Edwin Bazil Commins, Jr.

Entered into eternal rest, peacefully at his home surrounded by his family, on the morning of June 2, 2012, Edwin Bazil Commins, Jr., husband of Emelyn Wofford Commins. Residence, Charleston, SC. The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Edwin Bazil Commins, Jr. are invited to attend the funeral service of the former in The Church of the Good Shepherd, 1393 Miles Drive (Highway 171), Charleston, Tuesday, June 5, 2012, at 3:00 p.m. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends at J. HENRY STUHR INC., WEST ASHLEY CHAPEL, 3360 Glenn McConnell Pkwy., Monday between 5:00 and 7:00 p.m.

Coach Ed Commins was born March 14, 1921 in Meggett, SC, a son of the late Edwin Bazil Commins, Sr. and the late Emma Elizabeth Antley Commins. Bazil received his bachelor's degree from Furman University, Class of 1948 and master's degree from Appalachian State University. He was a World War II veteran, having served in the U.S. Army Air Force in Iceland between 1942-1946. He coached and taught school at Walterboro High School for 5 years and 8 years at his native St. Paul's High School on Yonges Island. In 1963, he assumed the role of St. Andrew's High School Athletic Director and head basketball and football coach. "Coach" is remembered for his dedication to his students and players and for his special brand of humor he used to motivate and inspire. He had a unique sense of humor that provided much fodder and fun for the local sports writers of the News & Courier, especially Warren Koon. Coach Commins leaves a legacy of winning, tempered with humility and compassion. He will be remembered by his students and the many he came in contact with for his ability to brighten the day for all who knew and loved him. Coach Commins left teaching briefly to pursue an interest in insurance sales and then in construction sales. He returned to teaching and coaching at Hanahan High School and Country Day Academy until his retirement.

Bazil is survived by his wife of 65 years; a daughter, Cynthia Commins Fennell and husband, Dale, of Charleston; sister-in-law, Ann Commins of Meggett; two nieces, Wendy and Gail; a nephew, Larry; and a host of friends. He was pre-deceased by his parents, a brother, Lonnie Commins and a sister, Ouita Decker.

Memorials may be made in his honor to the American Cancer Society, 5900 Core Road, Suite 504, North Charleston, SC 29406 or to the Alzheimer's Association SC Chapter, 2090 Executive Hall Road, Suite 130, Charleston, SC 29407.