Daily Archives: 11/24/2015
World of Energy to host Festival of Trees
SENECA — The World of Energy will host its third annual Festival of Trees Nov. 28 through Dec. 31.
Nearly two dozen trees will be on display, decorated by local businesses and organizations for the public to view. Tree viewing can take place Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Saturdays from noon until 5 p.m. at the World of Energy education center.
Visitors are asked to vote on their favorite tree; the winning tree will receive a $1,000 grant from Duke Energy to donate to their registered charity of choice. A tree lighting ceremony is planned for 5 p.m. Dec. 3, for the community to enjoy with live music by the Zion Quartet.
Also, as part of the holiday festivities, Santa and Mrs. Claus are visiting the World of Energy from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 12. Children can visit with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and parents are encouraged to capture the memories with their camera. No reservations are required.
All holiday activities at the World of Energy are free and open to the public. The center is an official Toys for Tots drop-off location, so those visiting are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy for the drop box.
For more information on Festival of Trees activities, call (864) 873-4600.
Pancake breakfast to benefit PPCDC
PICKENS — Christmas is for kids, which is why the Pickens Presbyterian Church Child Development Center is working to ensure it can continue meeting the needs of every child who walks through its doors.
The center will host a pancake breakfast with Santa as a holiday fundraiser on Saturday, Dec. 12, from 9-11 a.m. in the All Saints Hall at Pickens Presbyterian Church, located at at 311 W. Cedar Rock St.
“We’d like to invite our community to come out for a morning of good food, fellowship and of course an appearance by Old St. Nick himself,” CDC director Karen Durham said. “Proceeds from this event will go toward care items for our indigent children. Our center serves children of all walks of life, and we want to continue to ensure that every child’s needs are met while in our care.”
Tickets for the pancake breakfast are $6, and children under 4 are free. The ticket includes breakfast, and all children can have their picture taken with Santa. To-go plates will also be available. To order tickets, call (864) 878-9953 or visit the center at 338 W. Cedar Rock Street.
Going home for Thanksgiving
This is Thanksgiving week, always a busy time when we’re getting ready for the day itself. I went outside about six this morning and the frost was on the trees and grass. The sun hadn’t been up long, and the air was very crisp.
I could see my breath. And just like that, I was taken back
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in memory to Sycamore Hill and Grandmama’s big kitchen. I remember the places on the floor that creaked when you walked across them and the steam rising from big pots on the stove.
Uncle Walter’s walking stick would be hooked onto a chair back and he’d have on his old stained apron, a white shirt and tie and his felt hat.
He always cooked in his hat.
Grandmama would be holding the oven door open, basting the turkey. She’d have on her Goose Girl flour apron.
We children would be sitting at the table making crumbs out of the dry biscuits and Parker house rolls for the dressing.
We were the soldiers in Uncle Walter’s army, and he gave instructions about what to do next.
He’d have one child at the stove stirring the celery and onions in the huge old battered frying pan in a pool of melted butter.
One would be cracking eggs into the big crockery bowl they always used for mixing the dressing, or making eggnog or creaming butter and sugar together for a pound cake. A real one, with a pound of everything.
If we didn’t know how to separate eggs when we began, we certainly knew how before it was over.
We used an old-fashioned wooden-handled hand-turned mixer to beat the eggs and would take turns beating because our arms would get tired.
Uncle Walter firmly believed that if a child could walk they could work, and there were no idle hands in that kitchen. Children were put onto the Earth to fetch and carry for adults, and we were always being called into service to run and get whatever he needed.
The old kitchen was big enough to accommodate many cooks, a fortunate thing as there were many cooks and assistant cooks stirring, chopping, sauteéing and fetching ingredients.
However, there was only one person in that kitchen who was the authority on taste-testing and seasoning. Uncle Walter could be on one side of the kitchen, would dip a spoon into whatever he was preparing and direct a child to carry the spoon all the way across the kitchen to Grandmama, to taste.
“Reba, what does it need?” he’d ask.
She’d always know what was needed and how much to add. I can remember her advising him to be careful with the salt.
“You can always add if it’s needed,” she’d say, “but you can’t take it out.”
Wise words indeed. That’s a rule I follow in my own kitchen.
The old house didn’t have central heat or air. Most of the fireplaces weren’t in use, and the rooms heated relied on kerosene or gas for heat.
The long hall was unheated, and whenever the refrigerator was too full to hold another dish, Grandmama would send a child out into the back hall to put cold dishes on top of the old safe. It was possible to congeal jello in the hall, so there was no danger of food poisoning.
Although they are all gone now, I’ve learned as I grow older that the memories created with them are always with me and color the present as much as they did the past.
Happy Thanksgiving, everyone.
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Courier Letters to the Editor 11-25-15
Endorsement of governor’s Syria stance
Dear Editor,
The Pickens County Taxpayers Association has for 20 years been involved in our principal areas of work — property rights and just taxation — and related issues. We care about the people of this county and state, and work to enhance the health, safety, welfare and education of all those who live, work and raise families here.
We are concerned about the Federal Refugee Resettlement Initiative and the increase in numbers of people in this program and the subsequent increase of cost to the Pickens County taxpayers for school, medical and welfare facilities.
In order to avoid a premature reaction to this important issue, much research and discussion was conducted by the Pickens County Taxpayers Association Board. The results of our findings, and in the light of current events, along with the lack of credible examination and vetting of refugees by federal authorities are of paramount concern.
Therefore, we as an association endorse the recent action of the Governor of South Carolina, Nikki Haley, that the U.S. State Department not resettle any Syrian refugees in South Carolina due to concerns of proper and through vetting.
Our association endorses the position of the Pickens County Council. Their action was through a budget proviso that counties can participate or not in the Refugee Resettlement Program and their decision was not to participate.
Our association will continue to work toward a safe and healthy place to live and work for our citizens.
