MELBA JO CHILDS NICHOLS

PICKENS — Melba Jo Childs Nichols, 87, of Pickens, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025.

Born on Jan. 3, 1938, in Pickens, to the late Laura and Norman Childs.

Melba was a devoted NASCAR fan, especially of her favorite driver Jeff Gordon. As a lifelong cat lover, she never met a cat she didn’t want to live with her. Melba also had a deep passion for Clemson football. She frequently stayed up watching games and enjoyed discussing the team’s performance with her family the next day.

Melba cherished time at the beach with her family, with many of their fondest memories made together in Myrtle Beach. Above all, Melba loved her family deeply. One simple but sweet memory her family recalls is how she would always share the story of how she and her beloved husband met and fell in love at Sangamo Electric where they both worked together.

Melba is survived by her loving husband, Harold Nichols, of 65 years; daughter, Janet Tedford (Joey); grandchildren, Chris Byers (Kim), Starla Reid (Tony) and Nicole Tedford (Cassie); great-grandchildren, Dalton Byers and Chase Byers.

In addition to her parents, Melba was preceded in death by her sister Brenda Bryant.

A funeral service for Melba was held on Aug. 14, at Dillard Funeral Home, 2402 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens, in the chapel.

The committal service took place afterward at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 2410 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Melba’s beloved lifelong church, Griffin Baptist Church. Contributions by check or cash can be mailed to: Griffin Baptist Church 1629 Pumpkintown Highway Pickens, SC 29671.

Please include the note: “In memory or honor of Melba Jo Nichols.”

 

CANDICE TEAGUE

LIBERTY — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Candice Denise Teague, 48, on Aug. 7, 2025.

Born on Sept. 29, 1976, in Newberry, she brought joy to everyone who knew her, particularly her beloved family.

Candice was a devoted wife to her husband, Frank Teague, and a loving mother to her children, Marissa Teague and Garett Teague (Gabi); and her grandchildren, Sophia, Anna and Ronin.  Also surviving are her father, Ronnie Smith and his wife, Diana; her mother, Sheila Smith; and three brothers, Eric Smith, Aaron Smith and Jacob Smith.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Heather Smith. She also cherished her role as a grandmother, finding immense joy in spending time with her grandchildren, creating memories that will stay in their hearts forever.

Candice had a creative spirit, and her love for crafting was evident in the thoughtful gifts she made for her family. Whether it was through handmade treasures or simply gathering everyone around for special moments, her creativity and love knew no bounds.

Candice will be remembered not only for her kindness and love but also for the light she brought to our lives. She may be gone, but her spirit will forever remain in our hearts.

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

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

 

AVIS LAY WILLIAMS

EASLEY — Mrs. Avis Lay Formyduval Williams, 89, wife of the late Perry Jearl Williams, went to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, Aug. 11, 2025.

Born in Brunswick County, N.C., a daughter of the late Parley Pratt Formyduval, Sr. and the late Lois Ludlum Formyduval, Mrs. Williams was a graduate of Meredith College where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Education and retired as a teacher with the School District of Greenville County. She was a member of Easley First Baptist Church.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Williams was predeceased by her daughter, Elen Victoria Williams; her brother, Parley Pratt Formyduval Jr.; and her sister, Debbie F. Simmons.

Memorial services will be 11 a.m., Aug. 23, at Soldier Bay Church, 3915 Whiteville Road, NW Ash, NC 28420.

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

 

MADISON PARRISH  ‘PAT’ SARRATT

EASLEY — Madison Parrish “Pat” Sarratt was born May 11, 1954, and passed away at home peacefully at age 71 on Aug. 14, 2025.

He was the son of Madison G. Sarratt and Ruth P. Sarratt from Easley. Growing up Pat attended East End Elementary School and Easley Junior High and High School in Easley. He is survived by sisters, Judith S. Brown of Kingsport, Tenn., Bobbi S. Scott (Clif) of Columbia and brother, Chris G. Sarratt (Marie) from Little River.

Pat followed in his grandfather Sarratt’s footsteps with superb mechanical and chemical aptitudes. He completed a technical degree in Chemistry at Greenville Technical College. In his first employment in this field, he invented a dye that made the company very wealthy! He then moved on to Duke Energy in the nuclear plants and was an expert at purifying the water to cool the reactors. His reputation became known in this area and then he became a subcontractor for other nuclear plants for many years afterwards. He worked in Omaha, Neb., Minneapolis, Minn., New York, N.Y., and Hartsville. He then worked at General Electric in Greenville, until he retired.

Pat was raised in the First United Methodist Church in Easley, and was always a believer in Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. He loved studying the bible in his retirement years and was very grateful for his family and friends. We are so glad that our beloved Pat is finally home, and his struggles are over! All Glory to God!

Visitation will be held on Aug. 30, from 12 p.m. to 1p.m. in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home with a memorial service to follow at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Pat’s honor may be made to The Gideons International by visiting their website at gideons.org/donate.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Sarratt family.

 

WILMA HASKETT

PICKENS — It is with heartfelt sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved mother and friend, Wilma Haskett, who left this world peacefully on Aug. 11, 2025, at the age of 88 at her home.

