HOYT CHRISTOPHER GRANT

PICKENS — Hoyt Christopher Grant, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and respected Upstate businessman, passed from this life on Dec. 8, 2025, at the age of 93. To know Hoyt was to love him. Sharp as a tack well into his nineties, he loved sharing stories—always remembered in remarkable detail—with anyone willing to listen. He was a humble and generous man, always willing to lend help to anyone in need.

Born and raised in Pickens County, Hoyt was the son of Sidney Christopher and Sula Gillespie Grant. He was predeceased by the love of his life, Laura Ann Breazeale Grant, with whom he shared nearly 70 wonderful years of marriage.

Hoyt was a God-fearing man who loved his country. A proud Army veteran, he served during the Korean War and was stationed in Alaska. He was also a lifelong member of Porter’s Chapel United Methodist Church.

A successful and energetic businessman, Hoyt owned and partnered with his brother, Don Grant, in several ventures, including Grant Lumber Company, Grant Brothers Chip Company, Grant Ford, and Grant Body Shop. He was also one of the founding partners of Southern Oaks Golf Course. His leadership extended beyond his own enterprises, as he served on the Board of Directors of Bankers Trust (now Bank of America).

Outside of work, one of Hoyt’s greatest joys was spending time at his cabin with Laura Ann, taking in the beloved view of Table Rock. His passion for the land and its preservation was recognized in 2022 when he received the Tommy Wyche Land Conservation Champion Award for his dedication to protecting the iconic Grant Meadow and the Table Rock viewshed along Highway 11.

Hoyt is survived by his three children; Loretta Brucke (Harold) and Terry Grant (Karen) of Pickens, Barry Grant (Gail) of Easley. He was the grandfather to; Holly Scruggs (Brian), Lauren Patterson (Mack), Justin Brucke (Fallon), Matt Brucke (Julia), Paul Brucke (Brooke), Kali Grant-Rivers (Bill Burke) and Kacey Bingham. He adored his great-grandchildren; Lane and Luke Scruggs, Hudson Brucke, Nora and Bolt Patterson, Sage and Hollis Brucke, Luna and Freya Burke, Ashton Walden, Cameron and Brooklynn Barnes; and great-great grandchild, Jaxon Tate and Dallas Walden. Also surviving is one brother, Stan Grant (Kathy) of Cypress, Texas.

He was predeceased by his parents; three brothers, Don Grant (Carol), Jerry Grant and Charlie Grant; and two sisters, Mildred Lewis (Edwin) and Nancy Wells (Bobby). He was also preceded in death by a grandson, Jimi Thomas.

Services honoring Hoyt took place on Dec. 11, at Porter’s Chapel United Methodist Church. A private graveside service followed for the family.

Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels, 349 Edgemont Avenue, Liberty or Porter’s Chapel United Methodist Church, PO Box 674, Pickens.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Grant family.

 

DONALD LARRY MARLER

SIX MILE — Dr. Donald Larry (Don) Marler was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and friend whose life was marked by faith, service, and a deep love for people. He passed away Friday, Dec. 12, 2025 surrounded by the legacy of a life well lived; one built on quiet leadership, kindness, and steadfast devotion to his family and community.

Don grew up in Woodruff, and was proud of his roots. He graduated from Woodruff High School in 1973, Wofford College in 1977, and earned his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the Medical University of South Carolina in 1984. Dentistry was more than a profession to him; it was a way to care for others. His patients knew him as gentle, trustworthy, and genuinely interested in their lives, and many became friends over the years.

Faith was the foundation of Don’s life. A longtime member of Easley First Baptist Church, he served faithfully as a deacon, choir member, Sunday School and RA teacher, and on the personnel and stewardship committees. He didn’t seek recognition; he simply showed up, week after week, year after year, ready to serve wherever he was needed.

Don believed deeply in giving back, and his love for his community was evident in his many years of service. He was a member and past president of the Pickens County Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Pickens Sertoma Club/Service Club of Pickens, and served as a board member and past president of Cannon Hospital. He also served for six years as a board member and past president of the South Carolina Board of Dentistry, and remained active in the South Carolina Dental Association and the American Dental Association. Even in his neighborhood, Don found ways to contribute, serving on the Griffin Oaks Executive Committee and the Keowee Bay Homeowners Association board.

While Don’s accomplishments were many, his greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Patti, with whom he shared a life rooted in faith, partnership, and love. He was a devoted father to Elizabeth Armstrong and Garrett Marler, a proud father-in-law to David Armstrong and Libby Marler, and an adoring grandfather to Graham, Sam, Cooper, Madison and Ellie.

