GLENN RAY BROCK

PICKENS — Glenn Ray Brock, “Papa” to his family, was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle and friend to all who knew him. Born June 1, 1940 in Boiling Springs, he died Oct. 28, 2026, in Pickens.

Glenn married his high school sweetheart, Pat, in Boiling Springs in 1958, and soon afterward moved to Pickens, where he would spend the next 67 years of his life. Those years, to the last, were invested in his marriage, family, Pickens View Wesleyan Church, Brock’s Dept Store and to the community at large. In his last years, one of his favorite roles was as a shepherd in the Living Nativity.

He enjoyed annual vacations at Myrtle Beach with his family and extended family and would go deep-sea fishing when he could talk someone into going with him. More recently, he would travel to Texas to visit his family there, just returning from a trip there a few days ago.

Over the years, Glenn held several ministry positions at the church, as well as positions with various business, school and civic organizations, always looking for ways to share God’s love and serve those around him.

He was always a very quiet person, but somehow managed to radiate love and care to everyone he met. Since he passed, his family has received countless messages from those whose lives he touched over the decades, and all those who stopped by the store to sit a while with him brought life to him. The family feels that everyone is a better version of themselves for having known him. He will be greatly missed.

He is survived by his daughter, Cathy Brock Billington (David) of Allen, Texas; granddaughter, Marley Billington Russell (Eric) of Tyler, Texas; grandson, Jeremy Billington (Taylor), and great-granddaughter, Elena Billington, of Anna, Texas; and by his “adopted” family, Jena and Richard Edwards.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, after 64 years together, and by their son, Randy.

He is also survived by his two brothers, Harold Brock (Ann) of Boiling Springs and David Brock (Pam) of Inman.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to Pickens View Wesleyan Church at pickensviewchurch.com.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Brock family.

 

VANDIVER MICHAEL ‘GRUMPY’ COUCH

EASLEY — Vandiver Michael “Grumpy” Couch Sr., 85, of Easley, passed away Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026.

Born in Easley, he was the son of the late Mary Grace Coker Couch and the late Dud Spiegel “D.S.” Couch Jr.

Grumpy devoted more than 60 years to the Ancient Freemasons and was a member of the Bates Masonic Lodge No. 189 A.F.M. He was also a lifetime member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans (SCV) and retired from Honeywell as a senior engineer. He continued to donate his time and service as director of the Museum and Library of Confederate History in Greenville.

He loved to play golf and travel and was able to travel to Japan and Ireland to enjoy the game. He was a longtime member of Krewe of Bacchus, participating in Mardi Gras festivities for many years.

“Van Mike,” as he was lovingly known to his family, is survived by his daughters, Kelly Couch McClain (Rey) of West Pelzer and Mary Theodosia Couch Gossett of Easley; his son, Michael Couch II (Denise) of Easley; his sister, Lorraine Hillyer Moore of Easley; grandchildren, Trey (Bri), McKenzie (Chris), Bryson and Scarlet (Tyler); a great-granddaughter, Everly Kate; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held at 3 p.m. Nov. 7 at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:30-2:30 p.m. Nov. 7 at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown in Easley.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Museum and Library of Confederate History, 15 Boyce Ave., Greenville, SC 29601.

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

 

BETTY W. NEWTON

PICKENS — Betty Welborn Newton, 93, beloved wife of the late Johnnie Leonard Newton, passed away Saturday, Oct. 31, 2026, at her home.

Born in Pickens, she was the daughter of the late W. Frank Welborn and Flora Lillian Holder Welborn.

Mrs. Newton graduated from Pickens High School and obtained her bachelor’s degree in education from Lander University. She began her teaching career at a two-room school on Cedar Rock Street in Pickens. She continued teaching at Pickens Elementary, Ben Hagood Elementary and Pickens Junior High and retired from Pickens High School. She was a founding member of the NU chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa, chartered June 3, 1962, and was also a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church.

Cooking was a big part of Mrs. Newton’s life. She enjoyed preparing meals and sharing with her family and friends.

The family would like to thank the special friends for the exceptional care they provided for Mrs. Newton.

Surviving are her daughters, Lynne Newton of Sunset and Betsy Newton Williams (Phil) of Ridgewood, N.J.; and grandchildren, Lily Williams and Philip Williams.

The family will receive friends from 12:30-1:45 p.m. Nov. 7 at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with the funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made to the Youth Ministry of Rock Springs Baptist Church, 201 Rock Springs Road, Easley, SC 29642.

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

 

ROSE MARIE ARBLASTER

CENTRAL — Rose Marie Arblaster, 97, loving wife of 56 years to the late Thomas G. Arblaster, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, Oct. 25, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her loving family.

Born on Nov. 23, 1928, in Horseheads, N.Y., Rose was the daughter of the late Stephen LeRoy Wilcox and Florence Sawyer Wilcox. She was a member of Camp Creek Baptist Church in Central. Rose taught nursing at Bob Jones University, Clemson University and Tri-County Technical College. She enjoyed quilting and faithfully served in her card ministry, personally sending cards to fellow church members. She loved Jesus and was ready to see Him and reunite with the family members who had gone before her.

Survivors include her daughters, Lillian Sutherland of Central, Jan Tillett (Michael) of Summerville, Tammi Smith (Larry) of Central and Connie Garland (Joe) of Norris; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; sister, Marjorie Albritton of Central; and daughter-in-law, Jennifer Arblaster of Easley.

In addition to her husband and parents, Rose was predeceased by her son, Daniel Arblaster, and granddaughters, Rebecca Arblaster and Leann Sutherland.

The family held a memorial service on Oct. 28 in the sanctuary of Camp Creek Baptist Church.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Arblaster family.

 

DONALD ‘DON’ EUGENE SMITH

PICKENS — Donald “Don” Eugene Smith, 68, of Pickens, went to his Heavenly home on Nov. 1, 2026.

Born on Feb. 11, 1958, he was the son of the late Clarence and Betty Smith.

Don was a faithful member of Red Hill Baptist Church. He retired from Michelin after 19 years of dedicated service. Deeply committed to his community, he gave his time and talents through the Pickens Jaycees (Junior Chamber of Commerce) and volunteering at Market at the Mill. Don took great pride in serving others and being an active part of the community, he called home. With a special appreciation for the outdoors, Don loved to spend his free time hiking, fishing, and exploring the world through ocean cruises.

Don found a friend in everyone he met, often leaving a lasting impression through his love, compassion, and kindness.

Don is survived by his daughter, Heather Rowland (Steve); three grandsons: Austin Rowland, Draven Rowland, Aiden Rowland; brother, Dale Smith.

In addition to his parents, Don was welcomed into Heaven by his brother, Michael Wayne Smith.

A memorial service for Don will be held on Nov. 12, at 3 p.m. at Dillard Funeral Home, 2402 Gentry Memorial Hwy Pickens, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Greenville Area Parkinson Society, gapsonline.org/donate.

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