Woodridge Memorial Park & Funeral Home

03/02/2026

Ilias Stilianidis, 90, of Lexington, South Carolina, peacefully passed away on February 27, 2026, while surrounded by his family. Born on January 20, 1936, in Chrisochorafa, Greece, to Dimitrios and Maria Stilianidis, Ilias was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend. He was also the founder and proud owner of the Orangeburg House of Pizza for over 25 years.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Melpomeni; his children, Dimitrios (Dorothea) Stilianidis, Marina (Ioannis) Saliaris, and Eleni (Triadafillos) Haftoglou; and 10 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral, with burial in Woodridge Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church, to include Trisagion Prayers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Columbia.

Explore Ilias Stilianidis's digital memorial and tribute page. Contribute photos, recollections, or videos, extend your condolences, and assist in preserving their legacy.

03/02/2026

Tommy Gregory lived 99 years the way most people only aspire to: with hard work, deep faith, and an unwavering sense of duty to his family, his community, and his country. Known as “Tommy” to friends and “Pop” to the people who mattered most to him, he passed away on February 26, 2026, just five weeks shy of 100 years old in Columbia, South Carolina. He is survived by two daughters, six grandchildren, and 15 great-grandchildren - with one more on the way, all of whom he adored.
Tommy was born in Columbia on April 4, 1926, and faced loss early when both of his parents passed away in 1928, when he was just two years old. Raised by his grandmother, aunt and uncle, he graduated from Columbia High School in 1943 and went on to serve as an Aircraft Electronics Technician in the U.S. Navy during World War II. After earning his Engineering degree from the University of South Carolina in 1949, he was called back to service - this time with the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War, where he served twelve months in Korea as an Electronics Officer and earned the Bronze Star. He returned home a decorated veteran of two wars - and got straight to work.

In June 1949, Tommy founded the Gregory Electric Company. He built it steadily over nearly five decades, retired in 1998, and sold the business the following year. It was exactly the kind of story he lived: start with nothing, build something real, and leave it in good hands.

Along the way, Tommy achieved an impressive list of honors, though he’d never have put it that way himself. He was named Electrical Man of the Year for the Carolinas, elected President of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce, served as a delegate to the White House Conference on Small Business under President Reagan, and endowed a professorship in his name at USC’s College of Engineering. In 2008, Governor Mark Sanford presented him with the Order of the Palmetto, the state’s highest civilian honor. Tommy accepted it graciously and probably changed the subject shortly after.

The Rotary Club of Five Points held a special place in his heart. He served as its President from 1967 to 1968, and today his grandson Michael Duck carries that legacy forward as the club’s current President Elect - a detail that made Tommy quietly beam.

Tommy was preceded in death by his parents and by the great love of his life, his wife June, who passed on May 18, 2000. He adored her completely, and those who knew them knew it. In his passing, he is at last reunited with her. He is survived by his daughters Carol (Mrs. Benjamin Richter) of Charlotte, NC, and Kaye (Mrs. Michael B. Duck) of Charleston, SC; grandchildren Jennifer Hanson (Michael), Michael Duck (Lauren), Benjamin Richter (Julia), Meredith Powell (Dave), Kevin Duck (Lindsay), and Kaleigh Johnson (Brad); and 15 great-grandchildren, with another on the way, due this month.

For all the titles and trophies, what Tommy valued most never made a plaque. He was the dad who curled his daughters’ hair before church. The grandfather who read softly and sang gently. The great-grandfather who gave a newborn their bottle with the same steady, careful hands that had built a company and served a country. Those quiet moments were where you saw who he really was - and they’re what his family will carry with them longest.

Tommy Gregory was a man of faith, courage, and loving kindness. His life’s work was people - his family first, his community always. May his memory be a blessing, and may he rest in the peace he so richly deserved.

There will be a private family burial to honor Mr. Gregory.

