Thompson Funeral Homes

04/22/2026

Kerston Turner Sallings was born on September 9, 1985, in Marion County, South Carolina. He woke up in GOD’s arms on April 17, 2026, after a very long illness.

Kerston loved his family, the deaf community (extension of his family), his work, and sarcasm. He loved his family and was always ready to back up anyone needing help in whatever way necessary. He was the type of ride or die everyone knew they needed once they met him. He was the best friend you knew you wanted to be and was thankful Kerston was there to be it for you. Kerston would go to battle for you, if he felt he could make it better (which he always felt he could make everything better). Kerston also had a funny remark or comeback when he thought he needed to lighten the mood or he wanted to tell how wrong you were but didn’t want to offend. Kerston would always say something sarcastic. We really think sarcasm was his love language.

Kerston had a beautiful soul that loved everyone. He loved Christmas and spoiling his favorite people. He loved his family and friends. He loved spending time on triple dates with the Cribb’s and the Lunciano’s. He loved spending time with his 2 beautiful nieces playing games, going to the zoo or movies, or just spoiling them. Kerston loved spending time with his brother in law/sister in law, the Lock/Smith families, and he especially loved Sunday dinners with his mom, husband, brother and step dad. He was always the person you could call to ask questions or vent to; however, one of his favorite pastimes was setting everyone straight when he believed they were wrong. Most of all, he loved to make everyone laugh. Even during his multiple stays in the hospital, he would always be the person whose room was full of nurses. They instantly fell in love him, his bright smile, and, especially, his jokes would make his stay and the nurses jobs a little brighter and easier. He kept them laughing…and he never hesitated to tell them how to do something correctly, in Kerston’s typical fashion. His departure from this earth has left a very big hole in his family’s world. He will be missed every day, every minute, and every second until we can see him again.

Kerston fulfilled a lifelong dream by setting up Authentic ASL Interpreting, LLC. The business and his remarkable team remained a passion he lived daily. His mission in life was to make a difference in the Deaf community and fight for their rights. The deaf community was his second family.

Kerston left behind his husband, Clinton Sallings; his mother, Renee T. (Jeffrey) Copeland; his brothers - Jeremy (Denise) Nealy, Derek J. Turner; sister, Allison R. Baker; his children - Logan, Jacob, and Emma; father, Doug (Via) Brown; aunt, Gail (Gene) Martin; nieces - Allie, Jenny, Elizabeth, Abbie, Emery, Chloe; nephew, Teddy; paternal grandmother, Eloise G. Brown.

Proceeded in death were his maternal grandmother, Jewel P. Elvis Turner; grandfathers - Johnny P. Turner and C. Larry Brown; aunts - Susan T. Caulder and Karen A. Brown; and uncle, Danny Kaye Perritt.

04/15/2026

Harold Richard “Rick” Davis, 78, of West Columbia, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on April 11, 2026.
Rick was born in Orangeburg, South Carolina, on March 18, 1948, to the late Harold Henry Davis and Marie Austin Davis. Rick grew up in Orangeburg and attended Orangeburg High School where he met Julia, his high school sweetheart and future wife.
He attended Clemson University where he earned both a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering and a Master of Science in Environmental Systems Engineering and became a Professional Engineer in South Carolina. Rick worked for engineering and environmental services firms in South Carolina for over thirty years. His work was instrumental in ensuring environmental protection for South Carolina’s Lowcountry through proper wastewater collection and treatment, waste disposal, and design of coastal developments in sensitive ecological areas. Rick’s work only reinforced his childhood appreciation of South Carolina’s landscapes, from the swamps of the Edisto where he played and hunted as a child, to the foothills of the Upstate at Clemson and the tidal marshes of the coast.
In his early years, Rick enjoyed shooting and hunting with his cousins and became a movie buff after working at movie theaters in Orangeburg as a teenager. This passion followed him into adulthood when he often watched Turner Classic Movies late into the night. In college, he gained a similar passion for playing cards and was known to play bridge with his hallmates for hours on end. Rick passed on his love of golf to his son Hal, including trips to the Ryder Cup and The Masters. Together with Julia, Rick was a fervent follower of the Clemson Tigers, attending many games, Clemson Club meetings, and IPTAY gatherings to support the Tigers.
In retirement, Rick was a doting father-in-law and grandparent who with Julia enjoyed visiting his son Hal’s family, Anna, Ella, and Maggie. Trips with “the girls” to Disney World, Miami for the Orange Bowl, The Dominican Republic, Folly Beach, and Hilton Head made lasting memories.
He kept his spirits high through three years of intense testing and treatment for declining lung health, involving MAC lung disease, fibrocavitary disease, and pulmonary fibrosis. The family is especially grateful for the personal care and empathy of Dr. Addie B. Spier of MUSC, the Lexington Medical Center Intensive Care Unit nurses and respiratory therapists, and DayBreak Adult Care Services.
Rick is survived by his wife of more than 56 years, Julia Jackson Davis, his son, Harold “Hal” Richard Davis, Jr. (Anna), and his granddaughters, Ella and Maggie, of Decatur, Georgia. Rick is also pre-deceased by his beloved grey snowshoe cat Kidd, who never left this lap.
Visitation will be held on Monday, April 20, at 12:30 pm, followed by a memorial service at 2:00 pm, both at Thompson Funeral Home, 4720 Augusta Road, Lexington, SC. Donations in memoriam to support research and patient care for nontuberculous Mycobacterium Avium Complex (MAC) may be made to the MUSC Foundation (fundraise.musc.edu) by directing funds to “Other” and specifying “9386 - NTM Education, Research & Patient Care”.

