History & Staff

Ernest Randolph Shives, III, 52, of Columbia, died on Tuesday, July 4, 2023. Born in Lincolnton, NC, on January 11, 1971, he was the son of Ernest Randolph Shives, Jr. and Teresa Sigmon Shives. He graduated from Lincolnton High School and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Randolph was a 1993 graduate of North Carolina State University and a 1995 graduate of Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science in Atlanta, GA. After graduation, he moved to Columbia and joined the Shives Funeral Home family. He instantly became a vital part of the Columbia community making many friends and meeting his wife, Brandon Davidson. Randolph assumed management of Shives Funeral Home in 1999 and ownership in 2012. He later transitioned to an advisory role in October of 2021 due to his Parkinson's Diagnosis. Through his work, he was a member of the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Directors Association, as well as the Selected Independent Funeral Homes.

Randolph’s dedication and care for the families of his community continued throughout his health challenges. His legacy will remain with his family and staff as they continue serving through the funeral home. Randolph was a member of First Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon.

Bill is a native of Lincolnton, NC where he started working in the funeral profession at Warlick Funeral Home. While attending the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Bill was drafted into the US Army which led him to Ft. Jackson in Columbia. Following the Korean Conflict, Bill graduated from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science as well as earning a BS in business administration from University of South Carolina. In 1967, Bill purchased Talbert Funeral Home which he operated as Talbert Shives Funeral Home until his retirement in 1999. Since then, Bill has continued to be active in the business. He has resided in Blythewood for nearly 50 years where he and his wife, Barbara, who worked alongside him in the business, are members of Trinity United Methodist Church. Bill has served on the SC Board of Funeral Service, the Transplantation Committee of the American Red Cross for the Southeastern United States, Washington Street United Methodist Church Administration Board, the advisory board of Transport for Christ, member of Blythewood Rotary Club, The Colonel Thomas Taylor Chapter of the Son's of the American Revolution, and The American Legion Post #6.

S.C. Dual License Number 890

Kelcey was born and raised in Horry County, SC and relocated to Columbia with his family in 2018. He attended Coastal Carolina University in Conway, SC and John A. Gupton College of Mortuary Science in Nashville, TN. Kelcey has been a South Carolina licensed funeral director/embalmer since 2002 and previously served as an executive committee member and group president for the South Carolina Funeral Directors Association. When he’s not working, you will find him spending time with his wife, Carey Clark Dickinson; son, Andrew Clark Dickinson; and dog, Max. He also enjoys golf, travel, yardwork, and attending sporting events. You may email Kelcey at [email protected].

S.C. License 3236

Robert B. “Bobby” Raines, a native of Blythewood, is the only child of Brian and Donna Boney Raines. Bobby’s roots run deep in Blythewood, where he graduated from Blythewood High School. At a very young age, Bobby became interested in pursuing a career in funeral service and took advantage of job shadowing opportunities with the firm prior to his graduation. He joined Shives Funeral Home in January of 2017 and later completed the Mortuary Science program at Piedmont Technical College in Greenwood, SC. Bobby is a member of the Blythewood Chamber of Commerce, South Carolina Funeral Directors Association, National Funeral Director’s Association and the Selected Independent Funeral Homes. He and his family attend Village Church in Blythewood and enjoy being involved in the community. You may email Bobby at [email protected].

S.C. License 4433

Amy is a native of Charlotte, NC. Through the process of a job transfer, Amy’s family relocated to Lexington, SC in the summer of 1999. She and her husband raised their three children and now enjoy spending their free time with their grandchildren. Amy and her husband, Jim, are members of Radius Church in Lexington and she likes to travel in her spare time. Her favorite hobby is photography and through her travels has enjoyed many sights through the lens of her camera. Amy also enjoys a love of baking cultivated by cooking when her house was filled with her children and their friends. You may email Amy at [email protected].

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Joe is a native of Valdosta, GA where he graduated from Valdosta State University. He received his Masters of Divinity from Columbia International University. In 35 years of ministry, Joe served churches in Valdosta, Bamberg, SC and Columbia. For the last 15 years, he worked in pastoral ministries at North Trenholm Baptist Church, especially enjoying his work with senior adults. Prior to joining North Trenholm, Joe was a supervisor with the Lexington County Department of Social Services, specializing in Adult and Child Protective Services. Joe is married to Martha Tucker Copeland of Columbia and they are members of North Trenholm Baptist, where they continue to teach Sunday School classes. They have five grown children: Sam, his wife, Miller; Paul and his wife, Ainhoa; Anna, her husband, Chris and their son, Bender; Andrew; and Caleb. Joe’s life-long focus on helping families will continue as part of the Shives staff, which he joined in January 2015. You may email Joe at [email protected].

S.C. Funeral Director License #3975

Andrew, a native of Columbia, is a graduate of the Homeward Bound Education Association, a former student of Christian Studies at North Greenville University, and the funeral service program at Piedmont Technical College. He has served as a pastor’s aid at Temple Baptist Church in Simpsonville, SC and previously provided the Sunday morning service and worship for the Palmettos Assisted Living Facility on Parklane. Andrew has passion for music and dance and devotes his free time to teaching and serving with the Palmetto Swing Dance Association.

