FRANKLIN DAVID MASTERS

PICKENS – Franklin David Masters, was born in Pickens County, June 27, 1947 to the late Woodrow and Geneva Nix Masters, died March 2, 2025, at his home after a courageous seven year battle with cancer.

Frank was a graduate of Liberty High School (1965), Anderson Junior College and East Tennessee State University, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. He worked with the State ABCCommission after his graduation. He later worked as a salesman with the Stihl company, Pickens County Tax Assessors Office and Pickens County Veterans Affairs office.

Frank’s weekends were spent as owner/operator of Laurel Valley Lodge for years of which many friends and family have such fond memories of the great meals, entertainment, and meeting new and old friends.

Frank grew up in Roanoke Baptist Church and was a member there prior to becoming a faithful member of Rocky Bottom Baptist Church and Winding Creek Baptist

BARBARA OWENS

PICKENS — Barbara Owens, affectionately known as Bobbie to friends and family, a much beloved wife to Fred Owens, devoted mother to Marty Sentell and Donna Mize (Tony) and wonderful “Nana” to Courtney Porter and special “Nana” to Michael Mize (Kayla), along with two great-grandchildren she adored watching grow, left this world to be with Jesus on Feb. 25, 2025, surrounded by her family at her home.

Bobbie was predeceased to heaven by her parents, Oather and Rosalee Pilgrim, and born on June 12 in Greenville.

Bobbie and Fred enjoyed 55 years of marriage together traveling, sharing life and enjoying their home and family and friends.

Bobbie was much loved by many and had some very close friends who she spent much of her earthly time enjoying, several who had gone on before her and some still living that include Laverne McGaha, Frances Summey, Evelyn Kay and Judy Collings.

Besides her family and friends, a great source of pride for Bobbie was her home and yard. She was always happy to talk about her flowers

Rather than a formal service, the family has chosen to honor Bobbie with an informal drop-in visitation at the family home at 196 Holliday Road in Six Mile from 1-3 p.m. March 8.

Should you choose to make a charitable donation in honor of Bobbie, her favorite charity was St. Jude’s

PATRICIA ANNE ROBERTS RUTLEDGE

EASLEY — Patricia Anne Roberts Rutledge, 87, died peacefully at The Foothills of Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina in Easley.

“Pat” was born May 18, 1937, at the University of Virginia Hospital inCharlottesville, Va. She was raised in Schuyler, Va., by parents Emmett Samuel Roberts and Myrtle Saunders Roberts.

She was the beloved wife of the late Dr. Broaddus L. Rutledge II.

She is survived by her dear sister, Brenda Roberts Graham.

She was the mother of Cynthia O’Donoghue (Martin), John Rutledge (Betty Starr) and Scott Rutledge (Nancy). Pat was the proud grandmother to Taylor, Peyton, Kathryn (Jack), Matthew and William (Valentina). Pat had one great-grandchild, Gisele.

Pat graduated as valedictorian from Schuyler High School in 1954. She attended Mary Washington University for her prerequisite nursing credentials prior to entering the School of Nursing at the University of Virginia, where she received her Bachelor of Science in nursing in May 1959. Pat maintained a strong bond with her college nursing friends, affectionately named “The Pearls.” Pat worked at the University of Virginia Hospital, where she also served as an instructor in the School of Nursing. One of Pat’s proud achievements was her 2009 recognition as a 50-year member of the Thomas Jefferson Society of Alumni.

When the Rutledge family relocated to Clemson in 1979, Pat continued her nursing career as director of

WILLIAM ‘BILL’ C. FORTNER JR.

EASLEY — William “Bill” C. Fortner Jr. of Easley, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, with his wife Norma by his side.

Born in Greenville, on March 8, 1951, Bill was the son of the late Carl “Skeet” and Florence “Tick” Fortner, who supported him throughout his Little League games, Boy Scouts, school sports and various activities. He was a proud member of Landmark Baptist Church.

A proud 1969 graduate of Easley High School, Bill was especially honored to have been part of the state champion football team. He was a proud Air Force veteran. Following his service in the Air Force, Bill worked for AT&T for more than 40 years, from which he later retired.

Bill was also one of Clemson’s most devoted fans. He loved BBQ, camping, fishing, attending bluegrass festivals and taking care of his wife, Norma. Bill preferred watching war movies, documentaries and shows like “Mountain Men,” “Barnwood Builders,” “Building Off the Grid” and anything related to fishing.

A die-hard Southern rock fan, Bill had a special fondness for the Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd. However, his love for music deepened when he discovered bluegrass, particularly the music of Tony Rice.

