CONNIE ANN BRANHAM COX

EASLEY — Connie Ann Branham Cox, 75, of Easley, passed away on Oct. 30, 2025 at Greenville Memorial Hospital after a brief illness.

She was born in Rock Hill, on May 10, 1950, to the late Morris and Edith Branham.

She is survived by her son, Jerry Cox (Becky Robinson) of Altoona, Pa.; her sister Marsha Bowers (Phillip) of Six Mile; and niece, Payton Bowers.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her sister, Beverly Dee Everett.

The family would like to thank Connie’s “sister-cousins”, Janice Baldwin, Barbara Jean Allen and Brenda Martin for their care and support.

A graveside service was held on Nov. 10, at Woodlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Brain Tumor Association, at abta.org/.

Favorite memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting thomasmcafee.com.

 

LORETTA BARRETT

LIBERTY — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Addie Loretta Barrett, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister and friend, who left us on Nov. 3, 2025, at the age of 79.

Born on Nov. 30, 1945, in Cateechee, she was a daughter of the late Silas Blease Dodson and Mary Josephine Galloway Dodson.

She spent her life spreading love and warmth to all who knew her. A proud resident of Liberty, she was a cherished member of her community.

She was a talented seamstress, dedicated to her craft while working at Cathy’s Fashions in the textile industry. She also loved to spend time with her family and sew and crochet, and it was evident in every stitch she sewed and every meal she cooked. Her passion for sewing and crocheting created not only beautiful pieces of art but also memories that her family will cherish forever.

Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Linda Barrett (Freddy), Roy Barrett and Frankie Barrett Pilgrim (Allen); her brother, Junior Dodson (April); her sister, Patricia Durham (Rev. Gene Durham); 15 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Roger Dale Barrett; a granddaughter, Ashley Nicole Barrett; a brother, Doyle Edward Dodson; and a sister, Kathy Elaine Dodson.

Graveside services were conducted Nov. 6 at Westview Cemetery in Liberty.  No formal visitation is planned.

Addie Loretta Barrett will be deeply missed but lovingly remembered by all who knew her. She had a talent for making everyone feel special, and her generous spirit will continue to inspire us. May she rest in peace, wrapped in the warmth of the love she so freely gave.

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

 

DONALD MCKENZIE

EASLEY — Donald McKenzie, 72, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born on May 31, 1953, in Wilmington, Del., Donald was the beloved son of the late James Cecil McKenzie and Mary Hasay McKenzie. Donald spent most of his working years as an over-the-road truck driver, a job he took great pride in. He enjoyed fishing from time to time, but his true passion was being in his shop. He loved working on cars and could often be found tinkering and fixing whatever needed attention, always happy to be in his shop.

Donald is survived by his son, Jared McKenzie of Seneca, and his siblings, Carol Crawford (Jerrell) of Pickens, Thomas McKenzie (Yvette) of Greenville, Cindy Duncan of Dacusville, Robert McKenzie (Debbie) of Liberty and Tina Martin (Karl) of Liberty.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, James McKenzie and Joseph McKenzie.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the McKenzie family.

 

BILL FLETCHER

SUNSET — Haskell William Fletcher, 78, of Sunset, beloved husband of Essie Casey Fletcher, passed away Monday, Nov. 3, 2025.

Born in Walterboro, he was the son of the late Macolm Lee Phillips and Louise Farish “Weggy” Phillips.

Bill owned and operated Sunset Finance with his sons. He enjoyed spending time outdoors, fishing, hunting, working with his horses and playing golf. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.

Surviving are his wife of 14 years, Essie Fletcher; his sons, Toby Fletcher (Tracy) of Greenville and Brian Fletcher of Seneca; his stepchildren, David Clark (Alison) of Pomaria and Jamie Marchbanks (Michael) of Easley; grandchildren who called him “Mr. Bill” and “Papa,” Cobi, Emily, Cale, Caden, Jordyn and Cash Fletcher, Camryn Hanson, Casey Sutherland, Katie Briggs Marchbanks, Jacob and Elizabeth Clark; his aunt, Nancy Lott of Ridgeland; his fur babies, Garfield, Gray Boy, Baby Belle and Chili; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, Bill was predeceased by his first wife, Maureen Patricia Cobia Fletcher, and his step-siblings, Mac Phillips, Russell Smith, Donna Green and Wanda Smith.