Special thanks to his devoted, long-time caregivers: Veronica Whitener, Ruthean Workman and Conetra Johnson, whose compassion and companionship brought him comfort through his final years.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Rotary Club of Five Points, P.O. Box 8352, Columbia, SC 29402, or the charity of one’s choice.

Explore Thomas Tommy Gregory's digital memorial and tribute page. Contribute photos, recollections, or videos, extend your condolences, and assist in preserving their legacy.

02/24/2026

Dixie Campbell Utter, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on February 19, 2026, at the age of 98. She spread joy and love to everyone she met with boundless energy, humor and devotion to family, friends, and community.
She was preceded in death by her beloved husband William Lucas Utter. Their 70 years of marriage was the centerpiece of both their lives, showing how love, friendship, faith and commitment can build an unshakable bond.
Dixie is survived by her son, William Arkell Utter (Leslie Howell d.2021), her daughter Kate Utter Mills (Jim), 6 grandchildren: Luke Boatright (Laura), Emily Cates (Danny), Caroline Utter, Claire Utter, Trevor Utter and Tyler Utter, and 3 great-grandchildren: Luke Boatright, Jr., Owen Cates and Dixie Campbell Cates. She also had a brother, the late Joseph Campbell.
Dixie was born on August 19, 1927, in East St. Louis, Illinois, living in Marissa, Illinois where her father Joseph Arkell Campbell was the town doctor. They moved in 1933 when her father became director of the East Moline State Hospital, the largest psychiatric facility in Illinois.
This meant an unusual childhood for Dixie, living with her mother Dixie Georgiana Campbell, on the sprawling grounds in a mansion while her father ran the facility. She and her mother moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to join her aunt, after the death of her father. After high school, she went to Denison University, in Granville, Ohio in 1945.
Her years at Denison set the stage, quite literally, for the rest of her life. As a theater major, Dixie appeared in dozens of productions, joined onstage by her future husband, Luke. This passion for the theater would continue for the rest of her life.
After college, she and Luke joined a group of fellow actors who barnstormed across New England and Europe, performing in plays in towns and military bases. The two were married on August 29, 1953, and eventually settled in Oxford, Ohio where they lived for the next 57 years.
In Oxford, Dixie became a much-loved teacher at the local high school, teaching English and Speech. She is remembered fondly by hundreds of students over the years. Luke was a professor in town at Miami University.
Dixie also established herself as one of the leading ladies of community and professional theater in the area. With Luke and others, she helped start community theater in Oxford and starred in countless productions.
Most memorable for her was when she joined Luke in an Oxford community production of Fiddler on the Roof. She was the boisterous Yente, he was the learned Rabbi, their last play together.
Dixie devoted herself to many volunteer causes in Oxford. She was awarded an “Oxford Citizen of the Years” for her work. She and Luke were also active members of Oxford United Methodist Church.
In 2014, Dixie and Luke moved to Columbia, South Carolina to be near their daughter Kate and her family. They joined Union United Methodist Church, in Irmo, South Carolina, and were members of the Aline Leitner Fellowship Class, and she was a member of the Rosa Hook Circle
Her final years were spent at the Columbia Presbyterian Home. The family extends sincere gratitude to the staff for their wonderful care of Dixie, as well as to the Abby Road Hospice team, and previously Daybreak Adult Care Services.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 21, at 11:00 am at Union United Methodist Church, with visitation immediately following in the Fellowship Hall.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the William L. Utter Scholarship, Miami University Foundation, 926 Chestnut Lane, Oxford, Ohio 45056, or Union United Methodist Church.
https://www.altogetherfuneral.com/obituaries/d-21387744/lexington-south-carolina/dixie-campbell-utter/february-2026

