Harry Roberson Easterling, Sr.

Harry Roberson Easterling, Sr., 84, of Columbia, formerly of Bennettsville, died Monday, April 9, 2018. Born on March 19, 1934, in Bennettsville, SC, he was a son of the late Mary and Keitt Easterling. After graduation from Bennettsville High School, he attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Following his undergraduate studies at Chapel Hill, he attended the Law School at the University of South Carolina. Following graduation from law school, he, married his lifelong, sweetheart, Mary Kay Breeden. He attended JAG school at the University of Virginia and received a commission in the Judge Advocate General Corps of the United States Army and served with distinction in Texas and Germany. After being honorably discharged from the army, returned to his beloved Bennettsville to begin his practice of law. Harry loved his hometown, Bennettsville, and was dedicated to making it a better place for all of its citizens. He served his community as attorney for the cities of McColl and Bennettsville, Marlboro County, and Marlboro County School District. He also served as president of the Marlboro County Bar Association, the Kiwanis Club, Marlboro County Mental Health Association, and treasurer of the Marlboro Historic Preservation Commission. Harry also served on the Board of Advisors for Wachovia Bank of South Carolina. He joined his fellow citizens of Bennettsville in the effort to renovate the old cinema to a civic center where the community could unite to enjoy fellowship and the arts. Following the completion of the Civic Center, he served on the board for a number of years. He also led the effort to help Marlboro County acquire a much needed new library. The Marian Wright Edelman Library was a great accomplishment. He wanted to name the library after Mrs. Edelman to acknowledge her accomplishments in life. As a child she was unable to attend the public library as an African American, and he felt her hometown should recognize her efforts in founding the Children’s Defense Fund by naming the library in her honor. He was the recipient of the Jaycees Distinguished Service Award. The Bennettsville Downtown Development Partnership designated him as a “Hometown Hero” to show their appreciation for his dedication to his hometown. Harry served his state as well as his hometown. He served on the board of the South Carolina Ports Authority. He was a former Coker College Trustee. He served on the board of Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina for over thirty years. While serving on the board, he was Chairman of the Audit Committee at BCBS. Upon his retirement from the board, BCBS honored his dedication to the Palmetto Trail by naming a trestle bridge for him. He had previously served as President of the Palmetto Trail. He enjoyed outdoor activities which led to his devotion as a former Boy Scout Advisor and leader. He enjoyed the practice of law and was dedicated to his profession. Harry served as President of the Law School Board at the University of South Carolina. Toward the end of his practice of law, he was recognized by the USC Law School as 2011 Compleat Lawyer Award (Platinum Medallion) He served the state of South Carolina on the Board of Commissioners on Grievances and Discipline for the Bar. He was the recipient of the Nifty Fifty recognition of the Senior Law Division. He was devoted to God and his church, St. Paul’s Episcopal. During his membership, he served as Senior Warden on numerous occasions. When the church office building burned down, he helped oversee the rebuilding. Mr. Easterling is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Mary Kay; his son, Harry(Renee) Easterling, Jr.; and daughter Katherine (Steve) Littlejohn; grandchildren, Marietta Easterling, Elysssa Tolar (Lance), Charles Easterling, Edens Littlejohn, and Amelia Littlejohn. He was preceded in death by his brother, Keitt Easterling. The service for Mr. Easterling will be held 11:30 o’clock, Thursday, April 12th at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 360 Fayetteville Ave., Bennettsville, SC, The family will receive friends following the service. Burial will precede the service at 11 o’clock, at Oak Ridge Cemetery, 219 North Cook Street. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, Columbia, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, PO Box 587, Bennettsville, SC, 29512.

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Harry Roberson Easterling, Sr.

March 19, 1934 - April 9, 2018