Lt. Col. Robert W. Halliday, US Army (Ret.)

Lt. Col. Robert William Halliday (Ret.), 81, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away, Sunday, April 26, 2026. He was born January 18, 1945, in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to Robert William and Ernestine Bass Halliday. He graduated from North Georgia College before beginning his distinguished service in the United States Army.

Although he rarely talked about himself, one of his proudest achievements was earning both the Ranger Tab and Airborne Wings—distinctions that set him apart and reflected the kind of soldier, and man, he was. The airborne traditions—the discipline of stepping out of a perfectly good aircraft and trusting your training above all else—spoke to who he was at his core: fearless, prepared, and always ready to lead from the front. He carried the Ranger Creed with him through 27 years of service in the United States Army, including Vietnam, Korea, and Panama, and those who served alongside him never doubted that wherever he stood, the standard was higher, the mission came first, and no man would ever be left behind.

The same grit and loyalty that made him an exceptional Airborne Ranger never left him when he came home. He approached fatherhood and family the way he approached every mission—with total commitment. He was often the first one up and the last one to bed, always making sure everyone under his roof was safe, provided for, and knew they were loved. He was the devoted husband of 59 years to his wife, Barbara; a loving father of two; and a cherished grandfather to five grandchildren who called him Papa Bob.

As devoted as he was to his country and his family, his faith was the foundation beneath it all. He served as a deacon at Northeast Presbyterian Church. Tuesday mornings found him right where he wanted to be, gathered with his Bible study group, coffee in hand, wrestling with scripture and sharing in the kind of brotherhood that reminded him, in many ways, of the men he served alongside in uniform. He believed deeply that a man’s character is built not in moments of glory, but in the faithful, unglamorous decision to show up—every Tuesday—in an ordinary life lived well.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Oliver Halliday; his daughter, Lisa Halliday Davis (William Austin Davis); his son, Bradley William Halliday (Meredith Brown Halliday); five grandchildren, Katherine Austin Davis, William Hilton Halliday, Hunter Bradley Halliday, Laura Clifton Davis, and Thomas Robert Halliday; his sister, Betty Halliday Lockhart; his sister-in-law, Angeline Oliver Horton; and his brother-in-law, Leo (Buddy) Clifton Oliver, Jr. He is also survived by his four-legged companions, Gracie and Louie. In addition to his parents, Lt. Col. Halliday was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Halliday Lamb.

The funeral service for Lt. Col. Halliday will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, at Northeast Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Eric Walter officiating. Burial with full military honors will immediately follow at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC. Visitation will be held prior to the service in the Atrium at the church, beginning at 11:30 a.m. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to Northeast Presbyterian Church, 601 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223.