Dan Winchester
Vice president
Pickens County Taxpayers Association
Saitta talks SDPC budget decisions
Dear Editor,
In June, the Pickens County School Board passed a budget that had more expenditures than revenue coming in for the first time in 10 years.
At the Nov. 23 meeting, the district administration proposed and the board approved spending $80,000 on a second assistant principal pay raise for the year. I voted against it for a couple of reasons. Giving the second pay raise during the year was not required or necessary now under the law or by contract. It is unwise to increase spending mid-year when the budget is already spending more than is coming in.
The extra pay raise should have waited until next year. If revenue continues to grow, the new recurring $80,000 expense would then be covered with recurring revenue — an expense-revenue balance that will keep the district out of the financial ditch in the long-run.
Later in the meeting, the board approved $50,000 in additional spending. Again, I voted against the additional deficit spending. Adding it up, the budget is now spending $500,000 more than the revenue flowing in this year.
The past few years, we always budgeted to spend less than revenue flowing in. That is, a few hundred thousand dollars of revenue was set aside for mid-year costs that cropped up or if the administration came to the board wanting to spend on this or that new item. That way, extra revenue was there to cover such mid-year expenses. If all the extra revenue wasn’t spent, at the end of the year it went into savings, so savings grew over time. Prudent financial management.
With this year’s budget, the board/administration budgeted to spend more than was coming in so the budget was in deficit right off the bat.
The administration is plugging the recurring deficit with one-time money or savings. Savings are limited and run out in time, making such deficit spending a bad habit to fall into. Also, the district should be growing savings in good economic times, because we’ll surely need the extra cash when the next recession hits and revenue falls.
Alex Saitta
School board trustee
Pickens
Where do we go now, America?
Dear Editor,
God was very instrumental in the founding of the USA. Men and women from across the ocean came here to get away from the tyranny in the old country. They wanted to worship God freely without the dictates of the hierarchy. Many lost their lives on their journey to freedom and liberty (which is given by God, not by the government). Do we have men and women today that would risk their lives for such as this? Many have given their lives on the battle front all over the world for the USA and many other nations, for this freedom and liberty. Today we are a nation that has left the very foundation we were built on. We have gone from being Christians to a nation such as we saw in Sodom and Gomorrah in the Scriptures. God hasn’t left us — we have left God. Many are doing as in Noah’s day; each person doing that which is right in their own eyes. The Bible states that as it was in the days of Noah, so it will be in the last days.
God: Creator of heaven, Earth and mankind is being left out of everything but curse words. We can no longer pray in schools, in public places or assemblies of many kinds. I heard on the news recently of some school in our USA where the study of the Koran was in force. How must the only true God view us as we are today, versus how he created us to be? God, Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. He commanded them to subdue all things and rule over all things. He told them to multiply and replenish the Earth. Today we have five judges who have made a law that same-sex marriage is the law of the land. No multiplying can be done with two of the same sex. The Supreme Court is not to make laws but to interpret the law in some judicial cases.
God gave us his laws in the Ten Commandments and other instructions. Read Deuteronomy 28 and Leviticus 26 very closely to see the blessings and also the curses we receive depending on our obedience or disobedience to His law.
Today we have the government, the Supreme Court and even our president telling us what to do. We ought to obey God rather than man, in Joshua 2 verse 8 what to do make our way prosperous and then have good success. In Joshua 24 verse 15, God spoke through Joshua for the people to choose this day whom you will serve, God of your fathers or this Lord and God who created all things.
Today we fund Planned Parenthood in the murder of babies and selling of body parts. This is with our taxes. God cannot be pleased with the way we live. We that are Christians need to be bold and stand up for what is right in God’s eyes and not be pleasers of men. How much longer will we be able to hear God’s word preached in our churches? Even today, many churches do not proclaim “Thus saith the Lord,” but preach a good-feeling kind of religion. People do not want to hear about their sins. All nations and individuals one day must be judged by God, and I think our nation is already seeing some of God’s wrath.
My question is: how long before Jesus Christ returns for the church (his bride) and takes us to our heavenly home? Then literally “all hell will break loose on earth” in the Great Tribulation. I’m going with Jesus, how about you?
Mark Wilson
Pickens
EOC earns state award
Rep. Rita Allison, EOC executive director Melanie Barton, EOC chairman David Whittemore and EOC vice chairman Dr. Danny Merck accept the 2015 Early Childhood Champions of Children Award last month.
Columbia — The South Carolina Education Oversight Committee (EOC) received statewide recognition for its work on behalf of young children on Oct. 15, receiving the 2015 Early Childhood Champions of Children Award.
The award, presented by the Institute for Child Success, recognizes outstanding efforts to strengthen South Carolina’s early childhood education system. EOC chairman David Whittemore, vice chairman Dr. Danny Merck and EOC executive director Melanie Barton represented the committee at the award ceremony in Greenville.
“The committee recognizes that an investment in a child’s education early is critical to making an impact in the future,” Whittemore said. “We are pleased to be recognized by the Institute for such a prestigious honor.”
In addition to the EOC, the Beaufort County School District was also honored for its expansion of prekindergarten services for 4-year-olds.
Winners are selected by the board of the Institute for Child Success. ICS is a private, nonpartisan research and policy organization that supports policymakers, service providers, government agencies and business leaders focused on development, healthcare and education for children ages birth to 5 years old.
The SC Education Oversight Committee is an independent, non-partisan group made up of 18 educators, business persons, and elected leaders. Created in 1998, the committee is dedicated to reporting facts, measuring change, and promoting progress within South Carolina’s education system.
Flame get better in Boggs’ first season
By Eugene Jolley
Courier Sports
ejolley@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — Although the season ended with a disappointing 4-7 record, the 2015 campaign for the Pickens Blue Flame football team was one of improvement.
Tommy McGaha/Courier
Pickens senior Gunner Covey will be one of the Blue Flame’s greatest losses heading into next season after lettering for four seasons and leading the team in the ground game.
