Rodney W. Engard, of Bluffton, passed away on June 8, 2023 at the age of 76 in Hilton Head Island, SC. He was born in Columbus, GA on August 15,1946 to Norman and Mary Jane Engard. He graduated “best-looking” from Gordon High school in Decatur, GA where he was known as “Rod the Bod” and was awarded a 4 year football scholarship to The Citadel in Charleston, SC.
While there, he was a member of the school’s wrestling team for two years and became a legend in November Company’s history. Although Rod was part of the class of 1968, he loved the school so much that he decided to stay an extra year and graduated in 1969 with a degree in History. Rod had a deep affection for the Citadel and its values, and he proudly wore the ring.
In 1996, Rod wrote and published a 200-page book titled “The Citadel Cadet Stories 1964-1994,” generously donating 100% of the proceeds from its sales to fund a Citadel Scholarship in honor of his friend, the legendary Colonel Thomas Nugent “The Boo” Courvousie.
His professional career in real estate led him to become the Broker-in-Charge of several Low Country Resorts, including Hilton Head Company, Wild Dunes, Dunes West, Litchfield Beach, and Brays Island. In 1996, he established his own company, Engard Real Estate Company, on Hilton Head Island. He served on the Board of Trustees for the MLS and held the position of Vice President. Many considered him a mentor, and he took joy in checking in on people he had advised, even years later.
Rod is survived by his brother, Norman, his sister, Terry Ann, and his loving wife of 53 years, BJ. They met twice on an airplane in 1965 when she was a flight attendant, and that marked the beginning of their beautiful love story. Together, they have a daughter named Jordan (Marcelo Claure ) and four granddaughters: Siena, Bela, Savannah and Mia. Additionally, Rod had two step-grandchildren, Nicolas and Paulina.
Known affectionately as “Pop Pop,” he will be remembered for his love for card games, jogging, playing the guitar, watching old cowboy movies, and his love of Butter Pecan Ice Cream and movie theater popcorn-always with butter. He was a trusted friend, the epitome of a good man, a wonderful father and an exceptional grandfather. Everyone who knew him loved him and will miss him tremendously.
A memorial service will be held on September 9th, 2023. In the Summerall Chapel at the Citadel.