Born on Sept. 18, 1936, in Six Mile, she was the widow of Furman Ray Haskett, Sr. and a daughter of the late Lawrence and Callie Watson Cooper.

Wilma spent many devoted years as a receptionist in the medical field, making a lasting impact during her long tenure with Dr. Sam Garrett in Greenville.

A dedicated member of the Pine Grove Baptist Church, where she was the church pianist until her health declined. She found joy and purpose through her faith and her cherished relationships.

Family was everything to Wilma-her spirit will live on through her son, Phil Looper, and her daughter, Lisa Hudson and her husband Bill, who will carry forward her legacy of love and kindness.

In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by her brother, Leland Cooper.

Funeral services to celebrate her life was held on Aug. 14, at the Liberty Mortuary chapel. She was laid to rest in a private service beside her husband at Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests that in Wilma’s honor you kindly do a good deed for your neighbor.

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

 

ROGER MARTIN RILEY

PICKENS — Roger Martin Riley, 73, loving husband of 16 years to the late Antoinette “Toni” Riley, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, at NHC Healthcare Parklane in Columbia.

Born on Feb. 4, 1952, in Chicago, Ill., Roger was the cherished son of the late Thomas E. Riley and Norine McCaw Riley. Following his service in the United States Navy, Roger began a career in law enforcement, serving as a police officer in Watervliet, Michigan. After leaving the police force, he returned with his wife and children to the Chicago area, where he worked in a variety of roles, including driving a semi-truck, operating his own limousine service, and later serving in the automotive industry until his retirement.

Roger had a deep love for his family and found his greatest joy in spending time with his grandchildren. He also enjoyed traveling and camping in his motor home, and he was an avid fan of both the Chicago Bears and the Chicago Bulls, never missing a chance to cheer them on.

Survivors include his children, Kimberly Smith (Scott) of Sunset and Thomas Riley (Kimberly) of Illinois; grandchildren, Cheala, Jessica, James, Ryan, Stephanie, Brittany, Ashley, Hayley and Logan; 21 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Donna Gaborik (John), Thomas Riley (Laura), Joseph Riley, Edward Riley (Keven) and Marueen and Cynthia.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Riley was predeceased by his daughter, Collen (Riley/Stone) Nichols; granddaughter, Kourtney Stone; nephew, Thomas Gaborik; and father-in-law and mother-in-law, Joseph and Evelyn Reicks.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Riley family.

 

ASHLEY LOGGINS CADDIGAN

EASLEY — With great sadness, the family of Ashley Loggins Caddigan announces her passing on Aug. 11, 2025, at Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital after an extensive battle with heart disease.

She is survived by her son, Ryan David Caddigan, who was the love of her life, and long-time friend, Enoch Pugh. Ashley is also survived by her mother, Kitty Stewart Loggins; her father, Charles David Loggins; and her brother, Stewart David Loggins; also her uncles, J. Watt Stewart (Cindy) and Mike Lawrence and his children, Christina Lawrence Rodriguez (Rick) and their children, London, Mia and Michael Lawrence Jr.

Ashley was predeceased by her grandparents, Watt and Dot Stewart, Talmadge and Ruby Loggins, and her aunt, Barrie Jean Stewart Lawrence.

From the age of 10, Ashley developed an outstanding talent for the piano. Having taken lessons for eight years from Alma Carter, she won many gold cups in her division and performed at the Gunter Theater in the Peace Center. Ashley also became very active at Easley High School with cheering for the Green Wave while her brother played football and her dad coached the team. Always making excellent grades, she became a member of the National Honor Society. She kept a group of good, close friends.

Ashley attended the College of Charleston where she majored in music. She continued her love of the piano after she married and moved to Nashville. She worked in the film industry and scored the music for three movies. In her personal life, she developed her love for the Lord and loved sharing her faith with others.

Family times at Pawley’s Island became regular traditions for fun, food and good times on the sandy beaches of South Litchfield. These beach trips were some of the happiest times in Ashley’s life.

A memorial service will be held on Sept. 7, at First United Methodist Church at 2 p.m. in Easley with the receiving of friends in the fellowship hall immediately afterwards.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Heart Association of South Carolina, 520 Gervais St, Columbia, SC 29201.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Caddigan family.

 

JOE HOLCOMBE

LIBERTY — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Tommy Joe Holcombe, 74, of Liberty, who left us peacefully on Aug. 11, 2025. Born on July 16, 1951, in Easley, he was a son of the late Charlie and Marie Holcombe.

He was a dedicated farmer, spending his days raising cows and cultivating the land he dearly loved. His passion for livestock was only surpassed by his love for the great outdoors.

Whether he was out deer hunting or casting a line for fish on a quiet afternoon, he cherished every moment spent in nature. His easy-going spirit and warm heart left a lasting impact on all who knew him.  He was a member of Golden Grove Wesleyan Church.

Joe is survived by his beloved wife of 54 years, Janice Holcombe; his cherished son, Charlie Holcombe; his loving daughter, Melisha Golden (Danny); and his dear sister, Joyce Stokes; also surviving are nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 21 at Golden Grove Wesleyan Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at the Liberty Mortuary.

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