RONNIE REX “RON” BLACK

CENTRAL — Ron Black, 72, of 480 Pin du Lac Drive in Central, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Saturday, July 7, 2018.

Ron is survived by his wife, Laura Neath Black; daughter, Leanne Broome (Devon); stepson, John Vinson; grandsons, Ransom and Oron; sister, Elaine Memmott (Richard); and first wife and special friend, Sandy Alexander (Jimmie), who both provided non-stop support, prayers and encouragement.

Ron was born in Greenville, on Jan. 28, 1946, to Lang and Jessie Black. After graduating in 1965 from Carolina High School, Ron furthered his education by attending Mars Hill University (BA), Converse College (M.Ed.) and Clemson University (Ed.S.). As an educator for 38 years, Ron touched the lives of many in the School District of Pickens County before retiring in 2007.

Ron Black’s family was his constant joy. If they were happy, then so was he. He adored his daughter Leanne, who brought him untold joy since 1973.

He also loved his stepson John Vinson, whom he regarded as his own son. Leanne and her husband, Devon, whom Ron considered another son, not a son-in-law, provided him with two precious grandsons.

Ron cherished Ransom and Oron and took great pride in his role as Grandpa. As a brother to Elaine, he was a protective, loving prankster. As a husband to Laura, Ron always showed his deep love, affection and appreciation for his sweetheart.

Ron was a faithful member of University Lutheran Church. Whenever called, he cherished being able to serve the church and his Lord. He was honored to serve in various roles in the church, including president of council and as leader of the church renovation.

In addition to church life, he enjoyed being a Mason and a member of the Sons of the American Revolution.

He was especially pleased that the Kappa Alpha Order at Newberry College initiated him as brother because he was married to their longtime KA Rose, Laura.

Ron enjoyed restoring classic cars and following the sports in any season — sometimes two at a time. He was a loyal IPTAY supporter and Clemson Tiger fan. His family and friends really appreciated his culinary talents — especially his pulled pork BBQ and grilled steaks. It brought Ron great pleasure to cook for a crowd, especially John’s crew of Clemson fans home for a big game or the university students at UniLu. He also enjoyed following politics, gardening, yard work and making sure his cats were happy.

The most important priorities in Ron’s life were his God, his church, his country, his family, his students, his colleagues and his friends.

A celebration of Ron’s life was held July 10 at University Lutheran Church in Clemson, followed by a reception in the church social hall.

A private burial will follow later in the week.

In lieu of flowers at the request of the family, donations can be made to University Lutheran Church at 111 Sloan St., Clemson, SC 29630, or to Mars Hill University at 100 Athletic St., Mars Hill, NC 28754.

Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central.

FRANCES S. LEWIS

LIBERTY — Frances Stancil Lewis, 86, wife of the late Simon S. Lewis, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Friday June 29, 2018.

Mrs. Lewis was born in Pickens County, daughter of the late Ernest E. and Minniesota Stewart Stancil. She was retired as a custodian with R.C. Edwards Middle School and was a member of Camp Creek Baptist Church, where she was a member of the Faithful Sunday school class, choir and sang with the Camp Creek Ladies Trio.

Survivors include her daughter, Nancy Jane McAlister of Liberty and son, Jack Martin Lewis (Susan) of Liberty; grandchildren, Jason McAlister, Gina Moore, Justin Lewis and Julia Lewis; and great-grandchildren, Nicholas McAlister, River Rayburn and Carter Rayburn.

The family held funeral services July 1 at Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens in the funeral home chapel. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Memorial may be made to Camp Creek Baptist Church, Central, or to the charity of one’s choice.

A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com.

JOAN C. BROWN

EASLEY — Joan Craft Brown, 76, went to be with her Lord and Savior Friday, June 29, 2018.

Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Richard “Pete” Pressley and Frances Tinsley Smith, Joan was a graduate of Easley High School. She was previously employed as floral manager with Bi-Lo and was recently employed with Sam’s Club in Easley. She was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church.

Joan loved cross-stitching and working in her yard, but her greatest love was for her family.

She is survived by three children, Keith Stansell (Karen) and Greg Stansell, both of Easley, and Gennie Link (Johnson) of Clemson; two brothers, Richard Smith of Mexico and Jimmy Smith of Franklin, N.C.; a sister, Pat Hamilton of Clemson; grandchildren, Amber Brown (David) of Swansboro, N.C., Krystal Hopkins (Josh), Aaron Stansell, Amanda Smith (Rusty), all of Easley, Jay Link (Stephanie) of Liberty and Hannah Link of Clemson; great-grandchildren, Carys and Liam Jenkins, Samantha and Kendall Hopkins, Russ and Rhys Smith and Abigail Link.

Memorial services were held July 2 at Rock Springs Baptist Church, with Rev. Dr. David Gallamore officiating.

Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, 2030 North Church Place, Spartanburg, SC 29303.

Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, Easley, which is assisting the family.

GLORIA JACOBS

LIBERTY — Gloria Hall (Ranes) Jacobs, 61, passed away peacefully at her home on July 3, 2018.

She was born in Greenville on July 2, 1957, to Guy Hall Terlot and Betty Hughes Hall Witcher.

She had a successful career as a tax specialist for H&R Block, where she also taught their tax school. Gloria will especially be remembered for her passion for Christian-based missions.

She was an active participant in multiple mission trips to places such as West Virginia, Kentucky and Mexico. She was also closely involved with Southern Baptist Disaster Relief efforts, and she was a member of the first laundry unit to come from the Piedmont Baptist Association, serving souls who were devastated by Hurricane Katrina.

She took great pride in her years spent with Norris First Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school, directed vacation Bible school and served as WMU leader.

Gloria is survived by her husband, Randy Jacobs; mother, Betty Witcher; two daughters, Crystal Williams (Quincy) and Carrie Hall; one son, Brian Patterson; and two stepsons that she raised and loved as her own, Kyle Ranes and Hunter Ranes. She is also survived by her nine grandchildren, whom she loved dearly, as well as two special nieces, Breeze Hall and Megan Hall.

She was predeceased by her father, Guy Terlot, and brother, Ronnie Hall.

She was a member of Liberty First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests that donations be made to: Southern Baptist Disaster Relief c/o Liberty First Baptist Church, 400 Edgemont Ave., Liberty, SC 29657

A memorial service will be held 1:00 PM, Saturday, July 14, at Liberty First Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends following the service on Saturday, July 14, from 3-7 p.m. at the home of her daughter, Crystal Williams, 101 Jericho Creek Court, Easley SC 29640.

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting libertymortuary.com.

WAYMON GILLESPIE

SUNSET — Waymon Lee Gillespie, 74, of 1910 Moorefield Memorial Highway, died Saturday, June 30, 2018, at his residence.

Born in Pickens, he was the husband of Lorene Evatt Gillespie and a son of the late Homer and Christine Dodson Gillespie. He was retired as a self-employed drywall installer and finisher and was a member of Pickens Independent Baptist Church.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of the home, are a daughter, Meshell Jones of Italy; a son, Daniel Gillespie of Pickens; three sisters, Doris Simmons of Pickens, Marie Marshall of Liberty and Brenda McKinney of Pickens; three brothers, Calvin Gillespie of Pickens, Wallace Gillespie of Elberton, Ga., and Tony Gillespie of Pickens; his mother-in-law, Hazel Gillespie of the home; nine grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Hank Gillespie.

Funeral services for Mr. Gillespie were held July 5 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel.

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

DOROTHY MCNEELY

EASLEY — Dorothy Boatwright McNeely, 81, loving wife of Cecil McNeely, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 1, 2018.

Born in Greenville, a daughter to the late George W. Boatwright and the late Helen Thrailkille Boatwright, she was a caring mother and grandmother who loved cooking, reading and rocking in the rocking chair with her beloved husband and family.

Surviving, in addition to her husband, are a son, Mike McNeely and wife, Becky McNeely of Easley; daughter-in-law, Tammy McNeely Aldridge and husband, Jim Aldridge of Easley; and grandchildren, Riley Honeycutt and husband, Brandon, Ragan Bayne and husband, Cameron, Jamie McNeely and Adrian.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Tim McNeely; and brothers, James Boatwright and Wallace Boatwright.

Funeral services were held July 5 at Siloam Baptist Church. Burial followed in the Siloam Baptist Church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.

Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home – Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.

JEAN MADDOX FREEMAN

PICKENS — Mrs. Jean Maddox Freeman, 92, of Pickens, widow of the late Benjamin Eugene Freeman, passed away on Thursday, June 28, 2018, at Brookdale of Easley.

Born on Oct. 11, 1925, in Liberty, she was the daughter of the late Silas Newton and Margaret Marie Thomas Maddox. She was a member of Griffin Baptist Church.

Surviving are her daughter, Rebecca Hyatt (Darryl) and son, Michael Freeman (Ronda Haggerty); one sister-in-law, Barbara Maddox; seven grandchildren, Chad, Jon and Jeff Cole, Lennie H. Warren, Marylea Kibilko and Abigail and Lydia Freeman; and eight great-granddaughters.

Mrs. Freeman was also predeceased by one sister, Mary Helen Terry, and one brother, William “Bud” Maddox.

