Robert Magill Stelling, Sr, known fondly as Rocky, of Kiawah Island, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, November 17, 2024 with his loving wife, Sallie, by his side.
Rocky, son of Anne Magill Johnson Allison and Gerard Sieling Stelling, was born in Charleston, SC on May 13, 1952 and spent his entire life living in his beloved South Carolina Lowcountry. He was a graduate of Charleston High School and The Citadel, and was a real estate broker for more than 30 years with Kiawah Island Real Estate.
Rocky loved life and people. He had many life long friends as well as many property owners and coworkers at Kiawah who became dear friends. He never met a stranger and greeted everyone with an engaging smile, a kind word and his sparkling blue eyes. He was a great storyteller and his quick wit was legendary as was his ability to lift the spirits of all he encountered. His recall of names and facts was incredible until a stroke in 2015 compromised his memory.
Rocky loved his family and treasured time spent with his wife, children and grandchildren. He was an avid athlete having won many titles in swimming and golf competitions as a youth, and he continued to be a superior golfer for much of his life. He participated in and won many tournaments but his favorite of all was the Olive Open of which he was a founder and the CEO.
He was a much loved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend. To know him was truly to love him and as one of his dear friends said, “He wasn’t one in a million but one in a lifetime.”
He is survived by his wife of 28 years, Sarah R. (Sallie) Stelling, his children, Robert M. Stelling, Jr, (Claire), Scott W. Stelling (Janie), Barbara S. Warren (Andy), Sarah E. Daugherty and B.K. Bonge, four grandchildren, Taber, Annie, Gill and Everett, and his two brothers, Gerard S. Stelling (Grace) and James M. (Jim) Stelling (Kathy) and their families.
The family extends a special thank you to the staff at Ashley Gardens and Crescent Hospice for their care and kindness to Rocky and his family.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that you make a donation to Respite Care Charleston, The Citadel Foundation or the charity of your choice.
A memorial service will be held Monday, December 2, 2024 in Grace Church Cathedral, 98 Wentworth Street at 10:00 am.