Category Archives: Obituaries
Courier Obituaries 7-2-25
JAMES ‘CECIL’ GILLESPIE
NORRIS — James “Cecil” Gillespie, 90, loving husband to Rose Marie Wardlaw Gillespie, passed away on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born in Pickens County on May 23, 1935, Cecil was the beloved son of the late Samuel Moser Gillespie and Elsie Lamelia Chastain. Cecil served as an elder at The Church of God at Rices Creek.
Cecil found great joy in growing his garden. Having grown up on a farm, he cherished the outdoors. He also loved singing and playing the guitar, and he even had the opportunity to sing on WGGS. Above all, Cecil loved his Lord Jesus.
Survivors include his children, Amanda Connell (Kenneth) of Greer, Nancy Hardy of Pickens, Mary McCall of Pickens, Mark Gillespie (Kelly) of Pickens and John Gillespie
Courier Obituaries 6-25-25
GARY OWEN
PICKENS — Gary Owen, 77, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 20, 2025.
Born on July 7, 1947, Gary was the beloved son of the late Inez Galloway Owen and Will 
Owen.
A gifted musician, Gary had a natural talent for music and was proficient in playing multiple instruments. His curiosity and creativity extended beyond music, as he also found great joy in tinkering with electronics. In his earlier years, Gary held a deep appreciation for the outdoors, where he found both inspiration and peace. Gary was deeply devoted to his family, whose love and presence brought him endless joy.
Gary is survived by his son, Gary Dale Owen of Pickens; his daughter, Denise Holliday of Pickens; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Ophelia Ashe, and his brother, Stanley Owen of Pickens.
In addition to his parents, Gary was preceded in death by his siblings, Vera Bowie, Jaroll Owen, Caroll Owen, Faroll Owen, Denver Owen and A.B. Owen.
A graveside service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, June 25, at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 2410 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
JOSEPH DANIEL ‘DAN’ GILLESPIE SR.
EASLEY — Joseph Daniel “Dan” Gillespie Sr., 80, loving husband to the late Sandra Gail Freeman Gillespie, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at AnMed Medical
Courier Obituaries 6-18-25
LOTHEL TOLLEY MCCUE
EASLEY — Lothel Tolley McCue, 78, wife of Ron McCue, of Easley, passed away 
Wednesday, June 11, 2025.
Born in Salem, she was a daughter of the late Robert Lincoln and Hattie Louise (Talley) Tolley.
Mrs. McCue retired from Something Special and was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church.
She found great joy in tending to her flower garden and took deep pride in caring for her family, especially through the meals she lovingly prepared.
In addition to her loving husband of 53 years, Mrs. McCue is survived by a daughter, Crystal Turner of Easley; sons, Kevin Turner (Melissa) of Toccoa, Ga., and Nathaniel “Nate” McCue (Wendy) of Travelers Rest; sisters, Dianne Bright and Debra Wallace, both of Easley; grandchildren, Jamie French (Katie), Dustin French, Chad French, Gregory Turner, Christopher Turner, Meredith Turner, Kurtis Turner, Jaden Ayers, Valerie Pelles, Felicity Pelles, Payten McCue (Jessica) and Brett McCue (Courtney); and nine great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Eddie Tolley.
Funeral services will be held at 12:30 p.m. Friday, June 20, at Rock Springs Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Friday, June 20, at the church.
Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.
JANICE FAYE WEATHERS
EASLEY — Janice Faye Weathers, 72, loving wife to Mr. Harold “JR” for 54 years, 
passed away on Thursday, June 12, 2025.
Mrs. Weathers was born in Greenville, on February 14, 1953 to the late William Frank and Cora Pearson Miles. She was a faithful member of Nine Forks Baptist Church until her health declined. Mrs. Weathers loved to be outside working in her garden or tending to her animals, or taking part of her local knitting groups. The thing she cherished most was spending time with her family.
In addition to her husband, Harold “JR”, she is survived by three children, Angela Dawn Huffman (Barry), Travis Weathers (Angel) and Ashley David; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and one sister, Sandra Miles Robinson.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four siblings, her twin sister, Joyce Taylor, Alan Miles, Wayne Miles and Kaye Miles.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 21, at Nine Forks Baptist Church in Dacusville.
