Avinger Funeral Home

09/12/2025

Losing a loved one to su***de is one of the most heart-wrenching and confusing events you can go through. Sometimes, it's helpful to learn from the experiences of others who have been through something similar. If you are processing the death of a loved one by su***de, one of these 10 books may be just what you need to begin to heal and understand.

You don't have to make the journey alone. If you are grieving a su***de death, check out these 10 books to help you down the path to healing.

09/11/2025

Today is a day of remembrance. We remember those who lost their lives. We remember those who gave their lives. You will never be forgotten.

09/10/2025

A group of people with Parkinson’s are finding their strength through rock climbing! To read about their amazing triumphs, click the link below.

There is currently no cure for Parkinson's Disease. But some with Parkinson's are finding that an unusual therapy – rock climbing – is helping them improve their balance, mobility, strength and cognition.

09/10/2025

Otto "Buck" Hogan Grooms

Otto "Buck" Hogan Grooms ,95, of the Lebanon Community passed away on Monday, September 8, 2025. He shared 51 years of marriage with his beloved wife, the late Beverly Newnham Grooms, who preceded him in death in 2006. He was the son of the late Mike Hogan Grooms and Zeulene Pearl Hilton. He was also predeceased by his sisters Jewel Grooms Salisbury and Etheline Grooms Cordray.

"Buck", as he was called by almost everyone, was born on June 21, 1930, at his home. He was a lifetime resident of Lebanon and lived his entire life on land in Berkeley County that has been in the family for many generations.

Daddy attended Lebanon Community School through grade five. He attended Cross School for one year before going on to school in Moncks Corner. He completed his education at Berkeley High School which only had 11 grades at that time.

In 1951, he was drafted in the United States Army, spent 10 days at Fort Jackson and then went to Fort Bragg , NC where he served on the Artillery Observation Battalion. Buck was an active member of the American Legion Post for younger years.

After his service in the United States Army, "Buck" returned to the family farm. Like his father and grandfather before him, Otto was a long-time farmer who planted to***co, corn and soybeans. Farm life made for very long days with his livestock as well as chicken farm. He is often quoted as saying "The only vacation that I really took was when I served in the US Army!" His work ethic was constant throughout his lifetime even in his 90's and it was instilled upon each of his four children.

Buck became a member of Lebanon Methodist Church which is now the Methodist Church of Lebanon at an early age where he served in many capacities including Superintendent of the Church School. His wife , Beverly, was the choir director for many years and each of his children were very active in the life of the church . He was also a volunteer fireman with the Lebanon Fire Department and a member of the Berkeley County Farm Bureau.

"Buck" is survived by his four children: Terry Lynn Grooms and her lifetime partner Michael van der Els of Seville, FL, Glenda Grooms Russell and her husband James (Jim) Marion Russell III of Holly Hill, SC, Michael Otto Grooms and his wife Marsha Grooms of Lebanon, SC, and Robyn Grooms Jones and her husband, Kirk of Steinhatchie , FL. Otto "Buck" was also "Pa Buck " to his 12 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren of whom he was very proud. "Buck" is also survived by a very special friend and caregiver, Bertha Green.

Buck loved farm life and reminiscing of the way things were in the "olden days". Our Daddy certainly filled the role of a farmer. He will be sadly missed by his family and the Lebanon Community.

A celebration of his life will be held at Methodist Church of Lebanon located at 1183 Lebanon Road at 3:00 pm on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Visitation will precede the service at 2:00 pm on Saturday at the church. Burial will take place following the service at Rudd Branch Cemetery which is located on Lebanon Road.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Rudd Branch Cemetery, ATTN: Cindy Willard 2027 Cypress Campground Road Ridgeville, SC 29472 or Methodist Church of Lebanon, ATTN: Lori Singletary 619 Mill Creek Road Ridgeville, SC 29472. Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd, Holly Hill, SC 29059, (803)46-3434.

View Otto "Buck" Hogan Grooms's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/08/2025

09/07/2025

Today is all about celebrating grandparents and the impact they have on our lives. What's one of your favorite memories of your grandparents?

09/05/2025

Because poetry explores universal themes, cultivates empathy, and inspires contemplation, it can be a useful tool on the grief journey. Click the link to learn more about poetry and its therapeutic effects.

Did you know that poetry can help you on the grief journey? Click the link to learn how reading and writing poetry can be therapeutic.

09/03/2025

You twist, you turn, but that lid just won’t budge! This article offers suggestions for getting those tricky jar lids open.

