Through tear stained eyes, Angie Drew Heath, daughter of the late Paul Drew III of North, quoted her father at his funeral on Monday morning as living his life by the motto “Work Hard, Play Hard and Love Wholeheartedly.”

A lifetime resident of North, Paul Drew, III, lovingly known as “Big Daddy” to many, left a huge hole in the community of when he departed this life on Friday, September 3rd at the age of 65. Mr. Drew was well known in North and throughout the state as the founder and owner of North Furniture Company. He built the business from one small building into a thriving company that boosted over 70 thousand square feet of quality furniture. He, along with his wife, Catherine, son, Brian and loyal staff worked hard for over 40 years to make North Furniture Company one of the states best furniture stores. Customer service and dedication earned his company the 2007 Readers Choice Award for Best Furniture store by The State Newspaper in Columbia, South Carolina.

Paul Drew grew up in the furniture business and contributed his success to his mother, Harriett Livingston Ponsell. In a 2007 interview, Drew said, “Momma always told me to give people good furniture at a good price and treat people right.”

Drew truly loved the community of North and did his part to contribute to its success. He served on the North Town Council and headed the little league program for over 25 years. He was an active member of North United Methodist Church and North Masonic Lodge 119.

His strong community spirit was probably best known through his annual Christmas Eve giveaway in town square. Every year he and his family hosted a party for the entire town and gave away ton’s of gifts and prizes to anyone who showed up. “I love people and I love to be with people,” Drew commented in the 2007 interview, “and I enjoy giving back to my community.”

But kindness, generosity and a helping hand was not a once a year deal for Paul Drew. From the story told by his pastor, Rev. John Williams III of how he had two of his trucks sent to move him to the community when he first became the minister in North to the story of 30 years of friendship, encouragement and inspiration shared by the Rev. Keith Stewart, Drew was truly a man who lived to help others.

Drew was an avid Carolina Gamecock fan and a long time member of the Gamecock Club. He was also a member of the Edisto Yacht Club and loved shark fishing and spending time at the beach.

He prominently displayed photos and souvenirs of his fishing triumphs near his office including a photo of a 550lb tiger shark he landed.

Paul Drew, III’s warm heart and bright personality will truly be missed, not only in the community of North, but throughout the county, state and tri-state region. Through his business and active life his presence on this earth touched many lives.

“Work Hard, Play Hard and Love Whole heartedly”- not simply a motto, but a testament to a man who truly lived it.