Bernard Manning

A memorial service for Bernard Manning, age 99, of Columbia, SC will be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, on Saturday, December 28 at 2:00 pm. Burial with military honors will follow in the Trinity churchyard. A visitation will be held on Friday December 27 at Still Hopes Retirement Community, Guignard Mansion, West Columbia from 5-7 pm. Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel is handling arrangements.

Mr. Manning passed away Thursday, December 19, 2024. Born on September 7, 1925, in Columbia, SC, he was the son of the late Wyndham Meredith Manning and Laura Anne Stevens Manning. His childhood was spent in the Stateburg community of Sumter County.

He attended the schools in Sumter County and then Episcopal High School in Alexandria, VA. Bernard interrupted his studies at The Citadel to proudly serve in the Army infantry in the European Theater during World War II. Following his return, he resumed his studies at the University of Virginia. They were once again interrupted by his volunteering to serve in the US Army in Korea, where he again saw combat. Upon his return, he attended USC Law School and graduated in 1952. His distinguished legal career included serving as a trial attorney for the US Department of Justice Antitrust Division in Cleveland, Ohio. He returned to Columbia, SC as an attorney for Sinclair Refining Company. Beginning in 1957, Bernard spent the majority of his career in General Practice completing his career as an attorney and officer at Seibels, Bruce & Company and its affiliated companies.

In 1960 on January 1, he saw Elizabeth “Betty” Carrison Waite from Camden, SC at a New Year’s Day party. After a whirlwind 16-day courtship, he proposed and married Betty that May. They enjoyed life together in Columbia raising their daughter, Elizabeth, and always enjoying their friends and family. Mr. Manning was involved in his community. He was a Republican pioneer most active in Richland County, and he assisted the Party with numerous legal matters over the 1960s - 1980s. He enjoyed being in many clubs and organizations including the St. Andrews Society, St. John’s Hunt Club, Society of the High Hills of the Santee, SC Historical Society, Society of The Cincinnati, Drama Club, Hansom Wheels, and a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral. For most of Betty and Bernard’s marriage, they lived on Greene Street until moving to Still Hopes Episcopal Community in 2004. Throughout his life, Bernard was a gentleman to all, a devoted husband and father, a life-long learner with a deep knowledge of current and historical events as well as a kind and humble man with a delightful sense of humor.

He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Carrison Manning Dorn (Walt) of Columbia, SC, Walter Patrick Dorn IV of Eagle, CO, Laura Manning Dorn (John Coleman) of Columbia, SC, and Margaret Ballenger Dorn of St. Petersburg, FL and many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his wife, Elizabeth Carrison Waite Manning, and their infant daughter, Caroline Sinkler Manning. He was also predeceased by his siblings, Richard Irvine Manning, Elizabeth Allen Manning Clewe, Charles Stevens Manning, and Wyndham Meredith Manning Jr.

The family suggests memorials be made to Trinity Episcopal Cathedral, 1100 Sumter Street, Columbia, SC 29201 or the Resident Assistance Fund, Still Hopes Episcopal Retirement Community, PO Box 2959, West Columbia, SC 29171.

The family extends their gratitude to the entire Still Hopes community, including the dedicated staff, with heartfelt thanks to the caregivers at Solutions for Living at Home and Prisma Home Hospice for their unwavering kindness and compassionate care during this time.

Memories may be shared at www.dunbarfunerals.com