Kenneth Thomas Pereira

Kenneth joined the Navy in 1946 when he was 17 years old. He was proud to have served at the Hospital Oahu and completed Hospital Corps School there. After discharge, he drove an ambulance, dabbled in construction, and began a long career in law enforcement.

Kenneth retired as the Chief of Police at the University of South Carolina. He was a jack of all trades and built multiple homes for his children. He was a kind, generous man who loved spending his time with his family.

He is survived by his wife, Vera Pereira; daughters, Dale E. (Robert) Free, Kim P. (Michael) Hutchins, Lori P. (Jim) Kirkham, Gerri L. (Jim) McGoldrick, and Rene’ P. (Kevin) King; Step-daughters, Rebecca (Allen) Lutz, Susana Wooten and Tammy (Jason) Augustin; Step-son, Walter Ray Wooten; 21 grand children, 28 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his parents and his first wife, Helen R. Pereira. He was also predeceased by 3 brothers and a sister.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, June 8, 2024 at the Chapel of Hope at Southland Memorial Gardens, 700 West Dunbar Road, West Columbia, SC 29170.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to all of the doctors, nurses, and staff who attended to him and kept him comfortable.