Obituary of Kenneth Lannigan

Kenneth Lee Lannigan, Sr. BLYTHEWOOD - Funeral services for Kenneth Lannigan, Sr., 83, will be held at Trinity United Methodist Church, 90 Boney Road, Blythewood, SC on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 2:00 pm. Pastor Neil Yongue will officiate, with Pastor Cathy Jamieson-Ogg assisting. Visitation will follow immediately at the church. Thompson Funeral Home of West Columbia will be assisting the family. Mr. Lannigan passed away peacefully April 6, 2011. A life-long resident of South Carolina, he was a dedicated and influential member of his beloved Columbia and Blythewood communities. He was an active member of Trinity United Methodist Church in Blythewood, instrumental in the founding of the Trinity UMYF, the Dixie League baseball league and Blythewood Park. He was also involved with many civic and philanthropic groups and helped originate the Buck-a-Cup-Brace-a-Child campaign for the Easter Seals Society of SC. After serving in the US Navy, he attended and played basketball for the University of South Carolina and was always an ardent Gamecock fan. During his 38-year career with Merrill Lynch he was consistently a top producer. He loved nothing better than fishing at Pawley's Island with his life-long friend Dr. Albert Thomas. Blessed with a beautiful singing voice, he was known for his renditions of The Lord's Prayer and The Old Rugged Cross. He was also the lead singer for the Helms-Boyd Orchestra and entertained frequently at The Palmetto Club, where he was a member. Mr. Lannigan was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Lannigan. Survivors include daughters Kelley Lannigan of MacClenny, Florida, Tracy Lannigan of Charlotte, NC, sons Kenneth, Jr. and wife Traci, of Chapin, SC, Patrick and wife Juli of Blythewood, SC, Ben Lannigan of Columbia, SC and five grandchildren, Megan, Sara, Ann and Valeri Lannigan and Jackson Bradford. Mr. Lannigan will be forever missed. Thanks go out to all family and friends for their tremendous support. The family asks that any memorials be made to the National Kidney Foundation or to the Easter Seals Society of SC. Family and friends may sign online guest book at www.thompsonsfuneral.com