Daily Archives: 09/08/2026
A lesson in loneliness
I don’t think I’ve ever actually heard someone say the words “I’m lonely.” But I heard it today, and it hit me hard. The words were spoken by a very elderly woman to her daughter.
The scene was the long checkout line at the store. The pair, the woman and her daughter, were ahead of me in line, and the mother was chatting with two people who were ahead of them. When the first couple checked out and left, the daughter quietly
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Courier Obituaries 9-9-26
William ‘Billy’ Singleton
PICKENS — William “Billy” Carlton Singleton, 100, a centenarian, born April 2, 1926, to the
late Judge Henry and Vera Marie Simms Singleton, died peacefully at his home in Pickens on Sept. 2, 2026.
Billy was the consummate family man, church member and the hardest worker you will ever know. His priorities in life were God, his church and his family. However, not far behind were Clemson, golf and tennis! Billy never met a stranger, had a wicked sense of humor and was a wonderful storyteller.
Billy married Mary Elizabeth Bivens on Aug. 14, 1948. They were married 68 years at the time of her death. Together they had three children, Susan (Terry) Houston, Cass (Tommy) Smothers and Hal (Lisa) Singleton. Billy had seven grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and one brother, Dickie Singleton.
Billy was a veteran of the Naval Air Corp during WWII. He graduated from Clemson College in 1951 will a degree in civil engineering. After graduation, he went to work with his father at Pickens Oil Company.
Billy was a member of Grace United Methodist Church for nearly 90 years. He held every leadership position imaginable. He always reached out his hand to those in need. He kept the church grounds until he was 97 years old. His life was a living testimony of faithfulness, humility and service. His work in the earthly church and in the Church Triumphant will bear lasting fruit for generations to come. God surely welcomed him to heaven with these words, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant!”
In addition to his parents, Billy was preceded in death by his two brothers, Kenneth and Jimmy Singleton.
The family received friends in the home on Monday, Sept. 7. Services were held at Grace United Methodist church on Tuesday, Sept. 8, with the Rev. Dr. Joe Durham, Rev. Brenda Durham and Rev. Valerie Mireb officiating.
In lieu of flowers, Billy requested that memorials be sent to Grace United Methodist Church, 309 E. Cedar Rock St., Pickens, SC 29671, or the Pickens Senior Center, 129 Schoolhouse St., Pickens, SC 29671.
Dillard Funeral Home is handling the arrangements.
LINDA LOUIS HENDRICKS
CLEMSON – Linda Louis Hendricks, of Clemson, passed on August 26, 2026, at the age of 78.
Born on April 22, 1948, she was the daughter of the late Armadelle and Annie Shipman.
For many years, she served as a bus driver for Pickens County. She cherished her days spent surrounded by family and friends, especially the precious time she shared with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Linda is survived by her son, Dwight Curby Hendricks Jr. (Tammy); five grandchildren: Matthew Hendricks, Hannah Papay (Stephen), Rose McCollum, Hope Canales (Samuel), Conner Bridges; eight great-grandchildren, Eli, Anthony, Lillie, Veda, Camila, Conway, Nevaeh, Nahla. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews to cherish her memory.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Dwight Curby Hendricks Sr.; twin brothers, Ronnie and Donnie Shipman.
A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 10, 2026, from 6 to 8 pm. at Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens. A funeral service will be held on Friday, September 11, 2026, at 12 p.m. at Dillard Funeral Home, with a committal service to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Rainey Hospice House, https://secure.acceptiva.com/?cst=ff1765.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
HAROLD IRWIN MARTIN
GREENVILLE — Harold Irwin Martin, known to family and friends as Irwin, passed away on
September 2, 2026, in Greenville, South Carolina, at the age of 69.
Born on September 29, 1956, in Greenville, he lived his life with a steady spirit, a kind heart, and a deep devotion to the people he loved. Irwin was a man who valued hard work, loyalty, and time spent with family and friends. He was known for his loving nature, his wisdom, and the spirited way he approached life, leaving behind memories that will be cherished for years to come.
Irwin spent 38 years working as a forklift driver and also worked in Bi-Low and C&S Grocers Warehouse, building a reputation for dependability and dedication throughout his career. He took pride in doing his work well and was respected by those who knew him professionally. His strong work ethic reflected the same character he carried into every part of his life. He was the kind of
Community bluegrass event coming to downtown Pickens this Friday
PICKENS — Downtown Pickens will come alive with the sound of strings on Friday, Sept. 11, as Pickin’ in Pickens kicks off at 6 p.m.
The downtown bluegrass jam invites musicians of varying experience levels to
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County passes FEMA exercise
COUNTY — Pickens County Emergency Management personnel recently completed and passed a hostile action-based (HAB) exercise. 
The exercise, mandated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), was held on Aug. 18, and simulates emergency scenarios affecting Oconee
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Marvin King set to play at amphitheater Saturday
PICKENS — The city of Pickens will continue its 2026 concert season with Marvin King at the Pickens Amphitheater beginning at 7 p.m. Saturday,
Sept.12.
The outdoor performance will give residents and visitors another opportunity to gather downtown for live music in a relaxed community setting. King’s appearance is part of a fall schedule designed to bring a variety of performers to Pickens while encouraging visitors to enjoy the city’s shops, restaurants and public
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Pumpkintown Fire Department plans fall festival
Steppin’ in Pickens invites the community to dance
PICKENS — The city of Pickens invites residents and visitors to put on their
dancing shoes for Steppin’ in Pickens on Friday, Oct. 9, at the Heritage Pavilion at Hagood Mill.
