Judge Robert H. Burnside

1933 - 2021

Judge Robert H. Burnside
May 20, 1933 - August 2, 2021
Columbia, South Carolina - The Honorable Robert H. Burnside (Bob), 88, loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, and friend to many entered into eternal rest on Monday, August 2, 2021. His funeral service will be held at Leevy's Funeral Home, Taylor Street Chapel at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 9, 2021 with burial following in the Fort Jackson National Cemetery at 1:00 p.m.
Bob was born on May 20, 1933 to the late James and Kathleen Burnside, which he always said were the best influential parents one could be lucky enough to have. Being the baby of 5 boys, his favorite claim was he was his Mother's Favorite!
Bob was a 1951 Lower Richland High School Graduate and then served in the U. S. Navy in Korea. Following his tour of duty, he entered Presbyterian College from which he earned an undergraduate degree in 1957. Bob was the Vice President of the Student Body while he attended Law School at the University of South Carolina. Following graduation, he formed the successful Law Firm of Burnside, Roof and Cox.
Practicing law did not deter him from helping in the community. Not only did he coach junior high football in the Lower Richland Community, but as well at Thornwell Orphanage while in college. He expected his players to understand the game, to respect their parents and other adults, and to be faithful to their religious beliefs. Furthermore, he worked for the community by serving on the Richland County Ambulance Commission, the Richland County Parks and Recreation Commission and served in the House of Representatives.
Always having the best interest of children and youth in mind made him a perfect choice to be elected as a Family Court Judge for the Fifth Judicial Circuit. His portrait hangs in the Richland County Judicial Center which speaks volumes about the respect and admiration he gained while serving. There are numerous honors that have been bestowed upon Judge Burnside: the John W. Williams, Jr. Distinguished Service Award, the Order of the Palmetto by Governor David Beasley, and he was inducted into the Lower Richland High School Hall of Fame.
Surviving are his wife of over 41 years, Sara P. Burnside; children: Debra B. (Ricky) Rentz, Robert H. (Linda) Burnside, Jr., and Ashley B. (Ben) Brantley; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews; that he loved dearly. He was predeceased by his parents, James and Kathleen Burnside, brothers, Jimmie, Alfred, Jack and Edward Burnside.
Bob requested that Memorials be sent to either Presbyterian College, Thornwell Orphanage, Clinton, SC or the Epworth's Children Home, Columbia, SC.