Robert Layton McCurdy M.D.

Dr. Robert Layton McCurdy, of Charleston, South Carolina, husband of Gwendolyn Atkinson McCurdy, died quietly on January 26, 2026, at the age of 90, leaving behind a loving family, wonderful friends, and a lasting legacy of contributions to medicine, education, and community mental health.

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 Department of Psychiatry at the Medical University of South Carolina, 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. One of his proudest professional achievements was being recognized for pioneering diversity and civil rights initiatives within South Carolina’s medical schools. He also gave generously of his time through serving on numerous boards and commissions.

Robert Layton McCurdy was born on August 20, 1935, in Florence, South Carolina, 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 in 1960. He completed his residency in psychiatry at North Carolina Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill, Along with his esteemed positions at The Medical University of South Carolina, Dr. McCurdy held positions at the National Institutes of Mental Health, Emory University School of Medicine, the University of London Institute of Psychiatry, Pennsylvania Hospital, and the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. He authored or coauthored more than 50 articles published in medical journals.

His professional leadership included service as President of the American College of Psychiatrists and President 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.

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

He was devoted to his family as fully as he was to his profession. He is survived by his wife, Gwen Atkinson McCurdy, and his sons, Robert (Robby) Layton McCurdy, Jr., of California, and David Barclay McCurdy of Brevard, North Carolina. His sons reflected on his life by noting, “Both professionally and personally, our father had an innate capacity to connect with people on an authentic and personal level. He lived a long and full life, dedicated to his profession, community, family, and friends. He is and will be greatly missed.”

A funeral service celebrating the life of Dr. Robert Layton McCurdy will be held on Friday, February 13, at 2:00 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Cathedral in downtown Charleston. Interment will follow in the churchyard, and all are warmly invited to gather in the parish hall afterward for a reception and time of fellowship. The service will be streamed live at: https://youtube.com/live/7LCceVVdquQ?feature=share

In lieu of Flowers, memorial gifts can be made to: The Gwen and Layton McCurdy endowed Scholarship; musc.edu/giving or the Bishop Gadsden employee Appreciation Fund; bishopgadsden.givevirtuous.org/donate

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Downtown Chapel.