04/13/2026

Thomas Leon “Tom” Graves was born on September 19, 1937, in Hereford, Texas. He was the sixth of nine children. He had three older brothers, Bill, Bob, and John; two sisters, Patricia and Pansy; and three younger brothers, Haskell, Jim, and Alvin. His parents were Robert L. Graves and Delphia Ann Hamiter Graves.

In addition to his parents, Tom was preceded in death by his brothers Bill, Bob, John, Haskell, and Jim; his sisters Patricia and Pansy; his oldest son, Mark; and his granddaughter, Rachel.

Surviving is his wife, Margaret, and his younger brother, Alvin (“Al”) of Fresno, California. He is also survived by five children, thirteen grandchildren, twenty-three great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Tom’s early years were spent in Texas, South Carolina, Oklahoma, and California. In October 1955, he entered the United States Air Force. After completing basic training, he served at Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana; Bitburg Air Base in Germany; Castle Air Force Base in California; Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska; and Charleston Air Force Base in South Carolina, where he retired after 24 years and 8 months of dedicated military service.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 16, 2026, at Thompson Funeral Home, 4720 Augusta Road, Lexington, South Carolina. Visitation for family and friends will be held at 10:00 a.m. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 a.m. Tom’s grandsons will serve as pallbearers.

Following the service, burial will take place at 1:00 p.m. at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, South Carolina, where Tom will be laid to rest with full military honors.

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04/10/2026

It’s with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Bubba Thomas, a devoted father, son, husband, and friend who left his heart behind on April 7, 2026. He was born in Columbia, SC and raised in a loving home in Cayce, SC. He was a graduate of B.C. High School.

Bubba was an extremely hard-working man and the proud owner of Thomas Construction Land Clearing and Hauling that he started in 1988. He loved to hunt and fish. He also loved John Deer, NASCAR (Dale Earnheart, Sr.), and most of all, South Carolina Gamecocks. He also loved spending time with his friends at Carolina Wings in Cayce.

He was a loving, devoted father to Heather and Michael and to his grandson Landon and granddog Ekko. His legacy, strength and profound sense of love will remain with them forever and they can only hope heaven is just as beautiful as the life he gave them.

Bubba is survived by his two children Heather Thomas Smoak and Michael Thomas, grandson Landon Smoak, granddog Ekko, his loving wife and best friend Suzie Thomas, sister Jackie Lineman (Larry) and nephew Andy Kirton.

Bubba was preceded by his parents Sonny and Betty Thomas, sister Diane Thomas Jeffcoat, and grandparents Clyde and Nelly Kelly.

You may be gone from our sight but will forever remain in our hearts.

Pallbearers for the service are Michael Thomas, Lorenzo Ward, Alex Inabinette, Larry Harrington, Mike Satterfield, Scott Hamm, Donnie Driggers, Sidney Ellison. Honorary pallbearers are Billy Jeffcoat, Pervis Hutto, Mitch Hook, and Durhamn Tager.

