John Rufus Power

John Rufus Power, a devoted father, grandfather, and the steadfast heartbeat of his family, passed away peacefully in the comfort of his home on Monday May 4, 2026, surrounded by the deep, abiding love of those he dedicated his life to protecting.

 Born in Greenwood, South Carolina, to Bennie Gibson Power, Sr. and Helen Orene Power, Rufus was a man of profound character whose life was a testament to the idea that home isn’t just a place—it’s the people you choose to love. A Life Well-Traveled and Hearts Well-Kept, Rufus’s journey took him across the beautiful landscape of South Carolina and Buffalo, New York, leaving a trail of kindness wherever he set roots. In his younger years, he lived in **Little River**, feeling the coastal breeze near Myrtle Beach, far from the rolling hills of the Upstate where he would later spend so much of his life. Eventually, he found his way back inland, where he became a fixture of the community. He balanced his residency and his heart equally between Starr, Iva, and Pendleton. To Rufus, there were no strangers—only friends he hadn’t spoken to yet. He moved through the world with a gentle spirit and an open hand; he was the rare kind of soul who truly never did wrong to a single person. His reputation was built on a foundation of integrity, a warm smile, and a handshake you could trust. The Master of “Power Chimney Sweep” Rufus was a man of remarkable work ethic, best known professionally as the owner and operator of **Power Chimney Sweep**. Through his business, he became a familiar and welcome face throughout the Upstate. He didn’t just clean chimneys; he ensured the safety of his neighbors’ homes and used his work as a way to connect with his community. His grand-daughter Tara who was raised in the home growing up, Nick-named and referred to Rufus as “papa-clause” in reference to his long white beard, bright red shirt and black jean pants.  He always had a Coca Cola close by not to mention his lifelong career involved him in and out of chimneys every day which is the exact identifying marks of good ole Saint Nick. Whether he was in Anderson, Iva, or Abbeville, people knew him for his honesty, his meticulous skill, and his willingness to stay a while to share a story. An Inseparable Bond: Rufus and Charley, A testament to Rufus’s soft heart was his special bond with his late companion, Charley, an elderly, weenie dog.  Charley came into Rufus’s life after the passing of Tammy’s godmother. Though they met later in their lives, it was a match made in heaven; from the very first moment they locked eyes, they became the fastest of friends. From that day forward, they were absolutely inseparable—two old souls finding comfort and joy in each other’s company. Their quiet, loyal friendship was a beautiful sight to all who knew them. 

The Pillar of the Family, Rufus was more than a provider; he was the primary parental figure and the guiding light for multiple generations. While he was the biological father to Rachel, his love knew no boundaries when it came to the children of his heart. As a stepfather, he didn’t just step in—he stepped up, raising them all as his very own with a selfless heart. He worked tirelessly to ensure his family had a future, quietly making sacrifices that paved the way for his children’s and grandchildren’s educations. A Legacy of Faith and Reunion, Beyond his hard work, Rufus was a man of deep, conversational prayer. He lived with his family on his lips and in his heart, constantly lifting them up to the Lord. In his final days, he found a beautiful, unwavering comfort in his faith. He spoke often and with great joy of the moment he would be reunited with his beloved wife, Joyce (Nanny).  The love between “Nanny and Pappa” was the cornerstone of the family, and his greatest peace came from the certainty that he would see her again, and that every one of his “ ”girls and boys” ”*would one day join them in heaven. 

Preceded in Death By: Rufus is now reunited in eternal peace with his beloved wife, Joyce Caroline Power (Patterson),He was also preceded in death by: Parents: Bennie Gibson Power, Sr. and Helen Orene Power. Brother: Bennie Gibson Power, Jr. Sister’s: Helen Power Edward’s, and Gloria Rachel Lowe.  Son: Fredrick Arthur Patterson. Granddaughter: Misty DeLane Keener. Daughter-in-law LaJuana Smith. Step-sisters:Pansy Young and Mary Ellen Young. 

Survived By: His memory will be cherished and kept alive by the family he claimed as his own: Rachel Cotten (and Donald)  ; Robert (Shorty) Patterson (and Pam); Kathleen O’Rourke (and Alfredo); and Tammy Boone (and Brian).

Grandchildren: Shannon Patterson (Dana Moore); Brandon Patterson (Marlena); Candace Patterson; Rebecca Thomas, Imaginitia (Lex) Cotten, and Liam (Skylar) Cotten; Kelly Gilliam (Austin); Casey Patterson; Tara Pressley (Shawn); and Bryanna Selig; Great-Grandchildren:Justice, Lily, Fagan, Trisha, Kylie, Matt, Zeb, Christopher ,William “Billy”; Jordan (Lucas), CJ, and Myles (Camdyn)