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February 26, 2026
Capt. Ernest J. Drew
South Carolina Wing
SC-002
Ernest James "Jim" Drew, born September 29, 1948, in Marion, South Carolina, passed away early Saturday morning, December 13, 2025, at McLeod Regional Medical Center in Florence, South Carolina, following an illness.
Jim was raised in Marion, where he attended school and built lifelong connections in the area. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ernest Drew and Elsie Mae Alford Drew and by his beloved wife, Linda Collins Drew, whom he married in 1967. They shared 54 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2022.
Jim retired after more than 30 years of dedicated service with BellSouth/AT&T. Service was a defining part of Jim's life. He proudly served his country in the United States Navy, stationed in San Pedro, California, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Jim also devoted his time to mentoring and leadership, serving as a Boy Scout troop leader, where he shared his love for the outdoors. An accomplished pilot, he volunteered with the Civil Air Patrol, combining his passion for flying with service to others.
Above all, Jim's greatest devotion was to his faith and his church, Mullins First Baptist Church. He served faithfully as a deacon and on numerous committees. In later years, he became the church's audio-visual specialist, implementing systems that allowed church services to be broadcast and shared with a wider community.
Jim is survived by his son, James Burke Drew (Laura) of Holly Springs, North Carolina, and his grandson, Rowan Drew; his sister, Gwen Haigh of Elgin; brothers, John Drew of Mullins and Lonnie Drew (Vickie) of Moncure, NC; his brothers-in-law, Mike Collins (Faye) of Mullins and Steve Collins (Karen) of Florence; a special friend, Stewart Hickman of Greer, SC; along with several nieces and nephews.