EARL RICHARD ‘PAPA’ REECE
PICKENS — Mr. Earl Richard Reece, 80, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Nov. 10, 2021, he passed in peace.
He was born in Pickens County and was the husband of Bonnie Mosley Reece, former husband of the late Judy Gillespie. He was the son of the late Ernest Robert Reece and the late Zefpha Stancil Reece.
Mr. Reece enjoyed his large family. He spent his working years as a residential painter and logger providing for his family. He was a member of Midway Baptist Church in Pickens. He loved his family most of all but enjoyed fishing for anything that would bite and hunting. “Papa” was a kind soul. His family will truly miss him.
Surviving are two sons, Rebel and Richard, both of Pickens; two daughters, Donna Reece and Anna Reece, both of Pickens; and siblings, Lucille Elrod and ER Reece, both of Pickens. “Papa” leaves behind 28 loving and precious grandchildren and eight most precious great-grandchildren.
Mr. Reece was preceded in death by two brothers and six sisters.
See family for any scheduled memorial services.
Palmetto Cremation Service is assisting the Reece family.
Online condolences may be sent to palmettocremationservice.com.
JAMES GLENN BAKER
PICKENS — James “Glenn” Baker, 56, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021.
Born on Dec. 30, 1964, he was the son of the late James and Loretta Morton Baker.
Mr. Baker was the owner of Baker Masonry in Pickens. He loved to go fishing and loved his work as a mason. He also enjoyed singing, playing guitar and camping.
Surviving are his children, Justin Lee Baker of Williamston and David Baker of Six Mile; significant other, Pamela Lollis Cochran of the home; grandchildren, David Anthony Jackson, Austin Lee Jackson, Emma Leigh Baker, Annabelle Baker, Nova Lee Baker, Justin Baker and Ryan Baker; brother, Sammy Baker (Sandra) of Easley; sisters, Shelby Chastain (Roy) of Greenville and Sylvia Black (Barron) of Easley; a bonus brother, Timothy Lee of Pickens; bonus grandchildren, Brooklyn Miller, Landon Brissey, Cayson Brissey and Hazelee Brissey; and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Amber Jade Jackson.
The family received friends on Nov. 15 at Robinson Funeral Home Downtown, with the funeral service to follow, in the funeral home chapel.
Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.
GAIL HOLCOMBE ELLENBURG
EASLEY — Mrs. Gail Holcombe Ellenburg, 83, went to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Nov. 12, 2021, while surrounded by her family.
Gail was born in Pickens County, and she was the daughter of the late Robert Herbert Holcombe and the late Bessie Masters Holcombe. She was the wife of 64 years to Marvin Ellenburg. It was love at first sight for Marvin when he saw Gail playing the piano while wearing a pink dress at Cedar Rock Baptist Church. Gail felt the same way when she met Marvin that day, and she went home and told her mother that she had met the man that she was going to marry. They married the following year when they were both 19 years old.
Their love story continued to grow stronger through the years, and their family grew as well. Survivors include their children, Greg Ellenburg of Easley and Melissa Vess (John) of Easley; and the grandchildren Gail adored, Will Vess (Nicole) of Easley and Jake Vess (Emma) of Liberty. Thankfully, Gail was able to meet her first great-grandchild, Luke Vess, this year.
Gail worked as an administrative assistant for the Easley Baptist Hospital when it first opened, and she later worked for Swirl Manufacturing. Afterward, she worked for more than 30 years in the banking industry for Home Savings and Loan and American Federal Bank.
Being such a loving and giving person, Gail spent a significant amount of her time ministering to others. She was a gifted musician and teacher. Through the years, she participated in many church ministries at Cedar Rock Baptist Church, Faith Baptist Church and Rock Springs Baptist Church, including pianist, Sunday school teacher, GA leader, AWANA leader, choir member and WMU leader. She was a member of Rock Springs for the past 35 years. Gail and Marvin were members of the Gideons International for many years as well. She truly loved to give, and she was always willing to help anyone in need in any way that she could.
Gail’s great love for flowers led Marvin to build her a greenhouse so that she could nurture her beautiful plants easily during the winter months. She absolutely loved the beach, and Marvin bought her a place at Myrtle Beach and took her there as often as possible, much to her delight. She was always up for a trip to the mountains in the fall, and she loved shopping, pretty jewelry and good meals. Her family was her greatest joy, and love radiated from her to them. Her sense of humor brought happiness and laughter to those who knew her, even in her last years of suffering. She will be missed by her family beyond what words can express. “Her children arise and call her blessed, and her husband also, and he praises her.” — Proverbs 31:28.
