2013 Pepper's Way
Pepper’s wife, daughters and family were joined by Spring Hill High principal, Michael Lofton, for the dedication of “Pepper’s Way” on campus.

Last week, I attended the Ribbon Cutting for the newest high school in Lexington/Richland School District Five, Spring Hill High School . I remember not long ago, I joined in the groundbreaking of this school and the Center for Advanced Technical Studies .

Whether you supported the bond referendum or not, one visit to this campus and you’ll agree we have two of the most state-of-the-art facilities in the state. You can read more about these two schools by visiting their websites; but today I wanted to write about “Pepper”.

When I was knocking on doors campaigning years ago, I met “Pepper”. He was a friendly man and I enjoyed our conversation that day. I also happened to meet one of his daughters during those knocks and was glad to see her at the Ribbon Cutting where her dad was recognized and was honored for his work on the new school. If you’re new to the area, you may not have known him; but if you’ve been here for any period of time, you definitely have heard of him and seen him all over town helping others.

Today I share his obituary from last year with you and also the touching presentation captured above for “Pepper’s Way”.

CHAPIN – George William “Pepper” Ellisor, 83, of Irmo, SC was called home to the Lord on Friday, November 9, 2012.

Pepper was born on June 11, 1929 in Richland County. He was the son of the late Ed Bachman Ellisor and Mary Chapman Ellisor. Pepper served 4 years active duty in the US Army. He fought in the Korean War and received the Purple Heart. Pepper served over 35 years in the Army Reserve where he achieved the rank of E-9 Command Sergeant Major. He was a Drill Sergeant at Fort Jackson for many years. During his last tour, he was the Director of the Army Drill Sergeant School, 108th Training Division. While in the Reserve, Pepper received the Army Reserve Meritorious Service Medal, Army Good Conduct Medal, Expert Marksmanship Badge, Army Accommodation Medal, Korean Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, and the Army Reserve Component Achievement Medal.

Pepper was devoted to the Irmo/Chapin area. He loved and served his community and was honored with the Chapin Sertoma Club Service to Mankind Award, Woodmen of the World Good Neighbor Citation Award, Chapin Band Booster Club Lifetime Membership Award, and he was inducted into the Chapin Hall of Fame.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Janice Counts Ellisor and his daughters; Renee’ (Bob) Shields and Sandy Ellisor, grandchildren; Kevin and Gena Shields, Christopher, Cody, and Carter Lambeth as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

He is also survived by sisters; Alice Adkins, Betty Wessinger and sister-in-law, Sadie Ellisor. Pepper is predeceased by brothers; Colie, John Adam, James and sisters; Mabel Moak, Mary Lou Rister, Vera Kesler, and Alma Kesler.

The family will receive friends on Sunday, November 11, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall of St. Jacob’s Lutheran Church, Chapin, SC. Funeral services will be held 3:00 p.m. on Monday, November 12, 2012 at St. Jacob’s.

Memorials may be made to St. Jacob’s Lutheran Men.

Pepper never met a stranger, he lived life to the fullest, and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.