The Blue Flame got better each week, won one more game than a season ago and again made the state AAA playoffs. With the abolition of the eight-quarter rule this season, there was little depth for Pickens, as all 25-26 varsity players played a good bit each game.
Next season, Pickens will move to Region I-AAAA with Greenville, Daniel, Belton-Honea Path and Wren.
The Blue Flame will return seven starters on offense, and four starters will be back on defense.
“We’ll have a lot of work to do along our interior on our offensive and defensive lines,” first-year Pickens coach John Boggs said. “We’ve got some good groups coming in from the JV and good young kids coming from the middle school. We’ll start working them hard in the weight room and try to develop them. The ones that commit and dedicate themselves and are there every day, we’ll do our best to try and make them better.”
Returning on offense will be sophomore quarterback Tanner Stegall, who passed for more than 1,100 yards this year with 11 touchdowns and eight interceptions.
Junior tailback Brandon Batson will also return after rushing for almost 400 yards.
The three starting receivers — juniors Kirkland Gillespie, Isaiah Ferguson and Sam Lawson — will all be back in 2016. Ferguson led the team with 21 catches and five scores.
Two offensive linemen will return — junior Dorian Butler at tackle and freshman guard Braden Gravely. Butler missed the playoff game but will enter next season as a three-year starter. Gravely started 10 games.
On defense, junior linebacker Cole Seaborn will return after leading the team in tackles. Three starters will return in the secondary, with junior Robert Jones at strong safety, sophomore Jamal Blythe at free safety and Lawson at cornerback. Jones picked off three passes this season.
Key reserves returning include Jarred Pace, who started some at outside linebacker and backed up Stegall at quarterback. Bryson Capps, who had starts at defensive end and linebacker and also ran the ball at fullback, will also be back. Junior receiver-cornerbacks Drew McConnell and Chad Bayne will return as well, and coaches are hopeful junior lineman Hudson Burgess can come back after missing this season with injury.
The Blue Flame will say goodbye to several four-year lettermen, including fullback-outside linebacker Gunner Covey and defensive end Tyler Gravely.
Pickens will also have to replace Shrine Bowl kicker-punter Matt Gravely, who also started at outside linebacker, where he was third on the team in tackles and tied Jones for the lead in interceptions.
Gone along the offensive line is center Jeb Kelley, who started for two years, guard Trevor Gillespie, another two-year starter, and Renny Croley, who started for two years at tackle and also came on to start at defensive end. Nose tackle Ridge Clark, who had a big year, also departs after starting for three seasons.
Starting linebacker Will Reynolds will also graduate, as will cornerback Adam Thomas, who broke up 11 passes and also picked off three passes.
Other key players departing due to graduation are linemen Brandon Culpepper, who made one start and had some injuries this season, and defensive back Logan Lusk, who battled injuries this season but will be remembered for a two-interception game at West-Oak last season. Tight end-linebacker Clay Adcox also departs after missing most of the season following an injury suffered against Liberty. Defensive end-tight end Corbin Hinkle, a pass-rush specialist, will also be gone next season.
“It’s a good group of seniors,” Boggs said. “It’s always hard at the end of the year to see a team go, because your whole team dynamic changes. You get a whole bunch of guys and they work hard and begin to put things together way back in January-February and through the summer with the offseason stuff.
“We’ve spent a lot of time together. It’s family. You hate to see when the seniors graduate and you know they’re moving on and you’re happy for them. You just hope in some small way that the time you got to spend with them will make a difference in their lives. They’ve been a good group.
“It seems like yesterday we were meeting at Pizza Inn breaking up our teams for summer workout groups and doing our draft. They’ve done a good job. They’ve showed up and played hard every week. They practiced hard every week even after the losses, they bounced back and had the right attitude and were ready to go. They’ve been fun to coach. There are some years when you get to the end, there are some groups you are glad to see go. This is certainly not one of those groups. This group has been a lot of fun to be around every day.”
Daniel turns page on 2015 season
By Robbie Tinsley
Courtesy The Journal
rtinsley@upstatetoday.com
CENTRAL — Randy Robinson makes a point of knowing what he’s got in the pipeline.
John Bolton/BoltonPhoto.com
Receiver Carter Groomes will be one of the top losses to graduation for Daniel heading into the 2016 season after leading the team in receiving yards and receiving touchdowns this year.
So when the Daniel High School football coach sees the Edwards Middle School football team going undefeated and the Lions’ junior varsity team winning its region, he has good reason to be optimistic that his varsity team’s 4-7 record was an aberration.
“Clearly, we’ve got more talent coming,” he said.
After losing only four regular-season games in the previous four seasons, the Lions stumbled out of the blocks and never truly got going in 2015. Even with an inexperienced team, an 0-3 mark in nonregion play, an 0-3 record against fellow Western 3A powers Belton-Honea Path, Seneca and Wren and a first-round playoff exit wasn’t what Daniel and Robinson had for this season. It was the program’s first losing season since 2006.
But with 10 starters from the team’s playoff loss at South Pointe either sophomores (eight) or freshmen (two), the Lions will have some young talent to draw upon next year. And to make matters better for Robinson, they’re hungry to improve.
“I actually had to tell a few of them to take some time to decompress,” he said. “Some of them told me on the field at South Pointe that they wanted to get in the weight room Monday. I told them there would be plenty of time for that; we can get back at it after Thanksgiving.
“That’s a plus as a coach when you’ve got guys who are that hungry and are ready to go to work.”
He hopes that the young core’s attitude will continue into spring practice and summer workouts.
Meanwhile, Robinson and his staff will go to work trying to fix his two biggest area of concerns — the team’s defensive scheme and work in the weight room.
“Defensively, we have to sit down and look at everything we did schematically,” he said. “It wasn’t good enough, so we’re going to make some changes and adjust some things there.
“Physically, we weren’t there this year, and with some talent coming up, we want to make sure we get these kids as strong as we can get them.”
