Dunbar Funeral Home – Dutch Fork Chapel, 7600 Woodrow Street, Irmo, SC (2026)

03/14/2026

Born on May 24, 1948, in Hartsville, South Carolina, Ed was the son of the late George Edward Flowers and Dora Helen Wallace Flowers. He grew up on the family farm in Hartsville, where he developed a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors and the simple joys of hard work and nature. He was also preceded in death by his grandparents, John Edward Flowers and Ecie Moody Flowers, all of Hartsville.

Ed graduated from Hartsville High School in 1966 and later graduated from the University of South Carolina. He dedicated much of his life to public service and his community. He served as a State Arson Investigator with the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED), as an auditor for the State Gasoline Division, and later as Chief of the Irmo Fire Department. After retiring from the fire department, Ed became a small business owner, operating Anglers South, a bait and tackle shop in Ballentine, South Carolina.

Ed is survived by his devoted wife, Karen Hudson Flowers; his son, Carl Edward Flowers (Jami); and his beloved grandchildren, Callen Edward and Casen David. He is also survived by his siblings, Elaine (Gene) Hubbard and Kent Wallace (Suzanne) Flowers.

In addition to his public service, Ed was an avid outdoorsman throughout his life and pursued his passion for aviation as a licensed pilot. In his younger years he would often fly to high elevations, turn off the engine, and quietly glide while taking in the bird’s-eye view of the landscape he loved.

A devoted and loving family man, Ed enjoyed traveling but always found his greatest joy in life’s simple moments—spending time at home tending to his garden, admiring the fruits of his labor, and sharing his harvest with family, friends and neighbors. He loved listening to the peaceful sounds of birds with his beloved wife Karen, cheering on his Gamecocks, and enjoying golf and NASCAR races.

A celebration of Ed’s life will be held at McGregor Presbyterian Church on March 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m., with a reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Irmo Fire Foundation.

03/14/2026

Octavia Epting Harmon, 86, passed away peacefully on March 10, 2026. She was born on July 30, 1939, in Lilesville, North Carolina, and later made her home in Irmo, South Carolina.
Octavia cherished her family and the time they spent together. She found great joy in the outdoors, especially relaxing and making memories on Lake Wateree and Lake Murray. Time on the water with family and friends was among her favorite pastimes.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Edward T. Epting and a sister, Julia Robinson Langford.

Octavia is survived by her husband, Claybourne Harmon; her daughter, Candy Epting-Powell; her grandchildren, Cole Powell (Alex) and Sarah Grace Price (Aaron); and her beloved great-grandchildren, CJ Powell, Kinley James Powell, and Julia Grace Price. She is also survived by a sister, Miriam Sherman and 2 nieces. She leaves behind a family who will remember her with love and gratitude for the warmth and kindness she shared throughout her life.

The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026, at Dunbar Funeral Home – Dutch Fork Chapel, 7600 Woodrow Street, Irmo, South Carolina.

A graveside service will follow at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 13, 2026.

Octavia will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved her. In Lieu of Flowers, memorials may be made to Epworth Childrens Home.

03/14/2026

Donna Elizabeth Blake Hicks, 77, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at Lexington Medical Center on March 9, 2026. Donna was born in Montgomery, Alabama, to the late Maude and Tom Blake. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Thomas Blake, Jr.

A proud graduate of Sidney Lanier High School, Donna completed her studies in 1966. She continued her education at Auburn University, graduating in 1970. During her time at Auburn, Donna was a devoted member of Kappa Delta Sorority and was honored to serve as the Sweetheart of Sigma Chi. Donna was beloved by all who had the joy of knowing her. Her radiant smile could light up any room, and her warmth made others feel instantly at home. She adored beautiful clothes and sparkling jewelry, always expressing her vibrant spirit through her signature style. Even in the smallest details, Donna’s sense of refinement shone through — in selecting her urn, it simply had to be classic and elegant, perfectly fitting her timeless grace. Her final wish was so wonderfully “Donna” — to have her hair perfectly fixed, her makeup just right, slip into something fabulous, and head out to lunch. Instead, her family and friends brought the celebration to her, filling the room with laughter, stories, and a little sparkle — just the way she would have planned it herself. As she often reminded us, “Chardonnay before five… and red after five!” And lovingly, we fulfilled her wish. She was a proud past president of P.E.O., Chapter M of Columbia, and a dedicated member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her commitment to faith, friendship, and service was evident in every season of her life.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 3, 2026, at Dunbar Funeral Home - Dutch Fork Chapel from 2:30 – 3:30pm, followed by a Celebration of Life at The Jasmine House on River Road from 4pm – 6pm in Columbia, SC. A graveside service will take place at Leak-Memory Chapel in Montgomery, AL. Date and time to follow. Donna requested that family and friends wear colorful clothing in celebration of her life.

