RAYMOND E DAWKINS

PICKENS — Mr. Raymond E Dawkins passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the age of 99.

Raymond was born in Newberry, on April 15, 1926, to the late Erastus Leroy and Gladys Evelyn Brennan Dawkins.  Raymond and his seven siblings grew up in a mill village during the depression, and Raymond thereafter remained thrifty his entire life.

At the age of 18, Raymond enlisted in the United States Army and served in Europe in the 36 Infantry Division during World War II. He was awarded two bronze stars and the French Legion of Honor Medal for his service. In 2022, Raymond had the honor of traveling to Normandy with the Best Defense Foundation to participate in D-Day commemorations.

Taking advantage of the GI bill, Raymond attended Newberry College while working evenings at the cotton mill.  He met his future wife, Margaret, at a square dance.  After a move to Pickens, Raymond worked as an Industrial Engineer for the Singer/Ryobi Company for 32 years. Raymond was a longtime member of Pickens Presbyterian Church where he served as an elder.  Always willing to help others in need, Raymond volunteered at the Literacy Center, Habitat for Humanity and Meals on Wheels.  He taught night school math at the local high school as well as Tri County Tech.

Raymond was humble and always considered himself just an “ordinary man”.  He loved country music, cards, playing golf, piddling in the garage, rafting waves in the ocean and riding his mower. He took great pride in his family and learned to use an iPad in his later years to see pictures of his children and their families.

He had a great sense of humor which he maintained to the very end.

Raymond is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 74 years, Margaret Franklin Dawkins; three children, Glenda Shuler (Baron) of Marietta, Ga., Janet Wade of Rossville, Ga. and Susan Herring of Rome, Ga.; six grandchildren, Jessica Shearer (Steve), Zach Shuler (Tyler), Winston Herring (Candie), Spencer Herring, Jackson Wade and Gracie Wade; six great-grandchildren; Grady, Paige, Grant and Tessa Shuler and Ella and Ethan Shearer; and two sisters, Barbara Amick of Ware Shoals and Mary Helen Ward of Laurens.

In addition to his parents, Raymond was preceded in death by his beloved granddaughter, Isabella Wade; three brothers, Ernest, J.T. and Kenneth Dawkins; and two sisters, Doris Mills and Mae Dawkins.

Funeral services were conducted at Pickens Presbyterian Church on July 7 followed by a burial at the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Pickens Presbyterian Church or the Pickens Senior Center.

 

ANSLEY PAYCE CHAPPELL

DACUSVILLE — Ansley Payce Chappell, 12, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at Prisma Health Children’s Hospital, passing peacefully in her mama and daddy’s arms.

Born on Dec. 5, 2012, in Greenville, Payce was the beloved daughter of Ryan and Jade Chappell. Payce was the most kind, loving, and selfless child with the most beautiful soul. She loved Jesus and that showed throughout her everyday life. She found beauty in everything she saw and in every situation, good and bad. Payce touched more lives in her short time here than most do in a full lifetime.

When Payce wasn’t playing volleyball, she loved all things outdoors. She loved to hunt, fish, work cows with her daddy and spending her weekends at the lake with family and friends. She loved to spend her evenings at home beating her parents and sister in a game of “Payce” (aka “Horse”). Payce’s jersey number was 26. She named the family farm “Two 6 Ranch”. This number represented Payce’s life. Her number will be known by many forever.

There won’t be a minute that goes by that her family won’t be thinking of her. Payce loved big and showed the love of Jesus to all she encountered. Her legacy will continue on for years and years to come. She has touched lives all over and she would hope that through all the pain, that lost ones will find Jesus and join her in Heaven on day.

Survivors include her parents, Ryan and Jade Chappell of Dacusville; sister, Hayden Chappell of Dacusville; paternal grandparents, Roy and Sharon Chappell; maternal grandparents, Eddie and Susan Burgess; great-grandmothers, Jane Odom and Marie Chappell; aunts, Blonica Palmitto (Paul), Toree Powers (Dylan) and Chanler Burgess; and cousins, Taylor, Brandon, M.J., Cash and Presley.

