Goldfinch Funeral Home - Murrells Inlet

Janet Elizabeth Engle (nee Goodwin), age 81, wife of F. Douglas Engle, passed away December 4, 2025 at Tidelands Waccamaw Community Hospital. She was born July 12, 1944 in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Howard & Blanche Goodwin. She attended St. Martin Church and school, and went to Mergenthaler High School where she met Doug on the #8 streetcar and the two never separated and were married on April 25, 1964. Through her life, Janet worked as a hairdresser, telephone operator, housewife, substitute teacher, day care provider, airport security leader, and head bank teller. She retired in 2000 and lived in Myrtle Beach the rest of her life. We will miss her! She is survived by her...

Charles Arnold Decker, Jr. died Tuesday, November 25, 2025. Born on October 11, 1934 in Binghamton, NY. He was the son of the late Dr. Charles Arnold Decker and Emily Wadsworth Decker. Mr. Decker was a graduate of Culver Military Academy, Culver, IN, Hobart College, Geneva, NY and Albany Law School, Albany, NY. After service in the US Army, Mr. Decker was employed as a Special Agent in the F.B.I. He was subsequently employed as a Special Agent in the Criminal Investigation Division of the Internal Revenue Service and thereafter as an Inspector, and then as the Director of IRS's Internal Security Division. Subsequent to his Federal service, Mr. Decker was employed at Sumter Cabinet Company as...

Betty Sellers Calhoun, age 82, formerly of Surfside Beach, SC, passed away October 13, 2025 at Novant Regional Brunswick Medical Center in Bolivia, NC. Funeral service will be held 11:00 AM, Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel. Burial will follow at Lakeside Cemetery in Conway. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 PM Monday, October 20, 2025 at the funeral home. For full obituary, please visit www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com.

Henry Lewis Ziliotto, born January 31, 1947 in Auburn, New York, died July 29, 2025 at Georgetown Hospital. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Elizabeth Ann, son Christopher Henry, and daughters Jennifer McCrudden, (Brian), Elisa Mullan (Steven), sister Lynn Innes and grandchildren, Sean Henry Thomas Mullan, and Leslie and Will McCrudden. Henry was predeceased by parents Enrico and Laura Malerbi Ziliotto, in-laws Edward and Grace Pailes, and brother -in- law Edward Pailes Jr. Also survived by beloved family members Rosemary Pailes, Barbara and John Byrd, Grace and Peter Bertell and families. Henry enlisted and served proudly in the USMC for 4 years as a radar air traffic controller. ...

Michael Lang, age 82 passed away on April 17, 2025, at his home in Murrells Inlet, SC after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer, with his son by his side. Michael had wonderful care through Agape Hospice. Mike was born on August 2, 1942, in Mt. Kisco, NY to the late Michael and Kathryn Lang. Capturing the essence of a life that was well lived is challenging in just a few words. Mike was a graduate of Liverpool High School. He retired in 2001 from New Process Gear after 30 years as a skilled trade's welder. Mike had a great passion for all types of motorsports, especially drag racing. It was at a drag race where he met Cynthia (Cindy) who later became his wife. He was an avid HAM radio...

Claudia O'Hearn Taylor of Pawleys Island, SC and Blowing Rock, NC passed away peacefully in her home in Litchfield located in Pawleys Island on April 10, 2025. She was surrounded by family and friends. Claudia was born to Richard Glidden and Doris Blanchard O'Hearn on January 20, 1944, in Dayton, Ohio. Her family soon moved back to her mothers hometown of Augusta, Georgia where she spent most of her childhood living on Magnolia Lane near Augusta National Golf Club. Claudia graduated from Richmond Academy High School in 1962. After high school she attended Augusta College until 1964 and later transferred to the University of Georgia in Athens graduating in 1966 with a degree in Education. She...

Bronislaw "Ben" Bernard Mleczko, age 81, was called to the Lord on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, with his wife by his side. Ben was born on December 2, 1943, in Danbury, CT, to the late Bronislaw and Nathila Mleczko. Ben was a patriot who proudly served in the US Army from 1962 to 1964.. Ben is survived by the love of his life, best friend, and wife of 33 years Diane; Stepsons Matthew Cote and his wife Kathleen; and Christopher Cote and his wife Jacqueline; Grandchildren Logan and Victoria; Brother David Mleczko and his wife Carol of New Fairfield, CT; He is preceded in death by his sister Bernice Miller. A Funeral Mass will be held at 1:00 PM Monday, April 7, 2025, at Goldfinch Funeral Home,...

