BLYTHEWOOD – James “Pete” Albert Rauch, Jr., 72, of Blythewood, died at home on Friday, May 22, 2020. Born in Lexington, SC, on August 2, 1947, he was a son of the late James “Pete” Albert Rauch, Sr., and Lois Dixon Rauch.
Pete was a graduate of Eau Claire High School and a very talented electronic technician. He started out in the Army as a field radio repairman where he served in Vietnam from 1966-1969 and was honorably discharged in 1972. Then he went on to work with Southern Bell as a central office technician. He worked with Southern Bell (BellSouth) for 30 years and did nearly every technical job the company had to offer. It was said that he was the best repairman in Columbia. He was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America.
Pete was always willing to help anyone and everyone – especially with their home phone lines and never expected anything in return. He was a founding member of Cedar Creek Baptist Church where he was active in leading the youth groups.
As a father figure, Pete loved to give “nature lessons” at the farm to all the young boys in his family. These lessons included teaching the boys how to identify tracks and how to carry and shoot firearms with safety as the highest priority. Pete was an avid outdoorsman who loved his dogs and cats that were always by his side.
In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his sister, Beverly Ann Rauch Nicholson.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Erma June Kight Rauch; son, James “Pete” A. Rauch, III (Ruth), of Cayce; a daughter, Paula Christine Rauch, of Blythewood; sister, Jamie Rauch Ward (Bobby) of Georgetown; adopted daughter and granddaughters in love, Missy Jackson Clementi, Taylor and Blythe Clementi and Anna Holland, all of Blythewood; many nieces and nephews; as well as many adopted sons including Jeff Beckham. He is also survived by his four-legged children, Daisy, Trouble, Sassy and Flower.
To provide proper social distancing, Mr. Rauch was available for viewing from 3 until 5 o’clock and the family received friends from 5 until 7 o’clock on Monday, May 25th, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Road Ext., Columbia.
The funeral service for Mr. Rauch was held with family only in the funeral home chapel on Tuesday, May 26th. Friends were invited to join the family in the parking lot of the funeral home to view the live stream webcast at ShivesFuneralHome.com at 12 o’clock. A procession left the funeral home following the service to Elmwood Cemetery, 501 Elmwood Avenue, for a public graveside service with military honors.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Theodore Belsches for his excellent care. Also, to his RN, Theresa of Pruitt Health for her gentle and caring manner during this difficult time. Pete was a great man and he showed his love for everyone in his humble outlook on life. His smile will be greatly missed.
Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com