Funeral services were held on July 7, at the sanctuary of Berea First Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made in honor of Payce to support a cause close to her heart. Contributions can be made through the following GoFundMe page: gofundme.com/f/honoring-paycekeep-her-legacy-love-for-volleyball-alive.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Chappell family.

 

SUE HOLCOMBE

LIBERTY — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Sue Thomas Holcombe, a beloved mother, sister and friend, who left us peacefully on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at the age of 80.

Born on Oct. 7, 1944, in Pickens, she was the widow of Joseph Kenneth Holcombe and a daughter of the late Lewis Christopher and Gladys Bryant Thomas.

She spent her life dedicated to serving others, both through her work as a hairdresser and her compassionate care for the elderly in her retirement.

Sue was known for her warm smile and unwavering kindness, a true testament to her character. She loved her work and built lasting relationships with her clients, always making sure they felt their best when they left her chair.

She was a member of Glassy Mountain Baptist Church, where she found comfort and strength in her faith and the community she cherished.

She is survived by her three children, Cindy Hamlett (Tony) of Liberty, Angie Cantrell (Charlie) of Marietta and Scott Holcombe of Williamston, along with her brother, Gerald Thomas; a special niece, Hope Porter; and a special nephew, Jason Merck (Alisha), who will all carry her memory in their hearts. Also surviving are seven grandchildren, Ashley Clemones, Amanda Harrison, Courtney Mowry, Kimberly Morgan, Andrea Bearden, Scottie Holcombe and Joey Holcombe, and numerous great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Faye Merck and a son, Baby Joey.

Memorial services to honor Sue’s life were held on July 3, at the Liberty Mortuary chapel.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family please visit libertymortuary.com.

 

JANE HOOD

EASLEY — Mrs. Jane Littlefield Hood, 85, wife of the late Lawrence “Guy” Hood, passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025.

Born in Tryon, N.C., daughter of the late James William Littlefield and the late Ruth Williams Littlefield, Mrs. Hood was a graduate of Winthrop College and later received her Master’s degree from Florida International University. She was a retired teacher from the School District of Pickens County and also taught in Anderson County, Kentucky and Texas. She was a member of Buncombe Street Methodist Church and a resident of Viva Senior Living Center.

Surviving are her sister, Ruth Ann Arledge of Tryon, N.C.; her niece, Donna Arledge Moffitt (Mike) of Rutherfordton, N.C.; her niece and nephew, Halie Moffitt Swift (Andrew) and Michael Blake Moffitt (Nikki); and great-nieces and nephew, Willa Swift and Josie Swift and Carter Moffitt. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Hood was predeceased by a brother, James Marion Littlefield.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, July 12, at West View Cemetery, Liberty.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Mrs. Hood to Buncombe Street Methodist Church by visiting their website at onrealm.org/bsumc/-/form/give/now; or to Family Hospice, 312 Augusta Street, Greenville, SC 29605.Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.

 

SHIRLEY KELLEY

NORRIS — It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Shirley Faye Kelley, a beloved mother, sister, and grandmother, on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at her residence surrounded by her family.

Born on Aug. 14, 1940, in Liberty, she was the widow of Glen H. Kelley and a daughter of the late Houston and Alma Rothel Stancil.

Shirley spent her life devoted to her family and community. She graduated from Liberty High School in 1958 and dedicated many years of her working life as a machine operator at RYOBI, where she formed lasting friendships with those she worked alongside. Her warm heart and generous spirit touched the lives of everyone who knew her.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Jeff Kelley (Cindy) of Central; and her daughter, Stacy Lee (Marc) of Pickens; her grandchildren, whom she adored, Jordan Lee (Amber), Katie Lee, Lauren Martin (Hunter) and Jason Stewart (Tiffany); her great grandchildren, Banks, Harper, Isaac, Aubrey and Bryce; and her sister, Lorraine “Dale” Martin of Clemson.

Family was everything to her, and she found immense joy in spending her time with those she loved, creating memories that will be held close in the hearts of her family.

All services for Mrs. Kelley will be private.

