James Farrell "Pete" Stoudemire, 84, of Columbia, died Monday, January 16, 2017. Born October 8, 1932, in Spartanburg, South Carolina, he was a son of the late Henry Thomas and Lizzie Bell Eleazer Stoudemire.

Pete was a member of Midlands Christian Church where he served in many capacities to include Elder, Sunday school superintendent, treasurer, and song leader. At the age of 35 he began teaching the Senior Sunday school class until the age of 72. Pete helped start the Newberry Christian Church. Mr. Stoudemire played basketball for Newberry College, served two years in the Army as an MP and played professional baseball in the local South Atlantic League. He was an awesome husband, father, grandfather and friend, serving as a Christian example to all who loved him.

Survivors include his wife of 58 years, Martha Jean Finley Stoudemire; sons, James Michael Stoudemire, Sr. and Thomas Farrell Stoudemire; daughter, Linda Jean Stoudemire Watson; five grandchildren, Timothy Christopher Watson, Stephanie Jean Watson, James Michael Stoudemire Jr. (Kari), Brandon David Watson (Rachel), and Joseph Matthew Stoudemire (Brittany); four great grandchildren, Caroline Elizabeth Watson, Kayleigh Anne Stoudemire, Madison Stoudemire, Carter James Stoudemire; brothers, Richard Earl Stoudemire (Gale), George Carroll Stoudemire (Sandra); and sister-in-law, Billie Griggs Stoudemire. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Elizabeth Stoudemire Enlow; and brothers, Charles Henry Stoudemire and Walter Russell Stoudemire.

The funeral service for Mr. Stoudemire will be held 11 o'clock, Thursday, January 19th, at Shives Funeral Home, Colonial Chapel, with Pastor Tim Brokaw officiating. Burial will follow at Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 o'clock, Wednesday at the funeral home on Colonial Drive.

The family request memorials be made to Midlands Christian Church, 1312 W. Main St., Lexington, SC 29072.