Mr. Robert Jackson "Jack" Eley

Robert Jackson "Jack" Eley, 73, passed away Saturday, December 21, 2013. Born in Russellville, AL, he was a son of the late Jack E. Eley and Lois Morgan Eley. Throughout his life, Jack was known for his entrepreneurial abilities combined with great sales and leadership skills. Just starting out at an early age, as a data technician with BC/BS and South Eastern Freight Lines, he continued his forward thinking business skills to run and operate his own company in the late 60's known as Columbia Keypunch. He continued to progress in the burgeoning computer industry and was known to everyone as the "go to" person for any computer issue. This great talent was very appreciated and used quite often by his friends and family. Although he had such coveted computer skills, his greatest talent was discovered to be in the business of sales. Jack was a "natural born" salesman! He began his sales career with Saladmaster, Inc. in the 1970's and quickly achieved "Master" status. He employed over 30 salespeople and opened the immensely successful "Saladmaster Showroom", which was the first of its kind in the Saladmaster industry. As a tribute to his success, Saladmaster presented Jack a luxury Limited automobile with "Saladmaster"" written in gold on the grill! It was said that you better "hide your checkbook" when that car appeared anywhere in the area! Continuing with great success, Jack was awarded "Top Dealership in the Nation" two years consecutively in Columbia, SC and promoted to southeast division leader in the Tampa Bay, Florida area. After moving to Tampa Bay, with much of his sales force following, he continued breaking records in the local area as well as traveling the entire country appearing in Trade and Home Shows. Retirement was rewarded by his move back to his beloved Columbia, SC. Jack is survived by his wife of 17 years, Joyce A. Eley. He was a father to Cheryl Coville of Apopka, FL, Christine Monson of Oakland, FL and Michael Eley of Orlando, Fl. He was a beloved step-father to LaSandra Anthony of Tarpon Springs, Fl, Deborrah McHone of Tampa FL, Gary Griffin, David Griffin and Kimberly Richardson. He also leaves behind a sister, Eleanor Stacey of Gulf Breeze, FL and nine grandchildren. He was preceded in death by a sister, Barbara Yates and his wife, Eloise F. Eley. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2014 at Dunbar Funeral Home, Dutch Fork Chapel Irmo. A private burial will follow in Southland Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Irmo Church of God, PO Box 2238, Irmo, SC 29063.