HENRY B. RICKENBAKER
SUMMERTON - Henry Burchell Rickenbaker, 86, affectionately known by his family as "Pop," died Saturday, Aug. 7, 2010.
Born on July 29, 1924, in Summerton, Henry was the son of the late Mannie Wilson Rickenbaker and Norvelle Briggs Rickenbaker. He graduated from Summerton High School and attended Clemson University until he left school to enlist in the U.S. Army Air Corp, answering the call of duty for his country during World War II. Serving in the European Theater as a flight engineer on B-24 bombers in the 464th Bombardment Group, his plane was shot down over Germany in February 1945. He made his way to Switzerland, where he was picked up by the Swiss and kept near Oudeberg, Switzerland, for more than two months. Then with assistance from the French Underground, he made his way to France, from where he was returned to the United States.
Following World War II, Henry worked with his father in the family farming business. Henry later purchased the Harvin Cotton Gin in Davis Station and started his own agribusiness of farming, ginning, and warehousing. Rickenbaker Cotton Gin is the last operating cotton gin in Clarendon County.
A devoted family man, Henry always found time to serve his community. Through the years, he served in numerous capacities, including Clarendon Memorial Hospital board, Clarendon County Airport Commission, board of trustees of Clarendon Hall, board of directors on the local and corporate levels for the National Bank of South Carolina, chairman of ASCA, and member of the board of Santee Cooper.
A lifelong member of St. Matthias Episcopal Church in Summerton, he served numerous terms on the vestry, including 30 years as senior warden. A faithful and loyal supporter of Clemson, Henry was an IPTAY representative for Clarendon County and scholarship donor.
He is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Henrietta (Hennie) Tindal Rickenbaker; four children, Lela Rickenbaker Lance (Art) of Florence, Mannie Wilson "Rick" Rickenbaker III (Carla) of Summerton, Connie Bell (Lester) of Sumter, and Henry Burchell Rickenbaker, Jr. (Julie) of Summerton; nine adoring grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; and a sister, Mary Rickenbaker Middleton of Columbia.
Graveside services with full military honors were held Aug. 10 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 6205 Camp Mac Boykin Road, Pinewood, SC 29125, with the Rev. Chad Rickenbaker (grandson) and Father David W.T. Thurlow officiating.
The family received friends at the home, 1004 Ackerman Drive, Summerton.
Memorials may be made to the St. Matthias Building Fund, P.O. Box 336, Summerton, SC 29149.
Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, handled arrangements.