There's A Big Gravesite In South Carolina, And It's One Of The Quirkiest Places You'll Ever Go
By AnneMarie|Published April 25, 2023
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AnneMarie
Author
South Carolina has been home for AnneMarie since 2001. Her favorite part of the state is Lake Jocassee. An App State alumna, it's always the mountains; the lake bonus makes it heavenly. When not writing about the state, she may be spending time with family, relaxing by the pool, or out somewhere enjoying nature.
South Carolina is such a beautiful state, but we certainly have our quirks! From quirky facts to a quirky restaurant and a quirky inn for spending the night, there are plenty of unique spots to check out and explore when you’re looking for something different to do. But did you know there’s a private gravesite in Saluda that’s one of the quirkiest places in South Carolina to visit? And it comes with a fascinating story, starting with the man himself who is buried there…
Lonnie Holloway was 90 years old when he passed away in September 2009. He had worked for the U. S. Department of Commerce for 32 years, and his green 1973 Pontiac Catalina had been his favorite car. He had bought the car new!
He had decided he wanted to be buried in the car and made arrangements with the funeral home several years ago. He also requested that his gun collection be placed in the car with him to ensure no one would be killed with his guns after he was gone. The several rifles and six handguns he owned were placed in the passenger seat next to him.
A crane lowered Lonnie with buckled seatbelt and hand on the steering wheel in his beloved car down into the final resting spot following a ceremony as friends looked on.
None of Holloway's friends were surprised at all by what may seem by some as an unusual funeral request. They describe him as a "stylin' and profilin'" kind of man, one who never did anything halfway. He was the kind of man whose perspective was if he was going to do something, he was going to do it the right way or not at all.
As one person remarked, "They say you can't take anything with you. Well, you may not be able to take it all the way, but you can take it with you a little ways up the road." Family members have said Mr. Holloway left his house to his dog.
His final wishes are not the only quirky thing here at his gravesite. Its location in the cemetery at Rock Hill Baptist Church on Rock Hill Road are also interesting, being that the location is within the small town of Saluda rather than the city of Rock Hill almost at the North Carolina border.
Lonnie's gravesite sits just by the road off of Rock Hill Road leading down by the cemetery area of the church grounds.
Where that road and Rock Hill Road intersect, there's a special marker in memory of Savannah Bouknight Springs. Several acres were donated to the church in her memory.
So … we’ve just gotta know – have you ever seen a quirkier gravesite? Do you have any interesting final wishes or know someone who does? Have you visited any of the quirkiest places in South Carolina? Share with us in the comments section below.
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