Baxter Hicks Harwell, Jr.

Baxter Hicks Harwell, Jr. Florence, SC The Honorable Baxter Hicks Harwell, Jr., 79, of Florence, S.C., died Sunday, September 9, 2012, at McLeod Hospice House in Florence. Judge Harwell was born in Mars Bluff in Florence County on February 27, 1933, to the late Baxter Hicks Harwell and the late Lacy Rankin Harwell.In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Lacy Harwell. He is survived by his wife of fifty-six years, Nancy Cockfield Harwell, and three daughters, Jennie Boylston Harwell of Florence, S.C., Rankin Harwell-Hammond (Todd) of Florence, S.C., and Ashley Harwell-Beach (Danny) of Lexington, S.C.He is survived by five grandchildren, Lacy Lee, Nancy Rankin and Will Hammond, and Hicks and Avie Beach.He is also survived by four siblings, Judge David Harwell (Debbie), Judge Jimmy Harwell (Kay), Joe Harwell, and Anne Hill (Glenn); and a special sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Jo and Jack Richardson. He graduated from McClenaghan High School and attended Presbyterian College before joining the Army during the Korean Conflict.He graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1958, received his LL.B. degree from Cumberland University in 1960 where he was President of the Student Bar Association, and obtained his J.D. degree in 1969 from Cumberland School of Law of Samford University. He began his private law practice in Florence in 1961 and practiced with the firm Harwell, Ballenger, DeBerry, Barth, Harwell, and Hoefer until his election as circuit court judge for the Twelfth Judicial Circuit on March 21, 1995.After retiring from the bench in 2005, he went on to practice law with the Finklea Law Firm in Florence where he continued to represent and counsel clients the old-fashioned way until the time of his death. Judge Harwell’s storied life included service as a National Director of the Jaycees (1965-66), State President of the South Carolina Jaycees (1966-67), President of the Florence Jaycees (1964-65), President of the Florence Lions Club (1973-74), and District Governor of the Lions Club International (1976-77). He was a member of the Florence Board of Directors for the Council on Aging (1968-71) and the State Commission on Aging (1970-78).He was Chairman of the Committee for God and Country Foundation which expanded the Florence National Cemetery. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W and the D.A.V. and served twice as Commander of the American Legion.He was named Florence County Outstanding Man of the Year in 1966.He was a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1979-80 and 1989-1995 and was a recipient of the Order of the Palmetto. A long-time member of First Presbyterian Church of Florence, Judge Harwell was an outdoor enthusiast with a flamboyant style and a wonderful sense of humor who was committed to public service on the national, state, and local levels. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, September 13, 2012, at First Presbyterian Church of Florence with visitation immediately following the service in the Fellowship Hall.A private family burial will follow. Pallbearers are nephews: Steven DeBerry, Dr. Jim Richardson, Dr. Jamie Smith, Judge Bryan Harwell, Baxter Harwell, Jim Harwell, Walt Harwell, and brother-in-law, Glenn Hill. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 700 Park Avenue, Florence, S.C., 29501, or the charity of one’s choice.The family wishes to thank the professional and attentive ER and second floor nurses and staff of Carolinas Hospital; the nurses and staff of McLeod Hospice and Hospice House for the loving, Christian end-of-life care; and Dr. Jamie Smith, oncologist, for his professional expertise in guiding Judge Harwell and his family through this time. Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home is assisting the family.