BIRNIE GEDDIS JR.

Graveside services for Birnie Geddis Jr. will be held at noon on Monday at St. Luke AME Church Cemetery, Sumter, with the Rev. George Brown officiating.

The public may view from 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday at Palmer Memorial Chapel, Sumter.

Mr. Geddis transitioned on Friday, Feb. 5, 2021, in Columbia.

Born in Sumter County to the late Birnie Sr. and Mary Lee Lane Geddis, he was raised by his uncle and aunt, the late Willie and Rosa G. Black. "Brother," as he was affectionately known, was educated in the public schools of Sumter, graduating from Lincoln High School Class of 1964. Birnie joined in holy matrimony with Barbara Hasty Geddis, and to this union three children were born. A lifelong member of St. Luke, Birnie served in the following ministries: steward board, trustee board, lay organization, Sons of Allen, pastor's aide, St. Luke inspirational, combined and Sons of Allen choirs. Birnie was employed by Georgia-Pacific and later by Cooper Tools, where he retired after 31 years.

Survivors are his wife, Barbara J. Geddis; children, Elunda M. Geddis, Bernice F. (Kevin) Geddis-Burgess and Birnie L. (Shenequa) Geddis; a granddaughter, Serenity; five sisters, Rosa L. Terry of Schertz, Texas, Amelia Porter of Columbia, Beverly Geddis of Sumter, Ethel (Harold) Banks of Orange, New Jersey, and Vivian Gore of Columbia; one brother, Garnett Mack of Bronx, New York; a special grandniece, Janiya Clark; and a host of in-laws, other relatives and friends.

A special thank you to the staff at ContinueCARE Hospital at Prisma Health Baptist in Columbia.

Condolences may be made on his tribute page found at www.PalmerMemorialChapel.com.

Professional services rendered by Palmer Memorial Chapel Inc.