Bobby Eaddy, a 17-year-old kid who survived a bullet fired by police on the South Carolina State campus in 1968 during what became known as the Orangeburg Massacre, died on Thursday, according to SC State. He was 72 years old at the time. Eaddy, a freshman at the time, was among 27 people injured in the incident, killing three young men: Henry Smith, Samuel Hammond, and Delano Middleton. Previous Articles: The South Carolina State University has dedicated a monument commemorating the victims of the Orangeburg Massacre. According to SC State, the bullet that punctured Eaddy’s chest stopped an inch from his heart and remained there until the day he died.
Who is Bobby Eaddy?
As a 17-year-old freshman at SC State College in 1968, Eaddy was one of 28 students injured by state police gunfire on campus during a civil rights march. Three students were killed in what is now known as the Orangeburg Massacre: Henry Smith, Samuel Hammond, and Delano Middleton. Eaddy carried the bullet that stopped an inch from his heart in his chest for the rest of his life. Eaddy was an award-winning public speaker and survivor who delivered lectures and national media interviews on the demonstration. In 2015, he addressed the college community as part of the 47th anniversary of the Orangeburg Massacre.
Early Life of Bobby Eaddy:
Eaddy and his immediate family founded the Orangeburg Project to help preserve the Orangeburg Massacre’s legacy. “Bobby Eaddy went through a pain that few could comprehend, yet he transformed that trauma into a force for enlightenment,” SC State President Alexander Conyers stated. “We at SC State will be eternally grateful to him for the strength and resolve he provided to generations and his loyalty to his alma university.” He will be sorely missed.” Eaddy played football for the SC State Bulldogs as a student and studied physical education, intending to become a coach.
The career of Bobby Eaddy:
Following college, Eaddy served in the United States Army for eight years during the Vietnam War. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Expert Rifleman Medal, and several others. He served in Germany, Fort Benning, Georgia, and Fort Hood, Texas. Eaddy went on to have a successful career in sales and management after serving in the military, and he was always involved in his community. As an active member of the SC State University National Alumni Association, he remained involved with the university. On the 47th anniversary of the massacre, Eaddy talked to students at the institution in 2015.
Bobby Eaddy Died:
At noon, the funeral will be held at Rehoboth Baptist Church on Monday, October 24, 2022. Face masks are essential for all services. We regret any inconvenience and thank you for your patience. Please visit our florist store to send flowers to Bobby Eaddy’s family or to plant a tree in his memory. On Monday, Oct. 24, a visitation will be held at Rehoboth Baptist Church, 4646 Hard Scrabble Rd. in Columbia. At noon, there will be a service.
Bobby Eaddy, a 17-year-old boy in 1968 who survived a bullet to the chest fired by state police on the South Carolina State University campus during what would become known as the Orangeburg Massacre, has died, SC State announced on Thursday.https://t.co/HZfmzyvG2A
— WACH FOX (@wachfox) October 21, 2022
“Bobby Eaddy went through a pain that few could comprehend, yet he transformed that trauma into a force for enlightenment,” SC State President Alexander Conyers stated. “We at SC State will be eternally grateful to him for the strength and resolve he provided to generations and his loyalty to his alma university.” He will be sorely missed.” Patsy Gilbert Eaddy, his wife of 52 years, who he met on the SC State campus when they were students, and his sons Andre’ and Derran and daughter Latisha, survive him. The funeral will be held on Monday, October 24, at Rehoboth Baptist Church, 4646 Hard Scrabble Road, Columbia, South Carolina. At noon, there will be a service. JP Holley Funeral Home, Garners Ferry Road SE Chapel, is responsible for the arrangements.
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