Master Sergeant Robert A. Savage

Robert A. Savage, 92, of Round O, SC passed away peacefully at Trident Medical Center on May 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family.

Bobby was born January 16, 1932, in Adams Run, SC, the son of the late Richard Malachi and Beulah Garvin Savage. He was married 58 years to his beloved wife, the late Burnette Carroll Savage. Bobby graduated from St. Paul's High School where he was a stand-out basketball player and then enlisted in the United States Marine Corps at Parris Island.

Bobby proudly served his country for 20 years, retiring as an E-8 Master Sergeant, having served with distinction in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. He was a recipient of the Navy Commendation Medal with Valor, Combat Action Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal with 5*, Vietnamese Service Medal with 2*, Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm and Frame, Vietnamese Campaign Medal, Korean Service Medal with 2*, United Nations Service Medal Korea, M-14 Rifle Expert Badge, and the .45 Caliber Pistol Marksman Badge. Forever a Marine, Bobby embodied the attributes of servant leadership, courage, endurance, generosity, and integrity throughout his life and regularly donned his dress blues to honor service members at Veterans and Memorial Day services.

After retiring from military service, Bobby worked as the tender of the Dawhoo, Wappoo, and Limehouse Bridges until he retired at age 59. For many years, he was the beloved basketball coach at St. Paul's Country Day School and coached baseball in the Dixie Youth League. He was a faithful member of Adams Run Baptist Church, where he sang in the choir and was a part of the Keenagers group. Later in life, he joined Welch Creek Baptist Church. Bobby loved people, loved to dance, and enjoyed hosting a fish fry at his pond for family and friends. Other than the love he had for his wife, children and grandchildren, there was nothing Bobby loved more than deer hunting. He and Burnette were avid hunters and shared a friendly (but serious) competition to see who could bag the most bucks each season. There are many in the low country who credit Bobby with teaching them to hunt and love the sport.

Bobby is survived by his three children, Ann Newton (Louie), Sherry Stivender (Larry) and Robbie Savage (Hollace); his grandchildren, Chrissy Newton English (Steven), Kimberly Newton-Burgess (Josh), Krystal Stivender Mendenhall (Scotty), Trey Stivender (Kenneddy), Dani Savage and Ashley Savage; and his great-grandchildren, Ian, Will & Maggie Burgess, Ryleigh Todd, Rozalyn & Reese Mendenhall, and Hoyt & Everett Stivender. In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by his siblings, Legare Savage, Anita Crain, Betty Rose Gravette, Clyde Savage and Carol Cannon.

Funeral services will be conducted at 12 noon Tuesday afternoon, June 4, 2024, from The Brice W. Herndon and Sons Funeral Chapel, Walterboro.  Pastor James Baker officiating.  Interment with full military honors will follow in Meeting House Cemetery, Meeting House Lane, Cottageville.

The family will receive friends prior to the funeral ceremony that Tuesday morning beginning at 10:30am at THE BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOMES AND CREMATORY, WALTERBORO CHAPEL, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, 843.538.5408.  Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.