SMOAKS – Mr. James Carlisle Avant, 93, of Smoaks, entered into rest Tuesday morning, December 2, 2025, at the Colleton Medical Center in Walterboro after having been a resident of the Veteran’s Victory House in Walterboro. He was twice married, first to the late Emma Benton Avant and secondly to the late Evelyn Canaday Avant.
Born October 18, 1932, in Islandton, South Carolina, he was a son of the late John Wesley Avant and the late Mary Minerva Crosby. He was a graduate of Lodge High School and had attended Carlisle Military Academy. Mr. Avant served faithfully in the United States Amry as a Sergeant and was a retired agent with many years of service to Life of Georgia Insurance Company. He, alongside his late wife, Emma, operated the iconic Avant’s Grocery in the Heart of Smoaks, providing a staple for over thirty-five years to a community they dearly loved.
Carlisle was a member of Smoaks Baptist Church and eventually moved his membership to Grover United Methodist Church following his marriage to Evelyn. He worked tirelessly for history and preservation of the historic Cross Swamp United Methodist Church in Islandton, thus playing an integral role in the establishing of the Cross Swamp Cemetery Association of which he served as Treasurer for countless years. He will always be remembered for his dedication to family, always calm demeanor, and welcoming personality.
Surviving are: two sons, Jimmy Avant (Bobbie) and Wesley Avant of Smoaks; two grandchildren as well as several great grandchildren and a host of nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Evelyn’s children, Rodney Canaday (Jackie) and Allan Canaday (Denise). He was preceded in death by siblings, Mary Connelly (Riddick), Julia O’Quinn (Woodrow), Jenny Walling (Denmon), Jannett Blewer (Harold) Clark Avant (Maxine), and Berry Avant (Earlene).
The family has requested that memorials be directed in his memory to: Cross Swamp Cemetery Association.
Funeral services were conducted at 2 o’clock Thursday afternoon, December 4, 2025, from the graveside at Cross Swamp Cemetery, Islandton.
Arrangements By: The Brice W. Herndon And Sons Funeral Homes And Crematory, Walterboro Chapel, 1193 Bells Highway, Walterboro, 843.538.5408. Visit the registry online at: www.briceherndonfuneralhome.com.
