Elmore Cannon Stephens Funeral Home

Kenneth Edward Niven, known to those who loved him as Ken, passed away on April 14, 2025, in Sumter, South Carolina, at the age of 70. Ken was born on January 1, 1955, in Danville, Virginia, to William Niven and Georgia Hayes Niven. A proud veteran, he served 22 years in the United States Navy, with assignments primarily in Florida and Charleston. After retiring from the Navy, he continued his service-oriented career as a facility engineer in Seattle and Dallas. Ken attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, and in his retirement, he found great joy in fishing and spending time with his family and friends. He is survived by his beloved wife, Patricia Niven; his children,...

Kathy Barringer Shue, 72, widow of the late Ronald Gary Shue, Sr., died Tuesday, August 13, 2024, at her home. Born December 24, 1951, in Concord, NC, she was the daughter of the late Wayne Vanfield Barringer and the late Mildred Miller Barringer. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Kathy was the Quality Lead at BD for over 30 years. Survivors include three children, Ronald Shue, Jr., Ryan Shue (Kim), and Shawn Greenwood all of Sumter; four grandchildren, Dylan Ryan Shue, Kelsey Kellenbenz, Caitlyn Greenwood, and Madison Greenwood; a great-grandchild, Rimmi Kellenbenz; one brother, Gary Barringer (Debbie); one sister, Barbara Taylor (Danny) The family will...

Joan Nancy Ramstad Simenson, 89, widow of LtCol Thomas David "Dave" Simenson, USAF retired, died Thursday, August 1, 2024, at NHC Healthcare-Sumter. Born November 2, 1934, in Superior, WI, she was a daughter of the late Hjalmer John Ramstad and the late Winifred Mary Bruno Ramstad. Mrs. Simenson was a member of Swan Lake Presbyterian Church. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She enjoyed reading and sailing and was a gifted writer of letters and cards. Survivors include two sons, Tim Simenson and Todd Simenson (Tina) both of Sumter; two grandchildren, Ashley Simenson Tolbert (Brian) and Amy Simenson Chua (Scotty); four great-grandchildren, Spencer Chua, Ellie Tolbert, Audrey...

David Jay Hantz, 76, husband of Kathleen Hantz died Friday, April 26, 2024, at Prisma Health Tuomey. Born February 10, 1948. In Ligonier, Pennsylvania, he is the son of Evelyn Roddy Hantz of Summerville, SC and the late John Victor Hantz. Survivors include his wife, one son, John David Hantz (Tina) of Roanoke Rapids, NC; one grandson, Michael Hantz and one granddaughter Emilee Hantz both of Roanoke Rapids, NC. He was preceded in death by one son William Robert Jones. Family will have a private memorial service at a later date. Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

Robert Edward Miller,91, husband of Barbara Joan Hough Miller died Sunday, April 7, 2024 at Covenant Place. Born January 25, 1933, in Chester, SC, he was the son of the late Alexander Bennett Miller and the late Martha Rebecca Walker Miller. Survivors include his wife of 61 years; two daughters, Barbara Ledbetter (Wayne) of Columbia and Cindy Hughes (Dean) of Heath Springs; two grandchildren, Rebecca King and Benjamin Keith (Danielle); 4 great-grandchildren and one sister-in-law Bernice Miller. Mr. Miller was preceded in death by two brothers: James Walker Miller and Alexander "Sandy" Bennett Miller. The family will have a private graveside service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be...

Thomas "Tom" E. Winstead, Jr. of Jonesville passed away Sunday, February 11, 2024, after a long, hard-fought health battle at Atrium Health - Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston-Salem. He was born in San Antonio, Texas to Thomas E. Winstead, Sr. and the late Lucille Coleman Winstead on December 2nd, 1950. As a child in a military family, Tom grew up and lived all over the world, which instilled in him a love for travel and experiencing new things, especially with those that he loved. He graduated from Chicopee Comprehensive High School in Chicopee, Massachusetts before moving back to his family in Sumter, SC, the home of a duty station called Shaw Air Force Base, where his family...

Timothy Scott Clepper, 58, husband of Mary Perkins Clepper, died Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at his home. Born August 5, 1965, in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, he was a son of Charles Michael Clepper and Beverley Ann Verow Rife. Mr. Clepper retired from the U.S. Air Force after 25 years of service and was a veteran of the Persian Gulf Wars. He was currently working as a Civilian Contractor at Shaw Air Force Base. He loved golf and enjoyed tending to his yard. Survivors include his wife of 35 years, father and stepmother, Sylvia Clepper of PA; mother of PA; two children, Kaylee Clepper Parker (Christopher) and Cody Clepper (Mary Peyton) both of Sumter; three grandchildren, Skyler...

