Frank Kenneth Prewitt

Frank Kenneth Prewitt of Columbia, passed away peacefully on the 19th of June, at age 93.

Frank was born on May 7, 1933, in Dentsville, SC. He was the fifth and the last surviving child of 10 children born to Albert Lee & Laura Caroline (LeGrand) Prewitt. Frank graduated from Dentsville High School.

Frank enlisted in the Air National Guard on May 22, 1950. After completing basic military training, he served on active duty for two years at Lawson Field (Fort Benning) Georgia. Frank was later hired on a full-time basis as a Civil Service Technician. He was called back to active duty in 1961 during the Berlin Crisis and was deployed to France for two years. In 1986 he went to the Air National Guard Support Center working in logistics as a member of the Ready Team, working with Air Guard units across the United States that were being transitioned to F16 Fighter aircraft. During his time in the National Guard Frank was in Communications, the Fabrication Shop and then Logistics where he remained until his retirement on May 6, 1993. In all Frank was 15 days shy of serving 43 years. While serving at McEntire, Frank volunteered to work night flying missions in the Fire Department on Proficiency Training status.

Frank had his private pilot license and was a certified flight instructor providing lessons at Owens Field in Columbia. He also had a love for football and officiated College and High School games across South Carolina for 22 years. He was a diehard Carolina Gamecock, but he was not afraid to cheer on the Clemson Tigers after his granddaughter, Turner, became a student there. He loved working in his yard and being on his tractor, which he continued doing until the age of 92.

Frank had two sons, which were his pride & joy. He loved to spend time with them on the lake, and they shared his passion for football. In Greg’s younger years, the two of them spent quality time together flying their airplane many hours and sharing laughs between flights. Frank’s house on Lake Murray was the center of fun and fellowship where Frank made everyone feel welcome. His daughter in-law, Melanie, shared many special memories with him along with becoming one of his primary caretakers, and he loved her as his own daughter.

Becoming a grandfather in 2001 changed Frank’s life dramatically. Frank adored his only grandchild Turner and loved spending time with her. Frank would share with anyone that would listen to him how important it was being a grandparent. Frank shared that he would write down the special moments spent with Turner, or the funny things she’d say or ask him. Frank loved picking Turner up from school and taking her to lunch.

Frank is survived by his son Michael Gregory “Greg” (Melanie) and his granddaughter Turner Layton Prewitt. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by is oldest son Kenneth Lawrence Prewitt, sisters Ruth Goff, Rebecca Kittrell, Louise Hatchell, Helen Stienmetz, Sandra Berry & Margaret Rogers, brothers Albert “Buddy” Prewitt, Lewis Prewitt & Charles “Leland” Prewitt.

A graveside service will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, June 22, at Jackson Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, 7778 Two Notch Rd, Columbia.

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

In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations be made to Fresh Church, 1022 Forrest Shealy Road, Chapin, SC 29036 or by visiting https://freshchurch.org/give/