Robert B. Crutchfield

Robert Billings Crutchfield (Bob, Bob-O, Buddy, the Prince) was born to Miriam Almony Crutchfield and Grady Alexander Crutchfield in Jacksonville, Florida. He is survived by his wife, Kim Sauls Crutchfield, his four children, Connie Pittard (Dan); Tommy Crutchfield (Amy); Heidi Briggs; and Brandon Kemp Crutchfield (Whitney). To his 9 grandchildren he was Buddy-- Marissa Pittard, Christopher Pittard, Garrett Crutchfield, Greta Crutchfield, Jackson Briggs, Peyton Briggs, Cecelia Gourley, Grady Alexander Crutchfield, and Billings Kemp Crutchfield. To his three sisters he was their Prince--Jeannine Peaker (Tim); Judy Meadows; and Joan Houser (Ashley), along with nieces, nephews, cousins and friends who were family—Tom Dana and Carol Clarke, honorary brother and sister. Family has always been a big part of Bob’s life. His home was always open to family and friends with cookouts, pool parties, cards, games, tennis, and boating on the lake. Many afternoons were spent playing basketball shot clock and ping pong with the children, as he always loved to play and have fun. Whether it was cards, games or Rummikub, Bob was very competitive—a trait proudly honed by his Mother. On Christmas Eve, Bob would ring the Salvation Army bell at Walmart with the grands, nieces and nephews. Then, there was Left, Right, Center—the family holiday gambling tradition. Everyone was always welcome at his table, while he made the smallest child and the eldest friend feel at home. You might even hear his rendition of Zippity Doo Dah, if there were kids in the car. Bob was the friend who always showed up, being a mentor and providing encouragement to so many people. When you exchanged a ‘good to see you’ he would always tell you ‘How good it is to be seen.’ Bob was a true Southern gentleman; genuine, honest, reliable, and a very preppy dresser. He knew the importance of a good sweet treat. Bob was born in Jacksonville, and moved to Atlanta, Georgia when he was 12. He graduated from Grady High School in Atlanta, a member of the ROTC. Bob was a graduate of the University of Georgia where he was a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. He was a loyal Bulldog and lover of most sports. Favorite quote shared between Harriett Ward and Bob I’m Bulldog born And Bulldog bred And when I die, I’ll be Bulldog dead. He had a successful career of 20 years with Sears, Roebuck, and Company in management and human resources. Upon moving to Columbia in 1987, he opened Crutchfield Associates, an executive management, recruiting and outplacement company. His work was a passion for people and he connected people with their careers with skill and compassion. Bob believed in giving back. He was a long-time member and past President of the Columbia Rotary Club. He was a planning board member of the annual Governors’ Prayer Breakfast, active in the Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce, and participated in Leadership Lexington County. Bob was a board member for many years of the Providence Home, and long-time member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board. Everything he did and accomplished was done with hard work, drive, and passion. His incredible passion extended to all things he valued most: dignity and respect, family values, The Golden Rule, going out of his way for others, and living a happy, healthy, fulfilling, life that God planned for him. A man of faith, Bob served Ashland United Methodist Church-- Finance Chair, Staff Parish, and United Methodist Men; as well as representing Ashland at the United Methodist Annual Conference. Bob was an active member of the Friendship Sunday School class. To his family, he was an example of work hard, play hard, and take care of those you love. To know him was to love him and he never met a stranger. If there was a need, he showed up. The culmination of a life filled with the love of dear friends and cherished family was meeting Kim, his forever sweetheart. He adored her and together they took care of their family, traveled the world, active in the church and community, and hosted for all they loved. He always loved a celebration, and we will be celebrating his life and legacy for all the years to come. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital.