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Courier Obituaries 2-8-17

Edith L. Riddle “Nanny”

Pickens — Ms. Edith L. Riddle, 65, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017.

Born March 13, 1951, in Pickens, a daughter of the late, Jack and Willis Riddle of Pickens, she was predeceased by her son,

Johnny Lee Riddle; and brothers, John and J.R. Riddle.

Nanny is survived by her children, Kimberly Roach (John) of Pickens, Tonya Chalker (Jimmy) of Pickens, and Paula Fisher of Brevard, N.C.; her grandchildren, Tommy Davis (Samantha) of Pickens, Brandi Presnell (Newman) of Travelers Rest, Boyce Slade (Monica) of Beech Island, Josh Slade (Stephanie) of Liberty, Samantha Slade of Pickens, Morgan Chalker of Pickens and Tyson Roach of Pickens; six great-grandchildren, Kenzie, Kayden, Chloe, Allie, Bentley and JJ; her sister, Elizabeth Trotter of Pickens; and brothers, Rick Riddle (Jan) of Pickens, and Fred Riddle of Pickens.

Edith was retired from Singer, where she spent most of her work career. While she may have been retired, she was a full time Nanny to those around her. She was known for loving all of her babies and taking in anyone she could and loving them as her own.

Funeral services were held Feb. 2 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to funeral expenses or a children’s charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Riddle family.

Ruby Holder

Six Mile — Ruby Sorrells Holder, 92, formerly of Old Seneca Road, went to be with Jesus, Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017.

Born in Westminster, she was married for 75 years to the late William A. “Bill” Holder Sr. and a daughter of the late Ernest and Clemer Lee Sorrells. She was retired from Garrett’s Department store of Clemson and a member of King’s Grove Baptist Church.

Surviving are a daughter, Sandy Gillespie (Roy) of Liberty; a son, Roger Holder of Six Mile; three sisters, Dorothy Masters of Charlotte, N.C., Mary Reid of Six Mile and Martha Durham of Cowpens; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by four precious sons, Billy, Jimmy, Jerry and Danny Holder, and two brothers, James and Herman Sorrells.

Graveside services to honor the life of Mrs. Holder were held Feb. 3 at King’s Grove Baptist Church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to King’s Grove Baptist Church: PO Box 127 Six Mile, SC 29682. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements. www.libertymortuary.com

Edgar Hayes

Pickens — Edgar Hayes, 89, husband of Annie Helen Harris Bolen Hayes, passed from this life on Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017, at Veteran’s Victory House in Walterboro.

Mr. Hayes was born in Laurens, a son of the late Jesse T. and Devora Masters Hayes. He was retired from the food brokerage industry and later worked for Carolina Tire, Farm Equipment Supply and the Pickens County recycle centers. Mr. Hayes was an active member of Griffin Baptist Church, which he loved, especially his pastor, the Rev. Mark Bernshausen. Mr. Hayes was a great lover of all God’s creatures, especially dogs, cats and goats. He was a U.S. Army veteran during World War II and Korean War, where he served as a staff sergeant.

Survivors include his son, Jerry Hayes (Mary) of Bluffton; his daughter, Linda Hayes Cable (Mike) of Summerville; and grandsons, Bryce and Ryan Hayes and Quinton Cable. Also surviving are stepdaughters Shawn Stallard of St. Simons Island, Ga., Sharon Joiner (Donald) of Mobile, Ala., and Susan Hoover (Tom) of Brandon, Miss.; a stepson, John Bolen (Sheila) of Little Elm, Texas; 10 step-grandchildren and 17 step great-grandchildren. Surviving also is a sister, Lucille Baldwin of Pickens, and a brother, Horace “Tom” Hayes of Spokane, Wash.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hayes was preceded in death by a daughter, Pam Ozmore, and a brother, Charles E. Hayes.

Funeral services were held Feb. 2 in the Griffin Baptist Church sanctuary, with burial following in the church cemetery.

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

Martha A Lynch

Easley — Martha A. Lynch, 68, wife of Wayne C. Lynch, went to be with the Lord Friday, Feb. 3, 2017.

Mrs. Lynch was born in Pickens and a daughter of the late Joseph Irving and Roselle Davis Anderson.

