the absolute best man any wife could ask for. He was also a wonderful step-father to Lynda’s three children. He was a very devoted husband and father and took great care of his family and friends. In Lynda’s words, Rob had a heart of gold. He was a fixer, a provider, and a man who loved deeply. He was the most intelligent man I have ever known. If a friend was in need, all they had to do was ask, and he would be there.

Rob was tragically taken from us on June 17, 2026. He is survived by his wife, Lynda; son, Brennen; daughter, Keira; his parents, Roger and Pam; his sister, Raquel; and his step-children, Caleb, Joshua, and Hope. He also leaves an uncle, Rob, who he was named after; his aunts, Denise, Karen, and Cindy; and many cousins who loved him dearly.

The family wishes to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support, and hopes for your continued prayers as they attempt to navigate life without Rob. He was so loved.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, June 27, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Corinth Reformed Church in Hickory. A visitation of friends and family will be an hour prior to the service from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.

Bass-Smith Funeral Home & Crematory in Hickory is serving the family of Robert Roger Arguelles.