Julius Raymond Loflin, Sr.

Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Julius Raymond Loflin, Sr.

Command Sergeant Major (Ret.) Julius Raymond Loflin, Sr., 87, of Cheraw, South Carolina, passed away on May 7, 2025, following a tragic residential fire that destroyed his home. A man of quiet strength, unwavering discipline, and resolute service, he leaves behind a lasting legacy of duty, integrity, and devotion to family and country.

Born in Cheraw on February 28, 1938, Julius led a life rooted in structure and commitment. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard and the U.S. Air Force Reserve, and later served in both the Arkansas and South Carolina State Guards. He rose through the ranks to become a Command Sergeant Major, the highest enlisted rank in the U.S. Army, and served with honor during the Persian Gulf War (Operation Desert Storm).

Alongside his military service, Julius devoted his civilian career to conservation. He served as a Wildlife Biologist and Federal Game Warden with the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, where he protected the nation’s wildlife and public lands with care and precision. After retirement, he remained active in his community by founding and operating a landscaping and lawn care company, which he ran faithfully into his eighties.

A committed Freemason, Julius was a Past Master of Masonic Lodge No. 15 in Cheraw, where he also served as Lodge Chaplain until his passing. His dedication to the Masonic principles of Brotherhood, Charity, and Truth left a lasting imprint on his lodge and its members.

He was also a devout member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, where his faith was a lifelong compass.

Julius was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wilma Atlas Tucker Loflin; his parents, Raymond Loflin and Elizabeth Johnson-Loflin; his parents-in-law, John Wilson Tucker, and Julia Rezell Keith Tucker; and his siblings: Jerry Loflin, Donnie Loflin, Linda Baker, Richard Loflin, and Herbert Loflin.

He was also preceded in death by his in-laws: Buddy (Lucy) Tucker, Buck Tucker, Lois Poston, Lola James, Gladys Stephens, Randy Tucker, and Ronnie Douglas.

He is survived by his son, Julius “Ray” Loflin, Jr., of the home; his grandson, Corbin Loflin (Jessica Nelson) of Raleigh, N.C.; and his granddaughter, Leslie “Nikki” Walters (Justin Williams) of Chesterfield, S.C. He was the proud great-grandfather of Reagan Grace Chapman and was joyfully awaiting the birth of his great-grandson, Maverick Tate Williams.

He is also survived by his sisters- and brothers-in-law: Sara Loflin of Cheraw, S.C.; Carolyn (Courtney) Stokes, Patty Tucker, and Lois Tucker of Society Hill, S.C.; Cindy Tucker of Rockingham, N.C.; Allen Poston of Cheraw, S.C.; Wayne James, Sr. of Hartsville, S.C.; and Don Stephens of Charlotte, N.C.

Julius is lovingly remembered by numerous nieces and nephews, including Michelle (Vincent James) Griggs of Cheraw, S.C.; Herbert Loflin, Jr. of Laurinburg, N.C.; Bobby Loflin, Sam Loflin, Eric Loflin, Donna Dean (Nicholas) Freeman, and Anna Marie (Craig) Watson, all of Cheraw, S.C.; Richard (Kim) Loflin of Darlington, S.C.; Teresa (Michael) Curry of Fort Mill, S.C.; Donna Jean Loflin-Maroney (James Maroney) of Columbia, S.C.; Sandy Loflin of Matthews, N.C.; James Tucker of Fort Mill, S.C.; Mike (Vicki) Tucker, Scott (Tracy) Douglas, Tammy Tucker, Chuck (Amy) Tucker, Susan (John) Helms, Elizabeth (Charlie) Byrd, John Tucker, Garrett Tucker, and Levi Tucker, all of Society Hill, S.C.; Laurie (Bobby) Norris of Bennettsville, S.C.; Becky Sox and Melanie Stokes of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; Waynette (Tommy) Oates of Oates, S.C.; Wayne (Barbie) James, Jr. of Hartsville, S.C.; and Mike Victory, Ken Victory, and Terry Johnston, all of the Charlotte, N.C., area.

He is also remembered by a large number of great-nieces, great-nephews, and great-great-nieces and nephews—each of whom carries a part of his legacy forward. Visitation will be held on Thursday, May 15, 2025, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Kiser Funeral Home in Cheraw, S.C.

The funeral service will take place on Friday, May 16, 2025, at 2:00 PM at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, located at 3664 Wire 1 Road, Cheraw, S.C. 29520, with interment to follow on the church grounds. Full military honors and Masonic rites will be rendered.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to aid with recovery efforts, including funeral costs, following the total loss of Julius’s home and belongings.

For those who prefer to contribute through the public fundraising campaign, donations may be made via the official GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/6dd5f335

A full memorial page, including obituary, service details, a guestbook, and an additional donation option, is available at https://everloved.com/life-of/julius-loflin-sr/donate/

Alternatively, contributions may also be coordinated directly through Kiser Funeral Home, who will ensure they are received with appreciation and care.

Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements for the Loflin family during this difficult time.

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

This obituary was lovingly written by Corbin Loflin, his grandson.