Walter Pickel Obituary

Walter "Earl" Pickel Sr., 86, of Beaufort, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on May 19, 2025, with his family by his side. Born in Six Mile, South Carolina, on January 29, 1939, Earl was a proud small-town boy who never forgot where he came from. He was an All-Star football player at Daniel High School, where he also met the love of his life, Mary "Jeanie" Barrington. They married young and spent the next six decades building a life filled with laughter, devotion, strong coffee, and a little wine. After graduating from Forrest College in Anderson, Earl went on to spend 30 years in banking - a quiet professional with a steady hand and warm heart. He believed in hard work, a firm handshake, and treating people with respect. Earl had a dry, often perfectly timed sense of humor. He would light up every room, could make you laugh when you needed it most, and never took himself too seriously. He loved golfing, cheering on his Clemson Tigers, and spending time with the people he loved most. He was a longtime member of Carteret Street United Methodist Church, where his faith was steady and lived out in small, meaningful ways. Earl is survived by his wife, Jeanie; his children, Julie Hampton and Walter (Keysha) Pickel Jr.; his grandchildren, Brittney (Joey) Russom, James (Ryan) Duke, Ricky Hampton and Bailey, Elliott, and Griffin Pickel. He was blessed with four great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his sister, Elizabeth Guerry, and many extended family and friends who were lucky to know him. A memorial service will be held at 11am on Friday, May 23, 2025, at Carteret Street United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Carteret Street United Methodist Church and/or Friends of Caroline Hospice, whose kindness and care meant so much. Earl was the kind of man whose presence made you feel steady - like everything might just be alright. His quiet strength, sharp wit, and big heart will be deeply missed.