Daily Archives: 06/09/2026
Playing games for brain health
Playing brain games can go a long way to helping us stay sharp, improve brain health, 
strengthen memory and slow cognitive decline. They can help us focus our attention, process information more quickly and recall facts. Whether they are logic, word, number, memory, card or any other type of game, playing can give our brains a boost — and we don’t even have to
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One final note of honor
There are over 400 funerals each day at the National Cemeteries. Depending on the veteran and the location of the cemetery, the honors are likely to include two uniformed 
members of the military, folding and presentation of the flag, three rifle volleys, a horse-drawn caisson and the playing of Taps. At a very minimum, we expect this. We expect to hear Taps at a veteran funeral. It’s part of how we say goodbye, hearing the
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Courier Obituaries 6-10-26
JOHN ROBERT ‘BOBBY’ HAYES
PICKENS — John Robert “Bobby” Hayes, 94, of Pickens, passed away on May 27, 2026.
Born in Pickens on May 31, 1931, to Daniel Moses “Mode” Hayes Sr. and Elizabeth “Bessie” Hayes (nee La Foy), John graduated from Pickens High School in 1949 as the vice president of his graduating class. He worked at Neely’s Store in Pickens and Blue Ridge Electric before joining the United States Air Force in 1950. He married his high school sweetheart, Edna Mae Willis, in 1953, and later retired from the United States Air Force in 1977 after honorably serving for 28 years. John received the Meritorious Service Medal, the civilian version of the Bronze Star, as part of his accomplishments in the military. After his retirement, he worked in the Middle East for 15 years, in Tehran, Iran, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with Daniel Construction, and Dhahran, Saudi Arabia, for ARAMCO Oil Company.
John is survived by daughters, Victoria Lynn Hayes Ray of Arvada, Colo., and Elizabeth Ann Hayes of Pickens; grandchildren, Jordan William Ray (Cassandra) of Arvada, Colo., and Stewart Mackenzie Ray of Missoula, Mont.; great-grandchildren, Cameron William Ray and Sophia Caroline Ray of Arvada, Colo.; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by his beloved wife of 52 years, Edna Mae Willis Hayes; and four siblings, William Elbert (Tim) Hayes, Inez Hayes Hughes, Leander Hayes Dodgens and Daniel Moses (D.M.) Hayes Jr., all of Pickens.
A graveside service was held on June 2 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family.
JANE OWEN DUCKWORTH
CLEMSON — Jane Owen Duckworth, 87, of Clemson, passed away from this life on Sunday, May 31, 2026. She was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Ed
County unveils Wayfinder to Historic Liberia community
PICKENS COUNTY — Comedian Bill Engvall made the phrase “Here’s Your Sign” famous as a punchline. But in Pickens County, a newly installed sign along Scenic 
Highway 11 carries a far more meaningful message.
The new Wayfinder sign directs travelers to the Historic Liberia Community — a remarkable African American settlement founded by formerly enslaved people more
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Business of the Month
On June 2 The Greater Pickens Chamber of Commerce honored the Pickens County Humane Society as our June Business of the Month. The Pickens County Humane Society works tirelessly and compassionately to meet the needs of both our furry friends and the community. Their dedication and impact do not go unnoticed. As a no-kill, nonprofit organization that receives no county funding or support, they provide shelter, care, and loving adoptive homes for approximately 700–1,000 animals each year. Their mission is simple yet powerful: to help as many animals as possible. This incredible organization is supported by a dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and community supporters who pour their hearts into caring for animals and making a difference with the resources available to them. To help support the PCHS go to www.pchumanesociety.org/support-us our mail donation to 500 Five Forks Rd, Liberty, SC, United States, 29657. You call help by supporting them by also making purchases from Roxie’s Thrifty Paws where all proceeds go back to them. Pictured are Aven Ragwar Hayes, Savannah Blackey, Amberly Bryant, Chris Blume, Lauren Abercrombie, Holly Wood, Samantha Scott, Debbie Gravely, Hugh Latimer, Dave and Ivy Michel and their dog Winston.
Now Open in Pickens
On June 4, the owners Lisa and Steve Hostetler Owens of West Main Country Market held their official ribbon-cutting ceremony surrounded by friends, family, Chamber members, Greater Pickens Chamber President Dave Michel, and Councilman Floyd Rogers. West Main Country Market is a family-owned business located in the heart of Pickens, directly across from Blue Ridge Electric. Built on a foundation of exceptional customer service, quality products, and a welcoming atmosphere, the market strives to create an experience that brings customers back again and again. The West Main Country Market is located at 729 W. Main Street in Pickens are open Tuesday – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Americana Folk Fest planned for June 20
PICKENS — Hagood Mill Historic Site invites the public to enjoy a day of live music, Appalachian heritage, artisan demonstrations, and family-friendly activities during the 
annual Americana Folk Festival on Saturday, June 20, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Set beside the historic 1845 grist mill, the festival highlights the musical and cultural traditions of Appalachia with
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Courier Community Calendar 6-10-36
• Children’s garden plots still available
All but two of the children’s garden plots at Bryson Children’s Nature Walk in Six Mile have been filled for the summer vegetable gardening season. The site contains 24 plots, 12 in-ground and 12 above-ground, with two of the above-ground handicap accessible. There is water at the site, and the plots are free and ready for planting by children for the summer vegetable gardening season in conjunction with their parents. The site is intended for children to experience gardening on the small plots to gain an understanding of the source of their food and an awareness of the benefits of healthy eating. Signups for the plots are available on the town of Six Mile website under the Bryson section.
• Food pantry hours announced at PPC
The Food Pantry at Pickens Presbyterian Church is open Mondays and Wednesdays
Courier Trespass Notices 6-10-26
In the state of South Carolina, trespass after notice is a misdemeanor criminal offense prohibited by section 16-11-620 for the South Carolina Code.
Those who enter upon the lands of others without the permission of the owner or manager shall be deemed guilty of misdemeanor trespassing. All persons are hereby notified and warned not to hunt, fish, cut timber or trespass in any manner whatsoever upon the lands of the undersigned:
Greg & Rosemarie D’Ginto Sept. 2026
Jeanette S. Winchester Oct. 2026
Jimmy Dodgens II Nov. 2026
Courier Notice to Creditors 6-10-26
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
OF ESTATES
All persons having claims against the following estates MUST file their claims on Form #371ES with the Probate Court of PICKENS COUNTY, the address of which is 222 MCDANIEL AVE., B-16 PICKENS, SC 29671, within eight (8) months after the date of the first publication of this Notice to Creditors or within one (1) year from date of death, whichever is earlier (SCPC 62-3-801, et seq.), or such persons shall be forever barred as to their claims. All claims are required to be presented in written statements on the prescribed form (FORM #371ES) indicating the name and address of the claimant, the basis of the claim, the amount claimed, the date when the claim will become due, the nature of any uncertainty as to the claim, and a description of any uncertainty as to the claim, and a description of any security as to the claim.
Estate: Mancell Chapman, Jr.
Date of Death: 10/22/2025
Case Number: 2025ES3900870
Personal Representative:
Misty Chapman
Address: 255 Hickory Hollow Road, Pickens, SC 29671
May 27, June 3, 10
Estate:
Christopher Arthur Kingsland
Date of Death: 09/24/2025
Case Number: 2025ES3900796
Personal Representative:
