John Lawrence Bouknight

COLUMBIA - John Lawrence Bouknight died Friday, July 3, 2015. Born in Columbia September 25, 1945, he was the son of the late Herbert U. Bouknight and Helen Harbort Bouknight. John grew up in Columbia and joined the Navy in 1962, retiring at the rank of Senior Chief Petty Officer in 1982. He served aboard the USS Alacrity, USS Lexington, USS Sanctuary, USS Saratoga, and USS MacDonough and visited 31 countries during his service. After his retirement he started his own business, Bouknight Heating and Air that he operated until his retirement in 1991. After retiring, he enjoyed a life in the country maintaining large acreage. He was an avid supporter of our constitutional right to keep and bear arms as well as being a Benefactor member of the NRA. His hobbies included repairing and restoring antique military guns and vintage pocket watches. He is survived by his beloved wife of 42 years, Melody Hudson Bouknight; two brothers, Herbert U. Bouknight, Jr. of Mooresville, NC, David E. Bouknight (Shirley) of Columbia, SC; and sister, Betty Stokes; as well as several nieces, nephews and cousins. In lieu of a funeral service, there will be a private Celebration of John’s life for close friends and family on July 18, 2015. Memorials may be sent to ASPCA.