Gail’s children would like to recognize and thank Marvin for the loving, faithful, attentive, continuous, patient and remarkable care that he personally gave to Gail during her bedridden years.
The family would like to thank Open Arms Hospice, especially Gail’s nurse Alana Valentin and her aide, Angie Johnson, for such loving and professional care. Also, family friend Sharon Alexander was such a special comfort and help to Gail. Marvin’s sisters Rachel, Judy, Carolyn and Elizabeth were beyond wonderful in bringing meals and sitting with Gail when a need arose. The family also wants to thank all of their other family members and friends who have offered prayer support, meals and help in so many ways during the last three years.
A funeral service will be held on Sunday, Nov. 21, at 2:30 p.m. at Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley, with Dr. David Gallamore officiating.
Visitation will be held before the service from 1-2:15 p.m. at Rock Springs Baptist Church. Burial will follow the service at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Easley.
Marvin’s cousin, Rev. Kenneth Collins, who was best man and one of the two witnesses at Marvin and Gail’s wedding at the church parsonage, will share from his heart at the graveside. Marvin’s brother, Rev. David Ellenburg, will offer the graveside prayer.
Flowers will be graciously accepted, or memorials may be made to one’s choice of The Alzheimer’s Association, Open Arms Hospice of Simpsonville, Rock Springs Baptist Church, or he Gideons International.
Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.
BETTY PAULINE BENNEFIELD
PICKENS — Betty Pauline Bennefield, 71, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, at her home.
Born in Greenville, she was the daughter of the late Charlie Harvin Lark and Mary Katherine Kyle Lark. Betty was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.
She is survived by her children, Dennis Rycroft, Carl Bennefield, Crystal Taylor, Carla Bennefield, Pamela Bennefield, Raymond Bennefield and Kenneth Bennefield. Mrs. Bennefield is also survived by her brother, Jerry Lark; two sisters, Karen Greer and Eloise Collins; 28 grandchildren; and 15 great-grandchildren.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband, Carl Bennefield.
A celebration of life was held on Nov. 12, with the Rev. Justin Anderson officiating.
Arrangements in care of Mountain View Funeral Home.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting mountainviewfunerals.com.
JOHNNY RAY BECKNELL
LIBERTY — Johnny Ray Becknell, 80, of Mills Avenue, died on Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021, at Prisma Health-Baptist Easley.
Born in Seneca, he was the husband of 54 years to Brenda Gail Bowen Becknell and a son of the late John Hovey and Helen Miller Becknell. Johnny was a United States Army veteran and retired from Greenwood Mills. Afterward, he was the owner and operator of B&B landscaping for 10 years.
He was an avid Clemson fan. He loved camping and being outdoors. Johnny was a hard worker all of his life and enjoyed working with his hands and staying busy, but mostly he enjoyed his family and spending time with them. He was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving in addition to his wife are a daughter, Christal Nicholson (Marc) of Pickens; a son, Scott Becknell of Liberty; three grandchildren, Justin Becknell (Jessica) of Liberty, Amber Becknell of Liberty and Breanna Fuller of Pickens; two step-grandchildren, Brooke and Luke Nicholson of Pickens; and two great-grandchildren, Kensley and Jaxon Becknell.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Wallace Becknell.
Graveside services to honor the life of Johnny Ray Becknell were held on Nov. 15 at Liberty Memorial Gardens.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
LINDA CHILDRESS
PICKENS — Mrs. Linda Childress, 89, wife of the late John Mark Childress, left this world on Friday, Nov. 12, 2021, now in the presence of the Lord. She passed unexpectedly, but peacefully, with her daughter by her side.
Linda was born on Oct. 28, 1932, in Pickens County, daughter of the late Roscoe and Grace Breazeale Porter. She retired as a buyer from Singer and enjoyed playing bridge with special friends for more than 56 years. Linda was a lifetime resident of Pickens and a member of Grace United Methodist Church.
Surviving are her daughter, Kimberly Childress Parnell; one sister, Doris P. Hamby; and one brother, Ronnie Porter. She also leaves behind her two granddaughters, Lauren Ashley Parnell and Amanda Grace Underwood; three great-granddaughters, Ashton Lauren, Ensley Grace and Isabelle Patricia; and one great-great-grandson, John Daniel.
Along with her parents and husband, Linda was also preceded in death by one brother, Doc Porter.
A memorial service was held on Nov. 16 at Dillard Funeral Home.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at dillardfunerals.com for the Childress family.
ANN HARBUCK ANDREWS
EASLEY — Annie Harbuck “Ann” Andrews, 88, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021.
Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Paul Harbuck and the late Ina Looper Harbuck, Ann was a graduate of Easley High School and was retired from Ahold USA. She was a longtime active member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church, where she sang in the church choir, taught Sunday School, served with the WMU, the Lottie Moon Missions and also served with the Piedmont Baptist Association. Ann was active in missions, not only in her church, but in the community having served on the Release After School Program and other local ministries. Ann will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew her, she touched so many lives.
Surviving are her son, John David Andrews (Mary) of Easley; her daughter, Kim Andrews Greene (Wayne) of Simpsonville; her sister, Betty H. Porter of Easley; and her five grandchildren, Jimmie Necole Andrews, Jordan Andrews, Stephen Greene, River Andrews and Myla Grace Andrews.
A celebration of Ann’s life was held on Nov. 11 at Brushy Creek Baptist Church.
A burial was held at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.
Memorials may be made to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering, c/o Brushy Creek Baptist Church, 100 Clay St., Easley, SC 29642.
Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.
BRADLEY MICHAEL HAWKINS
EASLEY — Bradley Michael Hawkins, 21, entered the arms of his Heavenly Father on Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021.
He was born in Kharkov, Ukraine, and adopted at 15 months old when he moved to Dacusville with his adoptive parents, Scott and Sharon Hawkins, and brother, Taylor. Bradley was an avid outdoorsman and attained his Eagle Scout through Troop 51 in Pickens. Bradley was currently employed as a team member with Tractor Supply. His life’s greatest honor was giving his life to the Lord Jesus Christ.
Remaining are his parents, his brother and sister-in-law, Taylor and Reid Hawkins; his little nephew, Levi; along with his girlfriend, Georgia Parker. Also remaining are his paternal grandparents, Marvin and Shirley Hawkins.
Bradley was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Roger and Yvonne O’Donald. The family received friends on Nov. 14 in the sanctuary of East Pickens Baptist Church. A funeral service followed. A private family burial is scheduled for a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bradley’s honor to the Fair Play Camp School for Boys by contacting (864) 647-4311.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the family of Bradley Michael Hawkins.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting mountainviewfunerals.com.
MARY ANN GANTT
LIBERTY — Mary Ann Gantt, 85, wife of Billy Joe Gantt, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, at her home.
Mrs. Gantt was born on May 12, 1936, to the late Samuel and Maude Edens of Easley. She was a hard worker no matter the task given. Mary Ann was a wonderful wife and homemaker. She was a loving and caring mother, always putting others first. She enjoyed sewing, quilting and painting. Mary Ann was a faithful member of Rices Creek Baptist Church, where she held many positions and taught Sunday school. She loved music and sang in the church choir.
Survivors include her husband of 67 years, Billy Joe Gantt; her children, Christy Taylor (Joey), Kellie Pittman (Adrain), Spencer Gantt (Shari), Marty Gantt (Angie) and Darran Gantt; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Gantt was deceased by two grandchildren, Jody Seagraves and Kelsey Gantt; and her three sisters, Cortez League, Bernice Smith and Helen Reeves.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to her nephew, Jack Smith, Vicky and Randy James for helping us through our time of need.
Graveside services were held on Nov. 12 at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Gantt Family.
JAMES SAMUEL ‘JAMIE’ ROCHESTER JR.
PICKENS — James Samuel “Jamie” Rochester Jr., 43, loving husband of 24 years to Latonia Wooten Rochester, passed away on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021, at his home.
Born March 26, 1978, in Greenville County, Jamie was the son of James Samuel Rochester Sr. and Suzanne Moody Rochester of Travelers Rest. Mr. Rochester was an avid musician and enjoyed playing guitar and singing in his spare time.