He is preceded in death by his precious granddaughter, Meredith, who held a special place in his heart and whose memory he carried with him always and by his parents and sister, Carolyn Tucker.

Those who knew Don will remember his steady presence, his service, his willingness to listen, and the way he made people feel valued. His life was a quiet testimony to faith in action: loving God, loving others, and serving faithfully to the end.

Celebration of Life services was held at Easley First Baptist Church on Dec. 16. The family provided a reception for everyone following the service in the atrium area of the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Dr. Marler’s memory to: Cooks Children’s Hospital in Fort Worth, TX in Dr. Marler and his granddaughter, Meredith’s memories, Easley First Baptist Church, Easley or Cottingham Hospice House, Seneca.

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

 

MARY HELEN KEASLER BOBO

PICKENS — Mary Helen Keasler Bobo, 91, left this Earth to be with her Heavenly Father, adoring husband, John Landrum Bobo, her beloved parents, Paul Keasler and Mallie Winchester Keasler and siblings Eleanor Gibson, Mildred Breazeale, Alma Barrett, Ruby Holliday and Gary Keasler. She passed peacefully at her home in Pickens on Nov. 30, 2025.

She is survived by her sister, Sue Holcombe, and her brother, Carlyle Keasler. She also leaves behind three daughters, Vicki Bobo Sasson, Patricia Bobo Grantham (Jim) and Amanda Bobo Hennigan (Dave), as well as seven grandchildren, John Sasson, Tara S. Keenan, Sellers G. Petromichelis (Paul), Hagood Grantham (Hayley), Reed Hennigan (Jessie), Zachary Hennigan (Madison)  and Ben Hennigan (Holly). She also was blessed with seven great grandchildren: Vivian Keenan, Steele Keenan, Landrum Petromichelis, Lake Petromichelis, Jaycee Armstrong, Ella Grace Hennigan and Annie James Hennigan.

Mary, Mary Helen, “Merke,” “Baby,” Momma, Ma-Ma was a special woman of many talents who has left a legacy. Born and raised in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains in the Nine Times-Sunset community, Mary Helen was a devout member of Shady Grove Baptist Church for the whole of her life, serving in the choir, as the pianist, and as a faithful congregate.

Mary Helen was honest, loyal and a woman of her word. She was a tough and spicy cookie. She led a good, clean life.

Mary Helen met her husband, John Landrum, at Pickens High School and they married May 13, 1954. “Baby” was an extremely devoted wife of almost 70 years. J.L.’s early life’s work often took him out of town and even in the first year of their marriage, they moved together to upstate New York and lived there until “Baby” became pregnant and so homesick they had to move back home. Even so, she was incredibly faithful – waking at 5 a.m. to ensure J.L. had a hot breakfast and a homemade packed lunch. It is said that his co-workers were eager to see and smell what “Baby” had packed in the lunchbox for him every day. Each evening she would also have a full supper and a homemade dessert ready and waiting for J.L. Her cooking was – and remains – unmatched.

Together “Baby” and J.L. rejoiced over the birth of their children, Vicki, on May 25, 1955, Patti on May 10, 1958, and Mandi on Oct. 6, 1962. Although the earlier years of their marriage were trying, they “pinched their pennies” to provide their family a beautiful and peaceful homeplace to live and grow and love and be happy in. Momma worked tirelessly to ensure her family was raised in a good Christian home, always had incredible meals –  and at all times – had clean and line-dried clothes. She was a gardener and was always waiting to harvest vegetables to preserve them. She picked, broke, and canned green beans, froze vegetable soup, canned tomatoes, froze crowder peas and canned her infamous pickles and very hot pepper jelly.

Mary Helen also maintained a lifelong friendship with her five childhood girlfriends, affectionately known as “the girls.” Patsy, Dorothy, Edith, Eleanor, Georgia and Mary Helen visited monthly for lunch at various restaurants and talked daily over the decades. She loved her family and friends without ceasing.

After raising her daughters, Momma eagerly anticipated her fun days of shopping trips. “Flying” on the roads in her trusted blue-1988-Eldorado- Cadillac, “Elvira” to Belk for “Belky Buck Days,” to Hamrick’s for their special sales and later, to The Dream Center, to spend hours searching for the best deals on clothes, shoes and jewelry that would catch her eye! Her remarkable ability to sniff out bargains remains unmatched.