Coach Art Baker died January 13, 2024, at Covenant Place in Sumter, SC, surrounded by his family. Art Baker was a beloved son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was born in Sumter on November 30, 1929, to the late George A. Baker and the late Sarah Adell Holzer Baker. Arthur, as he was known in Sumter, went to Edmunds High School in Sumter where he graduated in 1948. He coached the JV football team while he was a senior. He attended Presbyterian College and played football, graduating in 1952. Art served our country in the U.S. Army at Fort Jackson in Columbia from 1952-1954. Art then served as head football coach at McColl High School for two years and then...

Daniel James "Danny" Cullivan, 68, died Friday, November 3, 2023, at Oak Hollow Rehabilitation Center of Sumter. Born October 27, 1955, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he was a son of the late Daniel L. Cullivan and the late Rita J. Robinson Wiley. Danny graduated from George Washington Senior High School in Cedar Rapids in 1974. He was employed as a meat cutter for Hy-Vee Supermarket and Publix Supermarket, and also enjoyed buying and flipping houses. He loved to dance, music, and the ocean. He had a great sense of humor and always had an infectious smile for everyone. He was of the Catholic faith. Survivors include three brothers, Edward D. Cullivan of Colorado Springs, CO, Walter "Tim"...

William Allen Graham, 35, died Sunday October 22, 2023, in Florence. Born July 29, 1988, in Sumter, SC, he was a husband to Courtney Ann Graham, a fa-ther to son Henry Hazel Graham IV and soon to be daughter Lylah Quinn Graham. He was a son to Henry Hazel Graham Jr. and Janet Cangialosi Graham. He was a Cum Laude graduate in Business Management from George Mason University in Fairfax, VA. He was a dedicated employee of Transaction Network Services, Inc. in Reston, VA for 18 years. Working in a multitude of roles and most recently promoted to a Manager of Fi-nancial Markets Business Metrics. He was an avid movie buff, fisherman, and collector of memorabilia. He loved all sports especially...

Cecil Larry Nichols, 81, husband of Linda Lee Dollens Nichols, died Thursday, October 19, 2023, at his home. Born February 4, 1942, in Mexico, Missouri, he was a son of the late Cecil Warren Nichols and the late Una R. Laforce Nichols Henry. He retired from the U.S. Air Force and was a Vietnam War veteran. He was a member of Paxville Baptist Church. Mr. Nichols was a very active and vital member of the Sumter Elk's Lodge. He served in every ritual office in the Elk's Lodge including Exalted Ruler. Survivors include his wife Linda of 63 years; two children, Debra "Debby" Lynn Nichols of Lexington, Kentucky and Donald "Don" Larry Nichols (Michele) of Columbia; grandchildren, Danielle...

Frank Albert "Skip" Quetti, Jr., 74, died Tuesday, October 3, 2023, at Prisma Health Tuomey. Born September 29, 1949, in Goldsboro, NC, he was a son of the late Francis Albert Quetti, Sr. and the late Helen Moye Quetti. Mr. Quetti was a graduate of Newberry College. He served in the U.S. Air Force Reserve and worked in the banking and automotive sales industry. Survivors include his fianc?, Kathy Tant Hyland; three children, Rob Quetti of Columbia, Beth Quetti and Michael Quetti both of Charlotte, NC; two stepchildren, Tony Rahn (Melissa) of FL and Ashleigh Pack (Derrick) of Sumter; five step-grandchildren; and a brother, Gray Quetti of Jacksonville, FL. A memorial service will be held...

Michele Natasha Reese was born in Houston, Texas, January 17, 1973, and died in her home, July 27, 2023. She grew up in Parkersburg graduating from Parkersburg High School in 1991. She earned her BA in Journalism from the University of Southern California, MA in English from the University of Southern Mississippi, and Ph.D. in English from the University of Missouri-Columbia. She was also a Graduate Fellow of The Watering Hole, a tribe of southern poets of color. Michele loved movement such as dance and sports at an early age, which contributed to her natural competitiveness which she inherited from father. Between winning spots for her first poetry publication in Wood Whispers (a...

LtCol Thomas David "Dave" Simenson, USAF retired, 89, husband of Joan Nancy Ramstad Simenson, died Monday, July 24, 2023, at the Sumter Grove. Born May 14, 1934, in Superior, WI, he was a son of the late Clarence Simenson and the late Margaret Lund Simenson. He retired from the U.S. Air Force after more than 21 years of service and was a Korean War and Vietnam War veteran. He was a member of Swan Lake Presbyterian Church where he served as an Elder and member of the church session. Mr. Simenson was an active member of the Sumter Family YMCA for many years. He was an excellent craftsman and enjoyed sailing. Survivors include his wife of 66 years; two sons, Tim Simenson and Todd Simenson...

