Dolfo Jefferson Cain Jr.

Born on December 6th, 1942, in Orangeburg, South Carolina, Dolfo was the son of Beulah Whetstone Cain and Dolfo Jefferson Cain, Sr. He was the second of seven children, and a kind and loving son. Early in his youth his actions reflected the priority family would play in the rest of his life. His dedication to family shined through as he gave up after school activities and sports to work as a stock boy and cashier at the A&P grocery store to help support his family.

In 1961, Dolfo graduated from Orangeburg High School and set his sights on attending college. He loved to tell the story of the night he walked into his parents’ room and announced his plans. They asked how he would afford school and he said “I’m gonna pay for it. I’m gonna save my money and make it work.” In his own words, “and that was that.” Through church fundraising and several academic scholarships, he matriculated at the University of South Carolina in Columbia that fall. He worked several jobs through college and married Beverly Jean Bell on New Years Eve in 1965. He graduated with a degree in business administration and accounting in 1966. A prouder Gamecock you would never find.

His professional career began with Spring Mills in Lancaster, South Carolina. The couple later moved to Mount Pleasant to join Ruscon Corporation in Charleston, SC in 1970. He rose to become President of the company’s CES division. Later, he joined Blanchard Machinery Caterpillar in Columbia, SC, where he served as Vice President of Customer Service until his retirement.

Dolfo’s greatest joy in life was family. He and Beverly shared 49 years of marriage and raised two daughters, Tracey Lynn Baker and Sherry Elizabeth Gibson. He faithfully encouraged his daughters to live life to its fullest by spending countless hours taking them to various sports activities, leading family camping adventures in their pop up tent camper, and sailing trips around the rivers of Charleston. And when his children finally settled on a passion for horses, he spent many weekend hours trailering horses throughout the Southeast for Horse Shows creating treasured family memories along the way.

Dolfo and Beverly made the most of their time together. They loved sailing aboard their boat, Raising Cain, golfing, bowling, tailgating at University of South Carolina’s William Brice Stadium, and traveling to exciting places such as Hong Kong and Spain. They had many wonderful memories, including the time their boat ran aground in the Cooper River and they spent a memorable evening camping on a sandbar until the tide came in. Their home was filled with laughter, hospitality, and friendship.

Following Beverly’s passing, Dolfo was blessed to find love again through his church Sunday school class, and enjoyed eight years of marriage with his second wife, Dot Nivens, who passed away in 2023.

One of Dolfo’s favorite roles was that of “Papa” or “Babo”. He was immensely proud of his six grandchildren, Allison, Amanda, and Emily Baker, and Grace, Bailey, and Ian Gibson. From swim meets to soccer matches, and graduations to weddings, he loved supporting his grandchildren. He was patient and present, whether time with grandchildren meant a long walk, deep conversation, or family game night. He built a personal relationship with each one of his grandchildren, and loved both listening to their exploits and sharing his own.

Dolfo was known for his magnetic personality, charisma, and remarkable ability to make friends wherever he went. He was a gifted listener who genuinely cared and wanted to learn about others, a respected leader in both business and his church, and an active member of organizations including the Gideons, Sertoma Club and Toastmasters. Above all, his life was anchored by a deep and abiding faith in Jesus Christ, which guided his relationships, work, and service to others.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Beulah and Dolfo Cain, Sr; his beloved wife, Beverly Cain; his sister, Duane Barrett; his brother, Walter Cain; and his grandson, William Baker. He was also preceded by his wife, Dorothy (Dot) Nivens Cain; and his close friend from Oakleaf Village, Joyce Hook.

Dolfo is survived by his daughters, Tracey Lynn Baker (Eddie) and Sherry Elizabeth Gibson (John); his siblings, Jimmie Story, Matella Rudd, Melissa Cain, and Albert Cain; his six cherished grandchildren, Allison, Grace, Bailey, Amanda, Ian, and Emily; and many beloved family members and dear friends whose lives are forever enriched by knowing him.

Dolfo’s legacy is characterized by unwavering faith, steadfast love for family, generous friendship, humble leadership, and a life well lived in the state of South Carolina, which he loved dearly. He leaves behind generations who will remember his laughter, love for a cold coca-cola and a moon pie, classic southern charm, and the example he set of living each day with purpose, integrity, and joy.

There will be a visitation at 10:00 am on Saturday, July 25th, 2026 at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home at 503 N. Lake Drive in Lexington, SC with a Celebration of Life service following at 11:00 am and a Graveside Blessing afterward at Woodridge Memorial Park at 136 Corley Mill Road in Lexington, SC.

The family would like to express the heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate caregivers at All Season Hospice and the dedicated staff of OakLeaf Village of Lexington Memory Care and Assisted Living Facility. Your kindness, dignity, and loving care provided comfort to Dolfo and peace to our family during his final days. We are deeply grateful for the compassion you showed him each and every day.