UPDATE: Coroner confirms self-inflicted wound in Horry County Councilman Bob Grabowski death; Colleagues mourn loss
Colleagues of Horry County Councilman Bob Grabowski continued to mourn Wednesday as news spread of his death.
Autopsy results showed Grabowski died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound to his right side, said Robert Edge, Horry County Coroner. Grabowski was found in a field behind PTR Industries in Aynor, where he was the purchasing manager.
PTR Industries released this statement on its Facebook page Wednesday: “Yesterday the PTR family lost an irreplaceable member in Bob Grabowski. Bob was not only a dedicated and integral part of our team but a great friend, and a great man. He served his country in the Air Force, he served his community as a County Councilman, Constable, and in myriad other ways; and he was a dedicated father to four children who were his pride and joy. Bob will be deeply and sincerely missed by everyone who knew him, and the community has lost a truly selfless and devoted leader. Please keep Bob's family — and especially his children — in your thoughts and prayers as they cope with this devastating loss. Details on how specifically to honor Bob's memory and provide help and comfort to his family will be forthcoming as they are available.
“In this difficult time, we would like to remind everyone – whether they carry a gun or not – that help is always available from friends and family in times of need; and that each of you has someone who will be willing to help if you reach out.”
Councilman Gary Loftus said Grabowski was rather straight forward, whether he agreed with someone or not.
“He and I have had our differences, like everybody does,” Loftus said. “But most of the time we were together and on the same page.”
“I knew him before he was on council and he was easy to work with. There was no question about his passion for police and public safety. That was almost a given.”
Grabowski, 55, served on council for more than 10 years representing the Socastee and surrounding area.
A special election has already been scheduled to fill Grabowski’s District 6 seat. Filing will open April 17 and close on April 27. The primary will be June 16 and the general election is slated for Aug. 4.
The former Socastee Recreation Park Commissioner had a wife, two daughters and one son. Grabowski served in the U.S. Air Force for more than 10 years and was a former air traffic controller.
Personally, his passions were shooting sports, hunting, and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, and publicly, he fought for more funding for public safety and maintaining promises made to county employees on benefits and perks.
“One thing was for sure, you always knew where you stood,” Loftus said.
Grabowksi also made strides to grow business, said Brad Dean, president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce.
“Bob was a dedicated public servant who passionately served the citizens of Horry County,” Dean said. “He maintained an open mind, sought to help grow business and took great pride in his work on council. He was deeply committed to staffing and equipping our law enforcement division, always mindful of the importance of protecting those who protect the rest of us.”
Mayor John Rhodes issued a statement Wednesday:
“On behalf of the City of Myrtle Beach, we mourn the passing of Mr. Grabowski, who ably served our neighbors in District 6 for more than a decade. During his time on County Council, Mr. Grabowski sought to improve the local economy through new job growth and to provide increased services for residents of his district and the county as a whole. Bob’s voice and his contributions will be missed by those he served and those with whom he worked closely for the betterment of Horry County.”
Rep. Alan Clemmons, R-Myrtle Beach, said Grabowski was not just someone he worked with.
“Bob Grabowski was a good friend, not just to me, but to all his constituents,” Clemmons said. “He always put them first in his pursuits. I’ll miss Bob Grabowski. He’s been a good man and a good friend.”
Staff reporter Charles Perry contributed to this report.
This story was originally published April 1, 2015 at 10:23 AM with the headline "UPDATE: Coroner confirms self-inflicted wound in Horry County Councilman Bob Grabowski death; Colleagues mourn loss."