BARBARA JEAN HOLCOMBE

SUNSET — Barbara Jean Holcombe, “Gram,” 67, went home to be with her Savior on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

She was born Sept. 11, 1953, to Russell and Sylvia Riggins of Midway.

She is survived by her husband, David Furman Holcombe, to whom she was married on Dec. 21, 1972.

Also surviving are her father and mother; sister, Reda (Donnie) Collins of Pickens; sister, Jan Kueber of Easley; niece, Jessica (Jeremy) Gilstrap of Easley; her “grands” James Gilstrap, Russ (Sarah Catherine) Kueber, Abbie Kueber; Jonston Gilstrap and Shelby Kueber; the newest “grand,” Russell Baylor Kueber; and many beloved cousins.

Barbara was a longtime resident of Eastatoe Valley, where she and David kept a beautiful, loving home for her youngest sister and all of her “grands” to visit and stay for days.

She graduated from North Greenville and Limestone colleges. She worked at BASF in Central for many years prior to going to Duke Power’s Oconee Nuclear Station, where she retired in 1988.

Barbara was a strong, independent woman. She loved to cook, garden, sew and fix any and every thing. The only thing she loved more than anything was her family and friends, Mitchell and Sue Cassell. She always made sure everyone’s needs were met, no matter the sacrifice to her.

The visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. on Thursday, Aug. 26, with services to follow at Dillard Funeral Home’s chapel at 11:15 a.m. Rev. Wilburn Snyder and Rev. Joe Anders will be officiating. The burial will be at Holly Springs Baptist Church cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Eastatoe Baptist Church at 1003 Cleo Chapman Highway, Nine Times, SC 29685.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Holcombe family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at dillardfunerals.com.

 

RONALD D. LIVESAY

 

SIX MILE —Ronald D. Livesay, 79, formerly of Westminster, Md., passed peacefully at home with his wife and daughter by his side on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021.

Born on Jan. 12, 1942, in Blackwater, Va., he was the son of the late Thurman Livesay and Ollie Osborne Livesay.

He is survived by his loving wife of 57 years, Verna Livesay. She dedicated her life to caring for the man who stole her heart many years ago. She honored him in sickness and in health, providing him with constant loving attention and care.

Ronald honorably served in the U.S. Navy on the U.S.S. Boxer from 1960 until 1964.

He worked at Black and Decker for 23 years and then retired from Carroll County Road Operations after 18 years in 2005. As founding members of the League of MD Horsemen, Ronald and Verna shared their love of horses, trail riding and camping with close friends for decades. After retiring, they traveled out West to see God’s country and cruised the Bahamas. They relocated to Six Mile at the end of 2009 and continued to travel out West and take trips camping with his brother-in-law, Jack. Their last trip was in 2017. He was a member of Mile Creek Baptist Church in Six Mile. Ronald found true joy in spoiling his daughter, Tonyia, and then as “Pop” while loving on his grandbabies and great-grandbabies. He was a hard worker and a great napper. He loved sweets and would never turn down a Reese’s Cup or Hoffman’s ice cream. His sense of humor and his laughter will live on in the hearts and minds of those who knew him.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his daughter and son-in-law, Tonyia and Ronald Stewart of Central; granddaughter, Jessica Stokes and her husband Nate; great-grandchildren, Lukas and Charlie Stokes of Seneca; grandson, James “Dylan” Stewart and his wife Alyssa, and great-grandchildren Mazy and Bryson Stewart of Woodstock, Ill.; sister and brother-in-law Mary and Robert Killett of Sykesville, Md.; and other nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by sister Judy Buchanan of Elizabethton, Tenn., and brother James Livesay of Hanover, Pa..

And a special thank you to Anna, Travis, Donna, Jennifer, Amy, Chloe and Lacey for their support and love during his care.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Patriots Hospice at 101 Grace Drive, Easley, SC, 29640.

A receiving of friends was held on Aug. 24 at Dillard Funeral Home. Funeral services followed in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with Rev. Kevin Kuykendall officiating. Burial was at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at dillardfunerals.com for the Livesay family.

 

SUSAN NORRIS DAVES

PICKENS — Susan Norris Daves, 75, loving wife of 57 years to Junior Daves, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 14, 2021, at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital.

A native of Transylvania County, N.C, Mrs. Daves was born on March 30, 1946, a daughter of the late George and Evie Norris. She enjoyed working in her flower bed, gardening and Elvis, and she especially loved her family.

Survivors include her husband, Junior; children, Kathy Brown (Allen), Shelia Silvers and Eric Daves (Crystal), all of Pickens; 12 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Tim Norris (Vanessa).

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Daves was predeceased by five brothers and one sister.

There was a gathering of family and friends on Aug. 20, with a memorial service following in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Daves family.

