Zander Kage Jeffcoat

Zander is the son of Russell “Rusty” Jeffcoat and Cassie Spence. He is the baby brother to his oldest sibling, Ana’Liza “Izzy” Jeffcoat, and niece, Estella. He is the oldest brother to his half siblings, Cheyanne, Sean, and Carter. He is the grandson of surviving grandparent, Victoria “Gail” Knotts. He is the nephew of Thea and Ahn Salmonson, Tonya and Steve Swalgren, Tori and Todd White, and Brett Kinsey. He was the youngest male cousin of the numerous first and second cousins.

From an early age, Zander’s drive and discipline revealed themselves in the ways he committed to what he loved and pursued what challenged him. He graduated from Lexington High School, where his determination and steady focus helped shape a life marked by momentum, purpose, and promise.

Zander’s education and ambition extended well beyond the classroom. In elementary school, he participated in Run Hard, an experience that changed his life and set him on a path defined by endurance and aspiration. Though he was an All-Star Lexington Dixie Youth baseball player, Zander discovered a deeper calling in distance running—trading cleats for running shoes and embracing the long stretch of road ahead. Known for his buzz cut and his refusal to be slowed down by anything unnecessary, he became a Lexington High School varsity runner as early as 7th grade, earning varsity letters in both cross country and track. His achievements, including broken records, became a standard younger athletes looked up to, and his presence in the running community left an imprint that will not fade.

Recognizing life beyond the track, Zander continued his education in culinary arts, beginning in high school. His talent was evident early, allowing him to waive multiple prerequisites as his ability in the kitchen spoke for itself. He began working at Sonic, quickly realizing that milkshakes and burgers came easily, and moved on to a dishwasher position at a local BBQ spot, Belly’s. With characteristic persistence and a willingness to learn every part of the craft, he mastered all the kitchen had to offer and carried both his running and culinary gifts to Nashville.

In Nashville, Zander became a signing cross country runner for Belmont University, balancing college classes, college-level athletics, and the demands of young adulthood with remarkable energy and resolve. He thrived in the kitchen and was not eager to leave the city, because there was still so much he wanted to learn. Aspiring to become a cruise chef, Zander continued to pursue the next step with the same forward motion that defined his life—always reaching for the next adventure, the next opportunity, and the next life to touch. Bright and unforgettable in his presence, he impacted the communities of running, baseball, Lexington, Nashville, and beyond. His legacy is honored through the many experiences he accomplished in a life that moved swiftly, yet meaningfully.

Visitation will be held at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home - Lexington Chapel, 503 N. Lake Dr, Lexington, South Carolina 29072, on June 6, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Mt. Horeb Church, 1205 Old Cherokee Road, Lexington, South Carolina 29072, on June 7, 2026, at 1:30 pm.