Raymond Auburn Manship III

Raymond Auburn Manship III of Aiken, South Carolina passed away peacefully on Sunday, January 25, 2026 at home surrounded by loved ones.

He was born on May 25, 1937 in Boone, North Carolina to Raymond Auburn Manship, Jr. and Elizabeth Burwell Manship (Hall). He grew up in Asheville, North Carolina and graduated from Lee H. Edwards High School. Ray started working for Sears Roebuck & Company as a store manager. He was then transferred to Fort Payne, Alabama, where he met and married Donna Hunt Manship. They eventually moved back to Asheville, owning and operating Hallmark card stores. In 1986, they moved to Aiken, SC. Ray was with Aiken Office Supply for 25 years specializing in outside sales, along with Steelcase contracts and installations.

He was a member of the Rotary Club of Aiken. Ray’s hobby was collecting and restoring pocket knives. Ray loved people. He always enjoyed striking up a conversation, sharing a laugh, a smile and helping someone. Ray was a member and served at St. Paul Lutheran Church. Ray was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

In addition to his wife, Ray is survived by his three children, Dwight Manship of Wilmington, NC, Vanda M. Hutchings of Wilmington, NC, and Michelle M. Cole of Aiken, SC. Other survivors include his grandchildren, Zachary H. Manship (Amanda), Megan R. Manship, his sister Elizabeth M. Young (Ralph), niece Sarah Y. Garbee (Hank), great nephews, Thomas H. Garbee (Emma), C. Wesley Garbee, great great nephew Wells Garbee.

A memorial service will be held at St. Paul Lutheran Church Tuesday February 3, 2026 at 2 PM.

Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Paul Lutheran Church, 961 Trail Ridge Road, Aiken, SC 29803-7724.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC