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Furman University University of South Carolina

John Cell Obituary

COLUMBIA - John was born in Detroit, MI where he spent his first twelve years. He also lived in Midland, MI; Cincinnati, OH, Greenville and Columbia, SC. He attended Furman University and was a graduate of the University of South Carolina. A U.S. Navy veteran, he performed in the Atlantic Fleet Band and the CinClantFlt Brass Quintet.

John was a talented musician and played his trombone with many different groups in the Columbia area. John loved learning. He was a math wizard, a Portuguese interpreter, and a 'computer geek' before the term existed. Everyone who knew him was amazed by his brilliant mind.

He loved sharing his talents and was quick to help friends and strangers; he never met a cat he didn't like.

He was predeceased by his parents, Jeremiah and Alice Cell and brother, Robert. He is survived by his brothers, Jerry Cell of McHenry, IL, David and Sue Cell of Traverse City, MI, and a sister, Mary A. 'Sally' and Stan Freeman of West Columbia, SC. UJ will be dearly missed by his nieces and nephews: Ed, Jen, Ali, Maggie, Eric, Mike, Pat, Bob and Heather.

A memorial service will be held at St. Alban's Episcopal Church in Lexington, SC at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, February 20, 2011. www.caughmanharmanfuneralhome.net

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The State on Jan. 30, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for John Cell

14 Entries

John performing in Panama, 1980. I'd given my camera to a reporter so that he could take a picture of me.

Chuck White

September 23, 2012

I am so sorry to hear that John has passed on. He was a great colleague and friend. As a bass trombone player in the Atlantic Fleet Band, John and I performed together on numerous occasions. We also shared interests in math and computers, though not cats.

One of my fond memories of John was when we flew in a helicopter to perform for Jimmy Carter as he spoke to the sailors and airmen who participated in the rescue attempt for our hostages in Iran. We landed on the USS Nimitz and John immediately went to sick bay in order to treat a cat scratch. The first reaction of the medic was to say that the ship would have to be quarantined because of the unauthorized animal. Fortunately, John was able to smooth things over and make it back to perform on time.

I offer my condolences to John's loved ones. I will miss not being able to share our sea stories together.

Panama around 1980

Charles White

September 23, 2012

Mt. Auburn Brass Fellowship (John on far right)

Doug Jones

February 18, 2011

The members of the Mt. Auburn Brass Fellowship wish to share our sadness at John's death. John was a member of our trombone section for several years. (I've attached a picture from when he was with us.) As many others have already said, he brought to life a talent and passion for music, knowledge, and teaching, which he intertwined with his own special mix of seriousness and humor. He was one of us and he will be greatly missed.

Karen Addie

February 6, 2011

I am reeling in disbelief. I have always loved John for his brilliance and his generosity.

Ruth Ann Blind

February 5, 2011

So shocked to hear about our loss of John. John was one of the first people that I met at Furman. He was a wonderful fellow and I enjoyed talking with him during my years at Furman. Just recently played an orchestra concert with him. Very sad to know that I won't see him in Columbia again.

Rochelle Doty

February 2, 2011

John was my teacher when I was in high school and a friend now. He will be missed.

February 2, 2011

We were so sad to learn of John's passing. He was such a kind and helpful friend and he will be missed. Erik & Ann Swanson

Greg Jones

February 1, 2011

What a great guy John was to know and get to play trombone with. He and I were in the WHHS band together and I was privileged and honored to sit next to this phenomenon for two years. Better yet, we were neighbors on Brdgewood Avenue. John was truly blessed. You will be missed, my friend.

Greg Jones

February 1, 2011

I was shocked and sad to learn of our friends passing. John performed with me for many years in the SC Philharmonic, and he was our first trombone player when we founded The Palmetto Brass. John was a passionate musician, and always loved a challenge. As a friend, he would fix our computer, and all that he would ask in return was a dinner invitation.
We will miss John, his talents, and his quick wit. David Allison

gary jones

January 31, 2011

So sad to read of Johns passing. I talked to him just a few wks ago. He was so pleasant and helpful. It was a honor to have treated him over the years. He will be missed. Gary Jones, D.C.

Patrick McCormick

January 30, 2011

I have know John since I was at Furman band camp and later had the priviledge to call him "Brother" in Phi MU Alpha. WE have truly lost a great talent and fine man. May God's comfort and peace be with his family and friends. We will miss you John!!

Patrick McCormick

January 30, 2011

My most sincere sympathy to John's friends and family. John was a good friend for many years. I greatly appreciate his help and generosity.

David Huddleston

Alida & Billy Rawl

January 30, 2011

Very sorry to read about John's death. We have fond memories of our times together when he played trombone with the SC Philharmonic, including a couple of times when we were staying in the same B & B in Newberry when he was playing in the orchestra for operas. We had some enjoyable breakfasts together on those occasions. He also helped a lot with computer issues. He was a great guy and will be missed. Our condolences to his family

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