Richardson Funeral Home

02/27/2026

MARION, SC
LOUIS “BUDDY” SAXON

Louis "Buddy" Saxon passed away on February 26, 2026. A Memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Marion Presbyterian Church. A Private burial will follow at Palmetto Memorial Gardens.

He was born on Nov. 15, 1946, the son of Louis L. Saxon & Corrie G. Saxon.

From the time of his birth until his high school graduation, he and his sister Ritchie lived at 330 N. Cleveland in Camden, Arkansas.
He received a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Univ. of Tulsa in 1969. He went to work for International Paper Co. in Camden Arkansas. In August of 1975, he came to work for South Carolina Industries in Florence SC.

In October of 1978 he met the Love of His Life Martha. They were engaged in December of 1978 and married in January 1979. Buddy brought daughter Ella Thompson into the marriage and Martha brought two sons into the union, Brian (Sharon) Rogers & Trevor (Tracie) Rogers.

Together, their blended family grew to include nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren: Kristopher “Kris” (Danielle)Rogers “Charolette”, Kelsey (Cory)Brown “Emily & Mason”, Trent (Anna)Rogers, Chloe (Jacob)Thompson, Tyler (Karli)Rogers “Evi”, Trever(Caelyn) Rogers “Cooper”, Brandon Bellamy, Katelyn Bellamy, and Tucker Huggins. Also, a close friend Buddy loved to call “ a brother from another mother” Jimmy Martin.

Buddy was a proud member of the Marion Presbyterian Church where he loved to sing in the Choir. Also, he is a member of the Horry County Wildlife Action where he loved Trap Shooting. When he was able, he loved to hunt and fish. Buddy loved to tell stories reminisces in the past.

Buddy often described himself simply: “just an old southern country boy, just another piece of papermill trash, but he had a family that loved him.” Amen.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Marion Presbyterian Church, PO BOX 186, Marion, SC 29571 or to the MUSC Foundation/Hollings Cancer Center, 18 Bee Street, MSC 450, Charleston, SC 29425.

An online register is available at RichardsonFH.net

02/24/2026

MARION, SC

CARROLL E. “ED” HAWN, JR.

Carroll E. “Ed” Hawn, Jr., 84, passed away Monday, February 23, 2026 at MUSC in Florence, surrounded by his loving family. A funeral service will be held at 3:00 PM on Sunday, March 1, 2026 at Richardson Funeral Home.

Mr. Hawn was born in Frederick, MD, a son of the late Doris Eyler Hawn and Carroll E. Hawn, Sr. He is also preceded in death by his daughter, Heather Hawn.

Ed was retired from Perdue Farms, where he was the Shipping Superintendent. He was also a veteran of the United States Army, having served his country during Vietnam. He enjoyed model trains, quilting, and machine embroidery.

Surviving are his wife, Linda M. Hawn of the home; sons, Sergei E. Hawn of the home, and Chad E. Hawn of Henryville, PA; daughter, Holli Franck of Pennsylvania; brother, Mark W. Hawn (Sandy) of Hanover, PA; sister Carol “Jean” Bollinger (Neal) of Littlestown, PA; and grandchildren: Nicholas, Felicia, Ryan, Taylor and Cameron.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516 Topeka, KS 66675-8516 (WoundedWarriorProject.org)

An online register is available at RichardsonFH.net

02/23/2026

Service for Jimmy Britt

02/23/2026

Dr. Aubrey Dale Strickland, age 78, of Johnsonville, SC, passed away Saturday, February 21, at McLeod Regional Medical Center. He was born in Columbus County, NC, on August 2, 1947, to the late Dennis Aubrey Strickland and the late Margaret Combs Strickland. He was preceded in death by his wife, Cheryl Huggins Strickland, and his brother, Ronnie Strickland.

Dale was a lifelong educator, serving as a teacher, coach, principal, and superintendent of schools during his thirty plus year career. He enjoyed being outdoors, hunting and fishing, coin collecting, and spending time with his family and friends. In retirement, he found purpose in civic duty, serving on the Johnsonville City Council and participating in community outreach programs for the underprivileged.

