Robert "Bobby" Malphrus, Jr.

     It is with heavy hearts but comforted spirits that we announce the passing of Robert “Bobby” McCurdy Malphrus,
Jr., age 86, of Ridgeland, SC, who was called home by his Lord and Savior during the early morning of Monday,
March 30, 2026.
     He was born on September 27, 1939, in Ridgeland, South Carolina, a son of the late Robert Malphrus, Sr., and
Georgia Annie Malphrus.
     Bobby was President of the Senior Class of 1957 at Ridgeland High School. He enjoyed playing various sports,
including football, basketball, and baseball. He attended Clemson University (1958-1960) and remained a spirited
Tiger fan who never missed a game.
     He was a faithful husband, loving father, and caring grandfather, affectionately known as “granddaddy.” Bobby was
a true fisherman and a truer fisher of men. He was a faithful member at various churches including Great Swamp
Baptist (1947-1954), First Baptist Hilton Head (1966-1986), Ridgeland Baptist Church (1954-1965,1986-2020) and
Chestnut Ridge Baptist (2021-2026). He served as a deacon for a total of 56 years and also loved to minister to the
body of Christ faithfully through teaching Sunday school, leading as deacon chair, and aiding on disaster teams.
     His love for serving others and commitment to community was further shown through his service in the National
Guard for seven years. Moreover, he also served with the Chamber of Commerce in multiple cities, the Sea Pines
Forest Beach Fire Department, the Jasper County Farm Bureau, and coached multiple sports, where he will always
claim to be the best. As a business owner, he loved to share stories from the Western Auto Store he owned on Hilton
Head, especially since his store was one of the first to bring rental bikes to the area. He was also a dedicated farmer,
best known for his kiwi, on the R & M Plantation.
     Those who know and love him remember him as a generous and joyful soul. He always loved cracking jokes if it
meant making someone’s day a little brighter. He certainly understood that the way to get to somebody’s heart was
through their stomach, providing fish, shrimp, oysters, and crab to whomever wanted it. He loved everyone fiercely
and always sought ways to bless others. He gave without expecting recognition and prayed without ceasing.
     Bobby is survived by his wife, Jeannine Richardson Malphrus; 3 children, Aurelia Ann (Reinhold) Koschel, Robert
McCurdy (Anna) Malphrus III, and John Lee (Tricia) Malphrus; 7 grandchildren, Charity, JA, Reagan, Meredith,
Preston, Sarah Grace, and Parker; and several great-grandchildren.
     In addition to his parents, Bobby was preceded in death by his brother, Oswell “Ossie” Vincent Malphrus and sister,
Sarah Elizabeth “Libby” Mears.
     A funeral service will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Ridgeland Baptist Church in Ridgeland, SC. Visitations
will begin at 10:00 AM followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM, officiated by Rev. Reinhold Koschel. Burial will follow the service at Ridgeland Cemetery.
Pallbearers include Rusty Cooler, Vince Malphrus, Craig Malphrus, Todd Malphrus, Roban Mears, Julian Mears,
Graylin “Sam” Mears, and Norm Richardson. Honorary pallbearers include Angler’s Sunday School Class Members
of RBC, David Lee, and Milton Woods.
     The family requests that memorial contributions be given to the building funds of Ridgeland Baptist Church at 1448
Grays Hwy, Ridgeland, SC 29936 or Chestnut Baptist Church at 499 Chestnut Ridge Rd, Laurens, SC 29360.
     “Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory
with great joy, to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and
authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” - Jude 24-25

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