Robert Frank "Bob" McCurry Sr.

Robert Frank McCurry, Sr. 91, of Holly Hill, South Carolina, widower of Caroline Rhame McCurry, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 7, 2025.

Born on February 12, 1934 in Greenwood, South Carolina, he was the son of Lois Lee Manley McCurry and Claude Marion McCurry. Raised in Ware Shoals, he was known as Bobby, was called Bob after college, and his grandchildren and great grandchildren called him BeBe. Bob joined the National Guard while in high school. He was a 1956 graduate of the University of South Carolina. While there, he met his lifelong love, Caroline Rhame of Holly Hill, who was attending Columbia College. They were married that same year and shared a lifetime of love, family, and faith.

After graduation, Bob was hired by the Rock Hill YMCA, eventually serving as Executive Director. In 1961, when his father-in-law‘s health deteriorated, Bob and Caroline moved their family to Holly Hill to assist in the family farming business. From that point on, he devoted his working life to agriculture – particularly farming and peach production. He served on the South Carolina Agricultural Commission and traveled to the Far East and to Europe on multiple trade missions to promote South Carolina agriculture and commerce. He was a well-respected voice in the peach industry, serving on national peach boards and councils, and later concluded his career with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture. He also was proud to serve for many years on the Board of Farmers and Merchants Bank.

A devoted member of Holly Hill Methodist Church, Bob taught junior high Sunday school for 33 years, sang in the choir, and served in many other roles. During the Covid-19 pandemic, he and Caroline continued to watch church services online and kept up with their wonderful and caring church community, who continued to minister to them.

In the 1960s, friends introduced Bob and Caroline to camping—a passion that grew into a lifelong adventure. They traveled the country in their Airstream, cheering on their beloved Carolina Gamecocks, often alongside Caroline’s sister Miriam and brother-in-law David.

Bob had a heart for teaching and coaching. He served on the board of Holly Hill Academy and was its first varsity basketball coach. He organized and headed up Church league basketball in Holly Hill. He then coached the HHA junior varsity boys for 15 years and was the enthusiastic "Voice of the Raiders" football team. He also loved the outdoors—whether hunting, shrimping with friends, or playing golf at Holly Hill Country Club.

Above all, Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and brother. He found joy in the accomplishments of each family member and cherished every moment spent with them. His warmth and kindness left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

He is survived by his children: daughter Caroline Lee McCurry Yerich of the Lebanon Community; sons Robert F. (Bob) McCurry, Jr. (Faith) of Orangeburg, C. Irvin McCurry (Rose) of Holly Hill, and Mattison R. McCurry (Beth) of Mt. Pleasant; eight grandchildren: Gordon G. Yerich, Julianna Y. Velarde (Cesar), Grayson L. Yerich, Robert F. McCurry III (Ashley), Casey M. Weeks (Mason), Marion P. McCurry (Sarah Louise), Margaret M. Colhoun (Bryan), Lucien M. McCurry, and Hannah C. McCurry; five great-grandchildren: Cesar and Giovanni Velarde, Nora and James Weeks, and Townes McCurry.

He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Miriam Rhame Medley (David); nieces Jan Fowler Isbill (Edward), Caro Robertson (Greg), and Davii Parris (Jimmy); nephew James Fowler; and many beloved great-nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife Caroline, his parents, his sisters Joanne M. Fowler and Doris M. Hydrick, and his son-in-law Alvin Kim Yerich.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at Holly Hill Methodist Church, 1048 Peake Street, Holly Hill. A service celebrating Bob’s life will follow at 3:00 PM, with burial at Holly Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holly Hill Methodist Church, PO Box 398, Holly Hill, SC 29059, or to a charity of one’s choice.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd, Holly Hill, SC 29059, (803)496-3434.