On March 30, 2025 James Ralph "Ray" Todd, 80, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family. Ray was born September 12,1944 in Georgetown, South Carolina, to the late James Everett Todd and Eula Faye Baker Todd. After graduating in the Class of 1962 from Winyah High School in Georgetown, SC, Ray married his high school sweetheart, Linda Garrett Ferguson in 1963. They had two daughters, Susan Mathis Todd and Julie Lynn Todd. Ray and Linda later agreed to an amicable divorce. In 1983, Ray found love again; he married Roberta "Bobbie" Boykin Murdock. He became a step-father to both Tracy Murdock Freedman & Carl Matthew "Matt" Murdock. At International Paper in the maintenance...

Beverly R. Bametzrieder, age 78, formerly from Pittsburgh, PA. passed away unexpectedly at her home on March 6, 2025. She was born in Pittsburgh, PA. on August 15, 1946, to the late Frank and Rose (Euseppi) Celender. Capturing the essence of a life that left an indelible mark on the world is a challenge in just a few words. Her proudest accomplishments were being a beautiful, loving and GREAT wife, mother and grandmother. She loved all animals, especially dogs, which were her constant companions. She also enjoyed feeding birds, working and planting in her yard, as well as going to the beach. That is one of the reasons she and Tom moved to North Myrtle Beach. Beverly enjoyed cooking and was...

Larry Allen Elliott, age 78, of Murrells Inlet, passed away February 5, 2025 at his home. He was born June 14, 1946 in Carters Crossroads, South Carolina to the late Robert & Mary Carter Elliott. Larry was a graduate of Pleasant Hill High School and then attended Charleston Southern University where he played on the golf team. After his honorable service to his country in the United State Army, Larry attended Midlands Technical College in Columbia. For many years, he owned and operated We Sweep Inc. before retiring in 2019. In his free time, Larry was an avid golfer and loved going to his farm. Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Charles Elliott, and...

Larry Allen Elliott, age 78, of Murrells Inlet, passed away February 5, 2025 at his home. He was born June 14, 1946 in Carters Crossroads, South Carolina to the late Robert & Mary Carter Elliott. Larry was a graduate of Pleasant Hill High School and then attended Charleston Southern University where he played on the golf team. After his honorable service to his country in the United State Army, Larry attended Midlands Technical College in Columbia. For many years, he owned and operated We Sweep Inc. before retiring in 2019. In his free time, Larry was an avid golfer and loved going to his farm. Besides his parents, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Charles Elliott, and...

Marilyn L. Zackowski passed away peacefully in Murrells Inlet, SC, on January 22, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. Her full obituary may be viewed at www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com.

Andrew Sarafino of Pawleys Island, SC passed away on January 3, 2025. Andrew was born in Brooklyn, NY and moved to Bradley Gardens in 1946. After retiring, Andrew moved to Pawleys Island, SC in 2011. Andrew married Patricia Kurman in 1961 and together they raised four children. After serving in the United States Navy, he began his career in banking. He was a banker for more than fifty years with most of his career as a Vice President at Somerset Trust Company. Andrew loved to volunteer and was Commissioner of the Bradley Gardens Little Loop as well as coaching boys in Junior Pony League. He was a member of the Somerset County Chamber of Commerce and Holy Trinity Church. He was an avid...

Herbert S. Herrman, 96, passed away on December 24, 2024. Born October 21, 1928, he was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years, Millie. Herb is survived by his four children: Cindi, Susie, Gruff, Katie, and their families. A Korean War veteran, he served in the battle of Chosin Reservoir. They retired to Pawleys Island, SC in 1983 after working for the phone company for 35 years. Herb continued to live life to the fullest, enjoying his passion for golf, where he proudly achieved 9 hole-in-ones over the years. He also volunteered for Habitat for Humanity for 35 years. Known for his great sense of humor and warmth, Herb will be dearly missed. In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made...

