George Folk Obituary

George W. Folk, Sr. BAMBERG, SC - George William "Billy" Folk, Sr., of Bamberg passed away after a brief illness at the Veteran's Victory House in Walterboro on July 10, 2010, surrounded by his family and friends. He was 90 years old. Mr. Folk was born May 6, 1920 in Bamberg, SC to Herbert M. and Mozelle Black Folk. He was a graduate of Ehrhardt High School, after which he worked in the Civilian Conservation Corps. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, and was a decorated veteran, receiving the Purple Heart, The Bronze Star, the Distinguished Flying Cross, as well as other medals of merit for his service and bravery. He owned and operated a Shell Service Station in Bamberg for nearly 50 years. Upon his retirement at age 75, he enjoyed spending time with his family, doing his yard work and walking. For many, many years he dearly enjoyed dancing to the Big Band sounds at the Elks Club and the VFW with family and friends. He was affectionately known by his family, all over Bamberg and at the Victory House in Walterboro as "Papa Kat." He was a long time member of the First Baptist Church in Bamberg where he served in many areas over the years, but especially enjoyed greeting people and handing out bulletins every Sunday morning. He was a member of the Robert Black Sunday School Class. He loved his church and was a faithful member there until he moved to Walterboro. He was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, a member of the Ornan Masonic Lodge, serving as past master. He was a Shriner through the York Rite Order. Mr. Folk was also a longtime member of the Veterans of Foreign War and the Lions Club. Mr. Folk is predeceased by his wife of 59 years, Doris Lowder Folk. Surviving are one brother, Ben E. Folk of Barnwell, one sister, Julia Mable Rentz of Hunters Chapel and five children; George William "Billy" Folk, Jr. (Joyce) of Cordova, Arthur L. "Artie" Folk of Columbia, Eddie M. Folk of Bamberg, Tony H. Folk (Dicksi) of St. George, and Karen F. Herndon (Larry) of Ehrhardt. Also are his grandchildren: Daniel D. Folk (Angel) of St. George, Rachel E. Folk of Pecos, New Mexico, Sarah E. Herndon of Charlotte, Hank Herndon of Beaufort and Corey Herndon of Ehrhardt. Papa Kat was very proud of his one great-grandchild, Landon Alan Folk of St. George. Other special family members include David Ray of Columbia and Vicki and Tori Bunch of Bamberg. The family would like to thank the Veteran's Victory House and its staff for the loving care they gave "Papa Kat" over the last 2 and one half years; especially "Brittini Kat." Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Bamberg, P. O. Box 355, Bamberg 29003, or the Alzheimer's Association, South Carolina Chapter, 4124 Clemson Blvd - Suite L, Anderson, SC 29621 or to The Veteran's Victory House, 2461 Sidneys Road, Walterboro 29488. Services will be conducted by Cooner Funeral Home of Bamberg on Tuesday, July 13, 2010. The service will be held at 4:00 p.m. at First Baptist Church in Bamberg. The family will receive friends downstairs at the church from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. Pallbearers are Daniel Folk, Hank Herndon, and Corey Herndon, grandsons of Mr. Folk; Richard Sutcliffe, Chris Wallace and Larry Zeigler. Visit our guestbook at www.postandcourier.com/deaths