LANCASTER, SC ~ Andrew Owen Novinger (Andy) passed away peacefully at Atrium Health Main in Charlotte, NC on Friday, December 13, 2019, after a valiant, long struggle with myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer.  Andy was born October 4, 1960 in Trenton, Michigan to Claude and Florence Novinger.

He proudly served our country in the US Marines in California, Japan, and Georgia. While stationed in Georgia he was a member of the Honor Guard as well as the Color Guard for the Atlanta Braves. After leaving the Marines as a Sergeant, he continued as a licensed A&P mechanic/avionics technician throughout his career which took him around the world from Iceland to India. When he could no longer continue in aviation due to his disease, he became the DSS liaison at Counseling Services of Lancaster. He enjoyed his time there and the opportunity to assist those in crisis.

Beloved by many for his humor, intelligence, and kindness, he was an avid sports fan especially for all Michigan teams, no matter their record. Married in Savannah in 2000, Andy and his wife Sharon were the best of friends and their biggest supporters. Without Andy's encouragement and support Sharon could not have been so involved in the Lancaster community.

He is survived by his wife, Sharon Novinger; daughters, Megan Nelson (Matt) of Richmond Hill, GA and Victoria Salow (Artie) of Vallejo, CA; sisters Claudia (Mike) Crawford of Dearborn, MI; Susan Thomas (George) of Jonesville, MI; Ruth Freeman (Jim) of Lincoln Park, MI; and, Carolyn Upton (Greg) of Novi, MI; mother in law Jane Frain of Martinez, GA; and grandchildren Maddox, Claire, and Julia Nelson; and dear nieces and nephews along with a host of extended family and friends.

Andrew was preceded in death by his parents, Claude & Florence Novinger and father-in-law Ronald Frain.

Thank you to Levine Cancer Institute, Dr Jing Ai, the medical staff at CMC Main, and Palliative Care for their compassion throughout the past several years.

In lieu of flowers, please consider sending a memorial in honor of Andy to Counseling Services of Lancaster for their client financial assistance fund at P.O. Box 1627, Lancaster, SC 29721 or to Lancaster County Partners for Youth, P.O. Box 1023, Lancaster, SC 29721 for Lancaster Promise scholarships.

Visitation will be 5:00 – 8:00 pm Wednesday, December 18, 2019 at Burgess Funeral Home; Celebration of Life will be 10:00 am Thursday, December 19, 2019 at The Chapel of Burgess Funeral Home; and burial will be 1:00 pm Thursday at Ft. Jackson National Cemetery.