Hemingway, SC

Bennett Ray Baxley, 94, passed away on Saturday, August 20, 2022 in a Kingstree nursing center. He was born in Hemingway, SC, a son of the late Jesse James Baxley and Nita Powell Baxley.

Mr. Bennett was graduated from Hemingway High School, the University of South Carolina with an undergraduate degree in 1948, a graduate degree in 1954, and he completed studies in the arts in New York in 1960.

During a 30-year career in public education, he taught in all levels, and his administrative work included that of elementary principal, high school principal, and area superintendent. His career was interrupted by two years of service during the Korean War.

Mr. Baxley traveled widely, most often free lance and solo, and was an avid and knowledgeable collector of a wide range of Americana, period furnishings, and original art. He was an active member of the South Carolina Historical Society which organization published much of his research. An accomplished gardener who specialized in old roses, native plants, and camellias, he brought the garden surrounding the farmstead, Hog Crawl Creek Farm, where he was born and lived after retirement, to national attention.

He is survived by his sister, Billie Baxley Schwiers of Mauldin, SC, and fourteen nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Doris Baxley Chandler and a brother, James Edward Baxley.

Graveside services, directed by Morris Funeral Home of Hemingway, SC, will be held at 1:00 PM Tuesday, August 23, 2022 in the Old Johnsonville Cemetery, 846 S. Georgetown Hwy., Johnsonville, SC 29554.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 AM until 12:30 PM Tuesday, August 23, 2022 in the Morris Funeral Home Chapel, 16 N. Main St., Hemingway, SC 29554.

Memorials may be made to the Southeast Old Johnsonville Cemetery Organization, PO Box 173, Hemingway, SC 29554 or to a charity of choice.

Please sign the guest book at morris-funeralhome.com