CRYSTAL SUE AUSTIN

PICKENS — Crystal Sue Austin, 44, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sept. 28, 2021.

Miss. Austin was born in Nuernberg, Bavaria, Germany, and was the daughter of the late James B. Austin Sr. and Sue L. Austin of Six Mile.

Survivors in addition to her mother are brothers Erick Austin (Daniela) of Navarre, Fla., and James B. Austin Jr. of Six Mile. Also surviving are a number of loving nieces and nephews.

Miss Austin worked a majority of her career at Walgreens and was her mother’s caregiver. She furthered her education in early childhood development. She loved her many nieces and nephews and spent most of her time with family. Most of all, she loved her furry friend Ammo. She enjoyed doing puzzles, going to church, going to the lake and crafting jewelry. She loved adventure and travel. Crystal will be truly missed by her family.

The funeral service was held on Oct. 5 at the Dillard Funeral Home chapel. The burial followed the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Austin family.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

 

EMORY V. JONES

DACUSVILLE — Emory Valentine Jones, 80, husband of Joy Connelly Jones, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, Sept. 27, 2021.

Born in Travelers Rest, a son of the late Henry Z. Jones and the late Kathleen Pruitt Jones, Emory was a graduate of Clemson University, where he received his master’s degree in horticulture. He retired from Clemson University Extension Services, where he served as extension director for Pickens, Oconee and Greenville counties. Emory was a longtime faithful member of Cross Roads Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon, trustee and teacher of the John Tollison Sunday School Class.

Emory was a man of faith who dearly loved his family, friends and farming. He loved all people, and his greatest joy was helping others. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 60 years, are his two sons, Anthony Emory Jones and his wife, Anna Rosa Rebecca Jones, and Joel Henry Jones and his wife, Amanda Boyter Jones, both of Dacusville; his daughter, Paula J. Addington and her husband, Chris Addington, of Dacusville; a brother, Joe Jones of Clemson; a sister, Nancy Freeman of Greenville; his seven grandchildren, Leah McMillan (Parker), Dustin Landreth, Garrett Landreth, Jacob Addington, Robert Jones, Kassie Jones and Sadie-Mae Jones; and his two great-grandchildren, Coast Rose McMillan and Scout Joy McMillan.

In addition to his parents, Emory was predeceased by a grandson, Christopher Henderson; two brothers, Zed Jones and Champ Jones; and two sisters, Rachel Gault and Martha Garrett.

Funeral services were held on Oct. 1 at Cross Roads Baptist Church. The burial followed in the church cemetery. Escorts of honor were the John Tollison Sunday School Class.

The family is at the home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Life Church Children’s Project, 201 Thomas Mill Road, Easley, SC 29640 or lifehousechildrensproject.org; Pickens County Meals on Wheels, 349 Edgemont Ave., Liberty, SC 29657 or pcmow.org; or to Cross Roads Baptist Church Love and Care, 160 Cross Roads Church Road, Easley, SC 29640.

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

 

 

WALTER DAVIES ‘DAVE’  MERRY III

 

EASLEY — Walter Davies Merry III “Dave”, 74, loving husband of Beverly Black Merry, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, Sept. 27, 2021, surrounded by family.

Mr. Merry was born on May 16, 1947, in Columbia. He was the son of the late Walter Davies Merry Jr. and Elma Garrison Merry. Dave was a graduate of A.C. Flora High School, Class of 1965, and Clemson University, Class of 1969, and received his JD at the University of South Carolina School of Law in 1972. Dave served as the head cheerleader and mascot for Clemson, president of Tiger Brotherhood, and was always proud to be a lifelong Clemson Tiger and member of the Numeral Society/ SAE. Dave achieved the rank of Eagle Scout as a young man, was an elder member at Providence Presbyterian Church, and his love for the outdoors led him to be an active member and leader with The Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation and Ducks Unlimited. Dave was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Army and served in the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. Following his time in the Army, Dave practiced law in Columbia and served as an associate probate judge for Richland County (S.C.) and a S.C. Supreme Court appointee as special circuit court judge for the 5th Judicial Circuit. After a move to the Upstate, He served as a manager and national sales associate for Southland Log Homes, retiring after more than 20 years of service.

Survivors include his loving wife Beverly Black Merry of the home; his children, Nancy “Nan” Merry Sammataro (Sam) of Columbia, Walter Davies Merry IV (Theresa) of Isle of Palms, Grace Merry Parsons of Columbia, Jennifer Shirley Nicholson (Scott) of Easley and Jessica Shirley Thompson (Derrick) of Easley; his grandchildren, Bayden and Brooke Merry, Lucy Mills Sammataro, Will Parsons, Stiles Nicholson and Lizzie Thompson; and a godsister, Linda Sisson of Idaho.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Merry was predeceased by a special uncle, Dr. Olen B. Garrison.

The family would like to express their thanks for the wonderful help and care given by the CVICU Unit and Step-Down Unit at Bon Secours St. Francis and Wren Hospice.

Family and friends were invited to attend a celebration of life on Oct. 2 at Providence Presbyterian, located at 4000 S.C. Highway 153, Greenville, SC 29611. The family received friends in the Ellenburg Hall following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in Memory of Dave to the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation, 5705 Grant Creek Road, Missoula, MT, Providence Presbyterian Church, or any organization of one’s choice.

A private interment at Providence Presbyterian will follow at a later date.

Mountain View Funeral Home is assisting the family.

 

WAYMON J. EADES

PICKENS — Waymon J. Eades, 85, loving husband of 67 years to Mary Elizabeth Grant Eades, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021, at Manna Health and Rehab Center in Pickens.

Born Feb. 25, 1936, Waymon was the son of the late John Bowman “J.B.” Eades and Zona Scroggs Eades. Mr. Eades worked in maintenance most of his working years. He was owner and operator of Four Point Shell Service Station for 12 years and then head custodian at Hagood Elementary until his retirement. He enjoyed woodworking and making toys for the children at the school and for his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, Elizabeth, of the home, Mr. Eades is survived by his children, Hershel Eades (Jean), Sandra Mickler (Steve), Robbie Dean Eades (Robin) and Brian Scott Eades (Rhen), all of Pickens; grandchildren, Sheryl Blackwell, Brad Mickler (Allison), Amanda O’Neal (Randy), Quentin Eades, Zach Eades (Briana), Lucas Eades, Ethan Eades (Kimberly), Eli Eades (Brenna) and Dylan Eades (Kyra); great-grandchildren, Makayla Lyles (David), Gabe, Dalton, Kale, Trent, Zander, Bryce, Peyton, Noah, Bella and Braelyn; and brothers, Milford Eades (Betty) and Paul Eades (Teresa).

In addition to his parents, Mr. Eades was predeceased by three brothers, Hilton Eades, J.W. Eades and John E. Eades; and four sisters, Clara Belle Smith, Blanche Simmons, Ruth Hester and Gladys Howard.

Visitation and funeral service was held on Oct. 1 in the sanctuary of Bethany Church of God, 428 Hagood Mill Road, Pickens, SC 29671. Burial followed the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Eades family.

 

BOBBY EUGENE STEWART

PICKENS — Bobby Eugene Stewart, 61, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sept. 27, 2021.

He was born in Pickens and was the son of the late Hovie P. Stewart and the late Rachel Edens Stewart.

Surviving are daughters, Angela Galloway (Randy) of Easley and Sharon Phagan of Greer; loving grandchildren, Rachel, Randy Jr., Sirenna, Derek, Cheyenne, Christian and Candice; and the most precious great-granddaughter, Kinslee. Also surviving are brothers James and Donnie Stewart (Renee) and sisters Mary Yates and Vickie Green.

Mr. Stewart was predeceased by brothers Jerry, Doug and Roger Stewart and a sister, Sue Raines.

