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Cheraw, SC

James Edwin “Jim” Funderburk passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, June 18, 2026.

Born August 16, 1948, in Rocky Mount, North Carolina, Jim was the third son of Jule and Grace Funderburk. He was a 1967 graduate of Cheraw High School and served in the South Carolina National Guard after graduation. On June 1, 1968, he married his high school sweetheart, Sue Demby and they shared 58 loving years of marriage.

Jim began his retail career before graduating high school by working for B.C. Moore’s and Niven’s Hardware store in Cheraw. Both eventually led to a lifelong career in retail where he joined the family business at Pee Dee Farm Supply. Jim enjoyed his years at the store, and he took pride in helping customers with their gardens, yards, and home projects. He swore the most useful things you could have were a five-gallon bucket, a piece of string and a roll of duct tape. His greatest enjoyment came from his many customers and friends that came in to shop or just visit. He affectionately referred to his everyday crowd as “the boys” no matter if they were 18 or 80. Many laughs and stories were shared between all of them over a cold drink and a pack of crackers. Most stories were true, but we still question some.

A devoted family man, Jim was the backbone of his household and taught his family the values of faith, hard work, friendship, and love. His unwavering love showed through in everything he did; he was always there to provide a listening ear, a word of advice or encouragement, or comfort when it was needed most.

Following retirement from the store, Jim enjoyed spending his time with his family, especially his three grandchildren who lovingly called him “G-Daddy”. He taught them kindness, love and a little mischief along the way. The golf cart rides they shared with him to Arrowhead Park and his lessons in shooting the paper off the end of the straw are two of their favorite memories.

Jim enjoyed many hobbies throughout his life which all centered around his love for animals and the outdoors. An avid hunter, he enjoyed many years of bird and deer hunting with his friends along with riding and showing horses, training dogs and judging local field trials. He always said that a man needed three things in life: a good woman, a good horse, and a good dog and was blessed to have all three.

Jim was active in his community and faith. He was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Cheraw, serving as treasurer and deacon, a charter member of the Chesterfield County Horseman’s Association, a former JC Club member, and served on the Clemson Extension and Chesterfield County Rural Water Boards. He believed in the importance of building connections with others so you could “reach out and touch somebody” in times of need.

Jim will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend to all. He was the definition of a true, southern gentleman.

He is survived by his wife, Sue Funderburk, his daughter, Susan Funderburk Gainey of Hartsville, SC, and her husband Jonathan, and his three grandchildren, James, Olivia and Lucas Gainey. His sisters- in-law, Faye Funderburk of Bennettsville, SC, Phyllis Funderburk of Simpsonville, SC, Marilyn Caulder of Cheraw, SC, Debbie (Hubert) Wright of Wadesboro, NC and Teresa (Fred) Ward of Raleigh, NC, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Jim is preceded in death by his parents, Jule and Grace Funderburk, his brothers Jule Funderburk, Jr. and William “Bill” Funderburk. His brother-in-law, Danny Caulder, and nephews Scott Funderburk and Scott Kelly.

A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 at Kiser Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Old St. David's Cemetery in Cheraw, SC.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. on Monday, June 22, 2026 at Kiser Funeral Home.

The Funderburk family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to the nurses and CNA’s of Crescent Hospice of Bennettsville, Dr. Travis Novinger, sitters: Ms. Anne Sellers, Ms. Hope Castor, Ms. Diana Hatcher, Ms. Jennifer Caulder and Ms. Ernestine McDonald who provided excellent care in his final months.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Thornwell Children’s Home, 302 South Board Street, Clinton, SC 29325 and The Purple Crusaders Working to End Alzheimer’s, PO BOX 493, Cheraw, SC 29520.

Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted to serve the Funderburk family in their time of grief.

Online condolences may be made at www.kiserfuneralhome.com.