EDGEFIELD, S.C. – Funeral services for Rev. Cleo Lamkin, of W.A. Reel Drive, were held 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 30, 2014, at Republican Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. Willie Patten, Jr. officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery.

Cleo Lamkin was born May 31, 1944 to James and the late Sarah Golatt Lamkin in Greenville, S.C.. He was preceded in death by his siblings James McClain and Freddie Lamkin.

He was educated in Greenville and in 1982 he earned a business psychology degree from Piedmont College.

Cleo’s life journey carried him to many places near and far. He never failed to make a friend and could always bring a smile. Upon locating to Edgefield, Cleo’s activities included the Edgefield Community Mass Choir and Edgefield County Theater Company.

Rev. Lamkin’s spiritual walk began at Mountain View Baptist Church in Greenville, continued at Pleasant Lane Baptist Church and concluded at Republican Grove Baptist Church.

He is survived by five sons – Gregory(Jasmin) Peterson of Greenville; Jeffrey Collins of Atlanta, Ga.; Vertto Lamkin  and Lamont Lamkin, both of Columbia; Alex (Bre)) of Augusta, Ga; one step-daughter, Geraldine Belton of Columbia; 16 grandchildren; two sisters – Virginia Brooks and Lourdine Lamkin, both of Greenville; and a host of nieces, nephews and friends.

G.L. Brightharp & Sons Mortuary of Edgefield was in charge of arrangements.