Harold Lee "Hal" Lane, 76, of Columbia, died on Monday, December 2, 2024. Hal was born in Sikeston, Missouri on January 20,1948 to Gwyndolyn Aileen Kirk and Harold Lee Lane, Sr.

He was raised in Memphis, Tennessee and graduated from The University of Virginia where he studied 20th century European Literature. After serving his county in the United States Army, he further studied comparative literature in the Master's program at The University of South Carolina.

Hal enjoyed a long career in the securities and life insurance industry where he made many lifelong friends. He was an active member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church serving as a deacon, beloved Sunday School teacher, Stephen Minister and leader. Hal also enjoyed singing in the church choir. He was an active participant in small group programs, and the Monday Men's Prayer Breakfast.

A lifelong learner, Hal enjoyed studying and reading a wide variety of topics and engaging in conversations with anyone standing still. His sense of humor was enjoyed by many and awed others.

For years, Hal played Santa, often appearing in private homes and retirement centers on Christmas morning to the delight of all who were mesmerized by his overgrown beard and twinkling eyes. Hal's passion for hunting and fishing was well known. It was coupled with his deep affection for four-pawed hunting partners, especially Sam and Jaz.

Hal is survived by his wife of 29 years, Pam Goodwin Lane, his beloved cocker spaniel "Nala", a sister Beth (Ken) Sandridge, two nieces and three nephews.

Following a private interment, family and friends are invited to a drop-in celebration of life on Saturday, December 14, 2024 from 3:00 – 6:00 pm at 822 Kawana Road, Columbia, S.C., 29205.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Eastminster Presbyterian Church, 3200 Trenholm Road, Columbia, SC 29204 or any animal rescue organization. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

These words Pam received from a close friend describe Hal perfectly:

"When he entered a crowd, his smile would fill the room. And if he approached you, you could tell from the twinkle in his eye, you were going to like him. Bon vivant that he was, Hal could converse with the highly educated, those of means, and those caught in the grips of indigence with equal aplomb. Hal loved people. And he loved parties. And as a superb raconteur, he could quickly capture an audience and leave them spellbound. As a man of faith, Hal held God close to his heart and sought ways to share the joy of his beliefs with others he encountered. Now that he has "crossed the bar", my imagination sees him entertaining others on a higher plane. And with Charlie Weston in tow, I see him proclaiming that in a thousand, thousand eons, nothing will shake the beliefs he so faithfully shared with others on this earth or will lessen the friendships he held so dearly in his heart."