Edwin Morse Hadley, Jr., 88, of Columbia, passed away on Friday, April 26, 2024. Born in Charlotte, NC, on July 5, 1935, to the late Edwin M. and Myrtle B. Hadley.

Mr. Hadley earned his undergraduate degree was from Davidson College. He completed graduate degrees at the Southeastern Theological Seminary, and the School of Social Work at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He was doing post-graduate work at UNC-Chapel Hill involving the management of children's homes and mental facilities when he decided to make a career shift into counseling.

Ed began his career in supervisory and social work positions at the Baptist Childrens' Homes of N.C. while doing his graduate work at Chapel Hill. He next moved to Epworth Childrens' Home in Columbia to write a grant for funds to update their program. This was while also doing post-graduate work at Chapel Hill. Sensing a need at Epworth, he asked for permission to start a counseling program for the children and their families. It was extremely successful and personally fulfilling.

Knowing that he had found his mission, he moved to the Pastoral Counseling Center at Trenholm Road UMC. He became their Associate Director of Pastoral Counseling. He moved into private practice in 1980, where he served for decades. Ed was both a member and a supervisor in the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and the National Association of Social Workers. He helped to bring these organizations to SC and held numerous offices in these organizations. While able, Ed enjoyed tennis and running. Later, he developed a love of gardening, travel, and dogs. He continued a love of music and reading.

Ed is survived by his present wife, Rebecca Ann Kerr and their dog, Teddy. He was predeceased by his wife of many years, Susanne H. Hadley. Sue was the mother of his three children-Valerie Reed (Mike), Todd Hadley (Karon), and Nathan Hadley (Aynsley).

He had nine grandchildren – Taylor (Katie) Reed, Hadley (Gentry) Eddings, Katie (Clark) Jeter, Hannah Hadley, Gabrielle (Cam) Gaba, Drew Hadley, Lydia Hadley, Rolyns Hadley, and Callan Hadley. He had four living great-grandchildren and two who were killed in a tragic accident. He is also survived by his brother, Miles Hadley; as well as his loving niece and nephew.

The Funeral Service for Mr. Hadley will be held at 2 o'clock on Friday, May 17th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1 o'clock. The burial will be held privately.4