 

PATRICIA ANN SIMMONS

PICKENS — Patricia Ann Simmons, 85, loving wife of 65 years to the late Lendon Richard Simmons, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 19, 2021, at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital.

A native of Pickens County, Patricia was born on Aug. 26, 1935, a daughter of the late Fred Ray Childs and Willie Mae Bridgman Childs. She was a charter member of Turn Point Community Worship and attended Red Hill Baptist Church in Pickens. Mrs. Simmons was a Godly, Christian woman who was a prayer warrior and loved all.

Survivors include her children, Sherree Robinson (Wayne) of Pickens, Sharon Nealy (John) of Pickens, Richard Simmons (Georgia) of Easley, Ronnie Simmons (Elaine) of Pickens, Randall Simmons of Pickens and Roger Simmons (Debbie) of Pickens; 18 grandchildren, 30 great-grandchildren, seven great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Bob Childs (Jewell) of Conway; two sisters-in-law, Frances Gillespie of Pickens and Lillie Childs of Advance, N.C.; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Simmons was predeceased by a brother, Bill Ray Childs of Winston-Salem, N.C.

A memorial service was held on Sunday, Aug. 22, in the sanctuary of Red Hill Baptist Church.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Simmons family.

 

PEGGY JEAN LATHAN

LIBERTY — Peggy Jean Lathan, 69, of Liberty, died Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2021, at her residence.

Peggy, a lifelong resident of Liberty, was the only daughter of Richard James Lathan and the late Helen Lathan. A graduate of Liberty High School, Peggy enjoyed working as a legal secretary for more than 30 years with several law firms in Greenville, including Love, Thornton, Arnold and Thomason, until her recent retirement. However, that does not begin to sum up the infectious, fun-loving, adventurous, fiercely loyal spirit named Peggy.

Peggy was a beloved and devoted daughter to her parents, Helen and Dick. She took tender care of her mother until her passing in March 2019 and was still devoted to the care of her father, Dick, at the time of her death.

To say that Peggy was an avid Clemson football fan or that she loved wrestling would be a terrible injustice to her devotion to these two sporting events. Peggy was a serious, devoted, perhaps rabid, Clemson football fan. For most of her life, she attended every home game. Later, she watched the games at home on her big-screen TV, locking her door so that her mother could not disturb her by talking during the game. Peggy was the official “Monday morning quarterback” of the office, and EVERYONE who loved Clemson football would come by or call to talk about the game — and not just in general, but every pass, every play, every injury, every mistake (whether actually made or perceived by Peggy) and the prospects for the next game or next season. Her bosses eventually learned that this was not a character trait that was ever going to change, but they also eventually realized, once she got it out of her system, that she could kick it into high gear and make up for any lost work time.

Peggy inherited her passion for professional wrestling from her mother and grandmother, who took her to her first match in Greenville in 1968. During the 1970s, the three of them went to wrestling in Spartanburg every Saturday night. From there, she completely immersed herself into the culture and the hearts of the fans and wrestlers of the Mid-Atlantic professional wrestling territory, where she was affectionately known as “Miss Mid-Atlantic.”

Although her father survived her, he passed a few days after her death. Surviving are several close cousins and many many fans and friends.

Services to celebrate Peggy’s life and the life of her father, Dick Lathan, will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Private burial will be at Westview Cemetery in Liberty.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

 

RICHARD J. ‘DICK’ LATHAN

 

LIBERTY — Richard James Lathan, 95, of Mills Avenue, died Friday, Aug. 13, 2021, at Anmed Health Cannon Hospital. Born in Beaver Dam, he was the widower of the late Helen Smith Lathan and a son of the late John and Julia Lathan.

Dick was a United States Air Force veteran, having served in World War II and the Korean War. He was a longtime member of Eastside Baptist Church.

Mr. Lathan retired from Pet Diary with 30 years of service and later worked part-time at One Hour Martinizing in Easley for several years.

Surviving are several cousins and neices and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Peggy Lathan.

Services to celebrate Dick’s life and life of his daughter, Peggy Lathan, will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27, in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Private burial will be at Westview Cemetery in Liberty.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

TOMMY JOE GILSTRAP

LIBERTY — Tommy Joe Gilstrap, 79, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021, at his residence.

