Paul "PD" LaCoe, Jr.

Paul Donald LaCoe, Jr., aka “Great PD”, 81, passed away peacefully on April 25, 2025, at his home in White Rock, SC. He was the son of the late Paul Donald LaCoe, Sr., and the late Jane Comstock LaCoe.

PD was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania, on November 19, 1943. He joined the United States Navy in 1961 and retired as a Chief Warrant Officer in 1985. During his naval career, he served as a Radiological Control Officer and was stationed globally. His final years of service were spent aboard the USS Lewis and Clark (SSBN-644), which is now exhibited at Patriots Point in Charleston, SC. After retiring from the Navy, he worked first as a project manager and later as a consultant at the V.C. Summer Nuclear Station.

PD found joy in playing golf as a member at Mid-Carolina Country Club, winning many events as a scratch golfer. He also enjoyed league play at the club as a member of the “Hackers”. Along with golf, PD had a strong passion for boating and being on the water, whether at Lake Murray or on the ocean. PD never missed an opportunity to get in the Corvette with the top down and take the scenic backroads to any destination.

PD is survived by his wife, Amy Keese LaCoe, and his sons, Paul (Dave) LaCoe (Becky) and Clint LaCoe, all of Columbia. He is also survived by his stepsons, Jonathan Keese (Justin David) of Columbia, Christopher Keese (Megan) of Greenville, and Andrew Keese (Amanda Leigh) of Columbia. PD leaves his grandchildren, Zachary LaCoe (Shilah), Sydney LaCoe, Parker LaCoe, and Blake Frye of Columbia; his great grandson, Owen LaCoe of Columbia; and his step-grandchildren, Hunter, Nolan, and Graham Keese, all of Greenville. PD is also survived by his brother, Bruce, of Taylor, PA, his many nieces and nephews, and his “brother from another mother,” Steve Crews of Irmo.

A celebration of PD’s life will be held at the home on May 17.