Rev. Dr. Bertie Irenius Epting

WEST COLUMBIA - The Reverend Dr. Bertie Irenius Epting passed away Friday, July 18. Born February 10, 1919, he was the husband of Mrs. Dorothy Walling Laird Epting of West Columbia. His parents were John L. and Mamie Epting of Dade City, Florida. He is survived by his wife, “Dottie” and children: Myra L. Epting of West Columbia, Dr. James B. and Gretchen Epting of Tigerville, Sammy and Pat Laird of Lexington, Russell and Rosalin Laird, and Renee Laird of West Columbia, and Mickey and Patsy Laird of Irmo; grandchildren, Bert and Hannah Epting, Paul and Caroline Epting, and Nate and Daphne Weyand; great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Rev. Epting was married to the former Sarah Campbell of Laurens, SC, for 61 years until her death in April 2000 and was predeceased by a daughter, Sarah Marcelyn who passed away February 19, 1943.

Rev. Epting worked for the CCC Camp in Laurens, SC, where he served as company clerk. He served in the Army from 1943 through 1946 in the European theater and was awarded the Silver Star for Gallantry in Action - European Theatre, and the Croix de Guerre “Cross of War” by the French government. Rev. Epting was called to preach in 1946, and as preparation, attended and graduated from North Greenville University in 1948, Furman University in 1950, and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, KY, in 1953. He was ordained into the ministry in July 1951.

He served as pastor of New Harmony Baptist Church, Beaver Dam, KY; Woodards Valley Baptist Church, Hartford, KY; Alpha Baptist Church, Deputy, Indiana; Green Hill Baptist Church, West Columbia, SC; Sylvia Circle Baptist Church, Rock Hill, SC; Calvary Baptist Church, Gastonia, NC; and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Ridge Spring, SC. Rev. Epting retired from the ministry October 1, 1985, after 39 years. He was called to be the director of Missions for the Edisto Association, February 2, 1987, and retired from that position September 1, 1994. In 1993 Rev. Epting was awarded distinguished alumni of North Greenville University. Rev. Epting was known as “the Harmonica Man” and gave programs all over the state in churches, schools, nursing homes, retirement centers, jails, clubs, institutions, and migrant camps. He had over 30 harmonicas and called them his friends; he always had his friends with him ready to play. He liked to say “Have harmonica, will play.”

Friends are welcome to visit with the family at 122 Northview Road, in West Columbia, Services will be held Sunday, July 20 at 4 p.m. at Green Hill Baptist Church in West Columbia. Officiating will be Dr. Jimmy Epting, Rev. Johnny Enloe and Mr. Russell Laird. The family will receive friends at the church Sunday from 2:30-4:00 p.m. Pallbearers are Mickey Laird, Frank Jackson, Charles Shealy, Lee McCormick, Wayne Hicks and Murray Wilson. Honorary pallbearers are the Men’s Gospel Sunday School Class of Green Hill Baptist Church and all pastors present.

Interment will be held at 6:30 p.m. in Dials Methodist Church Cemetery in Gray Court, SC.

Memorials can be made to the B.I. and Sarah Epting Endowment Fund for Needy Students at North Greenville University, P.O. Box 1892, Tigerville, SC 29688 or Shut-in Ministry at Green Hill Baptist Church, P.O. Box 6276, West Columbia, SC 29171.

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