A house RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE MEMBERS OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF ROBERT HOLMES "BOBBY" HOOD, SR., OF CHARLESTON, TO CELEBRATE HIS LIFE, AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas,  the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened by the passing of Robert Holmes "Bobby" Hood, Sr., of Charleston on February 14, 2024, at the age of 79; and

Whereas, born in Charleston on October 5, 1944, Bobby was the son of James Albert Hood and Ruth Henderson Hood Smith. The young Bobby attended the Gaud School and Charleston High and graduated from St. Andrew's-Sewanee School. After graduation, he attended Sewanee, the University of the South, graduating in 1966; and

Whereas, having graduated from the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1969, Bobby Hood commenced in that same year what would become a distinguished legal career, beginning with his selection as an assistant attorney general for the State of South Carolina. Shortly thereafter, he returned home to Charleston and joined the law firm of Sinkler, Gibbs & Simons, where he began private practice in 1970; and

Whereas, in 1985, Bobby founded the Hood Law Firm, a boutique trial law firm. Over the next four decades, he successfully tried hundreds of cases across the country until his retirement in 2023. For fifty years, he passionately defended companies and individuals, mentored dozens of trial attorneys, and earned a national reputation as an accomplished trial lawyer. His successful track record earned him the praise of many clients and the respect of his colleagues; and

Whereas, away from the office, Bobby was the consummate hunter, fisherman, and outdoorsman who enjoyed sharing outdoor pursuits with his dear friends, children, sons-in-law, and, most especially, his grandchildren. As an enthusiastic offshore fisherman, he was honored to have served as chairman of the South Carolina Governor's Cup; and

Whereas, a lifelong Charlestonian, Bobby was a member of St. Philip's Church, Carolina Yacht Club, and Yeamans Hall Club. He was also a member of the Hibernian Society of Charleston, St. Andrew's Society, Society of Colonial Wars in South Carolina, Jamestown Society, Charleston Club, Carolina Plantation Society, New England Society, Huguenot Society, South Carolina Historical Society, Sons of Confederate Veterans, Agricultural Society, and Fourth Thursday Shooting Club. Further, he was a knight of the International Order of St. Hubertus; and

Whereas, in addition, Bobby was active in many professional legal organizations, including the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference, International Association of Defense Counsel, and Federation of Defense & Corporate Counsel. He held leadership roles, serving as president of the South Carolina Defense Trial Attorneys' Association, Association of Defense Trial Attorneys, and American Board of Trial Advocates (Charleston Chapter); and

Whereas, Mr. Hood leaves to cherish his memory his dear wife of fifty-six years, Mary Agnes Burnham "Bernie" Hood; his children, Mary Agnes Hood Craig (Steven), Elizabeth Burnham Hood Willis (Gardiner), Robert Holmes Hood, Jr. (Jean), and James Bernard Hood (Katy); his ten grandchildren, his pride and joy; and a host of other family members and friends. He will be missed. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Robert Holmes "Bobby" Hood, Sr., of Charleston, celebrate his life, and extend the deepest sympathy to his family and many friends.

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

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