Robert Holmes Hood, Sr.

Robert Holmes Hood of Charleston, South Carolina, devoted husband of Mary Agnes Burnham Hood, died peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Wednesday, February 14, 2024. He was 79 years old. Bobby was born on October 5, 1944 in Charleston, South Carolina, son of the late James Albert Hood and Ruth Henderson Hood Smith. Bobby attended the Gaud School and Charleston High, and he graduated from St. Andrew’s-Sewanee School.  After graduation, he attended Sewanee, The University of the South, graduating in 1966.  He is a 1969 graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law. In 1969, Bobby began what would become a distinguished legal career, as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of South Carolina.  Shortly thereafter, he returned home to Charleston and joined the law firm of Sinkler, Gibbs & Simons where he began private practice in 1970.  In 1985, Bobby founded the Hood Law Firm, a boutique trial law firm.  Over the next four decades, he successfully tried hundreds of cases across the country until his retirement in 2023.  For 50 years, he passionately defended companies and individuals, mentored dozens of trial attorneys and earned a national reputation as an accomplished trial lawyer.  His successful track record earned him the praise of many clients and the respect of his colleagues among the Bar.  Bobby was the consummate hunter, fisherman and outdoorsman who enjoyed this time with his dear friends, children, sons-in-law and, most especially, his grandchildren.  As a passionate offshore fisherman, he was honored to have served as Chairman of the South Carolina Governor’s Cup.

Bobby was a lifelong Charlestonian and was a member of St. Philip’s Church, Carolina Yacht Club, and Yeaman’s Hall Club.  He was also a member of The Hibernian Society of Charleston, St. Andrew's Society, Society of Colonial Wars in South Carolina, Jamestown Society, Charleston Club, Carolina Plantation Society, New England Society, Huguenot Society, South Carolina Historical Society, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Agricultural Society, a Knight of the International Order of St. Hubertus, and Fourth Thursday Shooting Club.  In addition, Bobby was also active in many professional legal organizations including the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference, the International Association of Defense Counsel and the Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel.  Bobby also held leadership roles serving as the President of South Carolina Trial Attorneys’ Association, President of the Association of Defense Trial Attorneys, and President of the American Board of Trial Advocates, Charleston Chapter.

Bobby is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Bernie, originally of Columbus, Georgia, who was his college sweetheart; two daughters: Mary Agnes Hood Craig (Steven), Elizabeth Burnham Hood Willis (Gardiner); two sons: Robert Holmes Hood, Jr. (Jean) and James Bernard Hood (Katy) all of Charleston, SC; and, his pride and joy, ten grandchildren who affectionately called him DaDa: Steven Aubrey Craig, Mary Agnes Craig, Michael Holmes Craig, Caroline Bradford Burnham Willis, Elizabeth Gardiner Willis, Robert Holmes Hood, III, Joseph Harrington Hood, Kathryn Matheson Hood, Elizabeth Vining Hood and James Burnham Hood.  He is also survived by his brother, James Albert Hood, Jr. of Mt. Pleasant, SC, his sister-in-law, Nancy Henderson Hood (Scott), and numerous nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his sister, Llewellyn Hood Kassebaum, and his brother, Richard Scott Hood.

A visitation for friends and family will be held at 110 Broad Street, Charleston on Sunday, February 18 from 5:00 pm until 7:00 pm.  His Funeral Service will be held on Monday, February 19 at in St. Philip’s Church, 142 Church Street at 11:00 am.  Interment will be private at the family cemetery.  

Memorials may be made to Ashley Hall School, Attn: Advancement Office, 172 Rutledge Avenue, Charleston, SC 29403; the Charleston Day School, 15 Archdale Street, Charleston, SC 29401; and St. Philip's Church, 142 Church Street, Charleston, SC 29401.