A service to celebrate Bill’s life took place on Nov. 7 in the chapel at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. A private burial will be in Bethany Cemetery in Charleston.

Flowers are accepted, or memorials may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital.

The family will be at the home.

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

 

SUMMER PIERCE BURROWS

GREENVILLE — Summer Pierce Burrows, 72, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, at Brookstone Terrace of Chanticleer in Greenville.

Born on May 24, 1953, in Columbia, Summer was the cherished daughter of the late Clarence Virgil Pierce and Nancy Summer Pierce. She was a woman of strong faith and was proud of her Lutheran heritage. A loyal and spirited supporter of the South Carolina Gamecocks, she never missed a chance to cheer on her team.

Summer dedicated 34 years of her life to education, retiring from the Williamsburg County School District, where she touched countless young lives with patience, compassion and a genuine love for learning. She was an avid viewer of Jeopardy and enjoyed travel, always staying closely connected with her beloved Kappa Delta sisters. A lifelong reader, she had a special fondness for trivia and crossword puzzles, which reflected her sharp mind and curious spirit.

Survivors include her daughter, Lee Clawson Black (Jeffrey) of Pickens; sister, Nancy Little of Columbia; sister-in-law, Ginger Richardson (Chuck) of Georgetown; nieces and nephews, Jack Dunn, Martha “Marty” Dunn, Hal Metts, Layla Metts and Jeffrey Metts; and many loving and caring cousins.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Burrows was predeceased by her husband, Michael Dane Burrows, and a nephew, Thomas Little.

A memorial service will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Summer’s honor may be made to either the Alzheimer’s Association by visiting alzfdn.org or to the MDS Foundation by mailing P.O. Box 353, 36 Front St., Crosswicks, NJ 08515 or by visiting mds-foundation.org.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Burrows family.

 

KENNETH O. ‘KENNY’ SCRUGGS

PICKENS — Kenneth O. “Kenny” Scruggs, 69, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, at Baptist Easley Hospital, surrounded by family.

Born on Sept. 11, 1956, in Greenville, Kenny was the beloved son of the late Garcie M. Scruggs and Betty Dunn Scruggs. He was raised in the Methodist faith and carried those values throughout his life. Kenny was an avid athlete in his younger years and played softball for Alice Manufacturing in the Textile League, where he made many lasting friendships. A sports enthusiast, he enjoyed watching college football and could often be found cheering on his favorite teams. He also played football during his time at Pickens High School, a memory he spoke of fondly. Kenny enjoyed relaxing at home, especially when watching his favorite shows, Two and a Half Men and Gunsmoke. His gentle spirit, love of sports and easy sense of humor will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

Survivors include his grandson, Braden Gosnell (Kaylin) of Pickens; special aunt, Barbara Collins; cousin, Angie Gilstrap; and lifelong friend and companion, Brenda Hunsucker.

In addition to his parents, Kenny was predeceased by his daughter, Kimberly M. Gosnell.

Funeral services were held on Nov. 10 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens. Burial took place following the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Kenny’s honor may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital by visiting donate.shrinerschildrens.org.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Scruggs family.

 

Rev. DR. BOYCE WHITMAN

SIX MILE — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Rev. Dr. Boyce David Whitman, who left this world peacefully on Nov. 3, 2025, at the age of 85.

Born on Aug. 28, 1940, in Easley, he was a son of the late Henry D. and Lula Revis Whitman.

He dedicated his life to serving the Lord and his community.

