Myrtle Beach’s Heartwarming Story of Loss and Resilience
Hey Myrtle Beach! We’ve got some news that tugs at the heartstrings a bit, so grab a seat and maybe a cup of your favorite brew. You know the Old Bull and Bush Pub and Eatery in Socastee? You probably do because it’s one of those cozy spots we all love. Well, there’s a *bittersweet tale* coming from there that we think the whole Grand Strand community should hear.
A Family Loss
Let’s rewind to spring 2023: the pub was a buzzing hub where everyone knew Bobby Tourney, a bartender who had become more of a family member to the staff and patrons alike. After having worked there for about eight to nine years, Bobby was described as truly *one-of-a-kind*. “There’s no one like Bobby,” co-owner Bobby Cathcart chuckled when reminiscing about his buddy. “He was a staple to this bar; part of the furniture, we like to say.”
However, that spring, sadness struck as cancer claimed Bobby’s life. The pub wanted to keep his spirit alive, so in a heartfelt gesture, Cathcart honored him by naming a part of the bar after him. Even more touching, half of Bobby’s ashes were placed in a safe behind the bar – a move they thought would keep his memory intact at the spot he loved so much.
The Unthinkable Happened
But, just three months later, tragedy struck again, this time in the form of a burglary that shook the community. A man named Samuel Smith, along with a string of burglaries he allegedly committed around town, stole that very safe containing Bobby’s ashes. Yep, you heard that right – just when they thought they had preserved his memory, the safe was taken right from under them.
This wasn’t just a theft of *money or property*; for Cathcart and the team, it felt like losing Bobby all over again. “The crime here for us wasn’t about money,” he stated. “It wasn’t about losing a safe or repairing a door. You know, we lost someone very near and dear to us.”
Hope and Healing
Fast forward over a year later, and there’s been no sign of those original ashes. It seems they were lost in the chaos of the investigation, putting a heavy cloud over the pub. Tourney’s family had previously given the rest of his ashes to the restaurant, and now they remain sealed in a bottle of his favorite bourbon, perched high above the bar. “I put him on the top shelf as high up as I possibly could, and he looks over us each and every day,” Cathcart shared, offering a glimmer of comfort amid the heartbreak.
Although the police successfully arrested Smith, the quest to recover Bobby’s ashes continues to remain unsolved. Cathcart expressed hopes that justice would prevail not just for his pub and the other affected restaurants but for Bobby’s family as well. “I hope nobody’s dragging their feet on this,” he said. “I hope that Bobby’s family, my restaurant, and other restaurants receive an answer at some point.”
What’s Next?
As of now, there’s no set court date for Smith, and the investigation into where Bobby’s ashes went is closed on the police end. Here’s to hoping for some closure and resolution for everyone involved – after all, honoring friends and keeping memories alive is what really matters in our tight-knit community.
Myrtle Beach, let’s continue to support our local businesses and cherish the memories of those who made a lasting impact on our community. After all, it’s these stories that weave the fabric of our cherished hometown.
Until next time, keep your spirits high and your local favorites close!
Author: STAFF HERE MYRTLE BEACH
The HERE Myrtle Beach Staff Writers are a collaborative team of journalists, editors, and local contributors passionate about delivering accurate, timely information to the Myrtle Beach community. As part of the HEREcity.com Network, which powers over 100 U.S. city sites including HEREcolumbia.com, our staff draws on collective experience in South Carolina journalism to cover everything from business sales and real estate developments to dining deals and community initiatives. Our Expertise and Background Local Roots in Myrtle Beach Our team includes lifelong Myrtle Beach residents and SC natives with deep knowledge of the area’s history, economy, and culture. We’ve covered key events like the recent developments along the Grand Strand, Myrtle Beach’s tourism and hospitality industry, and growth in local education sectors (e.g., Coastal Carolina University programs). Collective Experience With over 50 combined years in journalism, our staff has backgrounds in print, digital media, and community reporting. We prioritize fact-based stories, drawing from sources like the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce, city government records, and on-the-ground interviews. Commitment to Quality Every article is a group effort, involving research, editing, and verification to ensure reliability. We adhere to journalistic standards, citing credible sources and updating content as new details emerge.
