MOPH Chapter 817

It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Patriot Johnny Goodley (Sumter, South Carolina), who passed away on October 16, 2025, at the age of 75, leaving to mourn family and friends.

Viewing will be held on Monday, October 27th 2025 from 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at the Job's Mortuary (312 S Main St, Sumter, SC 29150). A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at 10:00 AM at the Salem Chapel & Heritage Center (101 S Salem Ave, Sumter, SC 29150). A burial will be held on Tuesday, October 28th 2025 at the Fort Jackson National Cemetery (4170 Percival Rd, Columbia, SC 29229).

Funeral arrangement under the care of
Job's Mortuary

I want to first apologize for the delayed post.
A beloved Patriot and Chapter 817's Adjutant Leroy Thompson, has gone to be with the Lord.

August 20, 1947 - May 11, 2025
Leroy Arthur Thompson, Jr., 77, husband of Mozell Scott Thompson and son of the late Leroy Thompson, Sr., and Rev. Emma Washington Thompson, was born on August 20, 1947 in Sumter, SC. He departed this life on Sunday, May 11, 2025 at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital, Sumter, SC.

Thank you Chapter 817 for the last 4 years of friendship. Thank you for treating me like family. I know I didn't fight the same war, but we fought for the same country and freedom. You will be missed greatly, I will come and visit. Please take care and keep in touch.

Another Chapter 817 Patriot, Donald Williams, has unfortunately departed us on March 27, 2024. There are no words to thank him for his Service and Sacrifice to our country. Till we meet again. Patriot Donald is seen with his nephew at one of our parades.

Funeral service for Patriot Donald Williams will be on Wednesday April 3rd at Second Presbyterian Church, 1125 Old Pocalla Road, Sumter,S.C. Please wear your class A uniform for the service. We will have special seating.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that you donate to a church organization or charity of your choice.

It is with a sad heart and tears in my eyes as I write this. Our beloved, hard working, brother in arms, Col Don Kellum has passed away. He spent his last days surrounded by his family. His son said that it was sudden and very unexpected. Patriot Don Kellum has done so much for our chapter and community and will be missed by many. His wife wants us to know that he is in a better place in Heaven then we all are here on Earth. The family asks for privacy as they mourn the loss and get over the shock. Please refrain for visiting or calling them for now. Patriot Don Kellum memorial ceremony possibly next month with details to follow.
https://www.theitem.com/stories/donald-arthur-kellum,413127

Our annual $2000 donation in gift cards to Shaw AFB Diamond counsel to support Airman in need over the Holidays.

A little late posting, but our Christmas party was a hit as usual. Good food, good fun, and great company

Chapter 817 participated in the Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony

Enjoying dinner together at the Second Mill Grill.

Donate blankets to Morris college by Nov 17

During May, Chapter 817 of Sumter, SC presented leadership awards to Jr. ROTC cadets to recognize outstanding leaders at all three area High Schools. Pictured above is the SC Department Adjutant and Chapter Finance Officer Brittany Lawson presenting the award to the outstanding cadet at Sumter High School.

Chapter 817 participated in the Sumter, SC Memorial Day Ceremony on May 29. The ceremony was conducted in Sumter’s American Legion Post 15 Auditorium and consisted of the traditional format that included an address by Colonel William Oden of the SC State Guard. Pictured above during the ceremony left to right are Patriots Johnny Williams and Don Kellum, Chapter Adjutant Leroy Thompson, Patriot Rom Harvin, Mrs. Odell Thompson, and Chapter Commander Harry Thompson.