Obituary of Dr. Robert Michael Hoefges

Dr. Robert Michael Hoefges, 61, of Chapel Hill, North Carolina passed away March 9, 2021.

Michael was born on February 24, 1960 in Atlanta, Georgia, to Robert P. and Dorothy R. Hoefges. He graduated from Forest Park High School in Cincinnati in 1978.  Michael earned his Bachelor’s, Juris Doctorate, Master’s and Ph.D. degrees from University of Florida. He practiced as a civil litigation defense attorney licensed by the Florida Bar Association. After earning his Ph.D., he taught media law at Trinity University, University of Tennessee and University of North Carolina. His research and publication interests included First Amendment commercial and corporate speech issues.

He is the founding co-coordinator of UNC’s M.S./J.D dual degree program; and, he was on the advisory board for the UNC Center for Media Law and Policy. Michael served multiple terms on the National Advertising Review Board.

He is survived by his mother, sister Betty(Todd)Fetty, niece Jill (Vincent)Monheim, nephew Nicholas Fetty. He was preceded in death by his father.  The family wishes to extend their gratitude to UNC Hospice.

The family will celebrate Michael with private services. 

The family request that memorial contributions be made to UNC Hospice, UNC Cancer Center or the charity of doner's choice.

Walker's Funeral Home in Chapel Hill is assisting the family.