Mr. Stewart was of the Baptist faith. He most recently attended East Pickens Baptist Church. Most of his career was spent in textiles. Bobby enjoyed his hunting and fishing, but most of all he loved his dogs. He was a very hard worker and stayed young at heart. He loved his family and will be truly missed.

A funeral service was held on Oct. 2 at the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with the visitation that same day at the funeral home. Burial followed the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Stewart family.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

 

REBECCA SUE EADES DAVIS

LIBERTY — Rebecca Sue “Becky” Davis, 93, widow of Carey Lee Davis, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 29, 2021 at her home in Liberty.

Born in Six Mile on Dec. 25, 1927, she was the youngest daughter and one of 11 children of the late James Thomas and Lula Mae Wilkinson Eades. She was a graduate of Six Mile School, Southern Wesleyan University, Indiana Wesleyan University and Vanderbilt University. Becky was a retired teacher of the School District of Pickens County, where she taught for 30 years. In retirement, she volunteered with the Pickens County Literacy Association. She was a member of Golden Grove Wesleyan Church, where she was an active member of the Women’s Missionary Society, children’s ministries and choir and a Sunday school teacher.

Surviving are her three children, Karen Sue Key (Scott) of Easley, Jan Petersen of Liberty and Alan Davis (Ophelia) of Liberty; sisters-in-law, Nancy Eades of Liberty and Martha Eades of Temperance, Mich.; grandchildren, Nick Key (Anna) of Charleston, Emily Key of Charleston, Jeremy Petersen (Brandi) of Liberty, Jeffrey Davis (Casey) of Liberty, Megan Tarkenton (Spencer) of Easley, Justin Trammell of Piedmont and Matthew Trammell of Liberty; seven great-grandchildren; and a number of beloved nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Golden Grove Wesleyan Church, 7997 Moorefield Memorial Highway, Liberty, SC 29657.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

DEBORAH FORNEY

LIBERTY — Deborah Forney, 66, loving wife of Merle Forney Sr., passed away on Monday, Sept. 13, 2021, at Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital.

A native of St. Pete, Fla., Deborah was born Dec. 26, 1954, a daughter of the late Robert Clayton and Barbara Erina Atrz.

In addition to her husband Merle, Mrs. Forney was survived by a son, Merle Forney Jr. of Liberty; a daughter, Katrina Forney of Liberty; grandchildren, Ashley Mills, Kristopher Forney and Nathaniel Forney; great-grandchildren, Amelia Rose and Karsen; and a brother, Robert Clayton.

Deborah was predeceased by her parents and a sister, Donna Clayton of St. Pete, Fla..

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Forney family.

 

MERLE C. FORNEY SR.

LIBERTY — Merle C. Forney Sr., 67, loving husband of the late Deborah Forney, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, at AnMed Health Medical Center in Anderson.

A native of Fostoria, Ohio, Merle was born July 20, 1954, a son of the late Jonas Forney and Marcella Emmons Forney.

Mr. Forney is survived by a son, Merle Forney Jr. of Liberty; a daughter, Katrina Forney of Liberty; grandchildren, Ashley Mills, Kristopher Forney and Nathaniel Forney; great-grandchildren, Amelia and Karson; and siblings, Ronald Forney, Peggy Garrison, Bonnie Dean, Tamma Wright, Lester Wright, Harry Wright, Lonnie Wright and Eddie Forney.

In addition to his parents and wife, Deborah, Merle was predeceased by a brother, Gary Forney of Liberty.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Forney family.

A.R. BISHOP JR.

 

EASLEY — A.R. Bishop Jr., 91, of Sharon Lane, died on Sunday, Sept. 26, 2021, at his residence.

Born in Haskell, Texas, he was the widower of Mary Louise Sackandy Bishop, to whom he was married for 28 years, and a son of the late A.R. Bishop Sr. and Maudie Hart Bishop. Mr. Bishop was a United States Army veteran, serving during the Korean War era. He was retired from Cisson Construction Company. Baboo was a very talented woodworker, and his works were admired throughout his entire home. He was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church.

