James Thad Hendley, Sr.

Mr. James Thad Hendley, Sr. of Cheraw, SC, age 78, passed away surrounded by his loved ones on July 14, 2021. The son of the late Thomas Monroe Hendley, Sr. and Ethel Boswell Hendley, he was born February 3, 1943 in Baltimore, MD. Growing up in Cheraw, he excelled at many sports, and eventually went to play for the freshman basketball team at Wake Forest University before serving in the US Air Force in Vietnam. While deployed, he was able to take a break in Hawaii in order to get married to the love of his life, Patricia (Patsy) Ann Jordan.

After returning home from his service, Thad completed studies in English Literature at The University of South Carolina and became a lifelong Gamecocks fan. He worked in many different jobs throughout his life but always liked to surround himself with people he could help in some way. Whether this was working as a high school teacher, a football coach, or as a librarian at Evans Correctional Institution, he would aim to brighten the lives of others using both his kindness and quick wit. He left a lasting impression on everyone who met him. You could often find Thad cooking his famous recipes, reading the newspaper, completing crossword puzzles, and watching Jeopardy. He also really enjoyed being out in the sun, especially at the beach where he was able to spend his last days.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Jerry Hendley. Surviving are his wife, Patsy; children, James Hendley of West Columbia, SC, Summer (Stuart) Butler of Myrtle Beach, SC, and Chase Hendley of Greenville, SC; grandchildren, Ian, Lana, Oliver, Seth, and Finn; and brother, Tom (Lou) Hendley of Cheraw, SC; as well as many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 18 at 4:00 p.m. at Old St. David’s Church in Cheraw, SC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association  https://www.alz.org/.

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