Feb. 3, 1946 — Jan. 16, 2026
Beaufort
Robert Beattie passed away peacefully on Jan. 16, 2026, after a long battle with cancer. Bob was born and raised in Brooklyn to Canadian immigrants, Gerry and Letty Beattie. He was a proud graduate of St. John’s University and fan of its basketball team (go Red Storm!).
Bob and Linda, his wife of over 50 years, built a life, a family, and a small farm together in the hill towns of Albany County, N.Y., until 1987, when they moved to Beaufort, S.C. in search of warmer weather and to help care for his mother-in-law.
Bob worked as a teacher, an investigator for the N.Y. State Liquor Authority, and finally retired at 70 after a 30-year career with the U.S. Postal Service.
But he was really born to be a dad. He gave his whole heart to his wife and four kids, sacrificing himself to make sure they had everything he could provide. Much to Linda’s chagrin, he also gave his kids his sarcastic sense of humor, which meant nightly family dinners were laughter-filled, and entertaining for the many friends who were always welcome to pull up a chair or piano bench.
He will be remembered for his wit and intelligence, encyclopedic memory, but mostly he will be missed for his seemingly endless patience, kindness, and love.
Bob is predeceased by the love of his life, Linda, who passed just 10 months prior. He is survived by their four children: Dawn Beattie Randel [Bryan Randel, children Pearce Randel, Andrew Randel] who has been his caregiver and gave their home over to his care; Jeanne Beattie Shannon [Neil Shannon, children Amelia and Robert Shannon] who was, by his own admission, his favorite; Robert E. Beattie [Riann Chapman, children Noah and Isla Beattie] his namesake and pride; Linda J. Beattie, who was and still is his baby girl. He is also survived by his sister, Marilyn Jaycox.
A graveside service for Bob will be held at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026, at Beaufort Memorial Gardens.
Copeland Funeral Service is assisting the Beattie family with arrangements.