In this difficult time, let us remember Shirley for her kindness, her laughter, and the love she so freely gave. She will be dearly missed by all who had the privilege to know her.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson SC 29621.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family please visit libertymortuary.com.

 

BRYAN DANIEL NOONE

GRAY COURT — Bryan Daniel Noone, 40, loving husband of 18 years to Amber Rae Noone, passed away on Friday, June 27, 2025, in Simpsonville.

Born on July 26, 1984, in Newfane, N.Y., Bryan was the cherished son of Martin Noone and the late Lori Ann Pawlak Noone. A proud United States Navy veteran, Bryan continued to live a life defined by strength, loyalty and service long after his time in uniform. He built a career in autobody and paint repair, where his skill and craftsmanship were matched only by his passion for the work. Bryan was a dedicated and proud member of the Hells Angels Motorcycle Club, a brotherhood he held close to his heart.

Above all, Bryan was an extraordinary husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. He had an adventurous spirit, a love for the open road and a special fondness for anything that went fast — or went “boom.” His generosity knew no bounds; he was always the first to offer a helping hand, no matter the time or place. Bryan lived loud, loved deeply and left an unforgettable mark on everyone who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Amber Rae Noone of the home; children, Brayden Noone and Baylee Noone both of Gray Court; brother, Ryan Noone of New York; sister, Nicole Fay (Joe) of Wilson, N.Y.; father, Martin Noone (Judy Noone) of Wilson, N.Y.; many nieces and nephews; and his Hells Angels Club brothers.

Bryan was predeceased by his mother, Lori Ann Pawlak Noone.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Noone family.

 

BRENDA B. HOLLIDAY

EASLEY — Brenda B. Holliday, 82, of Easley, passed away on Monday, June 30, 2025.

Brenda was born in Greenville on Dec. 29, 1942, to the late Styles and Phoebe Burns. She retired from Walmart after 15 years of dedicated service as a sales floor associate. A devoted member of Elljean Baptist Church, her faith and strong family values were central to her life. She instilled those values in her children and grandchildren, always leading by example. Her greatest joy was her family. She loved cooking meals and gathering everyone around the table.

Brenda is survived by her beloved husband of 63 years, Ray Holliday; sons, Steven Holliday (Lisa) and Scott Holliday (Deborah); granddaughter, Brittany Lark (Jeremy); grandsons, Bradley Holliday and Nathan Holliday; and great-grandchildren, Jacob and Chloe Lark.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her ten brothers and sisters.

Funeral services were held on July 5 at Dillard Memorial Funeral Home, in the funeral home chapel, 2402 Gentry Memorial Highway. A committal service followed 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.

 

FREIDA DARLENE WILSON GANTT

EASLEY — Freida Darlene Wilson Gantt, 64, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, June 29, 2025, at Manna Post Acute in Pickens.

Born on July 27, 1960, in Easley, Freida was the beloved daughter of the late Albert Wilson and Mary Wright Wilson, and the proud, loving and devoted mother of the late Angel LaDonna Gantt. Freida devoted all of her adult life to that as a caregiver. She would take care of others before herself. She loved her family, friends and patients will all of her heart 100 percent of the time.

Survivors include her brothers, Dennis Wilson (Pat) and Brad Wilson (Sonia), both of Easley; sister, Dianne Wilson Mercer (Ron-dec.) of Greenwood; and two nieces, Brandy Wilson of Pickens and Danelle Freeman of Greenwood. In addition to her family, she is survived by lifelong friends, Karen Searcy Nalley (Mike-dec.); goddaughter, Kasi Nalley Jenkins; and Pam Dillard, all of Easley.

The family would like to thank the staff and special family/friends at Manna Acute Care of Pickens. Their care and love was truly beautiful.

Memorial services were held on July 6, at the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home. The service was conducted by Rev. Tim Hunter of Atlanta, Ga.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Freida’s honor may be made to Manna Post Acute, 716 E Cedar Rock St, Pickens.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Gantt family.

 

CARLYLE KAY

LIBERTY — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of James Carlyle Kay, 86, who left us peacefully on Sunday, June 29, 2025.

Born on Sept. 24, 1938, in Liberty, he was the widower of Patricia Ann Robinson Kay and a son of the late Fred Lee and Bessie Gilstrap Kay.