Surviving are three daughters, Wendy Sue Pesho (Kenneth) of the home, Jessie Black of Texas and Lynn Miller of Fair Play; three sons, Tony Bishop of Okeechobee, Fla., Allen Randall Bishop (Ann) of Melbourne, Ark., and Scott Oldknow (Kerri) of Liberty; two grandchildren, Brittanie DeAngelis (Eric) of Mobile, Ala., and Renai Pesho of the home; and a great-granddaughter, Finley DeAngelis.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Ida, Billie and Betty.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Emmanuel Baptist Church, 535 E. Main St., Liberty, SC 29657.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

TOMMY WAYNE POWELL

PICKENS — Tommy Wayne Powell, 66, loving husband of Gail Morgan Powell, of Pickens, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2021, at his residence.

Mr. Powell was born in Pickens, on Aug. 25, 1955, to the late Milford and Cecilia Kathleen Cantrell Powell. He was truly a “jack of all trades” and enjoyed working on everything, including motorcycles, tractors and cars. Mr. Powell loved to fish in his younger years, and his later years were spent with the ones he truly loved the most, his grandchildren.

In addition to his loving wife of 44 years, Mr. Powell is survived by a daughter, Amanda Adams of Pickens; a son-in-law, Randy Adams of Pickens; two grandchildren, Breeanna Adams and Zander Adams, both of Pickens; three siblings, Gary Powell of Easley, Ricky Powell of Six Mile and Judy O’Shields (Daniel) of Easley; and a special cousin, Wally Powell of Pickens.

Funeral services were conducted on Sept. 24 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, with the interment following at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

Flowers are accepted.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Powell family.

 

 

HOMER CLEVELAND COUCH SR.

 

PICKENS — Homer Cleveland Couch Sr. passed away at his home on Sept. 22, 2021.

Preacher Couch, as he was lovingly known, began his ministry as pastor at Calvary Baptist Church in Pickens. He then continued his ministry at Holly Springs Baptist Church in Pickens before moving to Crossville, Tenn., where he served as pastor at Memorial Baptist Church. He also served as pastor at Antioch Baptist Church and Mountain Grove Baptist Church, and finished his career as interim pastor at Northside Baptist Church in Pickens. Preacher Couch loved his church family at Northside Baptist Church and was honored to have been recently named Pastor Emeritus in a service where he preached his last sermon.

Preacher Couch was a man who believed not only in serving his congregation, but in serving his community. His life was spent ministering to those who were poor and rich, celebrating and grieving. He was present for births, officiated marriages and baptisms and comforted families at funerals. Preacher Couch’s greatest desire was to serve like Christ would, serving those who were less fortunate and those who were suffering. His greatest joy in his life was to fulfill his calling as a pastor and as a public servant.

Preacher Couch graduated from Travelers Rest High School and subsequently began his military service in the Army. After he completed his service, while working as a sales representative for National Biscuit Company in Miami, Fla., Preacher Couch surrendered to his calling and moved home to begin his seminary education. He studied at North Greenville University and Furman University and obtained his bachelor’s degree from Luther Rice Seminary. While he was studying, he met his wife Shelba Powell at Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley, where his father pastored. Preacher Couch saw Shelba playing the piano at a church service and knew she would be his wife. The couple served together until her death in 2015.

Preacher Couch leaves behind his children, Cleve Couch (Ashley), Christie Hemphill (Joel) and Crystal Pitrois (Thomas Takayama); his grandchildren, Zachary, Ethan and Christian Couch and Marc and Julien Pitrois; his brother, nieces and nephews, and friends whom he loved deeply.

The family is grateful to his caregivers, who cared for him during the last days of his life so that he could fulfill his wish of dying at home.

A private family burial was held on Sept. 25.

