Lionel Carroll Cabaniss, Jr.

Lionel Carroll Cabaniss Jr., 86, of Beaufort, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2026, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by the life and memories he had built there.

Born May 21, 1940, in Edenton, North Carolina, Lionel was the son of Lionel Carroll Cabaniss Sr. and Helen Hassell Cabaniss. He moved to Beaufort in 1956, where he quickly found his place through athletics and friendships that would last a lifetime. A standout athlete at Beaufort High School, Lionel played football and basketball, earned All-District basketball honors, and held a state record in the mile run in 1958. He remained close to his fellow members of the Beaufort High School Class of 1958 throughout his life.

It was during those high school years that Lionel met Mary Kraay, the love of his life. As the family story goes, Mary admired his letterman jacket, which proudly displayed an impressive collection of varsity letters. When she asked if she could have it, Lionel replied, “You’ll have to take what’s in it, too.” She did, and on April 4, 1959, they married at the Base Chapel on Parris Island, beginning a partnership that would span more than 67 years.

Together, Lionel and Mary raised three daughters, Francis Ann, Cindy, and Sandra, and built a life centered on family, friendship, and community. Lionel retired after 28 years of civil service at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, where he managed the commissary’s meat department.

A lifelong sports enthusiast, Lionel coached youth football in Beaufort and high school football at Sheldon Academy. He took particular pride in coaching Beaufort’s Little League football team, the Bubbles, to the Southern District Championship in 1967. His love of competition never faded, whether cheering on his beloved South Carolina Gamecocks or bowling alongside friends and teammates well into his later years. An accomplished bowler, Lionel even achieved the coveted perfect 300 game, a testament to both his skill and lifelong passion for the sport.

Lionel was also a devoted member of Carteret Street United Methodist Church, where he served as an usher and participated in church activities. He was often volunteered for various tasks by Mary, sometimes without his knowledge. Though he might respond with a familiar roll of his eyes, he always showed up and did his part.

Despite his towering presence, Lionel was a man of few words and quiet strength. Easygoing, patient, and rarely troubled by life’s little frustrations, he never needed to be the loudest person in the room to make himself known. He showed his love not through grand gestures, but through his steady presence, shared experiences, and the simple gift of his time. Whether grilling chicken for family and friends, enjoying a ballgame, or spending a quiet afternoon with those he loved, Lionel found happiness in life’s ordinary moments.

He is survived by his loving wife, Mary Kraay Cabaniss; daughters Cindy Bennett (Benny) and Sandra; son-in-law Alan Fox; brother William Carlton Cabaniss (Carolyn); and grandchildren Benjie Bennett, Andrew Lionel Fox, Brandon Joseph Bennett, Katy Gilbert, Dustyn Alan Fox, Amanda Bennett, Skylar Perkins, and Bailey Perkins, along with his great-grandchildren. He also leaves behind his extended family in Michigan, including Jeff and Michelle Gilbert and Ashley and Gabby Gilbert.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Francis Ann, and his brother, Franklin Gerald “Jerry” Ausmus.

Lionel’s legacy lives on in the family he helped build, the friendships he cherished, and the countless ordinary moments that became treasured memories. Those who knew him will remember a man who was content with life’s simple pleasures, particularly a cold Coors Original in hand while looking out over the beautiful marshes of Beaufort.

And somewhere, when the sun begins to settle over those marshes, those who loved him will always be able to picture him there: enjoying the view, with nowhere else he’d rather be.

A memorial service for Mr. Cabaniss will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at 1:00 p.m., at Carteret Street United Methodist Church (408 Carteret Street, Beaufort, South Carolina 29902).

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Carteret Street United Methodist Church in memory of Lionel.