04/08/2026

Rebecca Ann Lowe, 70, entered into eternal rest with her Lord and Savior on Monday, April 6, 2026.
Born in Columbia, SC, she was the daughter of the late Rebecca Stevens Cornwell and the late Thomas Cornwell.
She is predeceased by her brothers, Edward and Russell Cornwell.
Rebecca (Ms. Becky) owned and operated a childcare center for many years, where she loved and nurtured a countless number of children entrusted into her care. She will be remembered for her vivacious personality, her love of simple and beautiful things, her resilience, her strong faith, and her immense love for her family.
Her greatest joy was her children and her grandchildren. She was a devoted mom and mima whose love knew no bounds. The memories we all shared will be a treasure always.
She is survived by her dedicated and loving husband of 28 years, Ted Lowe; her children, Chris Moody and Amanda Gordon (Elliot); bonus daughter, Anna Lowe; grandchildren, Justin, Dylan, Erica, and Cassidy; and bonus grandchildren, Kayla, Matthew, and Isabella.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt and sincere gratitude to Prisma Hospice, especially Nurse Kelly and Caregiver Paula for providing her care with such love and compassion.

04/07/2026

On April 6, 2026, after a long illness, Dr. Carolyn Hand Tippins of Columbia, SC, passed peacefully into the arms of our Lord. The daughter of Woodrow and Frances Hand, she was born December 9, 1941 in Gadsden, Alabama. She graduated from Jones Valley High School in Midfield, Alabama after which she attended The University of Alabama receiving a degree in Education. While a senior there, she met and married Bill Tippins. This marriage was to last almost 63 years. Bill was a career soldier, and as they traveled extensively on many assignments she continued her educational experience receiving a Master's Degree in Special Education from The University of Hawaii and Doctor of Education from The University of South Carolina. She worked in the field she loved, serving children with special needs in positions such as Teacher, Coordinator, and District Administrator for Special Education. She accomplished this while at the same time maintaining a household and caring for their two children.

Carolyn was an avid reader and her favorite pastime was settling down with a good novel. She loved beautiful flowers and always had some growing. A gracious and giving person, she was always ready with a meal or snack for any visitor or worker in our home.

Carolyn was an active member of Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church serving on various committees and participating in local church missions.

Carolyn is survived by her husband, Bill Tippins of Columbia; her son, Troy Tippins (Rebecca) of Mt Olive, AL; her daughter, Jaime Arrington (Trey) of Rock Hill, SC; two grandsons, Jeremy (Lulu) of Telluride, CO and Joshua (Hannah) of Princeton, NJ. She is also survived by two brothers, Bobby Hand (Karen) of Pell City, AL, Jimmy Hand (Emiko) of Beaumont, CA, and many nieces and nephews. She is predeceased by her sister, Virginia Rolling of Bessemer, AL.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, April 10, 2026, 11AM at Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church in Columbia, SC. A graveside service will be held on Friday, April 17, 11AM at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, Columbia, SC.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to Alzheimer's Society or to Asbury Memorial United Methodist Church 1005 Asbury Drive, Columbia, SC 29209.

04/07/2026

It was 66 years ago that the Lower Richland Ruritan Club reached out to area pastors and members of the community with the idea for an Easter Sunrise Service. Today, the tradition lives on as we continue to gather together with friends and neighbors to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Thank you to Pam Clark and the Lower Ruritan Club for your continued support and faithfulness. The Sunrise Service on Sunday morning was simply beautiful - the weather, the message and the music. The large attendance demonstrates how important this annual event is to the community.
Lastly, a very special thank you to Rev. Eddie Davis, Rev. Laurie Brandes, Rev. A.J. Bracy for your words of comfort and praise, and to Levon Stack for sharing his beautiful voice.