A celebration of life service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 16, at the Pickens Amphitheater, 114 W. Main St., Pickens, SC 29671. Seating will be provided for the immediate family. Those attending who will need seating are encouraged to bring their own chairs.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Couch family.

 

MICHAEL ANTHONY ‘MIKE-MIKE’ LUSK

SIX MILE — Michael Anthony Lusk, “Pee-paw” or “Mike-Mike,” 42, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021, at his home.

A native of Pickens County, Mr. Lusk was born on Oct. 22, 1978, a son of Patrick Amos Smith and the late Doris Ann Nelms Lusk. Mr. Lusk was an avid fisherman and loved to keep his head under the hood of a vehicle, especially his 1968 Chevy Betsy.

Survivors include his fiancé, Joni Moon, of the home; his children, Austin Burkhart (Hailey) of Belton, Hunter Austin, Cory Lusk, Paige Moon, Karter Degroff, all of the home, and Kayson Lusk of Central; a grandson, Ryder Burkhart of Belton; his grandfather, Joe Coyle of Dacusville; his siblings, Patrick Smith Jr. of Slabtown, Kevin Smith of Greenville, Brian Nelms of Dacusville, Jessica Merchant of Easley, Mark Lusk of Dacusville and Matthew Lusk of Dacusville; as well as his nieces and nephews, Kaitlyn Holden, Gracie Lusk, Natalie Lusk, Blake Lusk and Kiley Lusk.

Mr. Lusk was predeceased by his mother, Doris Ann Lusk, and his son, Kolbin “Fatman” Lusk.

The family received friends on Oct. 1, with the memorial service following in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is assisting the Lusk family.

 

JANIE HUFFSTETLER

NORRIS — Janie Annette Swords Huffstetler, 62, of Robinson Bridge Road, died on Sunday, Sept. 26, at her residence.

Born in Greenville, she was a daughter of Lizzie Beth Kuykendall Dalton of the home and the late Arthur Lee. She had worked at Canal Insurance for many years. She enjoyed spending time with friends and family and she was of the Christian faith.

Surviving, in addition to her mother, are her daughter, Brianna Huffstetler of Central; her son, Chase Pilgrim (Charie) of Central; a sister, Joyce Hendricks (Wayne) of Greenville; a brother, Richard Dalton (Sheila) of Seneca; several nieces and nephews; and a grandchild, Brantley Pilgrim.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a brother, Brad Dalton.

A public visitation was held on Oct. 2 at Liberty Mortuary. A private memorial service will be held. The livestream of her service is available to view by visiting her obituary at libertymortuary.com.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com.

Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.

 

TIMOTHY WAYNE ‘TIM’ CUMMINGS

 

EASLEY — Timothy Wayne “Tim” Cummings, affectionately known as “LT”, 53, husband of Angie Whitmire Cummings, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021.

Born in Greenville, he was the son of Bobby and Betty Jo Crews.

Tim retired as lieutenant from the Easley Police Department after more than 17 years, but served in law enforcement for a total of 28 years and proudly served with the U.S. Marine Corps. He was also a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and, above all, loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife of 23 years, Tim is survived by a daughter, Nikki Henderson of Easley; sons, Timothy Cummings Jr. (Claire) and Thomas Cummings, both of Easley; grandchildren, Jeremy and Scarlett Henderson and Kenlee Rae and Jace Cummings; brothers, Ken Crews (Leslie) and Brian Womack; a sister, Wendy James; and his parents-in-law, Roger and Cindy White Whitmire and Bill and Frances Burch. Tim is also leaving behind hundreds to which he served as a mentor, coach, friend and father.

He was preceded in death by a grandmother, Lois Owen.

Funeral services were held on Oct. 2 at Rock Springs Baptist Church. Burial followed at the Greenville Memorial Gardens.

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

 

TIMOTHY W. ROBERSON

SIX MILE — Timothy Walter Roberson, 76, of North Main Street, passed away on Thursday, Sept. 30, 2021, at North Greenville Hospital.

