Avinger Funeral Home

04/01/2026

Tricia Salisbury Murphy

Tricia Salisbury Murphy, of Holly Hill, South Carolina, passed away on March 31, 2026, at the age of 81.

Born on December 22, 1944, in Orangeburg, she was the daughter of the late George Salisbury and Jewell Grooms Salisbury.

Tricia was a dedicated hairdresser who worked in nursing homes, where she found great joy in caring for others and doing hair. She loved her morning coffee, spending time talking on the phone with family and friends, and truly embraced life with a joyful spirit. She was known for her love of laughter and her ability to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

She is survived by her son, Michael Smoak (Ranae); grandchildren, Lauren Kinsey (Walter), Dylan Smoak (Crystal), Karsyn Smoak (Dylan), and Brittany Herndon (Edward); her sister, Laura Jones (TM); brother, Tony Salisbury (Terri); eleven great-grandchildren and her nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Suzette Smoak Herndon; brother Tommy Salisbury and sister Harriett Salisbury.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 4, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM at Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Road, Holly Hill, South Carolina.

A funeral service will be held at 12:00 PM at the funeral home. Burial will be private.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Amedisys Hospice of Sumter for the compassionate care and support they provided.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd, Holly Hill, SC 29059, (803)496-3434.

View Tricia Salisbury Murphy's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/30/2026

R. Irvin Shuler

R. Irvin Shuler, 84, of the Providence Community in Santee, South Carolina, passed away on Saturday, March 28, 2026.Born August 17, 1941, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Irvin was the son of the late Olive Felkel Shuler and Mike G. Shuler.As a young man, Irvin served in the Army National Guard, attaining the rank of Specialist 4 before receiving an honorable discharge.In 1962, he became actively involved in the Elloree chapter of the South Carolina Jaycees. The following year, Irvin along with a small group of local volunteers establish what would become the annual Elloree Trials horse racing event in Elloree, South Carolina. Six years after its inaugural running, he was honored as the South Carolina Jaycees’ “Outstanding Local President for 1969.” For more than 30 years, Irvin worked tirelessly to grow the event, serving as General Chairman and earning the nickname “Voice of the Elloree Trials.” He officially retired from his duties in March 1993 and was recognized during that year’s event by the Mayor of Elloree for his years of dedication and service.In the late 1990s, Irvin became very active in the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV), where he served in several leadership roles, including Brigade Commander. He had a deep passion for history and took great pride in sharing it with others.Irvin enjoyed attending NASCAR races in Darlington, South Carolina, and Daytona, Florida, as well as University of South Carolina football games. He was an avid fan of the New York Yankees.Irvin was a small businessman who earned his living as a building contractor, constructing and remodeling numerous homes and businesses. His work included projects at Seabrook Island, Kiawah Island, the Santee Cooper Resort, and many other locations throughout the Carolinas.Irvin was preceded in death by his parents.He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Claire; his son, Shannon G. Shuler (Stacy); his daughter, Rhonda Shuler Adams (Greg); his grandson, G. Chase Adams (Hillary); his great-grandson, G. Hunt Adams; and his sister, Rita Y. Shuler.A graveside service will be held Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at 2:00 PM at Island Cemetery in the Providence Community of Santee.In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Elloree Heritage Museum or Jericho Church of Midway GMC, 11 Houcks Gin Rd. Elloree, SC 29047.Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.avingerfh.com.Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Road, Holly Hill, South Carolina 29059, (803) 496-3434

View R. Irvin Shuler's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/30/2026

03/27/2026

As a veteran, do you know what burial benefits are available to you through the VA? To ensure that you and your family receive all you're entitled to and save hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars on a funeral, give this article a quick read!

As a veteran, do you know what your veterans' burial benefits are? Check out this article to learn more about them!

03/25/2026

Lynda Kay Gardner

Lynda Kay Gardner, 83, of Eutawville, passed away on March 19, 2026. Born on April 6, 1942, she was the daughter of the late Marian Batten Moody and John Moody.

Lynda was a devoted member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Elloree, where she faithfully sang in the choir. She had a deep love for animals—especially horses—and spent many years alongside her husband, James, working in wildlife rehabilitation. Lynda also found joy in thrift shopping and could happily spend hours searching for hidden treasures.

