IN MEMORIAM

Samuel David Coogler, 83, of Chapin, went to be with his Lord on Saturday, October 21, 2023.  The son of Clarence Coogler and Frances Lybrand Coogler, Sam was born in Irmo, South Carolina, on December 30, 1939.

Sam attended Irmo High School and went to work for the City of Columbia Water Department. Later in life, he began his home construction business (Cooglerbilt, Inc.).  He was known for his home building in the Irmo, Chapin, and Lake Murray areas.  Sam was a member of New Hope Lutheran Church.  He was also a Mason and a Shriner.

He enjoyed boating on Lake Murray, and he loved growing large gardens and sharing his produce with friends.

Sam is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Patricia Whittle Coogler and his son, Jimmy Keller. He is also survived by his brothers, Bill (Jane), Joe (Kay), and Lucius (Eileen),  his sister, Genie Pedersen (Pete), and many wonderful nieces and nephews.

The family thanks the hospice caretakers for their care of Sam, and also Joyce Gallman, whose tender care was so greatly appreciated.

Paul passed away on Friday, May 19, 2023 in Asheville, NC. Born in Columbia, SC, he was a son of the late David Willard Bouknight and Laura Earline Bouknight. A 1973 graduate of Irmo High School, he received his Bachelor’s degree in Building Science from Clemson University in 1977. Over the years, Paul worked for Lexington School District 5, M.B. Kahn, and Stanley Smith Associates. He retired as Director of Facilities and Planning for Prisma Health. After retirement, he worked at Columbia College as Director of Facilities and Operations. 

He was an avid gardener who was also involved in local politics and served as the President and the Vice President of Cottontown Neighborhood Association. 

Paul served on the advisory board of LRADAC, was a member of Boylston Masonic Lodge, and was involved as one of the appointed commissioners of the Columbia Museum of Art. He served on the South Carolina Lutheran Synod Council and was a member of Reformation Lutheran Church, where he served in the church council.

Surviving are his spouse, Joseph T. Haynes; brothers, Mark Bouknight (Chad), and David W. Bouknight (Frances); nephew, Dave Bouknight (Lisa); niece, Pam Lowrance; grand-nieces and grand-nephews, Will Bouknight, Carter Bouknight, Morgan Lowrance, and Charlie Lowrance; and numerous brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his nephew, Walter Eldridge Bouknight, and nephew-in-law, David Lowrance.

Mr. Siokos passed away on Tuesday, May 2, 2023. Born in Columbia, SC, he was a son of the late John Zachary Siokos and Amelia Sabbagha Siokos. 

He was a 1944 graduate of Columbia High School and served in the U.S. Army. George graduated from Clemson College in 1948 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He worked for General Electric and retired after 36 years of service. 

During his retirement, he did consulting work. George was a member of Tau Beta Pi Engineering Fraternity, Richland Sertoma Club, IPTAY, Boylston Masonic Lodge #123, Hejaz Shriners and Scottish Rite. He was a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. George enjoyed playing golf and gin rummy.

Surviving are his son, Zachary George Siokos (Michele) of Columbia, SC; daughters, Amelia Ann Siokos (David Fedor) of Columbia, SC, Donna Maria Siokos Resseguie (William) of Ridgeway, SC, Gina Siokos of Columbia, SC, and Georgianna Siokos Evans (Steve) of Blythewood, SC; 13 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; sister, Annette Corontzes; and loving caregiver, Monica Smith.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Drucy Lovelace Siokos, and his brother, John Andrew Siokos.

Robert E. “Bobby” Cripps passed away peacefully on April 24, 2023 surrounded by his loving family after a short bout with cancer. 

Bobby or Bob, as he was referred to by many friends, was born to the late Robert "Bob" E. Cripps, Sr. and the late Gloria Lois Blain Cripps in Dearborn, Michigan. His family moved to South Carolina in 1963 to start a trucking company where they all became avid Gamecock fans. The family moved to White Rock to be on Lake Murray in the late 1960s. He graduated A.C. Flora High School in Columbia in 1969. 

