Bertie Irenius Epting, 89, of West Columbia, a retired pastor and director of missions, died July 18, 2008.
Bertie EptingHe was the father of Jimmy Epting, president of North Greenville University.
Born on Feb. 10, 1919, Epting worked for the Civilian Conservation Corps camp in Laurens, where he served as company clerk. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 through 1946 in the European Theater and was awarded the Silver Star and the Croix de Guere, or “Cross of War,” by the French government.
Epting was called to preach in 1946. He graduated from North Greenville College (now University) in 1948, Furman University in 1950 and Southern Baptist Seminary in 1953. He was ordained in July 1951.
He served as pastor of churches in Kentucky, Indiana, North Carolina and South Carolina. In South Carolina, he served at Green Hill Baptist Church, West Columbia; Sylvia Circle Baptist Church, Rock Hill; and Mount Pleasant Baptist Church, Ridge Spring.
Epting retired as a pastor on Oct. 1, 1985, after 39 years of service. He was called to be the director of missions for the Edisto Association on February 2, 1987, and retired from that position on September 1, 1994. In 1993, Epting was awarded the title of Distinguished Alumnus of North Greenville University.
Epting was known as the “Harmonica Man” and gave programs all over the state in churches, schools, nursing homes, retirement centers, jails, clubs, institutions and migrant camps. He had more than 30 harmonicas and called them his friends. He always had his “friends” with him ready to play. He liked to say, “Have harmonica, will play.”
Survivors include his wife, Dorothy “Dottie” Walling Laird Epting of West Columbia, five children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Epting was married to the former Sarah Campbell of Laurens for 61 years until her death in April 2000 and was predeceased by a daughter, Sarah Marcelyn, who died on February 19, 1943.