Funeral services for Elder Hercules Guinyard, Jr., 78, of 113 Flower Street, St. Matthews, SC, will be held 12:00pm, Saturday, March 4, 2023, at St. Matthews K-8 School, St. Matthews, with interment to follow in Roselawn Cemetery. Elder Johnathan Mintz is officiating.

Elder Hercules Guinyard Jr., son of the late Hercules Guinyard Sr., and Catherine Brunson Guinyard, was born on December 8, 1944. He transitioned on February 27, 2023, at MUSC Charleston.

Elder Guinyard was educated in the public schools of St. Matthews, SC, and graduated with a welding certificate from Midlands Technical College. He later became a Master Certified Welder. Hercules traveled to many states welding, where he worked in a supervisory role for companies, including Daniel Construction and Carolina Eastman. He was sought after for his craft.

Hercules taught many men and a few women the art of welding. Hercules created his own grill design, and many people had a grill he made. After Hercules retired, he purchased his own welding machine and performed work for anyone who asked.

At an early age, Hercules joined Providence AME Church. He later was a Deacon at Bible Way Church of St. Matthews, and Assistant Pastor of Miracle Way of the Cross before God called him to start his own ministry at God Provide Holiness Church of St. Matthews, SC. Elder Hercules loved the Lord and his church. Up until his death, Hercules talked to everyone (physicians, nurses, and other medical staff) at MUSC about the goodness of Jesus. Elder Hercules gave life instructions to his family, friends, and medical team that will resonate forever.

Hercules was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Ulysses Guinyard, and sister, Sallie Mae Armstrong.

Hercules was married to his beloved wife, Joanne Guinyard, for 58 years who loved and supported him deeply. He leaves to cherish fond memories of his two daughters: Delphine (Stanley) Charley, Darlene (Leon) Hines, and one son, Monique “Shawn” Guinyard. A goddaughter, Latisha Brown. Minister Jaquan (Jada) Mitchell, a grandson reared in the home, and a great-granddaughter who lived with them briefly, Nevaeh White, known as his “Sugar Sugar”. Also mourning his passing are his grandchildren, Stacia (Dustin) Harrison, Justin (Akelia Charley), Janna (Marqez) Orr, J’Marie Hines, Tre’Quan Guinyard, De’Shaun Guinyard, Monique Guinyard, Jafari Guinyard, Sa’Bian Guinyard, and Summer Guinyard. Hercules also leaves his loving sisters, Doris Dickerson, Vernell (Willie) Shirer, Shirley Ann (Ralph) Ovenlon, Annette Johnson, Minister Dianna Guinyard, Jacklyn (Peter) Milligan, and Cynthia (Charles) Culler, and brothers, Elder Furman (Sherral) Guinyard, and Herman Guinyard. Sister-in-laws Eloise Guinyard, Janet Garner, Sylvia Parker, Shirley (Ricky) Gilford, Margaret Hollis, and Leila Rumph. Brother-in-laws Arthur Brown Jr., Calvin Garner, Marvin Garner, and Vernard Garner. Hercules also had 14 great-grandchildren, a god-daughter Latisha Brown, a god-son Darren Govan, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and other relatives who will miss him dearly.

Elder Hercules Guinyard, Jr. leaves a legacy of being a loving and dedicated family man. He impacted the lives of many people with his kind and caring heart. Most of all, He wanted everyone to follow Christ.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 3, 2023, from 12:30pm - 6:00pm.

Family and friends may visit the residence, 113 Flower Street, St. Matthews, between the hours of 2:00pm - 6:00pm, or call Simmons Funeral Home and Crematory of Orangeburg, SC.

Please adhere to all COVID-19 precautions and masks are required during visitation and funeral services.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.simmonsfuneralhome.com