William Robert "Bobby" Aiken, age 84, of Anderson, SC passed away on May 2, 2017 at Hospice of the Upstate after a short illness. Born on July 15, 1932 in Pendleton, SC, he was a son of the late Francis James Aiken and Evelyn Byars Aiken. After graduating from Pendleton High School he attended and played basketball for Clemson University, graduating in 1959. Bobby was an avid supporter of IPTAY for many years and loved his Clemson Tigers. He enjoyed deep sea fishing, cruising on his boat on Lake Hartwell, and playing golf with his buddies. He was known for his skills in the kitchen as well as his talents on the dance floor. A consummate entertainer, his big laugh in good times and bad will be remembered by many. After serving in the U.S. Army in Korea, Bobby returned to Anderson where he worked in textiles for his entire career. He was employed by Texize Chemicals in the sales and textile divisions. He later joined Intex Products, becoming Vice President. In 1974 he established Baychem, Inc., the first textile chemical manufacturing plant in the Anderson area. He was a member of the American Management Association, the Georgia Textile Manufacturers Association, and the Southern Textile Association where he served on the Board of Governors. Bobby was predeceased by his beloved wife of fifty-six years, Millicent Oehmig Aiken. He is survived by his daughter Barbara Ballard "Babs" Crane(Andy) and five grandchildren; Taylor Brown Aiken (Taylor), William Robert "Trey" Aiken, III, Justin Graham Aiken, Andrew Marion Crane (Anita), Lee Crane Morris (Rewis), and twelve great-grandchildren. He is also survived by brothers Thomas Henry Aiken and Daniel Arthur Aiken, sister Frances Aiken Martti, and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two sons, William Robert Aiken, Jr. and Cass Aiken, brother Francis James Aiken, Jr., and sister Barbara Ann Aiken Hale. The Service to honor and celebrate his life will be held on Friday, May 5, 2017, at 11:00 a.m. at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel with Reverend Dwight Greene officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cancer Association of Anderson, 215 East Calhoun Street, Anderson, SC 29621. Events Funeral Service Friday, May 5, 2017 11:00AM Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum 2609 U. S. Highway 29 North SC, US 29621 Final Resting Place Forest Lawn Memorial Park 2609 U. S. Highway 29 North Anderson , SC 29621