Obituary of Olin Quincy Avinger

Olin Quincy "Ab" Avinger passed away Saturday, April 9, 2015 after battling a recent illness. He was 84 years old. Born on November 19, 1930 on Sullivan's Island, SC, he was the son of the late Herman Milton Avinger and Ruby Sweat Avinger. Ab was a graduate of Moultrie High School in Mt. Pleasant, SC. He attended the University of South Carolina for several years before enlisting in the U.S. Navy to serve during the Korean War. Upon his honorable discharge he returned to USC to continue his studies. While working as a lifeguard during the summers at Myrtle Beach, he met his late wife, Janice Rogers Avinger. They enjoyed a great marriage for 38 years until she passed on May 2, 2000. Ab and Jan enjoyed raising their two sons in Columbia, SC and spent most holidays and vacations with close family members and friends from both sides of their families. These gatherings at the beaches, pools, state parks, and the Avinger house were renown for food, smoke and drinks that often turned into raucous events where the and fun went on for hours. Ab was employed with the U.S. Postal Service in Columbia for 30 years until he retired in February, 1989. Throughout his life he enjoyed USC football, professional football, Braves baseball, going to the beach, coaching baseball, reading, cooking, and helping raise his grandchildren. He also enjoyed a good game of pool as a regular at the Ale House on Tommy Circle where he met many good friends and shot pool on a daily basis up until his recent illness. The lasting friendships from the Ale House sustained him and were a big part of his happiness, especially in his later years. Ab was predeceased by his wife, Janice Rogers Avinger, brothers, Herman "Jay" Avinger, Harold Avinger, and sisters, Minnie Anderson, Betty Case, Katie Stott, and Shirley Adams. He is survived by his son, Olin Quincy Avinger, Jr. (Allison), grandchildren, Alexander, Jordan, Madison, and Jackson of Chapin, SC, son, Vance Carlisle Avinger of Fort Lauderdale, FL, and sisters, Elsie Martin of Summerville, SC and Celeste Damewood of Mount Pleasant, SC. Uncle Ab, also known to many as "Uncle Sonny," is also survived by many nephews and nieces that he admired and enjoyed close personal relationships with throughout his life. Those that knew him knew he was an original to the last call. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 12, 2015 at Greenlawn Memorial Park Serenity Gardens, 6601 Windwan Drive, Columbia, SC 29209. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Palmetto Place Children Shelter, PO Box 3395, Columbia SC 29230.