E. Randolph Shives III
In Loving Memory
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.
E. Randolph Shives III
In Loving Memory
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.
Aaron R. Small
In Loving Memory
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.
Aaron R. Small
In Loving Memory
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.
Harry McCoy
In Loving Memory
Harry Lee McCoy, of Columbia, SC, formerly of Charlotte, N.C. went to his heavenly rest on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Born in Charlotte N.C. on September 22, 1935, he was the son of the late Robert Lee and Mamie Caroline McCoy. Harry attended the public schools in Charlotte, N.C. and graduated from Tech High School in 1954.
Shortly thereafter he entered the U.S. Marine Corps. Serving in several stateside duty stations, and Okinawa, Japan. As a U.S. Marine he made a landing on Iwo Jima ten years after the initial invasion of the island and was part of a memorial service honoring those who served there and who raised the American Flag in victory on Mount Suribachi, creating that memorable World War Il photo.
He drove vacation tours across the US, Canada, and Mexico for more than 20 years and took several groups on ocean cruises. He also drove The North Carolina Symphony on tour for a number of years.
Harry and his wife Joan moved their young family of four girls and one boy to Columbia, S.C. in 1972 where Harry became involved in a sales career that lasted more than forty years. As sales manager, he traveled the Southeast with Eastern Equipment & Chemical Co. serving the textile industry with specialty chemicals and equipment. Harry became a small business owner forming two businesses with his wife Joan; Mighty Clean Industries, and Metro Equipment & Chemical Company serving North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.
Harry retired in 2008 as store manager of a regional furniture chain. He then worked in sales at Havertys Furniture for several years.
As an active member of North Trenholm Baptist Church, for more than forty years, Harry in 1997, started a Nursing Home/Assisted Living ministry at National Health Care on Parklane Road, bringing a weekly worship service to the residents there who were unable to attend their home church. This ministry evolved into weekly worship services at six facilities in Northeast Columbia. In 2015 Harry was named National Health Care Volunteer of the year. He continued this ministry for 24 years until he retired in June 2021.
Harry is a published author, reflecting on the Nursing Home/Assisted Living Ministry he wrote God Speaks We Listen in 2014.
Family was an important part of Harry's life. His wife, Joan, and their five children enjoyed many happy days growing up together and filled his life with precious memories. His pride in their work ethic, their accomplishments and being able to live some of his dreams through them was priceless. His children include Marianne Geiger (Tim), Doni McCoy (Jeremy), Lisa McCoy (Roy), Jodi Miler (Andrew) and Michael McCoy (Amanda).
His grandchildren continue the family legacy as they strive for excellence while serving God, country and their fellow man; they are: April Portrais (Mark), Ashton Baker (Dustin), B. Julia Levi, Justin Bouknight (Robin), Vincent Decrescenzio (Mary), Melissa Valdes (Bryan) Savannah Saltiel (Alex), and Luke Miller. He has eight great grandchildren including Noah, Logan, and Bodhi Valdes, Mila and Luke Decrescenzio, Montgomery Baker, Bristol Erwin and Layken Bouknight.
He is survived by his wife, Joan, of 58 years, children, Doni, Lisa, Jodi, Michael and spouses, grand children and spouses, great grandchildren and niece Janice Sellers. (Robin, Machelle). He is predeceased by his parents Robert and Mamie C McCoy, three brothers, Robert С. McCoy, Albert McCoy and infant brother, nephew Robert P. McCoy and daughter Marianne McCoy Geiger.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Gideons International Columbia East Camp, The Wounded Warriors Project, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Harry McCoy
In Loving Memory
Harry Lee McCoy, of Columbia, SC, formerly of Charlotte, N.C. went to his heavenly rest on Sunday, June 28, 2026. Born in Charlotte N.C. on September 22, 1935, he was the son of the late Robert Lee and Mamie Caroline McCoy. Harry attended the public schools in Charlotte, N.C. and graduated from Tech High School in 1954.
Shortly thereafter he entered the U.S. Marine Corps. Serving in several stateside duty stations, and Okinawa, Japan. As a U.S. Marine he made a landing on Iwo Jima ten years after the initial invasion of the island and was part of a memorial service honoring those who served there and who raised the American Flag in victory on Mount Suribachi, creating that memorable World War Il photo.
He drove vacation tours across the US, Canada, and Mexico for more than 20 years and took several groups on ocean cruises. He also drove The North Carolina Symphony on tour for a number of years.