02/24/2026

James Irvin Mason Sr., son of Julius Irvin and Patsy Delia Mason, lovingly known as Jim and "Papa", passed away peacefully on February 22, 2026, at the age of 92. Born on September 11, 1933, in Albany, Georgia, Jim lived a long and faithful life marked by devotion first to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ second to his family, his church, and country through United States Navy.
Jim is survived by his beloved wife Helen, his cherished "Honey", for 63 beautiful years. Their marriage was a testament to enduring love, faith, and partnership. Whether square dancing hand-in-hand with the tanglefoots square dance club, traveling the country in their camper, or simply sitting together in quiet companionship, their love story was an inspiration to all who knew them.
He was a devoted father to his three sons: Jimmy and his wife Jeannie; Bill and his wife Angie; and Scott and his wife Becky. Jim led his family not only with words, but with steady example — through integrity, humility, and unwavering faith.
Papa's greatest joy was his growing family. He was a proud grandfather to Kaitlin; James and his wife Isabella; Glen; Stephanie and her husband Luke; Brice; Jacob and his wife Alexandra; Graham; Elizabeth; and Aaron. He was also blessed to be a great-grandfather to sweet Daisy. He treasured time spent fishing and gardening with his grandchildren, passing down not only practical skills but also wisdom, patience, and love. He never missed an opportunity to tell each of them how much he loved them and how proud he was of them.
A faithful follower of Jesus Christ, Jim served his church and community with a humble heart. He sang joyfully in the church choir and lived his faith daily through acts of kindness and service. He was known as a true servant — always ready to lend a hand, offer encouragement, or share a warm meal.
Jim loved gathering friends and family around the table. His spaghetti and famous catfish stew with hush puppies were staples at family get-togethers, where laughter was plentiful and everyone left with a full heart and a full stomach.
He found happiness in life's simple pleasures: casting a fishing line into still waters, tending a garden, traveling the open road in the camper with Helen, and dancing beside his bride. His life was rich not in possessions, but in relationships, faith, and love.
James Irvin Mason Sr. leaves behind a legacy of devotion, generosity, and steadfast faith. Though he will be deeply missed, his family finds comfort in knowing he has heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant."
His love will continue to live on in every story shared, every recipe prepared, every hymn sung, and every "I love you" spoken in his memory.
A celebration of life will be held at 11:00 AM, Wednesday, February 25, 2026 at Riverland Hills Baptist Church, 201 Lake Murray Blvd, Irmo, SC 29063. A visitation will follow the service in the atrium.
In lieu of flowers, gifts can be made to the Riverland Hills Baptist Church benevolence fund.

02/17/2026

William H. Brazell, affectionately known to family and friends as "Bill," passed away on February 14, 2026, at the age of 70. He was a resident of Lexington, South Carolina.
Bill was a man full of love and kindness whose quiet strength touched everyone who knew him. Though he endured much pain throughout his life, he rarely showed it, choosing instead to greet others with warmth, humor, and a caring heart. His faith was important to him, and he loved the Lord deeply.
He found joy in the simple things — listening to music, collecting and enjoying his Hot Wheels, and sharing laughter with those around him. Bill was well known for his favorite saying, "Get Down and Do The Boogie," often delivered with a snap of his fingers and a smile that could brighten any room. Above all else, he loved his family, holding a special bond with his sister Debra, whom he cherished dearly.
Bill is survived by his beloved siblings: Wayne and Doris of Camden, South Carolina; Yancey and Margie of South Congaree, South Carolina; Ray and Herbie of West Columbia, South Carolina; Debra and Rubin of Lexington, South Carolina; and Don and Debbie of Columbia, South Carolina. He also leaves behind several nieces and nephews, as well as his favorite great-niece, Laken Smith, and favorite great-nephew, Mason Smith, who brought him great pride and happiness.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond T. Brazell and Mildred Lee Brazell, and his brother, Rubin Brazell.
Bill will be remembered for his gentle spirit, unwavering love for his family, and the joy he brought to others through his humor and faith. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved him.

https://www.altogetherfuneral.com/obituaries/d-21359317/lexington-south-carolina/william-bill-h-brazell/february-2026

