Rawley E. "Gene" Schofield went to be with our Lord on Wednesday, March 20, 2024.

Gene was born on June 23, 1944, in Columbia S.C. Gene is predeceased by his parents, Rawley Manuel and Mary Ann Hinnant Schofield; his stepfather C.B. Addy and a son, Rawley "Roddy" Schofield, Jr.

Gene is survived by the love of his life, best friend and wife of 32 years (in love for 49), Jan Hembree Schofield, of West Columbia, S.C.; two daughters, Angela Jean Gray (Michael), of Lexington, N.C. and Tina Marie Poindexter, (Jim) of Lexington, S.C.; five grandchildren: Brittany Dunphy (Brandon) and Brandon Draeger, of Lexington, N.C., Madison Poindexter, of Nashville, T.N.; Hembree Poindexter, of Jacksonville Beach, F.L.; Jake Poindexter, of Lexington, S.C.; three great grandchildren: C.J. and Paxton Dunphy and Penelope Draeger, all of Lexington, N.C.

Gene always felt and said many times that he grew up in the best of times this world ever had. Columbia was a great city to grow up in the 1950s and 1960s. Gene delivered The State and The Columbia Record newspaper in the downtown area of Columbia. On his bike, he carried the papers to many homes, including the Governor's Mansion. He made many friends along his route. As a teenager, he not only had two paper delivery routes, he also worked at Truesdale's Service Station on Gervais Street (now a restaurant). He spent many days of his youth fishing the Broad River with his stepfather, C.B. Addy and his buddies.

After completing college and serving in the Army National Guard, Gene began a career with the S.C. Tax Commission (later, the Department of Revenue). He retired as State Criminal Investigator in 1993. Gene was a member of the Lexington Masonic Lodge; Eastern Star Columbia Chapter #59, a Life Member of University of South Carolina Alumni Association, a longtime member of the USC Gamecock Club, past USC Board of Directors and past President of the Fairfield County Gamecock Club. He was a Thirty Second Degree Freemason, Lexington Lodge, a lifetime member of Jamil Shrine Temple, and a former member of the Hillbilly Unit at Jamil Temple. Gene coached Little League baseball for many years with the Lexington County league. He was an avid fisherman and hunter.

Gene enjoyed his retirement. He could make anything grow and loved being on his tractor, "playing in the dirt." He kept many of his friends stocked with sweet corn, vegetables and fresh eggs. Everyone wanted to be on Gene's "corn list." He always had a plentiful garden and grew beautiful plants.

Gene was a humble man, who cherished the love of his life, Jan, his family, special friends (he called the family he chose) and his country. Friends will remember Gene as a loyal, trusting friend. He was a man of kindness, generosity and someone whose life was devoted to his family and many great friends. He cherished his childhood and shared many long stories about growing up in Columbia with others. He was unselfish with his time and instilled his incredible work ethic in everyone. He leaves many life lessons, stories, and experiences.

Gene was passionate about University of South Carolina baseball and football. Everyone stays for the cliffhangers, but Gene and Jan would remain steadfast in their seats through all the good and bad, whether games were during the hot humid days of May, June and September or the bitter days of November. Gene and Jan traveled many miles following their beloved USC Gamecocks. They went to six College World Series in Omaha. Over the years, they made many lifelong friendships. He also enjoyed going to their home at "the Big Pond", Garden City Beach. Gene enjoyed life to the fullest.

Three of Gene's most prized possessions were the award he won for the Best in the World Professional Fish Reproduction in 1995 at the Annual World Taxidermy Competition, and his two personalized 2010 and 2011 University of South Carolina College World Series rings. After his retirement, Gene became a taxidermist. He became a world-renowned professional taxidermist, mounting many different species of mammals and fish. He mounted 32 Fighting Gamecocks for the University of South Carolina. He also did work for the Riverbanks Zoo Education Department.

As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation SC Chapter. Memorial for Gene Schofield - Tributes (cff.org) or mail to: Cystic Fibrosis South Carolina Chapter Rawley Schofield Memorial 1150 Hungryneck Blvd, Ste C-183, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464

Visitation will be Monday, March 25 at 5-7 p.m. Shives Funeral Home, 7600 Trenholm Road, Ext., Columbia, S.C. A Celebration of life will be held Tuesday, March 26 at 4 p.m. at Mt. Hermon Lutheran Church, 3011 Leaphart Road, West Columbia, S.C. 29169 (Your school colors are welcome!!). A private burial will be held in Elmwood Cemetery.