Col. Edward Barry Borden, Ph.D., US Air Force (Ret.), 88, of Columbia, died on Sunday, December 15, 2024. Born on August 18, 1936, in Pasadena, California, he was the son of the late Norman Easton Borden, Jr. and Carrie Williams Borden Carlton.

His education included three degrees from The University of South Carolina: BS in Journalism, Masters in English, and a Doctorate in Higher Education. He truly enjoyed supporting his alma mater and cheering for the GAMECOCKS!

Col. Borden had a long and distinguished military career that spanned nearly four decades achieving the rank of a "Full Bird" Colonel. He supported US National Security under the Strategic Air Command during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Col. Borden later supported military operations during the Vietnam War, Seven Day War, US Invasion of Grenada, the Panama Invasion as well as routine US Embassy missions across the globe. Col. Borden played a key role in the USAF as a navigator operating the following aircraft: KC-97, C-124, C-141, and RC-121 using celestial navigation. After his flying career, he retired as the Commanding Officer of Public Relations.

Col. Borden also had a very prosperous career in his civilian life. He was employed by the Augusta Chronicle-Herald as a reporter (1957-1958, 1963-1968), Director of Public Relations for Columbia College (1969-1970), Assistant Director of Public Relations for the SC State Development Board (1970), Director of Volunteer Service for Richland County Family Court (1970-1974), Director of Public Relations for SC Department of Youth Services (1974-1982), partner and writer with Logos (1982-1985), and with the English Faculty Department at Benedict College (1985-1996).

Col. Borden was a member of multiple retirement organizations throughout his life. He was a member of St. Michael and All Angels' Episcopal Church, where he served as a lay Eucharistic Minister, served on the Vestry, and taught adult religious education classes. His community service work included volunteering at the SC Department of Corrections, teaching English and Literature to inmates. Col. Borden received the National Distinguished Service Award from Vice President Nelson Rockefeller for his work with the Juvenile Family Court under Judge Fletcher Spigner. Through his work with the Department of Youth Services as Director of Public Relations, he was tasked with creating a family unity campaign and created the "Have You Hugged Your Kid Today?" and "Loving Kids is a Family Affair" bumper stickers which became influential worldwide.

Col. Borden's hobbies included creative writing, film photography, and he was a member of the Columbia Bicycle Club. He owned many vintage cameras and processed his own film and prints -his favorite subject was candid portraits. He wrote children's literature, completed three novels, and had many articles published. Col. Borden and his family Cocker Spaniel, Taffy, received the Presidential Physical Fitness Award for running.

Survivors include his wife of 64 years, Gwen Elizabeth Horton Borden; his children, Deborah Lynn Borden Karasack (Vincent) of Ellicott City, MD, Alyssa Louise Borden Glantz (Christopher) of Irmo, SC, Elizabeth Barrie Borden Terrell (Jeff) of Columbia, SC, and MSgt. Edward Brian Borden, US Air Force (Ret.) (Josie) of Fort Walton Beach, FL. He also leaves behind his grandchildren, Matthew Rush Karasack, Lauren Elise Karasack, Aubrey Christian Glantz Kilgore (T.K.), Niomi Kyra Espinili, Sierra Kyla Borden, Shilah Kylah Borden, and Bryson Edward Borden.

The funeral service for Col. Borden will be held at 2 o'clock on Saturday, December 21st at St. Michael and All Angels' Episcopal Church, 6408 Bridgewood Road, Columbia, SC with The Rev. Charles J. Smith officiating. Burial with full military honors will follow at Elmwood Cemetery, 501 Elmwood Ave, Columbia, SC.

The family will receive guests one hour prior to the service in Sturtevant Hall at the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to St. Michael and All Angels' Episcopal Church or to the College of Social Work at The University of South Carolina.

Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.