Improving those two areas as well as receiving an influx of speed from the upcoming Lions will be a great help to a Daniel team that’s making the bump up to 4A football in 2016. Daniel’s new region will have a familiar look — Western 3A mates Belton-Honea Path, Pickens and Wren are also making the jump to join a five-team region which includes Greenville — but Robinson knows the odds will be stacked against his team.
“It’s a big step up — we’ll be the smallest 4A team in the state, numerically,” he said. “We’ll definitely be beating the drum (as motivation) that we’re the underdogs.”
The shortened region schedule allowed Robinson to get back to his roots for the Lions’ season opener in the fall — Daniel will host Berkeley — Robinson’s previous stop as an assistant coach — in Week 0.
Tigers finish ACC slate undefeated
By Rachel Eagleton
Clemson Athletic Comm.
news@thepccourier.com
CLEMSON — Top-ranked Clemson moved to 11-0 for the first time since its 1981 national championship season with a 33-13 win over Wake Forest on Saturday.
The Tigers also celebrated Senior Day and Military Appreciation Day, with special segments honoring seniors and veterans throughout the game.
Kerry Gilstrap/Courier
Clemson freshman quarterback Kelly Bryant, a Wren graduate, carries the ball during the Tigers’ win over Wake Forest on Saturday.
The members of the Clemson senior class earned their 43rd career win with the victory over the Deacons, setting a school record. With their 43-7 overall record, the seniors also have the best winning percentage in program history at 86 percent.
“I’m excited to be 11-0,” Tigers coach Dabo Swinney said after the game. “That’s what this senior group has done — they’ve won and made this program better, and they’re leaving it better than when they came, which is what a legacy is all about. We have state championship week now and a chance to go 12-0, so we have to play our best game of the year, and we are going to prepare to do that.”
The Tiger defense lit the fire early with a fumble forced by Ben Boulware and recovered by Kevin Dodd. The defense allowed only 152 yards in the game.
Sophomore sensation Deshaun Watson ignited the offense by going 24-of-35 through the air with four touchdowns in the first half. The offense totaled 552 yards — 381 passing and 171 on the ground. It was the school-record seventh consecutive game with more than 500 yards of offense for the Tigers.
In addition, Deon Cain joined Sammy Watkins in becoming the second first-year freshman in Clemson history to record a touchdown in four consecutive games.
After an electric first half, the Tigers took a more relaxed approach in the second half, allowing plenty of reserves to see action on the field.
Clemson finished the ACC regular season with an 8-0 record for the first time in history.
The Tigers will be looking to extend their perfect season to 12-0 with a trip to Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia this week to take on rival South Carolina, which lost 23-22 to FCS foe The Citadel on Saturday. The game, scheduled to kick off at noon on Saturday, will be televised live on ESPN.
Courier Obituaries 11-25-15
LAVERNE ANNABELLE BENKO
LIBERTY — LaVerne Benko, wife of the late John Benko Jr., passed away Saturday Nov. 14, 2015, at McCall Open Arms Hospice House in Simpsonville.
Born in Valley City, Ohio, she was a volunteer for Pickens County Meals on Wheels and Hospice. She was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens.
LaVerne is survived by a daughter, Annette Robison of Ohio; a son, Tom Benko of Pickens; four grandchildren, Lelah Robison, Shawn Robison, Aaron Benko and Nathan Benko; and a great-grandchild, Ruby Laverne Benko.
She was predeceased by her husband, John Benko Jr., son, John Joseph Benko, and a brother, Robert.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pickens County Meals on Wheels or to Grace United Methodist Church of Pickens.
MARY D. ROBINSON
LIBERTY — Mary Diane Lollis Robinson, 49, of Liberty, died Friday, Nov. 20, 2015, at her home.
Born in Easley, she was a daughter of the late Roy Lollis and Mary Ruth Smith Roberts. She was a graduate of Liberty High School and was a former lab technician at Milliken Finishing Plant in Pendleton. She was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving are a daughter, Kayla (Joshua) Browning of Liberty; brother, Josh (Shana) Lollis of Liberty; sister, Sandie Lollis (Tyler) Stewart of Liberty; and grandchildren, Karlee, Karis, Kari and Karlin Browning.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Vicky Shaver.
Funeral services were held Nov. 22 in the chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, with burial following in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Central.
The family requests flowers be omitted and memorials may be made to GHS Hospice of the Foothills, 298 Memorial Drive, Seneca, SC 29671.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at the funeral home.
BEN F. DURHAM
SIX MILE — Benjamin Franklin Durham, 74, husband of Hattie Virginia Keith Durham, departed this life on Nov. 19, 2015, following a period of declining health.
He was born in Six Mile, a son of the late Lawrence and Flora Mae Stephens Durham.
Ben was retired from Durham’s Automotive Machine Shop, where he was owner and operator of the family engine-rebuilding business. Ben was known throughout the Upstate for his engine work and go-kart racing. Prior to opening his machine shop, Ben was known for heavy equipment repair, logging and dirt track racing.
Ben is survived by his wife Virginia, his sons, Ronnie Durham (Kim) of Pickens, and Johnny Durham (Wanda) of Six Mile; his daughters, Nancy White (Phil) of Anderson, Linda Raines (Freddy) of Easley, and Lori Morton (Ricky) of Six Mile; eight grandchildren, Tonya, Terry, Mandy, Vincent, Richard, Kevin, Avan and Dani, and nine great-grandchildren, Shane, Brent, Andrea, Carter, Reagan, Eva, Tyler, Kelsie and Caleb; as well as brothers, Claude, Ken, Joe, and Roger Durham; and a sister, Bonnie Bryson.
In addition to his parents, Ben was preceded in death by a son, Bennie Durham.
A graveside service was held Nov. 22 at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.