He met Judy Coleman while working as a truck driver at Palmetto Container. They were married in 1971 and had two children, Stacy and Robert E. “Skip” Cripps, III. Bobby and Judy divorced after 20 years of marriage, but always remained friends. It was during their marriage that Bobby became a Mason at Boyleston Lodge, Ballentine, and a Shriner at Jamil Temple, Columbia. 

Bobby owned and operated Kwik Way Stores in White Rock (also known as White Rock Self Service in the early days), Irmo, Lexington and West Columbia until he retired in December 2014. His brother, Tim worked by his side from the beginning of the business. His son, Skip, joined them shortly after graduating high school. Skip and Tim have carried on the family business since Bobby’s retirement. Also, Bobby owned Dockside Restaurant on Lake Murray from 1989 to 1994. 

Bobby worked hard and played hard. In his free time, he loved riding on one of the many boats he had over the years on Lake Murray, even taking one boat to the Bahamas with friends, Scott Marter and the late Bobby Jennings. Bobby enjoyed riding his Harley Davidson with his brother, Tim and buddies, Bob Brandi, Gary Brandi, Randy Rudd and Jeff Hester through many of the back roads of South Carolina and North Carolina. One of their best adventures was their ride to the Florida Keys. So many stories to so many adventures with so many friends, too many to put here, but you knew you were in great company when you were there. 

When Bobby retired, he purchased a second home in The Villages, Florida, where he played golf with friends, but it just wasn’t the same as home in South Carolina. So he returned to Irmo to play on Lake Murray. 

Bobby is survived by his daughter, Stacy (Phillip) Johnson; son, Robert E. “Skip” Cripps, III; brother, Tim (Cindy) Cripps; granddaughters, Katelyn, Ashley, and Sydney Cripps and Sunnie Seay; nieces, Courtney Cripps and Anna (Chris) Mills, Debbie (Bill) Roberts; nephew, Jerry (Allison) Snelling and wonderful girlfriend, Rebecca Farrow who was by his side continuously throughout his illness. 

Bobby was predeceased by his parents, Bob and Gloria Cripps and brother, Gerald "Jerry" Cripps. Bobby will be sorely missed by all that had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

Matthew Neil Sellers passed away on Friday, November 4, 2022 at his home. He was born on December 11, 1981 to Thomas Carl Sellers, Sr. and Rebecca Stevens Sellers.

Matthew is a member of Masonic Boyleston Lodge No. 123.  He was a graduate of Irmo High School and attended Midlands Technical College and the University of South Carolina.  At the time of his death, Matthew worked in I.T. for Doctors Care.  Prior to that, he worked in I.T. for 15 years with Terminix.  Matthew enjoyed music and was a talented guitar player.  He was an active member of Calvary Chapel in Irmo, S.C.

In addition to his parents, Matthew is survived by his brother, Thomas Carl Sellers, Jr. (Rebecca); and sister, Amy Sellers Berkley (Blake); his niece, Emma Berkley; and maternal grandmother, Dorla Montoure.

V. Fritz Hill, Jr., 83, born March 16, 1939. Fritz passed away on October 26, 2022 at Carroll Campbell Place in Lexington after a battle with dementia and diabetes. He is survived by his devoted wife, Dottie, of 50 years and his three sons, Fritz, David and Bobby. He was Papa to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Fritz graduated from Dreher High School and attended the University of South Carolina prior to enlisting in the United States Navy, serving on the USS Forrestal. He then worked at Dunbar Funeral Home for a brief time before employment with Bell South, formerly known as Southern Bell. He retired from Southern Bell in 1994 with 34 years of service.

Fritz was a long-time member of Chapin United Methodist Church, where he served in the Black Sheep Sunday School Class, Men’s Prayer Group, and Golden Agers. He was also a member of the Pacific and Boyleston Masonic Lodges.

 Mr. Forrest R. Stamper, Jr., of Lexington, SC, entered into rest in the comfort of his home on Sunday, August 28, 2022 with his wife, family and friends by his side.

Born in Weiden, Germany on September 2, 1951, his adopted parents were Forrest and Bonnie Stamper.