04/07/2026

Mr. Ellie Gore, 84, of Gilbert, South Carolina, peacefully went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 3, 2026.
Mr. Gore proudly served his country as a veteran of the United States Air Force. Following his military service, he dedicated many years of hard work to Duke Energy Corporation, where he eventually retired.
Ellie found great joy in life’s simple pleasures. He loved spending his time fishing and tending to his garden, but perhaps what he enjoyed most was sharing stories of his many adventures with anyone who would sit and listen. Many of those cherished stories included his memorable trips with his beloved son, Randy. His warm spirit and storytelling brought laughter and joy to those around him.
Above all else, Ellie deeply loved and treasured his family. His devotion to his wife and son was unwavering, and he spoke often and proudly of the family he loved so dearly. His love for them was truly endless.
He leaves to cherish his memory his loving wife, Helen Gore, of the home; one brother, R.V. Gore; two sisters-in-law, Patsy Bledsoe and Sylvia Gregg; several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and one special friend, Cindy Huffstetler.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dexter Gore and Mary Edna Gore; his beloved son, Randy Gore; one sister, Christine (Jasper) Simms; and several brothers and in-laws: Lacy (Micky) Gore, Gordan (Earlene) Gore, Robert (Martha) Gore, Gaynell (Bud) Sprout, Lagretta (Ronnie) Chiari, Marilyn (Parrey) Richie, Harold Gregg, Dewey Gregg, Warren Gregg, and Jack Cook, along with several nieces and nephews who also preceded him in death.
The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who assisted with Ellie’s daily care and showed such loving support during his illness. Your kindness, compassion, and presence meant more to the family than words can express.
A visitation will be held on Saturday, April 11, 2026, from 10:00 AM until 11:00 AM, followed by a memorial service at 11:00 AM at Thompson Funeral Home, 4720 Augusta Road, Lexington, SC 29073.
Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate the life and memory of Mr. Gore.

04/03/2026

Carolyn B. Inabinet, 96, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away on April 2, 2026.

Born in Marion, South Carolina, she was the daughter of the late John and Sara Ballantine. She was one of three daughters and was preceded in death by her sisters, Sara McCutchen and Becky Miller. Mrs. Inabinet retired from the South Carolina Employment Security Commission after many years of dedicated service.

Mrs. Inabinet was an avid University of South Carolina Gamecocks fan and was well known for her cucumber sandwiches, which she delighted in sharing with family and friends. She enjoyed playing golf and traveling, especially in the company of those she loved.

A charter member of Trenholm Road United Methodist Church, she remained devoted to her faith and church community throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, J.C. Inabinet, and her son, Jay Inabinet, and granddaughter, Kayla.

She is survived by her son, John Inabinet (Donna); her grandchildren, Ashley, Amber, Chelsea, Anna, Tyler, Jamie, and Mandy; and nine great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, at the Memorial Chapel of Greenlawn Memorial Park. Visitation will begin at 1:30 p.m., followed by the service at 2:00 p.m.

Arrangements are entrusted to Thompson Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

04/03/2026

Linda Eason Heckle, devoted wife and mother, faithful Christian, and cherished friend, passed away on March 29th, 2026, at the age of 82. Born on September 21st in Valdosta, GA, but raised across the state line in Jennings, FL, Linda lived a life defined by generosity, strength, service, and a deep commitment to the Lord and the people she loved.
Linda was a Seminole and a Tar Heel, graduating from FSU and UNC Chapel Hill. Her professional career began as a math teacher, and although she transitioned to guidance, education remained her lifelong focus. She served as Director of Guidance at Lexington High School and later at Lexington Middle School. She also spent decades as a devoted member of Delta Kappa Gamma (DKG), serving roles in local and state chapters, winning many awards and accolades over her 50-year membership tenure. Every summer, family vacations included attendance at the annual convention and as a result, she was quite well-travelled.
Her career was important, but family was at the center of Linda’s life. She and her husband could never quite remember what year they married, and a friend would call each year to remind her which anniversary it was. They were married just a few months shy of 50 years when he passed in 2018. She was a loving and devoted mother to daughter Elizabeth Lee, and she took great pride in caring for and supporting her immediate and extended family in both joyful and difficult times.
Linda’s faith was perhaps her defining value. She was an active and devoted member of Northside Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School for four decades. Her “Vessels of Light” (as the class named themselves) are well known in the community for their acts of service. She found her life’s purpose in this fellowship and giving. Her faith guided every aspect of her life — shaping her compassion for others and her belief in connection, kindness, forgiveness, and grace.
Friends knew Linda as someone who listened deeply and cared with words and deeds. She had a gift for making others feel welcome and valued, whether through a phone call, a note, a quiet visit, or simply being there. Her friendships were marked by loyalty, thoughtfulness, and genuine concern for others.
Linda is remembered for her insight, strength, laughter, and dedication. She lived for connection. Her impact is reflected in the many lives she touched with a kind gesture or caring word.
Linda is survived by her daughter, Elizabeth Lee; her brother Jim Eason (Debbie) and his children Melissa Bell (Matt), Heather Eason, and Jonathan Eason; nieces Kim Keisler (Terry), Kathy Kozma (Chris), and nephew Mark Heckle (Ellen) . She was preceded in death by her parents, Celeta and Vernon Eason, her brother-in-law Julius, her nephews Trip and Don; and her beloved husband, Wiiliam H. Heckle.
A service to celebrate Linda’s life was held on April 3rd at Northside Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Northside Baptist Church.

