Peter Sercer Sr.

Col. Peter Edward Sercer, Sr. COLUMBIA - Memorial Service for Col. Peter Edward Sercer, Sr., (USAF, Retired), will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, June 8, 2018, at St. Mary's Episcopal Church with burial in the church's adjoining Memorial Garden. The Rev. Jill Biemdiek will officiate. A reception will follow in the church's Parish Hall. Peter Edward "Eddie" Sercer, Sr., 81, peacefully passed away on June 3, 2018, surrounded by love. He is survived by his loving wife, Lesley W. Sercer; sons, Peter E. Sercer, Jr. and Paul L. Sercer. He is also survived by his sister, Frances Smoak, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Pete was predeceased by his parents, Peter E. Sercer and Marie Blaze Sercer, as well as his siblings, Helen Ross, John Sercer, Richard Sercer, Teresa Sercer, Jesse Shirah, and Caroline Croft. Born on October 19, 1936, in Columbia, South Carolina, Pete graduated from Columbia High School. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business from the University of South Carolina, immediately joining the United States Air Force. After serving over 26 years in the Air Force, Pete became the Director of the Irmo High School Air Force JROTC program for 22 years. In addition to his education at the University of South Carolina, Pete earned a Master of Business Administration and Doctor of Education. Community service was an integral part of Pete's life. He served as a Commissioner of Midlands Technical College for over 26 years and was named Commissioner emeritus. He was active in the Association of Community College Trustees in many capacities, culminating in his serving as National Chairman of the organization in 2010 - 2011. Pete was a founding member of St. Mary's Episcopal Church and served on the vestry, building committee, and rector search committee many times. Active in the St. Andrews Rotary Club, Pete served as Club President and Assistant District Governor and was a Rotary Benefactor, 10 - Star Rotarian, and multiple Paul Harris Fellow. He was a strong supporter of the University of South Carolina Gamecocks, volunteering as a Gamecock Ambassador and Press Box Assistant during football games for many years. During his military career, Pete was awarded the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, and other decorations. In 2006, he was awarded the Order of the Palmetto in recognition of extraordinary achievements and service to the State and Nation. He was instrumental in the creation of the Irmo High School "Celebrate Freedom Gardens and Courtyard," dedicated in his honor. Pete Sercer was a good man, a kind man. He never spoke ill of anyone. He was a happy man, an optimistic man, and always had a smile on his face. Pete will be greatly missed, but the memories of the tremendous joy he brought to our lives will always make us smile. The family would like to thank the caring and compassionate staff of Palmetto Health Parkridge and McLeod Home Care. To honor Pete's life, memorials may be made to the Midlands Technical College Foundation or St. Mary's Episcopal Church. Please visit our online website at www.dunbarfunerals.com to share a memory with the family.