Col. Frank Blakely Jernigan, USAR, Ret., 90, and husband of 67 years to Sara Baker Jernigan, died Wednesday, August 11, 2010, at his home. Born May 30, 1920, in Marion, SC, he was the only child of Levi Franklin Jernigan and Sara Young Jernigan. He spent his early years in Fairfield County. He joined the Methodist church there in 1929. He received his formal education at Mt. Zion Institute in Winnsboro, SC, and at The Citadel. In 1942 he volunteered for active duty with the U.S. Army. He served throughout the war in the Pacific Ocean area and for a time afterward in the continental U.S. After active duty he remained in the Army Reserve for a total of 32 years. He was also a retired Civil Engineer and was employed by several construction companies. Col. Jernigan was an active member of the Official Board at Aldersgate United Methodist Church for many years. He was a member of the American Legion Post 15 for 64 years and was a past commander. He was also a life member of the VFW, a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, and the Sons of the Confederate Veterans, Lions Club, and was a charter member of the Sumter Genealogical Society. Survivors include his wife of Sumter; one son, Billy (Celia) Jernigan of Columbia; two daughters, Frankie (Bob) Abbott of Leesville, and Peggy Russ of Charleston; five grandchildren, Bobby (Pam) Abbott, Patrick (Patti) Abbott, Cathy (Clayton) Rash, Amanda Jernigan, and Blake Jernigan; and four great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Aldersgate United Methodist Church conducted by Dr. Webb Belangia and Chaplain Wayne Taylor. Burial will be in the Sumter Cemetery with full military honors. Grandsons and nephews will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Wesley Fellowship Class, the American Legion, and the Lions Club. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and other times at the home. Special thanks go to Dr. Phil Brandt, Tuomey Hospice, and his caretakers, Sharon, Deloris, Tiffany, and Lenora. Memorials may be made to the Bereavement Fund of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 211 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC 29150.Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386. Tags: 1941
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