James Neel "Jimmy" Andrews

 James Neel "Jimmy" Andrews, 72, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2025. 

 He was born on November 29, 1952, in Newberry, South Carolina to the late Thomas (Buddy) McBride Andrews and Mildred Blackmon Andrews. Jimmy graduated from Whitmire High School in 1971 and went on to pursue a degree in Electrical Engineering at Piedmont Technical College, which he completed in 1973. He dedicated 38 years of his life to his career at Sonoco Products (Pinckney Plant of Union) as Plant Engineer, where he built lasting relationships and earned the respect of his colleagues. Jimmy was a member of Whitmire United Methodist Church. 

Jimmy's commitment to his community was evident in his lifelong involvement with the Boy Scouts. He served for nearly five decades as assistant scoutmaster of Troop 200 in Whitmire. His service extended beyond scouting as he devoted countless hours to the Whitmire Rescue Squad, where he served from 1978 until his passing. For decades, Jimmy served as Chief of the rescue squad and was also an Emergency Medical Technician. His unwavering dedication to helping others in times of need was a hallmark of his character. 

Jimmy also served a number of years as a Deputy Coroner for Newberry County and was a member of the Newberry County Law Enforcement Association. 

A passionate outdoorsman, Jimmy enjoyed camping and was proud to be recognized as a South Carolina State Park Ultimate Outsider. His love for the natural world was only surpassed by his devotion to his family. Jimmy will be remembered as a strong, loving, and generous man who was always ready to lend a hand to others. 

To his family, he was a Jedi Master of empty wrapping paper tube lightsaber battle. Jimmy also had a ninja-like stealthiness for hiding in the dark to scare his daughters and a vanquisher of the silent game. 

He is survived by his two daughters, Niele Andrews Ferreira (Tony) and Beth Andrews Faulk (Keith); his grandchildren, Isabella Ferreira, Aiden Ferreira and his grand dog Brody; his brothers, Tommy Andrews (Linda) and David Andrews (Paula); his partner, Betty Thompson and the Thompson family. 

Jimmy’s life was defined by kindness, hard work, and a deep devotion to his family and community. His memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him, and he will be deeply missed.

 A service celebrating Jimmy’s life will be held at 11:00 AM at the Gray Funeral Home Chapel of Whitmire on Saturday, January 25, 2025, followed by burial at Whitmire Cemetery. The family will greet visitors prior to the service from 10:00 – 11:00 AM at the funeral home. 

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Whitmire Rescue Squad 26350 SC Hwy 121, Whitmire, SC 29178 or Boy Scouts Troop 0200 of Whitmire, https://donations.scouting.org/.

Gray Funeral Home of Whitmire is assisting the Andrews family with services.