She is survived by her son, Jack (Jason) Haigler Hicks III (Melissa); her daughter, Kelly Elizabeth Hicks; her cherished grandsons, Jack and Jeffrey; her brother, Robert McGowan Blake (Dana); her dear family friend, Flossie Gamble -Stephens; and her “sister from another mother,” Susan Powell (Hank).

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. Contribution notices sent to Kelly Hicks at devotedgopi@gmail.com.

Donna’s legacy of love, friendship, style, laughter, and that unforgettable smile will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.

03/14/2026

COLUMBIA - A memorial service for Eric Thomas Smith, 42, affectionately known by his friends as “Big E,” will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 14, 2026, at Riverland Hills Baptist Church, with burial following in Bush River Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 10:00 until 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church. In honor of his easygoing nature, guests are invited to attend in casual attire. Friends are invited to join the family at Woodmen of the World (2000 Johnson Marina Road in Chapin) following the service to be together and share memories.

Eric passed away on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Born in Charleston, SC, he was the son of Thomas Edwin Smith and Vicki Amick Smith. A 2001 graduate of Irmo High School, Eric also played football during his time there. He worked for Ascex as a Sales and Logistics Manager.

Eric had a passion for travel and was an avid fan of the Clemson Tigers. Those who knew Eric knew he was always willing to lend a helping hand and be there for others. He was the life of the party, never met a stranger, and loved his friends and family with all his heart.

Surviving are his parents, Tom and Vicki Smith; sister, Laura Metze (Josh); nephew, Trevor Metze; grandmother, Shirley H. Amick; aunt, Kathy Roberts (Marv); uncle, Barry Amick; cousins, Jessica Moore (John, and children, Ben & Josh), Rebekah Ellis (Mike, and children, Harper, Willa & Grady), Alexandra Patteson; extended family and so many friends.

He was predeceased by his grandparents, David B. Amick Sr., Edwin Francis Smith, Nadine Driggers Smith, his uncle Alvin “Al” Smith and his beloved dog, Maggie.

The family is deeply grateful for the love, prayers, and support shown by friends and our extended family during this difficult time.

Memorials may be made to an animal rescue of your choice.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, is assisting the family.

03/12/2026

Today we celebrated Funeral Professionals Appreciation Week at Dunbar Funeral Home – Dutch Fork Chapel.

We were grateful for the opportunity to host an employee luncheon to honor the dedicated team members and part-time associates who help serve families in our community every day. Their compassion, professionalism, and commitment make a difference in the lives of the families we care for.

We also recognized a couple of special milestones:
• Boyce Huggins – 10 years of service
• Randy Gore – 1 year of service

Thank you to our entire team for the meaningful work you do each day. It is truly appreciated.

03/05/2026

Romulus Armistead (Rom) Mason, age 85, of Irmo, SC, died February 26, 2026, in his home. Born August 29, 1940, in York, SC, he was the son of the late Arthur Kelly Mason and Chellie Jewel Ezzell.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brothers Hugh Archibald Mason of Springfield, MO, Homer Livingston Mason, and sister Margaret Chellie Mason both of Greensboro, NC, and sister Virginia Dare Mason Hixon, of Fayetteville, NC. He is survived by his sister Mary Ann Mason Henline, of Huntersville, NC; nieces Deborah Mason Wuthnow, Dawn Henline Moore, Laura Mason Altizer, Theresa Hess Afrank, Amy Mason Hunter, and Kristina Henline Bell; nephews David Mason, Matthew Mason, and Lee Nelson; numerous great nieces and nephews; and by his beloved first cousin Peggy Mason Shepard.

Shortly after his birth, his parents relocated back to the Fayetteville area of North Carolina which had been home to both sides of his family dating back to the mid-1700s. Rom was reared in Fayetteville and graduated from Fayetteville Senior High School in 1957, at the age of sixteen. Following an academically forgettable year at UNC-Chapel Hill and various dead-end jobs, he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1959. He was stationed in West Germany for two years and used the opportunity to travel throughout Europe, including the divided city of Berlin and the site of the 1936 Olympic Games where Jesse Owens had enshrined himself in sports history.

Following completion of his three-year enlistment with an Honorable Discharge in 1962, he returned to Fayetteville and graduated from Methodist College in 1966.