He is survived by his two children, Dena Strickland Kitts (Ken), and Craig Strickland (Leah); stepdaughters Brandy Little (Ben) and Johnna Dougherty (Brendan); eight grandchildren, Colin Kitts, Corbin Kitts, Jax Strickland, Ellie Strickland, Branton Little, Bevan Little, Cruz Dougherty, and Knox Dougherty; brothers Gary Strickland (Karon) and David Strickland (Debbie), sister in law, Trudi Strickland, and his beloved dog, Tobi.

A service honoring his life will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2026, at 11 AM at Richardson Funeral Home in Marion, SC, with Pastors Bailey Weeks and Gary Strickland officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home following the service. A private entombment will follow.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Kingdom Place, PO Box 3771, Lumberton, NC 28359.

An online register is available at RichardsonFH.net.

The service will be streamed live on the Richardson Funeral Home page.

02/21/2026

Marion

James Weston “Jimmy” Britt

James Weston “Jimmy” Britt, 84, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by his loving family on Friday, February 20, 2026. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, February 23, 2026 at Marion First United Methodist Church, burial will follow at Palmetto Memorial Gardens. The family will receiving friends from 5:00-7:00 PM on Sunday, February 22, 2026 at Richardson Funeral home.

Mr. Britt was born in Marion, SC a son of the late Miriam Game Britt and Frank Levern Britt. He is also preceded in death by his sisters, Gale Britt Lassiter (Al) and Betty Britt. Jimmy was a graduate of Marion High School. He worked for Thomas Supply as a purchasing agent for 46 years until retirement. Jimmy was a faithful member of Marion First United Methodist Church, and long-time member of Uncle Charlie’s Hut. He enjoyed reading, working in the yard and spending time with his family. He enjoyed all Gamecock athletics.

Surviving are his wife, Martha Moody Britt of the home; son, Wes Britt of Marion; daughters Susan Britt Singletary (Michael) of Marion and Elizabeth Britt of Charleston; brothers Donald Britt (Tricia) of Columbia, Frankie Britt (Sandra) of Florence, and Dale Britt of Mullins; 2 grandsons, Ryan Singletary of Charleston and Drew Singletary of Greenwood; Aunt Martha Britt Dozier of Rains; numerous nieces and nephews; and his fur buddies Rocky and Tex.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church PO Box 155, Marion, SC 29571 or McLeod Hospice 1203 E Cheves Street, Florence SC 29506.

The service will be streamed live on the Richardson Funeral Home (Marion, SC) page for those unable to attend.

02/19/2026

MARION

BILLY JEROME STEPHENS

Billy Jerome Stephens, 72, recently passed away at his home in Marion, South Carolina.

Billy was born in Port St Joe, Florida to the late Emory L. and Ruby Pickett Stephens. Billy graduated from Port St. Joe Jr. - Sr. High School and after graduation, he joined the United States Navy where he was stationed in Charleston, South Carolina. After leaving the Navy, Billy returned to Port St. Joe and worked at St. Joe Machine Company as a machinist with his Dad and brother. In the early 2000s, Billy moved to Marion where he eventually retired.

Billy was a Christian and he loved the Lord. He loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. Billy enjoyed gardening and hanging out with his animals, especially his goats and his donkey, Buddy.

Surviving are his son, Brad Stephens (Susan Stephens); daughter, Carolyn Morgan (Chuck Morgan); brothers, Jimmy Stephens (Melody Stephens) and Arden Stephens (Susan Stephens); and grandchildren: Ivy Stephens, Lizzy Stephens, Chase McKnight, Chelsi Sorenson, and Matthew Morgan.

Services will be private. An online register is available at RichardsonFH.net

02/19/2026

GEORGETOWN (FORMELY OF MARION)

JAMES DAVID “JD” JACKSON SR.

James David “JD” Jackson, 88, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at his home after an illness. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 PM Monday, February 23, 2026 at Calvary Freewill Baptist Church of the Pentecostal Faith in Nichols, directed by Richardson Funeral Home.

Mr. Jackson was born in Marion, and raised by the late Clarence and Mae Cooper. He is also preceded in death by his wife Bobbie Baker Jackson; daughters, Sharon Watts and Janet “Reese” Capps; son, Kendall Baker; grandson, Johnny Capps; and a brother, George Cooper (Judy). JD owned and operated an auto parts business in Marion, SC most of his adult life.

Survivors are his sons, Alan Jackson (Julie), David Jackson, Kenneth Baker (Cheryl) and Billy Joe Baker (Debbie); and grandchildren: Michael Wayne Capps, Tommy Poston, Hunter Jackson, Alayna Jackson. Kyle baker, Matt Baker, Bud Baker, Angie Baker, Mandy Martin, Ashlyn Lassinger.

An online register is available at

Richardson Funeral Home provides complete funeral and cremation services to Marion County, South Carolina and the Grand Strand, P*e Dee areas.

02/19/2026

MULLINS
JAMES HERBERT “HERB” WARD
James Herbert “Herb” Ward, 78, passed away Wednesday, February 18, 2026 at McLeod Regional Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. A service to honor his life will be held at 3:00 PM on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at Macedonia Methodist Church.
Mr. Ward was born in Marion, a son of the late Herbert T. Ward and Lounita Powers Ward. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Michael Ward (Delores).
Herb was a faithful member of Macedonia Methodist Church. He was a veteran of the United States Army. He graduated from the University of South Carolina and was an avid Gamecock. He later received his Masters of Education from Francis Marion University. He became an educator, coach and athletic director. “Coach Ward” touched many lives through his work at Marion High. Herb was also a member of the Mullins Cotillion Club. He enjoyed golf, church events, attending his grandkid’s sporting events, and spending time with his family and friends. You could often catch him enjoying the food and fellowship at The Sandwich Shoppe and Jimmy B’s restaurants.
Surviving are his wife, Jane Graves Ward of the home; daughters, Melanie Ward Stanley (Stacy) of Galivants Ferry, Leigh Ward Polk (Chuck) of Florence, Emmy Shaw Moore (Rocky) of Florence, and Mary Catherine Ward George (Jeff) of Mullins; brothers, Tim Ward of Marion, sister, Becky Ward Bacot (John) of Surfside Beach; brother-in-law, Buddy Graves (Dea) of Mullins; six grandchildren: Will Stanley, Matthew Stanley, Daniel Stanley, Tripp Polk, Charlotte Polk, and Caroline Moore; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved pets Kobe and George.
Memorials may be made to Macedonia Methodist Church, 402 North Main Street, Mullins, SC 29574.
For those unable to attend, the funeral will be streamed live on the Richardson Funeral Home (Marion, SC) page. An online register is available at RichardsonFH.net

02/12/2026

Anderson, SC (Formerly of Marion, SC)

Kenneth R. Gunnin, "Ken" of Anderson, SC passed away peacefully in his sleep with his daughter by his side, at the Rainey Hospice House of the Upstate Wednesday morning, February 11, 2026.

Ken is preceded in death by his parents, Charles Clinton Gunnin "Charlie" and Sybil Spears Gunnin of Anderson, his brother Charles Clinton Gunnin Jr. "Chuck" of Myrtle Beach, and his wife Cynthia Hyman Gunnin "Cindy" of Marion, SC.

Ken leaves behind his daughter and son in law, Julie Gunnin Kopp & David Goodwin Kopp (Wynn) of Anderson, along with his 3 beautiful grandchildren, Annabeth, Keaton, and Camden Kopp, three first cousins: Judy Daniels, Penny Floyd and Linda Mitchell, all of Anderson, a great aunt, Inez Spears of Anderson, two nephews: Charles Clinton Gunnin III (Clint) of Summerville, and William Brice Hyman of Aiken, four nieces: Tammy Gunnin McCallister of Myrtle Beach, Paige Gunnin Benton of Bonneau, Carrie Layne Hyman and Raven Hyman Locklear, both of Myrtle Beach.

Ken was born and raised in Anderson, SC where he attended local public schools and stayed active alongside his big brother in football and baseball. He went to the Baptist College of Charleston, where he met the love of his life, served in the Marines as a Reserve and was married in 1970. He lived with his wife in Regency Park of Anderson, working as a plant manager at JP Stevens until 1985 when he moved to Marion, SC for a career change to advance his work in textiles.

Ken raised a daughter, Julie, and cared for his wife, while serving as VP and eventually CEO of Blumenthal Mills, Inc. He stayed active as an avid hunter and fisher and member of his local church, First United Methodist Marion, until moving back to Anderson with his daughter and son in law in 2023. Ken was a loyal friend, a man of great faith, and a joy to be around.