Release that frustration (and the lid)! Learn how to open a jar the easy way—even the most stubborn ones.

09/02/2025

Charles Edward Flynn

Charles Edward Flynn III, 80, passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, from 10:00 - 10:45 AM at St. Ann Catholic Church, 2205 State Park Rd in Santee, South Carolina. The service will follow at 11AM. The burial will be private.

Charles was the son of the late Charles Edward Jr. and Elisabeth Flynn, born June 23, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Charles dedicated his life to serving and protecting others. He spent 25 years with the Philadelphia Police Department where he courageously served the majority of his career working undercover. Charles will always be remembered by those who knew him as a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and beloved friend. Charles was proud of his faith and a proud member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Santee.

Charles is survived by his devoted wife of 39 years, Frances Flynn; his children, Bridget (Robert) Morsa, Erin (David) Gindele, Sara (Patrick) Jones, John J. Flynn, and Casey R. Flynn; his grandchildren, Robert Morsa, Vincent Morsa, Michael Morsa, Jake Jones, and Victoria Flynn; his brothers and sister, Mary Beth (Joseph) Nulty, Kevin (Donna) Flynn, Patricia Barker, Kathy (John) Hilferty, Timothy (Kathy) Flynn; and his many nieces, nephews, and relatives.

Charles was predeceased by his son, Michael Thomas Flynn, and his parents.

Charles will be deeply missed by all and will remain in our hearts forever.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd, Holly Hill, SC 29059, (803)496-3434.

View Charles Edward Flynn's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

09/01/2025

Happy Labor Day! Have a fun and safe holiday!

09/01/2025

Woodrow Alvin Grooms

Woodrow Alvin Grooms, 82 of Cross, South Carolina, passed away on Sunday, August 31, 2025. Born on October 10, 1942 in Cross, Alvin was a son of the late Geraldine Burbage Grooms and Sidi Grooms. Alvin never had an empty house. There was always food on the table and a living room full of kids. He was a man of few words but no one ever doubted his love. He is the definition of a strong and reliable man. Sunday will never be the same and the fried chicken will never taste as good but the ones he left behind will still be around that old table.

Alvin worked at Giant Cement until retirement. In his free time you could find him smoking a Salem 100 with a Diet Pepsi and his dog Peanut under the carport. John Deere, suspenders, and penny loafers will always remind us of him. Whether you called him Bubba, Alvin, or Poppa he would always answer.

Alvin is survived by a daughter, Renee Wolpert (Tommy) and a son, Shane Grooms; twin brother Sidi Calvin Grooms and two sisters; grandchildren Thomas Wolpert Jr. (Emmie), Jonah Wolpert (Katelyn), Anna Grace Wolpert, Eli Wolpert, Rebeca Wolpert, Ax Wolpert, Essie Wolpert and Haley Grooms Hutto (Justin); great grandchilden Trudy Wolpert, Tripp Wolpert, Kimber Hutto, Jack Hutto, Eliza Wolpert, Jethrow Wolpert, and one on the way and the rest of his extended family.

He was predeceased in death by his wife Trudy Grooms, his parents, and a sister.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, September 2, 2025 from 5-7PM at Avinger Funeral Home. The service will be held Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at 11AM at Avinger Funeral Home. The burial will follow at Black Creek Cemetery in Cross.

In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to Eddie Kizer, 127 Laurel Bay Road, Harleyville, SC 29448.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd, Holly Hill, SC 29059, (803)496-3434.

View Woodrow Alvin Grooms's obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.

08/31/2025

Ralph Bernard Ulmer Jr.

Ralph B. Ulmer Jr., 68, of Elloree passed away on Friday August 29, 2025, peacefully in his home. Born on October 16, 1956, in Orangeburg, Ralph was a son of the late Margaret Ann D’Aiello and Ralph B. Ulmer Sr.

Ralph was preceded in death by his wife Donna Ulmer, his brother Dean Ulmer, and his parents.

Throughout his life Ralph was known for his passion for Clemson Tiger Football and his love for the outdoors. He frequently spent time hunting and fishing with his lifelong friend Larry Livingston.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, September 5, 2025, at 3PM at Trinity Lutheran Cemetery on Verneil Road outside of Elloree, SC.

Ralph will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at avingerfh.com/.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Avinger Funeral Home, 2274 Eutaw Rd, Holly Hill, SC 29059, (803-496-3434).

View Ralph Bernard Ulmer Jr.'s obituary, send flowers, find service dates, and sign the guestbook.