James Henry Cavin

Spartanburg, SC- James Henry Cavin, 93, died suddenly on Thursday, December 12, 2013 at his residence. Born November 20, 1920, in Atlanta, Georgia, he was the son of Hugh Weaver Cavin and Marie Wright Cavin. Mr. Cavin was a graduate of Spartanburg High School, class of 1938, where he played on the basketball and football teams. He served his country as a first class pharmacist mate assigned to the 4th Beach Battalion in the United States Navy during WWII with tours of duty in Arzew, North Africa , Gela, Sicily, Salerno, Italy, and southern France. Mr. Cavin worked for Hammond Brown Jennings Furniture Company for 52 years. After retiring as sales manager of HBJ, Mr. Cavin established Bethel Tours (later renamed Cavin Tours) and directed sightseeing tours abroad and throughout the United States. He was an active member of Bethel United Methodist Church and the H.F. Chreitzburg Sunday School Class. In addition to singing in the church choir, Mr. Cavin served as Superintendent of Sunday School, member of the Board of Trustees, Work Area of Education, Evangelism, Finance, and Pastor Parrish Relations. A cherished father, husband, brother and friend, Mr. Cavin is survived by his wife, Flora Marie Tate of 69 years. Other survivors include his brother, Rev. Donald Eugene Cavin (Catherine) of Greer; his daughter, Karen Cavin Harpe (Michael); sons, Rev. James Barry Cavin (Cheryl) of Columbia, SC, and Dr. Meredith Lee Cavin (Susan) of Brighton, Tenn; thirteen grandchildren; thirteen great grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son, Leslie Dwaine Cavin; brothers, Hugh Walker Cavin (Winnie) and Dr. William Pinckney Cavin (Martha); and sister, Marjorie Cavin Greer (Buck). The family will receive friends from 1:30-2:45pm, Tuesday, Dec 17th in the church parlor at Bethel United Methodist Church. Funeral Services will be held following the visitation at 3:00pm in the church sanctuary conducted by the Rev. David E. Nichols and The Rev. David B. Smith. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Burial with military rights will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to Bethel United Methodist Church, 245 South Church St., Spartanburg, SC, 29306.