FRANKLIN ROOSEVELT CATRON

EASLEY — Franklin Roosevelt Catron, 89 husband of Patricia Russell, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023.

Mr. Catron was born on Aug. 22, 1933, in Grundy, Va., to the late John W. and Hattie Catron. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War.

In addition to his loving wife of 25 years, Mr. Catron is survived by three stepsons, Kessler “KJ” Russell of Richlands, Va., James Russell (Kathryn) of Easley and Joe Russell of Bristol, Va.; five grandchildren, Travis Russell, Amber Brown, Aaron Russell, Houston Huggins III and Chase Russell; and two great-grandchildren, Annley Brown and Gray Russell.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, John W. Catron, Bruce Catron and Bice Catron; and one sister, Pearl McCay.

Palmetto Cremation Service is handling arrangements.

 

 

 

 

 

 

JAMES WORTH  ‘JAY’ PENCE JR.

James “Jay” Worth Pence Jr., 93, a community leader and volunteer for many organizations in the Upstate, died on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at his home in Pickens.

Dr. Pence was born on Dec. 10, 1929, in Staunton, Va. His mother, Louise Whissen Pence, was a high school teacher, and his father, James Worth Pence, was a headmaster at Staunton Military Academy. Dr. Pence attended Davidson College and graduated from the University of Virginia, where he was Phi Beta Kappa and a top debater. He received masters and doctoral degrees at Cornell University.

He was a faculty member at Virginia Military Institute from 1956 to 1966.

In 1966, he joined the faculty at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, where he led the effort to create the Speech Communications Department, serving as the initial interim department chair. He retired as a full professor in 1994.

After Dr. Pence’s retirement, he and his wife, Dorothy, moved to Mrs. Pence’s family home in Pickens and together began more than two decades of service to the Upstate community.

Dr. Pence gave freely of his time and resources to the Pickens community. He was a longtime member and elder at Pickens Presbyterian Church. He served as the first chairman of the Pickens Presbyterian Church Child Development Center, board chair of the Pickens County Meals on Wheels, cochair of the County Environmental Committee, cochair of the County Heritage Corridor Committee and board vice president of the Old Pickens Foundation.

He also volunteered with the Hagood Mill Foundation, the Society for the Preservation of Old Mills, Lions Club, Samaritans Health Clinic and Pickens Middle School.

He was especially proud of being named President Emeritus of the Pickens County Historical Society. His philanthropic causes included the YMCA, Hagood Community Center, Pickens County Museum and the iRock Reading program with United Way.

Dr. Pence is survived by his son, David Pence and daughter-in-law, Susan Pence of Atlanta; daughter, Louise Hope and son-in-law, Douglas Tate of Pickens; and daughter, Dorothy “Dorrie” Sundquist and son-in-law, Eric Sundquist of Sacramento, Calif.

He is also survived by grandchildren Riley Hope of Pickens; Allene Walker of Prague, Czechia; Anna Tanner of Athens, Ga.; Lily Pence of Atlanta, Ga.; and Madelyn Sundquist of New York. He is survived by great-grandchildren Kileigh Hope and Hawkin Hope, both of Pickens.

Dr. Pence was preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy Folger Pence; son, James “Jim” Worth Pence III; and granddaughter, Mary Drayton Godbee.

Memorial donations should be sent to Camp iRock via the United Way of Pickens County at uwpickens.org/camp-irock. Funeral services will be held at a later date.

 

WALTER LEE  ‘PONCHO’ EVATT JR.

PICKENS — Walter Lee “Poncho” Evatt Jr., 58, passed away on Sunday, March 5, 2023, at his home.

Born on Jan. 20, 1965, in Greenville County, Poncho was the son of the late Walter Lee Evatt Sr. and Nancy Lou Evatt.

He is survived by his son, Jason Kenneth Evatt of Easley; nine grandchildren; and siblings, Robin Evatt of Piedmont, Terry Evatt of Easley, Donna Reece and Tammy Simmons.

In addition to his parents, Poncho was predeceased by a son, Justin Lee Evatt.

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

 

PEGGY MERICA PITTS

EASLEY — Peggy Merica Pitts, 81, loving wife of 63 years to James Wilburn Pitts, passed away on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at her home.

Born on Sept. 28, 1941, in Greenville County, Peggy was the daughter of the late Joe Craig Merritt and Gladys H. Taylor Merritt. Mrs. Pitts was a member of Nine Forks Baptist Church in Easley. She loved to travel and spend time with her children and grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, James Wilburn Pitts of the home; her three sons, Danny Pitts (Krystal) of Greenville, Teddy Pitts (Candy) of Easley and James Craig Pitts of Easley; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren; one sister, Judy Williams (Scott) of Easley; and one brother, William Paul Roach Jr. (Mary) of Easley.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Pitts was predeceased by two brothers, Danny Roach and Terry Roach.

