Robert C Crosby Jr.

COLUMBIA - Robert Cecil Crosby Jr., 91, died Wednesday, August 10 at the Palmetto Health Baptist Hospital in Columbia following an extended illness. Mr. Crosby leaves his wife of 60 years, Beverly (Wesley) Crosby; his sons, Robert Crosby (III) and Benjamin Ned Crosby; his daughters-in-law, Pamela and Barbara; his grandchildren, Kristin, Benjamin, Kara, Robert (IV), Austin, and Kandace; one great-grandson, Ricky; his sister, Joyce Farmer; fellow members of his home church, Capital City Church, and his friends. Born and raised in Walterboro, the son of Robert Cecil Crosby Sr. and Norene (Hudson) Crosby, Mr. Crosby was raised on a farm. As a young adult, he helped move his family to Columbia where he was a resident for over seventy years. After moving from Walterboro, he met his wife, Beverly, through mutual friends and they were married in 1957 at First United Methodist Church in Beverly’s home town of Marion. Mr. Crosby was a leader in the grocery industry, managing stores with Winn-Dixie and Piggly Wiggly. He led various stores and departments over the years; including a role as a produce buyer for a chain of grocery stores in the Southeast (He first managed a grocery store at age seventeen). In his earlier years, he also was a proficient lettering artist producing many signs for area storefronts. In addition to opening his home to many people walking through personal challenges in life, Mr. Crosby spent several years with his wife engaged in volunteer work and leadership in the local church. He was a lay leader for several years at St. James United Methodist Church and an active member of Assemblies of God (AG) churches in Columbia. He also was an area representative and speaker for the Gideons International, a Christian organization committed to providing Bibles for people of all ages. His two sons are ordained ministers. Robert is a pastor and professor of ministry at Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida. Ned is the lead pastor of Capitol City Church in Columbia. Mr. Crosby enjoyed camping with his family in the mountains and beaches of North and South Carolina. A memorial service will be held Sunday, August 13, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. at Capital City Church located at 4600 Monticello Road in Columbia and will be open to the public. This will be followed by a private burial on Monday. Please sign the online guestbook at www.dunbarfunerals.com.