A house RESOLUTION

 

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF DR. ROBERT LAYTON MCCURDY OF CHARLESTON AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

 

Whereas, the South Carolina House of Representatives was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Dr. Robert Layton McCurdy of Charleston on January 26, 2026, at the venerable age of ninety. A distinguished physician, educator, and public servant, Dr. McCurdy led an inspiring life of remarkable achievement and grace; and

 

Whereas, born in Florence on August 20, 1935, Robert Layton McCurdy was the son of William Barclay McCurdy and Catherine Layton McCurdy. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and earned his medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) in 1960. He completed his residency in psychiatry at North Carolina Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill. Along with his respected posts at MUSC, Dr. McCurdy held positions at the National Institutes of Mental Health, Emory University School of Medicine, University of London Institute of Psychiatry, Pennsylvania Hospital, and University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He authored or co-authored more than fifty articles published in medical journals; and

 

Whereas, Dr. McCurdy made the world a better place, one person at a time. Over a distinguished career, he served as a physician, educator, author, hospital administrator, and leader in academic and community psychiatry. As a professor, he inspired generations of future psychiatrists to honor their calling and remain attentive to emerging science. As a clinician, he helped patients navigate times of difficulty with compassion and clarity. As chairman of the Medical University of South Carolina Department of Psychiatry, he worked with colleagues to build a stronger, more effective academic department. And as dean of the medical school and vice president for medical affairs, he helped attract research support that advanced scientific discovery for the benefit of patients everywhere; and

 

Whereas, his professional leadership included service as president of the American College of Psychiatrists and of the Association for Academic Psychiatry. His many honors include the University of North Carolina Distinguished Alumni Award, MUSC's Achievement in Diversity Award, the SELAM International Award for the Advancement of Women in Academic Medicine, and South Carolina's Order of the Palmetto; and

 

Whereas, Dr. McCurdy's civic involvement included service on the boards of the Charleston Orphan House, Episcopal Diocese of South Carolina, St. John's Mission Center, Fetter Family Health Center, Trident United Way, Trident Chamber of Commerce, South Carolina Aquarium, Carolina Art Association, Darkness to Light, South Carolina Commission on Higher Education, and Bishop Gadsden Retirement Community. In addition, he was a member of the Cosmos Club in Washington, D.C., Carolina Yacht Club, and St. Andrew's Society; and

 

Whereas, he was as fully devoted to his family as he was to his profession. He is survived by his wife, Gwen Atkinson McCurdy, and his sons, Robert Layton "Robby" McCurdy Jr. of California and David Barclay McCurdy of Brevard, North Carolina; and

 

Whereas, Dr. McCurdy's legacy is defined not only by his extraordinary professional accomplishments but also by his quiet leadership, integrity, and deep respect for every individual. He will be greatly 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 Dr. Robert Layton McCurdy of Charleston 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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