He enjoyed a career of thirty-three years in casualty insurance claims, initially with Aetna Life & Casualty, which involved numerous promotional transfers across six states. After serving as the Claims Manager in Aetna’s Seattle, WA, office and their Sacramento, CA, office, he returned to Seattle in 1988 taking a position with a John Hancock subsidiary, from which he retired in 1999.

Having managed to achieve his early childhood goals of learning to read and write, he had a long-time aversion to setting other goals for fear of pressing fate. It was only after a Hawaiian vacation in 1986 realizing only one state remained, that he set a goal to visit all fifty states at least once. That last state, and only item on his bucket list, was achieved in February 1990, when he participated in the 1990 Winter Al-Can Road Rally, a driving odyssey which lasted thirteen days and covered 2600 miles from Seattle to north of the Arctic Circle and back to Harrison Hot Springs, BC, Canada. His later reflection on the experience was that it was an example of the gigantic lapse of sanity that everyone should allow themselves at least once in a lifetime.

He was an avid reader and, at his passing, left a home library of only some 800 books due to space restrictions. Over his lifetime he had read and given away several thousand more.

A private memorial will be held at a later date. Following cremation, his ashes will be scattered, as he wanted his carbon atoms back in circulation without delay. In lieu of flowers, or donations, his wish was that you spend your money on your friends, and his hope was that you have some of both. Memories and condolences to the family may be shared on the website of Dunbar Funeral Home – Dutch Fork Chapel, Irmo, South Carolina.

03/05/2026

Lindsay Richard Smith, 85, of Irmo, South Carolina, went to be with his Lord and Savior on March 2, 2026. Following a courageous battle after surgery for a brain tumor, Lindsay transitioned peacefully, free from pain, and reunited with those who went before him.

Service and Education

A proud Florida State Seminole, Lindsay graduated in 1962 and later volunteered for the U.S. Army, serving as a radio operator in Germany. In 1967, he married the love of his life, Judith A. Fowler. While building their family, he earned his CPA license in 1971.

A Life of Dedication

Lindsay’s career as a CPA spanned private practice and public service, eventually bringing the family to Irmo, SC, in 1983. He served the State of South Carolina until his retirement in 2004.

Beyond his professional life, Lindsay was a devoted member of Union United Methodist Church and the Joy Sunday School Class. A familiar face in Old Friargate, he walked three miles daily and was a passionate historian, meticulously researching his Hungarian heritage and contributing research to books on the history of Lake Murray and the local area.

Family and Legacy

Lindsay was preceded in death by his parents, Wilma and Herbert Smith, and his brother, Robert Smith. He also joins in eternal rest his nephew, Russell Smith, and his niece, Jennifer Smith.

He leaves to cherish his memory:

* His beloved wife: Judith Arlene Smith (Fowler)

* His daughter: Michelle Lynn Carpenter (Smith)

* His son: Michael Linwood Smith

* His granddaughter: Sydney Carpenter

* His niece and nephew: Karolyn (Smith) Gossett and Cliff Smith

A Note of Gratitude

The Smith family extends deepest thanks to the Kroger employees, Shantia and Matt, as well as the local EMTs for their quick actions. We are forever grateful to Dr. Richter and the neurosurgery team, the ICU nurses, the nurses and doctors at Encompass Rehabilitation, the Palliative Care Team, and Prisma Hospice for their expertise and compassion.

Our heartfelt thanks also go to Union United Methodist Church, the Joy Sunday School Class and also the Needlers for their prayers, love, and support during this time.

"Dad is no longer in pain and is with his Lord. We love you, Dad!"

Service Information:

The date and time for the memorial service at Union United Methodist Church is currently to be determined. Information will be shared with friends and family once finalized.

03/03/2026

Raymond was born on August 26, 1944, in Colorado Springs, Colorado, to Hymon and Marion Ange. He proudly served in the United States Air Force, where his life took a meaningful turn when he met the love of his life, Ina, while stationed at Soesterberg Air Base. They shared 57 devoted years of marriage, building a life grounded in love, family, and commitment.

A hardworking man with a strong sense of integrity, Raymond spent much of his career in real estate, where he found great satisfaction in helping people find their dream homes. He took pride in his work and the relationships he built along the way.

Raymond truly loved life’s simple and meaningful pleasures—being on a boat out on the water, especially when surrounded by family; traveling and learning history; and unwinding with a good cigar and a fine scotch. These moments reflected his appreciation for both adventure and quiet reflection.

