Pamela Hitchcock Eargle

Pamela Hitchcock Eargle, daughter of Harold Clark and Frances (Getman) Hitchcock, passed away unexpectedly Tuesday evening, June 30, 2026, at her home.

Born on March 15, 1953, in Ilion, New York, Pam’s life reflected her love of people, her family, animals and particularly her birds. She was especially proud of her grandchildren whom she adored. Always ready to engage in any activity with them, they fondly called her GaGa.

She was the beloved wife for 53 years to her high school sweetheart, Edwin, whom she met on a “blind date”. She built a life rooted in love, laughter, and unwavering devotion. Together they raised a family that was the center of her world.

Pam graduated from Orangeburg High School in 1971 and always enjoyed their class reunions. In high school, she was in the mixed chorus, where she enjoyed participating in the school’s operettas. She continued her education at Orangeburg Regional Hospital School for X-ray Technology. On July 14, 1973, Pam married Edwin S. Eargle, II, at Orangeburg Lutheran Church. After their marriage, she again continued her education at the University of South Carolina, graduating in Early Childhood Development. At USC, Pam was one of three student workers at The Roost, serving the USC football team in their private dining room. After graduation, Pam then worked at Providence Hospital as an X-ray Technician.

Pam and her husband moved back to Orangeburg in 1978, where she gave birth to her first child a week later. Pam never met a stranger. She loved to connect with people. She worked at various jobs, including the First Baptist Church daycare, while being a mother. After having her daughter in 1982, she stayed home to focus her attention on her family and home. Her daughter knew her not only as her mother, but as her very best friend. Pam affectionately called her “Buddy,” a nickname that will forever be treasured.

Pam enjoyed traveling the world with her husband. Their travels extended her connections with all people who expanded her love of all, and with the animals she yearned to see.

Though our hearts are broken, we are profoundly grateful for the love she gave so freely throughout her life. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her loving husband, Edwin (Ed); her children, Sid and Clare, her grandchildren, Dylan and Samantha Eargle; Ben, Caroline and James Long; and her dear sister, Gail Risinger.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her beloved brother, Gary Hitchcock.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11:00 am at Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1301 Richland Street, Columbia, SC, 29201.  A visitation will be held immediately after the service in the Reception Room in the Parish Building.

Memorials may be made to the Ebenezer Lutheran Church, Living Stones Legacy Fund, 1301 Richland Street, Columbia, SC, 29201, or Lutheran Services Carolinas, New Americans Program - Columbia Area, 1416 S. Martin Luther King, Jr. Avenue, Salisbury, NC 28144.