Obituary of JT McCants

John Taylor "JT" McCants, 84, husband of Lessie Mae Thomas McCants, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 22, 2022, surrounded by his beloved family at Tidelands Georgetown Memorial Hospital. Born on March 30, 1938, in Williamsburg County, he was the firstborn of six children to the late John Titus McCants and the late Mary Dell Taylor McCants. Mr. JT was a founding member of Maryville Pentecostal Holiness Church for which he attended faithfully for the last 59 years, serving in many capacities which included deacon, bus driver, and eventually elder. He attended Williamsburg High School and worked at a little grocery store in Andrews when he met the absolute "love of his life" at a birthday party. Mr. JT often told any listening ear - when he met Lessie Mae Thomas, there was no doubt in his mind she was the other half to his whole. They were married on Thanksgiving Day of 1958, and Lessie Mae would always joke: "J's been giving thanks ever since." From their blessed union came their true pride and joy - their children: a daughter, Beth McCants Cribb (Charles) and a son, John Deryl McCants (Bec Bec). His children have always said "he was the best daddy," teaching and providing unconditional love in its purest form. While proudly serving his country and community as a member of the South Carolina National Guard, he provided for his family as a crane operator and later the woodyard supervisor for International Paper Company - where he retired to spend quality time with his family who he cherished so deeply. Mr. JT was the self-professed "jack of all trades - and a master of none," but he taught countless lessons and imparted invaluable wisdom to his children and family. The ultimate craftsman - there was nothing he couldn't build to the pinnacle of perfection with his own two hands. Always ready with a quick-witted comment, he left his grands with a slew of what they call "Pop-isms." "That's too much candy for a nickel." "I'll take a quarters worth of hundred-dollar bills." His favorite memories and past-times were fishing in Dawhoo Lake, watching old westerns, riding his "littlest darlins" on the golf cart, and most favorited of all - riding his Harley Davidson trike. In addition to his wife and children, he is survived by his "little darlins," grandchildren: Joni Cribb Grant (Shannon), Carmen Cribb Roberts (Mark), John Deryl McCants, Jr. (Lauren "Linda"), and Brandon McCants (Lauren "Arnie"); his "littlest darlins," great grandchildren: Bevan Ashley Grant and Beckett Thomas Grant; and his biggest surprise yet - four more great-grands on the way! His surviving siblings, Mary Dell McCants Cooper, Ann McCants Connelly, Rev. Ron McCants (Barbara), and Carol McCants Cook (Robert) and sister-in-law Kitty Wilson McCants (as well as numerous nieces, nephews and countless members of the communities he touched) will all miss him deeply. He was preceded in death by his brother, Joe McCants, brothers-in-law Rev. Alvin Cooper, Rev. Kenneth Connelly, and a great grandson, Evan Taylor Grant. Funeral services will be held at 3 PM Sunday, July 24, 2022, at Maryville Pentecostal Holiness Church. Burial will follow in Pennyroyal Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 4-6 PM on Saturday, July 23, 2022, at Maryville Pentecostal Holiness Church. Memorials can be made to Maryville Pentecostal Holiness Church, 2014 Poplar St, Georgetown SC 29440. Online condolences may be left at www.ridgewayfh.com Ridgeway Funeral Home of Georgetown is in charge of the arrangements. (843) 485-4242