Obituaries

Local Obituaries for Aiken South Carolina & Surrounding Areas.

David R. Massey

David R. Massey

Jan 11, 2026

David Reed Massey, 64, passed away peacefully at his home in Windsor, SC on January 11, 2026.

Born in Cherry Hill, NJ, David was the beloved son of the late Harvey Thomas Massey Jr. and Valeda Theil Massey. He dedicated much of his life to his work as an over-the-road truck driver and later in home repair, showcasing his diverse skills...

Margaret D. Lee

Margaret D. Lee

Jan 9, 2026

Margaret Ellen Derrick Lee, 100, of Aiken, SC, the widow of Fitzhugh Lee, Jr., passed away Friday, January 9, 2026 at her home.

Surviving are her sons, Derrick (Kathy) Lee and Arthur (Jeanie) Lee both of Aiken; a sister, Mary D. (Charles “Bunk”) Grandy of Aiken; six grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and ten nieces and nephews.

Born October 25, 1925 in Aiken,...

Linda Marie Houk

Linda Marie Houk

Jan 8, 2026

Linda Marie Houk, 76, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Linda was born in San Francisco, CA, daughter of the late Chaves Armijo and Katherine Lawson Armijo. She was a graduate of the University of Nevada, and taught American History for 30 years in Reno, NV, retiring in 2000. After retirement, Linda and William wanted to move south, and moved to...

Richard Lee Gaul

Richard Lee Gaul

Jan 5, 2026

Richard “Dick” Gaul, 80, died on January 5, 2026, in Aiken, South Carolina.

Dick was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and raised in Duluth. He was an energetic, curious, and playful child who formed lifelong friendships that remained important to him throughout his life.

Above all else, Dick valued his wife, children, and extended family. He was married to his best friend...

Tammy Ellison Hutto

Tammy Ellison Hutto

Jan 4, 2026

Tammy Ellison Hutto, 62, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Born in Kings Mountain, NC on November 3, 1963, she was the daughter of Buford Pearson and Doris Pearson.

In addition to her parents, Tammy was also preceded in death by her precious daughter, Heather Joiner, brother Brian Keith Ellison, brother in law Jeffrey Hutto, and in-laws Ethel and Raymond Hutto.

Tammy loved...

Esteban Negrete Rios

Esteban Negrete Rios

Jan 4, 2026

ESTEBAN NEGRETE RIOS, de 46 años, falleció inesperadamente el domingo 4 de enero de 2026 en su domicilio.

Originario de Chavinda, Michoacán, México, Esteban era hijo de Gonzalo Negrete García y Guadalupe Ríos Hernández.

Le sobreviven su hija, Verónica Hernández Negrete; y sus diez hermanos: María Elena Negrete, Pedro Negrete Ríos, Antonio Negrete Ríos, Rosalina Negrete Ríos, Gonzalo Negrete Ríos, Esperanza Negrete...

Paul Robert "Bobby" Burch, Jr.

Paul Robert "Bobby" Burch, Jr.

Jan 4, 2026

PAUL ROBERT "BOBBY" BURCH, JR., 82, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026 in Piedmont Augusta Hospital.

Born in Leaksville, NC, Paul was the son of Paul, Sr. and Pauline Hopkins Burch. His family moved to Aiken, where he grew up and graduated from Aiken High School, proudly participating in both football and baseball. Paul dedicated part of his life to service...

Elizabeth Joyce Honea Skinner

Elizabeth Joyce Honea Skinner

Jan 4, 2026

AIKEN, SC - Beth Skinner (née Elizabeth Joyce Honea), age 93, transitioned to her eternal home on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Aiken’s First Baptist Church with the family receiving friends in the church parlor following the service. A private interment will be held in Southlawn Cemetery...

Maxine Hendrickson Dexter

Maxine Hendrickson Dexter

Jan 3, 2026

Maxine Hendrickson Dexter of Aiken, S.C. died peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, January 3. She was born on March 1, 1928 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Maxine was the daughter of John and Mildred Mooney Hendrickson and lived a happy childhood with her sister, June, in South Texas. She married the love of her life,...

Janet Epting New

Janet Epting New

Jan 3, 2026

Janet Epting New, 91, entered eternal rest on January 3, 2026, just two days after her husband, Ben. Married for seventy years, Janet was a woman of grace, faith, and intellect; the bedrock of her family.

Born in Savannah, GA, Janet was the daughter of the late Eugene Ludington Epting and Gladys Plunkett Epting. She was truly a “renaissance woman” with...