The family held a memorial service on March 10 in the sanctuary of Nine Forks Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Peggy’s honor may be made to Nine Forks Baptist Church Building Fund, 3207 Earls Bridge Road, Easley, SC 29640.

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

 

CHASITY AMANDA  ‘CHAS’ ANTHONY

SIX MILE — Chasity Amanda “Chas” Anthony, 36, passed away on Monday, March 6, 2023, at her home.

A native of Pickens County, Chas was born on April 18, 1986, the daughter of Ben Anthony and Tina Entrekin.

Survivors include her father, Ben Anthony (Lisa); her mother, Tina Entrekin; longtime boyfriend of 14 years, Justin Woods of Six Mile; siblings, Dylan Entrekin (Keisha), Tiffany Durham (Zack), Whitney Reeves (Daniel), Samantha Durham (Chase) and Somer Cain (Christian); nephews, Kane Entrekin, Tyler Reeves, Brooks Reeves and Baker Durham; and a niece, Rylee Durham.

Chas was predeceased by her paternal grandfather, Ben Frank Anthony; and her maternal grandparents, Lester and Patricia Haynes.

Flowers will be accepted.

A memorial service to honor Chas’ life was held on March 10 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home.

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

 

PEGGY HANCOCK HOWELL

EASLEY — Mrs. Peggy Hancock Howell, 87, loving wife of Jack Howell for 72 years, passed away on Monday, March 6, 2023, at her residence, surrounded by her family.

Mrs. Howell was born in Asheville, N.C., on March 20, 1935, to the late Walter L and Mildred Branch Hancock. She retired from the Beattie Plant in Simpsonville as a textile supervisor and enjoyed crafting, reading, painting, bowling, cooking and baking. Mrs. Howell was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother, who above all else enjoyed spending time with her family. She and Jack enjoyed attending and serving at Pendleton Street Baptist Church in Easley.

In addition to her loving husband, Mrs. Howell is survived by her three daughters, Sharon Sims (Freddie), Cindy Porter (Allan) and Jackie Stokes (Billy); two bonus children, Matthew Howell and Angela Hitch (Bob); grandchildren, Kim Dickerson, Courtney McIntyre (Mike), Anthony Howell (Ashley), J’Daniel Howell (Amanda) and J’Michael Howell; and a sister, Debbie Watkins.

She is also survived by numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Howell was preceded in death by a son, Timothy Howell; one daughter, Sonya Howell; two brothers, David Hancock and Bobby Hancock; and a sister, Awanda Davis.

Funeral services were conducted on March 9 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, with interment following at Robinson Memorial Gardens in Easley.

The family members are at their respective homes.

Flowers are accepted, or the family requests that memorial donations be made to Pendleton Street Baptist Church in Easley.

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

 

RUBY MORGAN

LIBERTY — Ruby Kathryn Willis Morgan, 93, of Five Forks Road, died on Tuesday, March 7, 2023, at Prisma Health-Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Liberty, she was the widow of Calvin Paul Morgan and a daughter of the late Henry and Addie Smith Willis. She retired from ECP and enjoyed quilting, flower gardening and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a member of Liberty United Methodist Church.

Surviving are two daughters, Paulette “Polly” Hughes (Sam) of Fort Mead, Fla., and Jean Bagwell (Ricky) of Liberty; two sons, Allen Morgan and Jerry Morgan (Linda Dodd), both of Liberty; 10 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by four sisters, Frances “Tootsie” Melton, Una Hughes, Gaynell Julian and Betty Marcengill; two brothers, John and Earl Willis; and two grandchildren, Corey Hughes and Daniel Massingale.

Graveside services to honor the life of Mrs. Morgan were held at the Lawrence Chapel United Methodist Church cemetery on March 13.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made in her memory to the Pickens County Humane Society.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

DAWN MAINZER

EASLEY — Dawn Marie Grace Mainzer, 50, died on Monday, March 6, 2023, at Prisma Health-Baptist Easley.

Born in Boston, she was the wife to Kimo Mainzer for over 25 years and a daughter of Gale Tiews Grace of Rochester, N.H., and the late Joseph Chandler Grace. Mrs. Mainzer was employed at Carolina Nephrology. She loved doing crafts, decorating and watching movies. She loved her dogs, but she especially loved spending time with her children and grandchildren. She was a member of Second Chance Church.

