Tributes

Bob Tiller will forever be a part of Pawleys Island. He cherished the beauty of the Lowcountry—the water, the salt air, the relaxed pace of life—but most of all, he loved sitting on the beach with the sun warming his skin and the sound of waves rolling in the background. His gentle demeanor and easygoing spirit made people feel at ease in his presence. Bob’s quiet acts of kindness and thoughtful gestures touched many lives in lasting ways. On June 15, 2025, Robert Charles Tiller of Pawleys Island, SC, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, after a courageous two-year battle with cancer. He was 58. Born in El Paso, TX, on July 29, 1966, to Charles and the late Joy Tiller, Bob was the dependable older brother to Andy and Brian. The family moved often during Bob’s early years, living in various states, but summers were a constant - always spent at their family home on Pawleys Island. It was during those long, sun-drenched days on the beach and in the creeks that Bob built cherished memories and a lasting love for the island. In 1983, the Tillers made Pawleys Island their permanent home. Bob graduated from Socastee High School in 1985 and earned a degree in Industrial Engineering from Clemson University, where he was a proud member of the Alpha Tau Omega fraternity, and formed lifelong friendships. Shortly after graduation, he and his former spouse, Laura Harmon Tiller, returned to Pawleys Island to start their own family and became the owners of The General Store at the Hammock Shops. In 2008, Bob joined the Siau Insurance Agency in Georgetown, where his calm, approachable nature and genuine interest in people made him a valued colleague and trusted advisor. Bob was a devoted father to his three sons: Ryan, Hampton, and Jackson. Together they shared a deep love for the coast, sports, the Clemson Tigers, and time with friends and family. Bob was deeply proud of each of them, always on the sidelines to cheer them on in childhood and celebrate their accomplishments as they grew into adults. Most recently, becoming “Papa T” to his granddaughter, Magnolia Joy, brought him profound happiness. Bob had a remarkable ability to be present. He lived each day with ease and gratitude, even throughout his illness, focusing on what mattered most without being weighed down by the unknown. His philosophy was simple: there was always a sunny beach day ahead. This optimistic spirit made him a comfort and a light to those around him. Bob is survived by his sons, Ryan Charles of Charleston, SC; Hampton Alston (Savannah) of Murrells Inlet, SC; and Jackson Robert of Charleston, SC; his beloved granddaughter, Magnolia Joy; his father, Charles Tiller of Pawleys Island, SC; his brothers Andy (Mary) of Monkton, MD; and Brian (Carla) of Apex, NC; and his loving partner, Kristen Laurenson, who stood faithfully by his side throughout his final years. He is preceded in death by his mother, Joy Yochem Tiller. A memorial service celebrating Bob’s life will be held at 3:00 p.m. on July 10th at Pawleys Island Community Church. The family will receive friends following the service at Quigley’s Next Door from 4:30 to 7:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the Tiller family invites donations in Bob’s memory to The V Foundation to honor a life filled with kindness, strength, and quiet joy. Please sign the family’s guestbook at: www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is assisting Robert’s family.

Tributes

Robert Charles Tiller

July 29, 1966 - June 15, 2025