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Courier Obits 3-25-15

8-6 Page 5A.inddGeorge Leonard Crum

Easley ­— Mr. George Leonard Crum, 82, husband of Etta Clardy Crum, passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at his home.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late James Edgar and Georgia Ellen Ross Crum, Mr. Crum was self employed and a member of Arial United Methodist Church.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 46 years, are two daughters, Lisa Crum and Donna Lambert, both of Easley; one brother, Ross Crum (Peggy) of Easley; two sisters, Lucille Lesley and Grace Lackey, both of Easley; four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Mr. Crum was predeceased by a daughter, Laura Crum Perry; a brother, Richard Crum; and two sisters, Elizabeth Greer and Evelyn Bagwell.

Funeral services were on Thursday, March 19, at Arial Baptist Church. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Arial Baptist Church, 618 Rice Road, Easley, SC 29640.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Thomas P. Gillespie, Sr.

Summerville — Thomas Preston Gillespie Sr., 72, of 105 Dirocco Lane, passed away peacefully on Monday, March 16, 2015, in Charleston.

Born in Anderson County, he was a son of the late Lonnie C. Gillespie and Lessie Lee Gore Gillespie Dean.

He was a graduate of William Carey University.

Mr. Gillespie was retired from the United States military, having served 10 years each with the Army and Marine Corps. He served two tours of duty in Vietnam. After retiring from the military, he owned and operated Big T’s Convenience Stores in the Charleston area. After retiring from the business world, he enjoyed time on his cattle ranch in Lebanon, Mo.

Surviving is his wife, Alice H. Gillespie of the home; two sons, Preston Gillespie (Donna) of York, and Jim Gillespie of Summerville; a daughter, Tanya Kemmerlin (Richard) of Metter, Ga.; five sisters, Nancy Sue Davis of Easley, Shelba Jean Bracewell of Charleston, Hilda “Hoot” McCall and Betty Elaine Gillespie both of Easley, and Margaret Karen Cockrell of Newberry; a brother, Lonnie C. Gillespie, Jr. of Enid, Okla.; six grandchildren, Michael Gillespie (Kacie), Hannah Gillespie, Britain Gillespie, Gracelin Gillespie, Madison Gillespie, and Fallin Canaday (Kyle); one great grandson, Connor Gillespie.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Mildred Ann Shirley, and two brothers, William “Bill” Gillespie and Joel Clifford Gillespie.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Gillespie were held on Thursday, March 19, in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial was at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the Disabled American Veterans, PO Box 14301, Cincinnati OH 45250 or online at www.dav.org

Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Gladys Edens

Marietta — Gladys Massingill Edens, 98, of 5111 Dacusville Highway, wife of the late James Thomas “J.T.” Edens Sr., passed away Tuesday, March 17, 2015, at Cannon Memorial Hospital.

Born in Pickens County, the daughter of the late William R. and Della Simmons Massingill, Mrs. Edens retired from the Gayley Plant of Milliken Corp. and was a member of Oolenoy Baptist Church.

Surviving are two sons, James Edens Jr., (Diana) of Novato, Calif., and Curtis Edens of Pumpkintown; two daughters, Evonne Elrod (Edward) and Bernice Fortner (Gaylord, deceased), all of Pumpkintown; eight grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, one great-great-grandchild and three step-great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Edens was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Funeral services were held Friday, March 20, at Oolenoy Baptist Church. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Building Fund of Oolenoy Baptist Church, 201 Miracle Hill Road, Pickens, SC 29671.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Victor Daniel Sullivan

Central — Victor Daniel Sullivan, 59, of Central, went home to be with his loving Savior on Wednesday, March 11, 2015, at Cannon Memorial Hospital.

He was born Feb. 29, 1956, in Clearwater, Fla. Victor just celebrated his 41st wedding anniversary with his loving wife, Jane Sullivan, on March 8. He was preceded in death by both his parents, Dan and Ludie Ann Sullivan, and his oldest son, Nathaniel Sullivan.

Along with his wife, other survivors include his daughter, Virginia Doss (Thomas Doss), (Amber Sullivan), son, Jerry Sullivan (Monay Sullivan), daughter, Emily Hayes (David Hayes), daughter, Rachael Suttles (Mikey Suttles), son, Joe Sullivan (Barbara Sullivan), 11 grandchildren and several other family members.

Victor loved the Lord with all his heart and was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ. Everyone he spoke to he spoke of Christ.

