SCPO John E. Sifford, Jr., US Navy (Ret.)

June 28, 1933 - December 20, 2020

SCPO John Earl Sifford, Jr., US Navy (Ret.), known to his family and friends as Earl, 87, of Columbia, died Sunday, December 20, 2020. Born June 28, 1933, in Clover, SC, he was the son of the late John Earl Sifford and Violet Adams Sifford. Earl was a graduate of Clover High School, Class of 1951. Following high school, he enlisted in the US Navy, where he honorably served his country for more than 20 years, until his retirement in 1971. After his military career, Earl attended the University of South Carolina and earned his bachelor and master’s degree. He was a teacher for a very brief time for Richland School District One at the former Lynnhaven Career Center. Earl would later retire from Square D as the engineering supervisor with 17 years of employment. He was an active member of Forest Lake Presbyterian Church, where he formerly served as an elder, deacon, and Sunday school superintendent. Survivors include his wife of 67 years, Harriet Crawford Sifford; sons, John E. Sifford, III (Patricia) of Columbia and Patrick Macon Sifford of Elgin; grandchildren, Jennifer Elaine Rowley (Andrew) and John E. Sifford, IV (Jennifer); great grandchildren, Brendan Sifford, Carolina Sifford, and Cameron Rowley; brother-in-law, David Crawford (Martha); sisters-in-law, Rachel Earle (Thomas), Jane Cain (Roy), Nelda Sifford and Linda Sifford; as well as a multitude of nieces, nephews, and extended family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Paul Lynn Sifford; brothers, Larry Adams Sifford and Thomas Macon Sifford; brother-in-law, Tom Crawford, and sister-in-law, Maude Black Crawford. A graveside service with full military honors will be held at 3 o’clock Tuesday, December 29th at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC 29229. Everyone is invited to attend but will be asked to abide by the state’s recommendations of wearing masks and social distancing to provide a safe environment for all. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext, Columbia, SC, is assisting the family. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Forest Lake Presbyterian Church, 6500 N Trenholm Rd, Columbia, SC 29206.