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Classmates we've lost since our 50th Reunion
Margaret Ann Sims
08/05/2023
Mr. Robert Reeves
February 1, 1948 ~ March 15, 2023
75 Years Old
Obituary
On February 1, 1948, God needed a “strong child” so He sent Robert Erskine Reeves, Jr., to be born in Columbia, South Carolina, to the late Robert Erskine Reeves, Sr., and Lois Bishop Reeves. Robert Jr.’s undeniable strength, valor, courage, and toughness influenced his family, church family, football team, and the hundreds of young people he coached and mentored. He showed his love for God through his unselfish gifts to others. It is evident that Robert lived a strong, active, and productive life.
Mindful of his mortality, Robert initially confirmed his faith and relationship to God as a member of Chappelle Memorial AME Church and later as a member of the Francis Burns United Methodist Church. He loved the church services, especially the singing; and he also loved quartet singing.
Robert was educated at the St. Martin DePorres Catholic School and was a proud graduate of Booker T. Washington High School Class of 1965 in Columbia, South Carolina. Subsequently, he enrolled at South Carolina State University (SCSU) in 1965 as an all-state running back (full back). However, it was on defense, as a linebacker, that he starred in his freshman year. He ended his collegiate career in 1969 as a Pittsburgh Courier All-American and was signed by the Miami Dolphins and played for the Columbia All Stars football team. Robert was selected as an SCSU Hall of Famer and a member of the SCSU Top 100 Football Team.
Robert’s family includes his loving wife of 53 years, Lizzie Devlin Reeves. This union produced a daughter, Robin Nicole Reeves of Washington, DC. He was predeceased by his son, Robert Erskine Reeves, III. He is also survived by his sister, Brenda Campbell (Clyde), of Savannah, Georgia. Other family members include four brothers-in-law, four sisters-in-law, and a host of cousins, the Francis Burns Church family, the South Carolina State University Alumni, and especially his former football circle of life-long friends.
When God needed a “strong man” to do some heavy lifting in His kingdom, through His infinite memory, He reached back and selected that same “strong child” who was born in 1948 and became the strong man in SC State football in 1965. God chose Robert, not as a linebacker who could play on the defense, but this time, He needed a running back who could play on the offense. On Thursday, March 16, 2023, at Prisma Palmetto Richland Hospital, God put Robert in the game of his life and allowed him to run one more play-- before going home. As Robert got closer to the goal line, he was tackled, within reach of the goal line, but the “strong man” got up and scored on the final play. On the way to victory, he looked back at Liz and Robin one final time, and then He looked straight ahead and “touched the face of God”.
While rejoicing with the home team, he like the other redeemed of the earth could now proclaim-- “the joy of the Lord, is my S T R E N G T H!"
Dorothy McDuffie Fitzpatrick
COLUMBIA -- Dr. Dorothy Jo McDuffie Fitzpatrick, 74, peacefully transitioned on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, in Columbia.
Arrangements will be announced later by Al Jenkins Funeral Home of Orangeburg.
Friends may call the funeral home.
Online condolences may be submitted to family at www.aljenkinsfuneralhome.com
James Thomas
August 23, 2022
Charles S. Thompson, Jr.
October 8, 2022
Charles Spurgon Thompson, Jr. was born on June 21, 1948, to the late Reverend Charles S. Thompson, Sr. and Mrs. Rebecca Thompson in Society Hill, South Carolina.
“May the Work I’ve Done Speak for Me”
At an early age, Charles accepted Christ as his Lord and Savior, was baptized and joined Bethesda Baptist Church where he served faithfully in various capacities of the church. Charles was educated in Society Hill and graduated from Rosenwald High School in 1965 at the age of 16. Charles attended South Carolina College and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. Charles’ career included high school educator, train operator, and a licensed tax preparer. He was a lifetime member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity Inc. A very positive and caring man, Charles loved his family and friends. He loved eating sweets, especially Donna’s Red Velvet Cake. Charles was a mathematician and was a great teacher to his beloved grandchildren. Charles loved to read his Bible and the newspaper daily. He also loved Soultown on XM Radio and listening to his favorite jazz musician Cannonball Adderley. He would call his family “in the midnight hour” just to check on them.
