James R. Shealy

James Ralph Shealy, 79, of Columbia, died Thursday, November 29, 2018, at Lexington Medical Center.

He was born on August 21, 1939 and grew up in the St. Philip's Community in Newberry County. He was the son of Roy Pinner and Nellie Kibler Shealy. Mr. Shealy served in the US Air Force and SC Air National Guard. He retired from the LPA Group, Inc. a civil and structural engineering company with headquarters in Columbia, SC. He loved canoeing, cycling, NASCAR racing and cats. Mr. Shealy was active in the catch, spay/neuter and release program of stray cats in his neighborhood.

He is survived by a sister, Winona Gibson of Prosperity, SC; devoted friend, Sharon Kelly of Columbia, SC; two nephews, William Hentz, Jr. of Lexington, SC and John Hentz of Pelion, SC; a niece, Ruth Willis of Concord, NC; six great nieces and nephews, Jason Stutts, Ashleigh Hentz, Al Hentz, Shelby Willis, Andrew Willis and Mary Willis.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm Monday, December 3, 2018, at St. Philip's Lutheran Church by the Rev. Terry Amick. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service in the church fellowship hall. Memorials may be made to Pets, Inc., 300 Orchard Drive, West Columbia, SC 29170.

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