Ronald Lee Smoyer, M.D., of Pawleys Island, SC, passed away on December 1, 2024 at the Medical University of South Carolina Hospital at the age of 84. He was born April 11, 1940 in Allentown, PA to the late Donald & Hilda (Kelly) Smoyer. Ronald was a 1958 graduate of Emmaus High School in Emmaus, PA. He went on to attend Kutztown University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1962, and later went on to earn a masters degree also from Kutztown University. Following graduation, Ronald taught at Salisbury High School in Allentown, PA from 1962-1970. It was in 1970 that he decided to enroll in medical school at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA and graduated...

Ronald Lee Smoyer, M.D., of Pawleys Island, SC, passed away on December 1, 2024 at the Medical University of South Carolina Hospital at the age of 84. He was born April 11, 1940 in Allentown, PA to the late Donald & Hilda (Kelly) Smoyer. Ronald was a 1958 graduate of Emmaus High School in Emmaus, PA. He went on to attend Kutztown University where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1962, and later went on to earn a masters degree also from Kutztown University. Following graduation, Ronald taught at Salisbury High School in Allentown, PA from 1962-1970. It was in 1970 that he decided to enroll in medical school at Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA and graduated...

Diane Marie DiBenedetto (nee Michaels), age 82, died on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at Mount Pleasant Hospital. Born in Passaic, NJ, Diane is a daughter of the late Stephen and Anne Michalov. She retired in 2006 from CTC International where she worked as a bookkeeper. Following her retirement, Diane worked as a Home Health Aide until 2020. Diane is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas DiBenedetto and step daughter, Lucille J. DiBenedetto. Survivors include her daughter, Joanne and her husband Robert; son Thomas N. DiBenedetto and his wife Melina; granddaughter Saber M. DiBenedetto; siblings Patricia Brady, Robert Michalov, Susan Ireland and her husband Dennis, Stephen J. Michal, Peter...

Diane Marie DiBenedetto (nee Michaels), age 82, died on Sunday, November 17, 2024 at Mount Pleasant Hospital. Born in Passaic, NJ, Diane is a daughter of the late Stephen and Anne Michalov. She retired in 2006 from CTC International where she worked as a bookkeeper. Following her retirement, Diane worked as a Home Health Aide until 2020. Diane is preceded in death by her husband, Thomas DiBenedetto and step daughter, Lucille J. DiBenedetto. Survivors include her daughter, Joanne and her husband Robert; son Thomas N. DiBenedetto and his wife Melina; granddaughter Saber M. DiBenedetto; siblings Patricia Brady, Robert Michalov, Susan Ireland and her husband Dennis, Stephen J. Michal, Peter...

Sara "Sally" Steele, age 77, of Murrells Inlet, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2024. A memorial service will be held Saturday, November 23rd at Goldfinch Funeral Home, 11528 Hwy 17 Bypass, Murrells Inlet, SC with visitation 11:00 am and service to follow at 12:00 pm. Immediately following, burial will be at Hillcrest Cemetery. To view the full obituary please visit www.goldfinchfuneralhome.com Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel is in charge of the arrangements.

James Lynn Pomplun of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, passed away on November 10, 2024, following a brief illness. Jim was born on March 16, 1946 in Denver Colorado to the late Ray and Dottie Pomplun. After attending Colorado State University on a swimming scholarship, Jim qualified for the U.S. Olympic Trials. Jim started his career in the electrical products industry with Central Electric Supply Company of Denver, Colorado. He retired from the industry at Marley Engineered Products in Bennettsville, South Carolina. While on a business trip to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1993, he met with a business client, Rodger Kennedy, who introduced Jim to his daughter, Kemilou. They married two years...

Simone Dunn Brookshire age 87, passed away peacefully at her home with her husband by her side on Wednesday, October 30, 2024. Mrs. Brookshire was born in Manchester, GA to the late Charlie and Annie Dunn. Simone was a member of Surfside Presbyterian Church, retired from the Department of Defense as a computer software engineer. She served as a Sunday school teacher, church pianist, chairman of Missions, church secretary and a choir member over the years. Mrs. Brookshire was also an English as a second language teacher, president of Toastmasters Club 64 and the area governor at Ft. Belvoir, VA. In her later years she enjoyed working as an artist and painting. In addition to her husband...