TEX LEVERNE OWENS

PICKENS — Tex Leverne Owens, husband of Suzann Owens, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, June 10, 2026.

Tex was born July 12, 1944, in Mullins. His father was Junior Owens, and his mother was Margaret Elizabeth Martin Owens. Tex has a brother, Steve Owens, who is four years younger. The family lived in Galivants Ferry before moving to Aynor when Tex was about eight years old. Tex graduated from Aynor High School, where he was active in the band, playing clarinet and saxophone. After graduating in 1963, Tex enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1963-69, which included two tours in Vietnam. After his service in the Marine Corps, Tex moved to Miami, Fla. He was employed with Eastern Airlines in Human Resources and Development and IT from 1970 to 1990. Tex met Suzann Thompson Georgianni in 1983. They were married in 1984. They have two children, Evan Ryan Owens and Jessica Elizabeth Owens. After much prayer, and God’s leading, they moved to Pickens in 1989. Tex was employed with Ryobi (TTI) in Pickens, retiring from the parent company (TTI) in 2016. They are very active at East Pickens Baptist Church. Tex served in leadership positions with Royal Ambassadors, Awana program and adult small group leader. Both Tex and Suzann have been members of Christian Motorcyclists Association since 1984, using their motorcycle as a ministry tool to share the gospel of Jesus Christ with bikers. They enjoyed going to many motorcycle rallies and especially to Myrtle Beach Bike Week in the spring and fall each year.

Tex is survived by his son, Evan Owens; daughter-in-law, Cassie Owens; granddaughter, Lily Owens; grandson, Luke Owens; grandson, Archer Owens; daughter, Jessica Owens Hall; granddaughter, Giuliana Hall; grandson, Kobe Hall; grandson, Kyler Hall; a brother and his wife, Steve and Miriam Owens; a niece, Joy Owens; and a nephew, David Owens.

A memorial service will be held on June 26 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, located at 2402 Gentry Memorial Highway in Pickens.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:30-2:50 p.m. in the Garden Room at Dillard Funeral Home.

Tex will be inurned at M.J. Dolly Cooper located in Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, Tex requested that donations be made to the Christian Motorcycle Association, P.O. Box 9, Hatfield, AR 71945, or East Pickens Baptist Church, 2244 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens, SC 29671.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Owens family with their arrangements.

 

HAZEL MAE FINLEY MILLER

EASLEY — It is with love and fond memories that we celebrate the life of Hazel Mae Finley Miller.

Born on Dec. 7, 1938, in Easley, she was the widow of Billy Joe Miller and a daughter to the late Furman M. and Ella Mae Findley Finley. A cherished mother, devoted friend and passionate reader, Hazel transitioned to her heavenly home on June 19, 2026, at the age of 87.

An active member of Flat Rock Baptist Church, Hazel was a pillar of her community. She had a real passion for reading, often losing herself in books and could frequently be found enjoying shopping excursions with her dear friends from the Willows. Hazel loved nothing more than sharing laughter and camaraderie during visits from old friends. And let’s not forget her spirited support for the South Carolina Gamecocks; her cheers could be heard from her home every game day.

Hazel lived her life with joy and enthusiasm, always surrounded by the love of her family.

She is survived by her beloved son, Marty Miller (Sandy), and daughter, Kristie Morris (Mike), both of whom were her pride and joy. She also leaves behind two granddaughters, Lyndsey Abbott (Michael) and Jennifer Rivera (Mike); and seven great-grandchildren, Brinlei Smith, Hadley, Cora and Nolan Rivera, Raygan and Ashton Wood, and Mason Fortin.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her twin brother, Haskell Finley, and another brother, Charles Finley.

A graveside service was held at Greenlawn Memorial Park on June 23.

You may share memories and offer condolences by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

GLORIA SEARCY VISSAGE

EASLEY — Gloria Searcy Vissage, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on June 14, 2026, at the age of 87.

Gloria was born on Dec. 3, 1938, in Pickens County, to the late Leo and Annie Young Searcy. She was a 1956 graduate of Easley High School. Gloria retired from Palmetto Graphics in Greenville. She was a faithful member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Gloria loved playing the piano and organ and spoiling her grandson Caleb. What Gloria cherished most was the time that she got to spend with her family.

Gloria is survived by her son, Jody Vissage (Katherine) of Easley, and her grandson, Caleb Vissage.

