Robert Maurice Hunter

It is with deep sorrow and unwavering faith that we announce the passing of Robert Maurice Hunter, affectionately known as Robbie, who went home to be with the Lord on September 25, 2024, at the age of 69. Born on April 29, 1955, to Effie Hunter (Mama Lou) and the late Maurice Hunter in Pageland, SC. He was a 1973 graduate of Pageland High School where he excelled in athletics including football, baseball, and basketball. He went on to get his undergraduate degree and Masters in Administration from the University of South Carolina. Robbie spent most of his life in Lexington, SC, where he built a legacy of love and commitment to his family and community.

For 34 years, Robbie dedicated his life to education as a school administrator and coach. His passion for athletics enabled him to lead his team to four state titles in 4A boys tennis at Lexington High School, and he earned the honor of being inducted into the South Carolina Coaches Hall of Fame, as well as the Lexington High School Athletic Hall of Fame. His unwavering dedication to his athletes and commitment to excellence left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with him.

Robbie cherished his time working security at the Colonial Life Arena, where he relished the excitement of basketball games and concerts. A lover of music, he found joy in every note, creating lasting memories through the songs that filled his life. Most of all, he loved spending time with his wife Janice at their mountain home known as the "treehouse" in Tryon, NC, where they created countless beautiful memories together.

A lifelong Gamecock fan, Robbie rarely missed an opportunity to visit Williams-Brice Stadium for a USC football game. A long-time member of the Country Club of Lexington, he enjoyed playing golf with his regular group of buddies. He also loved traveling and photography, capturing precious moments, especially at his grandchildren’s ballgames. They always looked forward to when Papa would take pictures of their sporting events.

Known for his resourcefulness, Robbie was the go-to person for fixing anything that broke. If he didn’t know how to tackle a problem, he would call his best friend of 52 years, David Booth “DB,” and there was hardly anything the two of them couldn’t do when they put their heads together! This spirit of camaraderie and willingness to help others was a true reflection of his character.

In a final act of kindness, Robbie chose to be an organ donor, donating his kidneys to save two lives through Sharing Hope SC. His generous spirit will continue to make a difference in the lives of others.

Robbie is survived by his mother, Effie Hunter (90); his beloved wife of 32 years, Janice Shirley Hunter; his loving children, Jessica Hunter Ryan (Benjamin) and Ashley Hunter Vaughn (Chris); his cherished grandchildren: Benson (17), Thomas (13), Calvin (11), Andrew (11), Hunter (4), Sarah Bess (1) Ryan, and Grady (10), Reece (8), and Laney (6) Vaughn; and his sisters, Sherri Woodward (Earle, and nephew Robert (Valerie)) and Missy Counts (Rick, and nephew Hunter (Hannah)). He was a guiding light for his family, instilling in them the values of compassion, resilience, and the importance of community.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, September 29, from 4-6 PM at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home-Lexington, 503 North Lake Drive, Lexington, SC 29072. A celebration of Robbie’s life will be held on Monday, September 30, at 2 PM at St. Andrews Baptist Church, 230 Bush River Rd, Columbia, SC 29210.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to:

St. Andrews Baptist Church (https://app.clovergive.com/App/Giving/st230147) or UniteUS Movement (https://uniteus.app.neoncrm.com/forms/uniteus-donations)

As Christians, we take comfort in our faith and do not grieve as those who do not have hope. On his final day, which no one could have EVER predicted, by God’s sovereign hand of grace, we have confidence that Robbie knew Jesus as his Lord and Savior and that when he walked through that Valley of the Shadow of Death and encountered heavens gates and was asked the question—WHY should I let YOU in?? His Savior Jesus stepped out and put His arm around Robbie’s shoulder and said, “He’s with me.”