Forrest was in the US Navy, worked at Fort Jackson, and retired from the US Post Office after 25 years. He was a Mason, York Rite, Scottish Rite, and Shriner.

He is survived by his wife, Dell Stamper, of 29 years; daughters, Leslie Pollack, Lisa, Marie and April; son, Richard Dale Lovette; four grandchildren; one great grandchild and a sister, Karen Thornhill of Peoria, IL. He was a wonderful husband and stepfather.

Karl "Pops" Edward Schmidt, 84, of Chapin, died Wednesday, June 22, 2022 at home with his family.

Born July 15, 1937 in Washington, DC, he was a son of the late Arno and Lorena Myrtie High Schmidt.

Pops grew up in Maryland and following High School, joined the DC Air National Guard, 113th Wing. He later joined the United States Air Force, serving for ten years as an accountant at Joint Base Andrews. After his time in the military, Karl spent his career as a business accountant, working for several companies, including Volkswagen of North America (a loyal VW patron, his favorite car color was Tornado Red) and The Salvation Army, where he retired. In 2018, he moved from Galena, OH to Chapin, SC to be with Dan and Elaine. He continued using his accounting skills even in retirement, helping individuals and small business with their taxes.

Pops was a unique personality who despite his quiet calm demeanor, was unafraid to love life and enjoy the world around him. He appreciated great food and drink, especially any sort of pastry, seafood, which he enjoyed cooking, and of course, his chilled red wine.

He was a self-taught and very gifted pianist who loved sharing his skills and his passion for music with others. If there was a public piano around, you would find him at it, playing tunes for others. He was generous with his gift, playing in nursing homes and hospitals, and as of late in the South Carolina Oncology Associates cancer treatment center.

Pops also loved spending time on Lake Murray. He was the consummate boat captain, and a member of the Lake Murray Boat Club. You may have seen him on the lake on one of his annual birthday celebrations, dressed up in a themed costume, courtesy of Elaine.

Karl was an active participant in the Masons and was a member of the Northwest Masonic Temple in Columbus, OH where he achieved his 55-year pin. Locally, he was active with the Jamil Shrine Center and Boyleston Lodge No. 123, AFM of South Carolina.

He is survived by his sons, Daniel K. Schmidt (Elaine) of Chapin, SC; Michael W. Schmidt (Christine) of Bradenton, FL, Wayne R. Schmidt (Nancy) of Avon Lake, OH; step-daughter, Mary Sawyer (Alan) of Columbus, OH; step-son, Tim Mahoney of Westerville, OH; grandchildren, Haley, Nathan, Maxx and Ryan Schmidt; and step grandchildren, Lauren & Zack Sawyer and Maeve and Bridget Mahoney.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Judith "Judy" Mahoney Schmidt.

Kenneth Douglas Robbins, Sr. “Big Kenny” passed away peacefully in Duneden, FL on May 15, 2022. 

He was born June 3, 1947 to the late Bramble and Audrey Robbins in Columbia, South Carolina. in addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his sister Diane Robbins son, Robin  W. Hood. Left to cherish his memory,  his siblings,  Danny Robbins Nancy Icenhour and Allard Robbins; children, Doug Robbins (Lori) Jonathan Robbins (Denetra), Janet Oatman (Brian), Kristie Spires (Bryan), Diana Sox; Grandchildren, Randa Singleton (Wil), Jackson Dukes (Ashley), Mattie Oatman, Ryan Hood (Brittany), Kayla Brazell (Ryan), Jon Bramble Robbins, Jonathan Robbins, Jordan Robbins and Tyler Robbins; great grandchildren, Landyn and Ensley Dukes, Leighton and Blayke Hood and Beau Brazell.  Kenny also has many more extended members. 

Big Kenny was a Vietnam Vet where he was honored with several metals during his service including a National Defense Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Metal, Vietnam Service Medal with Four Bronze Service Stars and a Expert Rifle Medal. 

Kenny shared a brotherhood that he was so proud with Dutch Fork Masonic Lodge and Jamil Temple for over 40 years. Kenny was a lover of life and people, he never met a stranger.  He always had a smile and a hug and a KISS for everyone he met.  To truly know him was to love him.

Kenny spent the last years of his life in Clearwater, Florida, with Paula and the Big Pond (as he called it) in his backyard. 

He became a Floridan!

Mr. Bouknight passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2022. Born in Lexington County, he was the son of Julius A. and Virginia Fulmer Bouknight. He was a graduate of Lexington High School. Mr. Bouknight served in the U.S. Marine Corps. He retired from the Presbyterian Home of SC. He was a member of the Boyleston Masonic Lodge No. 123 where he served as Worshipful Master from 1974 through 1975, and as Secretary from 1977 through 1997.

Surviving are his sons, John Bouknight (Carmen), Matt Bouknight (Lyn); grandchildren, Ashley Bouknight, Matalyn Bouknight; brother, Mike Bouknight (Gloria Jean); nephews, Steven Bouknight (Bonnie) and Mark Bouknight (Shanna); his long-time companion, Kathi Miller, her children, grandchildren, and special friend Paul Gilly.

Eugene Sweat, 94, was born in Latta, South Carolina, on October 24, 1927. He was surrounded by his loving family as he peacefully joined his beloved wife of 70 years, Ernestine Carter Sweat, in heaven on Saturday, January 8, 2022.

During their life, they traveled the U.S., Canada and Mexico in their RV, making friends everywhere they went. He loved spending time on the water at Lake Murray. He enjoyed many hours of boating, fishing, and picnics on the lake's islands. He was the happiest on the lake teaching his children, their friends and grandkids to swim and ski.

Spending his career as a horologist for over 35 years, he retired from Dem's Jewelers at the age of 62. He was a faithful member of Dutch Fork Baptist Church. He served as a Deacon, sang in the choir, taught Sunday School and could call everyone by name. He served as Master Mason and was a life member of the Shandon Masonic Lodge No. 370 from 1955 through 1992. After being active in the Boyleston Masonic Lodge 123 since 1965, he demitted from membership at that lodge to become a life member to the Boyleston Masonic Lodge No. 123 in Ballentine in 1995.

He was a World War II veteran in the U.S. Navy. He served as a Seaman's First Class, gunner's mate, on the destroyer USS McCaffery. He was active with the Tin Can Sailor Alumni group. He was privileged to be included on the Honors Flight for veterans to tour Washington D.C.

He is survived by his four children, Regena Sweat Heilmann (Harry), Steven Sweat (Terri), Gwen Sweat Gloeckner and Cheryl Sweat Brinchi (Steve); grandchildren, Ken Britton (Serena), Stefanie King (Andy), Shelby Sweat, Malory Mundy (Jason), Lindsey Gloeckner, Jacob Brinchi, Stephanie Brinchi, Zachary Brinchi; and eight beautiful great-grandchildren. He is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and close friends who made his life a joy. He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 years, Ernestine Carter Sweat; his parents, Will Sweat and Edna Clark Sweat, and twelve siblings, Charlie, Willard, Edward, Billy, Aaron, Linnie, Dorothy (infant), Douglas, Edith, Betty, Jerry and Jack. He was the last of a generation of brothers and sisters who each left a mark on everyone's heart.

Harold Gerard Studley, 78, of Chapin, SC passed away peacefully on November 9, 2021, in the comfort of his home, with his wife and family by his side.

Harold G. Studley is survived by his wife, Gloria, his four children, Deborah Waldrop, Christopher Studley, Andrea Catangay, and Gregory Studley, and his grandchildren, Kat Wolnek, Brenden Wolnek, Devin Catangay, Sebastian Catangay, and Aidan Studley.

Harry, as he was known to many, was born to parents Harold H. and Madeline P. Studley of The Bronx, NY on December 9, 1942. He was the second son of a close-knit family, predeceased by his parents, younger siblings Susan Nilson and Edward Studley, and is survived by his elder sister, Patricia Phelan.

He attended Archbishop Molloy High School in Queens, NY. As a teen, "Hang-time Harry" loved to play basketball and later coached his children in basketball, soccer and softball. After graduating, he served in the United States Air Force as a radar technician for four years.

