Jack Leroy Redfearn

Dr. Jack Leroy Redfearn MARION - Dr. Jack Leroy Redfearn, 89, of 100 Cherokee Avenue, Marion, passed away Friday, April 26, 2013, at his home. He was born on August 20, 1923, in Bamburg, SC, the son of the late James Drew Redfearn and Evelyn Faye Frea Redfearn. Dr. Redfearn graduated as Valedictorian of Pageland High School's Class of 1940. He excelled in all sports and was captain of the football team. He was also a member of the Beta Club. After graduating from high school, he attended Oak Ridge Military Institue. He then served in the US Air Force from1943-1945, where he earned his wings as a navigator, bombadier and gunnery, as well as trained to fly his dream bomber, the P-51 Mustang. After earning his mechanical engineering degree from Georgia Tech in 1946, he became an engineer for the International Paper Company, working for them until 1950. In 1954, he graducated with honors from Emory School of Dentistry, and afterwards he began his 42-year dental career in Marion, SC. He married the love of his life, Dorothy Devane on February 22, 1947, in Greenville, SC. Upon moving to Marion, Jack and Dot became members of the Marion First United Methodist Church, where Jack served on various committees. He served as Chairman of the Official Board and as a Sunday School teacher throughout the years. Jack was a member of Marion Rotary Club for 40 years, as well as serving as its president in 1962 and as a Board Member in 1982-85. He was also a Board Member of the Marion Chamber of Commerce, served on the board of Dustry Hills Country Club, and was Chairman of the Marion County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Dr. Redfearn was named president of the Pee Dee Dental Society in 1960-61, and vice-president of the Marion County Historical Society in 1983-85. He was also a member of the American Dental Association, and the American Orthodontics Society. Throughout his life, he enjoyed golfing, fishing, camping and traveling with his beloved family. First and foremost, Jack will be remembered as a lover of life, laughter, and people. He was an avid Clemson fan . He had the greatest sense of humor and could bring happiness in any situation. He always saw the best in everyone, and was known as "Happy Jack". Jack and Dot celebrated life in many ways together over the years. They took dancing lessons, including shag, ballroom, disco and square dancing. He is survived by his loving wife of 66 years,Dot, a son, Robert Drew "Robbie" Redfearn (Lynne) of Chesterfield, VA, two daughters, Rebecca Redfearn Collins(Lynn) of Marion, and Robin Redfearn Page (James) of Fort Mill, SC, and 9 grandchildren, Melissa, Ellyn and Drew Redfearn, J.D. and William Devers, Savannah Grace Page, Robert, Mary Lynn and Carol Ann Collins. He was predeceased by his only brother, Gerald William Redfearn. A celebration of his life will be held on Monday, April 29 at 2:00 p.m. at the Marion First United Methodist Church directed by Richardson Funeral Home, and the minister conducting the service is Rev.Quay Adams. The family will greet friends in the Fellowship Hall immediately following the service. Memorials may be made to the Marion First United Methodist Church or to McLeod Hospice. The family wishes to express our sincere appreciation to Shirley Lewis, caregiver and friend.