South Carolina H 5188: SC School for the Deaf and Blind

Bill Text

2025-2026 Bill 5188 Text of Previous Version (Feb. 17, 2026) - South Carolina Legislature Online 

South Carolina General Assembly
126th Session, 2025-2026

Bill 5188

Indicates Matter Stricken
Indicates New Matter

(Text matches printed bills. Document has been reformatted to meet World Wide Web specifications.)

A house RESOLUTION

TO EXPRESS THE PROFOUND SORROW OF THE SOUTH CAROLINA 
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES UPON THE PASSING OF DR. ROBERT LAYTON MCCURDY OF 
CHARLESTON AND TO EXTEND THE DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND MANY FRIENDS.

Whereas, the South 
Carolina House of Representatives was deeply saddened to learn of the passing 
of Dr. Robert Layton McCurdy of Charleston on January 26, 2026, at the 
venerable age of ninety. A distinguished physician, educator, and public 
servant, Dr. McCurdy led an inspiring life of remarkable achievement and grace; 
and

Whereas, born in 
Florence on August 20, 1935, Robert Layton McCurdy was 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 (MUSC) in 1960. He completed his residency in 
psychiatry at North Carolina Memorial Hospital in Chapel Hill. Along with his 
respected posts at MUSC, Dr. McCurdy held positions at the National Institutes 
of Mental Health, Emory University School of Medicine, University of London 
Institute of Psychiatry, Pennsylvania Hospital, and University of Pennsylvania 
School of Medicine. He authored or co-authored more than fifty articles 
published in medical journals; and

Whereas, 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 Medical University 
of South Carolina Department of Psychiatry, 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; and

Whereas, his 
professional leadership included service as president of the American College 
of Psychiatrists and 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; and

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

Whereas, he was as 
fully devoted to his family as he was to his profession. He is survived by his 
wife, Gwen Atkinson McCurdy, and his sons, Robert Layton "Robby" McCurdy Jr. of 
California and David Barclay McCurdy of Brevard, North Carolina; and

Whereas, Dr. McCurdy's 
legacy is defined not only by his extraordinary professional accomplishments 
but also by his quiet leadership, integrity, and deep respect for every 
individual. He will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

That the members of the 
South Carolina House of Representatives, 
by this resolution, express their profound sorrow upon the passing of Dr. 
Robert Layton McCurdy of Charleston and extend the deepest sympathy to his 
family and many friends.

Be it further resolved 
that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family.

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This web page was last updated on February 17, 2026 at 12:58 PM