James Edward Bouknight

James Edward “Ed” Bouknight was a caring husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and trusted friend. He left this world peacefully on Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 95 years of age, due to natural causes.

He was born in Newberry, South Carolina to Roy and Frances Baker Bouknight on April 17, 1927. He is a WWII veteran, having served honorably in the Navy.

After graduating from Clemson University, he began work at Southern Bell in Columbia, SC, where he met the love of his life, Ann. Recently they celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary, and together they had 4 sons.

Ed was pretty handy around the house and taught his sons many of the crafts he had learned over the years such as wiring, woodwork, roofing, masonry, and auto repair. It was an invaluable education for his sons, and cheap labor for him. Not a bad deal.

In 1972, the family moved to New Providence, NJ after Ed accepted a job offer with AT&T in New York City. During that time, he received his master’s degree from Fordham University and rose to the position of Division Manager.

Ed was an accomplished cook on the charcoal grill, but he was banned from the kitchen. We still remember his attempt at Pat Nixon’s recipe for a potato chip and mayonnaise casserole.

Over the years, Myrtle Beach had become a wonderful vacation destination for the ever-expanding Bouknight clan to gather. In 1988, Ed and Ann retired to Myrtle Beach, where Ed became the president of the condo board and was heavily involved in local politics.

Ed loved the beach area and was fond of looking out at the ocean from their condo and asking, “How do you like our backyard?”

Ed was a member of the Masons, the Society of Professional Engineers, and the First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach. He loved playing golf, tennis, and was also a savvy bridge player in his day.

His memory will be cherished and kept alive by his loving wife Vanessa “Ann” Bouknight, his children Ron, Bob, Ray, and Russ, his 8 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren, and the many family and friends whose hearts he has touched.

Ann wishes to thank all the family and friends who have been so helpful over the past few years, when Ed required more care. She couldn’t have done it without all your help.

A graveside service for Ed will be held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, October 25, 2022 in Elmwood Cemetery in Columbia. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the Elmwood Mausoleum. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, Columbia, is assisting the family.

There will be a Celebration of Life for Ed at First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach on Grisham Rd on Thursday, October 27. Please join the family for a reception at 1:00 p.m. in the Kirk Room, where light refreshments will be served, followed by the service at 2:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you please consider a donation to the Building Expansion Fund at:

First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach

PO Box 70127

Myrtle Beach SC 29572

https://secure.accessacs.com/access/oglogin.aspx?sn=91461

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.