John Gibson Rothell  "Big Jack"

Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend to all that knew him.

"Big Jack" died on July 6, 2024 at age 94 surrounded by family in his home in Florence, SC.

Born in Saluda, SC to Annie Ruby Bacon (1893-1976) and Claude C. Rothell (1892-1960) and grandson to Lydia Clementine Berrong Rothell (1871-1933) and Lewis Dixon Rothell (1866-1935), "Big Jack" grew up with his two older brothers, Claude and Fred, until WWII. "Big Jack's" early years were marked by learning to ride horses, play football, and sing, hobbies that would stay with him forever.

"Big Jack" attended Erskine College on a voice scholarship, however, ended up graduating from Clemson University, alongside his brothers, with a degree in Textile Chemistry in 1952. He went on to serve in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Germany 52'-53' as 2nd Lieutenant.

On July 27, 1962, he married Lucille Collins "Lucy" in Greenville, SC. He often told his grandchildren that "he just knew she was the one". They had been married for 62 years.

After 40 plus years of long hours and hard work in the textile industry, moving his family across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Virginia, "Big Jack" retired in 1994 to settle in Florence, SC with Lucy.  It only took two weeks and reading seven books for "Big Jack" to become restless, whereupon he endeavored to further his career in a much more enjoyable and fun way, leading to a position at Pee Dee Auto Sales in Florence. He worked at Pee Dee Auto for two decades, well into his 90's. "Big Jack" became well known for his quick wit and charming personality during his second career. Customers and co-workers alike grew to love him and look forward to his presence where he will surely be missed. "Big Jack" was an equestrian and avid foxhunter, sharing his passion with his children and grandchildren. He hunted, along with his son Jack Jr., with the Bedford County Hounds in Virginia during the 70's and later with the Camden Hunt in South Carolina in the 90's.

"Big Jack" is survived by his loving wife Lucille C. Rothell; daughter Jennifer Robinson, son John G. (Jack) Rothell, Jr.; grandchildren, Joanna Theodocia Rothell, John G. Rothell III, Tiffany Robinson Bass married to Durwin Bass; great-grandchildren Tillie, Jada, Durwin and Logan Bass and nephew, Rick Rothell, his wife Denise and two children, Sarah and Natalie of Long Beach California.

"Big Jack" and Rick grew close after the passing of Fred, often talking before, during, and after every Clemson football game.

"Big Jack" is predeceased by his two brothers; US Army 2nd Lt. Claude Rothell, Jr., AKA "The Rock"  who was Killed in Action during WWII (July 1, 1921 - September 14, 1944), and Fred Bacon Rothell, MD Pediatric Medicine of Torrance, California,  LTJG U.S. Navy Korea (September 5, 1925 - November 14, 2018).

You are invited to sign the guestbook at www.laytonandersonfh.com