John Funderburk Obituary

PAGELAND, S.C. - John Mark Funderburk Sr., age 84, of Pageland, S.C., went home to be with the Lord on Saturday afternoon, June 28, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.
John was born in Pageland, S.C. on June 16, 1941, to the late Bon and Lala Jenkins Funderburk.
John graduated from Pageland High School and shortly thereafter went on to marry the love of his life, Rachel Owens Funderburk. John was drafted to serve his country in the Vietnam War with the United States Army for two years before receiving an honorable discharge at the rank of sergeant. Prior to his service, John learned construction by building houses with his father-in-law, the late Mr. Robert Owens and the late Mr. Blake Watts.
After his military service, John worked as a drywall contractor for Tomlinson Engineering in Charlotte, N.C. for approximately 25 years. After Tomlinson Engineering was closed, John obtained a job with Strickland Construction at the R.J. Reynolds facility in Winston-Salem, N.C. as a crew foreman until retiring in 2006.
During his retirement years, John enjoyed spending time with family, serving his church, and traveling with Rachel. He was known for helping others in the community doing odd jobs especially for those less fortunate.
John was a lifelong member of Providence Baptist Church in Pageland where he served various roles to include serving as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, serving on the building and grounds committee, serving on the cemetery committee, and as a greeter until his health declined.
In addition to his dedication to his church, John was also an active member of the Pageland American Legion Smith Graves Post 92 and a member of Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge #58.
John is survived by his loving wife, Rachel, of 62 years; one son, John "Mark" (Tara) Funderburk Jr. of Pageland, S.C.; one granddaughter, Autumn Bryant of Rock Hill, S.C.; two sisters, Rita Lancaster of Luray, Virginia, and Dale Baxter of Duncan, S.C.; one brother, Kermit (Shelby) Funderburk of Lancaster, S.C.; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents listed above, John was preceded in death by three sisters, Brenda Bishop, Joanne Rowe, and Helen Evans, and one brother, Austin Funderburk.
A visitation was held Tuesday, July 1, from 6 until 8 p.m. in the sanctuary at Providence Baptist Church, located in Pageland, S.C.
A celebration of life service was held Wednesday, July 2, at 3 p.m. at Providence Baptist Church, located in Pageland, S.C. with burial at the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Providence Baptist Church building fund or parking lot fund, 232 Providence Church Road, Pageland, SC 29728.
Special thanks to Gentiva Hospice of Chesterfield, S.C., especially to Erica Greene Johnson for her loving care to John and family.
Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, S.C. is serving the Funderburk family.