John Heyward McCants

John Heyward McCants, 86, of Andrews, South Carolina, son of the late James Bright McCants and Pearl Cook McCants, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 10, 2014. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral service at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, November 12, 2014 at the First Baptist Church of Andrews, 10 N. Rosemary, Andrews, SC. Private burial will follow.The family will receive friends between 6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, November 11, 2014, at the Carolina Memorial Funeral Chapel, 7113 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC. The family will also receive friends between 12:00 noon and 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2014, at First Baptist Church of Andrews. Heyward was born on May 10, 1928 in the Oak Ridge Community of Williamsburg County, SC. He attended Williamsburg County schools where he met his first wife, Doris Lee Cottingham. Heyward and Dottie were married for 62 years and had three children, Roger H. McCants, Jerry B. McCants and J. Lynn McCants. Heyward and Dottie operated several businesses in Kingstree and Greeleyville, SC before moving to North Charleston in 1952. Heyward worked at Westvaco for 16 years and then owned and operated McCants Service Station at the corner of East Montague and Mixon Avenue for 25 years. He was a well known businessman in the North Charleston community and he faithfully served all of his customers. In addition to selling gas and fixing flat tires, he was regularly called upon to go to the home of his elderly customers to help with minor emergencies including assisting customers who were ill, hurt or fallen. Heyward retired from the service station in 1993 and then Heyward and Dottie traveled regularly with Dottie's siblings, Juanita Gordon, Sam Cottingham, Elton Cottingtham and their spouses. Heyward was active in North Charleston civic affairs and served as a member and then as Chairman of the Election Commission for the City of North Charleston for over 40 years. After Dottie died in 2007 Heyward moved to Andrews and married Wanda Cox in 2011. Heyward and Wanda enjoyed his Williamsburg County farm and visiting with their family and friends. He was a member of the First Baptist Church of Andrews. In addition to his wife, Wanda, he is survived by his two sons, Roger H. McCants (Diane) and J. Lynn McCants (Stephanie), both of Mt. Pleasant, SC; his grandchildren, R. Darren McCants, Bobby McCants, Becky Messina, Lauren Alexander, John L. McCants, Jr., MaryCole McCants and Will H. McCants; nine great grandchildren; step daughter, Sharon Fenters (Dave) of Kingstree, SC; stepson, Clifford Cox, Jr. (Laurie) of Andrews, SC; sister, Virgina Duncan of Lake City, SC and best friend and brother-in-law Walter C. Cottingham of Kingstree, SC. He was predeceased by his son, Jerry B. McCants, and his brothers, Raymond O. McCants, Charles R. McCants, James L. McCants and Jerome B. McCants. Memorials may be made to the Hospice Center of Charleston, 676 Wando Park Boulevard, Mt. Pleasant 29464 or First Baptist Church of Andrews.