Lt. Col. Robert L. "Bob" Hanlin (SCANG, Ret.)

Lt. Col. Robert L. "Bob" Hanlin (SCANG, Ret.) passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2024 at NHC Healthcare of Charleston. 

Bob was born on July 3, 1932, in Atlanta, Georgia, to Harriet Conover Hanlin and George Peel Hanlin. He was predeceased by his siblings, Harriet Hanlin McCook, George Peel Hanlin, Jr., and Lt. Col. John Elmer Hanlin (USAF). Bob is survived by his wife of 43 years, Lynn Sturgis Hanlin; sons: Robert Bruce Hanlin (Susie) and George Harold Hanlin (Dottie); and grandchildren: Sarah Anderson, Robert Joshua Hanlin (Marissa), Robert Austin Hanlin, and Daniel Joseph Hanlin. 

Bob attended Dreher High School in Columbia and enlisted in the South Carolina Air National Guard upon turning 17, as a rising senior. He graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, with a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering. He served in the Georgia Air National Guard while at Georgia Tech. After graduation, he attended flight school through the South Carolina Air National Guard. 

Bob flew the F-104, the F-102, the A-7D, and the C-130. The F-104, a supersonic interceptor, was his favorite. He retired from the South Carolina Air National Guard with 32 years of service, as a Command Pilot at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He also spent a career flying for Trans World Airlines (TWA). Bob flew, among other aircraft, the 747. He flew to the major cities of Europe and Asia and flew TWA’s famous around-the-world trip. He logged over 25,000 flight hours before retiring as Captain on the Lockheed L-1011.

Bob enjoyed cooking. He was famous for his barbecued ribs, collard greens, black-eyed peas, and cornbread. After his retirement from TWA, he enjoyed membership in The Exchange Club of The Isle of Palms, The Exchange Club of Charleston, and The German Friendly Society. He devoted much time to the Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse.

Bob will be missed for his few words of great depth and many flying stories. 

The family sincerely thanks the staffs of NHC Healthcare of Charleston and Caris Healthcare Hospice for the professional and compassionate care they provided to Mr. Hanlin.

His memorial service will be held Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 2:00 pm, J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel, 232 Calhoun Street, Charleston, with Rev. Aaron DeBenedetto officiating.