H 5188

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026
Bill 5188
Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter
(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)
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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This web page was last updated on February 17, 2026 at 12:58 PM