In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Rochester is survived by four children, Alexis Wooten of Greenville, Austin Rochester (Emily) of Pickens, Dylan Rochester of Easley and Destiny Rochester of Pickens; a granddaughter, Millie Rochester; a sister, Jennifer Waldrop of Taylors; as well as numerous nieces.
Jamie was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Henry and Mary Moody, as well as his paternal grandparents, Lewis and Geneva Rochester.
Visitation was held on Nov. 15 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, with the funeral service to follow. Burial was at the Bethlehem Church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jamie’s honor may be made to SWITCH by calling (864) 350-0281 or by visiting switchsc.org.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Rochester family.
ERNEST CLINTON CANTRELL
PICKENS — Ernest Clinton Cantrell, 77, retired CW4- United States Army, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, surrounded by family and friends.
Ernest was born on March 28, 1944, in Rosman, N.C., to Ernest Charles and Verona Lyda Cantrell. He was a faithful Christian and attended New Hope Baptist Church. He served two tours in Vietnam and retired after 26 years of service to his country. Ernest worked several years with the SCDOT as a foreman. He loved working outdoors, hunting and fishing. He loved his family and his dog “Bones” the most.
Those left to honor and cherish him are his wife of 38 years, Sonia Cantrell; his three sons, Chris Cantrell (Christine), Ernest Cantrell (Diane) and Jay Cantrell; his eight grandchildren, Josh, Caitlin, Elijah, Kieran, Tyler, Lauren, Samantha and Curtis; one great-grandchild, Bodhi James; and three sisters, Irene, Meddie and Virginia, along with several family members and friends.
Mr. Cantrell was predeceased by his parents, Ernest Charles and Verona Lyda Cantrell, and his brothers, James, John, Douglas and Darrell.
Visitation was held on Nov. 11 in the sanctuary of New Hope Baptist Church in Pickens, with funeral service following.
Mountain View Funeral home is serving the Cantrell Family.
REV. JOHN GARNICE CATER
EASLEY — Rev. John Garnice Cater, 96, husband of 70 years to the late Kathleen Summerall Cater, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021.
Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Jim Cater and the late Ollie Massingill Cater, Rev. Cater retired from Alice Manufacturing with 51 years of service and after retirement was employed with Kentucky Fried Chicken for seven years.
He was a member of Morning Star Independent Baptist Church and led the Truth for Youth Ministry.
Surviving are his son, Chubby Cater (Gail) of Easley; his daughter, Sharon Cater of Easley; a sister, Wekona C. Woods of Pickens; and his grandsons, Enoch Pugh and Nathan Pugh.
In addition to his wife and parents, Rev. Cater was predeceased by his brother, Eulon Cater; and three sisters, Ann Hayes, Nelta Bagwell and Narvice Sweezy.
Funeral services were held on Nov. 12 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to Morning Star Independent Baptist Church, 111 North Cedar Rock Road, Easley, SC 29640.
Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.
REBECCA ANN ATKINS
EASLEY — Rebecca Ann Atkins, 79, wife of 62 years to Robert “R.C.” Atkins, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, at her home.
A native of Pickens County, Ann was born on Dec. 17, 1941, to the late Earl Barrett and Frances Galloway Brown. She was a member of Blue Ridge View Baptist Church. Ann retired from Singer/Ryobi after 48 years of service.
She enjoyed shopping and traveling up north with her husband and loved her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband, R.C., Mrs. Atkins is survived by her children, Sandy Atkins of Easley, Debra Morris (Billy) of Easley, Belinda Alexander (Greg) of Pickens and Dale Atkins of Easley; eight grandchildren, Johnny, Daniel, Sabrina, Matthew, Brett, Kasey, Dustin and Christopher; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; her siblings, Linda Norton (Austin), Sue Morgan, Peggy Stewart, Jane Hamby, Kathy Leslie (Arvie) and Marie McCall (Derrick); and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Atkins was predeceased by her parents, Earl Barrett and Frances Galloway Brown; a sister, Janice Garren; a brother, Tommy Barrett; and her nephew, Bobby Joe Leslie.
Funeral service was held on Nov. 13 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Buckshot Avant and Dr. Stuart Houston. Burial followed in the Blue Ridge View Baptist Church cemetery.
Flowers will be accepted.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Atkins Family.
Online condolences may be expressed to the Atkins family by visiting mountainviewfunerals.com.
