Jacob Perry O’Quinn passed away peacefully at his home in Chapin, South Carolina, on April 9, 2026. He was born in Bamberg, South Carolina, the son of Joseph Hansford O’Quinn and Katie Summers O’Quinn. Raised alongside his three siblings, Jake learned the value of hard work early in life. After the loss of their father, the children did whatever they could to help their widowed mother—running errands, providing curb service at a drive-in, and delivering telegrams and prescriptions. Jake knew nearly everyone in Bamberg, and remarkably, he could recall names and where people lived throughout his entire life.

Following high school, Jake attended Columbia Business School before joining the United States Army. He was especially proud of his service during the Korean War. After returning home, he continued his education at Wofford College and later earned his degree in 1974 from the University of South Carolina—though it never diminished his lifelong loyalty of Clemson University.

In 2005, Jake was honored to participate in an Honor Flight trip to Washington, D.C.—an experience he treasured deeply.

As a young man, Jake and his beloved wife Ann made their home in Williston, where he began his career with DuPont at the Savannah River Plant—locally known as “the bomb plant.” True to his character and the nature of his work, he faithfully kept the details of his role private for decades. He later transferred to the Lugoff plant, continuing his dedicated service. After retirement, Jake found joy in a new chapter, operating a mostly one-man lawn service in his neighborhood, a labor of love he carried on for over twenty years.

A man of deep and abiding faith, Jake was a devoted member of Northeast Presbyterian Church, where he served faithfully as a deacon, elder, and Sunday School President. After moving to Chapin, he became a member of Chapin Christian Community Church. He also served as a past chaplain for The Gideons International in Richland Northeast.

In every sense, Jake lived a life of integrity and kindness. He was a devoted husband, a loving father and grandfather, a faithful friend, and a proud Clemson Tiger.

Jake is survived by his beloved wife of 72 years, Ann Worsham O’Quinn; his daughter, Anna Richter; and his son, Perry (Kathy) O’Quinn. He leaves behind six grandsons—Reed (Kristin) and Carey (Victoria) Richter; Jason (Elizabeth) and Kevin (Elena) O’Quinn; and Jackson (Marisa) and Cody (Caroline) Gentry—as well as fourteen cherished great-grandchildren. He was DeDad to each of them, a title he carried with great joy and love.

He is also survived by his brother-in-law, John Worsham, and sister-in-law, Margaret Worsham, along with many nieces and nephews: Susan, Kathy, and Brian Simonelli; Eddie, Andy, and Allen Blume; Jill, Melissa, Teri, Susan, Ernie, Wes, and Holland Worsham; and Russell Kirkland.

He was preceded in death by his brother, James O’Quinn, and his sisters, Roma Simonelli and Jeanette Driggers.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Samaritan’s Purse or Smile Train, causes that were especially meaningful to him.

A life well lived, a legacy of faith and love—he will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral Services will take place at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, April 21, 2026, at Whitaker Funeral Home, Chapin. The family will gather for visitation prior to, starting at 10:00 A.M. Following the service, interment will take place at Chapin Christian Community Church Cemetery. 

Memories and messages may be shared on his tribute wall.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the O'Quinn family.