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IN MEMORIAM

For our Brothers who have gone to the Celestial Lodge above,
the "House not made with hands, eternal in the Heavens"
(2 Corinthians 5:1)

In Memoriam: Text

Dr. Carlos Wilbur Gibbons

May 19, 1929 - November 3, 2024

Initiated

January 11, 1960

Passed

February 8, 1960

Raised

April 11, 1960

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.

JULIUS A. "BOUKIE" BOUKNIGHT, JR.

November 22, 1945 - March 19, 2022

Initiated: July 17, 1970

Passed: September 19, 1970

Raised: October 22, 1970

Past Master of Boyleston Lodge - 1975

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.

A Brother of Boyleston Lodge No. 123 who has passed to the Celestial Lodge above
A Brother of Boyleston Lodge No. 123 who has passed to the Celestial Lodge above

EUGENE "GENE" SWEAT

October 24, 1927 - January 8, 2022


Initiated: September 9, 1955

Passed: October 21, 1955

Raised: November 26, 1955

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 #370 from 1955 – 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 #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 G. STUDLEY

September 12, 1942 - November 9, 2021

Initiated: October 13, 2016

Passed: January 12, 2017

Raised: February 23, 2017

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.

A Brother of Boyleston Lodge No. 123 who has passed to the Celestial Lodge above
Frank Powers

FRANKLIN GEORGE "FRANK" POWERS

October 28, 1958 - September 26, 2021

Initiated: March 12, 1992

Passed: April 16, 1992

Raised: May 30, 1992

Past Master of Boyleston Lodge - 1998

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

October 31, 1971 - September 13, 2021

Initiated: September 14, 1995

Passed: October 12, 1995

Raised: November 11, 1995

Past Master of Boyleston Lodge - 2002

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. 

Joseph Casey Desso
William C. Sheely, Jr.

WILLIAM CURTIS "BILL" SHEELY, JR.

October 30, 1934 - June 29, 2021

Initiated: December 17, 1955

Passed: January 21, 1956

Raised: February 18, 1956

Past Master of Boyleston Lodge - 1995

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 #123, and also served in the Jamile 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.

In Memoriam: Meet the Team
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