Monthly Archives: December 2025
SDPC to buy West End Hall from the city of Easley
By Jason Evans
Staff Reporter
jevans@thepccourier.com
EASLEY — Ownership of West End Hall in Easley will be changing hands after school district officials 
requested the building be sold back to the district.
The sale will benefit the continued and future growth of the district’s Adult Learning Center, according to officials.
In November, Mayor Lisa Talbert said the situation is an unusual one. The school district owns the grounds and gave the city the building.
“It was given to us for $1,” she said. “It’s just a part of our town and it belongs to the school.”
School District of Pickens County superintendent
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Clemson alum donates kidney to stranger
By Ken Scar
Clemson News
news@thepccourier.com
Two men spent years as strangers only miles removed from one another. A life-saving medical 
procedure connected them forever. In this season of selfless giving, here is a story about giving of oneself — literally.
When Jim Westerhold ‘97 announced, he was going to donate one of his kidneys to a stranger earlier this year, many of his friends asked him why. Donating a kidney is a serious procedure, and if he didn’t even know who would receive it, what was in it for him? He says it’s hard to pinpoint, because countless meaningful moments accumulated over his lifetime leading up to the decision, but in the end, it all boiled down to one thing:
“I’ve just been overly blessed, and I couldn’t come up with a
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Jones appointed interim Clemson president
CLEMSON — Clemson University’s Board of Trustees met on Wednesday, Dec. 10, to approve the appointment of an interim president, establish the presidential search committee and begin the process 
to hire a national search firm.
As the board formalized next steps in the process to identify Clemson’s 16th president, board chair Kim Wilkerson also recognized and celebrated the retirement of president Jim Clements following 12 years of service.
“Though we will miss Jim’s leadership dearly, Clemson stands in one of its strongest positions ever,” Wilkerson said. “His legacy will serve as a foundation for the next
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Remembering family
Kerry Gilstrap/Courier
Hundreds of families gathered at Hillcrest Memorial Park to light candles in honor of their loved ones during Dillard Memorial Funeral Home’s annual Service of Remembrance, held last Friday evening. Pictured here, Samantha Satterfield, Katherine White, Dean White, David Satterfield, Annabelle White and Brianna Satterfield take part in the emotional service..
I heard the bells on Christmas Day
Most people have read or at least heard of a man named Henry Wadsworth Longfellow (1807-1882). He was a literary giant in his lifetime and is still known today in many circles as “The Children’s Poet” as 
several schools around our nation are named in his honor. You may remember some of His original works, which include Paul Revere’s Ride, The Song of Hiawatha, and Evangeline, and was also the first American to completely translate Dante Alighieri’s Comedy. As one of the fireside writers from New England, he is regarded as the most popular poet of the nineteenth century.
On July 9, 1861, tragedy struck the Longfellow home. His wife,
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Courier Letters to the Editor
Merry Christmas
Dear Editor,
Christmas has something about it that seems like as if for once in the year people have a feeling of joy that no other Holiday brings.
Of course there has been and always will be the haters. The spirit of Scrooge is very much alive and well. These Grinches think they just have to try and ruin it for everyone that celebrates it. Because they don’t believe and want to force others to believe their way! Just got to bring the joy of that great holiday down no doubt this is the reason.
No matter what you believe there will always be the Scrooges and Grinches! Don’t let others ruin your
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Saving lives with Buddy Check
One of the most valuable things you can do in the new year will be to check on your buddies, those you’ve served with and those in your area, and make a regular routine of it. It’s called Buddy Check, and 
you could be saving a life.
A few stats:
— Depending on the source you read, there are 17 to 22 veteran suicides per day. Yes, the numbers have decreased slightly over the years, but even one is too many.
— The rate of male veteran suicides is 60% higher than for
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The dynamics of creation
Genesis 2: 7 “And the LORD God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.”
The average human body contains thirty trillion cells. Blood cells, bones, skin, organs and many other body parts, from toenails to hair, are made up of cells.
