BONNIE LUCILLE PORTER BARNETT

ATLANTA, Ga. — Bonnie Lucille Porter Barnett, a tender-hearted mother, loving wife, grandmother and great-grandmother who was best known for her guitar playing and her cheerful personality, slipped the surly bonds of earth on Monday, April 8, 2024.

She was barely two months shy of her 99 birthday.

The solar eclipse’s path of totality passed over the land of her nativity on the day she departed, a fitting tribute to a life lived in spreading sunshine to those around her.

She spent her final years at the Park Springs retirement community adjacent to Stone Mountain Park near Atlanta. At Park Springs, she led an old-time musical group called the Stone Mountaineers, which brought much joy to her and to her family and the community.

She wrote and recorded many songs of faith, family and friends over the years. She was honored recently at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University for her pioneering role as a guitar teacher in the Clemson community.

She was the wife of the late Dr. Bobby D. Barnett, in a marriage of nearly 72 years.

She lived most of her life in Clemson, where her husband took a job at the university in 1956.

At Clemson, they were members of the Clemson Church of Christ and later, Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. She was a member of MC3 Church in Lilburn, Ga., at the end of her life.

After retirement, they divided their time between Clemson and St. Petersburg, Fla., for several years before moving to the Atlanta area at the turn of the century.

The two of them traveled the world, living in Hawaii, Washington D.C., and for a time in Egypt, where she taught music to orphans while her husband taught poultry farmers how to improve their operations.

With her family, she established Barnett Music Center in downtown Clemson in 1969 and taught hundreds of students to play the guitar over the next 15 years.

Born on June 28, 1925, on Sunset Mountain in the Ozarks of northwest Arkansas, she was one of six daughters of Lambert A. Porter and Mida Jane Dockery Porter. She outlived all of them.

Having no brothers, she and her sisters stayed busy picking strawberries, hoeing tomatoes and doing whatever else needed to be done on the farm to keep the family going during the Great Depression.

She met her future husband at University High, a high school on the campus of the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

She worked as a nurse’s aide and a telephone operator before marrying and going into the hatchery business with her husband in Springdale, Ark.

Later, she lived in Madison, Wis., where her husband earned his Ph.D. in poultry science at the University of Wisconsin.

She is survived by her sons, Paul (Janice) of Fort Myers, Fla. and Ron (Kathy) of Easley; and her daughter, Susan (Mike), of Norcross, Ga.; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Park Springs Employee Appreciation Fund. In Memory of Bonnie Barnett. Send to Park Springs Employee Appreciation Fund

500 Springhouse Cir., Stone Mountain, GA 30087.

A memorial service were held at Park Springs in Stone Mountain April 12, with interment at a later date at Woodland Cemetery on the campus of Clemson University.

Roswell Funeral Home in Roswell, Ga. is handing the services.

 

BOBBY RAY YOUNGBLOOD JR.

EASLEY — Bobby Ray Youngblood Jr., 63, loving husband of 39 years to Susan McDonald Youngblood, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born Dec. 17, 1960, in Pickens County, Ray was the son of Mary Ellen Wilson Youngblood and the late Bobby Ray Youngblood, Sr. Mr. Youngblood was a follower and believer of Jesus Christ. He was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Easley where he was a Deacon and Sunday School teacher and worked in the men’s ministry and the van ministry. He loved his title of “Glorified Janitor” that he earned at Mt. Carmel. Affectionately known as “Papa Ray”, Mr. Youngblood was known as a jokester who loved to make people laugh. He never met a stranger. He loved fishing and camping and was a Clemson Tiger fan.

In addition to his wife and mother, Mr. Youngblood is survived by a son, Jacob Youngblood (Deidre) of Travelers Rest; a daughter, Rachel Simmons (Justin) of Easley; grandchildren, Easton and Caroline; a brother, Daniel Youngblood (Niki); and a loving nephew, Braydan.

Mr. Youngblood was predeceased by his father, Bobby Ray Youngblood, Sr.

The family held a memorial service on April 14 at the sanctuary of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church in Easley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Ray’s honor may be made to Mt. Carmel Baptist Church – Van Ministry, 1623 Hester Store Rd, Easley, SC 29640.

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

 

JAMES ‘CHIP’ JOSEPH BENEDIX

PICKENS — James Joseph Benedix “Chip”, 74, loving husband of 49 years to Patricia Holley Benedix, passed away on Friday, April 12, 2024, at his home.

Born Aug. 6, 1949, in Rumford, Maine, Chip was the son of the late Edward Benedix Jr. and Alice Fournier Benedix. Mr. Benedix worked in construction and helped people with home repairs.

He had a gift for restoring old homes and people called on him often for his help. Chip enjoyed deep-sea fishing and had several sailfish to his credit. He was an avid horse rider and loved his horses, dogs and cats. Mr. Benedix grew blueberries and was known as the “blueberry man”. Chip loved to make people laugh and he will be remembered for his great sense of humor.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Holley Benedix of the home; siblings, Rita Swayne (Danny), Joann Brashear, Richard Benedix (Rose), Dennis Benedix (Suzanne) and Rosalie Cassel (Joe); and many loving and caring nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Benedix was predeceased by three brothers, Teddy Benedix, Danny Bryant and Paul Benedix; and a sister, Linda Gerrier.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Chip’s honor may be made to Agape Hospice, 400 Pelham Rd #100, Greenville, SC 29615.

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

 

WILLIAM CAREY SISK

EASLEY — William Carey Sisk, 63, passed away on Thursday, April 11, 2024, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born Oct. 23, 1960, in Pickens County, William was the son of the late Enary Sisk, Jr. and Betty Jo Stegall Sisk. William was a Carolina Gamecock fan and was known as “Gamecock Will”.

Survivors include his two sisters, Ann Duncan (Stan) and Shannon Ross (Marty) and a nephew, Matthew Ross.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Sisk was predeceased by a nephew, Michael Duncan.

The family held a memorial service on April 13, at the sanctuary of Jones Avenue Baptist Church, 614 Ross Ave, Easley, SC 29640.

Flowers will be accepted.

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

 

MICHAEL STEPHEN CRUSE

EASLEY — Michael Stephen Cruse, 51, loving husband to Aimee Diane Cruse, passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024.

Born May 5, 1972, in Ashburn, Ga., Michael was the son of the late James Wesley Cruse Sr. and Cheryl E. Reed Hamm. He will be remembered for his great sense of humor and love for helping others. He was a great mechanic and could fix anything. He loved riding motorcycles and enjoyed eating tacos and thousand island dressing.

Survivors include his wife, Aimee Diane Cruse of Easley; a son, Justin Childress of Wilmington, N.C.; a daughter, Rebecca Blair (Joshua) of Pickens; grandchildren, Wyatt, Hayden, Reid, Bentley and Braydon; siblings, Daune Raines (Greg) of Pickens, Angela Sullivan (Tommy) of Simpsonville, James “Scooter” Cruse Jr. of Liberty, Todd Wright (Kelly) of Easley and Laura Massey (David); nephews, Garrett Cruse, Gregory Cruse, Alex Raines and Que Turner; nieces, Stacy Stansell, Mary O’Shields and Kristin Turner; and a special niece, Jessica Merrow.

Mr. Cruse was predeceased by his parents.

The family held a memorial service on April 14 at the sanctuary of Trinity Point Church, 1938 Brushy Creek Rd, Easley, SC 29642.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Michael’s honor may be made to Channel Missions, PO Box 154, Sunset, SC 29685.

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

 

BRIAN DEXTER ‘BIG COUNTRY’ ATKINS

PICKENS — Brian Dexter Atkins “Big Country”, 54, loving husband of 34 years to Beverly Christine Porter Atkins, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born Dec. 24, 1969, in Pickens County, Brian was the son of Debbie Lucretia Lark Williams and the late Raymond Dexter Atkins. Mr. Atkins was a sergeant with the Pickens County Sheriff’s Office. He was highly thought of by his peers at the PCSO and was a Pickens County Pinnacle Performer Award winner. Brian loved farming, gardening and enjoyed sharing his love for them with his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed bailing hay and watching his cows from his front porch while drinking coffee. Brian loved watching sports, especially wrestling. Most of all, he loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and mother, Mr. Atkins is survived by a son, Douglas Dexter Atkins (Jewel) of Central; a daughter, Briana Smith (Jacob) of Easley; grandchildren, Chase, Alexis, Bentley, Conner, Bryan and Paisley; sisters, Tina Kelly of Easley, Tracy Wade (Vince), and Tammy Johnson (Randy) of Pickens; and many loving and caring nieces and nephews.

Mr. Atkins was predeceased by his father, Raymond Dexter Atkins.

Funeral services were held April 11 at in the sanctuary of Cross Roads Baptist Church in Easley.

Flowers will be accepted.

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

 

DEANNE M. GILLESPIE

LIBERTY — Deanne M. Gillespie, 49, passed away on Monday, April 8, 2024, at her home.

Born May 2, 1974, in Pickens County, Deanne was the daughter of Harold J. Morrison and the late Sarah Rhodes Morrison. Mrs. Gillespie was a member of the Baptist faith who loved Jesus dearly. She enjoyed helping others and had a love for animals. She enjoyed art, coloring and painting.

Survivors include her two sons, Zachary Adam Morrison and Cameron Bailey Morrison, both of Liberty; a brother, Eric Morrison of Liberty; a special friend and sister, Elizabeth Russell of Liberty; a special aunt, Shirley Holder; and grandmother, Thelma Morrison.

Mrs. Gillespie was predeceased by her mother, Sarah Rhodes Morrison.

Memorial service were held April 12 at the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens.

Flowers will be accepted.

The family would like to thank all of the caregivers of Hospice of the Upstate for the care and compassion given to Mrs. Gillespie.

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

 

JAMES LOFTON ‘JAY’ HARRELSON

GREENVILLE — James ‘Jay’ Lofton Harrelson, 53, passed away on Tuesday, April 9, 2024, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born Oct. 5, 1970, in Greenville County, Jay was the son of Linda H Riggins and Rodger Harrelson. He enjoyed fishing, playing golf and watching Alabama football. He loved helping others. He loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Harrelson is survived by his wife, Deborah Hawkins Harrelson of the home; two sons, Taylor L. Harrelson and Jordan C. Harrelson, both of Greenville; a daughter, S. Ashelon Harrelson (Jake) of Greer; grandchildren, James, Nate, Axton, Eden and Brenleigh; stepmother, Judy Harrelson; sister, Lynn Shelton (Jeff) of Guntersville, Ala.; four brothers, Terry Harrelson, (Staci) of Ridgeville, Bart Harrelson of Guntersville, Ala., Shane Harrelson of Statesville, N.C. and David Harrelson of Beaufort; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a memorial service at a later date.

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

 

WANDA DELORIS CAUGHMAN

EASLEY — Wanda Deloris Caughman, 70, loving wife to the late John Caughman, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, April 5, 2024, at her home.

Born Feb. 14, 1954, in Greenville County, Wanda was the daughter of the late H.T. Hendricks and Virginia Ray Hendricks. Mrs. Caughman attended West End Baptist Church in Easley.

Survivors include two daughters, Pam and Becky; numerous grandchildren; a brother, Robert Hendricks (Louise); a niece, Tonya Adams (Mike); and many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Caughman was predeceased by two brothers, Alvin Hendricks and Calvin Hendricks; a sister, Gail Hendricks Cash; and her paternal and maternal grandparents.

The family will hold a memorial service on Saturday, April 27 at the sanctuary of West End Baptist Church, 120 Mission Dr, Easley, SC 29642.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Wanda’s honor may be made to West End Baptist Church.

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

 

DONALD W. PORTER

PICKENS — Donald W. Porter, known to his loved ones as Don, passed away peacefully at his home in Pickens, on Saturday, March 23, 2024.

He was born on Jan. 19, 1942, in the close-knit community of Walhalla. Don’s life was enriched by his treasured moments spent trout fishing with his family, relishing delicious meals and the fulfilling years he dedicated to Alice Manufacturing before retiring.

Don leaves behind his beloved wife of over 60 years, Patsy Dodson Porter, their children Trish and James and his sister, Grace Burns. His memory will be cherished by his close-knit family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Viola Porter.

A man of simple pleasures, Don found joy in the beauty of everyday life and the bonds he shared with those he cared for. His legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew him.

Graveside services for Mr. Porter were held on April 2, at Hillcrest Memorial Park. No formal visitation were planned.

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

Donald W. Porter will be deeply missed, but his spirit and warmth will continue to brighten the lives of those who hold him dear. May he rest in peace.

 

NANCY LOUISE SMITH JOHNSON

COLUMBIA– Mrs. Nancy Louise Smith Johnson, 89, entered into rest on Wednesday, April 10, 2024.

Mrs. Johnson was born March 19, 1935, in Clifton, S.C., a daughter of the late Lloyd and Gladys Courtney Smith. She was a devoted wife and mother and a lifelong member of the United Methodist Church where she demonstrated her unwavering faith by serving as a dedicated minister’s wife and Sunday school teacher. She attended Lander University and retired from the Auditor’s Office in Barnwell.

Known for her many talents, Nancy was a master seamstress and delighted in making clothes for her family. She was an enthusiastic cook and shared this gift with her family as well as her church family. She loved to read and write stories, but her true calling was caring for others above herself.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, the Reverend Richard Hilton Johnson who retired from the ministry after serving Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens.

Survivors include her daughter, Courtney Johnson Foster and son-in-law, Neal Foster of Columbia; nieces and nephews; and her dear friends she met through the United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, monetary donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Association at this address Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, alzfdn.org or call 1-866-232-8484.

A graveside service will be held at noon on Wednesday, April 17, at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood Glendale Road in Spartanburg. The family will greet family and friends from 11:30 a.m. until noon at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens prior to the graveside service.

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

 

CORENE D. MCCOLLUM

PICKENS — Corene D. McCollum, 95, loving wife to the late John Ford McCollum, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 14, 2024, at her home.

Born March 23, 1929, in Pickens County, Corene was the daughter of the late Deed Dodson and Bessie Caldonia Stewart Dodson. Mrs. McCollum was a member of Pickens View Wesleyan. She retired from Singer Manufacturing in Pickens. She enjoyed traveling with her husband and attending bluegrass festivals.

Survivors include two daughters, Betty Richards and Lois Porter, both of Pickens; four grandchildren; and several great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs. McCollum was predeceased by her husband and parents. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Visitation will be held on Wed., April 17, from 11 a.m. until noon in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens with funeral services to follow at noon. Burial will follow the service in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Flowers will be accepted.

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