Above all else, Raymond cherished his family. He is survived by his beloved wife, Ina Ange; his daughters Christel (David), Scarlet, and Ashley (Matt); his grandchildren David Jr., Heather, Matthew, Sarena, Stone, and Gavin; and seven great-grandchildren. His legacy lives on through each of them.

Raymond will be remembered for his dedication to his family, his strong work ethic, his love of learning, and the steady presence he provided to those who knew and loved him. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

A celebration of life will be held on March 1st at 3:00 p.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home, 7600 Woodrow Street, Irmo, South Carolina.

03/03/2026

Anna was born on December 16, 1966, in Columbia, South Carolina, to James Andrew Leitner, Jr. and the late Barbara Elizabeth Abernathy.

She graduated from Airport High School, where she played softball, and went on to attend Spartanburg Methodist College. After various career paths, Anna became an x-ray technician and phlebotomist. She spent many wonderful years working at Three Rivers Medical in Irmo and most recently at Lexington Medical Center Urgent Care in Chapin.

Anna loved spending her summers at Myrtle Beach and her winters in Maggie Valley with family and friends. She had a lifelong love for cats and could shop until she dropped. Although Anna had many hobbies, her true purpose in life was helping and advocating for others. She had a heart of gold and was a devoted servant.

Anna’s sons, Mark and Rhett, were the highlight of her life. Anyone who knew Anna, even after just one conversation, could feel the deep love she had for them. Her sons were her heartbeat and her lifeline.

Anna is survived by her sons, Mark Richardson (Margaret) and Rhett Richardson; her father, James A. Leitner, Jr.; her sister, Mellisa White (Charlie); her aunt, Carolyn Leitner; her niece, Amanda Barker (Ryan); and her nephews, Ben White (Melissa) and Doug White (Kaitlin). She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Abernathy Leitner; her grandfather, James Andrew Leitner, Sr.; and her grandmother, Aline Tuten Leitner.

A celebration of life will be held on March 6, 2026, at 3:00 PM at Union United Methodist Church in Irmo. A graveside service and visitation will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Pawmetto Lifeline or the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN).

The family would like to thank everyone who offered their love, support, and kind words during this difficult time. We are comforted in knowing that Anna was welcomed home by her Lord and Savior.

03/03/2026

Born in Chester SC on September 7th, 1932, he was the youngest of 10 children and a son of the late William Edward Sharpe and Lula Ellisor Sharpe. He was the loving husband of Barbara Bolton Sharpe, his sweetheart of more than 72 years.

He was employed by Kline Iron and Steel where he worked as a foreman for 30 years and then Bonitz Construction until his retirement in 1996. He was a Mason and a Shriner in earlier years. He loved country music and taught himself how to play the guitar. Many nights after supper, he would play and sing songs by Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard and Hank Williams on his prize Gibson guitar that was a gift from the love of his life, Barbara.

He served in the Army from 1953 to 1955 where he was stationed at Fort Jackson.

He was a lifelong member of Ebenezer Lutheran Church, where he enjoyed visiting the sick and the shut-ins, doing volunteer work and going on many trips with the new generation. He was an avid fisherman who loved to camp and spend time with his family. He loved NASCAR and racing and would take his sons to the old Columbia Speedway to watch the races. He was a great connoisseur of hotdogs and loved to drive his sweetheart Barbara, and his black Chevy Pickup Truck all over South Carolina to find the very best one. He was a loyal Gamecock fan and looked forward to a good football game, a good steak and a cold one while watching Hee Haw on a Saturday night. He had a grand sense of humor and always loved to tell a joke or pull a good prank.

He was a Godly man who loved the Lord and loved his family. He trusted the Holy Spirit to lead and guide him in every decision he made in recent days. He enjoyed life and lived it to its fullest.

He was the patriarch of this strong family and his legacy will live on in the lives of each of his children. He never missed an opportunity to teach us a lesson, right to the end. He will be greatly missed.

Thurmond is survived by his wife of 72 years, Barbara; son, Grady Sharpe (Melinda) of Columbia; son, Cliff Sharpe (Arlene) of Prosperity; daughter, Kathy Sharpe of Irmo; and son, Mark Sharpe (Joan) of Irmo.

He is survived by 3 grandchildren, Bobby Sharpe, Brian Sharpe and Alex Sharpe (Nina) and 5 great-grandchildren, Riley Sharpe, Josie Sharpe, Makenna Sharpe, Daniel Sharpe and Kylia Carpenter; and

many nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by all 9 of his siblings.

