Jonathan Sanders Onley

Jonathan Sanders Onley, 58, of Chapin, South Carolina, passed away on December 1, 2025. Born on December 8, 1966, in Columbia, South Carolina, Jonathan lived a life filled with curiosity, adventure, and a deep appreciation for the world around him.

Jonathan grew up in the Midlands and graduated from Irmo High School in 1985. Over the years, he worked as a delivery driver and Sprinter van driver for X-PO, a role that took him across the country and allowed him to explore the places he loved so much. Most recently, Jonathan was employed with Phillip Bailey Remodeling in Irmo, where he was known for his reliability, strong work ethic, and friendly nature.

His travels became a defining part of who he was—Jonathan visited every national park and every presidential library, and he never missed an opportunity to stop at national monuments or any point of interest that caught his eye. He also had a special talent for finding the best local restaurants in every town he visited.

A true Parrothead, Jonathan was a devoted fan of Jimmy Buffett and embraced the laid-back, joyful spirit of Buffett’s music. He also loved sports and tradition, he attended the Masters Tournament every year, had a passion for NASCAR, especially at Darlington Raceway, and was an avid University of South Carolina Gamecocks fan who loved Gamecock football.

Jonathan had many favorite places across the country, but he held a special fondness for Texas, the upper peninsula of Michigan, and Pass-a-Grille, Florida. A lifelong reader, he found joy and escape in books wherever he went.

Faith was an important part of his life, and he was a member of Chapin Presbyterian Church.

Jonathan is survived by his loving family: his mother, Valorie Onley Davis (Dan); his two sisters, Melanie Onley (Tod Willette) and Brantley Ballard (Chad); his brother-in-law, Steve Pruitt; his nephews, Sanders and Jake Pruitt; his nieces, Molly Agarwal (Rish) and Amanda Onley Willette; his great-niece, Zoey; and his great-nephew, Jayce. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Ray Onley; his sister, Ashley O. Pruitt; and his grandmother, Helen Kelley Sanders.

Jonathan was a beloved son and brother, and above all, he will be remembered for his kindness. Those who knew him—whether lifelong friends, coworkers, or people he met along his travels—always described him as genuinely kind, warm-hearted, and easy to love. He approached each day with a love for life and an eagerness to make every moment an adventure.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, December 7th at 2:00 PM at Chapin Presbyterian Church, with visitation to follow.

May his journeys continue in peace.