He was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. His devotion to his family was unparalleled, and he cherished every moment spent with his loving wife, Doris, his children Greg, Terreca and Sheila, as well as his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Meeting Jesus was his ultimate desire, and he faithfully encouraged everyone to seek the saving grace of his Lord and Savior.

For an incredible 64 years, Boyce served as the pastor of Gap Hill Baptist Church in Six Mile, where his passion for ministry shone brightly. Additionally, he worked for more than 25 years as an electrical engineer at Sangamo Electric Co. in Pickens, embodying a true servant’s heart that extended far beyond his church and workplace. He was blessed with opportunities to share his deep faith across many states and even internationally, training more than 100 pastors in the Dominican Republic. For 45 years, he also taught at Southern Baptist School for Biblical Studies out of Jacksonville, Fla., empowering countless others to spread the gospel.

Boyce was a jack of all trades and a master of many, always eager to lend a hand. Whether building ramps for church members, ministering to the homeless or working alongside missionaries, he was a constant source of help and encouragement. As a cancer survivor since 2015, his resilience and love for others never wavered, continually inspiring those around him.

Boyce and Doris began their beautiful journey together in 1957, and their love was a testament to Christ’s love for the church, a love that flourished as they partnered in ministry, family life and service to others. They exemplified a unique bond that will be remembered by all who knew them.

Those left to celebrate his homegoing are his wife of 68 years, Doris Whitman; a son, Greg Whitman (Beverly), and daughters, Terreca Merck (Rev. Billy Ray) and Sheila Craig (Danny); grandchildren, Rev. J.D. Whitman (Grace), Rev. Jeremy Merck (Stephanie), Katelyn Roper (Patrick), Matt Craig (Ashley), Bethany Jernigan (Jarrett), Zach Wilson and Amber Wilson (Dúvon Young); and 13 great-grandchildren, Kinsey Merck Kelly (Will), Tanner Merck, Kayedin Merck, Ella Roper, Brysen Roper, Von Young, Archer Young, Tucker Jernigan, Ryan Jernigan, Dax Jernigan, Corrie Jernigan, Livia Craig and Bowen Craig. Also surviving are numerous nieces, nephews and extended family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Josh Merck; a brother, Doug Whitman; and a sister, Peggy Whitman.

Funeral services were held Nov. 7 at Gap Hill Baptist Church. Friends and family were warmly invited to attend and celebrate Boyce’s life and legacy. He was laid to rest at Gap Hill Baptist Church cemetery.

Rev. Whitman will be dearly missed, but his spirit will forever reside in the hearts of those he touched. May we carry forward his message of love, service and unwavering faith.

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

 

JB CLARK JR.

DACUSVILLE — “Fast Cars and Freedom” JB Clark, Jr. was a man who loved fast cars and freedom.

He’d give you the shirt off his back and drop anything to help a friend. A lifelong mechanic, JB was one of the best in Greenville if something was wrong with your car, he could fix it. Later in life, he traveled the country with Greased Lightning, showing race cars and living his dream. He was also a proud Mason and Shriner.

JB shared 53 years of marriage with his wife, Beverly. Together they raised three children Bryan, Karen and Kayla who will always remember their dad as the man who could fix anything and was just a phone call away. His greatest joy came from his five grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Known as Papa, Old Papa, Dad, Friend or Jr., JB had the biggest heart hidden behind all that steel and grit. To his family, he was “10 feet tall and bulletproof,” their protector who always showed up, provided, and made sure they never had to worry.

He joins his parents, Betty and JB Sr., and brothers Jimmy, Johnny, and Jerry. His memory lives on through his wife, Beverly; children, Bryan (Kate), Karen Maw and Kayla Waldrep (Brandon); grandchildren, Olivia, Samuel, Jordyn, Jack and Charlie; great-grandchildren Finleigh and Ava; and brothers, Jackie and Joe (Marina).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children.

Services for JB were held on Nov. 8 at Jones Hill Church of God, where family and friends gathered to celebrate his life before he was laid to rest in the church cemetery.