All Obituaries

John Whitley Hinks Sr., lovingly known as "Big Red" to his friends and family, passed away on May 25, 2023, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and cherished memories. He was born and raised in Sumter, South Carolina, on June 17, 1943, to his late parents, John Harry Hinks and Mildred Hartness Hinks.   After graduating from Wofford College, John embarked on a successful career as an entrepreneur, establishing the Hinks Mortgage Company in 1983. For three decades, he...

Kathryn Gower Laing, 75, of Columbia, South Carolina passed away at home May 24, 2023, after battling cancer for several years. She was the daughter of William Kennedy Gower and Ella Rose Krug Gower of St. Petersburg, Florida. Kitty, as she was known to her many friends, grew up in St. Petersburg where she attended Northeast High School.  She graduated from the University of Georgia in 1970, where she was a member of Kappa Delta Sorority. Following college Kitty...

  Vera LaRein Russell was born October 9, 1933 to Earl and Ada Wilson. She was the 5th and final child they had together (Earline, Eugene, Norman, and Virginia)   She attended schools in the Philadelphia School District and graduated from Bok Vocational and Technical School in 1951.   She met Joseph Russell through mutual friends at a Party in 1953. A Courtship soon started and they were married September 10, 1955 at St. Charles Church. They were married until February 2,...

Greta D Rector, 89 of Blythewood, South Carolina passed away on May 14, 2023.  She was born in Phenix City, Alabama on May 2, 1934.  She was the daughter of the late Minzor Z. Chadwick and Sarah I. Chadwick  Mrs. Rector was predeceased by her husband Melvin L. Rector, her brother Ronald A. Chadwick and sister, Sarah “Ree” Bullock.  She is survived by her brother Minzor W. Chadwickand sister Derry C. Grant She is also survived by...

Christopher "Chris" McDonald, 36, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away on May 12, 2023. Chris was born on September 13, 1986, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Randy and Becky McDonald. He graduated from Ridgeview High School and attended 1 year at Midlands Community College. Chris was a loving father to his three children, Chris Jr, Hayden, and Gracen. Chris was survived by his partner Deatra Williams, parents, Randy and Becky McDonald, siblings, Chasity Council and Chad...

Paul John LaCroix of Hopkins passed peacefully at home after a short illness with loved ones around him. He was a proud veteran serving in the USCG for 101/2 years. His passion was his family, love of country music, singing  and playing his guitar and his Buick GN and Buick GNX cars and racing. Mr. LaCroix leaves behind his wife Ann LaCroix of 61 years; 3 daughters, Gail Guild and husband Nicholas Guild, Elaine Williams and husband Charles Williams, Susan Piro and husband...

Gerlinde (Linda) Brawley Downey, 71 of Lugoff passed away May 9, 2023. She was born in Wels, Austria and was the daughter of the late Forest Brawley and Leopoldine (Pauline) Kay. Mrs. Downey was predeceased by her husband David Downey and brother David Brawley. Surviving are her children Ronnie Taylor, Angela Downey and Amy (Rickey) Hinson, three grandchildren; Autumn Jones, Cody Hinson and Brielle Jones, 1 great grandchild Naminé Weston; her brother, George (Anita) Brawley and...

Donald H. Kelly, Sr. went to his Heavenly home on Sunday, April 23, 2023.  He was born December 18, 1942 in Columbia, South Carolina to the late Leonard and Edith Kelly.   He was a cold war patriot as an employee of the Savannah River Site in Aiken, South Carolina.   He was a member of Spring Valley Baptist Church.   He enjoyed The Masters and all Clemson Tiger sports.    He is survived by his children Allyson Kelly-Horton (Mike), Don Kelly...

Timothy S. Ray (72) passed away April 7, 2023 due to complications from major surgery. He was born in Vallejo, CA. He lived in various states during his youth following his father’s Navel career. Tim received his master’s in Engineering from the University of South Carolina. He was an active member in Spring Valley Baptist Church where he sang in the church choir, Valley Voices, and God’s Men. He was an Eagle Scout and received the Order of the Arrow, as did his sons. He...

  Carolyn McClain Tankersley went peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Friday, March 31 2023. She was born in Gadsden, Alabama, May 2, 1931, to the late Minet P. Mc Clain and Berta Ellen Godfrey McClain. Mrs Tankersley was a long-time resident of Blythewood, S.C. and a Member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She was fiercely dedicated to her family as a wife, mother and grandmother, an outstanding cook, talented gardener, advocate of many charities, lover of all animals...