Warren G. Umstead Jr., 86, musician was patron of the arts
January 16, 2020
Warren Gehman Umstead Jr. of Litchfield Country Club died Jan. 8 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 86.
He was born in Lansdale, Pa., the son of Warren G. Umstead and Florence V. Umstead.
Mr. Umstead graduated from Lansdale High School in 1950 in the upper quintile of the class. He was a member of both the concert and marching bands and the Bux-Mont Honor Band his senior year.
At Temple University, he continued his music ambition. He was a member of the concert and marching bands, the Honor Society and the Mid Atlantic Honor Band. Mr. Umstead graduated from Temple in the early 1950s and graduated cum laude from the University of Alabama. He went on to receive his MBA from Webster University and a doctorate from California Coast University.
Mr. Umstead retired from the DuPont Company where he was an international major account manager. During his time with DuPont he traveled the U.S. and extensively in Europe.
He was an active Master Mason, Scottish Rite Consistory and Shrine member.
After moving to South Carolina, Mr. Umstead continued his interest in music and the performing arts. He was a member of the Coastal Concert Association and served on the board of the Strand Theater, home of the Swamp Fox Players, where he performed on stage many times.
He was an active member of All Saints Church and a tour guide at Brookgreen Gardens for 25 years.
He is survived by his wife, Phyllis; children, Cindy Jolly (Ron) and Scott Umstead; grandchildren, Casey Harvey (Will) of Nashville, Tenn; Emily Lee (Andrew) of Mount Pleasant; brother, Herbert E. Umstead; and six great-grandchildren.
A celebration of life service was held Monday at All Saints Church.
Memorials may be made to the church, 3560 Kings River Rd, Pawleys Island, SC 29585 or Brookgeen Gardens, 1931 Brookgreen Garden Dr., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.
Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.