“For this reason, a man will leave his father and mother and be united with his wife, and the two will become one flesh” (Ephesians 5: 31)
Charles was joined in marriage to Annie D. Gardner in April 1972, and they were blessed with three sons, Charles, Keith, and Shelton.
“Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” (I Corinthians 15: 51-52)
Charles answered the call of our Heavenly Father on October 8, 2022: “Well done, thy good and faithful servant, you’ve been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter thou into the joy of thy Lord.“ Charles was preceded in death by his parents Reverend Charles and Rebecca Thompson; his sons, Shelton Orlando Thompson and SFC Charles Surgin Gardner `(US Army Retired) and his brother, Harold Thompson, Sr.
“Gone, but Not Forgotten”
A lifelong resident of Society Hill, and relocating to Cheraw, South Carolina in his later years, Charles always returned home to Society Hill. Charles leaves to cherish his memories: his wife Annie D. Thompson of Columbia, South Carolina; two loving sons, SFC Keith DeWayne (Donna) Thompson (US Army Retired) of Midway, Georgia and Antwan Thompson of Darlington, South Carolina; daughter-in- law, Sharon Gardner of Glenn Heights, Texas; twelve grandchildren, Iesha Wilson, Joycelyn Thompson, Kanesha Thompson, Shavon(William) Gibson, Jaala Thompson, Serivia Gardner, Deandra Gardner, Darrell Williams, Jr., Darren Williams, Chasity Johnson, Jayceon Durant and Martavis Thompson; five great grandchildren, Mason, DaVion, Apollo, Braylen and Kehlani; sister, Deborah(Thomas) Harrell of Society Hill, South Carolina; special nephews, Harold (Alice) Thompson, Jr., Terrence (Wyshema) Harrell, Derrall Blackmon and Taurean C. Harrell; loving Cheraw cousins, as well as a host of other dear cousins, many loving nieces and nephews, grand and great-grandnieces, grand and great-grand nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, his extended family at Chesterfield Courts in Cheraw and special friends.
David V. Barr
August 2, 2022
On Tuesday morning, August 2, 2022, Mr. David Vondelle Barr finished his earthly walk and stepped into the sunset of life. David was born on January 15, 1947 to Mrs. Allie Mae Barr and the late Mr. David Lee Barr in Latta, S.C.
He was baptized as an infant and, when he became of age, joined and became a faithful and active member of Andrews Chapel United Methodist Church (UMC) in Latta, SC. After moving to Florence, SC, he transferred his membership to Cumberland UMC in 1978.
He completed his early education in the public schools of Latta, SC and graduated from Latimer High School in 1965. David holds a bachelor's degree from SC State University and a master's degree in Community and Occupational Programs in Education from USC-Columbia. He is a graduate of Leadership Florence, Leadership South Carolina, and the National Executive Leadership Institute as sponsored by the National League for Innovation in the Community College. David served honorably in the U.S. Army and is a Vietnam veteran.
In 1970 he was united in marriage to Geraldine Barr.
David retired during 2000, after 31 years of state service, as Vice-President for Student Affairs at Florence-Darlington Technical College where he received an Outstanding Educator Award and two Administrator of the Year Awards during his career. During 2001 through retirement again in 2009, David assumed the presidency of United Way of Florence County (UWFC). UWFC has a 34 member board of directors and supports 20+ agency partners that provide services to youth, the elderly, families, and the less fortunate throughout Florence County. David also served as Board Chairman of the SC Association of Nonprofit Organizations based in Columbia, SC during his tenure with UWFC.
As a long-time civic volunteer, David has served on numerous boards and committees locally and across South Carolina that promote the betterment of the community and its citizens.
His younger brother, Jesse, preceded him in death.
Those left to cherish his memory and celebrate his life include his wife, Geraldine, of the home, daughter, Kristen of Hanover, Maryland, mother, Mrs. Allie Barr Wilson of Latta, SC, two brothers, Norris Barr-Mack of Latta, SC and Donald Barr (Julia) of Irvington, N.J.; one Aunt, Mrs. Josephine Dismore of Brooklyn, New York; four sisters-in-law, Mrs. Thelma Easley, Mrs. Darletha Lee, both of Bennettsville, SC; Mrs. Fannie Gardner of Laurinburg, NC and Mrs. Ola Scott (Jim) of Fort Washington, MD; as well as, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. His presence in the family and the community will be greatly missed.
Eugene Vanderbilt Hildebrand, Jr.
On Saturday afternoon June 25, 2022, our beloved husband and father, Eugene Vanderbilt Hildebrand, Jr. transitioned into the arms of Almighty God, and we are so thankful for the life that he lived while on this earth with us. He was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina on November 11, 1947, and was a resident of Somerset, New Jersey.
He was predeceased by his parents Eugene Vanderbilt Hildebrand, Sr. and Dorothy Stokes Hildebrand. Left to cherish Eugene’s memory are his wife, the Rev. Jo Helen Hildebrand, his children, Lisa Renee Hildebrand and Eugene V. Hildebrand, III, and daughter-in-law Wendy Hildebrand two grandchildren Eugene Hildebrand, IV and Eva Brielle Hildebrand; his brother and sister-in-law Charles and Iris Hildebrand, and their daughters Nikki and Amii; and his sister Loretta Hildebrand McFadden and her daughter Ayesha McFadden and his first cousins Reginald Hildebrand and Shawn Hildebrand and also cousins Betty and Louie Dicks and a clan of many other nieces, nephews and friends.
Eugene loved spending time chatting with his son about different subjects, especially sports. He was a strong supporter of his son running track and participating in little league baseball when he was younger. He also loved to shop for his daughter, bake her favorite desserts, allowing her to help him. Her favorite phrase was, “Is it ready yet?”
Although Eugene was proud to serve in the United States Air Force, his greatest joy was being a servant of the Lord Jesus the Christ by severing his fellowman. As an employee of American Cyanamid, Frigidaire, Royal Construction Company and People Ready. He was known as a person who really cared about those whom he supervised. He lived a full life in service to God, friends and those in need and especially The Church of our Lord, his Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ He was a member of Mt. Pisgah African Methodist Episcopal Church, Princeton, New Jersey.
Homegoing service will be at Mount Zion African Methodist Church, New Brunswick, New Jersey, 39 Hildebrand Way, New Brunswick, New Jersey Saturday, July 2, 2022, at 10:00 A.M.
Fred Matthews
Frederick Matthews Obituary (1947 - 2022) - Macon, GA - The Telegraph (legacy.com)
Frederick A. Matthews1947 - 2022
March 9, 1947 - April 12, 2022
Macon, Georgia - A Celebration of Life service for Frederick A. Matthews will be held 10AM Friday, April 29, 2022 at Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church. Pastor Stanley Kimble will officiate. Interment services will follow at Georgia Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Milledgeville, GA Mr. Matthews, 75, transitioned peacefully at home with his wife at his side on Tuesday, April 12, 2022.
Survivors include his loving wife, Adele Wright Matthews; three loving children; Eunice M.(Phillip) Bradshaw, Sabrina A. Matthews, Thomas F. (Ashley) Matthews; two devoted brothers; James Matthews, St. Julian (Catherine) Matthews; two precious grandchildren; Penelope A. Bradshaw, Jaidynce Linduski; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
PUBLIC VIEWING WILL BE HELD 3 - 5PM ON THURSDAY, APRIL 28, 2022. SOCIAL DISTANCING WILL BE MANDATORY AND FACE MASKS ARE REQUIRED.
In Lieu of flowers the family request donations be made in Frederick's name to South Carolina State at www.scsu.edu and the Media Ministry at www.mtmoriahmacon.org.
Jones Brothers Mortuary has charge of arrangements.
Published by The Telegraph on Apr. 27, 2022.
Tyrone Caldwell
Tyrone Caldwell, age 74, of Memphis, Tennessee passed away on Tuesday, January 4, 2022. Tyrone was born March 23, 1947. Avisitation for Tyrone will be held Friday, January 14, 2022 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at M.J. Edwards F.H. Stage Road Chapel, 4445 Stage Road, Memphis, Tennessee 38128. A funeral will occur Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 3:00 PM at M.J. Edwards F.H. Stage Road Chapel.
Felix Cooper
Please accept Echovita’s sincere condolences. It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Felix Cooper (Columbia, South Carolina), who passed away on June 17, 2021, at the age of 75, leaving to mourn family and friends. Family and friends can send flowers and/or light a candle as a loving gesture for their loved one. Leave a sympathy message to the family in the guestbook on this memorial page of Felix Cooper to show support.
Francis Gary
Francis Gary Gary- Mr. Francis Gary, Jr entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, January 20, 2021. The relatives and friends of Mr. Francis Gary, Jr., his wife; Maggie Gary, his children; Stephanie Gary and Justin Gary, aunts; Wilhelmina Brown and Gwendolyn White, nieces, nephews ,and cousins. Other relatives and friends are invited to attend his walk through on Sunday, January 24, 2021 from 4:00PM-6:00PM in the funeral home chapel. His Celebration of Life service will be held Monday, January 25, 2021, 1:00 PM at NORTH AREA FUNERAL HOME. Inhumation Private. Due to COVID-19; everyone is required to wear a face mask and practice social distancing. Mr. Gary graduated from South Carolina State University in 1969. He retired from Boeing Corporation and The United States Department of Homeland Security as an inspector. Funeral Arrangements by NORTH AREA FUNERAL HOME, 4784 Gaynor Ave, N. Chas, SC. Tele 843 744-7511. Visit our guestbook at www.legacy.com/obituaries/ charleston. Obituary | Francis Gary, Jr of North Charleston, South Carolina | North Area Funeral Home (northareafh.com)
Philip Harrison
Philip Harrison, 71, of 299 Tyler Road, passed away Sunday, June 14, 2020. Funeral plans will be announced by W.B. Crumel Funeral Home of North. There will be graveside services at Belleville on Thursday at 11:a.m. Additional details will be posted on our website as they become available.
Dr Willie Josey
WILLIE LEROY JOSEY JOSEY JOSEY Posted Friday, February 4, 2022 6:00 am Col. Willie Leroy Josey, M.D., 75, loving and devoted husband of Carmen Robinson Josey, was born on Nov. 18, 1946, in Sumter, the third son of the late Manning Sr. and Georgia Mae Black Josey. He passed from this world to his new home on Sunday, Jan. 23, 2022. He was a graduate of Lincoln High School, South Carolina State College and University of South Carolina School of Medicine. He was a deacon of Pleasant Green Baptist Church, where he was a member of the male chorus. He served in the Vietnam conflict, Panama conflict and Operation Desert Storm. Col. Josey received the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, Bronze Star, Republic of Vietnam Campaign, Vietnam Service Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon and Army Service Ribbon Medal. Dr. Josey was a medical director at the Troop Clinic in Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas, and Ireland Medical Center, Fort Knox, Kentucky. He opened private practice in Alliance and Beloit, Ohio, and relocated to Southern Ohio and was a physician for Southern Ohio Medical Center and a private practice in South Shore, Kentucky. He was preceded in death by his parents, Manning Josey Sr. and Georgia Mae Black Josey; his children, Dale Robinson, Leroy Alfonzo Josey, Anna Alicia Josey and newborn twins; his grandmother, Carrie Sigler Green; and one brother, Manning Josey Jr. He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife of 38 years, Carmen Robinson Josey; his sons, Joel Robinson, Jeffrey Ahmed Josey and Jamar Alexander Josey; his daughters, Juliana Marie Josey-Smith and LaDonna Monique Josey; 10 grandchildren; siblings, David (Phyllis) Josey, F. Marie Josey of New Jersey, Leon (Nancy) Josey of Massachusetts, Ted Josey, Darrell Josey and Cynthia Josey of South Carolina; sisters-in-law, Henrietta (Rupert) White of Guam and Delicia Robinson of Ohio; brother-in-law, Lorenzo (Debra) of Alabama; his adopted family, the Johnson family of Ohio; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, family and friends. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday in the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter, with Elder Lorenzo Robinson, eulogist. Visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. today in the John Wesley Williams Sr. Memorial Chapel of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter. The procession will leave at 12:20 p.m.