Born in Six Mile, he was the husband of Patricia Crowe Gilstrap for 30 years and the son of the late Thomas C. and Pearl Byrd Gilstrap. He was a retired textile worker and had worked at many Upstate textile plants. He was a past master and longtime member of Tate Masonic Lodge No. 292 A.F.M. and was an honorary member of Liberty Masonic Lodge No. 235 A.F.M. Tommy Joe loved working outdoors and traveling with his wife and friends. He loved serving the Lord and was a member of First Baptist Church of Norris.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two daughters, Teana Reece (Marty) of Pickens and Tammy Masceri of Norris; a sister, Judy Oates (Mickey) of Cateechee; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Ginger Redding, and a son, Thomas Joey Gilstrap.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621 or the American Cancer Society by visiting cancer.org.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Gilstrap were held on Aug. 20 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel, conducted by Dr. Royce Addis and Rev. Austin O’Donald. Burial was held at Westview Cemetery.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

MILDRED JENNETTE RENTZ

EASLEY — Mildred Jennette Rentz, an extraordinary mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and a devoted child of God, passed away on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, following a brief illness.

Mildred was born to Ona Elizabeth Wilson Rollins and Otis R. Rollins on Aug. 29, 1924. She married “the love of her life” Mills B Rentz in 1943, and they had two children, Reba and Norman. During Mills B’s career-long service as a master sergeant in the United States Air Force, the family lived in Jacksonville, Fla.; Hampton, Va.; Mt. Holly, N.C.; Paris, France; McGuire AFB, N.J.; Kettering, England; and Griffiss AFB, N.Y. On every military base where they lived, Mildred was known to be the absolute best organizer of social activities for children and youth. In England, she was the director of youth for Orly Air Base.

Once Mills B retired from the military and they settled in Stanley, N.C., Mildred decided to apply her intellect and energy to the field of nursing. She received an LPN degree in 1969 and was a devoted caregiver at Gaston Memorial Hospital and worked as an industrial nurse. She and Mills B were active members of Stanley First Baptist Church, where she served in a number of volunteer roles, including as Sunday school teacher and writing inspirational articles for the church newsletters.

Following Mills B’s untimely death in 1980, Mildred embarked on a period of international and domestic travel, including mission trips to local church camps and as far away as Prague. She also served on several disaster relief teams. She was proud to have visited every state except Colorado. When not traveling, she often hosted grandchildren for special visits, where she let them play her cool organ and stay up late to watch Johnny Carson.

In 2004, she moved to Easley and was an active member of the Willows Retirement Community and Easley First Baptist Church. Mildred was an avid power walker and inspired her family with her healthy lifestyle.

Known as “Greatmommy” to many, Mildred loved to spend time with her family and watch old movies. She read the entire Bible at least once a year for a total of 41 times. She was especially known for her outstanding homemade popsicles and unparalleled holiday cheese ball, as well as her tremendous memory and blistering wit.

Mildred leaves behind a vibrant family, including her daughter, Reba Andrew and husband, Michael; and son, Norman Rentz and wife, Kay. Her six grandchildren are Meridith Rentz and husband, Dean Baker; Katherine Andrew and husband, Gary Kline; Rebecca Favata and husband, James; Stuart Rentz and wife, Jenna; Elizabeth Tino and husband, Chris; and Wesley Rentz and wife, Wendy. Mildred was beloved by each and every one of her 18 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her husband, her parents and her brother, Paul C. “Bill” Broome Jr.

A private graveside service will be held in Baxley, Ga., on Sept. 2, 2021. A memorial service at Easley First Baptist Church will be scheduled at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to either Easley First Baptist Church, 300 E. 1st Ave., Easley, SC 29640; or to First Baptist Church Stanley, N.C.: 409 Old Mt. Holly Road, Stanley, NC 28164.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family.

 

EDDIE LAVERN HAMILTON

CENTRAL — Eddie Lavern Hamilton, 66, a loving husband of 50 years to Brenda K. Holcombe, passed away on Monday, Aug. 16, 2021, at St. Francis Downtown Hospital in Greenville.

A native of Pickens County, Eddie was born Aug. 7, 1955, a son of the late Lawrence Clifton “Junior” Hamilton and Mamie Donald Hamilton Scruggs.

Survivors include his wife, Brenda; two daughters, Monica Mae Williams of Powdersville and Sarah Elizabeth Hamilton of Liberty; grandson, Keigan Zane Williams; sister, Diane Cobb (Wallace); and brother, Joey Scruggs (Shannon).

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hamilton was predeceased by his brother, Gary Hamilton, and stepfather, Guy Scruggs.

Visitation was held on Aug. 21 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, with a memorial service following.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Hamilton family.

 

CAROL WARNER WHETSELL

GREER — Carol Warner Whetsell went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, Aug. 15, 2021.

A native of Pickens, she was born on Dec. 9, 1945, a daughter of the late Carl Thompson Warner and Lorena Welborn Warner.

Carol was an alumna of Winthrop College, where she received a master’s degree in home economics. A woman of unwavering faith, she was known by many as a prayer warrior.