Surviving, in addition to her husband and mother, are a daughter, Holly Mainzer of Easley; three sons, Bryan Grace of Anderson, Michael Mainzer of Anderson and Jonathan Mainzer of Easley; two sisters, Veronica Mellen of North Easton, Mass., and Jennifer Chagnon of Farmington, N.H.; three brothers, Ted Georgaklis of Boston, Mass., Darryl Grace of Quincy, Mass. and Matthew Grace of Rochester, N.H.; her stepmother, Elizabeth Grace of West Roxbury, Mass.; and three grandchildren, Joseph Grace, Emma Grace and Ivy Crawford.

The family will host a memorial service at Second Chance Church, 3233 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd., Anderson, SC 29625, at noon Saturday, March 18.

Delivery of flowers will be accepted prior to the service at the home, 129 Tara Oak Court, Easley, SC 29640.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.

 

PRISCILLA ARROWOOD ‘CILL’ FOREMAN

MARIETTA — Priscilla Arrowood “Cill” Foreman, 83, loving wife of 52 years to the late Christopher Columbus Foreman, got her wings and went to walk with the angels on Sunday, March 5, 2023.

Born on April 22, 1939, in Stanly County, N.C., Priscilla was the daughter of the late Thomas Eugene Arrowood and Elizabeth Jane Tarleton Arrowood.

Mrs. Foreman earned her associate degree from Furman University and worked there for 33 years before her retirement. She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends, and especially loved her grandkids.

Priscilla made a loving impact on so many people. She had a joyful and spirited presence. She loved her family and friends and filled her home with warmth and kindness. She had a great passion for her God and praying for everyone; they were the light of her life.

Priscilla will be desperately missed by all those she has left behind. Our hearts are so broken by this unexpected loss. She was one of a kind, and to be loved by her was to be truly blessed.

Survivors include her two sons, Kelly Foreman of Pickens and Wesley Foreman (Gaynette) of Amarillo, Texas; nine grandchildren, Brandon Foreman (J.C.), Casey Foreman, Chelsea Flack (Tyler), McKenzie Nichols (Sam), Clay Foreman, Melissa DeBolt, Amanda Anderson, Zach Anderson and Trever Markel; 10 great-grandchildren; and a brother, Edward Thomas Arrowood (Linda) of Oakboro, N.C.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Foreman was predeceased by a sister, Vivian Arrowood Lorch of Locust, N.C.; and her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Guillford Cleveland Foreman and Emma Estelle Foreman, both of Oakboro, N.C.

Visitation will be held on Friday, March 17, in the sanctuary of Marietta First Baptist Church from 2-3 p.m., with a funeral service to follow at 3 p.m. Burial will take place at 1 p.m. Saturday, March 18, at Silver Springs Baptist Church cemetery, 16072 NC-138, Norwood, N.C. 28128.

Flowers will be accepted.

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

 

NETA P. BALLARD

EASLEY — Mrs. Neta Louise Perron Ballard, 62, wife of the late William Wayne Ballard, passed away on Thursday, March 9, 2023.

Born in Elizabeth, N.J., a daughter of the late Ronald Perron and the late Louise (Grote) Perron Leary, Mrs. Ballard was a graduate of J.P. Stevens High School and was employed with Engineered Custom Plastics.

Neta loved life, her job, NASCAR, camping and boating, but her greatest love was for her family and her beloved dogs. She will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew her.

Surviving are four sisters, Pauline Fusco of Monroe Township, N.J., Alyse Perron of DeLand, Fla., Denise Dunne of Browns Mills, N.J., and Geraldine Perron of Easley; two brothers-in-law, John Dunne Sr. and Anthony Fusco Jr.; her nieces and nephews, Tanya and Nichole Eaton, Kasey and Kaitlyn Fusco, and Makayla, John and Christopher Dunne; one great-nephew, Isiaha Eaton; and her best friends, Marsha and Frank Harris.

Funeral services were held on March 12 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. A private burial will take place in Greenlawn Memorial Park at a later date.

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

 

EUGENE ROLLINS

CENTRAL — Mr. Eugene Rollins, 87, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023, at his residence surrounded by his family.

Mr. Rollins was born in Elkview, W. Va., to the late Gail Rollins and Ollie Sharpe. He retired from construction as a mason contractor, and in his free time, he enjoyed the outdoors, hunting and traveling. Above all else, Mr. Rollins enjoyed spending time with his family.

Mr. Rollins is survived by his daughter, Rebecca James (Tom); four grandchildren, Amber James, Matthew James (Megan), Stephanie Rollins and Michael Rollins; and one great-grandchild, Owen Rollins.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Rollins was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Martha Hayes Rollins; a son, David Rollins; and two brothers, Glenn Rollins and Larry Rollins.

Graveside services were conducted on March 12 at Hillcrest Memorial Park Mausoleum.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to Trinity Wesleyan Church, Costa Rica Mission Trip, 700 Issaqueena Trail, Central, SC 29630.