In addition to her parents, Gloria was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Hogan Vissage, and two brothers, Rev. TW “Bill” Searcy and Randall Searcy of Easley.

The funeral was conducted on June 18 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, with the Rev. Rodney Graham and the Rev. Jonathan McGary officiating.

A committal service followed the service at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605, or to The Greenville Children’s Hospital, 701 Grove Road, Greenville, SC 29605.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family Vissage family with their arrangements.

 

JAMES RODGER HOLCOMBE

PICKENS — James Rodger Holcombe, 71, went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday,June 16, 2026. He was a faithful member of Holly Springs Baptist Church for many years.

A native of Pickens, Rodger was born April 14, 1955, to the late James Brandon and Margaret Anne “Peggy” Chastain Holcombe.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his only brother, Gregory “Gus” Holcombe.

He was a graduate of Pickens High School, and he drove the high school bus while still attending as a student. Rodger went on to work in tool and die factories but spent most of his years driving 18-wheelers, providing well for the family he loved so dearly.

Rodger is survived by his wife of almost 45 years, Frances Louise “Nana” Holcombe; and four sons, James Robert Holcombe (Amy) of Pickens, Cimeron Heath Holcombe (Joy) of Pickens, Jeremiah Brandon Holcombe of Spartanburg and Mitchell Dwayne Holcombe (Candace) of Easley; 10 grandchildren, Caelan Holcombe (Ashley), Christian Holcombe, Adeline “Kenzie” Holcombe, Rose “Karlyn” Faires (Jacob), Dustin Davis, Darren Holcombe, Daniel Holcombe, Starla Holcombe, Kailee Holcombe and Roseanne Holcombe; one great-grandchild, Elizabeth Holcombe; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held on June 19 at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Holly Springs Baptist Church Youth, by mailing 3450 Table Rock Road, Pickens, SC 29671, or by visiting hsbc.churchtrac.com/give.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Holcombe family.

 

DEAN RAY

LIBERTY — It is with deep sorrow and a celebration of his life that we announce the passing of Harrison Dean Ray, who left this world too soon on June 17, 2026.

He was born on April 5, 1967, in Greenville, a son of the late William Harrison and Betty Joan Rhodes Ray. He grew up to be a devoted husband, loving father, cherished brother and trusted friend.

A proud graduate of Easley High School’s Class of 1985, he dedicated more than 25 years of his life to serving as a security officer at Duke Energy. He brought a sense of safety and reassurance to those around him, embodying the qualities of duty and respect. He cofounded Upstate Sealant LLC with his dad and had been in continuous operation for the past 20 years. He was an active member of Set Free Church and proud to be part of the Rowdy Bunch.

Dean’s greatest joy came from his family. His children and grandchildren were the light of his life, and he cherished every moment spent in their company, often sharing in their hobbies and interests. His greatest hobby may have been spoiling his wife, Tracy. It was in these moments that Dean truly shined, as he skillfully wove laughter and love into the fabric of their everyday lives.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Tracy Ray; daughters, Ariel Rainwater (Philip) and Katie Ann Ray (Christian); son, Cole Ray (Ashley); and brothers, Daryl Ray and Brian Ray (Sherri) and their children, Chase, Dalton and Seth; five precious grandchildren, Noah, Parker, Dawson, Addie and Karsen; his father and mother-in-law, Bill and Rachel York; and his brother-in-law, Terry York and his children, Gracie and Nicholas.

The love and warmth he shared will be deeply missed but always remembered by those who had the privilege to know him. His spirit will live on in the memories, stories and the love that has been instilled within his family.

Services to celebrate God, in Dean’s life, were held on June 22, at Set Free Church. Private graveside services were held at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

DEBORAH VYETTE SEXTON

PICKENS — Deborah Vyette Sexton, 77, of Pickens, passed on June 18, 2026.

Born in Anderson, she was the daughter of the late Helga Milsap and Rufus Burgess.

Deborah loved shopping, watching TV with her beloved dog Tank and spending time with her family.

Deborah is survived by her daughter, Kaci Whitfield (James); grandson, Chris Whitfield (Javis); brother, Robert Burgess (Betty); and sister, Phyllis Stewart (Jerry).

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Missy Broadwater; sister, Gwen Thompson; and brother, Buddy Burgess.

Palmetto Cremation Service is assisting the family.