Robert "Phil" Phillip Roof

Robert Phillip Roof (Phil), age 81, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 15, 2025. He was born on June 11, 1943, in Chester, South Carolina to Robert Lindsay Roof and Ruth Elizabeth Varnadore. 

After graduating from Chester High School, Phil married Judith Ann Burnside (Judy) and joined the United States Air Force, where he served in England as a member  of the Veterinary Corps. He was proud to have served his country and always held fellow veterans in high regard, acknowledging their service whenever he had the chance. 

Phil attended the University of South Carolina, earning a Bachelor of Science in Engineering in 1970. He began his career in construction, working for Chicago Bridge and Iron Company and later McCrory-Sumwalt Construction Company. In 1976, at the age of 33, Phil founded RPR & Associates, Inc. (RPR), a general contracting firm, where he served as President. Under his leadership, RPR completed a diverse range of projects, including food manufacturing facilities, retail stores, warehouse distribution centers, schools, dormitories, and performing arts centers. He led RPR to construct projects in 16 states and to become one of Engineering News Record’s (ENR) Top 400 Construction Firms in the U.S. in both 1987 and 1988. Inc. Magazine also named RPR one of the fastest-growing construction companies in the nation for two consecutive years. 

In 1986, Phil founded Architectural Engineering Associates, Inc. (AEA), a multidisciplined architectural and engineering firm that designed and project managed the largest prison project in South Carolina. He also founded Environmental Engineering Company, Inc. (EEC), which performed various environmental services. 

Phil was a dedicated supporter of education. He was a founding member of the USC School of Engineering 1894 Society and a member of the Engineering Partnership Board at the USC School of Engineering. He founded and funded the Richard B. Poole Scholarship Fund to support University of South Carolina engineering students. He was elected to the Lexington/Richland School District Five Board of Trustees and served as its’ chairman from 1980-1982. He also held a seat on the Richland County Planning Commission. 

Phil was actively involved in politics, serving in various roles on Republican national and state committees and campaigns, including committee member, finance chair and convention delegate. 

Known for his servant’s heart, Phil was passionate about fundraising for charitable organizations and creating job opportunities for people with disabilities. Phil held leadership roles in two non-profit organizations, Manning Chapel, Inc. and Goodman Chapel, Inc. where he facilitated fundraising and management to build chapels for inmates at these correctional institutions. He received many awards honoring his community service, including SC Department of Corrections Volunteer of the Year (1984) and Volunteer of the Year, Goodman Correctional Institution Chapel Project (1987). He was named 1989 Employer of the Year by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Department, an award that honors businesses that hire and retain disabled citizens. 

Throughout his life, Phil was a devoted Christian who served as an Elder and Deacon in the Presbyterian church. With his extensive construction experience, he played a significant role in overseeing the building of McGregor Presbyterian Church and Cornerstone Presbyterian Church. 

Phil's life was marked by his dedication to fostering relationships, helping those in need, and contributing to his community. He impacted countless lives and will be remembered for his generosity, leadership, many accomplishments and commitment to excellence. 

Above all, Phil cherished his family. He is survived by his children, Deanna Hathaway of Columbia, Phil Roof, Jr. of Mt. Pleasant, and Jason Roof of Charlotte, his grandchildren, Chelsea and Savannah (Deanna), Flynn and Virginia (Phil Jr.), Slade and Brooks (Jason). He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy, his parents, Robert and Ruth Roof and his siblings, Gene Roof and Annette Moser. 

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, February 15th, at 11 AM at Cornerstone Presbyterian Church, 5637 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC.  The

Celebration of Life service will be livestreamed and can be viewed using the link at cornerstonesc.org via the link "livestream-podcast" on the home page.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the church. A private burial service will be held at Fort Jackson National Cemetery at a later date. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cabins4Christ (a ministry of Campers Care), P.O. Box 1145 Gretna, VA 24557. Cabins4christ.com provides temporary housing for those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

South Carolina Cremation Society is assisting the family. Family and friends may sign the online guest book by clicking on the “Tribute Wall” tab above.