Charles Evan Stokes

Charles Evan Stokes

Jan 2, 2026

CHARLES EVAN STOKES, 74, beloved husband of the late Reushe Stokes, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026 in his home.

A lifelong resident of Aiken, Evan graduated from Aiken High School and furthered his education at Erskine College, where he showcased his skills as a soccer player.

Evan dedicated his professional life to carpentry and was a former co-owner with his wife,...

Ira Benjamin New, Jr.

Ira Benjamin New, Jr.

Jan 1, 2026

Ira Benjamin “Ben” New, Jr., 94, passed peacefully at home with his loving family on January 1, 2026. A man of quiet faith and integrity, defined by his devotion to his family, profession, community, and country.

Ben was born and raised in Savannah, GA, during a transformative time spanning the height of the Great Depression, WWII and the post war boom....

Dr. Jane Lynne Forrest

Dr. Jane Lynne Forrest

Dec 31, 2025

Dr. Jane Lynne Forrest, 79, passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

Jane was born in Pennsylvania, daughter of the late Robert Forrest, Jr. and Margaret Mae Hinkel Forrest. She was a prominent surgical ENT in Rochester, NH for many years, and retired to Aiken, SC.

Jane is survived by her sister, Dawn Marie Forrest Hoffman, Lititz, PA; three nephews Zachary, Nicholas, and...

Dr. Paul Blair Parks, III

Dr. Paul Blair Parks, III

Dec 30, 2025

Dr. Paul Blair Parks, III, of Aiken, SC, died on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, after an extended illness. He was the son of the late Paul Blair Parks, Jr. and Ella Howerton Whitted Parks. Paul was born Nov. 20, 1934, in Erwin, NC, and grew up in Durham, NC.

Dr. Parks was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68...

Wilbur G. “Bill” Howell, Jr.

Wilbur G. “Bill” Howell, Jr.

Dec 28, 2025

Wilbur G. “Bill” Howell, Jr., 76, of Aiken, South Carolina, passed away on December 28, 2025 after enduring a long journey with heart disease, facing it with remarkable strength and grace.The only son of Wilbur G. Howell, Sr. and Nora Alice Howell, Bill was born in Aiken, South Carolina, and was a lifelong resident of the community he dearly loved....

Teresa M. Neely

Teresa M. Neely

Dec 28, 2025

Aiken, SC — Teresa Mary Neely, 77, of Aiken, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on her 77th birthday, December 28, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on December 28, 1948, Teresa lived a full and meaningful life devoted to her family, career, faith, and community.

Throughout her professional life, Teresa enjoyed a distinguished career in administrative and human resources roles....

Mamie Lou Washington Mack

Mamie Lou Washington Mack

Dec 27, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mamie Lou Washington Mack, 77, on December 27, 2025 at Aiken, SC. She was born on January 22, 1948 in Aiken, SC to William Washington Sr. (Aiken, SC) and Lily Mae Born (Queens, NY).

Mamie Lou was the first woman to work for the city of Aiken as a Sanitation...

Garrett Randolph Lacara

Garrett Randolph Lacara

Dec 26, 2025

Garrett “Gary” Randolph Lacara passed peacefully on December 26, 2025. He was 71. He is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Mary Elizabeth Henderson, his daughters Katelyn Danielle Policastro, DeAnna Heather (Jonathan) Schena, and two granddaughters. He is also survived by his sister Sherie. He was predeceased by his parents Leonard and Leah Lacara.

Gary earned his Bachelor’s Degree...

Michael Francis Perdew

Michael Francis Perdew

Dec 25, 2025

MICHAEL FRANCIS PERDEW, 87, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, December 25, 2025 at The Oaks of Aiken.

Born in Fullerton, California, he was the beloved son of the late William James Perdew and Eva Ryan Wolfe. Michael proudly served in the United States Air Force, a testament to his dedication and love for his country. After his service, he returned to Brea,...

Patrick David Keating

Patrick David Keating

Dec 24, 2025

TRAVELERS REST, SC - Patrick David "Coach Keating" Keating, 61, passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

Born in Canton, IL, Coach Keating was a son of the late John Patrick and Miquela Marie Hawkins Keating. Pat was a devoted husband, father, coach, and educator; yet nothing brought him more pride or joy than being a “PaPa” to his 3 grandsons Harry,...

Local Obituaries for Aiken South Carolina & Surrounding Areas.

