Holmes LeRoy Bauknight, Jr., 95, went to his heavenly home on Thursday, December 26, 2024. Born on June 6, 1929 in Columbia, he was the son of Ida Vinnie Lever and Holmes LeRoy Bauknight, Sr. He graduated from the old Columbia High School in 1946 and the University of South Carolina in 1949 with a BS in Chemistry. At USC, he was a member of the marching band, playing saxophone and clarinet.

After serving in the US Army, Holmes worked for the US Postal Service and retired from the Social Security Administration. After "retirement" he worked for the SC Retirement System-Disabilities Division. In addition to his career jobs, he wore many other hats, playing in Big Bands (from eighth grade until caring for his wife prevented him from doing so), making and refinishing furniture, volunteering at The Heritage at Lowman and Meals on Wheels, travelling, hunting, fishing, and playing bridge. He was a Mason, recently receiving his 70-year pin and a former Hejaz Shriner. He was a dedicated member of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Columbia and attended Bethany Presbyterian in Clinton when at "the farm."

Holmes was first and foremost a true Christian in every aspect of his life. He was caring, independent, stubborn, and a perfectionist. He was a loving and devoted son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, brother-in-law, and uncle. He was preceded in death by his wife, Anice Catoe Bauknight, and his grandson, Blair Bauknight. He is survived by his daughter, Susan Bauknight Smith; his sons, Kenneth Holmes and Russell LeRoy Bauknight; grandchildren, Amanda Timmerman, Amy Bradshaw, Kevin Bauknight, Kate Poore, Abby Bauknight, and Henry Bauknight; great-grandchildren, Jane Timmerman, Lawrence Timmerman, Katherine Bradshaw, Ellie Poore, Savannah Bauknight, and Riley Bauknight; his sister, Beverly Jean Dickson; and nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Mr. Bauknight will be held at 11 o'clock, Monday, December 30th, at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1715 Broad River Rd, Columbia, SC 29210 with Rev. Dr. Chris Denny officiating. A private burial will be held at Bush River Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive guests one hour prior to the service as well as following the funeral service at the church.

Pall bearers will be Kevin Bauknight, Henry Bauknight, Joe Timmerman, Chris Poore, Jim Dickson, Michael Dickson, and David Dickson.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Westminster Presbyterian Church, 1715 Broad River Rd, Columbia, SC 29210.