Services for Thurmond will be held Friday, February 27, 2026 at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1301 Richland Street Columbia with interment at Elmwood Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 11:00 A.M. to 11:45 A.M. in the reception area at Ebenezer prior to the service at 12:00 P.M.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to St Judes, Tunnel to Towers or American Cancer Society.

The family wishes to thank Linda Davis for her help and lifetime friendship as well as loving support of nieces, nephews and extended family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Bobby Sharpe, Brian Sharpe, Alex Sharpe, Steve Dent, Bobby Wright and Pat Blatt. Honorary Pallbearers will be Terry Dent, Johnny Newman, Charles Bell, Charles Blackwell, Mike Sharpe, Steve Isom.

03/03/2026

Edgar Albert Vaughn, Jr. was born November 2, 1935 in Fairburn, Georgia to Edgar Albert Vaughn, Sr. And Mary Eleanor Kinnett Vaughn. He married Carol Ann Stone in 1957, and they enjoyed 63 years together before her passing in 2020.

Edgar graduated from Georgia State University and in 1970 received a masters degree in management as a Sloan Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. After working as a CPA in the private sector, he took his skills to the realm of governmental accounting, where he would spend the rest of his career. He worked as Deputy Comptroller for the City of Atlanta, then moved his young family to South Carolina in 1972 to work as Deputy State Auditor. He went on to serve as SC State Auditor from 1978 until his retirement in 1998. Governor David Beasley awarded him the Order of the Palmetto in recognition of his service.

Edgar was a lifelong learner and always liked to try new things. His free time interests over the years ranged from furniture building, clockmaking, and deep sea fishing to bread baking, jewelry making, and boat building. He also enjoyed chocolate, country music, and a good mystery novel. His favorite pastime in his retirement years was being “Big Daddy” to his children and grandchildren, who will greatly miss his wisdom, encouragement, and sense of adventure. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, his humility, and his generosity.

Edgar is survived by his children Cyndie Orr (Cody), Greggory Vaughn, Catherine Faulkenberry (Marc), grandchildren Drake Vaughn (Casey Giust), Mary Jamison Rogers (Jack), Stone Vaughn, Rachel Faulkenberry (David Jennings), Rebecca Grace Faulkenberry, and great-grandson Henry Rogers.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 pm on Monday, March 2nd at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, with burial in Bush River Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:00 pm prior to the service at the funeral home.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Edgar A.Vaughn Scholarship Fund of the SC Association of CPAs.

02/17/2026

Caroline McGill Connelly, 78, of Columbia, SC, died at her home on January 31, 2026. She is survived by her husband, Ronnie Connelly; two children, Caroline S. Parker and Jeanette Soo Me Parker, two grandchildren, Caroline Frankie S. Blakeney and Stacy Parker; her step son, Ron (Lisa) Connelly; brothers, G Meredith (Patricia) McGill, Lloyd HR McGill (Marilyn Fedczak); sisters, Mary Jane McGill, Jeanette (Frank) Macchiaverna, Nancy (Donald) DeMuth; many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends who loved her. She was predeceased by her first husband, John Shay Parker; parents, Alta and William McPherson McGill Jr.; her brothers, Charles Wakefield McGill, William McPherson McGill III; and sister, Suzanne Danilowicz.

Caroline was a graduate of Laurel High School, Laurel, MD in 1965, She earned a diploma from Patricia Stevens Career College, Washington, DC in 1967 where she studied merchandizing and interior design, She earned a BS degree in organizational behavior in graduate of Columbia Union College, Takoma Park, MD in 1987 and Education for Ministry diploma from Sewanee: University of the South in Nashville, TN. in 2007.

Caroline, a true servant of the Lord, attended and taught Sunday school at the Church of the Transfiguration in Silver Spring, MD. Caroline was a valued member of her current church in South Carolina - St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Chapin, SC. She was Greeter, Lector, taught adult Sunday school, served on the vestry, outreach committee, Thrift Shop committee, volunteered at the thrift shop where she grew the jewelry area to include ladies’ accessories; organized the annual Santa’s Christmas Shop for the outreach camp kids’ Christmas party. Caroline was always evangelizing by handing St. Francis prayer cards at the Labor Day festival, grocery stores and just when the moment was right.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on February 28, 2026, at St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church in Chapin, SC, 735 Old Lexington Hwy, Chapin, SC 29036. Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel, is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 10 Cottonwood Lane, White Plains, NY, 10605 or St. Francis of Assisi Episcopal Church, 735 Old Lexington Hwy, Chapin, SC 29036.

Dunbar Funeral Home – Dutch Fork Chapel

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