Henry L Murray
Henry Murray died on January 20, 2022
Leon Ervin Myers
Leon Ervin Myers ORANGEBURG -- Professor Leon Ervin Myers died on April 28, 2021, at Lexington Medical Center, Columbia. Services were held May 8 at Arnett Memorial Gardens. He was born on July 31, 1946, in Georgetown to the late Odell Myers and Shirley Myers. Leon graduated from Howard High School in 1964 and was a member of Arnett AME Church, Georgetown. He matriculated to South Carolina State College, Orangeburg, earning a bachelor of science degree in mathematics and a master of education degree plus 30. He was also a member of Omega Psi Phi Inc. Professor Myers served South Carolina State University as an instructor for 49 years of distinction. Surviving are his siblings Patricia Joan Brown of Nashville, Tennessee, and Bennie Myers (Cheryl) of Roslindale, Massachusetts; devoted cousins, Norma (Frank) Grant, Stacey (Monica) Franklin and son Peyton; and a host of other relatives, colleagues and friends. Published by The Times and Democrat on May 19, 2021.
Willie "Sam" Nails
Willie “Sam” Nails of South Orange passed away suddenly on Monday, November 8, 2021 at Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark He was born in Atlanta, Georgia on August 18, 1946. Sam was the husband of Lillian Harrison Nails and father to Alexis, Chad and Byron. Private services will be held 12 noon Wednesday, November 17, 2021 , at Woody “Home for Services, 163 Oakwood Avenue, Orange and may be viewed by clicking on his name at woodyhomeforservices.com. Cremation will be private at Rosedale Cemetery in Orange. In lieu of flowers donations in his memory can be made to stjude.org or feedthechildren.org.
Dr. Clarence Thompson
Clarence Russell Thompson, MD MYRTLE BEACH -- Clarence R. Thompson is survived by his loving wife, Doreen C. Stephens. He was born on Aug. 24, 1947, in Orangeburg, son of Lucille Jones Thompson and Stewart Ellis Thompson. Clarence departed life on Sunday, Oct. 4, 2020, after an extended illness. Clarence's childhood and early adulthood were spent in Orangeburg. He attended Trinity United Methodist Church in Orangeburg, and accepted Christ as a young man. Clarence graduated from Wilkinson High School in 1965 and attended South Carolina State University, where he received his bachelor of science degree in chemistry. The MD degree was subsequently earned at Meharry Medical College in1973. After graduation, Clarence served an internship at Madigan Army Medical Center and residency training at the Brooke Army Medical Center. He did further subspecialty training and attained board certification in internal medicine and rheumatology at the University of Louisville Hospitals in Louisville, Kentucky. Upon completion of his medical training, Clarence then went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army with distinction. He served both stateside and in Europe. He was recognized for meritorious service as Chief, Ambulatory Clinics, United States Army Medical Department Activity, Fort Jackson, for his professionalism, outstanding leadership, clinical acumen, dedication and commitment. He served as Chief, Internal Medicine Service, for two years at the United States Medical Department Activity, Fort Campbell, Kentucky. Because of his exemplary performance of duty in keeping with the highest traditions of military service, Clarence was again recognized for outstanding contributions to the United States Army. He was also deployed to Germany related to the Rapid Defense Force. He retired from active military service at the rank of lieutenant colonel. After military service, Clarence entered solo private practice in Irmo, where he continued to serve the medical needs of his community. He also was on the teaching faculty of Meharry Medical College and the clinical staffs of the Alvin C. York and Myrtle Beach VA Outpatient Clinics. After 33 years of medical practice, Clarence published two books. One of these books ("A Righteous Summer" published by Amazon) received outstanding reviews and was selected as a finalist in the 2019 Indies International Book Award competition for independent publishers. He was an avid photographer, wrote poetry and enjoyed fishing. He generously supported charitable organizations. Clarence leaves a legacy of love and devotion to his family, patients and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucille Jones Thompson and Stewart Ellis Thompson Sr.; brother, Stewart E. Thompson Jr.; and sister, Jacquelyn Thompson Newmuis. Memories of Clarence will live on through Chy (Texan) Green; sons, Carlton Thompson and Christopher Thompson, both of Columbia; two brothers, Harold (Suzanne Fletcher, MD) Thompson, MD, of Nashville and Dwight (Ethel) Thompson, DDS, of Collierville, Tenn.; sister, Gwendolyn (Leonard) Hedgepeth of Fayetteville, N.C.; grandsons, Cavan Green and Falcon Green; and a host of aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.