Every Wednesday Mary could be found – rain or shine – at the Pickens Flea Market, wandering the paths and bartering tirelessly with every vendor whose wares she admired. Her bargaining skills were legendary.

Later in life, she developed a deep friendship with Mary Boggess; the two could be found after the close of the flea market sitting at their designated table at Burger King talking and happily revisiting their treasures from the day.

In Ma-Ma’s many trips to Pawleys Island with family, it became a place she anticipated visiting with planned excitement. She always enjoyed taking her love of reading to the water’s edge where she also felt she could empty her mind and uplift her soul. It was her paradise.

Momma also was strangely amusing, unbeknownst to her, and when her family gathered, they could regale one another with hundreds of Ma-Ma Moments:

*On her childrens’ and their spouses’ and her grandchildrens’ and great-grandchildrens’ birthdays, each awaited the highly anticipated phone call from Ma-Ma with her own special rendering of The Birthday Song

*Everyone would be on stand-by to hear the very unconventional and even hilarious name she would bestow upon a new pet

*If anyone ever acted a bit defiant, Ma-Ma would “bark” at them from across the room. It was Ma-Ma’s signal to behave

*Every Christmas, her children would all pray for a jar of Ma-Ma’s pickles and a jar of her “steaming hot!!” pepper jelly to be under the tree.

Oh how Mary, Mary Helen, “Merke,” “Baby,” Momma, Ma-Ma will be sorely missed, but aren’t we glad and grateful we had her!

The families are at their respective homes and will have a memorial service to celebrate Mrs. Bobo on Dec. 30, at 2 p.m. at Shady Grove Baptist Church. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1-2 p.m. at the church.

In lieu of flower, memorials may be made in memory of Mrs. Bobo to Shady Grove Baptist Church, 2901 Shady Grove Road, Sunset, SC 29685.

 

CAPTAIN ROBERT  WESLEY MUSGROVE

LIBERTY — Captain Robert Wesley Musgrove (USN, Retired) of Liberty, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, slipped the surly bonds of Earth on Dec. 11, 2025, after a lengthy struggle with dementia.

He was born Sept. 9, 1933, in Fairland Md., to Millard William and Ethel Marie (Wright) Musgrove, the second of four children, and grew up on the family farm. After he graduated from Montgomery Blair High School in Silver Spring, Md., where he played baseball, he followed his uncle and brother and enlisted in the U.S. Navy—the beginning of a long career that defined much of his adult life. After serving as a radio operator flying in AF-3S, he received an appointment to the U.S. Naval Academy, where he played lacrosse. Upon graduation in 1958, he was commissioned into the U.S. Navy and attended flight training in Pensacola, Fla. and Corpus Christi, Texas.

He married Eve Marguerite Branamen of Baltimore, Md. in the Naval Academy Chapel in Dec. 1958. She was his long-time sweetheart from a serendipitous encounter while working as a summer lifeguard in Ocean City, Md. Together they raised a son and two daughters as they moved from duty station to duty station with stops including Bracknell, England; Jacksonville, Fla.; Monterey, Calif.; Newport, R.I.; San Diego, Calif.; and Washington, D.C.

He maintained great pride in his service as a Naval aviator. He piloted the A-1 Skyraider (VA15), the A-7 Corsair II (VA105, and VA174), and the A-4 Skyhawk (VF126). He served as commanding officer at VF126. Over his 22 years of flying, he completed 8,000+ flight hours, over 900 carrier landings, a combat tour on board the U.S.S. Kitty Hawk in 1969, and was an instructor at Top Gun. In addition to graduating from the Naval Postgraduate School, he was a graduate of the Naval War College and the Royal Air Force Command and Staff College. He received MBA and MBM degrees from George Washington University. Towards the end of his career, he taught at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces. He was named Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair and learned to speak Chinese. Among his numerous awards were the Defense Superior Service Medal, Air Medals (Combat V), Navy Commendation Medal (Combat V), Navy Achievement Metal (Combat V), Navy Good Conduct Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal.

After retiring from the Navy, “Mus”, as he was known to many, moved to Snow Hill, Md. and spent three years restoring a large pre-civil war house. He remained physically active and adventurous, visiting Australia, New Zealand, Thailand and Vietnam (as a tourist), hiked the Appalachian Trail—end to end—in 1997, and as a 67 year old, pedaled his bicycle coast-to-coast in 2000. Ultimately, he retired to Liberty, where he planted and maintained a fruit and pecan orchard.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 67 years, Eve; their three children: Robert Wesley (Janet), Karen Ann Ardis (Ron) and MaryLynn (Mehernosh Mody); three grandchildren: Claire, Colleen and Robert (III); and his brother Sam Musgrove (Peggy). He was preceded in death by his brother, William, and his sister, Lois Anne.

