John (Fred) Fredrick Saverance

Lieutenant Colonel John F. Saverance was born October 17, 1936 in Cartersville, SC to Robert M. and Dorothy Schueller Saverance. His early years were spent on the family farm in the Fair Hope Community. Attending Lamar Schools, he graduated from Lamar High having played quarterback for the football team and driven a school bus route. From Lamar, he next attended the University of South Carolina, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Electro-Mechanical Engineering. He joined class 61-G for undergraduate pilot training at Spence AFB in Moultrie, Ga., after marrying Lorraine Lee to whom he was married for 64 years. After completing pilot training, the Saverances were assigned to Pope Air Force Base near Fayetteville North Carolina. While there, Fred flew C-123 aircraft and their son Robert was born. Later, they moved to Eglin AFB in the Florida Panhandle where their son Julian was born. After completing two tours in Vietnam, the family moved to Florence and Fred became an instructor in the early years of Florence Darlington Tech. He continued his military flying as a member of the North Carolina Air National Guard where he flew C-124 and C-121 aircraft. During this time he also became a Designated Pilot Examiner with the FAA beginning a long involvement with general aviation throughout South Carolina. In November of 1967, he was appointed to the South Carolina Air National Guard and flew F-102, T-33, A-7D, and C-131 aircraft. In 1973, the family moved to Columbia where Fred began work with the South Carolina Division of General Services. After having served as assistant director of General Services, he retired from both the State and the Air National Guard. He moved back home to Lamar, S.C. and continued his work as a Pilot Examiner working extensively with an international aviation school in Conway. For several years, he hosted these international students at his home in Lamar for Christmas Dinner. A lifelong member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, he enjoyed plant visits and meeting with the group. He served on the Board of the Pee Dee Electric Cooperative and was always in his church, Sardis Baptist, on Sunday morning having served in many capacities in all of his home churches. Mr. Saverance was pre-deceased by both Parents and his daughter-in-law Dawn Williams Saverance. He is survived by his wife, Lorraine; sister, Phyllis (Jay) Lambeth; his two sons Robert (Mindy) and Julian; and five Grandchildren, John (Graysen) Saverance, Andrew Saverance, Madeline Saverance, Carsyn (Connor) Faile, and Macie Saverance. Funeral services will be held at Sardis Baptist Church in Timmonsville, SC on Saturday, April 27, 2024 at 1 pm. Visitation will directly follow the service. There will be a private family interment. Memorials may be made to Sardis Baptist Church, 3129 Sardis Highway, Timmonsville, S.C. 29161.

John (Fred) Fredrick Saverance

October 17, 1936 - April 20, 2024