Obituary of Clinton Talmadge Barwick

Clinton Talmadge Barwick, 78, died Friday, January 13, 2023, at Lexington Medical Center. Born October 11, 1944, in Sumter, he was the son of the late Robert Simons Barwick and the late Meddie Felicia Mitchell Barwick. Clint was the owner of Clint Barwick Piano Service. Clint’s musical talents and knowledge were many. In addition to tuning, repairing and moving pianos through-out South Carolina for over forty years, Clint was also accomplished player of the guitar, banjo and fiddle. His well-recognized singing voice and playing brought joy to many church congregations, nursing homes, schools and hundreds of folks who were fortunate enough to be present for one of his impromptu playing sessions. In his early years, Clint traveled the southeast as a one-man entertainer, singing and playing songs from the Great American Songbook and hits of the day. Once listened to unfamiliar music, he could immediately play it, and his astonishing repertoire of songs was amazing. During Clint’s teenage years he spent hours and hours at the old YMCA lifting weights, training and bodybuilding. Clint and two of his bodybuilding buddies coned Clint’s best friend into driving them to Greensboro NC for a bodybuilding contest. All the other contestants were many years Clint’s senior, however despite the age difference, Clint placed third. The adventures and stories of that trip are numerous but cannot be verified or should be made public. In his youth, Clint was a swimmer for the Elks Lodge swimming team, specializing in the butterfly. Many mornings of practice lead to much success. Through all his competitive years Clint’s motto was “To win without boasting and lose without excuse.”. Clint was a deeply religious man. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church where he was baptized. Clint was a faithful Christian until his death. During the years 1968-1970, Clint was a proud soldier in the U.S. Army signal Corp serving in the U.S. and Korea. Clint loved all his family and many many friends. We will miss him. Surviving are a brother, Steve Barwick of Sumter; two nephews, Martin Barwick (Kayla) of Kershaw, SC and Jeremy Billew (Lisa) of John’s Island, SC; a niece, Ali Barwick of Sandy Springs, GA. Clint was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Simons (Butch) Barwick, Jr. Funeral services will be held at 3 P.M. Wednesday, January 18, 2023, in the chapel of the Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home with Rev. Greg Harvell officiating. Pall bearers will be nephews Martin and Jeremy, niece Ali (Garrett Weaver), Jerry Huff, James Flowers, Wayne Geddings and Billy Sims. Music will be provided by Frank Fickling, Mary Alice Beatson, and violinist Bella Billew. Burial will be in the Sumter Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. Tuesday at the Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and at other times at the home of Clint’s brother, 3201 Mayflower Lane. Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, 2401 Bethel Church Road, Sumter SC 29150, or Gateway Baptist Church, 536 Mimosa Road, Sumter SC 29150. Online condolences may be made at www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangement (803) 775-9386.