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John Monroe Colyer, Jr., of Florence, South Carolina, died on Sunday, April 24, 2016. He was born on March 24, 1961, the son of John Monroe and Virginia Snapp Colyer at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. His father’s military assignments took him as a small boy to live in Japan and London, finally settling in Woodburn, Oregon. He loved all kinds of music, sports, the Oregon Ducks, and was the captain of his football and baseball teams. In 1983 he earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from Southern Oregon State University. John said he was very fortunate to have been recruited from college by Sonoco, a great company with fine people. After moving around the world with Sonoco, he was eventually able to make Florence and Hartsville his beloved home. He had a genuine love for life. He travelled the world and was excited to experience new cultures and people. He was a passionate hiker and adventurer and in quiet moments spent time gardening or enjoying music. But he was happiest spending time with his family and friends. John loved challenges and climbing mountains. His bright blue eyes and cheerful smile would cheer up anyone anywhere, in all situations – from hiking trails to board rooms. He had a unique ability to focus and be fully present with whomever he was with and whatever he was doing. Whether at work or play, John wanted to make sure everyone was doing well and having fun. Following a distinguished 33-year career John retired from Sonoco as Senior Vice President of Global Industrial Converted Products and Protective Solutions where he demonstrated visionary leadership, dedication and a unique ability to grow a business. He was active in numerous industry associations and served on the Board of Directors of the South Carolina Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics Foundation. He was the recipient of the Major James Lide Coker Award for Leadership from Sonoco, which honors individuals who embrace change and support individuals and teams in their career and personal development, while consistently displaying leadership and courage, leaving a lasting impression on Sonoco and its people. It was often said that no one exemplified superior leadership more than John Colyer. He never followed the status quo, in life or at work. He spent his entire working life at Sonoco, working his way up from the warehouse to the board room. Along the way, he asked the tough questions and took the time to compassionately mentor people, leading the company into the future. John’s most difficult mountain to climb was his battle with cancer, during which time he never ceased to have strength, love for everyone, praise and trust in God. He will be remembered as an extraordinary man, with a loving heart, physical, mental, and emotional strength, courage, and relentless optimism. John is survived by his loving wife, Karen Pace Colyer of Florence; son, Jonathan of Edwardsville, IL; daughter, Katie and her husband, Derek Blair, of Carthage, NY; brother, Jeff, and his wife Xiao Yan of Granbury, TX; and his grandson, Cole Jonathan, son of Katie and Derek. A visitation will be held on Friday, May 13th from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at Brown Pennington Atkins Funeral Home in Hartsville, SC. A memorial service celebrating John’s extraordinary life will be held in Florence, SC on May 14th at 2:00 pm at the First Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made to the Robert Preston Tisch Brain Tumor Center at Duke University; the SC Governor’s School for Science and Mathematics Foundation and the First Baptist Church of Florence.

Tributes

Mr. John Monroe Colyer, Jr.

March 24, 1961 - April 24, 2016