The family will receive friends prior to the service at the church from 1-1:45 p.m.
Burial will follow the service in the church cemetery. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
HARRY FRANKLIN ‘FRANK’ PARRISH SR.
JASPER, Ga — It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Harry Franklin 
“Frank” Parrish Sr. on March 5, 2025, at the farmhouse in Talking Rock, Georgia.
Harry Franklin “Frank” Parrish Sr. was born on October 4, 1931 in Easley. Frank was a State Farm Agent for over 42 years, a Korean War era Navy Veteran and enjoyed woodworking, gardening, listening to music and spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Frank is survived by his wife of 72 years, Shirley C. Parrish, his daughter, Julia Parrish Burns and her husband, Jerry Burns, Laura Burns Person (granddaughter), Philip Burns (grandson), Joseph Burns (grandson), Harry F. Parrish, Jr. (son), Connie Z. Parrish (daughter-in-law), Brian Zimmerman (grandson), Blake Zimmerman (grandson), Marion Parrish (brother), Jane Parrish (sister-in-law), Marion Bishop (sister-in-law), Gene Bishop (brother-in-
Courier Obituaries 6-11-25
SHIRLEY LYDA
LIBERTY — It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our dear mother, Shirley Faye Lyda, on Tuesday, June 3, 2025, at the age of 86 at her home in Liberty.
She was born on Oct. 14, 1938, in Liberty to the late William Loyd and Mattie Lousie Gantt Waldrop. She was preceded in death by her husband, Wallace Thurston Lyda, brother, Melvin “Jack” Waldrop, and sister, Betty Nell Carver.
Wallace and Shirley “Bit” were married on Dec. 17, 1956, and were married for 56 years. She worked for 30 years at Engineered Custom Plastics as a human resources manager, where she retired. Shirley loved the outdoors, especially cutting her grass and tending to her flowers.
She is survived by three daughters, Melody (Don) Young, Vicki (Brian) Smith and Patti (Jim) Simmons. She has four grandchildren, Juston White, Erin Shealy, Summer
Courier Obituaries 6-4-25
KAREN FEW MULLINNIX
EASLEY — Mrs. Karen Few Mullinnix, 71, wife of William “Bill” Paul Mullinnix, went to be with her Lord and Savior Sunday, May 25, 2025.
Born in Greenville County, the daughter of the late Lewie Oscar Few and the late Fay Day Few, Mrs. Mullinnix was a graduate of Wade Hampton High School and Draughon’s Business College. She was the office manager for Long Trailer and Body for 42 years and was a member of St. Andrew Methodist Church.
Karen loved to sing and especially loved her job. She lived every day for her family that
Courier Obituaries 5-28-25
JENNIE ‘FREDDIE’ CLAYTON
PICKENS — Jennie “Freddie” Clayton, age 85, of Pickens, South Carolina went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 25, 2025.
Born on April 2, 1940, she was the daughter of the late William Roy Green and Rebecca Brown Green. She loved the Lord and attended church any time she was able. Jennie had a heart devoted to serving others. With more than 30 years of service in the healthcare profession, she retired having touched countless lives through her care, kindness, and compassion. In her spare time, Jennie enjoyed
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Courier Obituaries 5-21-25
WILTON CHARLES STEPHENS
CENTRAL — Wilton Charles Stephens, 96, of Central, husband to the late Nora 
Entrekin Stephens, passed away May 16, 2025.
Born in Six Mile, he was the son of the late Marion Calhoun Stephens and Minnie Sue Evatt Stephens. Mr. Stephens worked for Liberty Mill, retiring as a supervisor in the weave room. He enjoyed boating on the lake, cooking, canning, watching western shows, and being with his family. Wilton was an active member at Kings Grove Baptist Church, where he served in many capacities but none more important than he and Nora’s keeping the church clean. He was a proud member of the Grump Old Men of Six Mile group.
Wilton is survived by his daughter, Judi Moore (Mike) of Six Mile; grandchildren, Michael Wade, Matthew Wade (Karen), Cole Moore (Susan) and Crystal Moore Fulton (Ben); great-grandchildren, McKenzie Wade, Ivy Wade, Charlie Wade, Caroline Moore and fiancé Jake, Sarah Beth Moore, Daniel Fulton and Adam Fulton; sister, Edna Stephen Whitaker.