REX PAUL WADE
SALEM — Rex Paul Wade, born March 19, 1950, in Pickens, departed this life and entered eternal rest on Sept. 26, 2015.
His death follows that of his parents, Wilton Daniel and Jon Mary Wade. Rex is survived by his brother, Tim (Carol) of Rochester, N.Y.; sons Michael of Easley, and Matthew (Karen) of Mount Laurel, N.J.; granddaughters McKenzie and Ivy; nephews Brian (Kim) of Sumter, and Victor (Kim) of Altus, Okla., and many uncles, aunts and cousins.
Rex was a 1969 graduate of Pickens High School and thereafter honorably served his country in the United States Air Force from 1969-1974. Following his Air Force service, Rex worked as a paramedic in Fairfield, Calif., a machinist at Ohio Gear, and from 1986 until his retirement in 2012, at Duke Energy.
Rex enjoyed trout fishing, repairing old Jeeps, riding his Harley and reading. Rex also had a lifelong affiliation with the Boy Scouts of America, from being a scout in his youth to serving as Assistant Scoutmaster of Troop 134 (Six Mile). Rex had a deep respect and admiration for Native American culture, as reflected in his collection of books, artwork and decorations. Most importantly, Rex was known for being a fun guy and willing to help anyone in need.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Pickens County Library System in memory of Rex P. Wade.
A memorial to honor his life will be held at 3 p.m. Dec. 4 at Kings Grove Baptist Church in Central.
EMPHS RICHARD (E.R.) LEWIS
PICKENS — Emphs Richard (E.R) Lewis, 94, passed from this life on Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015.
Mr. Lewis was born in Pickens County, son of the late Samuel and Alpha Clardy Lewis. He resided in Pickens until the last two years that he spent in Florence at Bethea Retirement and Elmcroft Assisted Living.
He worked for Roper Motor Company for more than 25 years, managing their Pickens location. Upon retirement, he worked part-time at Tinsley Crane Chevrolet and as a bailiff at the Pickens County Courthouse for 23 years, where he retired for a second time at the age of 88. He was a member of East Pickens Baptist Church, where he served as usher for 50 years. He was also a veteran of WWII, having served in the U.S. Navy.
Survivors include his devoted wife of 74 years, Hazel Seaborn Lewis; a daughter, Joyce Nicholson (Don) of Darlington; grandchildren, Donna Nolan (Tommy) of Marion and Kim Eubanks (Paul) of Pawleys Island; and great-grandchildren Mallory, Jacob and Janie Nolan, and Stella and Dupree Eubanks.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Lewis was preceded in death by his son, Steven Richard Lewis, a brother, Bruce Lewis (Irene) of Cateechee, and sisters, Sadie Ulstad (Vern) of Anaconda, Mont., Nina Lewis and Hazel Holder (Weldon) both of Pickens.
Funeral services were held Nov. 19 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with The Rev. Jamie Duncan and The Rev. Tom Jones officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agape Hospice, 2182 W. Evans St., Florence, SC 29501.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.
WILLIE FAYE PAINTER WALDROP
EASLEY — Willie Faye Painter Waldrop, a long-time resident of Easley, died Wednesday, Nov. 18, at The Pines of Davidson, N.C.
Born on July 26, 1918, in Easley, to Charles Samuel Painter and Nellie Lesley Painter, she was married to William Ralph Waldrop for 63 years.
She loved her life as homemaker, wife and mother and was known for her beautiful smile and love of life. Willie and Ralph were long-time members of Geer Memorial Baptist Church and spent much of their early life working with young people in church-related programs, believing that investment in the lives of youth is a worthy goal. Close friends and acquaintances were the fortunate beneficiaries of her quick wit and sense of humor. She played practical jokes, wrote both serious and comical poems about friends and family, and planned and participated in skits. Even staff and friends in assisted living and healthcare settings enjoyed her wit and sense of mischief.
She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Sheila W. Cothran (Roger) of Davidson, N.C., and Cathy W. Ragsdale (Glenn) of Okatie; three grandchildren and their spouses, Terri and Craig Orange of Black Mountain, N.C., Lee and Felicia Cothran of Durham, N.C., and Lindsay and Brian Adams of Charlotte, N.C.; and six great-grandchildren, Caleb and Colter Ellis, Bridger and Tucker Cothran, and Sage and Cana Adams.
A funeral service was held Nov. 21 at Robinson Funeral Home in Downtown Easley, officiated by Rev. Philip McAlister, with burial following in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Geer Memorial Baptist Church, 911 S. Fifth St., Easley, SC 29640 or Hospice and Palliative Care, Charlotte Region, 705 Griffith St., Suite 203, Davidson, NC 28036 (donatehospice.org).
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
JAMES D. WHITMIRE
EASLEY — James David Whitmire, 67, formerly of Belt Road and husband of the late Patricia Dover Whitmire, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 18, 2015.
Born in Greenville County, he was the son of the late Claude Jefferson Whitmire and Lora Belle Medlin Whitmire.
Mr. Whitmire was an electrician and a U.S. Navy veteran.
Surviving are his sons, Kevin Owen of Liberty, Jeff Whitmire of Travelers Rest and Brad Whitmire of Liberty; five grandchildren; and a sister, Janelle Gravely of Greenville.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Gene Whitmire.
Graveside services were held Nov. 21 at Red Hill Baptist Church Cemetery in Pickens.
Condolences may be expressed online by visiting www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
FRANCES S. HARE
EASLEY — Frances Shealy Hare (Granny/Nannie), 91, of The Magnolias of Easley and formerly of 144 Jewel St. in Pickens and widow of the late Wyman Hare, passed away of natural causes on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2015.
A native of Saluda, she was the daughter of the late Leevil and Lyda Metts Shealy.
Surviving are two daughters, Donna Richardson of Seneca and Merri Lynn Williamson of Charlotte; three grandchildren; Janet, Kyle and Stephen; four great-grandchildren; Joshua, Jordan, Kathryn and Brittany; and four great-great-grandchildren Nathaniel, Isabella, Sophia and MaKenna.
