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

DONNA CHAPMAN

EASLEY — Donna Chapman, 57, of Easley, passed away at her home on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

Born on Aug. 26, 1968, Donna was the daughter of the late Marvin Lollis and Martha (Crawford) Lollis. She was preceded in death by her sister, Sondrea Smith, and brothers, Mike Swafford and Don Swafford.

She is survived by her sisters, Sherry Powell, Cathy Lollis and Karen Simmons; her children, Zack Mauldin (Jennifer), Josh Cox (Shannon) and Valarie Buchanan (Raul); and her grandchildren, Lily, Max, Matthew, Kaitlyn, Aubrey, Cayden, and Carmen.

A family gathering will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, June 6, at Glassy Mountain View Church in Pickens.

The family appreciates the thoughts and prayers extended during this time.

CAROLYN MCCOY WHITTED

EASLEY — Carolyn McCoy Whitted, 80, loving wife of Johnny Whitted, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

Born on April 29, 1946, in Pelzer, Carolyn was the cherished daughter of the late Lewis

WILLIAM DAVID NORRIS

PICKENS — Some people leave behind memories, some leave behind traditions, and others leave behind a legacy. Legacy is exactly what Coach David “Red-Bone” Norris left behind to the countless men and women he mentored and coached for more than 50 years.

Even more important was the legacy he leaves with his family, a legacy of love, trust, and kindness that will be forever remembered and carried on for generations to come.

“Uncle Dump,” as he was affectionately known by his 30 plus nieces and nephews and more than 100 great and great-great nieces and nephews, will not be remembered for his loyalty to the Pickens Blue Flame or the Clemson Tigers as much as he will be for his unwavering devotion and commitment to his family. Whether he was teaching them to drive, fish, throw a football, swing a golf club, or simply kissing boo-boos and having tea parties, he always found a way to make each one feel special.

Born and raised in Pickens, David had a deep love for the outdoors. Whether in the mountains, woods, or along the streams, you could often find him there, unless he was on the sidelines or in the dugout of a local game. For over five decades, he coached and supported programs ranging from recreation leagues to Middle and High school level in Pickens as well as working in Recruitment and Youth Camps at Clemson.

His impact spanned multiple sports, including boys’ and girls’ basketball, softball, baseball, and football.

He also faithfully served as the leader of the Pickens “Chain Gang” for Blue Flame football games and pulled Chains for Clemson Home Games as well. A dedicated Clemson supporter, he was a lifelong IPTAY member and booster. He retired from Ryobi Motor Products and later worked with The Cliffs Communities and Ohio Gear. David was also a devoted member of Bethany Church of God in Pickens.

He was the beloved son of the late Wilson and Clara Gillespie Norris. One of ten children, he is survived by two sisters, Margaret Bolding and Lola Townsend, both of Pickens. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Charles, Hagood and Larry Norris, and by his sisters, Ruby Galloway, Martha Jean Wardlaw, Patsy Raines and Katherine Holcombe.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on May 30, at Bethany Church of God located at 428 Hagood Mill Road in Pickens, officiated by the Rev. Roger Stephens.

Following the service, family and friends are invited to gather and share memories and fellowship.

The family requests that attendees wear their favorite Pickens Blue Flame or Clemson Tigers attire in his honor.

MARJORIE JOAN PREUSZ

PICKENS — Marjorie Joan Preusz, 91, went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 17, 2026.

Marjorie devoted her life to her family and church. She had a remarkable gift for remembering the little things that made others happy — favorite foods, comforts, preferences and routines. Her kids and grandkids knew they could count on a well-stocked cupboard and fridge for their visits. She spent months planning gifts and games for Christmas, her favorite time of the year.