He enjoyed a good cup of coffee or a Coke Zero and had an immense love for Breyers chocolate ice cream — he probably ate enough to feed all of Pickens County!

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Norma Brooks Fortner; four sons, Ben Fortner (Stacey) and Scott Fortner (Lynn), Justin Chappell (Cassie) and Devin Chappell (Rebecca); one daughter, Amber Sheriff (Brian); grandchildren, William Fortner, Mia Fortner, Jackson Chappell, Nellie Ray Chappell, Lynlee Marie Chappell, Mason Sheriff and Sawyer Sheriff; and one sister, Cathy Pittman (Don).

Funeral services were conducted Feb. 16 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home.

In honor of Bill, those who were in attendance were encouraged to wear Clemson colors.

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

CLEONE BREAZEALE HAYES

PICKENS — Cleone Breazeale Hayes, 92, of Pickens, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.

Ms. Hayes was born in Pickens, on Jan. 28, 1933, to the late William

JACQUELINE HAMILTON

LIBERTY — Jacqueline Hamilton, 68, of Liberty, passed away on Feb. 2, 2025.

She was born on March 11, 1956 to Jack Dupree and Clara Jean Crane Tinsley. She was a graduate of Clemson University. She owned a farm equipment and supplies business for 38 years. She was a member of Easley First Baptist and the head of the Board of Directors of the Pickens County Humane Society. She enjoyed caring for animals, shopping, the beach and taking care of her husband, Moseley, of 35 years.

Pree is survived by her husband, Moseley Hamilton; her sister, Jeannie Tinsley Gilstrap; one sister-in-law; three brothers-in-law; many nieces and nephews; a close friend, Barbara Robinson; and many more close friends.

She was predeceased by her parents.

Funeral services were held on Feb. 7 at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, Easley. Burial took place at Greenlawn Memorial Park following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pickens County Humane Society at 500 Five Forks Road, Liberty.

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

EDA MARIE BISELLI WHITE

EASLEY — Eda Marie Biselli White passed away on Feb. 2, 2025, at Viva Senior Living Center.

Mrs. White was born in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada, on July 4, 1925, to the late Gino J. and Annette Zaffini Biselli. She grew up in Liverpool, Nova Scotia, Canada, and after her marriage moved to St. John’s. Quebec, Canada, where she was employed by the Singer Manufacturing Company in the payroll and cost departments. Mrs. White was a homemaker as well as a teller for several years in the South Carolina National Bank and the first manager of Brunswick Yarns’ Mill Store. She enjoyed playing bridge, various hand crafts, baking and gardening. Mrs. White was an active member of the Pickens Garden Club and the Pickens

EARL REYNOLDS

PICKENS — Earl Reynolds, 76, loving husband of 57 years to Pat Nalley Reynolds, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born June 16, 1948, in Pickens County, Earl was the son of the late John F. Reynolds and Martha McJunkin Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds was a member and deacon at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.  He was employed and retired from BASF. He loved animals and enjoyed working in his yard with his azaleas. He was an avid Clemson Tiger fan, being an IPTAY member for many years, traveling to numerous bowl games with his wife and attending home games with his family. He loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren and their beloved dog, Lacey.

Survivors include his wife, Pat Nalley Reynolds of the home; daughter, Melissa R. Hines (David) of Marietta; son, Rob Reynolds (Tracy) of Travelers Rest; grandchildren, Aaron, Blake, Noah, Anna and Jenna; and brother, Tom Reynolds.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Reynolds was predeceased by his sister, Clara Ann Reynolds.

A memorial service took place on Jan. 26 at the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Earl’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital by stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Reynolds family.

HILDRED NEWTON LEWIS

PICKENS — Hildred Newton Lewis, 85, loving husband of 42 years to Carol Victoria Hill Lewis, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, at his residence.

Born Jan. 5, 1940, in Pickens County, Hildred was the son of the late Virgil Lewis and

NANCY ELAINE CANTRELL

PICKENS — Nancy Elaine Cantrell, 73, of Pickens, passed away on Jan. 23, 2025, after a prolonged illness.

She was a lifelong resident of Pickens and was known as Elaine.

Elaine was born Jan. 12, 1952, at Cannon Memorial Hospital to David Perry Pace and Bobby Evelyn Trotter, also both lifelong residents of Pickens County. She attended Pickens High School and graduated as salutatorian in 1970. She would go on to attend Clemson University and graduate with honors in education in 1973. During this time, she met her future husband, Wallace Nathaniel Cantrell, while working a summer job at Sangamo in Pickens. They married shortly after graduation.

