DOROTHY MARTHA ‘DOT’ BATES

MONROE, N.C. — Dorothy “Dot” Martha Bates, 95, of Monroe, N.C., died Saturday, May 9, 2026, at her home.

Born in Pickens as a daughter of the late Clive and Anniebelle Henderson Bates, she was a graduate of Pickens High School and Draughon Business College. She retired with more than 40 years of service as an executive secretary at Blue Ridge Electric Co-op. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Easley, before moving to Monroe, where she was a member of the First Baptist Church of Monroe, N.C.

Surviving are one sister, Frances B. Vaughan of Monroe, N.C.; a nephew, Ray E. Vaughan Jr. (Sheri) of Troutdale, Va.; nieces, Lisa V. Coley (Tim) of Marshville, N.C., and Dena V. Stackhouse (Jimmy) of Seven Lakes, N.C.; four great-nephews, Tyler Vaughan (Paige) of Flagstaff, Ariz., Garrett Vaughan (Moriah) of Locust, N.C., Julian Coley of Marshville, N.C., and Preston Stackhouse (Lora) of Hampstead, N.C.; three great-nieces, Madeline Schaaf (David) and Amelia Helms (Andrew), all of Marshville, N.C., and Carrie Barber (Lance) of Jackson Springs, N.C.; and seven great-nieces and nephews and one on the way.

She was preceded in death by two brothers, Reuben and William Bates; and two sisters, Mildred I. Bates and Julia B. Hunnicutt.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. May 13 at Hillcrest Memorial Park, located at 2410 Gentry Memorial Highway in Pickens, officiated by Pastor Dr. John Adams.

A special thank you to Julie Tarlton, sweet friend and caregiver, her faithful friends, Vicki and Larry Tuggle, her deacon, Crystal Brantley, and her Hospice team, Mandy Horne and Shevon Melton.

In lieu of flowers, Memorials can be made to Atrium Hospice of Union County, 700 West Roosevelt Blvd., Monroe, NC 28110.

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

 

ROGER DALE SMITH

SIX MILE — Roger Dale Smith, 77, loving husband of 51 years to Linda C. Smith, passed away on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at his home, surrounded by his family.

Born on Sept. 24, 1948, in Six Mile, Roger was the beloved son of the late Clifford Christopher Smith and Ethel Mae Towe Smith. He was a master brick mason who took great pride in working with his hands. No matter the task, he could build it, fix it or figure it out. He spent much of his life building houses and creating things that would stand the test of time, always staying busy and never shying away from hard work.

Roger loved guns and knives and had a deep appreciation for true craftsmanship. He enjoyed anything that involved skill, precision and hands-on work. Even when he was not working, he found joy in life’s simple pleasures — tending to his flowers, going to yard sales and searching for a good bargain. He had a special knack for finding treasures where others might never think to look.

He was the kind of man who was always moving, always building and always finding something productive to do. His strong work ethic, natural talent and love for creating and repairing things left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Survivors include his wife, Linda C. Smith of the home; children, Cheri Smith Grindle (Freddie) of Calhoun, Ga., Danny Smith (Tina) of Six Mile, Lori Smith Ayers (Kenny) of Woodstock, Ga., and Cathy Smith (Danny Wayne) of Six Mile; grandchildren, Christopher Smith (Bobbie Lynn), Elizabeth Franks (Anthony), Kody Wilson (Whitney), Grant Ayers (Torrie), Christian Cain (Somer), Scarlett Mosley (Chandler), Noah Ayers (August), Camron Smith and Bryson Smith; great-grandchildren, Raelyn, Iyla, Scout, Wren, Creed, Noa, Saylor, Dallas, Cody, Cash, Lainey Mae, Oakland and Carmella; special niece, Michelle Moore; and many more loving family members.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Smith was predeceased by his sisters, Sue Mann, Dot Whitlock, Louise Yeargin and Jean Porter; and only brother, David Smith.

The family held a memorial service on May 11 in the sanctuary of Gap Hill Baptist Church in Six Mile.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Roger’s honor may be made to Gap Hill Baptist Church, 127 Gap Hill Road, Six Mile, SC 29682.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Smith family.

 

JAMES FRANKLIN ‘JIM’ FITZWATER

LIBERTY — On May 4, 2026, our beloved James Franklin Fitzwater, known to friends and family as Jim, peacefully departed from this world at the age of 70. Born in Hinton, W. Va., on April 26, 1956, he was the son of the late George Edward Fitzwater and Katherine Elizabeth Dodd Noble. Jim lived a life full of adventure, promise and love.

After dedicating 24 honorable years to the U.S. Air Force, where he proudly served as a master sergeant, Jim transitioned into the telecommunications industry, carving out a fulfilling career as a fiber technician with AT&T. His steadfast work ethic and loyalty defined him, just as much as his love for family and friends.

Jim was a free spirit at heart, often found cruising on his Harley-Davidson or spending sunny afternoons on the golf course, where he showcased his passion for the outdoors. Above all, Jim was a man of his word — someone who always kept his promises and made sure you knew exactly where you stood with him.

He leaves behind his beloved wife, Falon Miller; a sister, Theresa Claypoole; his loving daughter, Amanda Johnson; his cherished granddaughter, Gabriella Johnson; two beloved stepchildren, Madison and Tyler Miller; and especially his loving niece, Kala Haller, who was like a daughter to him. Each one holds a piece of his heart, and they will carry on his legacy of love and commitment.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Kay Keiser.

Funeral services were held on May 12 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Private graveside services with full military honors were held at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery.

You may share memories and offer condolences to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

NANCY LEE NEWELL

EASLEY — Our hearts break as we announce the passing of our loyal and dedicated aunt, Nancy Lee Newell. Her health betrayed her, and she passed in the comfort of her home with her niece holding her hand, in Easley, on Saturday, May 9, 2026.

Born on Jan. 20, 1939, in Schuylkill, Pa., and moving to Connecticut as a young child, Nancy made her home in Waterbury. She retired from Winchester Electronics in Watertown, Conn. in 2002. While there, she served the entire west coast client base for 38 years. Following her family, she moved to South Carolina in 2016. Nancy was a second mother to her nieces and nephews, treating them as her own and showering them with love. She took a particular interest in her great-nephew Jose, and he became her right-hand man! She was an extremely caring soul and spent most of her adult life keeping an eye on her brother, Robert, and spoiling her one and only dog, Mojo. You could often find her at Stop and Shop or K-Mart looking for a good bargain! Her very last drive was to the store she loved for the blue light specials.

Nancy was preceded in death by her parents, Sarah Mae (Morris) and Alonzo Wiley Newell, her brother Robert Wesley Newell, Sr., her sweet dog Mojo, as well as her calzone-loving “bonus” great-nephew, Critter.

She is survived by her niece, Lalena Marie (Newell) Jennings; nephews, Robert Wesley Newell (Iris) and Earvin “Pete” Junines Streeter Jr.; and a bonus niece, Patricia (Beaudry) Elzy. She leaves multiple great nephews and nieces that were more like her own grandchildren, including Jose, Bryan, Robert, Aiden, Tianna, Janell, Jailyn, Junines, Candida and ShayLynn, as well and many step, and bonus nieces and nephew. Family was everything to Aunt Nancy.

Her celebration of life will be a private event with family.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Newell family.