Clarion Coy "Huck" Folk, Jr.

Clarion Coy "Huck" Folk, Jr, 83, of Leesville, SC died Sunday, June 15 at the Lexington Medical Center following an extended illness. Mr. Folk was born in Savannah, GA to Clarion Coy Sr. and Helen Lynn Kearse Folk of Luray, SC. Mr. Folk’s father passed away during the dark and dangerous years of mid-WW2, while his mother passed away several years later.

During this time Mr. Folk became a resident, along with his brother, of the Thornwell Orphanage in Clinton, SC. Mr. Folk was given the nickname “Huck” by Dr. Malcom A. Macdonald, president of Thornwell. “Huck” was affectionately known by everyone on campus. He participated in athletic activities on several Thornwell teams and graduated with the Thornwell High School Class of 1960.

After high school “Huck” enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving in Morocco as well as stateside bases during the “Cold War”. After being honorably discharged from service with the USAF, Mr. Folk eventually began a successful career as a sales associate with Dixie Bearings and Bearing Distributors, Inc. “Huck” had been retired for about 20 years at the time of his death.

Mr. Folk was predeceased by his wife of 45 years, Mildred “Mickie” Parker Folk, his nephew Jason Folk, and his beloved dachshund “Coon”. Mr. Folk is survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Gus and Shelia Folk, of Easley, SC, his nephews Paul Folk of Alaska, Jacob Folk of Tennessee, and Calvin Folk of Easley, SC. Mr. Folk also made frequent mention of the affection shown by his beloved niece Lynn and her husband Raymond Bridges of Easley, SC. Mr. Folk is also survived by his cousin Dorothy Hiers of Atlanta, GA, by means of whom he was able to restore a sense of meaningful connection to the family heritage he had lost contact with at such an early age.

Mr. Folk highly valued the kind efforts of various physicians in his battle against cancer. Included among these were: Wm. Korman, Richard Morrow, Quillin Davis, Arthur Nam, Joseph Lawton, Robert O. Brown, Rohan Arya, Mohamed El Geneidy, Kurt Meyer, Garland Ames, etc.

The Bible says: “A true friend shows love at all times And is a brother who is born for times of distress.” (Proverbs 17:17). In addition to his many medical care providers, it is fitting to recall the kind acts shown by “Huck’s” neighbor and faithful friend, Dustin Spangler.

Numerous other supporters deserve mention for their loyal love toward “Huck”, but are too numerous to be listed by name. Many were members of “Huck’s” local congregation, but also included were those from other groups. Although unnamed here they know who they are and, more importantly, may they recall their kind acts were being noticed by the Person mentioned at Psalm 41:1.

Family, music, ballroom dancing, and reading were among Mr. Folk's many favored interests. He loved hiking near Sassafras Mountain, Twin Falls, and at Congaree Swamp National Monument, where synchronous fireflies may be viewed each May.

“Huck” also developed a moderate interest in travel in later years. In 2016 he toured with his close friend Keitt Pegues the World Headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses in Brooklyn, NY. After those facilities relocated to Warwick, NY, Mr. Folk returned to revisit with Keitt and other friends and take in the fascinating exhibits of priceless original early English editions of the Bible, a full-size replica of the famous Isaiah Scroll, and the global history of Jehovah’s name people.

“Huck’s” most recent trip occurred in April 2024, in company with Pam and Jerry Freck and fellow USAF veteran, Lt. Col. Richard “Dick” Clinton, all of Lexington, SC. During this 6-day sojourn “Huck” took in the Civil war site at Point Park and the scenic views from Lookout Mountain in Chattanooga, TN, the reproduction Parthenon in Nashville, TN, the full solar eclipse from the ground in Jackson, MO, and numerous other appealing scenes along the highway.

However, Mr. Folk’s keenest interests centered on personal spiritual growth both for himself and others. He was thoroughly familiar with the Presbyterian teachings obtained while growing up at Thornwell under Dr. Malcolm A. Macdonald’s administration. However, at about the turn of the millennium, Mr. Folk was invited to begin a journey of personal Bible study with the aid of his neighbor, close friend, and Bible study partner, Gene Harris.

It was at this time that Mr. Folk was amazed to learn that the one personal unchanging name appearing most often in the Scriptures is that of the God and Father of Jesus Christ: Jehovah. “Huck” also became attracted to the basis for Jehovah God’s promise of rescue from sin and death for the family of mankind: the ransom paid by the precious blood of His Firstborn Son, Christ Jesus. Mr. Folk’s efforts resulted in a growing acquisition of Bible knowledge and deep living love of Jehovah God, Jesus Christ, and the global human family.

Mr. Folk also developed an affinity for actively associating with the famous ethnically diverse, politically neutral peacemaking organization known as Jehovah's Witnesses. As he matured in Christian understanding and activity, God's holy spirit moved “Huck” to make a public declaration of his faith in the good news of God’s Kingdom, as proclaimed by Jesus Christ.

Mr. Folk marveled at the fact that Jesus Christ’s invitation to follow him was so important that God had it recorded in His Bible by three of the four Gospel writers (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23), and repeated by other inspired writers. By October 2009 Mr. Folk was motivated to accept Jesus’s invitation to “…disown himself, take up his torture stake, and follow me continually.” “Huck’s” love of family made Jesus’s words at Mark 10:29, 30 a delightful prospect for present and future benefits.

“Huck” worked to be publicly known as one of Jehovah’s Witnesses in word and deed. He symbolized his dedication to Christ by means of full immersion water baptism and an active participation of the world-wide preaching efforts for which Jehovah's Witnesses are famous (Matthew 24:14 and 28:18-20).

It was Mr. Folk’s wish that all who honor his memory remember his firm hope in the resurrection of the dead and the imminent fulfillment of God’s promise to bring about “a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness is to dwell.” (2 Peter 3:13) Mr. Folk urged all to learn about that hope and take a firm hold on its present and future benefits. (Isaiah 65:17-25)

Memorial services for Mr. Folk will be held at 2pm, Saturday, July 12 at the Lexington Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 1461 Pisgah Church Rd., Lexington, SC 29072. Those wishing to attend the memorial service remotely via Zoom are encouraged to contact Jerry Freck at jerryfreck@gmail.com for more information about that arrangement.

Those desiring to honor “Huck’s” memory may wish to make a modest donation in support of the cause that gave “Huck” real hope and meaningful purpose in life: the world-wide work of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 900 Red Mills Rd., Wallkill, NY 12589, or by way of anonymous donation on-line to jw.org. Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lexington Chapel is assisting the family

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Clarion Coy "Huck" Folk, Jr., please visit our floral store.