Obituary of Bryant Nevins Blakeslee

Columbia - Bryant Nevins Blakeslee, 72, widower of the late Elizabeth “Beth” Owens Blakeslee, passed away on February 27, 2025. Born on September 30, 1952, in San Antonio, Texas, he was the son of the late John William Blakeslee and Martha Belle Nevins Moses. Bryant had a distinguished career in the insurance and financial services industry, where he was known for his dedication, integrity, and expertise. He was a life and qualifying member of the Million Dollar Round Table (MDRT) and an active member of NAIFA (National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors). He earned the The Chartered Life Underwriter® (CLU®) designation from The American College of Financial Services. Beyond his professional achievements, Bryant was deeply committed to his community. He was a dedicated member of The St. Andrews Society of the City of Columbia, SC, and served as past chairman of the board at Harvest Hope Food Bank, working to support its mission of fighting hunger and helping those in need. A devout Episcopalian, Bryant was a member of St. John’s Episcopal Church (Columbia, SC). He was previously a member of St. David’s Episcopal Church (Columbia, SC) and the Church of the Holy Comforter (Sumter, SC). He faithfully served on the vestry, was an active member of the Men’s Club, and devoted many years to KAIROS Prison Ministry, where he provided spiritual guidance and support to those in need. Bryant was a passionate boater, spending much of his time on Lake Murray and the South Carolina coast. He earned his Captain’s License and was a member of the Lake Murray Power Squadron, enjoying time on the Intracoastal Waterways. In his later years, he also took up pickleball, enjoying both the competition and camaraderie of the sport. He is survived by his children, Bryant Nevins Blakeslee, Jr. (Nashville, TN) and Caroline Louise Blakeslee (Columbia, SC); his siblings, John William Blakeslee, Jr. and Shirley Ann Blakeslee Stegemann. He was predeceased by his beloved wife of 40 years, Elizabeth Owens Blakeslee. Luke 5:11 When they had brought their boats to shore, they left everything and followed him. A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 7, 2025, at 11:00 AM at St. John’s Episcopal Church (at the corner of Wheat and Holly), with the Rev. Nicholas Beasley officiating. Following the service, a reception will be held in the Barr Center at St. John’s Episcopal Church. A graveside service will take place at 4:00 PM at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Sumter, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the St. John’s Episcopal Church Outreach Fund, 2827 Wheat Street, Columbia, SC 29205. Online condolences may be shared at www.sumterfunerals.com. Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, SC, is assisting the family with arrangements and may be reached at (803) 775-9386.