Mrs. Lynch was a homemaker and a member of Arial Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sisters, Shelby Anders of Easley, Sandra Berryhill (Greg) of Easley; sister in law; Eleanor Pinkowski of Pickens; niece Jessica Massey (Jordan) of Raleigh, N.C.; five nephews; Jonathan Anders (Caroline) of Simpsonville, Michael Anders (Beth) of Anderson, David Berryhill (Emily) of Pickens, Gary Pinowski of Pickens, and Kerry Pinkowski (Sue) of Elmhurst, Ill. Mrs. Lynch also leaves two great-niece’s and three great-nephews to share in her memory

Services were held Feb. 5 in the Dillard Funeral Home Chapel.

Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of South Carolina.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Lynch family.

Don K. Bridges

Easley — Don Kenneth Bridges, 84, of Milford Bridges Lane, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 31, 2017.

Born on Jan. 28, 1933, in Anderson County, he was a son of the late Milford and Velma Burns Bridges.

Mr. Bridges was retired from Saco-Lowell and was a member of Georges Creek Baptist Church. He enjoyed his livestock, farming, and spending time with his family and was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.

Surviving are, JoAnn Wilson Bridges of the home; sons, Anthony Bridges (Linda) and David Bridges (Jodi) all of Easley; grandchildren, Josh Bridges (Cecily) and Matthew Bridges; great-grandchildren, Chloe, Conner and Claire Bridges; sisters, Shirley Williams (Delphin), Janice Crews (Don) and Joy Wilson (Mack) all of Easley; and a brother, Tommy Bridges of Easley.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Bobby Bridges.

Funeral services were held Feb. 3 at Georges Creek Baptist Church, with burial following in the church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 301 University Ridge # 5850, Greenville, SC 29601 or alz.org

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

Jeffrey R. Gaston

Easley — Jeffrey Rupert Gaston, 55, of Easley, left for his Heavenly home Jan. 30, 2017, at McCall Hospice House after a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Never once did Jeff lament about the beast that took over his body just a few short months ago. Jeff is survived by his wife of 20 years, Holley Wilson Gaston, and two sons Jeffrey Reid Gaston and Evan Lathem Gaston, who he loved dearly.

Born June 7, 1961, Jeff was the youngest son of the late Jasper Grady and Lucy Farr Gaston. He is survived by three brothers, Grady Farr Gaston (Mary); Douglas Townes Gaston (Debbie); and Jasper Bruce Gaston (Marsha). He was a 1980 graduate of Pickens High School and a 1982 graduate of Greenville Technical College. Jeff was employed at Ortec Inc. in the maintenance department as a welder, where he shared his days working alongside a group of men who were great friends and a huge support to him and his family throughout his illness. Jeff and his family attend Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.

Jeff was a simple, humble, hardworking man, who enjoyed gardening, taking care of the family cattle, sharing a walk with the family dogs, and riding dirt bikes with his sons and friends. Raising his boys in the home that he grew up in, Jeff worked diligently to maintain the beauty of the fields surrounding his house. He also loved spending time on the river, using a chainsaw and cutting wood, and riding his tractor to make hay for the cattle each spring and fall.

In addition to his immediate family, Jeff is survived by his mother-in-law, Gloria Williams Wilson; two brothers-in-law, John Brentley Wilson (Allison); and Rhett Padgett Wilson (Nadia). He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, and cousins, as well as, many nieces and nephews who loved their Uncle Jeff and stood by him until he drew his last breath here on earth.

Services were held Feb. 4 in the Chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens. Those serving as pallbearers were Benjamin Grady Gaston, Caleb Bruce Gaston, John Holcombe Gaston, Michael Anthony Ramirez, Dennis Lynn Clardy, and Daniel Lee Cochran. The maintenance department of Ortec Inc. will serve as the escort of honor.

Flowers will be accepted; however, the family requests that memorials be made to the McCall Hospice House, 1836 West Georgia Road Simpsonville, SC 29680.

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

Carolyn S. Massey

Easley — Carolyn Smith Massey, 80, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, at her home.

Born in Pickens County, the daughter of the late Paul Hudson Smith and the late Diana Harris Smith, Carolyn retired from General Construction Services and attended Glenwood Baptist Church.

Surviving are her daughter, Candus Gilstrap Wilder (Joshua); three nephews, Scott, Michael and Jeff Smith; and two grandchildren, Michael and Deanna Wilder.

In addition to her parents, Carolyn was predeceased by two brothers, Jack and Bennie Smith.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.

Family members are at their respective homes.

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

Walter R. “Bud” Wheeler

Central — Walter Reford “Bud” Wheeler, 92, of Brookdale Living in Central, passed away on Friday, Feb. 3, 2017, at the Cottingham Hospice House.