The community event will celebrate the social dance traditions of the Southern Appalachians through square dancing,
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Courier Community Calendar 9-9-26
• Soapstone plans Singing at the Rock
Soapstone Baptist Church will host “Singing on the Rock,” a live gospel concert, from 4-8 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 26.
The event will feature performances by Tracy Smith, Maxie Burton, the Henderson Brothers, James Hester, the Long Branch Easley Union Chorus, the Sweet Potato Pie Kids, Church With No Walls, the St. Marks Inspirational Choir and Cliff of Scenic Hill Baptist Church. Praise dancer Tracy Johnson will also perform.
Food vendors will be on site throughout the event. A $20 donation is requested.
Soapstone Baptist Church is located at 296 Liberia Road in Pickens.
For more, call (864) 607-3493.
• League to host civic engagement program
The League of Women Voters of Oconee and Pickens Counties will present “Civic Engagement in Today’s America: Where We Stand, How We Got Here and What’s Next” at 4 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 15.
Dr. George T. Fields, a lecturer in American politics at Clemson University, will lead the program and a discussion about the role each person can play in strengthening democracy.
The free event will be held at Clemson United Methodist Church, located at 300 Frontage Road in Clemson. The public is invited.
• PHS class of 1965 to hold 61st reunion
Members of the Pickens High School Class of 1965 are planning their 61-year class reunion for Sept. 24. For more information, call Milledge Cassell at (864) 421-2361.
• PHS class of 1966 to hold 6oth reunion
Members of the Pickens High School Class of 1966 will come together this fall to celebrate a milestone as they mark the class’s 60th anniversary reunion.
The reunion will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7, from 2-5 p.m. at Larry Looper’s Red Barn, located at 101 Laurenwood Drive in Pickens.
Classmates and their guests will enjoy an afternoon of fellowship, memories and reconnecting with longtime friends. A barbecue chicken dinner with two side dishes, bread and a beverage will be served beginning at 3 p.m. The cost to attend is $35 per person.
Reservations and payment must be received by Sept. 7. Those interested in attending may register online through the reunion’s EventCreate page at https://eventcreate.com/e/phs1966.
• Easley UMC to host concert Sept. 13
Easley First United Methodist Church will host an organ fund benefit concert on Sept. 13.
The concert will begin at 3 p.m. in the church sanctuary. In addition, the church will host a silent auction of mostly arts and crafts made by church members, including a quilt, a knit poncho, Chrismons and a few paintings.
Easley First United Methodist Church is located 115 W. 1st Ave. in Easley. Everyone is welcome.
Courier Classifieds 9-9-26
Announcements
DENTAL INSURANCE from Physicians Mutual Insurance Company. Coverage for 350 plus procedures. Real dental insurance – NOT just a discount plan. Do not wait! Call now! Get your FREE Dental Information Kit with all the details! 1-855-397-7030 www.dental50plus.com/60 #6258. SW
Help Wanted
Help wanted. Help wanted. New precast concrete plant in Clinton SC looking for welder, carpenter, mechanic, electrician, crane operator, concrete truck drivers, concrete forming and finishing, patchers, safety manager and general labor. Full time plus benefits. Contact Jeff Turner at 814-280-2638 or jturner@cpsprecast.com
SW
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DUMP TRUCK DRIVER WANTED. Must have clear MVR. Class A or B. 864-230-4162. TFC
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ADVERTISE YOUR DRIVER JOBS in 99 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 2.1 million readers. Call Alanna Ritchie at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377. SW
Yard Sale
For Sale
Auctions
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ADVERTISE YOUR AUCTION in more than 80 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 1.5 million readers. Call Randall Savely at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377. SW
For Rent
FOR RENT: Office Space – Unit One: 310 Sq. Ft.; Unit Two: 665 Sq. Ft., including a conference room and two offices. Call 864-380-5360.
9/2, 9, 26, 23, 30, 10/7
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ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION PROPERTY FOR RENT OR SALE to more than 2.1 million S.C. newspaper readers. Your 25-word classified ad will appear in 99 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Call Randall Savely at the South Carolina Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377. SW
Wanted to buy
DO YOU HAVE OLD COMICS? Collectors looking for vintage comic books. Preferably pre-1980, but willing to consider a little newer. If you have some you want to get rid of, call us at (864) 360-2357 or (864) 637-8062. If no answer, please leave a message. TFC
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IN SEARCH OF VINTAGE VIDEO GAME SYSTEMS AND GAMES! Two longtime video game fans looking for old consoles and video games to add to their collection. Looking for NES, Sega Genesis, SNES, Playstation and more. If you have some you are looking to get rid of, call us at (864) 508-2117 or (864) 637-8062. If no answer, please leave a message.
TFC
For Rent
FOR RENT: Office Space – Unit One: 310 Sq. Ft.; Unit Two: 665 Sq. Ft., including a conference room and two offices. Call 864-380-5360.
9/2, 9, 26, 23, 30, 10/7
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ADVERTISE YOUR VACATION PROPERTY FOR RENT OR SALE to more than 2.1 million S.C. newspaper readers. Your 25-word classified ad will appear in 99 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Call Randall Savely at the South Carolina Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377. SW
Wanted House/Land
We Buy Houses for Cash AS IS! No repairs. No fuss. Any condition. Easy three step process: Call, get cash offer and get paid. Get your fair cash offer today by calling Liz Buys Houses: 1-855-704-3381. SW






