Above all, Lynda cherished her family. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother whose warmth and kindness touched all who knew her.

She was preceded in death by her parents and son, Stephen Craig Proctor.

Lynda is survived by her husband, James Gardner; her daughter, Lisa Hawkins (Tim); her son, James Gardner (Lynn); her grandchildren, Katelyn James (Tyler), Shane Hawkins, Jessica Miller (Jacob), Joseph Proctor (Paige), and Courtney (Brandon); and her great-grandchildren Reighan, Arleigh, Weston, Grace, Willow and Madelyn. She is also survived by her sister, Elaine Ray; her niece, Debi Kidd (Jeff); and the rest of her extended family.

Services will be held privately by the family.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd, Holly Hill, SC 29059, (803)496-3434.

View Lynda Kay Gardner's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/20/2026

As technology changes, so does the way we grieve. Read this article to learn about the different ways technology brings people together after a loss and how you can best use it as you start your grief journey.

As technology changes, so does the way we grieve. Learn how technology can help you start your grief journey!

03/20/2026

It's official! Spring is here. What are you most looking forward to as the days warm up and the sun comes out?

03/17/2026

Today, on St. Patrick's Day, we honor the life of St. Patrick. So, pull out your green socks, shamrocks, and green accessories to celebrate!

03/16/2026

Ruth Carolyn Stutts

Ruth Carolyn Stutts, 83 of Holly Hill, South Carolina, passed away on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

Born on October 3, 1942, in Little Rock, Ruth was a daughter of the late Beatrice Lane Hyatt and Don Hyatt.

Ruth's joy came from the simple pleasures in life, whether it was traveling with Charlie, spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, or sitting outside savoring her favorite dessert Ruth lived a life full of love, kindness, and selflessness. She was member of the Methodist Church in Holly Hill, where she found comfort in her faith and community. Ruth's selfless nature was evident in the way she cared for others, always placing the happiness of those she loved above her own. Her favorite moments were watching the people around her experience joy, and she had a special way of making others feel loved and valued. Ruth had a particular fondness for sharing candy with the children in her life, always eager to bring a smile to their faces. Ruth will be remembered for her warmth, generosity, and the love she so freely gave.

Ruth is survived by son Rev. Stephen Stutts (Georgette); daughter Cheryl Waddell (Mike); grandchildren Stephanie Buffaloe (Will). Jessica Manning (Brent), Kara Martinez (Anthony), Cooper Hopkins (Caitlyn), Matthew Stutts (Britney), Grayson Hopkins (Elise), Lanie Katherine Hopkins, Preston Waddell (Madeline), Courtney Waddell, Aftan Moore (Michael) and Kristin Childs; sisters Juanita Jackson and Gail Medlin (John); brothers Gene Williams (Dot) and Lynn Hyatt (Peggy); great grandchildren Nathan, Lydia, Zeke, Liam, Jasper, Kai, Bentley, Roman, Rose, Lucas, Elliott, Madden and Hunter; extended family Connie Stutts and Joel and Jil Hopkins and numerous nieces and nephews.

Ruth was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years Charles Stutts and her parents.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM at Holly Hill Methodist Church, 1048 Peake St. Holly Hill. The service will follow at 2PM. Burial will conclude at Holly Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the home at other times.

Those honored to serve as Pallbearers are Will Buffaloe, Brent Manning, Anthony Martinez, Matthews Stutts, Cooper Hopkins, Grayson Hopkins and Preston Waddell.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holly Hill Methodist Church Meals on Wheels or Community Relief, PO Box 398, Holly Hill, SC 29059.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd, Holly Hill, SC 29059, (803)496-3434.

View Ruth Oates Stutts's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

03/14/2026

When a death occurs, many things are going to demand your attention, but with one of our funeral directors by your side, you can focus more time on yourself and the ones you love.

From the moment you contact us, we will help you with arranging funeral plans, securing necessary permits and death certificates, coordinating service details, assisting with burial or cremation preparations, and much more.

You don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to help!

For more information about our professional services, call us or visit www.avingerfh.com.