Marjorie served as church pianist and organist for most of her life in Indiana, North Carolina and South Carolina alongside her husband, Wayne, who pastored the churches. She and Wayne devoted themselves to each other through the highs and lows of 73 years of marriage, and their gentle affection remains an inspiration to many. Musically gifted, Marjorie started playing and singing for church at age 12. She could read music but typically did not need to. Rather, she would read the mood of the church service and provide the perfect background music from her creative mind and memory. She also dedicated countless hours to developing and leading children’s church programs.

Marjorie loved shopping, rearranging furniture for a fresh look and spending time with family. She enjoyed daily lunches at Jimmy’s Family Restaurant, getting to know the owners and staff. She prayed daily for her family and was known for her lively conversations and sharp wit. Her mind and memory remained strong until her final days. She loved to cut up with friends. In fact, with two or three of her longtime friends, you could be sure that mischief would ensue if they were together. Her family and friends will remember her warmth, humor and the many ways she cared for them.

She is survived by her husband, T. Wayne Preusz of Pickens; four children, Debbie Hines (Barry) of Plain City, Ohio, Rachel Gulledge (Scotty) of Canton, Mich., Mike Preusz (Sandy) of Pickens and Paula Lemons (Derrick) of Watkinsville, Ga.

She is also survived by eight grandchildren, Chad Hines (Heather) of Plain City, Ohio, Christy Thompson (Cory) of Plain City, Ohio, Cory Sáenz (Hunter) of Charlotte, N.C., Joshua Gulledge (Lyndsay) of Pinckney, Mich., Caleb Gulledge (Julie) of Dunwoody, Ga., Michaela Cisneros (Austin) of Manhattan, Kan., Nathaniel Lemons of Athens, Ga., and Zachary Lemons of Watkinsville, Ga.

She is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren, Kyle Hines (Ashley), Lexi Hines, Gavin and Reese Johnson; Blake, Lauryn, Mackenzie and Avery Gulledge; Jaina, Scarlett and Rory Gulledge; and Casyn Cisernos.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Herbert and Edith Johnson; her sister, Lucretia Call; her brother, Wayne Johnson; and her grandson, Jonathan Gulledge.

A visitation will be held on June 6, from 11-11:50 a.m., with the funeral service to begin at noon at Pickens View Wesleyan Church, 744 Bethlehem Ridge Road, Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Pickens View Wesleyan Church or Agape Care of South Carolina.

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

MAXINE ROGERS MAULDIN

PICKENS — Some people leave behind memories. Others leave behind traditions, recipes, gardens, stories and a way of loving that becomes woven into a family forever.

Maxine Rogers Mauldin was one of those people.

On May 18, 2026, Maxine entered her eternal home at the age of 89, leaving behind generations of family who knew her as the steady center of so many of life’s memories. While there is deep sadness in saying goodbye, there is also tremendous joy in knowing that after a life marked by unwavering faith, service and love, she is now in the presence of her Savior, with that same smile that reached her eyes, walking and talking with Him in the garden.

Born and raised in the Upstate of South Carolina, Maxine worked 36 years at WestPoint Home in Clemson before retiring. For more than 75 years, she was a faithful member of

DOROTHY MARTHA ‘DOT’ BATES

MONROE, N.C. — Dorothy “Dot” Martha Bates, 95, of Monroe, N.C., died Saturday, May 9, 2026, at her home.

Born in Pickens as a daughter of the late Clive and Anniebelle Henderson Bates, she was a graduate of Pickens High School and Draughon Business College. She retired with more than 40 years of service as an executive secretary at Blue Ridge Electric Co-op. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Easley, before moving to Monroe, where she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Monroe, N.C.

Surviving are one sister, Frances B. Vaughan of Monroe, N.C.; a nephew, Ray E. Vaughan Jr. (Sheri) of Troutdale,

DAVID A COOK

EASLEY — Dr. David Albert Cook was born on March 23, 1950, in Lansing, Mich. He passed away peacefully on April 26, 2026, in Easley.

In 1962, his family moved to Cochran, Ga. There, he met the love of his life, Rosemary Mullis Cook, whom he lovingly called Rosie.

