Robert Lantye Tobias

Robert was born May 10, 1946, in Providence Hospital, Columbia, South Carolina to the late Ashley Cowan Tobias, III and the late Neoma Newsome Tobias. Robert attended Columbia schools and was a graduate of A.C. Flora High School where he enjoyed playing many sports. He attended the University of South Carolina until 1967 when he joined the United States Marine Corps. Robert was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant. After completing active duty in the Marines, he returned to the University of South Carolina, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. Robert was an avid Gamecock fan, Scholarship Donor and Gamecock Club Member for over forty years.

After completing his studies in Business Administration at the University, he joined his father’s Real Estate Firm, Pat Tobias & Company, founded by his father in 1947. He joined the Columbia Board of Realtors in 1970 where he was a Silver Service Member. He developed numerous commercial properties and office buildings in Forest Acres and the Northeast area of Columbia. Robert was a member of Forest Lake Country Club and the Columbia Cotillion Club. He was a former member of Wildwood Country Club, Spring Valley Country Club, Fort Jackson Country Club, The University Club of Blythewood and Beech Mountain Golf Club. Robert was a member of Saint Peter’s Catholic Church on Assembly Street in Columbia.

Robert held a private pilot’s license and enjoyed flying his Piper Aircraft to the Bahamas and to his condominium at Beech Mountain, NC. He held a deep love for the mountains where he was a talented skier. Robert was a true lover of all animals, great and small. He loved his horses and enjoyed riding on his farm in Blythewood, SC. He loved his faithful friends and companions, Wheat, Wyatt, Diesel and Barni.

Robert is survived by his sisters, Ethel Neoma “Mimi” Burns and Patricia Tobias Edwards, his wife and best friend, Mary Ellen T. Tobias. He is also survived by his nephew, Robert Patton “Pat” Montgomery (Leslie), his nieces, Ashley Montgomery Byrd (Trent), Jennifer Montgomery Floyd and Lantye Edwards Terrill (Alan).

A private graveside service will be held at St. Peter’s Cemetery on Elmwood Avenue. Arrangements will be made by Dunbar Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Pawmetto Lifeline: 1275 Bower Pkwy, Columbia, SC 29212 and The Humane Society for the prevention of animal cruelty in Columbia, SC.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.