Born in Newport News, Va., he was the loving husband of 53 years to Beverly Moore Roberson and the son of the late William Gordon and Melba Whitehurst Roberson. He was the founder and president of the innovative point-of-sale company, Kyrus. He loved the outdoors, hiking the Jocassee Gorges, spending time on the lake with friends and family and taking all the roads less traveled. He was a faithful husband, father, friend and mentor to many. Tim loved sharing the gospel through bible studies and his international ministry, King’s Witness. He was a member of Foothills Community Church. Through his hospitality and kindness, he left a legacy of love.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two daughters, Kelly Roberson of Six Mile and Ashley Fazal (Naeem) of Huntersville, N.C.; two sisters, Judy Dierkes and Nina Smith, both of Six Mile; and three grandchildren, Leigh Roberson-Aberle(Max), Asher Fazal and Nurah Fazal.

The family will host a celebration of life service to honor the life of Mr. Roberson on Thursday, Oct. 28, at 1 p.m. at Foothills Community Church, 505 Bountyland Road, Seneca, SC 29678. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com.

Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services handling arrangements.

 

ROBERT ‘KIRBY’ HOWARD

PICKENS — Robert “Kirby” Howard, 86, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sept. 29, 2021.

He was born in Pickens County and was the son of the late James C. Howard and the late Pauline Turner Howard and loving husband for 31 years to Martha Howard. He was a lifelong resident of Pickens County.

Surviving are his loving and devoted wife, Martha Howard of the home; sons, Pat and Chris Howard, both living in Simpsonville; and a daughter, Page Bradley (Terry) of Easley. Also surviving are brothers, James C. Howard Jr. of Garner, N.C., and Ronald Howard and Rev. Tommy Howard, both of Pickens; and sisters, Judy Byers of Pickens and Jackie Hughes of Piedmont. Surviving are 10 most loving and precious grandchildren and a number of most precious great-grandchildren.

Mr. Howard was predeceased by a son, Robert Howard.

Mr. Howard is a member of Peters Creek Baptist Church and worked the majority of his career in textiles. He was a simple man, but a very hard worker, providing for his family. Many considered him laid back and a balanced man, but he had a goofy side. He was able to be a jokester. He enjoyed being a hobby farmer.

A funeral service was held on Oct. 4 at Peters Creek Baptist Church, 972 Shoals Creek Church Road, Easley, SC 29640. Burial occurred at the Blue Ridge View Baptist Church after the service, located at the corner of Anthony Road and Wolfe Creek Road. Rev. Earl Reid officiated.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Howard family.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

 

MARTHA GRAVLEY

LIBERTY — Martha Burgess Gravley, 78, of Norris Avenue, died on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, at Prisma Health-Baptist Easley.

Born in Dacusville, she was the loving wife for more than 53 years to Mac Franklin Gravley and a daughter of the late Fulton and Larecker Reynolds Burgess. She was a 1961 graduate of Easley High School and worked for years at Winn-Dixie in Liberty and Ryobi in Pickens. She loved riding in the mountains, but mostly, she loved her family. She was a member of Rice’s Creek Baptist Church.

Surviving, in addition to her husband, are a daughter, Missi Bates (Chris) of Easley; a son, Keith Gravley (Crystal) of Liberty; a brother, Bob Burgess (Jean) of Easley; seven grandchildren, Kristin, Breanne, Brandon, Danny, Tori, Brandon and Andrew; and four great-grandchildren, Trey, Khloe, Tanner and Gunner.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Sue Elrod and Shelby Jones; and a brother, Charlie Burgess.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Gravley will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday, Oct. 6, at Rice’s Creek Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

The family received friends Tuesday, Oct. 5, at Liberty Mortuary.

The family will be at the home. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

BENNET GEORGE ‘BENNY’ DURHAM

CENTRAL — Mr. Bennet George “Benny” Durham, 69, of Central, son of the late Roy Bennet Durham and Geraldine M. Durham, passed away on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, at AnMed Hospital in Anderson.

