Von Boland Bickley

Von Boland Bickley, 76, of Leesville, was born July 18, 1948 and departed this earth for his Heavenly home on September 26, 2024 surrounded by his family. He grew up on Meeting Street in West Columbia and had some pretty wild times from the stories we've heard. Von was drafted into the Army after high school and spent 2 years in Germany as part of the Army Security Agency. He also played a lot of foosball and kept the hofbrauhauses in business. Von met the love of his life on a blind date and spent many happy years on Pisgah Church Road before spending his last years on Swamp Rabbit Road. He worked as an electrician and later became what we considered a master wood worker, which was his favorite hobby. Von took great pride in the yard and flower gardens he and Mom created. If he had any regrets, it would be that he never got well enough to use his zero turn lawnmower and mom claimed it as her own.

Von had many stories he loved to share, and enjoyed hearing other peoples. He never met a stranger and had great conversations with everyone who crossed his path. He loved to talk and held on to his memories closely by sharing them. Von had favorite stories he enjoyed recounting about his youth, his family, and silly things his grandkids did over the years. A lover of laughter, he always knew the right time to crack a joke and never failed to put a smile on everyone’s face. His favorite donut was raspberry filled and he said he never met an ice cream flavor that he didn’t like. We will remember the memories he kept alive and the joy he brought to each of us.

In addition to his parents, Colie and Frances Bickley, he was preceded in death by his older sister, Caro Slice. We are comforted by the fact that they were there to greet him with open arms when he crossed to the other side.

He leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Lu Gantt Bickley; daughter, Scarlett Bickley; son, Kelly Sease Bickley and and daughter-in-law, Nicky Bickley; as well as four grandchildren who he deeply loved was very proud of - Marley, Wyatt, Morgan and Cole. He is also survived by his sister, Retha; and brothers, Rhett and David.

The family would like to extend a personal thank you to Von's longtime family physician, Dr. J. Edward Golay, and also to all the friends and family who have covered us in prayer.  We will continue to make him proud and look forward to the day we see him again.

A memorial service will be held at 3 o'clock on Friday, October 4th at Pine Grove Baptist Church, 235 Pine Grove Road Leesville, SC with visitation immediately following.