Albert Lee Wardlaw Jr.

Albert Lee “Pete” Wardlaw, Jr. entered this earth on October 10, 1926 and departed from this life on September 26, 2023 at age 96. He was a life-long resident of Columbia and lived most of his life making Columbia a better place. He graduated from Episcopal High School, Alexandria, Va. in 1944. While attending Episcopal High he earned his Eagle Scout Rank in 1942. At the age of 17 he entered World War II. He served on a destroyer as part of the Asiatic Fleet in the North China Sea. As a World War II veteran, he joined the Honor Flight with other veterans to visit Washington DC in 2016 with his grandson, Lee, which made the visit very special.

After the end of World War II, he returned to Columbia and entered The University of South Carolina in 1946. He received a Degree in Business and his Masters. While at USC he lettered in Swimming. He was always an excellent athlete and played tennis, and continued to play golf into his midnineties. With two other partners he started Bay Brokerage Company and ran a very successful food brokerage until 1982. With the encouragement of his good friend, Walter Keenan, he began another successful career in Commercial Real Estate being the Top Producer in 1986. He was the recipient of the Colliers International South Carolina first President's Award. He worked at The Keenan Company, now Colliers International, until September 13, 2023. Pete was born with a strong work ethic and his love of everyone at Colliers gave him a lot of purpose in life.

Pete was part of many organizations and served in many capacities. He was Past President of SC Carillon Ball, Tarantella Club, Columbia Food Brokers Association, Founding member and Past President of The Summit Club. The Centurion Society, and Bay Brokerage Company. He was a Past Board Member of Forest Lake Country Club, Pine Tree Hunt Club, Columbia Cotillion Club and SC Vocational Rehab Facility. He also served on The Advisory Board for The State/Record Newspapers and National Food Brokers Association.

It is with great sadness he leaves behind his wife of 42 years, Sandra Fasano Wardlaw, children, Jeanne W. Sprott (Tommy) and James Field Wardlaw (Elizabeth), David Dantzler Whitlaw, Jr. (Lisa) and Shannon Marie Bradley (Robert). His grandchildren; William R. Sprott, Lucille Jane Wardlaw, Lee Walker Wardlaw, Christopher Shahan Whitlaw, Jack Fasano Whitlaw, Jennan Elaine Bradley, Brigit Marie Bradley and Campion Christopher Bradley. And nephew, E. Stuart Wardlaw (Wendy). He was pre-deceased in death by his son, Christoper Fasano Whitlaw, his brother, William Elliott Wardlaw and niece, Felicia W. Sperr.

The family would like to extend their appreciation to Prisma Health Hospice: Dr. Karin Jenkins, Vistina Johnson, NP, Kelly Hane, Paula Dean — and everyone else involved in taking care of Pete.

He was a lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. Memorials may be sent to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201.

Friends and family are invited to attend Graveside services on Monday, October 2, 2023 at 11:00 am, Elmwood Cemetery, conducted by The Very Reverend Dane E. Boston, for a celebration of his beautiful life. He had a unique way of loving and caring about everyone. A reception will be held following the service at the home of Dr. & Mrs. Robert Bradley.

He entered this world full of southern charm and grace.

His beautiful blue eyes saw only good in everyone.

He truly made this world a better place.

A loving shining light whose space on this earth

will be filled in the heavenly stars at night.

To know him is to forever love him.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com.