Bobby Allen Traugott

Bobby Allen Traugott, 93, of Columbia, South Carolina, went to be with our Heavenly Father on July 7, 2026. He was born in Lexington, Kentucky on October 20th, 1932 to Charles Henry Traugott Sr. and Nettie Mae Simpson. He grew up on a farm; plowing behind a mule until he was 10, hanging tobacco, and raising pigs, including the prize-winning Katie Ann. He went on from his rural beginning to serve as an Army tank commander at Fort Knox and Fort Rucker, which he gladly did as a patriotic American. After service to his country, he attended the University of Kentucky, graduating with his Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting. He became a Certified Public Accountant, working in construction and healthcare finance in Atlanta. He later worked as a comptroller general for Mid-State Distributors until his retirement.

Not only was he a businessman, but he was always working on a project. He could design and build anything he wanted with his two hands and no help from anyone: including a laundry room and sunroom addition to their home. He adored his grandchildren and great grandchildren and lit up whenever they were around. He created amazing light displays for when they came to visit at Christmas.

Bobby enjoyed all sports. At any given time, you could find him watching or listening to whatever sport was being played. He created avid sports enthusiasts in his children and grandchildren, taking them to see the Braves, Falcons, Hawks, Atlanta Flames, and his beloved Kentucky Wildcats.

Bobby is survived by the love of his life, his wife of 69 years, Arlene. They were introduced at South Elkhorn church the first weekend after he left the Army-he was singing in the choir and their eyes met as she sat with the congregation. They were as one, especially into their later years when they did absolutely everything together. Even though their lives changed as their health declined over the past few years, he always worried about her and his top priority was to make sure Arlene was cared for and happy.

In addition to his wife, Bobby is survived by his daughter, Lisa Wade (Charles), sons, Allen (Pam), David (Tonja), and daughter, Lori Sutton. He is survived by 10 grandchildren, Suzi, Charlie (Allie), Michael Wade, Mollie Traugott, Caroline Williamson (Dave), Wesley (Stephanie), Cassie Traugott, Hannah Phillips (Braden), Josie Sim (Vee), and Casey Sutton, 12 great-children and his beloved dog, Nikki. He is also survived by his sister-in-law Linda Traugott and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by his parents, sisters and brothers: Clara Bell, Irene, Edna, Catherine, Dorothy, Louise, Buddy, and Gene, as well as his beloved dogs Willie, Peggy, Otto, Heidi, and Schultz.

Services for Bobby will be held at a later date and time.