04/02/2026

Aubrey D. "Gus" White, 88, of Cayce, passed away quietly on March 28, 2026. Mr. White was a proud member of State Street Baptist Church in Cayce. He had two careers that he proudly served in, the United States Air Force and the United States Postal Service. The Air Force took him extensively through Europe and Asia. He was a Vietnam Vet, where he served with Honor and Distinction. His Postal Service took him all over Cayce and West Columbia where many people knew him as their friendly Postman and he made life-long friends. He was a Master Mason, active in Scottish and York Rites. “Gus” was also a proud member of the American Legion serving as Chaplain for many years.

His life was one of service and sacrifice to his Nation and community and was a great example to his sons, David, JC, and others. He is survived by his loving wife Helen of 68 years. He is also survived by David and his wife Cathy, JC and his wife Lorrie, and adopted sons JD Walker and Michael Gringmuth. His grandchildren include Krystal and Anna (David), and Cullen, Kaitlen, Beth and Tyler (JC). He is also survived by his brother Charlie White and his wife Colleen of Caspar, Wyoming. He has two brother-in-laws, Jim and Evald who he was close to throughout his life. He was an Uncle to many Nephews and Nieces whom he loved dearly.

A man who dedicated his entire life to serving others, whether through his military service, his faith, or simply being the friendly face delivering the mail. He was a good man who loved his Nation, his family, and his faith. He was kind and generous in spirit and with his time. He will be missed.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 6, 2026, 12 noon at State Street Baptist Church with a visitation one hour prior. The burial will take place at Fort Jackson National Cemetery at 2PM.

04/02/2026

Mary Jo Dewar, age 88, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family on Tuesday, March 31, 2026.
She was born on December 28, 1937, in Allendale, South Carolina, the only daughter of Thomas Baker Warren and Mannie Wardlaw Warren.
Mary Jo graduated from Winthrop College in Rock Hill, South Carolina in 1959. She began her career as an elementary school teacher, dedicating seven years to teaching in Augusta, Georgia and Seattle, Washington. She later made her home in Yakima, Washington, where she served as a Reach to Recovery coordinator for the American Cancer Society for six years. During that time, she was also actively involved in the Community Action Group through First Presbyterian Church, advocating for the needs of individuals across diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds.
Mary Jo gave generously of her time and talents through community service. She was a member of Junior Aid and the Seattle Children’s Orthopedic Hospital Guild. After returning to South Carolina, she worked with the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) for thirteen years before retiring. In retirement, she continued to serve her community by teaching water aerobics for sixteen years at the Harbison Recreation Center in Columbia, South Carolina.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her two brothers, Thomas Baker Warren, MD of Chapin, South Carolina, Robert Wardlaw Warren of Montreat, North Carolina and her sister-in-law, Marcia Warren of Chapin, South Carolina.
Mary Jo is survived by her sister-in-law, Julie Dews of Montreat, North Carolina; her three children, Warren Lloyd Dewar III (Carolyn) of Kentfield, California, James Baker Dewar, MD (Melanie) of Lexington, South Carolina, and Sallie Amanda Berry (Jeff) of Sumner, Washington; and her six beloved grandchildren: Ford, Smythe, Collins, Cole, Cameron, and Mackenzie Dewar along with her nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 11, at 11:00 a.m. at Allendale Presbyterian Church (128 Water Street, Allendale, SC 29810), with a reception to follow.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Swallow Savannah Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 306, Allendale, SC 29810. For those wishing to send flowers, please contact Butler Florist at (803) 686-1999.