She is survived by sisters, Nancy L. Warner and Martha W. Preston and husband, John; a brother, Alan D. Warner and wife, Lena; nieces, Cynthia W. McInnis and husband, Jay, and Kate. W. Burgner and husband, Javin; nephews, Thomas C. Warner and Jacob G. Warner and wife, Morgan; numerous great-nieces and great-nephews; as well as many loving neighbors and friends in Charleston, Columbia and Greenville.

In addition to her parents, Carol was preceded in death by infant sons David M. Whetsell Jr. and Stewart Jameson Whetsell, as well as a brother, Lee A. Warner.

A graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens in Pickens on Sunday, Sept. 5. Following the service, friends are invited for refreshments and visitation at Pickens First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bible Broadcasting Network, P.O. Box 7300, Charlotte, NC 28241.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Whetsell family.

 

 

BUDDY CANNON

 

EASLEY — Asher K. “Buddy” Cannon, 82, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 21, 2021.

Born in Abbeville, he was the son of the late J.T. and Doris Wix Cannon.

Mr. Cannon was retired as owner and manager of Leroy Cannon Motors in Greenville. He was a member of Greer Memorial Baptist Church. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodcarving and watching Atlanta Braves baseball. He was a member of the Dunean Masonic Lodge No. 359 A.F.M. and proudly served his country in the U.S. Air Force.

Surviving are his loving wife of 62 years, Glenda McCoy Cannon; a daughter, Teresa Bearden (Scott) of Easley; a son, Glenn Cannon (Pam) of Easley; grandchildren whom he adored, Leslie Mousa (Rev. Jeffrey), Megan Trotter (Chris), Bradley Cannon (April) and Marlee Gilbert (Ben); and eight great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Betty Masters.

The family received guests on Aug. 24, at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with the funeral service following in the funeral home chapel. Burial was at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

The family will be at the home.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.

 

 

EDGAR BROCK

 

LIBERTY — Edgar Hilliard “Bud” Brock, 90, formerly of Liberty, died Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021, at The Gables on Pelham.

Born in Asheville, N.C., he was the widower of Fay Brock and a son of the late Hillard C. and Virginia Dare Greene Brock.

He worked in textiles many years as a process engineer prior to his retirements. He was a longtime member of Liberty United Methodist Church.

Mr. Brock was a United States Navy veteran with 35 years of service. He served during the Korean and Vietnam wars. During his time in service, he received the following awards: Naval Reserve Meritorious Service Medal (six awards), Armed Forces Reserve Medal (two awards), Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Medal, Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Medal, and the Pistol Marksmanship Ribbon. Throughout his career, he served in various places, including NAS Corpus Christi, the Blue Angels, USS Kearsarge and VU-7, Asheville, N.C., Atlanta, Ga., and later finishing up his career in Rota, Spain.

Surviving are a son, Dennis Brock of Easley; a daughter, Cindy Tinsley (Russ) of Pickens; two grandchildren, Keri Jo Brock and Jeremy Brock (Tracey); and a great granddaughter, Brysie Jo Brock.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Bobbie Anne Dodge.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug. 26, at Forest Lawn Cemetery, 1498 Sand Hill Road, Candler NC 28715.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

The family would to extend their heartfelt thanks and appreciation to the caring staff of The Gables on Pelham and Brookdale Hospice.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

BARBARA LEE GARDNER FERGUSON

EASLEY — Mrs. Barbara Lee Gardner Ferguson, 79, loving wife of Ray William Ferguson, passed away on Friday, Aug. 20, 2021, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Mrs. Ferguson was born in Greenville on Feb. 19, 1942, to the late Broadus and Hester Jones Gardner. She loved her family with all her heart and enjoyed cooking meals for them.

She and Ray were the owners of Clear Springs Fishing Lake for many years before retirement, and she was a member of Griffin Baptist Church.

In addition to her loving husband, Mrs. Ferguson is survived by her two sons, Johnny Ray Ferguson Sr. of Easley and Randall Ferguson (Tammy) of Pickens; a daughter-in-law, Greta Ferguson of Easley; a sister, Mildred Powell of Greenwood; her five grandchildren, Kelly Long (Will), Johnny Ray Ferguson Jr. (Katrina), Matthew Ferguson, Brett Ferguson and Jessica Ferguson Oggenfuss (William); nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild. Mrs. Ferguson also leaves behind her two precious cats, Toby and Buttercup.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Ferguson was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Neil Ferguson.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Aug. 25, in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, with the Rev. Rick Hayes and Rev. Mike Bowling officiating. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 2-2:45 p.m. on Wednesday, prior to the service, at Dillard Funeral Home.

The family is at the residence.

The family would like to thank Ashley and Keisha with Crescent Hospice, along with Deborah Morris and Katrina Ferguson for all their love and care toward Mrs. Ferguson during her illness.

Flowers are accepted, or memorial donations may be made to the ALS Association via their website at donate.als.org.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.