A celebration of life for Frances (Granny) will be held at Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens on Nov. 29 at 3 p.m. The family will greet family and friends following the service.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Grace United Methodist Church, Pickens. A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.
J. RICKEY DEROSSETT
SIX MILE — J. Rickey DeRossett, 64, husband of Donna Massingale DeRossett, passed from this life Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015, at his home.
Mr. DeRossett was born in Pickens, son of James Clyde and Esther Mildred Reece DeRossett.
Mr. DeRossett was retired from the United States Army and from the School District of Pickens County, Clemson Elementary. He was a member of Concord Baptist Church.
In addition to his wife, those left to cherish his memory include his daughter, Esther Marie Baldwin of Six Mile; two grandchildren, Gracie and Garrett Baldwin; and two brothers, Ronald DeRossett and Donald DeRossett of Pickens.
In addition to his father, he was predeceased by his son, Michael DeRossett.
Funeral services were held Nov. 19 at Dillard Funeral Home, followed by a graveside service.
Memorials may be made to the Concord Baptist Church Building Fund at 723 Concord Church Rd, Pickens, SC 29671 or concordbaptistministries.org.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.
CATHERINE E. GILSTRAP
SUNSET — Catherine Elizabeth Edens Gilstrap, 84, of Sunset and widow of Robert Austin Gilstrap, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Tuesday, Nov. 17, 2015, in Greenville.
Mrs. Gilstrap was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late George C. and Annie Chastain Edens. She was a homemaker and a member of Midway Baptist Church.
Survivors include her daughters; Sheila Hein (Randy), Lynne O’Donald (Roger) and Janice Merck (Hal) all of Sunset; a sister, Bettie Holliday of Pickens; grandchildren, Gabriel Hein, Danielle Hein, Faith Hein (Cody), Austin O’Donald (Meryl), Brenna Wells (Sam) and Halle Merck; and great-grandchildren, Phoebe O’Donald, Gus O’Donald and Carey Anne O’Donald.
In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Gilstrap was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Cristalyn O’Donald; brothers, Carmen and Carroll Edens; and a sister, Rachel Stewart.
Funeral services were held Nov. 21 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to The American Diabetes Association at www.Diabetes.org.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.
JAMES ROBERT TROTTER
LIBERTY — James Robert Trotter, 60, husband of the late Nancy Lou Aiken Trotter, passed from this life Saturday, Nov. 14, 2015, at his home. Mr. Trotter was born in Easley, son of the late Ralph M. and E. Louise Connor Trotter.
Mr. Trotter served in the U.S. military, worked at Alice Manufacturing’s Ellison Plant as shop supervisor and was a member of the Enon Baptist Church.
Those left to cherish his memory include two daughters, Jennifer (T.J.) McSweeney of Easley and their children Trey, Kadan and Justice McSweeney; and Melissa (Benny) Rampersad of Spartanburg and their children Madison, Kaylee and Logan Rampersad; two sisters, Sara Trotter and Iva (Dwight) Holcombe; and a sister-in-law, Brenda Trotter.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Trotter was predeceased by his brother, Kenneth Trotter.
Funeral services were held Nov. 21 at Dillard Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Greenville Humane Society at 305 Airport Road, Greenville, SC 29607 or at greenvillehumane.com.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.
NORMAN GARFIELD DAVIS
GREER — O’Shields Davis went to be with the Lord Sunday Nov. 22, 2015 at his home. Mr. Davis was born in Pickens County the son of the late Katomah Crenshaw Davis and Henry Holbert Davis.
Mr. Davis loved working with bees and providing honey for his friends and family. He was retired from Ryobi after working 42 years and also attended Northside Baptist Church. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War as a Corporal.
Survivors include his wife of 60 years, three sons; Ricky Lee Davis (Susanne) of Abbeville, Brian Steven Davis (Vicki) of Pickens, Travis Craig Davis (Kelli) of Walhalla; seven daughters; Susan Diane Phillips (Derick) of Walhalla, Sharon Lynn Mauldin (Danny) of Easley, Kimberly Renee Reeves (Greg) of Pickens, Lisa Dawn Nations (Neal) of Piedmont, Deborah Gayle Loftis (Jeff) of Greer, Cindy Carol Roberts (Dale) of Easley, Tabitha Nichole Russell (Erik) of Williamston; four sisters; Velma Roselle Anderson, Sevilla Inez Duncan, Shirley Yvonne Edens (Dwight) all of Pickens, Wanda Juanita Burgess (Jack) of Liberty; four brothers; Henry Hoyle Davis of Greenville, Doyle Holbert Davis (Trula) of Pickens, Donald Garvin Davis (Jean) Pickens, Douglas Gerald Davis (Brenda) of Greenville, 31 grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren.
Services will be held Nov. 25 at Dillard Funeral Home Chapel at 1p.m. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
Mr. Davis was predeceased by his parents, one sister, Wilma Avinalle Crane, one brother, Truman Wilson Davis and one grandson Christopher Lee Reeves and one granddaughter Erica Lee Davis.
The family will be at their respective homes.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Davis family.
Courier Legals 11-25-15
NOTICE OF SALE
BY VIRTUE of the Order heretofore granted in the case of Bear Valley Properties, LLC vs. The Rock, LLC, et al., Case No. 2015 – CP – 39 – 00477, the undersigned Special Referee, or his designee, will offer for sale at public auction at the Pickens County Courthouse, 214 E. Main Street, Pickens, South Carolina on December 7, 2015, at 11:00 AM, the following described property, to – wit:
PARCEL A
ALL those certain pieces, parcels or tracts of land, containing 112.28 acres, more or less, with all improvements thereon, situate, lying and being on the northern side of South Carolina Highway No. 11 and U. S. Highway No. 178, in the County of Pickens, State of South Carolina, being shown and designated as Tracts 1, 2, 3, and 4 on Plat of Survey for Gauley Falls Golf Course, Inc., prepared by C. E. Shehan Surveying, dated February 9, 1995 and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Pickens County, South Carolina in Plat Book 216 at Page 13, reference being hereby made to said plat of survey for a complete metes and bounds description of the property.
