Obituary of Robert R. Eakins

Robert R. Eakins passed away peacefully at home on June 28, 2021. He was born on December 27, 1944 in Madison, Wisconsin to the late Raymond and Yvonne (Drew) Eakins. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 50 years, Andrea Lynn (McDonald).

Bob grew up in Columbia, SC. He attended Cardinal Newman High School and made many lifelong friends there. Bob was an Eagle Scout and served in the U.S. Navy for four years; he treasured those two accomplishments greatly. He was an avid fisherman who loved football and keeping in touch with his Sigma Phi Epsilon brothers.

Bob was a Cum Laude graduate of the University of South Carolina, with a BS in Economics. He also graduated from the School of Banking at LSU and was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society. He was a National Bank Examiner for the OCC for 22 years before becoming Executive Vice President at First National Bank in Shelby, NC. After Bob and Lynn retired, they returned home to Columbia.

Mr. Eakins is survived by daughters, Grace Cameron (Chris) and Rebecca Eakins; granddaughters, Bella and Emmie Cameron; sisters, Patricia Lovett and Kathy Stewart; and a nephew, Wayne Lovett.  

The family would like to express gratitude to Alan Kinard and Jimmy McMillan for the love and support they gave Bob and his daughters during this trying time.

The family would also like to thank the entire staff at Lighthouse Hospice Group, especially Doris, Almeka, Teresa and Ashley. Their compassion and kindness will forever be remembered.

A service will be held on Tuesday, July 6, 2021 at 2:00pm at Thompson Funeral Home of Lexington, 4720 Augusta Rd., Lexington, SC 29073. The family will receive friends at 1:00pm prior to the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.  Bob was an annual supporter of the USO, DAV, Oliver Gospel Mission and the Salvation Army.