Harry and his wife Joan moved their young family of four girls and one boy to Columbia, S.C. in 1972 where Harry became involved in a sales career that lasted more than forty years. As sales manager, he traveled the Southeast with Eastern Equipment & Chemical Co. serving the textile industry with specialty chemicals and equipment. Harry became a small business owner forming two businesses with his wife Joan; Mighty Clean Industries, and Metro Equipment & Chemical Company serving North Carolina, South Carolina and Georgia.
Harry retired in 2008 as store manager of a regional furniture chain. He then worked in sales at Havertys Furniture for several years.
As an active member of North Trenholm Baptist Church, for more than forty years, Harry in 1997, started a Nursing Home/Assisted Living ministry at National Health Care on Parklane Road, bringing a weekly worship service to the residents there who were unable to attend their home church. This ministry evolved into weekly worship services at six facilities in Northeast Columbia. In 2015 Harry was named National Health Care Volunteer of the year. He continued this ministry for 24 years until he retired in June 2021.
Harry is a published author, reflecting on the Nursing Home/Assisted Living Ministry he wrote God Speaks We Listen in 2014.
Family was an important part of Harry's life. His wife, Joan, and their five children enjoyed many happy days growing up together and filled his life with precious memories. His pride in their work ethic, their accomplishments and being able to live some of his dreams through them was priceless. His children include Marianne Geiger (Tim), Doni McCoy (Jeremy), Lisa McCoy (Roy), Jodi Miler (Andrew) and Michael McCoy (Amanda).
His grandchildren continue the family legacy as they strive for excellence while serving God, country and their fellow man; they are: April Portrais (Mark), Ashton Baker (Dustin), B. Julia Levi, Justin Bouknight (Robin), Vincent Decrescenzio (Mary), Melissa Valdes (Bryan) Savannah Saltiel (Alex), and Luke Miller. He has eight great grandchildren including Noah, Logan, and Bodhi Valdes, Mila and Luke Decrescenzio, Montgomery Baker, Bristol Erwin and Layken Bouknight.
He is survived by his wife, Joan, of 58 years, children, Doni, Lisa, Jodi, Michael and spouses, grand children and spouses, great grandchildren and niece Janice Sellers. (Robin, Machelle). He is predeceased by his parents Robert and Mamie C McCoy, three brothers, Robert С. McCoy, Albert McCoy and infant brother, nephew Robert P. McCoy and daughter Marianne McCoy Geiger.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to Gideons International Columbia East Camp, The Wounded Warriors Project, or Tunnel to Towers Foundation.
Ed Kennedy
In Loving Memory
Edward Crosby Kennedy, 86, of Lexington, died on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, on April 7, 1940, he was a son of the late Glenn Owens Kennedy, Sr. and Clara Blanche Crosby Kennedy.
Ed graduated from Dreher High School before continuing his education at Furman University. He also completed studies at the School of Banking of the South, preparing for a distinguished career in banking and mortgage lending. Throughout his professional life, he earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike, building lasting friendships and trusted relationships through his integrity, kindness and commitment to serving others.
Following his retirement from the banking industry, Ed joined the staff of Shives Funeral Home. There, he faithfully ministered to families, offering his Christ-like compassion and a comforting presence to so many of the same people who had supported him over the years.
Ed began attending Shandon Baptist Church as an infant. His love for his Lord was evident through decades of faithful service and leadership. He served for many years as Director of Sunday School, taught countless Bible classes, and was actively involved in nearly every aspect of church life. Most recently, he was a devoted member of the Abundantly Blessed Sunday School Class. In recognition of his many years of dedicated service, Shandon Baptist Church honored him in 2025 with the title of Deacon Emeritus.
Ed is survived by his devoted wife, Nena Heald Potter Kennedy; his nieces and nephews, Glenda Renee Gore Queen of Columbia, James Ryan Gore of Elgin, and Jill Christina Gore Baxter (Jordan) of Hoover, Alabama, Kelli Taylor Wilson of Oak Ridge, TN, Robert Knox Wilson, III (Tripp) of Shelby, NC, Holli Kay Wilson of Shelby NC, Kevin Edward Wilson of Chicago, IL, Jonathan Wesley Wilson of Rochester Hills, MI, Laura Diane Kennedy Rentz, Debra Elaine Kennedy and Suzanne Elizabeth Kennedy all of Beaufort, SC; his great-nieces, Sarah Renee Queen, Kennady Virginia Baxter, and Colbie Elizabeth Baxter; and his brothers-in-law, Jarvis Gore, Knox Wilson and Ken Wilson (Aggie).