David R. Massey

David R. Massey

Jan 11, 2026

David Reed Massey, 64, passed away peacefully at his home in Windsor, SC on January 11, 2026.

Born in Cherry Hill, NJ, David was the beloved son of the late Harvey Thomas Massey Jr. and Valeda Theil Massey. He dedicated much of his life to his work as an over-the-road truck driver and later in home repair, showcasing his diverse skills...

Margaret D. Lee

Margaret D. Lee

Jan 9, 2026

Margaret Ellen Derrick Lee, 100, of Aiken, SC, the widow of Fitzhugh Lee, Jr., passed away Friday, January 9, 2026 at her home.

Surviving are her sons, Derrick (Kathy) Lee and Arthur (Jeanie) Lee both of Aiken; a sister, Mary D. (Charles “Bunk”) Grandy of Aiken; six grandchildren, ten great grandchildren and ten nieces and nephews.

Born October 25, 1925 in Aiken,...

Linda Marie Houk

Linda Marie Houk

Jan 8, 2026

Linda Marie Houk, 76, passed away Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Linda was born in San Francisco, CA, daughter of the late Chaves Armijo and Katherine Lawson Armijo. She was a graduate of the University of Nevada, and taught American History for 30 years in Reno, NV, retiring in 2000. After retirement, Linda and William wanted to move south, and moved to...

Richard Lee Gaul

Richard Lee Gaul

Jan 5, 2026

Richard “Dick” Gaul, 80, died on January 5, 2026, in Aiken, South Carolina.

Dick was born in St. Paul, Minnesota, and raised in Duluth. He was an energetic, curious, and playful child who formed lifelong friendships that remained important to him throughout his life.

Above all else, Dick valued his wife, children, and extended family. He was married to his best friend...

Tammy Ellison Hutto

Tammy Ellison Hutto

Jan 4, 2026

Tammy Ellison Hutto, 62, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026.

Born in Kings Mountain, NC on November 3, 1963, she was the daughter of Buford Pearson and Doris Pearson.

In addition to her parents, Tammy was also preceded in death by her precious daughter, Heather Joiner, brother Brian Keith Ellison, brother in law Jeffrey Hutto, and in-laws Ethel and Raymond Hutto.

Tammy loved...

Esteban Negrete Rios

Esteban Negrete Rios

Jan 4, 2026

ESTEBAN NEGRETE RIOS, de 46 años, falleció inesperadamente el domingo 4 de enero de 2026 en su domicilio.

Originario de Chavinda, Michoacán, México, Esteban era hijo de Gonzalo Negrete García y Guadalupe Ríos Hernández.

Le sobreviven su hija, Verónica Hernández Negrete; y sus diez hermanos: María Elena Negrete, Pedro Negrete Ríos, Antonio Negrete Ríos, Rosalina Negrete Ríos, Gonzalo Negrete Ríos, Esperanza Negrete...

Paul Robert "Bobby" Burch, Jr.

Paul Robert "Bobby" Burch, Jr.

Jan 4, 2026

PAUL ROBERT "BOBBY" BURCH, JR., 82, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2026 in Piedmont Augusta Hospital.

Born in Leaksville, NC, Paul was the son of Paul, Sr. and Pauline Hopkins Burch. His family moved to Aiken, where he grew up and graduated from Aiken High School, proudly participating in both football and baseball. Paul dedicated part of his life to service...

Elizabeth Joyce Honea Skinner

Elizabeth Joyce Honea Skinner

Jan 4, 2026

AIKEN, SC - Beth Skinner (née Elizabeth Joyce Honea), age 93, transitioned to her eternal home on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM on Monday, January 12, 2026, at Aiken’s First Baptist Church with the family receiving friends in the church parlor following the service. A private interment will be held in Southlawn Cemetery...

Maxine Hendrickson Dexter

Maxine Hendrickson Dexter

Jan 3, 2026

Maxine Hendrickson Dexter of Aiken, S.C. died peacefully in her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Saturday, January 3. She was born on March 1, 1928 in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Maxine was the daughter of John and Mildred Mooney Hendrickson and lived a happy childhood with her sister, June, in South Texas. She married the love of her life,...

Janet Epting New

Janet Epting New

Jan 3, 2026

Janet Epting New, 91, entered eternal rest on January 3, 2026, just two days after her husband, Ben. Married for seventy years, Janet was a woman of grace, faith, and intellect; the bedrock of her family.

Born in Savannah, GA, Janet was the daughter of the late Eugene Ludington Epting and Gladys Plunkett Epting. She was truly a “renaissance woman” with...

