Obituary of Blaney A. Coskrey, Jr.

Blaney “Sonny” Ansley Coskrey, Jr., 86, died September 18, 2016 in Sumter, South Carolina. He was born October 3, 1929, and was raised on the family farm just outside of Summerton, S.C. He was the son of the late Blaney Ansley Coskrey, Sr. and Corinne Davis Coskrey. Mr. Coskrey was the widower of Jo Ann Benson Coskrey, to whom he was married for fifty-four loving years. His love for his family and selfless dedication to their well-being are reflected in his thirty-seven years of employment at DuPont. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church. Mr. Coskrey felt most at home in the natural world, and spent the days of his youth hunting the woods and fishing the waters of Clarendon County. Some of his fondest memories were of the thrill of seeing his hunting dogs point, and of the sights and sounds of a covey of quail rising. He spent many summers serving as his family’s fishing guide, making sure they were perfectly positioned to pull in the next big fish. One of the many enduring legacies he passed on to his family was his love of the outdoors. Mr. Coskrey sought out new friends his entire life. His warmth, generosity, and sense of humor allowed him to connect with people of all ages and from all walks of life. In his later years, he invited Purdy Street passers-by to sit with him in the front yard chairs and tell him about their lives. He also kept a ready supply of dog treats for his many canine friends. Surviving are one son, Blaney A. Coskrey, III of Columbia; one daughter, Grace Coskrey Hawthorne and husband Leland of Central; one granddaughter, Elizabeth Hawthorne of Greenville; and numerous beloved nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by two sisters, Elizabeth “Titu” Rollings and Corinne “Dool” Vincent. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, September 22 at 11:00 a.m. at the First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Nick Cheek officiating. Burial will follow in the Evergreen Cemetery in Summerton, S.C. The family will receive friends Wednesday, September 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 9 W. Calhoun St. Sumter, S.C. 29150 or to the Nature Conservancy of South Carolina, 2231 Devine Street, Suite 100, Columbia, S.C. 29205. On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home and Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements. (803) 775-9386.