John David Bessinger III

BARNWELL - Mr. John David Bessinger III entered his heavenly home Monday, September 21, 2026 surrounded by his family.

Johnnie was born October 3, 1946 in Savannah, Georgia. His family moved from St. George, S.C. to Barnwell, S.C. when he was five years old. He was the son of the late John D. Jr. and Evelyn Haywood Bessinger. Johnnie graduated from Barnwell High School in 1966. He then attended Gardner Webb University, Boiling Springs, N.C. on a football scholarship and later graduated from Columbia Commercial College with a Business Degree.

Johnnie retired from the Savannah River Nuclear Solutions (SRNS) in 2009. He was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.

Johnnie served seven years as an E5 in the South Carolina Army National Guard, member of Harmony Masonic Lodge #17 and of El Bab Shriners. He was a past member of Omar Shrine Temple. In October 2019, Johnnie was awarded the Life Member award from Harmony Lodge 17. Johnnie served on the Barnwell County Transportation Committee from 2011-2013 representing District 4. In previous years, Johnnie enjoyed hunting and fishing and riding his Harley Davidson. He was an avid University of South Carolina Gamecock football fan. For over 30 years, he was in the stadium stands as well as following the USC Gamecocks on the road.

Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Sophia Renew Bessinger. He is also survived by his brother-in-law and wife, Ricky and Tina Renew; nieces and nephews, Whitney (Colton) Sanders, Madison Renew (Will Wilson), Blake & Sydney Renew, Kyle Renew (Morgan Stanley); and great nephews, Merritt and Wyatt Sanders. Johnnie is also survived by numerous cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased in death by his niece, Morgan Renew; father and mother-in-law, Shellie and Flossie Renew; and sister-in-law, Connie R. Cook of Barnwell.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude and love to Johnnie’s faithful and loving caregiver for the past 14 years, Teresa Gunnells. We would also like to thank Charlie Neal and Carl Davis in assisting his wife in transferring Johnnie to his doctor’s appointments. The family would also like to thank the staff at Amedisys Hospice Care for their care during this difficult time and especially for the care given by Mrs. Cierra B. Smith.

Services will be held Friday, September 25, 2026 at Calvary Baptist Church, Barnwell, South Carolina. Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. with services beginning at 2 p.m., officiated by Rev. Dean Deer and Rev. Timothy Gunnells. Graveside services with Masonic Rites will follow in the Barnwell County Memory Gardens Cemetery on Reynolds Rd. Honored to serve as pallbearers are Blake Renew, Kyle Renew, Colton Sanders, Will Wilson, Ricky Black, and Roland Brant.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Shriners Children’s Hospital, 2900 N. Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607 or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 50, Memphis, TN 38101.

Mole Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Sign the online guestbook at www.molefh.com.