Harry and family lived in Syosset, NY for many years where he owned a motorcycle shop and worked in Manhattan as a master electrician for IBEW Local 3 until his retirement. In his twenties, he proudly served as a military draft board advisor to President Nixon and in the late 1970's, Harry brought his family abroad and worked on the International World Trade Center in Moscow, USSR. His love of adventure and travel continued throughout his life with trips abroad and many wonderful camping and motorcycle trips in the states.
He and family moved to Chapin, SC after his retirement, where he and wife, Gloria created a home base, dubbed "Chateau Studley" for family and friends alike. He and Gloria enjoyed hosting holidays and annual music parties. Harry also kept busy as a manager for performer, Nappy Brown and as an active participant in The Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church Men's Club. Recently, he became a proud member of the Shriners at the Jamil Shrine Temple in Columbia, SC.

Above all, Harold was a devoted husband and father. He was the biggest supporter of all of his children and grandchildren in everything from moving cross-country, attending almost every music and theatre performance, building and helping behind the scenes, and offering financial support and advice when needed. He was devoted to and so grateful for his "beautiful bride" and dancing-partner, Gloria, with whom he shared 59 years of marriage. Known as "The Mayor" to friends and family, Harry was a larger-than-life character beloved for his big hugs, sense of humor, and love of life. He will be remembered and missed dearly by the many lives he touched.

Frank G. Powers, 62, of Irmo, SC passed away on September 26, 2021. He was born in Holly Hill, SC on October 28, 1958. Frank was the son of Jack D. and Shirley Trent Powers.

He served in the United States Marine Corps and is a long-time member of The Boyleston Lodge 123, Eastern Star, Shriners (Jamil Motor Patrol).

Frank was a long-time employee of the County of Lexington serving in the Fleet Services Department as the Fleet Services Director. He has been a member of the Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church of Chapin for many, many years. He loved hunting, fishing and going camping with his wife and family. He enjoyed doing anything that involved spending time with his family.

Frank is survived by his wife, Susan; his children, Daniel Powers (Heather), Angel O’Neal and his bonus children, Morgan Carr and Helen Davis; his brother, Michael Powers (Sherry); his sisters, MaryAnn Gable (Jamie), Jackie Powers and Shannon Powers; his Dad, Jack Powers. He was blessed with many grandchildren, Kaylee, Natalie, Riley and Brock, Donovan, Abigail, Landyn, Kyle and Jase. He has nephews and nieces, Justin (Shelley); their daughters, Lilly and Whitney (Skylar); their son, Camden and Matilyn, Christilyn, Koston and Paxton. He is predeceased by his mother, Shirley and his daughter, Christina.

Joseph “Casey” Desso is the son of Linda Moon Desso and was preceded in death by his father, Joseph Warner Desso. He departed this life on September 13, 2021 at the age of 49.

Casey was born in Irmo, South Carolina on October 31, 1971, where he attended the public schools of Irmo and graduated from Irmo High School in 1989. In high school, he was active in the Reserve Officer Training Corps, Color Guard, Drill Team, Honor Guard, and Vocational Industrial Clubs of America. He went on to attend Clemson University and Midlands Technical College, followed by volunteering at the City of Columbia Fire Department in 1994.

He enrolled in the fire academy and on March 10, 1997, he began his career working for the City of Columbia and Richland County fire department for 24 years.  He rose through the ranks of firefighter, senior firefighter, engineer, captain, and became a battalion chief on June 17, 2017. Casey served his community well and had the heart to help others.

Joseph Casey Desso is the proud and loving father of his first-born daughter Emily Baker Desso and his youngest son Forester DeVore Desso. He is survived by his two children, former spouse Natalie Gary Desso, brother Russell Mahlon Desso, sister-in-law Erin Houtchings Desso, and niece Lillian Faith Desso. Joseph Casey Desso attended Dutch Fork Baptist Church and Riverland Hills Baptist Church.

