MARY ELIZABETH WHITMAN

EASLEY — Mary Elizabeth Whitman, of Easley, went to her Heavenly home on Oct. 10, 2026, at the age of 75.

Born on May 14, 1951, in Pickens, she was the daughter of the late Lowe Sylvester Carlisle and Beulah McCall Carlisle.

Mary retired from Woodside Mill and was a faithful member of Maranatha Baptist Church. She enjoyed traveling and taking in the beauty of God’s creations, especially when shopping was involved. If you ever joined Mary on a shopping trip, you knew there was always a chance it might turn into an overnight adventure. Above all, Mary’s greatest joy was spending time with her family and creating special memories that will remain in their hearts for years to come.

Mary is survived by her daughter, Teresa Crisp (David); grandchildren, Nathan Crisp

SANDRA JANE ‘SANDY’ COPE

LIBERTY — It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Sandra Jane Dickson Cope, affectionately known as Sandy, who left us peacefully on Sept. 28, 2026, at the age of 63.

Born on Aug. 13, 1963, in Greenville, she was the wife of Mitchell Ray Cope and a daughter of the late James Milton and Sandra Herbert Dickson. Sandy lived a life full of love, laughter and unforgettable memories, particularly in her cherished town of Liberty.

Sandy was the heart of her family, devoted wife to Mitchell for an incredible 42 years, and an

LARRY GENE CANTRELL

CENTRAL — Larry Gene Cantrell, 69, passed away Sept. 21, 2026, in South Carolina.

Born Aug. 16, 1957, and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, Larry lived life on his own terms. His journey eventually took him south to Virginia Beach, Va. Later, when his father became ill, Larry returned to Cleveland to help care for his parents. He played a key role in relocating them to his father’s birthplace of Pickens, where Larry also spent his remaining years.

A skilled craftsman, Larry was self-employed as a carpenter for many years. He had a talent for working with his hands and took immense pride in creating things built to last. When he was not working, Larry could often be found fishing, riding his Harley, playing pool or watching classic Westerns.

Known for his playful spirit, Larry loved to joke around, flirt and bring lighthearted energy into every room. He was quick with a smile, loved a good laugh and never met a stranger.

Larry is survived by his three daughters, Crystal Rodriguez (Jimmy) of Elyria, Ohio, Twilla

PAUL MICHAEL ‘MIKE’ DURHAM

SIX MILE — Paul Michael “Mike” Durham, 73, loving husband of 14 years to Priscilla “Pat” Durham, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, at Baptist Easley Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on Aug. 2, 1953, in Pickens County, Mike was the beloved son of the late Paul David Durham and Arglee Durham.

He loved his family dearly and especially cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mike enjoyed walking through the woods, where he would find limbs and carefully turn them into walking canes. His faith was an important part of his life, and he was grateful to have been saved. Mike was a faithful member of Crow Creek Church of God.

Survivors include his wife, Priscilla “Pat” Durham of the home; sons, Jason Durham and Justin

EUGENIA MARLENE RECTOR

EASLEY — Eugenia Marlene Rector, of Easley, passed on Sept. 12, 2026, at the age of 64.

Born on Aug. 6, 1962, she was the daughter of the late Joseph Mitchell Morton and Velma Lee Martin Morton.

She was a current member of Galilee Baptist Church and previously a member of Lighthouse

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

JOHN AUGUSTUS  DUCKWORTH, III

GREENWOOD — John Augustus Duckworth, III, of Greenwood, widower of Mary Frances Spearman Duckworth, passed away on Aug. 28, 2026, at Hospice and Palliative Care of the Piedmont.

Born in Pickens County, he was a son of John A. Duckworth, Jr. and Dora Jones Duckworth. John was a proud Air Force veteran who loved sharing stories about his military career and his time serving in the Korean War. After his service, he spent years working as a transport and material manager at Champion Paper Company, and later became a familiar, friendly face at Triangle Hardware. He was deeply devoted to his faith at New Market Baptist Church and loved being involved in his community. He looked forward to every American Legion meeting, was a member of AFM Lodge 91, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason, and spent over 40 years “40+8” as a dedicated member of the Hejaz Shrine.

More than anything, John just loved people and life. He was the kind of man who would pick up the phone just to call his friends and chat for hours. When he was younger, you would usually find him cooking up something good on the grill or piddling around in his shop. He and his family used to take many camping trips to the lake and mountains. He loved attending Bluegrass festivals and singing along to old classic country, especially his favorite, Willie Nelson. He will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

He is survived by a daughter, Rhonda Hughes; granddaughters, Stephanie Coffey

CALEB OWENS

LIBERTY — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Samuel Caleb Owens on Aug. 15, 2026.

Born on May 20, 1974, in Greenville, he was a dedicated father, a loving son, a supportive brother a motorcycle enthusiast. He grew up in Liberty and was a 1993 graduate of Liberty High School. He later furthered his education in megatronics at Greenville Technical College.

Caleb spent many years working at Shaw Industries in Central before transitioning to First Quality in Anderson, where he worked the past decade, and most recently served as an operations maintenance coordinator. His work ethic and commitment were admired by colleagues and friends alike. Outside of work, Caleb’s true joy came from the adventures he shared with his family. He cherished every moment spent exploring new places, whether alone or with loved ones. Most importantly, Caleb cared for his

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