He was a beloved member of his community, known for his warm spirit and gentle soul.

Carlyle dedicated many years of his life to the textile industry, working at Libco Mill and later at Saco Lowell. He was also known for his hard work with the Odom family, where he left a lasting impression on those he served alongside. An honorable veteran, he proudly served in the United States Army from March 14, 1961, to March 13, 1964, achieving the rank of Specialist 4.

He is survived by his two sons, Roger Kay of Mauldin and David Kay of Liberty, who carry forward his legacy, as well as his brother, Doyle Kay and sister, Sarah Lopez. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by four sisters, Mildred Carpenter, Martha Ann “Marcie” Roper, Frances Fowler and Mary Ellen Rogers; and four brothers, Wallace, Albert, Leander and Jerrel Kay.

Memorial services to honor Carlyle’s life will be held at a later date at Liberty Memorial Gardens where he will be laid to rest beside his wife.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you share a kind word or a cherished memory of Mr. Kay, as he would have wanted everyone to remember the joy and love he brought into the world.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family please visit libertymortuary.com.

 

JOHN BURDER CALDWELL SR.

SALEM — John Burder Caldwell Sr., 78, loving husband of 34 years to Carolyn Caldwell, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, July 1, 2025, at his home in Salem.

Born on Sept. 9, 1946, in Madison County, N.C., John was the beloved son of the late Terrell and Helen Caldwell. A proud patriot, Mr. Caldwell honorably served in the United States Air Force and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. Following his military service, he dedicated over 30 years to a successful career at Eaton Electrical before retiring. A man of faith, he was a devoted member of Boone’s Creek Baptist Church in Salem.

Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Caldwell; daughter, Marsha Stines (Wayne); son, John Caldwell Jr. (Sheri); daughter, Keela Levi (Russell); three grandchildren, Savannah, JT and Austin; one great-grandchild; brother, Craig Caldwell; sister, Shirley Caldwell; and many cousins, extended family members, and friends.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Caldwell was predeceased by his sister, Marlene; brother, Charles; and sister-in-law, Dianne Williams.

Funeral services were held on July 5, at the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home. A private burial will take place at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veteran’s Cemetery in Anderson.

Flowers will be accepted. Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Caldwell family.

 

JODI L STOUT

SUNSET — Jodi L Stout, 53, of Sunset, passed away on Sunday, June 15, 2025.

Jody was the daughter of the late Frank Melvin Stout and Wilda Carol Dalton Stout. She was an animal lover, a devoted homemaker, and a loving mother who cherished spending time with her family. She had a strong appreciation for the outdoors and was an avid reader.

Jodi is survived by her love of 35 years, Greg Owens; daughter, Danielle Owens of Pickens; son, Dillon Owens (Kayla) of Elberton, Ga.; sisters Peggy Stout and Tammy Granger; and brothers James and Mark Stout all of Pickens. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews to cherish her memory.

In addition to her parents, Jodi was preceded in death by her sister, Mary Louise Gant; and brother, Frank Melvin Stout Jr.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Palmetto Cremation Service is assisting the family.

 

BARBARA BOGGS

PICKENS — Mrs. Barbara Boggs, 90, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, June 28, 2025.

Mrs. Boggs was born in Seneca, on Oct. 4, 1934, to the late Hayden and Lula Wilson Chastain. She was a faithful member at Northside Baptist Church until her health declined. Mrs. Boggs loved to be outside with her flowers or out collecting a variety of items. The thing she cherished most was the time she got to spend with her family.

Mrs. Boggs was survived by four children, Dan Grant (Lynne), Jean Lark, Lee Boggs (Denise) and Ken Boggs (Kim); and a grandson Chuck Grant.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Boggs was preceded in death by both of her husbands, Charles Grant and William “Bill” Boggs; one son-in-law, Ronny Lark; and one brother, Ray Chastain.

A graveside service was held at Hillcrest Memorial Park on July 3.

In lieu of flowers the family has requested that donations be made to Heartland Hospice located at 421 SE Main St #100, Simpsonville, SC 29681.

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