This property being a portion of the property conveyed to Water Head, LLC by deed of Table Rock Resort, Inc., Gauley Falls Golf Course, Inc. and Table Rock Holding Co. dated April 18, 1997 and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Pickens County, South Carolina on April 18, 1997 in Deed Book 369 at Page 249.
LESS AND EXCEPT:
THAT certain piece, parcel or tract of land containing 0.09 acres, more or less, conveyed by Water Head, LLC to the South Carolina Department of Transportation by deed dated April 13, 2005 and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Pickens County, South Carolina on May 12, 2005 in Deed Book 903 at Page 286.
This property being a portion of the property conveyed to Water Head, LLC by deed of Table Rock Resort, Inc., Gauley Falls Golf Course, Inc., and Table Rock Holding Co. dated April 18, 1997 and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Pickens County, South Carolina on April 18, 1997 in Deed Book 369 at Page 249.
LESS AND EXCEPT:
THAT certain piece, parcel or lot of land, with all improvements thereon, situate, lying and being on the southern side of Hambys Way in the County of Pickens, State of South Carolina, being shown and designated as a 1.77 acre parcel on a plat of survey entitled “Survey for Waterhead, LLC”, prepared by Ray Dunn Land Surveyor, dated February 2, 2005 and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Pickens County, South Carolina on March 3, 2005 in Plat Book 60 at Page 554, reference being hereby made to said plat of survey for a complete metes and bounds description of the property.
This property being a portion of the property conveyed to Water Head, LLC by deed of Table Rock Resort, Inc., Gauley Falls Golf Course, Inc. and Table Rock Holding Co. dated April 18, 1997 and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Pickens County, South Carolina on April 18, 1997 in Deed Book 369 at Page 249.
AND ALSO CONVEYED HEREBY:
PARCEL B:
ALL those certain pieces, parcels or lots of land being shown and designated as a 0.03 acre portion of Lot 8 of Gauley Falls subdivision and a 0.48 acre portion of Lot 8 of Gauley Falls subdivision on a plat of a revision of Lot 8 of Gauley Falls subdivision prepared by C. E. Shehan Surveyors, dated October 7, 2004 and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Pickens County, South Carolina on January 28, 2005 in Plat Book 518 at Page 14B, reference being hereby made to said plat for a complete metes and bounds description of the property.
This being the same property conveyed to Water Head, LLC by deed of Stan Brown and David Wilkins dated December 18, 2008 and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Pickens County, South Carolina on December 19, 2008 in Deed Book 1228 at Page 134, and by quitclaim deed of Neill Timmons, dated January 29, 2009 and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Pickens County, South Carolina on January 30, 2009 in Deed Book 1235 at Page 157.
LESS AND EXCEPT:
THAT certain piece, parcel or lot of land, lying and being in the County of Pickens, State of South Carolina, being shown and designated as a 0.12 parcel forming a part of revised Lot 8 of Gauley Falls subdivision, Section 1, as shown on a plat of survey of a revision of Lot 8 of Gauley Falls Subdivision, Section 1 prepared by C. E. Shehan Surveying, dated October 7, 2004 and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Pickens County, South Carolina on January 28, 2005 in Plat Book 518 at Page 14B, reference being hereby made to said plat for a complete metes and bounds description of the property.
This being the same property conveyed to Neill Timmons by deed of Water Head, LLC dated December 18, 2008 and recorded in the Office of the Register of Deeds for Pickens County, South Carolina on December 19, 2008 in Deed Book 1228 at Page 129.
TMS # 4175-01-25-0923
SUBJECT TO PICKENS COUNTY TAXES AND ASSESSMENTS.
TERMS OF SALE: The successful bidder, other than the Plaintiff, will deposit with the Court, at the conclusion of the bidding, five (5%) percent of the bid, in cash or its equivalent, as evidence of good faith, same to be applied to the purchase price only in case of compliance with the bid, but to be forfeited and applied first to costs and then to Plaintiff’s debt in the case of non—compliance. Should the last and highest bidder fail or refuse to make the required deposit at the time of the bid or to comply with the other terms of the bid within thirty (30) days, then the Special Referee or his designee may resell the property on the same terms and conditions on some subsequent date to be determined by the Court, at the risk of the said highest bidder.
As the right to seek a deficiency judgment has been waived, the bidding will close as of the date of sale.
Purchaser to pay for preparation of the judicial Deed, any documentary stamps on the deed, recording of the deed, and interest on the balance of the bid from the date of sale to the date of compliance with the bid at the rate of 6.00% per annum.
_____________________________________
Charles B. Simmons, Jr.,
Special Referee
C. Richard Stewart
Atty. for Plaintiff
S. C. Bar #5346
11 Whitsett St.
Greenville, SC 29601
864 – 235 – 2019
Nov. 11, 18, 25
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SUMMONS
STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
COUNTY OF PICKENS
IN THE STATE OF SOUTH CAROLINA
2015-CP-39-1257
United States of America, acting through the Farmers Home Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, Plaintiff, vs. Melissa J. Beck, deceased and all other heirs at law and/or distributees of Melissa J. Beck, deceased her heirs, personal representatives, representatives, executors, administrators, successors and assigns, and any spouses if any she has, and all persons entitled to claim under or through her or any of them; all persons unknown claiming any right, title, estate, interest in or lien upon the real estate described in the Complaint herein; also, any unknown adults being as a class designated as John Doe and any unknown infants or persons being under disability being as a class designated as Richard Roe, Defendants.