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Kay Wilson Kennedy; his sister, Lynda Kennedy Gore; and his brother, Glenn Owens Kennedy, Jr.
Memorial contributions may be made to Connie Maxwell Children's Ministries, 810 Maxwell Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646.
Ed Kennedy
In Loving Memory
Edward Crosby Kennedy, 86, of Lexington, died on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Born in Columbia, South Carolina, on April 7, 1940, he was a son of the late Glenn Owens Kennedy, Sr. and Clara Blanche Crosby Kennedy.
Ed graduated from Dreher High School before continuing his education at Furman University. He also completed studies at the School of Banking of the South, preparing for a distinguished career in banking and mortgage lending. Throughout his professional life, he earned the respect of colleagues and clients alike, building lasting friendships and trusted relationships through his integrity, kindness and commitment to serving others.
Following his retirement from the banking industry, Ed joined the staff of Shives Funeral Home. There, he faithfully ministered to families, offering his Christ-like compassion and a comforting presence to so many of the same people who had supported him over the years.
Ed began attending Shandon Baptist Church as an infant. His love for his Lord was evident through decades of faithful service and leadership. He served for many years as Director of Sunday School, taught countless Bible classes, and was actively involved in nearly every aspect of church life. Most recently, he was a devoted member of the Abundantly Blessed Sunday School Class. In recognition of his many years of dedicated service, Shandon Baptist Church honored him in 2025 with the title of Deacon Emeritus.
Ed is survived by his devoted wife, Nena Heald Potter Kennedy; his nieces and nephews, Glenda Renee Gore Queen of Columbia, James Ryan Gore of Elgin, and Jill Christina Gore Baxter (Jordan) of Hoover, Alabama, Kelli Taylor Wilson of Oak Ridge, TN, Robert Knox Wilson, III (Tripp) of Shelby, NC, Holli Kay Wilson of Shelby NC, Kevin Edward Wilson of Chicago, IL, Jonathan Wesley Wilson of Rochester Hills, MI, Laura Diane Kennedy Rentz, Debra Elaine Kennedy and Suzanne Elizabeth Kennedy all of Beaufort, SC; his great-nieces, Sarah Renee Queen, Kennady Virginia Baxter, and Colbie Elizabeth Baxter; and his brothers-in-law, Jarvis Gore, Knox Wilson and Ken Wilson (Aggie).
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Kay Wilson Kennedy; his sister, Lynda Kennedy Gore; and his brother, Glenn Owens Kennedy, Jr.
Memorial contributions may be made to Connie Maxwell Children's Ministries, 810 Maxwell Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646.
Michael (Mike) Dillon
In Loving Memory
Michael G. Dillon, 58, of Columbia, died on Friday, December 5, 2025. Born in Buffalo, NY, on July 20, 1967, he was a son of Mary Frances Donohoe Dillon and the late Michael Joseph Dillon. Mike was a graduate of West Seneca West High School.
As a sports fanatic, a Buffalo Bills game was seldom missed. He worked his entire life, most recently at Shives Funeral Home which he enjoyed more than any other employment he had ever had.
Survivors include his loving wife, Susanne "Sue" Austin Dillon; children, Michael Joseph Dillon (Jessica), Erin Sutton (Dustin) and Sean Dillon; grandchildren, Devin (11), Austin (10), Michael (6), and Olivia (3); mother, Maura Dillon; brothers, Dermot Dillon (Kimberly), Brian Dillon (Jennifer); sisters, Brenda Woods (Michael) and Rebekah Winters (Jeremy). He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Joseph Dillon.
Michael (Mike) Dillon
In Loving Memory
Michael G. Dillon, 58, of Columbia, died on Friday, December 5, 2025. Born in Buffalo, NY, on July 20, 1967, he was a son of Mary Frances Donohoe Dillon and the late Michael Joseph Dillon. Mike was a graduate of West Seneca West High School.
As a sports fanatic, a Buffalo Bills game was seldom missed. He worked his entire life, most recently at Shives Funeral Home which he enjoyed more than any other employment he had ever had.
Survivors include his loving wife, Susanne "Sue" Austin Dillon; children, Michael Joseph Dillon (Jessica), Erin Sutton (Dustin) and Sean Dillon; grandchildren, Devin (11), Austin (10), Michael (6), and Olivia (3); mother, Maura Dillon; brothers, Dermot Dillon (Kimberly), Brian Dillon (Jennifer); sisters, Brenda Woods (Michael) and Rebekah Winters (Jeremy). He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Joseph Dillon.
