Robert P. Beliles Sr.

Hilton Head Island, South Carolina – Robert Pryor Beliles (Sr.), a PhD toxicologist passed away on March 23, 2016 at the age of 83 with his wife and children at his side.

As one of the foremost scientific authorities on heavy metal toxicity, carcinogenic standards, and risk assessment, Dr. Beliles was one of the first to be recognized as a Diplomate of the American Board of Toxicology (DABT), as well as being a member of the Society of Toxicology for more than 25 years.

During his career which spanned both private industry and government, Dr. Beliles was prolific in authoring / co-authoring at least 30 peer-reviewed scientific papers and book chapters including substantial chapters of Patty’s Industrial Hygiene and Toxicology which is considered an authoritative and indispensable reference in the field of occupational health and safety. His most cited single work has been referenced approximately 1400 times in other publications.

Robert was born in Louisville, Kentucky and was the son to James Vernon Beliles and Thelma Pryor Beliles. He grew up living on the family’s “gentleman farm”. He received both bachelor of science and master’s degrees from the University of Louisville. His academic pursuits were then put on hold while he was stationed at the Fort Knox Army Medical Research Laboratory. Upon completion of his Army Service, Robert was awarded his PhD from Iowa State. He went on to be a professor of pharmacology and radiation biology. His career path took him to companies with business in pharmaceuticals, industrial chemicals and laboratory testing located near Reston Virginia, Milwaukee Wisconsin, and Kensington Maryland. In 1980, he chose to be a top SES / ST (formerly referred to as GS-16 to GS-18) level executive scientist for the US Government within the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, National Academy of Sciences and the Environmental Protection Agency; contributing more than 20 years to public service.

His view towards necessary industrial needs / risk-assessment was straight-forward. If he would not allow his own family member to be exposed when properly equipped, he would not recommend exposure to any other person similarly situated. Multiple republican and democratic administrations repeatedly awarded Dr. Beliles for his outstanding no-nonsense approach and expertise.

Robert was a loving and supportive father, waking early 5 days a week for his son, Robert / Bob’s (Jr) morning swim work-outs and then spending long weekends at swim meets. He helped shepherd and encourage his daughter, Karen, as she pursued her M.D.

Upon his retirement in 2002, he moved from Oakton, Virginia to Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. He loved fishing, equestrian sports and traveling overseas with his wife. He was survived by his wife of 57+ years, Eloise Beliles, his daughter Karen Beliles, M.D., and his son Robert Beliles Jr, high tech executive, as well as his two grandchildren: Ryan and Katherine Beliles.

His ashes were spread during a private friends and family celebration of life.

Final arrangements were provided by The Island Funeral Home.