Bogan Carl Dees, 89, son of the late Bogan Conder Dees and Emma Johnson Dees, passed away at Palmetto Health Tuomey on April 8, 2018, after an extended illness.

He was born on September 2, 1928, in Camden, SC, then became a Sumter resident as a teenager. He was a graduate of Edmunds High School and attended the University of South Carolina. He served his country in the U.S. Army, including time spent overseas during the Korean War.

Bogan was on the go in Sumter and surrounding communities in the bread delivery business with Claussens and Sunbeam. He later ventured into private business as the owner of a motel and multiple rental properties. He was an active member of Grace Baptist Church in Sumter, a member of the Brunson Sunday School Class, and served as a greeter and usher for 35 years, always having candy in his pocket to hand out to everyone.

Bogan enjoyed lake and ocean fishing, golfing, camping, watching college and professional sports and rooting for the Gamecocks. Later in life, he shared life stories and current events with his “coffee club” most mornings at a local Hardee’s and also attending local auctions.

He was a member of Sumter American Legion Post 15 and enjoyed working at the P-15 baseball games, volunteering and participating in Veteran’s Day parades, and as a bell ringer for the Salvation Army. He was proud to be chosen to participate in an Honor Flight to visit the World War II memorial in Washington, DC. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and brother.

Survivors include his wife, Patsy Dees; two children, Lee Ann Dees Bostic (Charles) of Sumter and Gregory Carl Dees (Lauri) of Blythewood; four grandchildren, Lauren Locklear (Chris) and Chas Bostic (Kelley) both of Sumter, and Brent Dees and Ryan Dees both of Blythewood; one great-granddaughter, Grace Ann Locklear; one step-son, Pat Sears (Suzann); one step-daughter, Julie S. Hanford; and four step-grandchildren, John Patrick Sears, McLendon Sears, Anna Hanford, and Harris Hanford.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara Hall Dees; two sisters, Lucille D. Mathis and Mary D. Bond; and three brothers, Samuel T. “Dick” Dees, William “Willie” Dees, and James E. Dees.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, April 14 from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. at Grace Baptist Church in the church parlor. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 P.M. at Grace Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. Steve Williams officiating. Burial will be in the Sumter Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be his grandsons, Chas Bostic, Chris Locklear, Brent Dees, and Ryan Dees; his nephew, Howard Bond; and good friend, John Warr.

Honorary pallbearers will be the current and former ushers and greeters of Grace Baptist Church.

Memorials may be made to Grace Baptist Church, 219 W. Calhoun St., Sumter, SC 29150 or the Alzheimer’s Association, Palmetto Chapter, 4124 Clemson Blvd., Suite L, Anderson, SC 29621.

The family would like to thank the many nurses, aides, staff and friends at Covenant Place for their care and love given to Bogan during his illness.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.