James "Pop" Luther Witherspoon
2/9/1947 - 9/9/2025
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Obituary For James "Pop" Luther Witherspoon
Born February 9, 1947 – Called Home September 9, 2025
James Luther Witherspoon, affectionately known as “Pop,” was born in Charleston, South Carolina to Luther and Evelina Witherspoon. He attended Liberty Hill Elementary and Bonds Wilson High School, where he first discovered his love for music as a drummer in the school band. His rhythm and quiet leadership inspired many young men to follow in his footsteps.
James was drafted into the United States Army, where he served honorably during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home, he built a long and steady career—beginning at General Electric (GE) and concluding at United Parcel Service (UPS), where he worked diligently for over 30 years until his retirement.
James poured his energy into protecting the neighborhood’s integrity, championing affordable housing, and standing against the displacement of seniors. He served as assistant treasurer for both the Liberty Hill Improvement Council and the Liberty Hill Reunion Group. In addition, he was an active member of the Liberty Hill Athletic Club and the Community Development Committee. He helped shape countless efforts—organizing events, recruiting members, and raising awareness at city council meetings—with strength and unwavering purpose. Even in times of illness, James remained devoted to the cause, voicing concerns about overdevelopment and urging families to hold onto their land and legacy. Though he was not alone in the work, his contributions were steady, heartfelt, and essential. Liberty Hill’s foundation is fortified by the selfless contributions of people like him, who gave without seeking recognition.
In his younger years, James played in the community baseball league, later developed an interest in golf, and remained an avid golfer throughout his life. He enjoyed attending concerts, spending time with fellow Vietnam veterans, and engaging in spirited conversations about politics and life. His presence was steady, his humor quiet but sharp, and his loyalty unwavering.
James accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior at an early age – a life changing decision that marked the beginning of his walk in faith and shaped the way he lived, loved, and served. It was while attending Pilgrim Baptist Church in North Charleston that this spiritual foundation was laid, anchoring his life in grace and purpose.
Later, James became a devoted member of Victory Baptist Church, where his unwavering commitment to the body of Christ was a blessing to many. His faith was not confined to Sunday mornings – it was lived out daily in quiet acts of kindness, humility, and service. As a devoted Christian, he believed in treating others with dignity, standing up for what was right, and offering help without fanfare.
James, a beloved member of the Liberty Hill community, was called home to be with the Lord on September 9, 2025. He was cherished and will be dearly missed by his family, friends, and all who knew him.
James was preceded in death by his parents, Luther and Evelina Witherspoon and siblings: Daniel Witherspoon, Gary Gillins, Diane G. Wright, and Alvin Witherspoon. He leaves behind many to cherish his memories:
Tamila (Tam) Witherspoon Pringle (Ernest) of Columbia, South Carolina, Gerald Davis (Sharion) of Goose Creek, South Carolina, Warrenette Witherspoon Nazaire (Frank) of Columbia, South Carolina; siblings Fern Witherspoon Samuels (Rev. Clary) Goose Creek, South Carolina, Nathaniel Witherspoon of Charleston, South Carolina, Doreen Witherspoon Cooper (Dwayne) of Nashville, Tennessee; grandchildren: Kelsey Pringle, Trey Pringle, Jaden Davis, Alyssa Davis; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
FORMAL VISITATION
Friday, September 19, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, Victory Missionary Baptist Church
CELEBRATION OF LIFE
Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 11:00 AM, Victory Missionary Baptist Church
INTERMENT
Sunset Memorial Gardens
Services
Visitation
06:00 PM - 08:00 PM
Funeral Service
11:00 AM - 01:00 PM
Interment
01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Photos & Video
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Tributes
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Althea Holmes sent Peace & Serenity Dishgarden for James "Pop" Luther Witherspoon - 09/16/2025
From Delores Holmes and Althea Holmes Sending love, prayers and comfort to our family during your time of beverement 🙏🏾 ❤️
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Stephanie Washington sent The Peace Lily for James "Pop" Luther Witherspoon - 09/16/2025
Tam, Maurice and Doreen We are so sorry for your loss. Our deepest condolences to you and your family. Cousin Randolph & Stephanie Washington, Schrader Lane Church of Christ
Condolences
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09/20/2025
Sharing with this family, the chains will never be broken as we continue to serve our Lord and Savior Jesus. Pops, Gentle spirit lives on.
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09/19/2025
To Tam and Gerald I'm sending my deepest condolences to my family RIP (Pop) 🙏
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09/19/2025
To Witherspoon family, Pop and I worked together at UPS until his retirement. We continued to stay in touch regularly and I will miss talking to him. He taught me that just because the job hard you could still enjoy the work. Pop always kept us laughing every morning. His UPS friends will always miss and remember him. Chuck and Cindy Cook
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09/18/2025
To: Tam, Ernest, Gerald and Sharion, We're praying for you all in this season. Dr. Corron Jones and Merle Jerrell Richardson (your cousin rocky)
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09/17/2025
WHAT YOU GAVE ME WHAT YOU GAVE ME THESE THINGS YOU MAY NOW KNOW I NEVER VOICED THEM NOR DID I CHOOSE TO SHOW IN PASSING AND HEARING OF YOU, I DID KNOW FRIENDSHIP TO YOUR SON OF THIS, I DID SHOW SPEAKING HIGHLY OF YOU OF THIS, HE DID SHOW IF NOT FOR YOU LIFE DEALT A TERRIBLE BLOW NO MORE PAIN, LIFE HAS RELEASE YOU GOD'S HANDS, YOU'RE NOW KNOW NOW YOUR LIFE STARTS A KNEW IN ANGELS WINGS, YOU NOW GROW Rickie Smalls Sr.
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09/17/2025
Sending my sincerest condolences to the family. Pop was always kind to our family. May you find peace and comfort in each other and the memories you have.
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09/16/2025
Sending love and prayers to the family.I met Pop many years ago. He was always the same. Rest easy Pop! 🌹🌹🌹
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09/16/2025
First time I met Pop was at Pilgrim Baptist Church where we both sung in the Male Choir under the director of Carolyn Wright, and from their to Victory Missionary Baptist Church where we worship together and sang in the male choir, brotherhood, and other auxiliaries that needed the brothers of the church to participate in. Going to miss checking on you to see how you were doing, and hearing you tell all the stories and the great conversation especially about being raise on Liberty Hill. You're the only person I know that reside in Goose Creek but always on Liberty Hill, that's why when I call you on your cell phone I would say "May I speak to the Mayor of Liberty Hill" and you would reply "Barnwell what's the deal" and another thing whenever i would get in a debate with you and i would keep talking and you would try to get a word in, you would say "Barnwell stop trying to short talk me" Thank you Pop for being a part of our lives and the Victory Missionary Baptist Church Family lives. You're a God sent Angel full with Laughter Chris and Tresa Barnwell
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09/16/2025
I knew Pop since i was a child and he would come to my Father's tax office. Almost 20 years, he has been my extended uncle. Full of laughs, great stories, & perfect commentary. He will truly be missed!
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09/15/2025
To the Family, I had the opportunity work with Pop at UPS for 12 years. A man of laughter and pleasantries. Family, I pray that God will be with you all through your bereavement.
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09/15/2025
Condolences to the family may God continue to bless your family 🙏🏾
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09/14/2025
I met James Luther "Pop" Witherspoon at nine years of age. He represented the Liberty Hill Little League Baseball Allstars; and I represented the Allstars from Daniel Jenkins Projects. We became immediate friends; and later found our way to Bonds Wilson High School; where we became members of the graduating Class of 1965. We have been lifelong friends; and I will miss him greatly!!! God has smiled on you "Pop;" and he has set you free - Glory Be To God!
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09/13/2025
Cuz Tam and Cuz Maurice, our condolences during your loss. 🙏🏾❤️
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09/12/2025
To the entire family of Mr. James 'pop' Whiterspoon, heartfelt ♥️ prayers and condolences are being sent your way 🙏🏾. Words are not enough to express the sorrow that I feel. Family please resound in the precious memories of a life well lived ❤️. If I walk in the pathway of duty, if I work until the close of day, I shall see the great king in all his beauty. I shall rest at the close of the day, for there is joy at the end of the day, when I've gone the last mile of the way 💪🏿 🙌🏾 💔🙏🏾... God bless you family!!!
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