Robert Polk Linker

Robert Polk Linker, 88, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Neltie Sanders Linker entered into eternal rest Friday, July 16, 2021. His Funeral Service will be held at the graveside Wednesday, July 21, 2021 in Magnolia Cemetery at 10AM. The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 20, 2021 in the J. Henry Stuhr Funeral Home Downtown Chapel from 5-7 PM. The service may be viewed via LiveStream by visiting https://youtu.be/i3GXRugRBck.

Robert was born January 17, 1933 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, son of the late Joe Burton Linker and the late Ione Markham.

Bob grew up in Chapel Hill, N.C. where he attended Chapel Hill Elementary, and Chapel Hill High where he was on the swim team. In "Dr. Bob's" youth, he was very active in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 39, Chapel Hill, NC Fox Patrol. He was a Tenderfoot Scout February 1945, Second Class June 1945, First Class 1946, Star, Life, and ultimately an Eagle Scout and Ranger. He was also a member of the Order of the Arrow. He spent many summers at camps Sequoyah and Mondamin in North Carolina. While in high school, he earned a scholarship to the prestigious Phillips Exeter Academy, 1951, where he was on the Swim and Lacrosse teams. He was in the Soccer Club, Drama Club and Band. He then earned an A.B. in Chemistry combined with Biology from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, 1955 where he was on the Swim team and was a founding member of the Lacrosse Club. He was also a member of the Order of the Old Well, Alpha Phi Omega, AFROTC, Monogram Club and the YMCA. He continued his education at the University of North Carolina, where he earned his Medical Degree and was a member of the Phi Chi Med Society. Bob then completed an Internship at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 1960, and then completed his Anesthesia Residency at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, 1963 and was a member of the American College of Anesthesia.

After completing his Anesthesia Residency, Dr. Linker served in the United States Public Health Service as a Captain at the National Institute of Health, Washington DC. He returned to Charleston, SC where he was a founding member of Anesthesia Associates, PA where he was active in Ambulatory Surgery and was President of the South Carolina Society of Anesthesiology.

Dr. Bob's many hobbies included being active in the Habitat for Humanity construction renovation, horticulture, collecting coins, and enjoyed tennis, sailing and golf. He was a member of the West Ashley Sertoma, Arion, German Friendly and DBB. Dr. Bob also enjoyed music, played clarinet, piano, and banjo, and sang in the Bethel Church choir where he also rang bells in the gallery choir. His interest in mission work took him to Alaska and Kentucky several times. He also traveled to Russia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Portugal and Botswana.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Neltie Louise Sanders Linker; three sons, Robert Polk Linker, Jr. of Charleston, SC, David Marshburn Linker of Albuquerque, NM, and Paul Sanders Linker (Karen) of Rutherfordton, NC; daughter, Neltie Louise Husted (James) of Charleston, SC; and brother, Edward "Ned" Markham Linker of Martinsville, VA; seven grandchildren, Theresa Grace Linker, Amanda Linker Erickson, Andrew Linker, Sanders Graham Walker, Hannah Louise Walker, Paul Sanders Linker, Jr., and Donald Coen Linker.

He was preceded in death by father, Joe Burton Linker; mother, Ione Markham Linker; brother, Joe Burton Linker Jr. and wife Mary Jane Auld; and sister-in-law Jean Stone.

Memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church music program or any Pet Rescue Society of your choice.