Raymond Wesley Mizell

AIKEN SC - Raymond Wesley Mizell, 87, died December 11th at Trinity on Laurens. A native of St. George, SC, he was the son of the late Joe W. and Annie S. Mizell.

Known for his warm personality and compassionate heart, Raymond devoted his life to the service of others. He enlisted in the Army National Guard while a student at Furman University and was honorably discharged in 1963. After graduation, he married his first love, Jane Collins Mizell. Raymond continued his studies at Florida State University and then Virginia Commonwealth University where he obtained his Master’s of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling. The couple eventually made their home in Aiken (SC) and were married for 56 years until her death.

It was in Aiken where Raymond fulfilled his life’s calling through his work with SC Vocational Rehabilitation, first as a counselor and then Area Supervisor. Raymond was committed to helping people with physical and mental impairments find gainful employment. Over the years he served on many community service boards and was honored with numerous awards. He was a dedicated member of the Rotary Club of Aiken having served as a board member, president, district conference chairman, and was a multiple Paul Harris Fellow. After retirement, Raymond continued his involvement in Rotary as well as his church service as a deacon and choir member at Cornerstone Baptist Church and Aiken’s First Baptist Church.

Raymond is survived by his two daughters, Amy (Steve) Smith and Laura M. Turner, both of Aiken. He is also survived by 5 grandchildren, Sibylle (Stephen) Guardascione, Jon Mark (Kim) Smith, Bethany (Mitch) White, Shane W. Turner and Kaitlyn (River) Heath; 4 great-grandchildren, Antonio, Mia and Sofia Rodriguez and Nathanial Smith; as well as his brother-in-law, Kenneth Murdaugh, and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, Raymond was preceded in death by a brother, Joseph Mizell, and sisters Dorothy Risher and Joann Murdaugh.

The family will receive friends on Sunday afternoon December 15th from 3:30 until 5:30 at Shellhouse-Rivers Funeral Home. The Celebration of Life will be held on Monday morning, December 16th at 10:30 at the funeral home with the Reverend John Carroll officiating. Interment will follow at 2 o’clock in St. George Cemetery, St. George, SC. 

The family requests any memorial gifts be made to the Aiken Rotary Club College Scholarship Fund (https://www.aikenrotary.com/scholarships/).

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