Robert E. Cashion, 83 - Simpsonville

Mr. Robert E. Cashion, 83, of Simpsonville, died Monday, May 26, 2014.

Born December 12, 1930, in Greenville, the son of the late Emerson Ponders Cashion and Lila Coleman Cashion.

 He attended Slater-Marietta Elementary School and graduated from Slater-Marietta High School in 1950. He was a life long member of Slater Baptist Church.

Mr. Cashion attended Furman University and received a Bachelors Degree in 1954 and a Masters Degree in 1957. While in college, he played on the Furman University Baseball Team.

He married Anne Marie Hunt, the love of his life, who passed away in 1988.

He is survived by a daughter, Beth Messick, a son Craig Cashion and his wife, Yvonne of Charleston, and Grandchildren; Thomas, Sarah Beth, and Anne Marie Coe and Caroline Cashion. Also, one brother, Fred Cashion of Dacusville; a sister, Evelyn Hill, deceased, and three brothers; Bill, Jack and Joe deceased.

Upon graduation from Furman in 1954, he went to work in the public schools of South Carolina, where he worked as a teacher for forty-nine years. He was named South Carolina Prinicipal of the year in 1990.

He served as principal of East Gantt Elementary School for forty years, and upon his retirement in 2003, a new school was built in his honor, Robert E. Cashion Elementary. Mr. Cashion received nine consecutive state academic achievement awards.
Mr. Cashion's love beyond family was the love he had for his family of teachers. During his time as a principal at East Gantt Elementary School, he was an important part in the lives of teachers. He felt that for a teacher to be effective, he or she must be supported, appreciated, and given time to teach.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 29, 2014 at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Southeast, 1604 NE Main St., Simpsonville, SC 29681. A Funeral Service will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, May 30, 2014 at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Southeast Chapel. Burial will follow at Graceland East Cemetery.

The family will be at the residence of Ron and Beth Messick.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one's choice.