Robert C. Malone, 81, of Sanford, North Carolina passed away on March 14, 2010.  Mr. Malone spent most of his life as a country music musician.  He began his career at the early age of 14 and toured the east coast for many years with the Montana Plainsmen.  When his children were born he decided to leave a life on the road and formed his own band, Cross Country Sound, and played mostly on weekends and special events and holiday celebrations.  He was a featured performer at the well-known 4th of July Celebration in Southport, North Carolina.  April 1995, he was state champion in the Senior Games Silver Arts Follies.  June 1995, he received a Certificate of Appreciation for Volunteer Services to our greatest resource the people of North Carolina by Governor Jim Hunt.

He had a special love for seniors and was a regular performer at local nursing homes and the Enrichment Center in Sanford, singing, playing his guitar and telling stories.

He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara.  He is survived by his three children: two daughters: Joanne Walshaw of Sanford, Bonnie Marsh of Cameron and a son Robert Malone of Cameron and two grandchildren: Jessica Walshaw and Brian Walshaw of Sanford.

A Celebration of his life is planned at St. Luke United Methodist Church in the Christian Life Center on Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 2 pm.  The public is invited.

Miller-Boles Funeral Home of Sanford is serving the family.