02/12/2026

Columbia – Edward “Ed” Henry Sexauer, 91, of Columbia, passed away February 8, 2026. Born in Ste. Genevieve, MO, he was a son of the late Leo Camillus and Imogene Rehm Sexauer. His education included an undergraduate degree from Notre Dame University, and a master's degree in Theatre Arts from UCLA. Ed served his country in the US Army Medical Corps. Following his discharge, Ed worked for the newly created NBC affiliates WIS-TV in Columbia, SC and WSFA in Montgomery, AL. He retired from SC Educational Television after 30 years of service. At SCETV, Ed was a Director and Producer and was also the creator of the long-running ETV series “Making it Grow!”

Following his retirement, Ed pursued his other passions, which included entertaining, theatre, and travel. At times he hosted more than a dozen Christmas parties at his home during December, and his milestone birthday parties are legendary. For many years, Ed traveled to NYC for Broadway plays or to Charlotte for traveling company productions and concerts. He was also very active with local Columbia theatre groups. Travel was an interest from childhood when he ventured through much of Europe with his family while his dad served in the US Army in Germany after World War II. As an adult, he continued to enjoy travel, going halfway around the world to spend time with his brother's family in Malaysia, and spearheading groups of friends to visit Europe. Cruising was a delight in later years, and he and a group of friends took annual scenic and relaxing cruises to many different countries. The nexus of all these interests was, as his sister said, "Ed loved people."

Ed is survived by his partner, Steph Barrineau; a brother, Louis Sexauer (Sam); a sister, Carole Anne Land (John); along with 4 nieces and nephews: Steve Land, Susan Land Snellgrove, Glenn Land, and Mike Sexauer (Wendy); and a host of friends who will miss his gentle demeanor and adventurous spirit.

A Mass of Christian burial for Edward Sexauer will be recited at 12:00 PM, Monday, February 23, 2026, at St John Neumann Catholic Church, 100 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223. Entombment, with US Army funeral honors, will follow at Fort Jackson National Cemetery at 2:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SCETV Endowment of South Carolina, https://etvendowment.thankyou4caring.org/ot-general-donation-form-etvendowment, or by mail at SCETV Endowment, 401 E. Kennedy St, Suite B-1 Spartanburg, SC 29302

12/15/2025

What a beautiful and special time we had at our Annual Holiday Remembrance Service! We could not have done it without the Rev. Meg Cook delivering a heartfelt message and the incredible music from Camille Jones. Their time and talent made this program memorable. We are so thankful for those who gathered together with us to remember, reflect, and celebrate the lives of those who have meant so much to us. May you find peace, comfort, and joy in the memories of your loved ones.

12/15/2025

Special Thanks to Boy Scout Troop #343 for placing 1000+ luminaries throughout the park for our Remembrance Service on Saturday night. It is a tremendous job that they do for our community every year! We hope you had the chance to drive through and see their hard work.

12/03/2025

The staff of Woodridge Memorial Park and Funeral Home invites you to our annual Candlelight Remembrance Service and Luminary Display.

You are welcome to invite family members and friends to participate in this special time of remembrance and reflection.

With assistance of Boy Scout Troop #343, luminaries will be placed throughout the park. The candles will be lit as dusk falls.

We will be creating a Remembrance Photo Memorial Tribute to be shown during the reception following the service. If you wish to have your loved one’s photo appear in this video memorial, please submit one (1) photo to the funeral home by December 6 via email to tonya.brazier@greenlawn-columbia.com. Simply enter the name of your loved one in the subject line followed by "WOODRIDGE."

11/13/2025

SAVE THE DATE!

11/09/2025

Thank you to the Knights of Columbus for their faithfulness to our Veterans! Every Sunday before Veterans Day, the Knights of Columbus, their families, and members of our community gather to place fresh US flags on the markers of the Veterans interred at Woodridge Memorial Park. We are truly grateful to you all!