Mr. Stephens is survived by his wife, parents; brothers, Melvin Stephens and Elmer Stephens; sisters, Emma Stephens, Ellie Dillard, Ruth Stephens and Pauline Foley.
Funeral service were on May 19, at Kings Grove Baptist Church. Burial took place at in Kings Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home and Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.
ROBERT WILEY BRABHAM
PICKENS — Robert Wiley Brabham, 82, of Pickens, passed away peacefully at home on 
Sunday, May 4, 2025.
Robert was born on Feb. 22, 1943, in Bamberg, S.C., to the late Doris Mae and Lewis A. Brabham.
Robert was a hardworking and dependable man, known for his honesty and willingness to help whenever he was needed. He proudly served in the United States Marine Corps Reserve, achieving the rank of E-5 Sergeant before receiving an honorable discharge. A dedicated professional, he later worked as a nuclear inspector at the Charleston Naval Shipyard, where he eventually retired. He also spent time farming, a vocation that reflected his deep connection to the land.
In his personal life, Robert enjoyed hunting, fishing, and traveling. He had a fondness for classic country
Courier Obituaries 5-14-25
MELVIN J. ROWLAND
BOILING SPRINGS — Melvin J. Rowland, 78, of Boiling Springs, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025. 
Melvin was born on June 28, 1946, in Pickens, to the late Elsie Pauline Cannon and Harry Rowland. He was the youngest son of 13 children. He is survived by his wife, Judy Rowland; his sisters Betty, Irene and Nancy. He was a loving son, brother, uncle, and husband.
Melvin was a graduate of Pickens High School, Southern Wesleyan University, and the Medical University of South Carolina. He had a career as a Medical Technologist in hospitals in Spartanburg and Greenville, as well as in Tryon, N.C. He enjoyed Ham radio (NQ4N) and working in his yard. His favorite food was ice cream.
The funeral to honor Melvin’s life were held on May 1, at Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel, 2075 East Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29307. Burial followed at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.
He was loved and will be greatly missed. Arrangements are entrusted to Floyd’s Greenlawn Chapel.
STEPHEN W. SALLY
EASLEY — Stephen W. Sally, affectionately known as Steve passed away peacefully on 
April 30, 2025, at the age of 89 in Easley, from end stage dementia. Born on Oct. 11, 1935, in Watervliet, N.Y., Steve was a man of integrity, strength, and deep love for his family and country.
Steve’s formative years in Watervliet laid the foundation for a life characterized by hard work and service. Following his graduation, he answered the call to serve his nation as a Marine, instilling him with a sense of discipline and honor that would define his life. After his military service, Steve transitioned into the manufacturing industry, where he excelled in various positions. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to start his own business, Manufacturing Equipment Co., in 1980, which he led with vision and dedication until retirement.
Steve was the beloved patriarch of his family, cherished for his unwavering support and love. He was the son of the late Mary and Trieffon Sally and was affectionately known as “Sonny” to his parents and his siblings, Julia, Christine, Alex and John, all of whom predeceased him. Steve’s devotion to family was evident in his loving marriage to his
Courier Obituaries 5-7-25
DELORES JONES
EASLEY — Delores Beatrice Jones, 81, loving wife of Dennis Jones of Easley, passed away Friday, May 2, 2025, at her residence.
Mrs. Jones was born in Roswell, N.M., on July 13, 1943, to the late Billie Maez and Florinda Gaudern. She loved to cook and spend time with her family.
In addition to her loving husband, Mrs. Jones is survived by her children, Paul Lavelle (Tara), Larry
Courier Obituaries 4-30-25
VIRGINIA ‘SUE’ RHODES
CENTRAL — Virginia “Sue” Rhodes, 80, of Central, passed away on Thursday, April 24, 2025.
Born on July 5, 1944, she was the daughter of the late Ruby Lee Harvey and Clint Evans Crisp.
Ms. Rhodes was a longtime member of Fellowship Community Church, where she faithfully served in the children’s ministry for many years.
She loved spending time with her family and was well known for her delicious