They participated in the Methodist Church youth group together before David attended and graduated from The Medical College of Georgia in Augusta. In 1972, they were married. Four years later, they relocated to Greenville, where he did his residency at Greenville General Hospital, and they started their family. David Jr. was born that year, and Katie arrived just a few years later in 1979.

In 1980, with his friends, Dr. Jim Rainey and Dr. John Warren, they moved to Easley as

HAROLD EUGENE ‘POPS’ MORRIS

EASLEY — Harold Eugene “Pops” Morris, 63, passed away on Friday, April 24, 2026, at AnMed Medical Center in Anderson.

Born on Oct. 28, 1962, in Pickens County, Harold was the beloved son of Margaret Fant Barr and the late Eugene Morris. He found great joy in the outdoors, especially spending time on his pontoon boat fishing and enjoying the quiet of nature, as well as hunting. Harold cherished every moment with his family and friends, who were the center of his world. He shared a special bond with his beloved fur baby, Roscoe, who brought him endless companionship.

Harold never passed up the chance to watch a good Western, a simple pleasure he truly enjoyed. A loving father, he had a gift for making others laugh and will be remembered for his lively storytelling and quick wit. His humor, warmth and the joy he brought to those around him will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

In addition to his mother, Harold is survived by his only biological son, Davey Morris (Brandi) of

DAVID WAYNE PORTER

PICKENS — David Wayne Porter, 70, husband of the late Martha Powell Porter, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on April 13, 2026.

Born to the late Rev. Charles and Lois Nix Porter, David was a faithful member of Mountain Grove Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, Sunday school teacher and church treasurer.

In 1977, David began his firefighting career with the City of Pickens as a volunteer and then became a full-time firefighter. He later became fire chief and retired after 35 years of service.

He is survived by his brother, Melvin Porter; brother and sisters-in-law, Doris Garrett, Louise (Rev. Joe) Pace, Steve Powell, Forrest Powell, Bonnie Powell and Karen Powell; many nieces, great-nieces, nephews and great-nephews; one niece that he always said, “was the closest to a daughter,” Michele Pace Howard; and a beloved companion, Susan Kinsey.

In addition to his parents and wife, David was predeceased by sisters-in-law, Judy Porter and Millie (Albert) O’Donald; and brothers-in-law, Samuel, Gene and Carl Powell and Harold Garrett.

Honorary escorts were past and present members of the first responder family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to Mountain Grove Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1440 Pickens.

The family received friends on April 15 at Dillard Funeral Home, with a funeral service the following day in the funeral home chapel.

The burial followed the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park with fireman monors.

The family will be at the home of his niece, Michele Howard.

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

WILLIAM ‘LEON’ WOOD

PICKENS — William “Leon” Wood, 87, passed away on Monday, April 13 in Birmingham, Ala.

He was the son of the late George Nathan Wood and Elza Curry Wood.

He is survived by his wife, Frances (Fran) Haskett Wood, and his two sons, Lee Wood and Brian (Shari) Wood. He has two grandchildren, Matthew (Jessica) and Rebecca, two great-grandchildren, Elia and Nahai, and a brother, Anthony (Esther). Leon and Fran were happily married for 65 years and would have celebrated their 66th in two weeks.

Leon was born in Gwinnett County, Ga., in the Haynes Creek community. He graduated from Conyers High School in 1956 and worked at Callaway Mills in Milstead, Ga., for a short time. From there, he began his career as a draftsman with Southern Engineering Company in Atlanta and was part of an engineering team that mapped powerlines across several states. These mapping jobs eventually led him to Pickens, where he worked with the REA power system to map power lines in and around the Pickens County area. It was during this time that he met Fran, whom he often referred to as the love of his life.

While living in Decatur, Ga., he and Fran were active members of Avondale First

 LORETTA J. BURGESS

EASLEY — Loretta J. Burgess of Easley, and formerly of Vero Beach, Fla.; passed away on March 29, 2026, at the age of 95.

