Robert Bryan Aldrich III, 70, passed away peacefully Saturday, April 20, 2024, at his Berkeley County residence with his mother at his side. Robert was born November 17, 1953, in Charleston, the son of the late Robert Bryan Aldrich II and Elizabeth Reeves McCarthy. He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Michael McCarthy, of Moncks Corner; a son, John Aldrich of Lake Wateree; and seven siblings, Thomas Aldrich (Momi) of Macedonia; Dr. William Aldrich (Lisa) of Sumter; Victoria Aldrich Hood of Macedonia; John Aldrich (Tammy) of Summerville; Wilson Baggett (Debbie) of Moncks Corner; Whilden Baggett (Shonda) of Bonneau; and Sadie Blue (Gage) of Mount Pleasant; 23 nieces and nephews and 11 great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father; a stepfather, Wilson T. Baggett; two infant sons, Thomas Bailey and Robert Bryan; and a brother-in-law, Fritz Hood.
Robert leaves a legacy as a beloved father, son and brother. He was the oldest of eight children, paving the way as the first of his siblings to graduate from college. He grew up on Folly Beach and in St. Stephen and attended Charleston and Berkeley County schools. He graduated from Macedonia High School, where he was a star running back for the Swamp Foxes. While at the University of South Carolina, he was a member of Pi Kappa Phi and graduated with a degree in math and received a master’s degree in education from The Citadel. He was a retired math teacher and taught at Lugoff-Elgin High School, where he also was a golf coach. Robert grew up loving The Beatles, the Gamecocks and playing football, basketball and baseball in high school. He traveled extensively and enjoyed playing keyboard, golfing and saltwater fishing later in life. He was an enthusiastic hobbyist. He researched family genealogy and often spoke at family reunions in St. George. Robert also enjoyed star-gazing with his telescope, building and firing model rockets, and was a professional coin collector. A celebration of life service will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024 at 1:00pm at J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Northwoods Chapel, burial will follow at Bethany Cemetery, 10 Cunnington Avenue, Charleston, SC 29405. Visitation will be held Wednesday, April 25, 2024 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at J. Henry Stuhr, Inc., Northwoods Chapel. The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice for the care of Robert during his illness.