Daily Archives: 08/12/2025
Courier Letters to the Editor 8-13-25
Issues at Midway recycle center
Dear Editor,
I’m sure someone had good intentions when they redesigned the recycle center at Midway Road. But … disaster!
Trying to utilize the center is now a chaotic, time-consuming, dangerous mess.
Living on Fox Squirrel Ridge Road, I use the recycle center weekly. It’s never taken more than a few minutes to dump recyclables or trash. I’ve never seen more than one to two vehicles backed up on the road, and then, for only a few minutes. I went by Saturday a little after noon and there vehicles lined up down Cold Springs Church Road into Midway Road — an accident waiting to happen. The wait was a good 45 minutes to
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When the punishment isn’t enough
It’s most disturbing when one in a position of authority, someone tasked with the specific job of helping veterans, turns out to be a thief. This is what came to light 
recently when a Veterans Service Representative (VSR) pleaded guilty to stealing money from the very veterans he was supposed to help.
The scammer broke a federal law when he solicited
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Courier Obituaries 8-13-25
NORMA JEAN FULLER
EASLEY — It is with heartfelt celebration that we announce the passing of our beloved Norma Jean Fuller, who left us peacefully on Aug. 2, 2025.
Born on Feb. 27, 1947, in Greenville, she was a daughter of the late Palmer Young and Maxie Sanders Fuller. Norma lived a vibrant life filled with laughter, love and adventure.
Norma made a home in Easley and worked for many years at 3M before retirement. But
The lower BANTAM CHEF… A Lasting Legacy
King reminisces on more than three decades serving Pickens
By Rocky Nimmons
Publisher
rnimmons@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — The city of Pickens has a rich history spanning nearly 250 years. From the 
intial settlement of the town to the era of sawmills and cotton mills, and later the manufacturing jobs provided by the Singer plant, later known as Ryobi, the community has evolved over time.
Cruising on Main Street and the exceptional Pickens Blue Flame football run of the 1970s are among the moments that defined what some consider a “golden era” for the city, and one common thread through many of those memoriesis the lower Bantam Chef.
Pickens’ two Bantam Chefs
A local institution owned and operated for more than 32 years by Riley King of Easley, 
the lower Bantam Chef was one of two restaurants bearing the Bantam Chef name in Pickens in the late 20th century.
Bantam Chefs were a staple in most towns in the area in the 1960s and 1970s but King said they were all independently owned.
“Most owners had more than one location,” he told the Courier. “The lower Bantam Chef was only one I owned,” he continued.
King said his father, JR King, Ralph Whitmire and Roy Campbell were originally in partnership and owned both the upper and lower Bantam Chefs and that they also owned Bantam Chefs in Easley, Piedmont and Belton.
“They leased them out on a percentage. After my
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Lewis family gather for 100th reunion
By Lynn Townes
Special to the Courier
news@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — The James and Mary Stewart Lewis Family celebrated their 100th family reunion on Sunday at Mountain Grove Baptist Church in Pickens. Many of your neighbors and acquaintances are in the lineage of this pioneering family, which has had untold influence on the communities across the country.
The Lewis Family have been a part of Upstate South Carolina since the mid-1700s when David Lewis and his bride, Ann Beeson Lewis, moved to the Pendleton District from Guilford County, NC. Ann, a member of the Society of Friends, was disowned by family and faith for marrying “out of unity.” Coming to Pendleton District they started a new
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Community Calendar 8-15-25
• Anderson family reunion is August 24
The family of Joseph Rugless and Nancy “Nealy” Anderson will hold its annual reunion on Sunday, Aug. 24, at Mountain Grove Baptist Church, located at 644 E. Preston McDaniel Road in Pickens. Lunch will be served at 1 p.m.
• Gospel singing set in Easley Aug. 30
Get ready for a soul-stirring evening of Old School Gospel Music at the fifth Saturday Gospel Singing, hosted by Divine Purpose Outreach Ministry in Easley.
The singing is Aug. 30 with doors oping at 3 p.m. and singing starting at 4 p.m.
The master of ceremonies will be the Rev. Charles Hendricks. the devotional team is The Mighty Gospel Harmonizers. the event will feature performances by Pastor Rebbeca Mackey, the Butler Brothers, Joe Chancellor and the Chancellor Singers and the Rev. Bobby Johnson and the Johnson Family, the Horns of Praise, Bro. James Gaines, Bro. David Galloway and the The Kindred Family.
Pastor Tim Sutton and the entire Divine Purpose Outreach family invite you to come and be blessed by an evening of uplifting gospel music, praise, and fellowship the old-fashioned way.
• H.O.P.E. meetings scheduled monthly
Dillard Memorial Funeral Home and Hillcrest Memorial Park have announced the
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Cannon auxiliary seeks new members
PICKENS — AnMed Cannon Hospital in Pickens is welcoming new members to its 
celebrated volunteer auxiliary.
The only requirements are a willingness to help the hospital and those it serves and four hours a week. Applications and more information are available by visiting the front desk of the hospital between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by visiting anmed.org/volunteer-auxiliary-opportunities-cannon.
