Rachel Montgomery Haynie

Rachel Montgomery Haynie, 78, died July 23, 2018.  

Rachel, known to her many of her friends as “Bunny,” was born in Camden in March of 1940. She was the daughter of Samuel Everette Montgomery and Rachel Stearns Montgomery. She had been married to Frank Haynie of Darlington, with whom she had one beloved son, Douglas Ellerbe Haynie. 
She was predeceased by her brother, Samuel Everette Montgomery, Jr. and her parents. She is survived by Doug (Kristin Hinkle), two grandchildren, Penelope and Kate, who reside in Marietta, Georgia.
Rachel attended Columbia College and held degrees from the University of South Carolina. Rachel’s work history includes positions teaching at Eau Clare High School and at SC Parks Recreation and Tourism. Rachel was a member of Trinity Episcopal Cathedral where she occasionally read to children. 
She was a member of many professional organizations, including Media Club of Columbia. She was a lifelong learner and honed her skills as a writer with disciplined and consistent practice.    
Rachel was best known as a local freelance writer, a community connector and a patron of the arts. She wrote for the Lexington County Chronicle and the Lake Murray Fish Wrapper, Columbia Star, Sandlapper Magazine, Midland's Anchor, the SC United Methodist Advocate and Columbia Living, among many others.     
She published several books including: First, you Explore: The Story of the Young Charles Townes; Myths and the Mysteries of South Carolina; and Cornfield to Airfield: A History of Columbia Army Air Base. 
The family will host a Celebration of Life at the Big Apple on Hampton Street in Columbia, Friday, July 27 from 6-8 p.m. A memorial service will be held at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Saturday, July 28 at 11 a.m. 
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Rachel's memory to Trenholm Art Guild, Tapp’s Art Center or the 701 Art Gallery.