Elaine and Wallace would have two sons, Scott Michael Cantrell in 1974 and Steven Eric Cantrell in 1975. She would continue to attend Clemson University and attained her masters in personnel services (guidance) in 1983.

Elaine would teach both at Pickens Junior High and Pickens High School for 35 years, teaching thousands of Pickens County students before retiring in 2015.

Elaine was also a writer and published 18 novels. She read passionately, and in retirement donated generously to humane causes all over the U.S. She loved animals of all kinds and did everything she

IRENE E. ANTHONY DYCHES

PICKENS — Irene E. Anthony Dyches, 75, of Pickens, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025, at North Greenville Hospital LTAC.

Irene was born on April 21, 1949, to the late William Alvin and Geneva Elizabeth Ramey Anthony.

Irene had a strong Christian faith, and she was baptized at Five Point Church on Dec. 17, 2017. Before her health declined, she enjoyed attending Mountain View Baptist Church in Six Mile. She particularly appreciated the ladies in her Sunday school class, who extended kindness and warmth, making her feel welcome and appreciated.

For most of Irene’s life, she was a bus driver for the School District of Pickens County, where she retired from with more than 20 years of service. During her younger years, she was the catcher on a USSSA women’s softball team that won many state and upper state championships.

Following her retirement, Irene devoted her time to various interests at home. She had a passion for cooking and trying new recipes. She enjoyed riding her golf cart around the family pond or stopping to fish. Her dog Wilbur was a great companion who was always with her. The beautiful trees and flowers around her home brought her immense happiness, and she could identify each one. She loved repairing, building and doing many things around her house. She even built a small koi pond, where she spent her time feeding her fish.

Irene was a beautiful, special lady with a heart of gold. Her kindness and generosity were evident through her mother-like

HAROLD PATTEN WELBORN SR.

PICKENS —
Harold Patten Welborn Sr., 90, of Pickens, passed away peacefully at his home on Jan. 11, 2025.

Born on Dec. 4, 1934, in Pickens, Harold was predeceased by his beloved wife of 68 years, Una Kelley Welborn.

A devoted family man, Harold is survived by his two children, Catherine W. Ayers (Wayne) and Harold Patten (Pat) Welborn Jr. (Patti); four grandchildren, Emily Knowles (Jon), Kevin Welborn (Candace), Kaycee Collins and Kelley McGaha (Matthew); and seven great-grandchildren, Taylor Knowles, Alexander Knowles, Tanaleigh Smith, Jackson Welborn, Henry Welborn, Sophie Welborn and Ivy-Claire McGaha.

Harold was a lifelong resident of Pickens, where he worked as an entrepreneur and farmer, carving out a legacy of hard work and perseverance. Although disabled from his time with the South Carolina Health Department, his entrepreneurial spirit never wavered. His life was marked by his deep faith, and he took great pride in being a faithful servant of the Lord, finding joy in living out the teachings of Jesus Christ. He was a proud member of Mountain Grove Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and a Sunday school teacher for many years. Harold was immensely proud of his family, and his love for them was evident in everything he did. His devotion to family, faith and hard work will remain an inspiration to all who knew him. His kind heart, humility and steadfast love will be greatly missed.

Harold was also predeceased by his parents, Henry Welborn and Buna Patten Welborn; and his brothers, John Welborn, Fred Welborn and Henry Welborn.

In addition to his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he is survived by his sisters, Sarah Rampey (James), Frances Welborn, Ruth Clark (Larry) and Clova Vaughan (Scooter); sisters-in-law, Barbara Welborn and Clara Anderson; and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place from 10-11 a.m. Jan. 16 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, with funeral services following at 11 a.m. Burial will follow the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gideons International of Pickens, P.O. Box 1538, Pickens.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Welborn family.

DANIEL ELLENBURG

LIBERTY — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Daniel Cleveland Ellenburg, a beloved husband, father, brother and papa, on Jan. 9, 2025, at the age of 69.

Born on April 30, 1955, in Central, he was the widower of Sheila Chapman Ellenburg and a son of the late David “D.C.” and

KENNETH ‘KEN’ RAY RAMEY

MARIETTA — Kenneth “Ken” Ray Ramey, 61, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2024, at Achieve Rehab and Nursing Center in Anderson.

Born Dec. 15, 1963, in Pickens County, Ken was the son of the late Woodrow James Ramey and Oconna Lycnia Arnold. Ken was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting, fishing, and camping.

Survivors include his children, Ashley Thompson of Elko, Nev.; grandchildren, Katherine, Miki, Jesse and Dakotah;