Jack Randolph Hice

Jack Randolph Hice, 97 years old, of Aiken SC, passed peacefully on November 14, 2024. Born July 9, 1927, in Morganton, NC. Jack was the oldest of three children born to Mary Leslie Cannon Hice and Ira Edward Hice. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Mabel Bowyer Hice and his brother, Paul Emmanuel Hice. 

Jack was the last surviving member of the Valdese, NC High School class of 1944. After high school graduation, he served his country in the US Navy during WWII for two years, including service in the Pacific aboard the SS Red Oak Victory, a US Victory ship now preserved as a museum in Richmond, CA. He attended Lenoir Rhyne College in Hickory, NC on the GI Bill, graduating in 1949. He was married in February, 1952 in Covington, VA to the former Mabel M. Bowyer and moved to Aiken, SC in April, 1954 for employment for the next 35 years with DuPont at the Savannah River Site, as a Health Physics Inspector, Engineering Assistant and Supervisor. 

Proud to do his citizen’s service, he worked for many years as an election poll watcher and poll manager in Aiken County, and as a literacy education volunteer in Macon County (Highlands) NC. A former member of Millbrook Baptist Church, he served at various times as a choir member, deacon, and assistant Sunday school superintendent and teacher. 

A loving father, grandfather and great-grandfather, many wonderful family visits were enjoyed over the years at summer homes in Edisto Beach, SC and later in Highlands, NC. Enthusiastic travelers, he and his late wife in retirement visited Europe, Australia, the South Pacific, the Middle East, Asia, Alaska and Hawaii. Especially memorable times were long family camping trips while his daughters were growing up, traveling to national parks all over the United States, and into Canada. 

A true nature lover, Jack enjoyed hunting, boating, fishing and being outdoors whenever possible. Hobbies in his younger years included antiquing and creating stained glass art. With a sharp sense of humor, Jack always appreciated a clever pun, riddle or the occasional small practical joke. He loved boiled peanuts, ripe and juicy tomatoes, feeding birds and chipmunks, a good fishing hole, and dogs. 

Left to cherish so many wonderful memories are his daughters and sons-in-law, Jody (Ralph) Courtney and Sharyn (Doug) Walker all of Aiken, SC; grandchildren and their spouses Joshua (Jamie Mealer) Courtney of Charleston, SC; Melia (Trey) Courtney Bolchoz of Mt. Pleasant, SC; Andrew (Sarah Jane) Walker of Columbia, SC; and Meredith (Patrick) Walker Boylan of Aiken, SC; great-grandchildren Charlotte Bolchoz and Ford Bolchoz of Mt. Pleasant, SC; and Julia Boylan of Aiken, SC, along with another Boylan great-grandson expected in May. Also, a sister, Louise Benfield of Morganton, NC and a sister-in-law, Geneva Holliday, of Greenville, SC and two special nephews, Clint Benfield of Morganton, NC and Allan Hice of Shelby, NC. 

“Mr. Jack’s” family wishes to express deep appreciation to April Hall and all of the caregivers with Professional Case Management, Lenzie Wilson and staff of The Place at Shadow Oaks Assisted Living Facility, and Pam Randolph, with Gentiva Hospice. Their gentle care, true compassion, and kind professionalism with never be forgotten. 

A celebration of life will be held in a private family ceremony. 

SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC

Jack’s online guest book may be signed by visiting www.shellhousefuneralhome.com