David Phillips Cole, 91, of Sumter, South Carolina, passed away on Thursday May 11, 2023. He was a retired minister who served in Ohio and was a Lifelong Elder of the United Methodist Church. David is survived by his four children Brenda (Nancy McConn) Cole, Vicki Gray, Renee (Andrew) Hvizdos, and Greg (Tricia Fugee) Cole; his sisters Vera Cole and Grace Van Horn; his grandchildren: Kale Lohman, Annie Temple, Aaron (Tonia Marie) Cowell, Erin (Edgar) Becerra, Seth (Amber) Gray, Matthew Cook, Tyler (Kira) Cook, Josh (Beth) Cole, Samantha (James) Beams, Ian (Nicole) Perdomo-Cole, Jessi Cole, Brett Cole, Alex Cole, Valerie Fleming, Michael Fleming; 18 great grandchildren; step-granddaughter...

David Michael Stewart, 70, husband of Katherine Morris Stewart, died Friday, April 21, 2023, at Prisma Health Tuomey. Born November 25, 1952, in Greenville, he was a son of Stanley J. Stewart and the late Sophie Pappas Stewart. He was co-owner of Stewart Recycling Company. He was a member of Dalzell Masonic Lodge No. 431. He was a member and past president of the Sumter County Gamecock Club. He was involved for many years with the Sumter County Adult Softball Association. Survivors include his wife of 34 years; his father of Mt. Pleasant; siblings, Steven S. Stewart (Cindy) of Sumter, Paul W. Stewart (Deena) of Sumter, Liane Stewart Breen (Steve) of Mt. Pleasant, and Martin A. Stewart...

Harold Lewis Thompson, 86, widower of Joanne Hudgens Thompson and Kathleen Atkinson Thompson, died Monday, March 20, 2023, at his home. Born July 2, 1936, in Roanoke, VA, he was a son of the late Harold Mason Thompson and the late Minnie Frances Ferguson Thompson. He retired from the U.S. Air Force and was a Vietnam War veteran. He later retired from Farmers Telephone Cooperative. He was a member of Sumter First Church of God. Survivors include two children, Donna Dukes (Joe) and Buddy Thompson (Becky) all of Sumter; four grandchildren, Charlie Thompson (Caroline) of Alcolu, Evan Thompson of West Columbia, Megan Gash of Taylors, and Sara Renner of Sumter; numerous great-grandchildren;...

Charles Edward Webb, 94, husband of 55 years to the late Eunice Webb, died Tuesday, March 14, 2023, at his home in North Charleston. Born July 13, 1928, in Beckley, WV, he was the son of the late Don Beckelheimer and the late Ruby Cline Beckelheimer. He retired from the U.S. Air Force after 26 years of service and was a Korean War and Vietnam War veteran. He later retired from the Charleston Naval Shipyard. He was a longtime member of Northwoods Baptist Church. Mr. Webb was a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan. He loved to golf, garden and grew the best tomatoes. He also loved to read western novels. His favorite author was Louis L'Amour. Survivors include two sons, Phil Webb (Karen) of...

Virginia Dale Rushton Taylor, 79, passed away on Sunday, February 5, 2023, at Springdale Health Care Center in Camden. Born May 23, 1943, in Georgetown, she was a daughter of the late Justin A. "Pee Wee" Ruston and the late Thelma Wall Ruston. She proudly grew up in Georgetown and graduated from Winyah High School. Survivors include her sons, David Taylor (Jennie) of Sumter and Brian Taylor (Sherrill) of Murrells Inlet; her sister, Janet Owens of Georgetown; several cousins; many nieces and nephews; and a longtime dear friend, Mona Merry. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, James A. "Jimmy" Rushton; and a brother-in-law, Mike Owens. A graveside service...

Fred Allen McGraw, 86, died on Friday, January 20, 2023, at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital in Sumter, SC. He was born on March 8, 1936, in Harpersville, AL, a son of the late Richard Thomas McGraw, Sr., and the late Lallouise Florey McGraw. He was preceded in death by his older brothers James Carrol McGraw, and Richard Thomas McGraw, Jr. He leaves behind to cherish his memory his wife Patricia Champion McGraw; his younger brother, John Oscar McGraw (Grace); daughters, Indria McGraw Pless (Matthew), and Dr. Jennifer McGraw McFaddin (Ansel); grandchildren, Jon-Luke Pless, Julie Pless, Katelyn McFaddin Dean (Nick), and John McFaddin; and numerous nieces and nephews. Fred McGraw grew up in...

Lt Colonel Lawrence Mackey Bonner, USAF Retired, 80, husband of Patricia Bane Bonner, died Thursday, January 12, 2023, at Prisma Health Tuomey. Born January 1, 1943, in Hot Springs, VA, he was a son of the late William "Bill" G. Bonner and the late Doris Haynes Bonner. He was an active and dedicated member of Sumter First Church of the Nazarene. LtCol Bonner retired from the U.S. Air Force after serving more than twenty-three years and was a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War. He received his undergraduate degree from Virginia Tech and a master's degree from Northern Arizona University. Following his retirement, he worked as a sales agent with MetLife Insurance Company. Survivors...