James McKeown Obituary

McKEOWN, James COLUMBIA - James Preston McKeown, 73, passed away peacefully at his home on March 7, 2009 after a 3 year battle with cancer. Visitation will be Monday evening, March 9, from 5 until 7 o'clock at SHIVES FUNERAL HOME. A celebration of life will be held for Mr. McKeown on Tuesday afternoon, March 10, 2009 at 2 o'clock at Spring Valley Baptist Church, followed by a burial service at Elmwood Cemetery. Mr. McKeown was born August 4, 1935 in Columbia to the late James Preston McKeown, Jr. and Natalie Abbott McKeown. He was a graduate of Columbia High School and owned and operated five Piggly Wiggly stores for two decades in the Columbia area. He retired from the grocery business in 1987. He was a member of Main St. United Methodist Church for 47 years where he taught Sunday School, led Bible studies, and was worship leader for Sunday night worship services. He was a lay speaker for the United Methodist Church. Mr. McKeown was then a member of Spring Valley Baptist Church where he taught Sunday School and facilitated Bible studies. He was affiliated with the Navigators Church Discipleship Ministries. Jim was an avid Clemson Tiger fan, a member of IPTAY for 42 years and an IPTAY representative. Jim is survived by his beloved wife of 52 years, Alice Addy McKeown; daughter, Allison Calamas, and husband, Bill, of Lexington; son, David McKeown and wife, Debbie, of Blythewood; grandsons, Preston, Robert and Andrew Calamas, and Ryan McKeown; sister, Leanne Jarrett and husband Sonny, of Columbia, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by brother, Charles Donald McKeown. Pallbearers will be Willis (Trip) Gregory and members of the Tuesday Morning Prayer Breakfast; K. W. Smith, Ralph Scurry, Johnny Floyd, Jim Mallios, and Rev. David Anderson. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Allen Brooks, Don Stewart and members of the former COED 4 Sunday School Class which he taught for many years. The family expresses their appreciation to Dr. Mary Audrey Ackerman, Beth Perry and Susan Gossett at South Carolina Oncology Assoc. and to Susan Uehling and Arlene with Palmetto Health Hospice. Memorials may be made to Spring Valley Baptist Church, 91 Polo Road, Columbia, SC 29223 or South Carolina Oncology Associates, 166 Stroneridge Dr., Columbia, SC 29210. www.ShivesFuneralHome.com (803) 754-6290 Visit our guestbook at www.charleston.net/deaths.