BAUCUM, JOHN W.

John W. Baucum, 89, widower of Frances R. Baucum, died at home with his sons at his side on Saturday, March 29, 2014, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Dr. Baucum was devoted to his wife. He was a dedicated educator, a proud Marine, and a loving and caring father and grandfather to his family. John was born March 20, 1925 in Desdemona, TX, to the late Daniel Baucum and Ruby B. Baucum. He was a retired school employee. John had a long career in public education, including positions as a teacher, coach, principal and county school superintendent. His career as a school administrator began as a principal at Liberty Elementary, and he later held positions as school superintendent for Lower Richland District 1, Marlboro County, and Cherokee County. He was well liked and respected as a school superintendent and oversaw the rise of test scores in each county where he was employed. John enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps upon turning 18 and was selected to join the [1st] Marine Raider [Regiment], where he served his country during World War II in the Pacific. After returning home from the war, John completed his education, earning degrees from Paris Junior College, Tulsa University, and the University of South Carolina. John was very proud of his educational accomplishments, which were quite remarkable, considering that he had obtained very little formal education as a child due to having to work so much on the family farm during the Great Depression. After retirement from the school system, John worked as a part-time professor at several local colleges. John and Fran attended Edwards Road Baptist Church for as long as his health allowed and he later would watch “In Touch With Dr. Charles Stanley” as his church time. John was predeceased by a sister, Katherine Hall, and a brother, Dan Baucum Jr.

Surviving are two sons and their wives, Robert and Pam Baucum of Greenville, and Dr. Jimmy and Becky Baucum of Greenville; four grandchildren, Stephen Baucum, Elizabeth Baucum, Lauren Baucum, and Callie Baucum.

Visitation will be 2-3:315 p.m. Monday at Fletcher Funeral Service.

Funeral services will be 3:30 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, officiated by Rev. James Pitts. Burial, with Military Honors, will be in Graceland East Cemetery.

The family is at their respective homes. A special thanks from the Baucum family to the wonderful staff at the Sitter’s Registry, who provided around the clock care for John like he was one of their own family and to Journey Hospice for their thoughtful and attentive care.

Memorials may be made to the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association, P.O. Box 1270, Charlotte, NC 28201-1270.