He went to join his beloved wife of 50 years, Janet Ruth Dacus Wheeler.

He was born in Edgefield a son of the late Charles Thomas Wheeler Sr. and Pansey Starley Wheeler.

He retired from Liberty Woodside Mills after 43 years of service and later retired from the United States Air Force Reserve. He also was a World War II veteran, where he served in the U.S. Army. He was a Master Mason and member of Tate Lodge 292, Norris.

Surviving are a daughter, Judy W. Messer (Doug) of Liberty; two sons, Larry K. Wheeler (Leslee) of Greer, and Dacus Allen Wheeler of Liberty; a sister, Carrie Steele of Irmo; a brother, Tony Wheeler of Pelion; nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

In addition to his wife and parents he was preceded in death by three sons, Walter Ronnie Wheeler (infant), Jerry Michael Wheeler and Steven Henry Wheeler; a brother Charlie Wheeler; sisters, Pauline Pindar and Francis Bright.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Wheeler were held Feb. 6 in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel, with burial following in Abbott Cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to your local veterans organization.

The family would like to give a special thanks to Bud’s very devoted caregivers at Brookdale Living and also, very special thanks to the staff of Cottingham Hospice House, 390 Keowee School Road, Seneca SC 29672. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Melvin earl swanson

Pickens — Melvin Earl Swanson of Pickens left this life on Jan. 23, 2017.

His father is the late William Harold Swanson of Liberty, and his mother is Thalia Cooper of Pickens.

He is survived by two children, daughter Amber Swanson of Asheville N.C.; and a son Isaac Landreth of Brevard N.C. brother Donald Swanson (Marie); sisters Deborah Mann (Derrill), Sandra Thomasson and Teresa Banks. He is predeceased by one sister Renee Trotter. He also leaves eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild all of N.C.

Services will be announced at a later date.

Roy Robert Black

EASLEY — Roy Robert Black Jr., 67, of Easley, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 1, 2017, at his home.

Born in Greenville County on Dec. 19, 1949, he was the son of the late Roy Robert and Capatola McAlister Black. Roy enjoyed golfing and all seasonal sports, and he loved the Clemson Tigers.

Surviving are his wife, Vivian Metts Black; three children, Farrah, Rachel, and Neil; one brother, Don Black (Sue); one brother-in-law, Roger Benjamin; and three grandchildren.

Along with his parents, Roy was predeceased by one sister, Susan Benjamin.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, in the Dillard Funeral Home Chapel, with burial to follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.

Darlene Bagshaw

Easley — Darlene Bagshaw, 76, passed way Monday Feb. 4, 2017.

She is the daughter of the late Emery and Thelma Styles. Miss Bagshaw was born in Greenville.

Miss Bagshaw work for many years at Stone Manufacturing and enjoyed reading.

Survivors include two daughters, Terri Kay and Lydia Cox both of Easley; a sister, Jean Rycroft of Greer; and a brother, Rowland Styles of Travelers Rest.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 9, in Mountain Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Bagshaw family.

William E. “Pete” Fields

Easley — Mr. William Earl “Pete” Fields, 96, husband of the late Catherine Dilbeck Fields, passed away Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, at his home.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late William Taylor and Elizabeth Bryant Fields, Mr. Fields retired from Ole Norms, Inc. and was of the Baptist faith. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in WWII.

Surviving are a brother, Lyman Fields of Anderson; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Fields was predeceased by a brother, Johnny A. Fields and a sister, Helen Nance.

Funeral services will be 2 p.m. Friday, Feb. 10, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with Rev. Scott Willis officiating. Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park with military honors.

The family will receive friends from 12:30-1:45 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, prior to the service.

Family members are at their respective homes.

Memorials may be made to Enon Baptist Church, 871 Enon Church 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.

Carolyn Anita Carlile

Pickens — Carolyn Anita Carlile, 65, went to be with her Lord on Friday, Jan. 27, 2017.

Miss Carlile was born in Rockledge, Fla., and the daughter of the late Charles Wesley Carlile Jr. and Davie Lee Carlile.

Miss Carlile retired as the secretary Pickens View Wesleyan Church. She also was a member of the church.

Survivors include a sister-in-law, Charlotte Carlile of Florida, Cindy Wilson, a longtime friend of Illinois, and a caregiver, Joy King. Miss Carlile also leaves many friends and neighbors to share in her memory.

A graveside memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 8, at Greenlawn Memorial in Easley. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Carlile family.