Shurford Randy Thames

FLORENCE - Shurford Rush “Randy” Thames, age 78, died June 16, 2023, at his home, after an extended illness. Born January 26, 1945 in Sumter County, he was a son of the late Frank Allison and Edna Johnson Thames. Randy was a member of Immanuel Baptist Church in Florence, and attended Turbeville Southern Methodist Church in Turbeville, for many years, where he was a past member of the Board of Stewards. He was a 1963 graduate of Furman High School in Sumter. Randy has always been known for his extraordinary work ethic, which is evidenced by his success in the Grocery industry. Having begun at a local Winn Dixie store in his hometown of Sumter at age 15, Randy advanced through the company in many capacities. His work with Winn Dixie took him from Sumter, to Florence; eventually to the Charlotte and Raleigh, N.C. divisions, then finally back to the Florence area where he retired as a District Supervisor with over 40 consecutive years with Winn Dixie. He then began a 7 year career with Dollar General Stores with managerial and supervisory positions over stores in the Pee Dee area of South Carolina. Randy also served 14 years in the South Carolina National Guard. In addition to his career, another passion for Randy, for many years, was joyfully gathering, preparing, preserving and sharing fresh produce, much of which had been cultivated by family-on-family land. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 54 years, Debby Coker Thames; one daughter and son-in-law, Tara and Trent McKenzie, his beautiful triplet granddaughters, Sarah Hayden McKenzie, Brooks Coker McKenzie and Carolina Thames McKenzie all of Florence and all of whom he adored beyond measure; one sister, Jennifer Kolb of Sumter; one brother, James “Pete” Thames of Sumter; sister-and-brother-in-law Mike and Patsy Coker Rose of Summerville ; a special aunt Nancy Coker McFaddin; and special family that were more like children; Muff McFaddin, Coco Floyd, Mandy Flynn, Cyle Coker, and Nikki Hendrick; beloved caregivers, Mauro, Eduardo, Selvin, Jaime and Mar. He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Carlisle, Jr. and Janie Lee Coker; five sisters, Dorothy Cockerill, Caroline Cody, Gladys Timmons all of Sumter, and Betty Ann Hatchell of Mount Pleasant; two brothers, Frank Thames of Sumter and Harold Thames of Tennessee; brother-in-law, Rob Coker of Turbeville. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, June 20, 2023 at Turbeville Southern Methodist Church Cemetery, Main Street, Turbeville. Formal visitation will be held from 5 until 8 p.m., Monday, June 19, 2023, at the residence (as well as other times) 1821 Brandon Drive, Florence. Serving as Pallbearers will be Cyle Coker, Jack Hendrick, Bob Coker, Brad Coker, Barry Atkinson, Rusty Kolb, Jeffrey Thames and Mike Kirby. Memorial gifts may be made to The Hope Lodge, 269 Calhoun St., Charleston, SC 29401.