Robert Belton Shealy, Sr.

Robert Belton "Bobby" Shealy, Sr., 93, of Meggett, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest May 19, 2026, surrounded by his family. He was born in Charleston on April 25, 1933, he was the first child of the late Charles Walter Shealy, Sr. and Frances Olivia Welch Shealy.

His Funeral Service will be 2:00 PM, Wednesday, May 27, 2026, at Christ-St. Paul's Church, 4981 Chapel Road, Meggett with The Reverend Kyle Holtzhower officiating. The burial will follow at St. Paul's Episcopal Churchyard officiated by The Reverend William H. Coyne, Interim Rector at St. Stephen's Episcopal Church. The family will receive friends between 5:00 and 7:00 PM, Tuesday, May 26, 2026, at the James A. McAlister Funeral Home, 1620 Savannah Highway, Charleston.

Bobby grew up in the Lowcountry, where his talents and determination quickly became evident. He attended Adams Run Elementary and graduated from St. Paul's High School, where he distinguished himself as a student, athlete and a leader. Elected vice president of his junior class and president of his senior class, he was also state president of the Future Farmers of America, a member of the Beta Club, sports editor of the school newspaper and voted "Best All-Around Student." A gifted athlete, Bobby lettered in football, basketball and baseball, serving as captain in each sport. His athletic achievements earned him a football scholarship to the University of South Carolina, where he played quarterback from 1951 to 1955, helping the Gamecocks defeat Clemson all four of his years on the team.

Bobby earned his B.A. in Education from USC, followed by a master's degree from George Peabody College of Vanderbilt University and later, a doctorate in education from Nova University at the age of 50. While at USC, he married Marjorie Louise Roddey of Columbia and together they had two children, Deborah Ann Shealy and Robert Belton "Bobby" Shealy, Jr.

His career reflected a lifelong commitment to education, leadership and service. He began as a teacher and coach at Beaufort High School before working for ESSO, Standard Oil Company. In 1958, Bobby returned to education as teaching principal of Sullivan's Island Elementary School, where he also supported athletics at Moultrie High School. As girls' basketball coach at Moultrie, his teams won five conference championships, two state runner-up titles and one undefeated state championship. He later became principal of Moultrie High School before moving into educational publishing with Laidlaw Brothers, where he served for 15 years as a consultant and sales representative. Bobby then returned to the Charleston County School District, serving in leadership roles at St. Andrews High School, James Island High School and in the district office until his retirement in 1992. Among his professional accomplishments, he was proud to have implemented the first non-graded primary school in South Carolina while principal at Sullivan's Island Elementary.

Beyond his professional life, Bobby was a passionate outdoorsman and sportsman. He enjoyed hunting across Africa, South America, Canada, Hawaii and the American Northwest. He took pride in his trophy room at his Meggett home, a reflection of his many adventures. He was also deeply involved in his community, serving on the vestry of the Church of the Holy Cross on Sullivan's Island and Christ-St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Meggett. He was a member of the Mount Pleasant Jaycees, the National Education Association, the State Constables Association-serving as a constable for 25 years, the SafariClub International, the University of South Carolina Gamecock Club and the First Families of South Carolina 1670-1700, as he was a 10th generation Charlestonian. In later years, Bobby gave generously of his time as a hospice volunteer.

Bobby is survived by his loving wife of more than 40 years, Lorraine Auerbach Shealy of Meggett; his son, Robert Belton "Bobby" Shealy, Jr. of Charleston; his daughter, Tanner Louise Kennedy of Meggett; his granddaughter, Lindsay Pringle Pennell, and her husband, Chad, of Moncks Corner and his two great-grandchildren, Beckett Taylor Pennell and Lakeland Grace Pennell, both of Moncks Corner as well as several nieces and nephews. He is also remembered by many cousins and dear friends whose lives he touched.

He was predeceased by his parents; his younger brother, Charles Walter Shealy, Jr.; his daughter, Deborah Shealy Pringle and his grandson, whom he lovingly adopted as a son, Justin Pringle Shealy.

Bobby lived a full and vibrant life defined by faith, family, service and a love for the outdoors. His legacy will continue in the lives of his family, friends and former students. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Christ-St. Paul's Anglican Church, Capital Campaign Fund, 4981 Chapel Road, Meggett, SC 29449.

Arrangements by James A. McAlister, Inc. (843) 766-1365.