Section: A Lot: 7B Grave: 3
James Ray Threadgill
Born: November 19th, 1935
Died: March 11th, 2026
Obituary
James Ray Threadgill Obituary
James "Ray" Threadgill, age 90, of Columbia, South Carolina, passed away on March 11, 2026, after courageously battling cancer.
Ray was born on November 19, 1935, in Ansonville, North Carolina, to his mother, Nancy Della Simpson Ponds, and his father, Fred David Threadgill. He was later lovingly raised by his mother and stepfather, Ellis Ponds.
From 1953 to 1956, Ray proudly served as a Paratrooper for the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina, demonstrating courage, discipline, and a deep commitment to his country.
He lived a long and meaningful life marked by his devotion to family, kindness, service, and a warm sense of humor that stayed with him throughout the years. Ray spent over 40 years working in the fire protection sprinkler system field, retiring from Palmetto Automatic Sprinkler Company (PASCO) after decades of dedicated service. He later continued his professional work through Advance Ray's Enterprise, specializing in backflow testing. His strong work ethic, reliability, and craftsmanship earned him deep respect throughout the industry.
Ray found joy in fishing, watching NASCAR, cheering for the Lady Gamecocks, participating in car clubs and attending car shows, and working in his yard. He especially cherished his wife of over 50 years, Ann Joy Peake Threadgill, who remained the center of his world throughout their life together.
His steady presence and gentle spirit touched everyone who knew him.
He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Ann Joy Peake Threadgill; his children, Vickie Rae Threadgill, Tommy Reid Threadgill (Tammy), Howard "Mike" Haltiwanger (Donna), Jeffrey "Jeff' Kent Haltiwanger (Dawn), Mark Legare Haltiwanger (Teresa); grandchildren, Travis Eugene Payne, Berry Cook Jr., Angie Michelle Jones, Amber Nicole Threadgill, Kevin Ray Threadgill, Howard "Michael" Haltiwanger II, Jeffrey Kent Haltiwanger, Sarah Leann Haltiwanger; and 11 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense joy. Ray is also survived by his brother, Jack Threadgill (Juanita) of Covington, Georgia.
He was preceded in death by his daughter, Ava Grace Threadgill; his daughter, Nancy Lee Threadgill Cook; his son, James Ray "Junior" Threadgill, Jr.; his brother, Fred David Threadgill Jr. (Mary Ann) of Charlotte, North Carolina, and his grandchildren, Tommy Reid Threadgill, Jr. and Brian Ray Payne.
The love Ray shared with his brothers was a bond that could never be broken.
The family extends special thanks to his devoted caregivers, Janice Joyner and Mary Jackson, and to the Lighthouse Hospice Group for their compassionate care and support.
A funeral service to celebrate his life will be held Saturday, March 21, 2026 at 2:00 pm at Powers Funeral Home with burial to follow in Greenhaven Memorial Gardens. The Rev. Stewart Kidd will officiate. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1-2 pm at the funeral home.