A graveside service was held on July 1 at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens mausoleum chapel with the Reverend Mark Bernshausen officiating.

Memorials may be made to Wren Hospice at 955 W. Wade Hampton Blvd., Ste. 3A, Greer, SC 29650, or to Griffin Baptist Church at 1629 Pumpkintown Highway, Pickens, SC 29671.

Dillard Funeral Home, Pickens, is assisting the Freeman family in making arrangements.

DWIGHT VIRGLE GREENE JR.

SIX MILE — Dwight Virgle Greene Jr., 62, of Six Mile and lovingly known by many as “Sonny” or “Elvis”, passed away on Saturday, June 30, 2018, at Cannon Memorial Hospital.

He was the widower of the late Carma Shepard Greene and a member of Crescent Hill Baptist Church.

Born on Jan. 28, 1956, in Camp Lejeune, N.C., he was the son of the late Etta Jo Plumley and Dwight Virgle Greene Sr. He loved being outdoors and going to the lake. Some of his hobbies included gardening, Elvis karaoke, watching NASCAR and go-cart racing. Mr. Greene was retired from Duke Energy after 30 years and also worked at Day and Zimmermann with his daughter for approximately 10 years.

Surviving are his son, Joseph Greene (Michelle) of Six Mile; daughter, Angela Greene (Michael Foster) of Pickens; sister, Donna Willard (Ray) of North Carolina; two brothers, Tony Greene (Susan) and Robert Greene, both of North Carolina; father-in-law, James “Bud” Shepard; three brothers-in-law, Mike Shepard (Jana), Kyle Shepard (Deda) and Mark Shepard (Deborah); two sisters-in-law, Lisa Anderson (Tommy) and Kim Stover; five grandchildren, Johnny, Cassidy, Kirstyn, Clayton and Carson; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Mr. Greene was also predeceased by his mother-in-law, Bernice Shepard, and a brother-in-law, Chris Shepard.

Funeral services were held July 6 at Crescent Hill Baptist Church, with the Rev. Ross Estep officiating. Burial occurred at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home, Pickens, is assisting the Greene family in making arrangements.

JIMMY WALLACE BOWEN

PICKENS — Mr. Jimmy Wallace Bowen, 71, of Pickens, passed from this life on Saturday, June 30, 2018, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Jimmy was the son of the late Grady and Ilene Dodgens Bowen. Jimmy served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War as a radio man and was a retired employee of Duke Energy. He enjoyed all sports and HAM Radio (Ke4oFT).

Survivors include his companion, Donna Davis; two brothers, Grady Gene Bowen (Nina) of Comfort, Texas and Connie Mack Bowen (Joan) of Pickens; two special friends, Sharon and Tonya; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service was held July 2 at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens, with the Rev. Jamie Duncan officiating.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to a charity of your choice in honor of Jimmy.

Dillard Funeral Home, Pickens, is assisting the Bowen family in making arrangements.

TERRY LANE WHITLOCK

EASLEY — Mr. Terry Lane Whitlock, 73, passed away after an extended battle with cancer, on Wednesday, June 27, 2018, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born on Sept. 27, 1944, in Pickens County, he was the son of the late Geneva Johnson Whitlock and James H. Whitlock Sr. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and motorcycle riding and was of the Baptist faith.

Mr. Whitlock is survived by his son, Lane H. Whitlock of Liberty; daughter, Lesley L. Whitlock of Easley; two granddaughters, Andreana Whitlock of Spartanburg and Alexandra Whitlock of Greenville; one brother, James H. Whitlock Jr of Charleston; one sister, Sandra Howell (Jimmy) of Brevard, N.C.; and one great-grandson, Carter Califf of Greenville.

Funeral services were held June 30 at Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with the Rev. Dr. Stan Wardlaw officiating. Burial occurred at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Memorials may be made to the Cancer Society of Greenville at 113 Mills Ave., Greenville, SC 29605.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home, Pickens, SC, is assisting the Whitlock family in making arrangements.

JUSTIN CRAWFORD COUCH

EASLEY — Justin Crawford Couch, 34, passed from this life Thursday, July 5, 2018, at his home with his family by his side.

Born in Pickens County, he is a son of Carolyn Bearden Couch of Easley and Jerry W. Couch of Pickens. Justin was a logger with his father Jerry and a member of Midway Baptist Church.

Survivors include his mother, Carolyn; his father, Jerry W. Couch and his wife, Beth; two sons, Jameson Crawford Couch and Justin Clay Couch; the mother of his children, Tonya Riddle; a sister, Suzanne Couch (Michelle); a brother, Jeremy Couch (Jenny); a stepbrother, Drew Stegall; grandparents, Hazel and Wallace Couch; and many aunts, uncles and cousins as well.