Survivors include his mother, Geraldine M. Durham; his children, Ashley Mack of Easley and Allison Ferrainolo (Adam) of Central; his five grandchildren; one brother and one sister.

Mr. Durham was predeceased by his father, Roy Bennet Durham, and his brother.

Receiving of friends was held on Oct. 5, followed by the funeral and burial at Mt. Zion Church Cemetery in Central.

Mountain View Funeral Home is assisting the Durham family.

 

KENYA BLAIR ‘KB’ BAGWELL

PICKENS — Blair Bagwell, 24, loving daughter of C. Stanley Bagwell and Pamela Denise Bagwell, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 28, 2021, at her home.

Blair was born on June 3, 1997, in Greenville. She was a student of Pickens High School. Blair loved all her family, friends, nieces and nephews. She also enjoyed going to the lake and to the beach.

Survivors include her parents; stepfather, Rick Phillips; stepmother, Traci Bagwell; her siblings, Bree Reeves (Gregg) of Easley, Brandi Darnell of Piedmont, Laura Phillips of Greenville, Sidney Morris of Pumpkintown and Jamie Morris of Liberty; and her nieces and nephews, Finn Huffman, Caroline Reeves, Greggory Reeves Jr., Zamari Freeman and Clay, Kyle, Eli, Alexis and McKenzie Darnell.

Blair was predeceased by her grandparents, Barbara Hiott, Virginia Winslow and Charles Allen Hiott; an uncle, Steve Bagwell; and a nephew, Jaidon Morris.

A visitation was held on Oct. 4 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, located at 105 Florence St., Pickens, SC 29671.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is assisting the Bagwell Family.

 

RANDALL ‘RANDY’ BROCK

PICKENS — Mr. Randall Glenn “Randy” Brock, 59, passed away on Friday, Oct. 1, 2021, at his home.

Randy was an avid hunter who loved spending his time hunting in Eastatoee Valley for bear, deer and wild hogs or searching for Indian artifacts and arrowheads. His state record black bear is on display at Brock’s Department Store on Main Street in Pickens.

He was a member of Pickens View Wesleyan Church.

He is survived by his parents, Glenn and Pat Brock of Pickens; sister, Cathy (David) Billington of Allen, Texas; niece, Marley (Eric) Russell of Tyler, Texas; nephew, Jeremy Billington of Plano, Texas; his fiancé, Rebecca Clark of Pickens; and many relatives and friends.

A graveside service was held at Pickens View Wesleyan Church on Oct. 5.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Nature Conservancy, nature.org.

Mountain View Funeral Home is assisting the Brock family.

DEBBIE FOWLER

LIBERTY — Deborah Gail Galbreath Fowler, 66, of 436 Hunter Mill Road, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, at Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital from COVID-19.

She was married 43 years to the love of her life, Larry Dewaine Fowler.

Born on Oct. 12, 1954, she was a daughter of Janet T. Galbreath and the late Haskell “Hank” Galbreath. Her grandparents were the late Bruce and Grace Galbreath.

In addition to her husband of the home and her mother of Easley, she leaves behind a son, Jason Fowler of Liberty; a daughter, Misty Kearney (Jason) of Easley; three brothers, Bruce Galbreath and Brian Galbreath, both of Easley, and Mike Galbreath (Debbie) of Florida; a sister, Suzzane Smith (Wally Jo)of Six Mile; her mother-in-law, Ruth Ann Fowler of Liberty; her in-laws, Roy Fowler (Cindy) of Easley, Jimmy Fowler (Candice) of Orangeburg, Craig Fowler (Laurie) of Columbia, Nancy Holcombe (Yogi) of Norris and Debbie Stewart (Al) of Liberty; two grandchildren, Zach and Ashton; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her father, she was predeceased by an infant brother, Joseph Mark Galbreath.

Debbie was a bookkeeper for Ace Hardware and The Grant Company for many years. She also worked for her brother, Bruce, at the Easley stores. During her later years, she operated a home daycare with her husband. She will miss Connelly and Jack and their mother, Blair, very much!

