It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Eddie Dean Reep, Sr. on May 13, 2025, at the age of 76. Dean was born on September 9, 1948 in Lincolnton, North Carolina to the late Ruby Denton Ross and Coy Reed Reep.

Dean grew up in Columbia, South Carolina. He worked alongside his father, and brothers to become a skilled craftsman. He began working for Bonitz Contracting in the mid 1960’s. As a Supervising Construction Site Manager, he, Jerry Davis and other esteemed colleges re-shaped the landscape of Columbia during the High-Rise Building Boom of the 1970’s and ‘80’s. Some of his notable projects were the USC Capstone Building, the AT&T Building, the Blue Cross & Blue Shield Tower, the USC School of Music, Bridgepoint Condominiums and both Richland Memorial and Lexington County Hospitals. He was essential to the rebuilding and beautification of coastal cities of S.C affected by Hurricane Hugo to include the Ashley House and the Charleston Naval Base. After 30 years with Bonitz, he retired and began Reep Contracting. Of the many other high-rises and structures that he built, his most important project was his children’s playroom and kitchen bar table he built at home.

In his youth he competed in the Demolition Derbies at the Columbia Speedway, enjoyed playing golf and distance running. He enjoyed bringing treats to the children at the family-owned daycare, Lollipop Lane. He loved animals and feeding deer, birds and squirrels. He will be dearly missed by his friends at the Columbia East Driving Range.

He met the love of his life, Susan Hentz Reep during Junior High. They were married for 48 years before she preceded him in death. Also preceding him are siblings Jimmy Reep, Coy “Bo” Reep and Danny Ray Reep. He awaits a special reunion with his son Eddie Dean Reep, Jr. and grandson Michael Donovan Reep.

Surviving are daughters, Tammy Deanette Reep of Columbia, Kimberly Michelle Hendrix (Jason) of Batesburg Leesville, Heather Jane Lucas of Ridgeway, and daughter-in-law Kacey Kneece Reep of Newberry. He was the proud Pop-Pop to grandchildren, Calli Ashton (Alex) Bonda, Trevor Roland Brazell, Susan Camberlyn Roof (Tim), Hannah Jane Lucas, Bethany Renee Reep, Anna Grace Reep and Benjamin Wyatt Hendrix; great-grandchildren, Grayson Michaela Bonda, Bennett George Bonda, Timothy Baker Roof and soon to be born Theresa Noelle Roof. Surviving also are siblings, Kathy Woodward, Vicki Padgett, Lisa Ard, Roger Reep, Bobby Reep and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude’s Research Hospital and Feed the Children.org. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Prisma Oncology and Hospice for their loving care during his brief illness.

He will be laid to rest under the direction of Thompson Funeral Home at Greenlawn, 845 Leesburg Road Columbia, SC 29209 on Friday, May 16 at 2pm. A visitation will be held one hour prior. Burial will take place in Serenity Memorial Gardens, 6601 Windwan Dr, Columbia, SC 29209 following the funeral service.