As was his wish, he will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery at a future date.

In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to the Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society (nmcrs.org), or Interim Hospice Care.

 

LOIS WHITE

PICKENS — Lois White, 78, loving wife of over 20 years to the late Sam White, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2025, in Seneca.

Born on Aug. 20, 1947, in Transylvania County, N.C., Lois was the cherished daughter of the late Edward Thomas and Polly Moss Thomas. She loved her family deeply and found her greatest joy in caring for her children. A talented home cook, she delighted in preparing meals that brought everyone together. Lois also had a special fondness for her rose bushes, tending to them with the same warmth and devotion she offered to those she loved.

Lois is survived by her children, Joe Davis (Harlie), Tommy Davis (Audrey) and B.J. Davis (Kayla), all of Pickens; grandchildren, Tommy, Amanda, Brandi, Jason, Austin, Luke, Haley, Jack and John Randall; great-grandchildren, Kenzie, Kayden, Chloe, Bentley, J.J. and Cooper; sister, Stella Breedlove; cousin, Doug Thomas; a special nephew, Ryan Breedlove; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Ms. White was predeceased by a daughter, Joanne Davis; sisters, Blanche McCall and Susie Breedlove; and brother, Glenn Thomas.

Funeral service were held on Dec. 15, at the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens. Burial took place following the service at New Hope Baptist Church in Pickens.

Flowers will be accepted.

The family will be at the home of Joe Davis, 296 Hidden Valley Rd, Pickens.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the White family.

 

CHARLES ALLEN EVETT

PICKENS — Charles Allen Evett, passed away on Dec. 14, 2025, at the age of 77. He was a lifelong resident of Pickens.

Born on Feb. 5, 1948, he was the son of the late Mywlloy Allen and Olline Evett.

Charles was a devoted member of Mountain Grove Baptist Church. During his early years he enjoyed playing base guitar in his father’s band Mountain Valley Boys. He later played in the group Carolina Mountain Boys and played at his church until his health declined. He was a United States Army Veteran and honorably served in the Vietnam War. In his spare time, he enjoyed watching old westerns, playing uno and board games.

Charles is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Amanda Evett; nephew JD Evett, Jr.; and sister-in-law, Margie Evett.

In addition to his parents, He was preceded in death by his brother, Jarrett Douglas Evett Sr.; and sister, Nina Lee Evett.

A visitation for Charles will be held at Dillard Funeral Home, 2402 Gentry Memorial Hwy, Pickens, on Dec. 17, from 10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

The funeral service will begin in the funeral home chapel at 11 a.m. with the committal service to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

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

 

WANDA FAYE KELLEY NEAL

PICKENS — Wanda Faye Kelley Neal, 78, loving wife of 43 years to Charles E. Neal, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2025, at her home.

Born on Aug. 17, 1947, in Sulphur, La., Wanda was the cherished daughter of the late Joseph H. Kelley and Mary Lou Ellender Kelley. A gifted and devoted cook, she was especially known for her unforgettable chicken gumbo, lasagna, and cornbread dressing, dishes that became beloved staples among family and friends.

For more than 20 years, Wanda faithfully ran her cleaning business, Neal Services, where she worked hard, took pride in her craft, and never hesitated to speak her mind. She enjoyed simple joys: cooking, reading, and caring for her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Her home, always filled with love, was also filled with books, each one a reflection of her curiosity and love of reading.

Wanda is survived by her husband, Charles E. Neal of the home; children, Shane Parker (Sharon) of Sulphur, La., Allen Neal (Valerie) of Westminster, Terry Neal of Starks, La. and Charlene Pease of Pickens; grandchildren, Marlana, Malerie, Blake, Skyler, Patience, Cajn, Jacob, Journey and Teagan; three loving and precious great-grandchildren; brother, Wayne Kelley (Linda) of Sulphur, La. She also leaves behind a neighborhood that she loved dearly and who loved her back.

In addition to her parents, Wanda was predeceased by her sister, Dixie Kelley; brother, Don Edgar Kelley; and son-in-law, Drew Pease.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Wandas honor may be made to Prisma Health Cancer Center by mailing 701 Grove Rd, Greenville, SC 29601 or by calling 877-447-4636.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Neal family.