Robert F. Bessinger

Robert F. Bessinger, 86 of Charleston, South Carolina, passed away on Friday, March 17, 2023. 

Born on February 20, 1937 in Orangeburg, Robert was a Son of the late Genora Thomas Bessinger and Joe Bessinger. 

Robert was raised in Holly Hill the youngest of eleven brothers and sisters.  He was a star athlete in high school and played football, basketball, and baseball.  Robert was named most athletic of his senior class.  He attended The Citadel and later joined the Army.  Robert worked with his brothers in the restaurant business and with the help of his brother, Woodrow, he opened his own restaurant, Robert's Drive - In with his wife Mary in 1965. Robert took pride in his business and always looked out for his employees. He was a member of The Citadel Brigadier Club for many years and his family attended home football and basketball games.  Robert became a huge fan of the Carolina Gamecocks where his daughters graduated from.  He enjoyed watching the Atlanta Braves baseball games in his later years. But mostly, Robert loved the game of golf and played almost every day over the years. His friends that he socialized and played with were a very important part of his life. Robert truly had a heart of gold and would do almost anything for anybody.  

Robert is survived by his wife, Mary Bessinger; daughters, Tammie Allen (Jeffery) and Tracy Henderson (Tim); grandsons, Chandon Noah Allen, Jarret Edward Allen, Tristan Robert Henderson, and a granddaughter, Tyler Bryce Henderson; brother, Thomas Bessinger; numerous nieces and nephews. 

Robert is preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Bernice, Joe, Melvin, Maurice, Hoyt, and Woodrow; sisters, Louise Boals, Delene Barnes, and Betty Roberts. 

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 22, 2023 from 12-1PM at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 869 St. James Ave. Goose Creek.  The service will follow at 1PM. Burial will follow at 3PM at Holly Hill Cemetery in Holly Hill, South Carolina.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at mcalister-smith.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Goose Creek, 869 St James Ave, Goose Creek, SC 29445, (843) 553-1511.