Jerry Richard Benedict, 77, of Columbia, passed away Wednesday, March 8, 2023. Born October 5, 1945, in Spartanburg, SC, he was a son of the late Louie Lee "L.L." Benedict and Ruby Cora Nance Benedict.

Mr. Benedict was a US Army veteran who proudly served his country during the Vietnam War. Prior to his retirement, he was employed by Shakespeare Manufacturing for more than 30 years. Mr. Benedict was a devoted member of Spring Valley Baptist Church and enjoyed singing with the Ball Club. He was member of the American Legion Post #6, volunteered for many years with the Jerry Lewis Telethon for Muscular Dystrophy, and the Richland County Sheriff's Department. Mr. Benedict loved sports, especially Atlanta Braves Baseball, University of South Carolina athletics, and NASCAR.

Survivors include his daughter, Tammy B. Meetze (Lee) of Columbia; grandchildren, Austin Richard Meetze and Ashley Elizabeth Meetze; sisters-in-law, Carol Clarke Bradley of Columbia and Kathy Clarke Powell (Jim) of Columbia; brothers-in-law, Tommy Clarke (Frances) of Blythewood and Donnie Clarke of Lexington. He also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and other extended family. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Elizabeth "Betty" C. Benedict and his brother, Daniel Benedict.

The family would like to express their gratitude to LaTasha Nickerson, Aretha Brown, Cheryl Kirkman, Johnnie May Wells, Dana Fleming, and Paul Bush for their excellent care of Mr. Benedict while he was a patient under the care of MSA Hospice.

The funeral service for Mr. Benedict will be held at 12:30 o'clock, Monday, March 13th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia, SC. Burial will follow at 2 o'clock at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC.

The family will receive friends prior to the service at the funeral home beginning at 11:30 o'clock. At the request of Mr. Benedict, he invites all attendees to dress casually in patriotic or University of South Carolina colors.