LANCASTER, SC. Mr. Delma E. Sawyer, age 81, passed away Tuesday, March 14, 2017 at the Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House in Rock Hill, SC. He was born March 17, 1935 in Lancaster, the son of the late Charlie H. Sawyer and Ila Casselman Sawyer. Delma was married for 61 years to the love his life, Marcie Jean McManus Sawyer. Mr. Sawyer graduated from Lancaster High School and served our country in the Army Reserve with 6 months of active duty. After 38 years of service, Mr. Sawyer retired from Bowater, Inc. where he held many positions; most notably, supervising the transition from Groundwood to the Thermo Mechanical Pulp Mill in 1986. He had a wonderful zest for life and enjoyed playing golf with his wife and many friends. He and Marcie enjoyed traveling with friends and family visiting all 50 states. For the last 20 years he enjoyed spending winter months with friends in Punta Gorda, Florida where he played golf almost every day!

Delma was a lifetime member of Calvary Baptist Church where he served in many roles including Deacon, Youth Leader, AWANA leader and many other leadership positions. He was a member of the Gideons International. He was a member of the Jackson Shrine Club and a founding member of the Red Rose Rambler square dancing group.

Mr. Sawyer is survived by his wife of 61 years, Marcie McManus Sawyer; two daughters, Melinda Sawyer, and Beverly (David) Taylor; his four grandchildren he deeply loved, Derek (Hollie) Taylor, Laura Grey (Chris) Milford, Dexter Baker and Abigail Baker; and one precious great granddaughter, Charlotte Taylor.

Mr. Sawyer was preceded in death by his parents; two infant siblings, Thaxton and Nadine Sawyer; and a beautiful great granddaughter, Caroline Taylor.

The Celebration of Life Service for Mr. Sawyer will be 11:00 am Friday, March 17, 2017 at Calvary Baptist Church by Rev. Jimmy Fox. Burial will follow at Lancaster Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends Thursday evening, March 16, 2017, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at Burgess Funeral Home, 1800 Charlotte Highway, Lancaster, SC and otherwise at 625 Eton Lane. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Wayne T. Patrick Hospice House, PO Box 993, Rock Hill, SC 29731 or Calvary Baptist Church, PO Box 1116, Lancaster, SC 29721