The role he took most seriously over this last decade of his life was "Papa." Ken was an excellent grandfather. He picked up kids from school daily, attended sporting events, and would often get caught sneaking the grands away for special "sersi" treats.

While in Anderson, Ken attended Concord Baptist Church faithfully with his family up until he got sick. He favored weekly lunches at Skin's Hotdog's and monthly breakfasts with his friends at Mama Penns. He could often be caught cruising the old mill village reminiscing about "the good ole days" when times were simpler.

A celebration of life will be held Monday, February 16, 2026, at 11:00 am at Concord Baptist Church of Anderson with Dr. Don Cox officiating, followed by a reception in the fellowship hall with the family until 2:00 pm. A service will be held at Richardson Funeral Home at 11:00 AM on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, burial will follow at Palmetto Memorial Gardens. The family will be receiving friends from 10:00-11:00 am at Richardson Funeral Home before the service in Marion.

A second service will be held in Marion, SC, on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, at 11:00 am at Richardson Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Palmetto Memorial Gardens, Marion, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service at the funeral home from 10:00-11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that any donations be sent to Haven of Rest Ministries Rescue Mission in Ken's memory. There are no words to accurately express the thankfulness due to Ken's friends and extended family members of Anderson, Marion, and surrounding cities and states for the prayers, food, fellowship and support shown over these last 2 months.

You can celebrate Ken today by hugging your kids and grandkids, sitting down with your family at the table for a shared meal together, or buying a Bible for someone who needs more understanding of God's word and the gracious gift Jesus offers to all who put their faith in him.

McDougald Funeral Home of Anderson and Richardson Funeral Home of Marion are assisting the family .

02/05/2026

MULLINS

DAVID LAKE SMITH

David Lake Smith, 63, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, February 5, 2026 at his home. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, February 8, 2026 at Richardson Funeral Home in Marion, burial will follow at Palmetto Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Saturday, February 7, 2026 at the funeral home from 6:00-8:00 PM.

David was born in Neosho, Missouri a son of the late John David Smith and Patsy Jean Anderson Smith on July 23, 1962. He is also preceded in death by his brother, Brian Smith.

Mr. Smith was a graduate of Marion High School. He would later work for Spectrum Cable. David enjoyed golf, playing his bass guitar, spending time with his family at Pirateland Campground, and his fur baby, Angel.

Surviving are his wife, Beth H. Smith of the home; daughters Whittney Smith (Will Hammond) and Kimberly Morris (Craig Goss); grandchildren: Ava, Brandon and Matthew; sister, Connie Lane; special nephew, William Lane; as well as many other nieces and nephews.

An online register is available at RichardsonFH.net

02/03/2026

FLORENCE, SC

JOHN ARMSTRONG DOZIER, JR

John Armstrong Dozier, Jr, 72, passed away Monday, February 2, 2026 at McLoed Regional Medical Center after an illness. A funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026 at Richardson Funeral Home in Marion, burial will follow at Rose Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service from 1:00-2:00 PM at the funeral home.

Mr. Dozier was born in Marion, SC a son of the late John Dozier, Sr. and Delora Stalvey Dozier. He was a graduate of Marion High School. He worked in sales at Carolina Supply House in Florence. John loved music and the University of South Carolina. He was beloved by his family and his recovery community.

Surviving are his children, Ashley Dozier of Florence, SC and Johnny Dozier and his wife, Lauren of Conway; special cousins, Marc Gorton of South Carolina, Pam Martin and her husband, David of Virginia, Kristian Gorton and his wife Kristin of Florence; four grandchildren: Landon Dozier, Ethan Landon Shawver, Ava Shawver and Lindsley Shawver.

An online register is available at Richardsonfh.net

02/03/2026

GALIVANTS FERRY, SC

BOBBY K MOORE, SR

Bobby K Moore, Sr. 88, passed away Tuesday, February 3, 2026 after a period of declining health. A private service will be held by his family.

Mr. Moore was born in Dillon, SC, a son of the late Eugene and Marie Gerald Moore. He is also preceded in death by his wife, Angelle “Ann” Moore and a grandson, Justin Moore. He was retired from the Railroad.

Surviving are his sons, Bobby K. Moore, Jr. (Tammy) and Michael G. Moore (Kim); daughters, Kimberly Moore Jenerette (Tony) and Mable Moore Kilpatrick (Frank); as well as 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

An online register is available at RichardsonFH.net