Justin was predeceased by his great-grandparents, James Crawford Couch and Dot Couch, with whom he spent a lot of time as a young child.

A memorial service was held July 8 at New Hope Baptist Church in Pumpkintown, with Rev. Justin Anderson officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family would like for you to honor Justin’s memory with memorials to New Hope Baptist Church, 108 New Hope Road, Pickens, South Carolina 29671.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Couch family.

PEARLIE “EDITH” DURHAM

EASLEY — Pearlie “Edith” Durham, 75, wife of the late Wayne Durham, went home Saturday, July 7, 2018.

Born in Pickens County, she was a daughter of the late Lawson Gilbert and the late Ed and Mary Alexander. She was a member of West End Baptist Church and will be remembered for her love of spending time with her family and watching game shows on television.

Survivors include her sister, Alma; two daughters, Debra Webb (Jesse) and Wendy Summerall (James); and two sons, Bobby Durham (Nikki) and Andy Durham. She is also survived by Jimmy Bryant, 17 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Edith was predeceased by her parents, her husband, three sisters, three brothers, a grandchild, David Summerall, and a daughter, Elaine Reese.

A graveside service was held July 10 at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens, officiated by Pastor David Byrd.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Durham family.

DAVID EARL MILLER

BREWTON, Ala. — David Earl Miller of Pensacola, Fla., passed away peacefully on July 3, 2018.

He was born in Brewton, Ala., on Dec. 31, 1951. He was a 1970 graduate of T.R. Miller High School. After graduation, he attended various colleges throughout the Southeast, after which he pursued numerous interests. He served on various boards including Neal Land and Timber Inc. and The Balloon Federation of America, where he served as president for eight years.

During his lifetime, he was an avid balloonist, flying over five continents, including the North Pole and the Great Wall of China. He also was a longtime member of The Bohemian Club. He is remembered as a very generous man full of life, love and adventure.

He is survived by two sons, David Miller (Ashley) of Cleveland, Ga., and Richard Craig Miller of Brewton, Ala.; one grandchild, Ellie Jane Miller; two sisters, Nancy Miller Melton (William D.) of Evergreen, Ala., and Jean Miller Stimpson (Sandy) of Mobile, Ala.; a brother, J. Richard Miller III (Carol) of Loxley, Ala.; and numerous nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews and girlfriend, Kathy Ranson of Pensacola, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Craig Miller, who died Feb. 14, 2015, his father, John R. Miller Jr., who died Jan. 26, 2014, and his mother Virginia Kersh Miller, who died May 21, 2014.

A memorial service will be held at First United Methodist Church in Brewton, Ala., on Friday, July 13, at 11 a.m. with Dr. Ed Glaize officiating and Williams Memorial Chapel Funeral Home of Brewton, Ala., directing. Immediately following the service, there will be a celebration of life with his family and friends at 2785 Sowell Road, Brewton, Ala.

There will also be a memorial service held in Port St. Joe, Fla. (Indian Pass), on Sunday, July 15, at 10 a.m., with David (Buck) Fernandez officiating.

The family suggests in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Air Commando Association, P.O. Box 7, Mary Esther, FL 32569-0007 or the United Methodist Children’s Home, 3140 Zelda Court, Montgomery, AL 36106.

May the winds welcome you with softness.

May the sun bless you with its warm hands.

May you fly so high and so well that God joins you in laughter and sets you gently back into the arms of mother earth.

STEPHEN DAVID MASTERS

EASLEY — Stephen “Steve” David Masters, 54, husband of Jamie Hughes Masters, passed from this life Friday, July 6, 2018, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Steve was born in Pickens County, a son of Herman David Masters and Vivian Wadean Freeman Masters of Easley.

Steve was a member of Arial Baptist Church and enjoyed the satisfaction of being a hard worker and the freedom of riding motorcycles.

Survivors include his wife of the home, his parents, a son, Braedon David Masters of Greenville; stepdaughters, Tara (Robert) Bell, Madonna (Tony) Thyer, Jeana (Brian) Chandler and Katie Standridge; stepsons, Robert (Kaytlin) Standridge and Nathaniel (Jasemine) Jackson; a sister, Donna (Mike) Owen; brothers, Roger (Kim) Masters and Larry (Shane) Masters; and 16 grandchildren.

Steve was preceded in death by his grandparents, R.J. and Leurinee Masters and B.F. and Rose Freeman, as well as a sister, Debbie Lynn Masters.

Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. Thursday, July 12, in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 11 a.m., officiated by Dr. Danny Parton. Burial will be at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Easley.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Masters family.