Robert "Bob" James McKown Jr.

Robert “Bob” McKown was born in Chester, South Carolina, and enjoyed a childhood split between Chester and Blackstock, where he would spend summers at his Granny’s house getting into mischief with his cousins.

He grew up as a member of Chester ARP Church and later joined Riverland Hills Baptist Church in Irmo, where he taught Sunday school.

Bob was a graduate of Chester High School and the University of South Carolina.

He served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Samsun, Turkey, before returning to finish his time in the service at Shaw Air Force Base.

Bob spent most of his life employed as a loss control safety engineer, first with Hartford and later with Kemper Insurance.

He was dedicated to his loving wife of 22 years, Patti.

Bob was a devoted father who sacrificed innumerable hours of his time at soccer and baseball practices, OM meetings, and debate tournaments.

As a doting grandfather, he generously suffered through a bevy of dance recitals, pageants, soccer games, and Disney trips.

He was an avid Gamecocks fan who enjoyed boiled peanuts, pimento cheese sandwiches, a good hot dog, bird hunting, and the occasional good ship.

Bob was predeceased by his father, Robert James McKown Sr.; his mother, Catherine Lucinda McKown; and an infant sister.

He is survived by his wife, Patti McKown; one son, Jamie McKown and his wife, Linda Parker, of Bar Harbor, Maine; one stepdaughter, Kristin Wichman and her husband, Brian Wichman, of Tega Cay, South Carolina; one grandson, Jett; and two granddaughters, Maxci Grace and Madison.

A memorial service will be held Wednesday, September 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Riverland Hills Baptist Church. Visitation will be held in the church lobby following the service.

Donations in memory of Bob may be made to the Parkinson Association of the Carolinas at https://parkinsonassociation.org/donate/.