Robert Wilson Bloodworth, 73, of Florence, SC, died Friday, January 6, 2017, at McLeod Hospice House after an illness.
A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 10, 2017, at Greenwood Baptist Church, directed by Waters-Powell Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.
He was born and raised in Florence, a son of Robert Delbert and Olive Wilson Bloodworth. He graduated from McClenaghan High School in 1960. He attended The Citadel and earned a B.A. degree in English with minors in journalism and education from Florida Atlantic University. He holds a Masters of Education in English/Education from Coastal Carolina University.
Robert spent his life in the field of education. He taught English at Marion High School and other public schools for 18 years. He was an English instructor for five years at Horry-Georgetown Technical College, and was an associate professor of English at Coker College for seven years. In addition, he worked as a newspaper writer and editor for 23 years before returning to education. He also authored a college textbook, The Sonnet as a Poetry Form.
Robert always believed he was born to teach. For Robert, teaching was knowing every child can learn. He knew he must motivate, create, and adapt in constant search for that spark in every child which would ignite their lifelong curiosity. He believed there are eager children in every classroom all over the world just waiting to be friends, waiting to be awakened, waiting for a chance and an opening to shine. For him, teaching was not a job, it was a way of life.
Robert loved old cars and was a member of several car clubs. His favorite 1966 Mustang won every award that could be won. He always enjoyed showing this car to anyone. He was also an avid college football fan.
He is survived by his wife, Laney Blanton Bloodworth; three children, Robin Ann Bloodworth, Tammy Soleman, and John David Bloodworth, all of Melbourne, FL; step-children, Lyde Whit Blanton of Florence and Laura Blanton (Dave) Clark of Raleigh, NC; grandsons, David and Thomas Clark, and granddaughter, Whitney Blanton; sister, Norma Penton of Melbourne, FL; sister-in-law, Gloria (Jim) Tunstall of Columbia; and aunt, Ila Louise McCoy of Florence; extended family, Linda and Mitchell Miles of Florence, and Bobby and Sandy Therrell of Sumter; and special “fur babies,” Bitzy and Sandy.
The family expresses special thanks to the staff of McLeod Hospice House and Adams Life Link for their extraordinary care and compassion.
Memorials may be made to Greenwood Baptist Church, 2401 Claussen Rd., Florence, SC 29505; or McLeod Hospice House, c/o McLeod Foundation, P. O. Box 100551, Florence, SC 29503.
Posted in: Water Powell Funeral Home
Posted on: 2017-01-09
Link to original obituary: https://www.meaningfulfunerals.net/fh/obituaries/obituary.cfm?CFID=161cf025-6a4e-4cff-84c1-4a80a96aa081&CFTOKEN=0&o_id=4061138&fh_id=14335