Milburn Brent Sawyer

Milburn “Brent” Sawyer, 73, passed away at home on June 2, 2025, in the presence of his loving wife of 44 years, Joyce Boulware Sawyer. Born on June 11, 1951, Brent lived a life overflowing with faith, laughter, and unconditional love. After a determined 12-year battle with kidney cancer, he entered the arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Brent proudly served his country in the United States Coast Guard for four years beginning in 1969. A devout Christian, he lived his life as a faithful servant—guided by humility, grace, and unwavering commitment to his family and his faith.

Central to Brent’s life was his deep and enduring devotion to his wife, Joyce. For 44 years, they shared a partnership rooted in love, faith, and mutual respect. Together, Brent and Joyce built a home filled with warmth and strength, serving their family side by side through life’s joys and challenges. Their love was the foundation upon which their daughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren thrived. Brent’s care and adoration for Joyce were evident in everything he did, and their unwavering bond was an inspiration to all who knew them.

Brent loved to pick at people and have so much fun joking around. His quick wit and playful teasing brought laughter to family gatherings and brightened the days of everyone around him.

A devoted fan of Gamecock football, Brent never lost hope or passion for his team. Whether in victory or defeat, his loyalty was steadfast, and he enjoyed sharing the excitement of the game with family and friends. Brent also loved fishing—a favorite pastime that brought him peace and joy, connecting him with nature and providing treasured moments of relaxation.

Above all, Brent’s greatest joy in life was his family. Being a father to his daughters: Julie Creighton (Ricky) and Kelly Sherrill (Kerry), was one of his most treasured roles. He wasn’t just their dad—he was their hero, their coach, their biggest cheerleader, and their constant source of encouragement and love.

From the ballfield to life’s milestones, Brent poured himself into his daughters’ lives. As their softball coach, he taught them to compete with heart and integrity. As their father, he stood by them with wisdom, laughter, and unshakable support. His love for them was deep, steady, and fiercely proud.

Brent was also a devoted PaPa to his grandchildren—Taylor Flanagan (Sean), Sawyer Sherrill, and Hannah Sherrill. He didn’t just love his grandchildren—he celebrated them. He spoiled them with kindness, made them laugh endlessly, and showed up for them in every possible way. To his great-grandchildren, Remi and Abe Flanagan, he was Old PaPa—a role that brought him pure joy. From their earliest days, he poured into their lives with affection, humor, and a sense of wonder only a great-grandfather like Brent could provide.

He was the beloved son of the late Milburn E. Sawyer and Maxine B. Sawyer. Brent is survived by his three sisters: Carol Bell (Rick), Brenda Doxey, and Kathy Miller (Michael), who affectionately called him Buddy. He is also survived by his sisters-in-law and brother-in-law: Martha Keller (Steven), Stella Locklair

(Glenn), and Steve Boulware (Marian). Their years together were filled with love, laughter, and unforgettable memories.

To his many nieces and nephews, Brent was known affectionately as Uncle Brent—the fun uncle who brought energy, encouragement, and a sense of joy to every family gathering. He played a formative role in the lives of his great-nieces and nephews as well, offering support, guidance, and love that helped shape who they are today.

Brent Sawyer was a husband, father, PaPa, Old PaPa, brother, Uncle Brent, Coast Guard veteran, coach, Gamecock football fan, fisherman, and faithful follower of Christ. His legacy is one of love in action—devoted, joyful, and enduring. Though he will be missed beyond words, his memory and example will live on through the many lives he touched.

His family and friends take comfort in the assurance of reuniting with him in heaven, resting on the promises of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at the home of his daughter, Kelly Sherrill, 6968 Moontown Drive E, Appling, Georgia, 30802. Family and friends are invited to gather, share stories, and honor the life of a man whose love, humor, and faith left a lasting mark on everyone who knew him.

Thomas Poteet & Son Funeral Directors, 214 Davis Road, Augusta, GA 30907, (706) 364-8484.