S.C. Dual License Number 4039

Catherine Mabry joined Shives Funeral Home in October of 2017, in the newly developed position of Community Outreach. Catherine is from Charlotte, NC and is married to Hank Mabry. They have two adult children, Cate and Fil.

She graduated from The University of Alabama in 1988 with a BA in Communications. Having been in Columbia for 25 years, she has enjoyed several retail positions in Columbia since her Physician Services days at Palmetto Baptist where she spent several years prior to raising her family.

The Mabry’s attend Eastminster Presbyterian Church, where Catherine serves as Elder, and previously as Deacon, and enjoy an active membership there among many friends. Free time includes visits to Clemson in the fall and time outdoors with their black lab, Retta.

You may email Catherine at [email protected].

S.C. License 4373

Kimberly K. Street Rodriguez, a native of Grundy Virginia, is the daughter of Dorothy Boardwine Pietras and the late Cecil M. Street. Kimberly is a 1979 Graduate of Grundy Senior High School in Virginia. She was raised in a military family and lived in Virginia, Alaska and North Carolina. When her father started the Drill Sargent School at Fort Jackson Army Base, Kimberly made South Carolina the home where she would raise her son. Kimberly, a member of the midlands chapter of Blue Star Mothers, enjoys the outdoors, helping others, and being with her son, TSgt. Zachery A. Rodriguez, USAF, grandson, Ethan and sister, Michelle Lamm. Kimberly joined the Shives Funeral Home family in October of 2018 bringing over 20 years of office, insurance and Funeral Home knowledge. You may email Kimberly at [email protected].

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Beth, a Columbia native, graduated from Cardinal Newman High School and the University of South Carolina. She worked for AT&T as an Office Assistant until her retirement in 2012. She and husband Mark have two daughters; Amber, her husband, Duncan; Melanie, her husband, Andy; and two grandchildren, Quinn and Eloise. Beth is a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. Her hobbies include reading, gardening, traveling and spending time with friends and family. You may email Beth at [email protected].

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Benji was born in Panama and joined the US Army in 1989. After serving in Korea he was discharged at Ft. Jackson and remained here in Columbia. Benji is a member and employee of North Trenholm Baptist Church where he serves as the Director of Facilities and Grounds. He has three children and enjoys playing soccer in his free time. Unlicensed

Don Brown is a native of Worth, West Virginia. Prior to moving to South Carolina he proudly served in the U. S. Navy. Upon Don and his wife, Sandra moving to South Carolina he spent his career with over 30 years with State Farm Insurance Company. Don and his family were members of Jackson Creek Baptist Church for 40 years serving in various ministries prior to becoming members at North Trenholm Baptist Church. He has served as a Deacon, teacher of an adult Sunday School class, worked with the Awana’s and assisted with delivering meals to the shut-in members on Wednesday nights. Don is always willing to help other people either within the church or his community. In his leisure time, he enjoys hunting and fishing. Don counts it a real joy and opportunity to be able to minister to people through his involvement at Shives Funeral Home. Unlicensed

Ree, a native of Columbia, is a 1973 graduate of Hammond School in Columbia and is married to Bettie Whitmire Hart. Ree continued his education at the University of South Carolina where he earned a Business Degree in Management and Finance. His career was spent with Columbia Outdoor Advertising, South Carolina Federal Savings and Loan, Colonial Life and Accident Insurance Company, and Continental American Insurance Company before his retirement from AFLAC Insurance Company. Ree is a past president of the Downtown Columbia Sertoma Club, the Palmetto Baseball League and an active member of First Presbyterian Church of Columbia. At First Presbyterian Church, Ree has served as a Deacon, Elder, Sunday School counter, girls and boys basketball coach, and chairman of various committees. He has enjoyed 40 years of marriage to his wife, Bettie, and has two sons, Bo and Cam; and two daughters-in-law, Katie and Tilden. In his free time, Ree enjoys reading, working in his yard, sports, exercising, spending time with his family and friends, as well as playing basketball and golf. Unlicensed

Caroline is a Roanoke, VA native who came to Columbia, SC as a student at the University of South Carolina. Caroline is now retired from the insurance industry, is a member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Blythewood and serves as a volunteer in hospice, active senior adult programs, Bible studies, Sunday School and church choir. Caroline is a proud mother of 2 sons and three grandsons. She enjoys sharing her time with family and friends while doing most outdoor activities. Unlicensed

Ed, a native of Columbia, is a graduate of Dreher High School, Furman University and The School of Banking of The South at LSU. He is retired from a career serving the Greater Columbia area in commercial and mortgage banking. Ed was married to the late Kay Wilson Kennedy of Shelby, NC, prior to her death in 2015. Ed is a member of Shandon Baptist Church, where he has served as Deacon, Stewardship Committee Chairman, and a Sunday School Director and Teacher. His community service has included Division Chairman of the United Way, Chairman of the Richland County Housing Authority, and Membership Chairman of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. In his leisure time, Ed enjoys reading, sports, spending time with friends and family, and playing golf. Unlicensed

Harry is a native of Charlotte, N.C where he graduated from Tech High School in 1954. Shortly thereafter he entered the U.S. Marine Corps. Serving in several stateside duty stations and on Okinawa.
He drove vacation tours across the US, Canada, and Mexico and took several groups on ocean cruises.
Harry and his wife Joan moved their young family of four girls and one boy to Columbia in 1972 where Harry became involved in a sales career that lasted more than forty years. He traveled the Southeast serving the textile industry with specialty chemicals and equipment, became a small business owner serving the Columbia area, and retired as store manager of a regional furniture chain.
As an active member of North Trenholm Baptist Church, Harry in 1997, started a Nursing Home/Assisted Living ministry at National Health Care; bringing a weekly worship service to the residents who were unable to attend their home church. This ministry evolved into serving six facilities in Northeast Columbia. In 2015 Harry was named National Health Care Volunteer of the year. He is a published author, God Speaks We Listen, 2014. Leisure time is spent reading, writing and finding ways to help his fellowman. Unlicensed

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JoAnn, a Columbia native, graduated from Dentsville High School and went on to attend Columbia Commercial College. For 27 years, she owned and operated Ashley Rose, Inc. She joined Shives Funeral Home in 2012. JoAnn is a member of Killian Baptist Church. Following the death of her first husband, Roger Richardson, JoAnn married Herbert Null. She has one son. When not working, she enjoys shopping and decorating. Unlicensed

Sara Jacobs Peake is a graduate of Dentsville High School and retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield. She also worked at Siebels Bruce for 14 years and is currently employed part time with Shives Funeral Home and Living Springs Lutheran Church Daycare. She is an involved member of Harmony Baptist Church. Sara has two sons, one daughter and two grandsons. In her free time, she enjoys working in her yard and watching sports. Unlicensed

Brian Raines, a native of Blythewoood, is a graduate of Spring Valley High School. Following high school graduation, Brian enjoyed a long career with the Columbia Fire Department. Brian’s career began as a firefighter prior to his retirement in 2011 as a Battalion Chief. Brian is married to Donna Boney Raines and still resides in Blythewood less than one mile from the home he was raised in. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, hunting, and Clemson Tiger football. Brian and Donna are members of Village Church in Blythewood where they are involved with small groups. You may email Brian at [email protected]. Unlicensed

Tammy was born in Ann Arbor, Michigan, as one of ten children. She later moved south at the age of five. She is married and has five amazing children and eight grandchildren who are the love of her life. She is a musician, interior designer and works in the office at their family business.
She was intrigued when her friend, now co-worker, JoAnn told her she should join the Shives Funeral Home family. Tammy says “It is not just a job, it’s a passion of mind to encourage these going through the toughest times in their lives”. Unlicensed.

Born at Eglin AFB in Florida, Paul moved from one military base to another until his father retired from the US Air Force. After graduating from Charles B. Aycock High School in Pikeville, NC, he wound up in Columbia, where he attended Midlands Tech and started his banking career. Paul spent almost 30 years in banking, serving the Charlotte area. Upon retirement, he moved back to Columbia with his wife, Cheryl. In his free time, he enjoys riding his bike and doing yard work. Unlicensed

Aaron Small passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025, at the age of 85. He was the son of the late Harry Smolowsky and Sara Berry Smolowsky. Aaron was a native of Columbia, SC, and a graduate of Dreher High School. He completed his bachelor’s degree in mortuary science from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science.

Aaron owned Small Funeral Home in Denmark, SC, and was a partner in McMillan-Small Funeral Home in Myrtle Beach, SC. He was a licensed funeral director and embalmer for over 55 years.

He was survived by his wife, Bette Hilton Small of Columbia, SC, and was married for 64 years; his two children, Michelle Small of Columbia, SC and Stuart Small of Mt. Pleasant, SC; as well as his two granddaughters, Lila Small and Sadie Belle Small of Mt. Pleasant, SC. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Selma Smolowsky, who passed away in 1953, at the age of 18.

Aaron served in the US Army Mortuary Division at Fort Bragg, NC. Although his primary profession was the funeral business, his first love was the fire/rescue service. He was instrumental in establishing volunteer rescue squads in South Carolina, where he served as fire and rescue chief and fire officer for Myrtle Beach Fire and Rescue Departments.

Upon returning to Columbia, SC, he worked with the Richland County Fire/Rescue to reduce fire deaths while serving Richland County. Later he worked with the South Carolina State Fire Marshal’s office to implement legislature to help reduce fire deaths in the state of South Carolina. He was instrumental in establishing the South Carolina Fire and Life Safety Association. The association trained hundreds of South Carolina firefighters in fire and life safety education.

He was employed as a funeral director with Shives Funeral Home in Columbia, SC. Aaron served in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and as a flotilla commander of the Lake Murray station. He volunteered for Aluminum Cans for Burned Children, was a member of Forest Acres Rotary Club, and a member of Beth Shalom Synagogue, where he served on the board of directors.

The funeral service for Mr. Small was held at 10:30 o’clock, Friday, February 14th at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext, Columbia, SC, with Rabbi Hesh Epstein officiating. The burial followed at 12 o’clock noon at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC.

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