Jack Nathaniel Lister

Jack Lister, 82, devoted and loving husband of 54 years to Brenda Burleson Lister, went to the loving and healing arms of his Savior on April 23, 2021 after a brief illness.

Born in Greenville, SC, he was a son of the late William and Renty Jo Sanders Lister.

Jack was a member of Eastlan Baptist Church for over 50 years, where he served as a deacon, and sang in the choir. He was most well known for his beautiful tenor voice, and sang “O Holy Night” every Christmas service.

He graduated from Parker High School in 1956 and went on to serve the community as a police officer for Greenville City. He later worked for Greenville County and retired as a training lieutenant. He trained countless “rookies” and was much beloved as a teacher and mentor. Jack proudly served his country in the US Army.

Jack met the love of his life, Brenda by pretending to reprimand her for driving without a driver’s license. He courted her for two years before getting married at Eastlan Baptist Church on September 24, 1966. They resided together on Lady Marian Lane for several years before moving to Dawnwood Drive.

Jack and Brenda had one child, Kelli Lister Sullivan. Jack spent many hours teaching Kelli everything from swinging a softball bat to driving a manual transmission car (which turned his hair whiter by the moment), to accurately firing all kinds of firearms. He was a kind and patient Daddy who loved nothing more than taking Kelli for ice cream and swinging in the swing in the arbor in their backyard that he built. He also taught Kelli everything there was to know about college football, a skill that has served her well over the years. After Kelli married Mike Sullivan, he became the admired and loved father in law to Mike. A few years later, he became the adored Poppa to Ellen and Andrew.

Ellen and Andrew were the light of his life, and he loved nothing more than spending time with them, reading to them in character “voices”, and teaching them all the things he taught Kelli, and then some. Some of the favorite memories included trips to the beach, and rides on his tractor around the neighborhood. He and Brenda traveled to Ellen and Andrew’s sports games often, and his wallet bulged with pictures of his “babies” that he showed to anyone and everyone. While he sometimes lamented that Ellen and Andrew seemed to grow so quickly, he loved watching them grow into responsible caring young adults.

Jack was an amazing son, brother, husband, daddy, Poppa, uncle, brother in law, cousin, and friend. He enjoyed working in his yard, making priceless treasures out of wood for his family and friends, and always up for an adventure to the mountains.

Friends may pay their respects on Friday, April 30, 2021 at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown from 2:00 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. with the funeral service to follow at 3:00 p.m. in the Chapel officiated by the Reverend Jimmie Harley and Dr. Jim Goodroe. Jack will be entombed at Woodlawn Cemetery.

Masks are required in all Thomas McAfee Funeral Home locations and attendees are strongly encouraged to follow CDC guidelines on social distancing.

Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the Live Stream by clicking on the video link below.

https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1619471112112507

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Jack’s memory The Harold C. Jennings Foundation, Greenville Police Department, 4 McGee St., Greenville, SC 29601.