Robert Ford Brutschy, 84, passed away unexpectedly on January 30, 2026.

Born May 22, 1941, in Columbia, S.C., the oldest son of the late Edward Brutschy and Alice Ford Brutschy, Robert attended Dreher High School where he was a Merit Scholar, a member of the Dark Horsemen Club, and a member of the 1959 State Champion Track Team. Following graduation from Dreher, Robert briefly attended the University of South Carolina, taking a six-year hiatus to serve his country.

In 1960, Robert enlisted in the U.S. Navy where following boot camp and post-boot training, he served as a Navy electronics technician aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway (CV-41). He soon thereafter left Midway to attend Naval Nuclear Power (Engineering) School. Following graduation from nuclear school, Robert embarked aboard USS Enterprise (CVN-65), the world's first nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. In October 1962, Enterprise – with Robert now aboard serving as a nuclear-trained Navy petty officer (nuclear reactor plant operator) – participated in the Blockade of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Three years later, Robert deployed off the coast of Vietnam where on Dec. 2, 1965, his ship, Enterprise, again made history as the first nuclear aircraft carrier to launch airstrikes against an armed enemy (attacking Viet Cong defensive positions north of Saigon).

Following his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1966, Robert returned to the University of South Carolina where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He graduated from USC in 1969.

For years, Robert made good use of both his vast intellectual gifts and immense social skills venturing into the world of sales: Working first for IBM, later selling medical equipment, and ultimately ending his career at Westlaw, the industry leader for legal research platforms.

Robert was a voracious reader, especially all things military, but his interests were broad and eclectic as he had an extensive personal library and he read thousands of books on just about any topic, study, discipline, interest, or historical epoch one might imagine. Robert's business cards said simply: "Robert Brutschy – Expert." That he was.

Described by his many friends, locally and from around the country, as a man of "infectious charm and wit," Robert was a master storyteller, always the proverbial "life of the party," an expert dancer, and a diehard Gamecock. He was adept at trivia games –more so than most – and "he could converse with anyone about virtually anything." Robert spent countless hours over many years building and collecting beautiful model airplanes and ships which were proudly displayed throughout his home. During the final years of his life, Robert kept his mind sharp learning Spanish and Italian.

Robert is survived by his brother Bruce, his sister-in-law Jeanne Lorick Brutschy, and innumerable friends from his hometown Columbia and his adopted home for the last 25 years, Myrtle Beach.

– A celebration of Robert Ford Brutschy's life will be held at the home of Bruce and Jeanne Brutschy, 211 Congaree Park Drive, West Columbia, S.C., 29169, February 16, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.