Sergeant Jeff Flanders, Retired

Today, we mourn the loss of Sergeant Jeff Flanders, a beloved friend, mentor, entertainer and member of the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department family.

Jeff began his career with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department in 1984 and faithfully served the citizens of Lexington County until his retirement in April 2022. Throughout his distinguished law enforcement career, he served in numerous roles, including Crime Prevention Deputy, D.A.R.E. instructor, and most recently with the Sheriff's Community Action Team. His dedication to serving others and strengthening relationships within our community left an impact that will be felt for generations.

Before his career in law enforcement, Jeff built a successful career in broadcasting. He began as a radio announcer with WTMA Radio in Charleston, South Carolina. He later worked at WIS-Radio from 1969 until 1976 and again from 1981 until 1983, serving both as an on-air personality and business manager. During the late 1970s, Jeff worked with Jimmy Swaggart Ministries as the station manager of KWJS in Dallas, Texas. Even while serving with the Sheriff’s Department, Jeff continued his passion for broadcasting by working part-time on the morning show at Z93 The Lake.

A graduate of Eau Claire High School in Columbia, South Carolina, Jeff answered the call to serve his country after graduation by joining the United States Air Force. Although his military service was cut short due to medical reasons, resulting in an honorable discharge, his commitment to service would continue throughout his life and career.

Jeff was also a gifted professional speaker, singer, educator and entertainer. With his unmistakable Southern sense of humor and genuine heart, he inspired students, teachers, school administrators, parents, church groups, civic organizations and fellow deputies alike. Many knew him best as the father of “Gertrood the Duck,” his beloved ventriloquist partner. Through Gertrood, Jeff delivered powerful messages that educated, encouraged and entertained audiences throughout South Carolina and beyond.

Whether he was speaking to a classroom, standing behind a microphone, serving in uniform or making an audience laugh through one of Gertrood’s memorable appearances, Jeff had a remarkable gift for connecting with people. His message was always simple yet powerful: one person can make a difference. Through his life, service and example, he proved that every day.

Jeff was predeceased by the love of his life, his wife, Marilyn “Mandy” Flanders. Jeff and Mandy were united in marriage on September 25, 1967, and shared a lifetime of love, devotion and partnership. Their bond served as an example to all who knew them.

He is survived by his brother-in-law, John William “Billy” Adams (Cindy); his niece, Amanda Adams Cooper (Randy); his nephew, Terry Virgil Adams; his great-nephews, William Dakota “Cody” Cooper (Cali), Evan Alexander Cooper, Brandon Davis Adams (Brianna), and Hunter James Ross Adams; and his great-niece, Chloe Grace Cooper and Isabelle Nicole Adams; along with countless friends, colleagues, former students and community members whose lives were enriched by knowing him.

Jeff’s legacy is one of service, compassion, humor, faith and inspiration. He touched countless lives through law enforcement, broadcasting, public speaking and community outreach. His influence will continue to live on through the people he mentored, encouraged and inspired.

Our prayers are with Jeff’s family, friends, former coworkers and all who had the privilege of knowing him. While we grieve at his passing, we celebrate a life that was truly dedicated to making a difference.

Funeral service will be held 12:00 p.m. (Noon) Saturday, June 20, 2026 Barr-Price Funeral Home and Crematorium, Lexington Chapel. Burial will follow at Celestial Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 10:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. prior to the service at the funeral home.  In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorial contributions be made in memory of Sergeant Jeff Flanders to the Lexington County Sheriff’s Foundation, P.O. Box 303, Lexington, SC 29071, or to the American Parkinson Disease Association, P.O. Box 61420, Staten Island, NY 10306.

Rest easy, Sergeant Flanders. Thank you for your service, your friendship, your laughter and the countless lives you changed along the way. Your watch is complete, but your legacy will live on forever.

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