James B "Snag" Epting, 88 of Newberry died Monday, march 27, 2023 at JF Hawkins nursing home after a short illness.

Born on April 29, 1934 in Prosperity, SC, he was a son of the late Olin E. and Frances Werts Epting.

He retired at age 58 after 30 years of heavy equipment operation and supervisory roles, from the City of Newberry public works department. He was also active in the SC National Guard for 10 years, ranking Specialist E-6.

"Snag" was an active member of Grace Lutheran Church and served on a number of committees and boards. He served on the church council, as assistant treasurer, a Sunday School officer, and was a member of the Haggai group, Lutheran men's group and leisure hour group. He also dedicatedly served the church doing communion prep before church services for many years.

He enjoyed the simple things in life – maintaining his home of 67 years, especially working outside in his large yard. You might find him playing a game of cards with a group of friends in the earlier years. He liked country music, but his favorite music was hearing his beloved wife sing. He said many times, he would listen to her practice her church anthems upstairs prior to Sunday services as he secretly listened downstairs. He said her beautiful voice would bring tears to his eyes as she sang.

He and his wife Sadie joined a travel group after they both retired and took many tour bus trips. You could also find them front and center any time the church bus was taking a group to North Carolina apple picking.

His greatest joy in his life was his family-his wife, his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Sadie Bundrick Epting; children Susan E. Chalmers (Eddie) and Sandy Bailey Lawson (David); grandchildren Stacy Chalmers, Brandon Wicker, Bryan Chalmers, Meleah Koenig, Rachel Nelson, Corey fowler, and Jordan Jackson; sixteen great-grandchildren; sister, Linda E. Cromer (Ronnie); and son-in-law Joe Dimock.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter, Sheryl Dimock; brothers, Elton "Boots" Epting (Annie) and Edward Epting; and an uncle Ben Epting (Mattie).

Funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. Dr. Jane P. Mitcham at 2:00 PM, Friday, March 31, 2023 at Grace Lutheran Church. Burial will follow in Newberry Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service, starting at 1:00 PM.

Pallbearers will be Stacy Chalmers, Brandon Wicker, Bryan Chalmers, Corey Fowler, Joe Dimock, Eddie Chalmers and David Lawson.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to go to Grace Lutheran Church in Prosperity, SC.

Memories and messages may be shared with the family on his tribute page at www.whitakerfuneralhome.com.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to serve the Epting family.