Jon Owen Pickett (8-10-12)

Jon Owen Pickett, 71, of Florence, S.C., passed away in a Florence hospital on Friday, Aug. 10, following an illness.

Jon, the son of Wallace and Nadine Pickett, was born on Aug. 18, 1940, in Savannah. He spent the majority of his working life in the shipping department of Stone Container in Darlington, S.C., until his retirement.

In December of 1959, Jon married his first wife, Jean Webb Pickett, who fell ill and passed away in October of 1984.

The couple’s daughter,Tracey, described Jon as a loyal caregiver, simultaneously working the swing shift at Stone Container and tending to the needs of his wife, who required in-home medical care. He was, Tracey said, extremely devoted.

In fact, the word "devotion" is often mentioned in conversations about Jon.

He was a devoted friend, one of those rare people who was both liked and respected by everyone who knew him. He seemed to have a sixth sense when dealing with people, and depending on the setting and situation, he capably and willingly filled the roles of comforting friend, cautionary business advisor and wry jokester with both ease and enthusiasm.

He was a devoted husband. A living embodiment of the philosophy that a friend is someone who knows you for exactly what you are, and loves you anyway, Jon and Faye, his wife of the past 26 years, opened their home to a revolving door of visitors each Sunday morning. Friends in need of a bite to eat, a sympathetic shoulder to cry on, or just a good laugh, could always find it here. Everyone was invited; everyone was welcome.

He was also a devoted sports fan, with allegiances to the Atlanta Braves, the Boston Red Sox, professional golf, and of course, NASCAR. He was also an avid reader, particularly enjoying the work of Stephen King and Dean Koontz.

Jon is survived by his wife and best friend, Billie Faye Pickett; a daughter, Tracey Kosin and husband Roy; a son, Greg and wife Cindy; a grandson, Webb Kosin; two granddaughters, Jennifer Kosin and Lauren Kosin; five stepchildren, Elizabeth Broach Little; Eugene Broach; LeGrande Broach and wife Peggy; Genise Broach Calcutt and husband Ron; Mervin Watkins and fiancée Susie; and Randy Robinson; a twin brother, Joe Pickett and wife Sherry; a sister-in-law, Mamie Purvis; his beloved pet greyhound, Brandy; and many relatives and dear friends who will sorely miss his congenial company.

Jon was predeceased by his parents, Wallace and Nadine Pickett; his first wife, Jean Webb Pickett; and a son, Tony Pickett.

Visitation took place Sunday, Aug. 12 from 2-4 p.m. at the home, 463 Quail Point Drive, Florence, S.C. A private memorial service will be held at a later date.