The average cell contains over one-hundred trillion atoms. An atom is the smallest part of an element that can exist and it retain it’s identity. An atom has a nucleus in which there are protons (positively charged particles) and neutrons, neutral
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Courier Obituaries 12-17-25
HOYT CHRISTOPHER GRANT
PICKENS — Hoyt Christopher Grant, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected Upstate businessman, passed from this life on Dec. 8, 2025, at the age of 93. To know Hoyt was to love him. 
Sharp as a tack well into his nineties, he loved sharing stories—always remembered in remarkable detail—with anyone willing to listen. He was a humble and generous man, always willing to lend help to anyone in need.
Born and raised in Pickens County, Hoyt was the son of Sidney Christopher and Sula Gillespie Grant. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Laura Ann Breazeale Grant, with whom he shared nearly 70 wonderful years of marriage.
Hoyt was a God-fearing man who loved his country. A proud Army veteran, he served during the Korean War and was stationed in Alaska. He was also a lifelong member of Porter’s Chapel United Methodist Church.
A successful and energetic businessman, Hoyt owned and partnered with his brother, Don Grant, in several ventures, including Grant Lumber Company, Grant Brothers Chip Company, Grant Ford, and Grant Body Shop. He was also one of the founding partners of Southern Oaks Golf Course. His leadership extended beyond his own enterprises, as he served on the Board of Directors of Bankers Trust (now Bank of America).
Outside of work, one of Hoyt’s greatest joys was spending time at his cabin with Laura Ann, taking in the beloved view of Table Rock. His passion for the land and its preservation was recognized in 2022 when he received the Tommy Wyche Land Conservation Champion Award for his dedication to protecting the iconic Grant Meadow and the Table Rock viewshed along Highway 11.
Hoyt is survived by his three children; Loretta Brucke (Harold) and Terry Grant (Karen) of Pickens, Barry Grant (Gail) of Easley. He was the grandfather to; Holly Scruggs (Brian), Lauren Patterson (Mack), Justin Brucke (Fallon), Matt Brucke (Julia), Paul Brucke (Brooke), Kali Grant-Rivers (Bill Burke) and Kacey Bingham. He adored his great-grandchildren; Lane and Luke Scruggs, Hudson Brucke, Nora and Bolt Patterson, Sage and Hollis Brucke, Luna and Freya Burke, Ashton Walden, Cameron and Brooklynn Barnes; and great-great grandchild, Jaxon Tate and Dallas Walden. Also surviving is one brother, Stan Grant (Kathy) of Cypress, Texas.
He was predeceased by his parents; three brothers, Don Grant (Carol), Jerry Grant and Charlie Grant; and two sisters, Mildred Lewis (Edwin) and Nancy Wells (Bobby). He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Jimi Thomas.
Services honoring Hoyt took place on Dec. 11, at Porter’s Chapel United Methodist Church. A private graveside service followed for the family.
Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels, 349 Edgemont Avenue, Liberty or Porter’s Chapel United Methodist Church, PO Box 674, Pickens.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Grant family.
DONALD LARRY MARLER
SIX MILE — Dr. Donald Larry (Don) Marler was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose life was marked by faith, service, and a deep love for people. He passed away Friday, Dec. 12, 
2025 surrounded by the legacy of a life well lived; one built on quiet leadership, kindness, and steadfast devotion to his family and community.
Don grew up in Woodruff, and was proud of his roots. He graduated from Woodruff High School in 1973, Wofford College in 1977, and earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1984. Dentistry was more than a profession to
Arnolds lends a hand
Arnold’s restaurants owner Gary Durkee, opened his heart and business to help raise money for our Liberty High School students and Pickens County Career and Technology Center students with a December 9 fundraiser. Michael Shore, manager of the Arnold’s in Liberty provided publicity and called for community support. On December 12, Liberty City Council member Rhonda Whitaker was on hand as a check was presented to the LCS Board. The next fundraiser is set for April 7.
