Ray L. Bloxom

COLUMBIA—Captain Ray Lagene Bloxom, USMC (Retired) entered into eternal rest on July 18, 2020. Born in Charleston, IL, on May 13, 1935, he was the son of the late Ray William Bloxom and Nellye Idelle Jarvis Bloxom. He is survived by his daughter, Kimette K. Amodio (Wade); son, Kelly K. Bloxom (Tanya); sister, Joy Fink; grandchildren, Jade Amodio, Mason Bloxom, Alexandra Gaskins (Russ) and Mandi Bloxom; great-grandchildren, Jay Osteen, Olivia Bloxom, Sophia Bloxom, and Ava Bloxom; and Lucille Burton, his dear friend, and companion. He was preceded in death by his late wife of nearly 50 years, Lynda Bloxom, his parents, and sister Carol Patricia Bloxom. Ray retired from the United States Marine Corps with 21 years and 21 days of faithful service to his country; serving in the Vietnam War during that time. His love for his family, friends, and neighbors was evident. He devoted a lot of time to genealogical research. He looked forward to his weekly breakfast meetings at Denny’s with his neighbors and friends. Every Monday and Thursday, without fail, you could find him in the local Food Lion, responsibly supporting the South Carolina Education Lottery System. He loved helping others and repairing things like small engines and computers, watching birds, gardening, and making strangers smile. He has left a lasting impression on all who knew him. Visitation will be Wednesday, July 22, 2020, from 12:30-2 p.m. at Temples Halloran Funeral & Cremation Services, 5400 Bush River Road, Columbia, SC 29212. Due to the virus, we require everyone to wear a mask when entering the building and no more than 10 visitors in the visitation room. The funeral service will be held cryptside at Bush River Memorial Gardens Mausoleum on Thursday, July 23, 2020, at 10:00 a.m., with Pastor Greg Brown officiating. Memorials may be made to Toys for Tots or The Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation.