Richard Steven Sinkler

Richard Steven Sinkler

PINEWOOD -- Mr. Richard Steven Sinkler, of 218 West Ave., passed away Sunday, May 11, 2003, at McLeod Regional Medical Center, Florence. Born Sept. 12, 1949, in Sumter County, he was a son of the late Mr. Ruther Samuel and Mrs. Ellanora Lucretia James Sinkler.

He was a member of the St. Paul United Methodist Church family in Elliott, where he served on the Male Chorus, the Adult Choir, the CODE Teacher of the Children's Ministry and the president of the United Methodist Men Association. He received his formal education at Manchester High School, Pinewood. He matriculated at Morris College, Sumter, and earned a Bachelor of Science in mathematics. He continued his educational training at Francis Marion University, Florence, where he earned his M.Ed degree in elementary education. Richard was an educator, and taught math in both Lee County and Sumter County School District 2 for many years.

Survivors are three sons, Ricardo S. Sinkler of Sumter, Keithan M. Sinkler of Lamar and Antonio D. Sinkler of Rock Hill; a stepdaughter, Keisha Solomon of Virginia; two brothers, Walter J. Sinkler of McKeesport, Pa., and William W. (Stella) Sinkler of Baltimore; three sisters, Sarah L. Buckman and husband, Enoch, of Gary, Ind., Eleanor L. Canty of Bronx, N.Y., and Pearl A. Singletary of Florence; and three grandchildren.

Funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 17 at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Elliott, with the Rev. John Sellers, pastor. Burial will follow in Hillside Memorial Park, Sumter.

The family will receive relatives and friends at the home, 218 N. West Ave., Pinewood. Viewing will take place from 1 to 9 p.m. Friday at Community Funeral Home. Body will be placed in state at 10 a.m. Saturday at the church until the hour of service.

Community Funeral Home of Sumter is handling the arrangements.