TO THE DEFENDANTS ABOVE NAMED:
YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED and required to answer the Complaint herein, a copy of which is herewith served upon you, and to serve a copy of your Answer to said Complaint upon the subscriber at his office at P. O. Box 508, Irmo, SC 29063 within Thirty (30) days after service hereof, exclusive of the day of such service, and if you fail to answer the Complaint within the time aforesaid, judgment by default will be rendered against you for the relief demanded in the Complaint.
Nov. 11, 18, 25
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NOTICE
2015-CP-39-1257
TO THE DEFENDANTS ABOVE NAMED:
TAKE NOTICE that the Summons and Notice of Right to Foreclosure Intervention in the above mentioned action, of which the foregoing is a copy, together with the Complaint therein were filed in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Pickens County on the 16th day of October, 2015.
Nov. 11, 18, 25
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NOTICE TO APPOINT
GUARDIAN AD LITEM
2015-CP-39-1257
TO THE MINORS ABOVE NAMED, UNKNOWN INFANTS, MINORS, OR PERSONS UNDER DISABILITY, THEIR GENERAL OR TESTAMENTARY GUARDIANS, IF ANY, AND TO THE PERSON OR PERSONS WITH WHOM SAID DEFENDANTS RESIDE:
YOU WILL PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that unless you apply for the appointment of a Guardian ad Litem to represent the minor(s) interest in the above entitled matter within thirty (30) days from the date of service hereof, the undersigned will make application for the appointment of such Guardian ad Litem, all in accordance with Rule 17, South Carolina Rules of Civil Procedure.
Nov. 11, 18, 25
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NOTICE OF RIGHT TO
FORECLOSURE INTERVENTION
2015-CP-39-1257
TO THE MORTGAGOR(S)1 ABOVE-NAMED:
YOU ARE NOTIFIED THAT pursuant to South Carolina Supreme Court Administrative Order 2011-05-02-01, you may be eligible for foreclosure intervention, for the purpose of resolving this foreclosure action. If you wish to be considered for foreclosure intervention, you MUST, within thirty (30) days of service of this Notice contact Gary P. Rish, PC, at his office at PO Box 508, Irmo, SC 29063.
PLEASE NOTE that Gary P. Rish, PC represents the Plaintiff in this action. Gary P. Rish, PC does NOT represent you, and is prohibited from giving you legal advice.
IF YOU FAIL, REFUSE OR VOLUNTARILY ELECT NOT TO PARTICIPATE IN FORECLOSURE INTERVENTION, THE FORECLOSURE ACTION MAY PROCEED.
Nov. 11, 18, 25
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LIS PENDENS
2015-CP-39-1257
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that an action has been commenced and is now pending in this Court upon the Complaint of the above-named Plaintiff for the purpose of foreclosing a certain Mortgage of real estate heretofore given by Melissa J. Beck did make, execute and deliver unto the United States of America acting through the Farmers Home Administration, United States Department of Agriculture and assigns a Mortgage. Said Mortgage being dated and recorded September 7, 1989 in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Pickens County in Record Book 176 at Page 189, a copy of said Mortgage being attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference and the United States of America, acting through the Farmers Home Administration, United States Department of Agriculture, is the present owner and holder of the subject Note and Mortgage. The premises covered and affected by said Mortgage by the foreclosure thereof, were at the time of making and at the time of the filing of this Notice, described as follows:
ALL that certain piece, parcel or lot of land, situate, lying and being in the County of Pickens, State of South Carolina, near the Town of Norris and containing 0.80 of an acre, more or less, according to plat prepared for T. Craig Keith, Surveyor, dated August 12, 1981, reference to which is hereby made for a more complete and accurate description and according to said plat, being thereon more fully described as follows: Beginning at a point in center of Jamison Road, which point is common corner with a 30 foot right of way; thence along Jamison Road N30019’E for a distance of 9.66 feet to a nail and cap; thence continuing along road N32042’E for a distance of 103.78 feet to a point; thence leaving road and running along line of property, now or formerly, of Finley N75016’W for a distance of 337.26 feet to an iron pin; thence continuing along line of property, now or formerly, of Finley S35050’W for a distance of 195.92 feet to a point on edge of 30 foot right of way; thence along said right of way N75019’E for a distance of 260.51 feet; thence S55023’E for a distance of 155.55 feet to the point of beginning, and being bounded on the Northwest and North by property, now or formerly, of Finley; bounded on the East by Jamison Road; and bounded on the South by 30 foot right of way.
This being the identical property conveyed unto Melissa J. Beck by deed of the United States of America September 7, 1989 in the Office of the Clerk of Court for Pickens County in Record Book 76 at Page 62.
TMS #4076-00-89-6534
Property Address: 574 Jamison Road, Liberty, SC 29657
Gary P. Rish
Attorney at Law
PO Box 508
Irmo, SC 29063
803-749-1764
Nov. 11, 18, 25
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LEGAL NOTICE
The Pickens County Planning Commission will meet in a work session on Monday, December 14th, 2015, at 6:00 p.m. in the Main Conference Roomat the Pickens County Administration Facility, 222 McDaniel Avenue, Pickens, SC.
After the work session, the monthly Planning Commissionmeetingwill be held at 6:30 p.m. in the same location. The following items will have a public hearing at this meeting:
1. LU-15-005 Seven (7) Site RV Park on 7.438 Acres located on Jessie Lane/Dan Ross Road, Six Mile.
TMS# 4048-00-35-3570/4048-00-35-4166
2. SDV-15-003 Scott Holder requesting variances from the subdivision requirements as they relate to the division of property via a non-conforming residential access defined as a “Common Drive” and minimum lot sizes for lots with access (5) via a “Common Drive”. Property is located at 134 Northfield Drive, Pickens.
TMS# 4192-14-34-0370
More information for each item is available in the Planning office in the Department of Community Development and is open for public inspection during regular business hours. If any member of the public requires special assistance please call 864-898-5956.
Nov. 25
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