James Drinkard

Hartsville, SC

Mr. James Monroe Drinkard, age 93, passed away peacefully on February 16, 2019 at the Carroll Campbell House Lexington SC.   Mr. Drinkard is survived by his wife of 75 years Ila Mae Styles Drinkard   Private burial will be held at a later date. Visitation will be held at Norton Funeral Home, on Monday, February 18, 2019 5:00-7:00pm

Mr. Drinkard was born March 13, 1925 to the late Eliza Luvenia Oden and David Thomas Drinkard. Mr. Drinkard was a WWII veteran, graduate of Bulova Watchmaker School, Owner of Freeman & Smith Jewelry, Registered Jeweler American Gemology Society, was on the Board of Directors of Orangeburg Calhoun Tec, President of South Carolina Retail Jewelers Association., member of Lions Club, and Hartsville VFW.

Mr. Drinkard’s love of travel took him and his wife to Hawaii, winters in Florida, and his favorite was driving cross country pulling his camper to Alaska.  Mr. Drinkard held his private pilots licenses and loved flying his plane to visit his family in Alabama.

Surviving are sons, John Monroe Drinkard (Vivian), Martin Stephen Drinkard of Hartsville SC, Thomas Gerald Drinkard (Kathy) Bishopville SC; daughter Myra June Drinkard McAlhaney Elgin SC.

Grandchildren, Karen Mixon Urbanic (Ralph), Charleston, SC, John Michael Drinkard (Brandy), Lexington, SC,  Melissa Drinkard Martin(Andy), Bishopville SC, Sarajake Drinkard Barefoot(Steve), Hartsville SC, Susan Michelle Drinkard, Hartsville SC,  Amber Christina Drinkard Bendel, Florence SC, Martin Tyler Drinkard, Goose Creek SC and fourteen great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by seven siblings, grandson Lavan Thomas Drinkard, and son in law Charles Ernest McAlhaney.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Carroll Campbell House, 815 Cherokee Road, Lexington SC 29072.

Norton Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Drinkard family.

www.nortonfh.net