Robert W Luce

Bob Luce, 79, of Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Saturday, July 11, 2026.

Born on July 31, 1946, in Mount Holly Township, New Jersey, Bob lived a life defined by his family, friendships, business associates and faith. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, papa, papi, friend, and mentor to so many. Bob’s kindness and sweet spirit will forever be remembered by all who knew him.

Robert W. Luce was preceded in death by his father, Arthur W. Luce, his mother Marion, and his sister Robin. He is survived by his loving wife, Cindy, his beloved sons Jamie (Tara) and Dave (Deanna), and stepson twins Kenny (Julenny) and Jeffrey (Terese). He also leaves behind his beautiful grandchildren, Molly, Addie, Jackson and Charlotte, his brothers, Dave (Karen) and Ken, as well as extended family and many dear friends, including his fraternity brother and best friend, Fred.

While Bob was on a “break” from Amhurst College in Massachusetts back in the mid-1960’s, he was drafted by the Army for two years, including a year in Viet Nam. After returning home, he completed his undergraduate studies at Amhurst and then obtained his MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia.

Bob enjoyed a varied career in finance, including such positions as a portfolio manager on Wall Street and finance manager with Avery International, spending time in Hong Kong setting up one of their subsidiaries. In 1994, he opened his own business, which provided turn-around consulting support to struggling companies. In 1996, Bob and a trusted friend/business associate bought Wright Plastic Products Co., LLC, a plastic injection molding business operating out to two locations in Michigan. With Bob’s strong finance background and the tremendous support from his dedicated management team, Tom, Marvid and Jim, Wright Plastic Products became a highly respected business in the automotive parts manufacturing sector. Fun fact - Wright also produces specialty products like the infamous Martini Tee, a unique type of golf tee, very popular on Hilton Head and elsewhere. In 2015, Bob and a new business partner expanded Wright by acquiring an additional manufacturing plant in Tennessee. In 2024, Bob and his then business partners, with assistance from Andy, his banker and friend, sold the business to his management team, who had become like family during the decades they had worked together. Being able to sell the business to Tom, Marvid and Jim, essentially keeping it in the family, was extremely important to Bob and made him very proud.

Bob enjoyed his sports, especially his Cleveland teams, Ohio State football and golf. He spent many years as a member of Shaker Country Club while raising his family in Shaker Heights, Ohio. After purchasing Wright Plastic Products, Bob moved to the Grand Rapids, Michigan area in 2005, where he joined Blythefield Country Club in Belmont, Michigan. In 2009, he married the love of his life, Cindy, on the 14th hole at Blythefield. Over the years they enjoyed spending time together both on and off the golf course with friends at Blythefield, the host of the Meijer LPGA Classic for Simply Give since 2014. He so enjoyed being the volunteer co-hole captain on Hole 18 during tournament week with his good friend and “tournament wife” Pam for a number of years until he became too ill to participate.

After living part-time in Grand Rapids and on Hilton Head for 10 years, Bob and Cindy moved full-time to Hilton Head in 2022. He was diagnosed that fall with Stage 4 cancer, including lung cancer and associated brain tumors. Bob experienced many miracles during his 4-year cancer journey. Many times, when doctors held little hope, God had a different plan, which was nothing short of extraordinary. Bob’s testimony was a wonderful witness for the Lord. People liked to say Bob was a man with nine lives. Shortly after Bob’s cancer diagnosis, he was also diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. His family, friends and medical providers watched him overcome unbelievable physical challenges with unmatched strength and determination, all with an air of gratefulness and appreciation. His medical team at South Carolina Cancer Specialists was outstanding.

Bob’s greatest joy during for the past 17 years was spending time with his wife Cindy, family and friends. He loved living on the water in Palmetto Dunes on Hilton Head. He never tired of saying how much he enjoyed the live oaks with their hanging moss. He also enjoyed couples golf trips, river cruises, and just getting together with friends. In more recent years, when he was too weak to play golf or travel anymore, he looked forward to his frequent breakfasts and lunch dates with his good buddies Don, Dave, Rich, and Joe, as well as spending Tuesday nights with his Life Group from church. They were such dedicated prayer warriors for Bob and Cindy, as well as so many others, and he felt blessed having them in their lives. Bob was also blessed with the kind and caring staff at Broad Creek Care Center, a wonderful nursing home and assisted living facility on Hilton Head. Everyone from administration to kitchen staff never hesitated to let his loved ones know what a kind man Bob was and how he called everyone by name! This was a rare gift, and he was so appreciated for it. They all truly loved him.

Bob was very adamant about not wanting a funeral, so please celebrate him in your own way. As an army vet, Bob was passionate about supporting the efforts of Tunnel to Towers. Memorial gifts in honor of Bob can be made to Tunnel to Towers at t2t.org.

Bob was a quiet man, but had a huge impact on everyone who knew him. He will be missed.