His hobbies included gardening, fishing, hunting with his son, playing guitar, singing with his daughter, history, writing, reading, camping with his children, hiking, and so much more. He is a God-fearing man who loved his family, nature, TaeKwonDo, playing softball, canning, his 4x4 club, and being a Past Master Mason at Boyleston Lodge No. 123.

Julian E. Johnson, Sr. died August 5, 2021. He was born in Columbia, SC on January 30, 1930. He was a son of the late Wade Ellis and Lula Mae Lever Johnson. He was a graduate of Columbia High School. He was employed by The City of Columbia and Esso. In June 1958 he married the love of his life, Frances Judson (Johnson) Johnson. In 1959, he founded the Columbia Trailer Gas Company. In 1961, the late William L. Keefe became his partner until they sold the business in 1990. He retired to enjoy his hunting and fishing. He enjoyed going to his place on St. Helena Island, SC. He enjoyed cooking and entertaining his friends at The Creek, Ridgeway, SC, and St. Helena Island, SC. He had the love of music and enjoyed waltzing, shagging and square dancing.

He was a member of Westminster Presbyterian Church since 1967 where he was a deacon and Chairman of the Building and Grounds committee. He was a member of the Home Guard during World War II, a sergeant in the South Carolina National Guard, the Dutch Fork Masonic Lodge, the Boyleston Masonic Lodge, York Rite, and Jamil Shrine Center where he served as Chief Aide, Assistant Chief Aide, Director of the Aides, Assistant Director of Personal Aides, Chairman of the Decoration Committee, and Jamil Characters where he served as treasurer.

Survivors include his beloved wife; sons, Julian E. Johnson, Jr., and Judson Hampton Johnson, Sr. (beloved daughter-in-law, Robin); his apple of eye grandsons, Judson Hampton Johnson, Jr. (Lakyn) and Heyden Linden Johnson, and Dusty Vicker (Jessica); special “adopted” family, Randall and Stephanie Mungo and their precious daughters, Brianna and Madalyn, which he considered our precious granddaughters; sister, Betty J. Mann; nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; and great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, William Judson Johnson and Florence Powell Johnson; his daughter-in-law, Linden M. Johnson; his brother, Wade Lamar Johnson (Elizabeth); and brother-in-law, James Mann, Sr.

William Curtis Sheely, Jr., 86, of Ballentine died Tuesday, June 29, 2021 at his residence.

He was born on October 30, 1934, a son of the late W. Curtis Sheely, Sr. and Verta Ballentine Sheely. William was raised in Ballentine, graduated from Irmo High school, and attended Clemson University for 2 years where he played center on the football team. He ultimately transferred to the University of South Carolina where he earned a BA in education with specialties in math and physics.

William married his wife of 64 years, Hattie Lougene Lawrimore Sheely and together; with their two sons, created a loving family.

William's military career took him and his family all over the world. He served his country in Vietnam during the war and was awarded many medals and citations. William retired as a Lieutenant Colonel after a successful 23-year career in the United States Airforce.

After retiring from the military, William and Lougene moved back to Ballentine while he worked another 19 years for the Public Service Commission. He was a brother in the Boylston Masonic Lodge No. 123, and also served in the Jamil Temple. William was a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason.

William was very active in Bethel Lutheran Church in White Rock, SC where he taught Sunday School, sang in the choir, and served in church leadership. In their free time, Bill and Lougene loved to camp and were members of several camping groups.

William loved his family, his Lord, and his friends. He will be missed tremendously. He also loved his country and was a patriot at heart.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, William C. Sheely, III of Kernersville, NC and Michael S. Sheely and wife Susan Pasky Sheely of Destin, FL; grandchildren, Ashley Lynn (Jeremy) Potter of Raleigh, W. Curtis (Kathrine Margaret) Sheely, IV of Charlotte, E. Michael (Jenna Amell) Sheely of Destin, and W. Scott (Katherine Santa Crase) Sheely of Dunwoody, GA.; great-grandchildren, Addison Lynn Potter, Jackson Henry Potter, William C. Sheely, V., and Crew Everett Sheely, and sister, Marilyn Shealy of White Rock.