Rockwell Waldorf Obituary

Rockwell "Rocky" Louis Waldorf, 77, passed away peacefully at home on February 18, 2026, after a brief battle with cancer.

Rocky was born on May 1, 1948, in Long Beach, California to Bessie Griffin Waldorf and Morris Waldorf. As the son of a military family, he spent his early years traveling before settling in Beaufort in 1959. He graduated from Beaufort High School in 1967, where he formed many lifelong friendships that he cherished throughout his life.

In 1969, Rocky was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country in Vietnam. For his bravery and dedication, he was awarded the Bronze Star Medal. After returning home, he embraced both family life and his career with equal devotion. He was employed for many years with Blue Channel Corporation and later dedicated 24 years of civil service at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, retiring with a deep sense of pride in the work he accomplished and the community he served.

Rocky was a lifetime member of AMVETS Post #70, where he faithfully served as Treasurer for nine years. He had a deep love for the ocean, Florida beaches in particular, and found great joy and peace tending to his yard and garden. Above all, he treasured time spent with his family and friends.

He is survived by the love of his life, Lucy Woods Waldorf; loving brother, Randy Waldorf; and his devoted son, Casey Waldorf (Liz), all of Beaufort, South Carolina. He is also survived by his stepson, Bo McDowell (Amira) of Jackson, Wyoming; Ashley McDowell of Beaufort; Jimmy Melvin (Dawn) of Beaufort; and his beloved grandchildren, Saylor Waldorf, Wyatt Sherpensky, Ember McDowell, Skylar Van Deusen, and Lior McDowell. He is also survived by 7 step-grandchildren and 16 step great grand-children.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepson, Thomas Melvin.

A graveside service with military honors will be held at Beaufort National Cemetery on Wednesday, February 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A celebration of life will immediately follow at The Fillin Station on Lady's Island. We kindly request attendees to arrive at the cemetery fifteen minutes prior to services.

Rocky will be remembered for his gregarious laugh, gift of gab, and the warmth felt by all he loved.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Friends of Fisher House Charleston in Rocky's memory. They made it possible for Lucy to stay by Rocky's side during his hospitalization.