Born on Feb. 13, 1931, in Decatur, Ill., she was the daughter of Frances and Emerson Shaner. Loretta was an active member of Easley First United Methodist Church for many years and enjoyed helping in the community wherever she was needed.

Hiking in the mountains was one of her great passions, as well as travel, and in her earlier years she especially enjoyed RV camping and motorcycling all around the United States with her late husband, Willard.

Loretta is survived by her daughters, Patricia Dean and Sandra Delorenzo; granddaughter, Alissa Sugrim; and great-grandchildren, Will Sugrim, Ben Sugrim and Cate Sugrim.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willard B. Burgess, and her brother, Edwin Shaner.

Inurnment was held on April 10 at Hillcrest Memorial Park with family and friends in attendance.

Palmetto Cremation Service is assisting the family.

HAROLD EDENS  ‘PUFF’ BOWIE

PICKENS — Harold Edens “Puff” Bowie, 73, passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on July 3, 1952, in Pickens County, Harold was the beloved son of the late Lee Albert Bowie and Dewey Louise Bowie-Gillespie. A proud veteran of the United States Air Force, he carried a spirit of service and dedication throughout his life. Harold found great peace in the simple joys of nature, especially while fishing along the banks of the Eastatoe River and Laurel and Hardy Fishing Lakes, places he dearly loved. He also cherished time spent at the Holly Springs Country Store, where he enjoyed fellowship and the comfort of familiar faces. Above all, Harold loved his family deeply, and the time he shared with them was his greatest treasure.

Harold is survived by his children, Toby Barnett (Kaitlyn), Scott Bowie (Nicole), Greg Bryant and Michelle Franco, all of Pickens; grandchildren, Joshua, Alexus, Dillon, Daniel, Alyssa, Aaron and Alicia; great-grandson, Ivan; brothers, Leonard Lee Bowie (Kathy) and Henry Alvin Bowie (Marie); in-laws, Vickie Bowie of Liberty and Evelyn Bowie of Pickens; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Harold was predeceased by his wife, Shelby Bowie; stepfather, B.C. Gillespie; brothers, Allen Eugene Bowie and Stanley Ray Bowie; and sister, Vicki Mae Bowie.

HAROLD GRAHAM

EASLEY — Mr. Harold Ernest Graham, 80, husband of Teri Ann Ayers Graham, passed away Monday, March 30, 2026.

Born in Wayland, N.Y., the son of the late Lewis Elwin Graham and the late Dorothy Hills Graham, Mr. Graham owned and operated his own construction business for many years and attended Abiding Peace Lutheran Church.

He was a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran having served during the Vietnam War.
Surviving, in addition to his wife of 31 years; are his sons, Chad Graham (Christina) of Denton, N.C., Timothy Graham (Erin) of Nassau, N.Y., Shannon Brown (Stephanie) of Charlotte and Stephen Brown (Kathy) of Pickens; his daughter, Terri Yerkes (Kyle) of Canandaigua, N.Y.; 14 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life service was held April 3, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral

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

MARY JOE ‘JODY’ MORGAN

PICKENS — Mary Joe “Jody” Morgan, 72, beloved wife of 51 years to Marion “Frank” Morgan, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, at her home.

Born on Dec. 30, 1953, in Greenville County, Jody was the cherished daughter of the late Thomas Joe Hudson and Carolyn Grace Lark Hudson. A devoted wife, mother, and

PATRICIA ANN ‘PATTI’ COLE

PICKENS — Patricia Ann “Patti” Cole, 64, loving wife of 42 years to Charles Michael “Mike” Cole, passed away on Sunday, March 22, 2026, at Greenville Memorial Hospital, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on Aug. 3, 1961, Patti was the beloved daughter of the late Richard B. Pauls and Betty Bruce Pauls. She was a devoted and loving wife, a proud and nurturing mother,