She will especially miss her aunt and uncle, Barbara and Earl Ellis. She loved them with all her heart. I know she will be missed very much. Words cannot express how she loved them.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Memorial services to honor the life of Mrs. Fowler will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1-2:15 p.m. at the mortuary. The livestream of the service will be available by visiting her obituary at libertymortuary.com.

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting libertymortuary.com.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

TOMMY EDWARD HOLLIDAY

CENTRAL — Tommy Edward Holliday, 81, loving husband of the late Martha Stephens Holliday, of Central, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 2, 2021, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Holliday was born in Pickens County on Oct. 16, 1939, to the late Edward and Pheron Nations Holliday. He retired from Saco-Lowell and was a faithful member of Camp Creek Baptist Church, where he taught the Men’s Sunday School Class.

Mr. Holliday is survived by a son, Jeff Holliday; his three daughters, Doris Chapman, Kim Beach and Alicia Harvell (Keith); his grandchildren, Wesley Chapman, Stephen Harvell, Bailey Chapman and Gracie Beach; two brothers, Tony Holliday (Judy) and Norman Holliday (Carol); and four sisters, Emily Williams, Kathy Stone (Steve), Debra Rampey and Cheryl Laviner (Mike).

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Friday, Oct. 8, at Camp Creek Baptist Church in Central, with interment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

The family will receive friends from 10-10:45 a.m. on Friday, prior to the service, at the church.

The family is at the residence.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to either Camp Creek Baptist Church, 116 Camp Creek Road, Central, SC 29630; or to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, stjude.org/donate.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

Judy Alexander Black

PICKENS — Judy Alexander Black, 71, loving wife of Jerry Black, passed away Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, at Manna Health and Rehab Center in Pickens.

A native of Pickens County, Mrs. Black was born Dec. 13, 1949, a daughter of the late Morris C. Alexander and Gig Alexander. Judy loved her customers at Garren’s Café, especially the children. Judy was fun loving, loved a good time and could always remember orders.

Survivors include her husband, Jerry Black of the home; stepchildren, Jim Black (Shae) of Easley, Jerry Black of Lake City, Fla., Jennifer Cantrell (Jason) of Knoxville, Tenn., and Valorie Moore (Stephen) of Simpsonville; seven grandchildren; a special friend, Melanie Davis; and several nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Black was predeceased by her father, Morris C. Alexander.

Visitation services will take place on Thursday, Oct. 7, from 1-2 p.m. in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, with a funeral service to follow starting at 2 p.m. with the Rev. Joey Capps officiating the service. The family has requested that those who come to the service dress in casual attire.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Mrs. Black’s honor may be made to Red Hill Baptist Church, located at 558 Red Hill Road, Pickens, SC 29671.

Mountain View Funeral Home is assisting the Black family.

 

Thomas Edward (Tom) Ragland

PICKENS — Thomas E. Ragland, 53, loving husband of 11 years to Audra E. Ragland, passed away Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, at AnMed Health Medical Center in Anderson.

A native of Cobb County, Ga., Tom was born April 16, 1968, a son of Ralph “Buzz” Ragland and the late Gabriella “Gabby” Ragland.

Tom enjoyed spending time hiking with his family and rescue dogs.

Survivors include his wife, Audra Ragland of the home; daughter, Elizabelle Ragland, and stepson, Sebastian McClain, both of the home; and his father, Buzz Ragland of Leesburg, Fla.

Mr. Ragland was predeceased by his mother, Gabby Ragland of Leesburg, Fla., and his grandparents, Ralph and Lillie Ragland and Ed and Phyllis Cooper.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, Oct. 8, at Ramsey Creek Preserve at 11 a.m., with a visitation prior to the service from 10-11 a.m. Ramsey Creek Preserve is located at 390 Cobb Bridge Road, Westminster, SC 29693.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Ragland family.