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

 

GARVIN C. BOLDING

SIX MILE — Mr. Garvin C. Bolding, 82, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023, at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Mr. Bolding was born on Nov. 6, 1940, in Six Mile, to the late Colie Dice and Sula Merck Bolding. He retired as a builder contractor. He attended Clemson University with a major in building science and began his career working as a commercial construction superintendent with Cely Construction and later Daniel Construction. After his venture in commercial construction, he started B&B Construction with his dad and brother to build residential homes. Mr. Bolding loved woodworking in all forms. He had a special ability to design, create and construct anything from furniture to churches. He was also a skilled rock mason.

His favorite early memories were his years of playing football for the Daniel Lions.

His love of football was shared by his brother-in-law, Jerry, and the two often attended Daniel High School football games or watched Clemson football games together. Mr. Bolding loved his family and especially loved watching his grandchildren play sports. He firmly believed sports help build character, and he wanted his grandchildren to love and enjoy life.

After retiring, Mr. Bolding enjoyed going out to eat with his friends and working outside. He loved bush hogging on his tractor and riding his mower while doing yard work. He also enjoyed attending services at The Mill Church in Pickens before his health declined. He often could be found sitting on the porch with his front porch companion, Simba, the cat.

Mr. Bolding is survived by his three daughters, Suzanne Bolding, Marie Bolding-Tyre (Dale) and Dena Recio (Ben); three grandchildren, Cole Recio (Jennifer), Isabella Recio and Levi Recio; a great-grandchild, Stella-James Recio; two sisters, Betty Miller (Jerry) and Ruth Poore; and a brother, Derrill Bolding (Diana).

Even though Mr. Bolding’s health had declined in recent years, his determination kept him active. He will be missed as a brother, dad and friend.

Graveside services were held on March 14 at the cemetery of The Rock Baptist Church, formerly known as Mount Olivet Wesleyan Church, in Six Mile.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Meals on Wheels of Pickens County and the Shriners Children’s Hospital in Greenville.

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

 

 

WAYNE HOLCOMBE

EASLEY — Mr. Teddy Wayne Holcombe, 74, husband of Mary Lavern Lesley Holcombe, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Joseph Ralph Holcombe and the late Syble Waldrop Holcombe, Mr. Holcombe retired as assistant chief with the Easley Fire Department after 25 years of service. He was the owner and operator of Holcombe’s Deer Processing. For 15 years, Wayne ran and operated concessions that were eventually named Ampa’s Ice Cream.

He was a faithful member of Landmark Baptist Church and was a U.S. Army veteran, having served during the Vietnam era.

Wayne loved his church and his Lord and was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, and his grandchildren knew him as “AmPa.” He loved the outdoors and was an avid hog hunter and fisherman.

He will be missed dearly by all who loved and knew him.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 50 years, are his son, Danny “Buddy” Wayne Holcombe (Christiana) of Easley; his daughter, Kim Holcombe Porter (Kevin) of Pickens; and his five grandchildren, Evan Wayne Porter, Sara Porter, McKenly Holcombe, Erabella Holcombe and Meadow Holcombe.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 16, at Landmark Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from noon-1:45 p.m. Thursday at the church, prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Wayne to the Glassy Mountain View Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 572, Pickens, SC 29671.

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

 

BOYCE JONES

PICKENS — Boyce Jones, 89, died on Sunday, March 12, 2023, at Brookdale Central.

Born in Tryon, N.C., he was the widower of Trula Dorr Jones and a son of the late Joseph and Carrie Lee Ruppe Jones.

Mr. Jones retired from Apac Ballenger Paving in 2012 with over 35 years of service. He was a member of Pickens First Baptist Church. He was also an avid deer hunter and fisherman.

Surviving are a daughter, Robin Jones of Pickens; two brothers, Raymond Jones of Liberty and Chris Jones of Liberty; and three sisters, Christine Smith of Pickens, June Galloway of Liberty and Viola Tate of Taylors.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Estelle Smith, Irene Dodgens and Pauline Jones.

Funeral services to honor Boyce’s life will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, in the Liberty Mortuary chapel.

Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30-1:30 p.m. at the mortuary.

The family members will be at their respective homes. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

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

 

LINDA DARLENE SHELTON

PICKENS — Linda Darlene Shelton, 67, daughter of the late Arlie Shelton and Viola Cook Shelton, passed away on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at Prisma Health Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.

Linda was born on Feb. 19, 1956, in Marshall, N.C. She was a graduate of Blue Ridge High School. She enjoyed watching TV and spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her two sons, Jamie McQueen (Danielle) of Pickens and Michael Wilson of Easley; grandchildren, Duncan, Gabriell, Zane, Sampson and Anna; a brother, Bob Shelton; and several nieces, nephews and loving family members. In addition to her parents, Linda was predeceased by 10 of her siblings.

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