Victor was a loving, devoted father and husband. He was an upstanding member of Pickens County for 21 years. Victor worked for the city of Pickens for seven years and before that he worked for Fluor Daniels in Brevard, N.C. Victor loved his plants. He had the best green thumb ever and could make anything grow. He also enjoyed going to the flea markets and auctions. Victor loved NASCAR and would watch the races every time they were on. His favorite driver was Jeff Gordon. Victor really loved to read his Bible and watch various Christian television shows. Victor lived his life to the fullest and always said he was ready to go home to be with God. Victor was loved by all who knew him and will be deeply missed.

Victor has been cremated by the Cremation Society of SC.

A small memorial service will be held for close friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Jane Sullivan, P.O. Box 1485 Pickens, SC 29671 to help with final expenses.

The Reverend William Ewell “Bill” Payne

Pickens — The Reverend William Ewell “Bill” Payne, 87, husband of the late Dorothy Dixon Payne, passed away from this life Wednesday, March 18, 2015, at Magnolias of Easley.

The Reverend Payne was born in Nettleton, Miss., a son of the late Reverend Ewell and Vera Minga Payne. He was a graduate of Mars Hill College and attended Southeastern Theological Seminary. One of the highlights of his life was serving the Cherokee Indians from 1947 to 1957, where he built many churches across the Reservation. He was a member of Faith Lutheran Chapel in Pickens and also Keowee Lodge No. 79. He was formerly a pastor of Crescent Hill Baptist in Pickens and also served as a photographer of The South Carolina Baptist Convention.

Survivors include three daughters; Kathy Barnett (Richard) of Easley, Elizabeth Seay (Al) of Gastonia, N.C. and Susan Walters of Reevesville. Grandchildren include Kristin Thibodeaux (Corey), Justin Cassell (Bethany), Brandon McCombs, Brian McCombs, Christopher Seay, Jim Barnett, Shannon Seay, Carrie Anne Seay, Whitney Mellis (William) and Jessica Walters. Great-grandchildren include Jonathan Cardona, Lexi Cassell, Maci and Chance Mellis, Ashton Seay, Evie Seay, Braxton and a number of nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a special friend from WPO, Louise Young.

The Reverend Payne was predeceased by his wife, parents, brother, Tommy Payne, and son-in-law, Carl Walters.

Visitation was held Thursday, March 19, at Dillard Funeral Home. Visitation was also held on Friday, March 20, with a funeral service following at the funeral home chapel.

A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.

Memorials may be made to the Youth at Faith Lutheran Chapel, 729 West Main Street, Pickens, SC 29671.

The family will be at the home.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Payne family.

Clarence L. Holder

Central — Clarence Leroy Holder, 60, of 121 Dixie Drive, husband of Kathy Bryson Holder, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 18, 2015, at OMH in Seneca.

Born in Pickens County, he was the son of the late Leroy and Lillian Shedd Holder. Clarence was a graduate of D.W. Daniel High School and was an electrician. He was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Clarence loved to go to the local flea markets and enjoyed dirt track car racing.

Surviving in addition to his wife are a son, Justin Holder, and wife, Brittney, of Anderson; daughter, Monica Powell and husband, Jimmy, of Central; grandchildren, Bryley Holder, Jozey Holder, Austin Powell and Brycen Powell.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Jimmy Holder.

Graveside services were held on March 20 in the Church of God of Prophecy Cemetery on Furman L. Smith Highway in Central.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at the funeral home.

Sandra L. Landers

Easley — Mrs. Sandra Lee Landers, 68, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2015, at National Health Care in Laurens.

Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Lewis and Fannie Holder Landers, Mrs. Landers was employed with the Farmers Market in Dacusville for more than 30 years. She was a member of Wayside Baptist Church.

Surviving are a son, Keith K. Landers of Dacusville; and two sisters, Faye Bishop of Chesnee, and Shirley Conington of Travelers Rest.

Graveside services were held on Saturday at Hillcrest Memorial Park, with the Rev. Roger Todd officiating.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Regina D. Reece

Pickens — Regina Leigh Day Reece, 53, of Loch Lomond Drive, passed away Wednesday, March 18, 2015, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on Sept. 12, 1961, in Pickens County, she was the daughter of the late Weldon and Louise Mullinax Day.

Regina had a loving heart. She was the certification director for the SC Free Clinic Association. She previously was employed with Blue Ridge Cooperative and was the director of the Pickens County Free Clinic. She was a member of Pickens First Baptist Church, where she participated in the Hand Bell Choir and worked with the Children’s Choir.