Charles Evan Stokes

Charles Evan Stokes

Jan 2, 2026

CHARLES EVAN STOKES, 74, beloved husband of the late Reushe Stokes, passed away Friday, January 2, 2026 in his home.

A lifelong resident of Aiken, Evan graduated from Aiken High School and furthered his education at Erskine College, where he showcased his skills as a soccer player.

Evan dedicated his professional life to carpentry and was a former co-owner with his wife,...

Ira Benjamin New, Jr.

Ira Benjamin New, Jr.

Jan 1, 2026

Ira Benjamin “Ben” New, Jr., 94, passed peacefully at home with his loving family on January 1, 2026. A man of quiet faith and integrity, defined by his devotion to his family, profession, community, and country.

Ben was born and raised in Savannah, GA, during a transformative time spanning the height of the Great Depression, WWII and the post war boom....

Dr. Jane Lynne Forrest

Dr. Jane Lynne Forrest

Dec 31, 2025

Dr. Jane Lynne Forrest, 79, passed away Wednesday, December 31, 2025.

Jane was born in Pennsylvania, daughter of the late Robert Forrest, Jr. and Margaret Mae Hinkel Forrest. She was a prominent surgical ENT in Rochester, NH for many years, and retired to Aiken, SC.

Jane is survived by her sister, Dawn Marie Forrest Hoffman, Lititz, PA; three nephews Zachary, Nicholas, and...

Dr. Paul Blair Parks, III

Dr. Paul Blair Parks, III

Dec 30, 2025

Dr. Paul Blair Parks, III, of Aiken, SC, died on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, after an extended illness. He was the son of the late Paul Blair Parks, Jr. and Ella Howerton Whitted Parks. Paul was born Nov. 20, 1934, in Erwin, NC, and grew up in Durham, NC.

Dr. Parks was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 68...

Wilbur G. “Bill” Howell, Jr.

Wilbur G. “Bill” Howell, Jr.

Dec 28, 2025

Wilbur G. “Bill” Howell, Jr., 76, of Aiken, South Carolina, passed away on December 28, 2025 after enduring a long journey with heart disease, facing it with remarkable strength and grace.The only son of Wilbur G. Howell, Sr. and Nora Alice Howell, Bill was born in Aiken, South Carolina, and was a lifelong resident of the community he dearly loved....

Teresa M. Neely

Teresa M. Neely

Dec 28, 2025

Aiken, SC — Teresa Mary Neely, 77, of Aiken, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on her 77th birthday, December 28, 2025, following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born on December 28, 1948, Teresa lived a full and meaningful life devoted to her family, career, faith, and community.

Throughout her professional life, Teresa enjoyed a distinguished career in administrative and human resources roles....

Mamie Lou Washington Mack

Mamie Lou Washington Mack

Dec 27, 2025

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Mamie Lou Washington Mack, 77, on December 27, 2025 at Aiken, SC. She was born on January 22, 1948 in Aiken, SC to William Washington Sr. (Aiken, SC) and Lily Mae Born (Queens, NY).

Mamie Lou was the first woman to work for the city of Aiken as a Sanitation...

Garrett Randolph Lacara

Garrett Randolph Lacara

Dec 26, 2025

Garrett “Gary” Randolph Lacara passed peacefully on December 26, 2025. He was 71. He is survived by his loving wife of 17 years, Mary Elizabeth Henderson, his daughters Katelyn Danielle Policastro, DeAnna Heather (Jonathan) Schena, and two granddaughters. He is also survived by his sister Sherie. He was predeceased by his parents Leonard and Leah Lacara.

Gary earned his Bachelor’s Degree...

Michael Francis Perdew

Michael Francis Perdew

Dec 25, 2025

MICHAEL FRANCIS PERDEW, 87, passed away unexpectedly, Thursday, December 25, 2025 at The Oaks of Aiken.

Born in Fullerton, California, he was the beloved son of the late William James Perdew and Eva Ryan Wolfe. Michael proudly served in the United States Air Force, a testament to his dedication and love for his country. After his service, he returned to Brea,...

Patrick David Keating

Patrick David Keating

Dec 24, 2025

TRAVELERS REST, SC - Patrick David "Coach Keating" Keating, 61, passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2025.

Born in Canton, IL, Coach Keating was a son of the late John Patrick and Miquela Marie Hawkins Keating. Pat was a devoted husband, father, coach, and educator; yet nothing brought him more pride or joy than being a “PaPa” to his 3 grandsons Harry,...