Robert William Olynick

Robert W. Olynick, 69, of Charleston, South Carolina entered into eternal rest on Saturday, June 22, 2024.

Bob was born on November 10, 1954, in Okinawa, Japan. He was the son of the late John Milton Olynick and Rose Susan McLlwraith Olynick, both of New York City. His father was a career Army officer and was stationed in Japan and Germany for Bob's first eight years. The family traveled extensively through Europe, exposing him to an education beyond textbooks. Bob graduated in 1972 from Seventy-First Senior High School in Fayetteville, North Carolina.

After high school, Bob played bass guitar for the band Cripple Creek for eight years. The band traveled across the United States with their unique blend of country and southern rock music.

From 1980 - 1985, Bob proudly served in the United States Navy as an Operations Specialist aboard the US Nicholson (DD-982).

After the Navy, Bob worked for Coca Cola Consolidated in Charleston, SC. Starting as a route driver, he worked his way up to area manager for the vending centers in Charleston, Hilton Head and Beaufort. After his retirement from Coca Cola, he worked part-time for McDaniel's Acura in the parts department.

Bob was an avid fisherman and he enjoyed both recreational and competitive fishing. Some of his fondest memories were deep sea fishing for king mackerel and marlin. He was part of a team that competed for the US King Mackerel Tournament.

Bob also had a deep affection for dogs, and he was surrounded by dogs most of his life. He had a particular fondness for dogs needing to be rescued and he and Rachelle welcomed into their home six rescue fur babies.

Bob is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Rachelle DiPasquale Olynick. Additionally, Bob has two brothers: John Michael (Barb) Olynick of St. John, Florida and Peter Allen (Mary) Olynick of Asheville, North Carolina, and a host of adoring nieces and nephews and of course his current fur baby, River.

The family will receive friends on Friday, July 5, 2024, from 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM at McAlister-Smith Funeral Home West Ashley.

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, July 5, 2024, at Beaufort National Cemetery, 1601 Boundary Street, Beaufort, SC 29902. 

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Pet Helpers Adoption Center, 1447 Folly Road, Charleston, SC 29412. https://pethelpers.org/

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

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral and Cremation, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8374.