Regina’s life and fight with cancer exemplified her strength and unwavering faith; she was a perfect example of God’s love.

Surviving are her husband, William Ray Reece; her children, Mattison Reece, Kaeleigh Reece and Johnathan Reece; a brother, Bobby Day (Selena); sisters, Sandra Hinton (Dan) and Pati Moore (Charlie) all of Pickens; and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ray and Grace Reece.

A service to celebrate Regina’s life was held on Saturday at Pickens First Baptist Church, with burial following in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Flowers are accepted, or memorials may be made to Samaritan Health Clinic, 303 Dacusville Highway, Easley, SC 29640 or samaritanhealthclinic.org

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com.

The family will be at the home of Dan and Sandra Hinton, 201 Oaks Court, Pickens, SC 29671.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Reece family.

Winfred C. Durham, Sr.

Pickens ­— Winfred Claude Durham Sr., 78, of Old Dacusville Road, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2015.

Born in Pickens County, he was the son of the late Theodore Bruce Durham and Virgie Mae Masters Durham.

Mr. Durham was retired from Mayfair Mills and was a Baptist.

Surviving are his wife of 49 years, Sue Lyday Durham of the home; a son, Winfred Claude Durham Jr. of Liberty; three grandchildren, Elizabeth Durham, Alyssa Durham and Luke Durham; three sisters, Ann Whitmire, Helen Coleman and Betty Straton all of Easley; and three brothers, Robert Durham of Pickens, Ronnie Durham and Harold Durham both of Easley.

Funeral services were held on Sunday in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, with burial following in Cross Roads Baptist Church Cemetery.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Durham family.

Jean W. Adams

Pickens — Geneva (Jean) Welborn Adams, 80, of Adams Lane, wife of the late James W. Adams, passed away Thursday, March 19, 2015.

Born in Anderson County, she was the daughter of the late Jay and Lula Rackley Welborn.

Mrs. Adams was retired from Kent Manufacturing after 35 years of service and was a member of Martin Grove Wesleyan Church.

Surviving is a son, Ray Adams (Faye) of Pickens; six grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and a brother, J.D. Welborn.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a son, Danny Adams Sr.; a sister, Ann Medlin; and a brother, Clifton Welborn.

Funeral services were held on Monday, March 23, in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, with burial following in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Adams family.

Margaret Harris Pierce

Easley — Mrs. Margaret Harris Pierce, 91, wife of the late James Arthur Pierce, passed away Saturday, March 21, 2015, at Manna Health and Rehab of Pickens.

Born in Illinois, a daughter of the late Ardell and Pansy Phillips Harris, Mrs. Pierce retired from Piedmont Industries and was a member of Calvary Hill Baptist Church.

Surviving are two daughters, Carol Christian (Ken) of Easley, and Suzanne McKinley of Lyons, Ga.; two brothers, Russell Harris of Missouri and Robert Harris of Illinois; a sister, Ruth Tripp of Illinois; and a granddaughter, Jennifer Gasperson. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Pierce was predeceased by three sisters and three brothers; and a great-grandchild.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 25, 2015, at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from noon until 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown prior to the service.

The family is at the home of her daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Ken Christian, 107 Woodland Circle, Easley, SC 29640.

Memorials may be made to ARK Hospice, 101 Grace Avenue, Easley, SC 29640.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Carroll Willie Owen

Balsam Grove, N.C. — Carroll Willie Owen, 63, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 16, 2015.

He was the son of the late Will Owen. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by three brothers; Jaroll W., Denver and A.B. Owen.

He is survived by his mother, Inez Galloway Ammons; wife, Ruth Laverne Owen; son Mark Wayne Owen and wife Melissa of Brevard; daughters, Tabetha Owen Riddle and husband Leonard of Pickens and Laura Mae Owen-Galloway and husband Brent of Balsam Grove; brothers, Gary, Faroll and Stanley Owen and wife Sue; sisters, Ophelia Ashe and husband Grady and Vera Bowie and friend Steve Brewer; sister in law, Geneva Owen; eleven grandchildren and four great -randchildren.

A celebration of life was held Saturday, March 21, at Affirmative Word Tabernacle, with the Revs. Troy Stamey and Michael McCall officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Owen family, c/o Ecusta Federal Credit Union, 2074 Asheville Hwy, Pisgah Forest, NC 28768.

Online condolences may be left at www.moodyconnollyfuneralhome.com.

Moody-Connolly Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements.