Bobby Simril “B.S.” Plair, Sr.

Mr. Bobby Simril “B.S.” Plair Sr. was born in Rock Hill, South Carolina to the late Ruth Branch and Isaiah Plair, Sr. He passed away peacefully on November 23, 2025, surrounded by family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of over fifty years, Juanita Scott Plair.

B.S. Plair, Sr. was raised in the Crawford Road community and resided there until his passing. With all of his success and accomplishments he never saw any reason to leave his roots.

Mr. Plair attended Emmett Scott High School and was a graduate of Friendship Jr. College in Rock Hill, SC and North Carolina A&T University in Greensboro. He had taken coursework at South Carolina State University, Winthrop University, University of South Carolina and Virginia State University.

Mr. Plair was a World War II veteran having served in the South Pacific area during the years 1945-46.

Mr. Plair started the first band at Elizabeth Heights School in Great Falls, SC. He also started the first band at George Fish School in Fort Mill, SC. After serving in Ft. Mill, Mr. Plair worked at Clinton Jr. College as chorale director which is very near to his birthplace. After leaving Clinton College Mr. Plair became the band director at Finley High School and completed his professional teaching career in Chester having taught for thirty years.

While keeping a job teaching, Mr. Plair always kept other businesses going with the assistance of his late wife. One of these businesses was Plair’s grocery on Simrill Street. This store has been in business for over fifty years and is a staple of the community. Another business that Mr. Plair had interest in and was very successful at it was owning and renting real estate. Throughout the years Mr. Plair has purchased property all over Rock Hill and was able to make a decent income from his rental property. One of his most noted purchases was the Old Herman Church on Dave Lyle Blvd. This property is very dear to Mr. Plair because his grandmother, mother as well as himself attended this church. The property also has historical significance being the site of the first school for African-Americans in the Rock Hill area as well as an important place during the civil rights movement of the 1960’s. Mr. Plair did not want what he considers sacred ground to fall into the wrong hands and put his money where his mouth is to make the purchase and needed repairs. The church is now being rented by the Souls for Christ Congregation who has regular services and other programs there. Another source of income was the well-known “Plair” band. As a band leader, Mr. Plair has appeared with or opened for well-known acts such as Patti LaBelle and the Bluebells, The Ellington Orchestra, The Commodores, The Platters and too many others to mention.

Mr. Plair became a member of V.F.W. post 3746 in the late 1940’s and was a life member. During part of his time with this post he served as quartermaster.

Mr. Plair has received too many honors to mention but a few of them are the prestigious Medal of Honor in the Arts from Winthrop University, Public Service Award from the MLK Celebration Committee, Certificate of appreciation from The Affordable Housing Corp., a special citation from The City of Rock Hill for teaching a Saturday morning music class at the Emmett Scott Center, a special award from Clinton College and many others. He was awarded The Congressional Gold Medal which was awarded to the Montford Point Marines in recognition of their personal sacrifice and service to their country during World War II. He is also a member of Sons of Light Masonic Lodge, Menzel Shriners Lodge, and a life member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity.

He is survived by his daughter Sarah Plair Chisolm (Allen); sons, Bobby Plair Jr. (Cyphese) and Victor Plair (Carmen); sister, Cynthia Plair Roddey; grandchildren, Allen Chisolm Jr. (Rebecca), Terrence Chisolm, Aldric Chisolm; step grandson, Sean Redfern; a host of great-grandchildren, cousins, and other family.