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Aaron Small Obituary
March 19, 1939 - February 10, 2025
Columbia, South Carolina - Aaron Small passed away on Monday, February 10, 2025, at the age of 85. He was the son of the late Harry Smolowsky and Sara Berry Smolowsky. Aaron was a native of Columbia, SC, and a graduate of Dreher High School. He completed his bachelor's degree in mortuary science from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science.
Aaron owned Small Funeral in Denmark, SC, and was a partner in McMillan-Small Funeral Home in Myrtle Beach, SC. He was a licensed funeral director and embalmer for over 55 years.
He was survived by his wife, Bette Hilton Small of Columbia, SC, and was married for 64 years; his two children, Michelle Small of Columbia, SC and Stuart Small of Mt. Pleasant, SC; as well as his two granddaughters, Lila Small and Sadie Belle Small of Mt. Pleasant, SC. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Selma Smolowsky, who passed away in 1953, at the age of 18.
Aaron served in the US Army Mortuary Division at Fort Bragg, NC. Although his primary profession was the funeral business, his first love was the fire/rescue service. He was instrumental in establishing volunteer rescue squads in South Carolina, where he served as fire and rescue chief and fire officer for Myrtle Beach Fire and Rescue Departments.
Upon returning to Columbia, SC, he worked with the Richland County Fire/Rescue to reduce fire deaths while serving Richland County. Later he worked with the South Carolina State Fire Marshal's office to implement legislature to help reduce fire deaths in the state of South Carolina. He was instrumental in establishing the South Carolina Fire and Life Safety Association. The association trained hundreds of South Carolina firefighters in fire and life safety education.
He was employed as a funeral director with Shives Funeral Home in Columbia, SC. Aaron served in the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and as a flotilla commander of the Lake Murray station. He volunteered for Aluminum Cans for Burned Children, was a member of Forest Acres Rotary Club, and a member of Beth Shalom Synagogue, where he served on the board of directors.
The funeral service for Mr. Small will be held at 10:30 o'clock, Friday, February 14th at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext, Columbia, SC, with Rabbi Hesh Epstein officiating. The burial will follow at 12 o'clock noon at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC.
The family will receive guests from 5 until 7 o'clock, Thursday, February 13th at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Beth Shalom Synagogue, 5827 N Trenholm Rd, Columbia, SC 29206.
Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Aaron Small
Sponsored by The Sun News.
Willa Wrenn
February 27, 2025
Stuart, thinking of you & your family, especially at this difficult time. Know that I have you in my prayers. Willa, Craig & Cal Wrenn
Michael Parrotta
February 15, 2025
Aaron, was my Captain for a number of years with MBFD . We shared many good and tough times . BUT MOST INPORTANT he was a FRIEND. My sincere condolences to you Beth and family
Tim Hyman
February 13, 2025
Thanks for being my South Carolina Fire Rescue Mentor. Rest easy brother, we got it from here.
Bobby Wilkes
February 13, 2025
Bette, Pat and I read Aaron´s obituary this morning. After reading it we talked about you and Aaron and how both of you took us under the wings of friendship in Denmark years ago. Sometimes it´s hard to find adequate words to convey the depth of feelings that reside in our hearts. We have to depend on the word thanks, hoping that you understand how grateful we are for you and Aaron. As a young minister I knew so little about conducting funerals. Aaron offered and provided the help I needed. Thank you Aaron. Bette, you and family will be in our prayers. Blessings and love, Pat and Bobby
Perry Bailey
February 12, 2025
I fist met Aaron in Lexington SC in the 70´s through the fire service. Over the next 30+ years of sporadic contact, Aaron would always greet me like I was his best friend. It was always a pleasure to spend time together talking about our common interests in the fire & EMS community. Aaron´s passing robs South Carolina of a genuine gentleman, a great friend and a man with a servant´s heart for the people of SC in all he took part in. My sympathy to all of his family. JPB
Victoria Moshoures MD
February 12, 2025
I had the honor and privilege of working with Aaron when he was the Chief of the Volunteer Rescue Squad of Myrtle Beach. He guided us and taught us many lessons with his leadership skills. Myself and the current members of Myrtle Beach Rescue Squad send our deepest condolences.
Jenerica Dobbins
February 11, 2025
My condolences to the family. I had the pleasure of taking care of Mr. Small at the facility where I work. I took care of him two days before he transitioned and I said my goodbyes the day after. I didn't know all of his contributions to this world, but I know now. May you all keep his memories alive and love each other continuously.
Jenerica Dobbins
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McMillan-Small Funeral Home & Crematory910 67th Ave North P.O. Box 7506, Corner of 67th Ave. And Bypass 17, Myrtle Beach, SC 29572
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