Mr. Robert Lee Bess

With heartfelt sympathy, the management and staff of Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc., and members of the Bess family announce the passing of Mr. Robert Lee Bess of Darlington, SC. Mr. Bess transitioned on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at his home surrounded by love.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at the residence, 1037 Syracuse St, Darlington, SC.

Public viewing will be held 12:00-4:00 PM, Friday, May 2, 2025, at Mitchell-Josey Funeral Home, Inc., 612 S Main St, Darlington, SC.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM, Saturday, May 3, 2025, at Savannah Grove AME Church, 1401 Andrews Mill Rd, Lamar, SC. Interment will follow at Faith Memorial Gardens, Rogers Rd, Darlington, SC.

Obituary

       “Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”    Isaiah 41:10

      Mr. Robert Lee Bess, was born March 9, 1945, in Baltimore, Maryland, the eldest son of the late Haskel Bess, Sr. and Eula Mae Samuel Bess. He peacefully entered his eternal resting place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, at his home in Darlington, South Carolina.

     He received his formal education in the Darlington County Public Schools, but he was quick to remind you that he was born in the city.

     On June 5, 1970, Robert married the love of his life, Sandra Lee Samuel, and to this union three children were born; Kimberly, Rosalynn, and Korenza.

     Robert, who was often called “Rob” by family and “Robert Lee” by many, began his career working for the Darlington County Maintenance Department operating the Motor Grader. During this time Robert earned the nickname of the “Roadplow Man.” After leaving this position, Robert began his life-long career as a truck driver working for various trucking companies over the next 50 years. Near the end, Robert would often say that he was going to retire next year, never truly retiring in his mind.

     Robert was an avid baseball player and fan. Robert played ball for the West End Bullets and the Syracuse Sluggers. After finishing his playing career, Robert could often be found at the various local games each weekend.

    Robert Lee was always smiling and he never met a stranger. He would welcome you with a cheerful shout and that index finger of his raised towards the heavens. Robert was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and could often be seen wearing his Packers baseball cap reminding everyone who his team was.

     Robert was a devoted member of Savannah Grove African Methodist Episcopal Church in Lamar, SC, where he served as a trustee.

     He was preceded in death by: his parents, Eula Mae and Haskel Bess, Sr.; three brothers: Otis Lee Bess, Leroy Bess, Larry Bess; and one sister: Margaret Bess Williams.

     Robert’s memories will live on with: his loving wife, Sandra Lee Bess of the home; two daughters: Kimberly (Cedric) Epps and Rosalynn Bess both of Darlington, SC; one son, Korenza (Anderlynn) Bess of Raleigh, NC; five grandchildren: Brittany Bess, Brantley Bess, Christina Epps, Jaron Bess, and Ryan Bess; two brothers: Haskel (Delores) Bess of Lamar, SC, and Donell (Mary Ann) Bess of Darlington, SC; four sisters: Mary Jane Goodson of Hartsville, SC, Eliza (Robert) McClain of Lamar, SC, Judy (Chris) Coleman and Deloris (Dwayne) Dials of Florence, SC; sisters-in-law: Gwen Bess of Darlington, SC, Earlene Robinson of Florence, SC, Jerlene Brown of Darlington, SC, Betty Wingate of High Point, NC, Doris Jenkins of Lake Worth, FL, and Trannie Mae Samuel of Fayetteville, NC; two uncles: Henry Lee Samuel of Brooklyn, NY, and Melvin Samuel of Queens, NY; and countless nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Please keep the family and friends of Mr. Robert Lee Bess in your thoughts and prayers. 

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