PAUL MICHAEL ‘MIKE’ DURHAM

SIX MILE — Paul Michael “Mike” Durham, 73, loving husband of 14 years to Priscilla “Pat” Durham, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Sept. 15, 2026, at Baptist Easley Hospital, surrounded by his loving family.

Born on Aug. 2, 1953, in Pickens County, Mike was the beloved son of the late Paul David Durham and Arglee Durham.

He loved his family dearly and especially cherished the time he spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mike enjoyed walking through the woods, where he would find limbs and carefully turn them into walking canes. His faith was an important part of his life, and he was grateful to have been saved. Mike was a faithful member of Crow Creek Church of God.

Survivors include his wife, Priscilla “Pat” Durham of the home; sons, Jason Durham and Justin Durham, both of Six Mile; grandchildren, Marlo Durham, Michael Durham and Lillian Durham; seven stepgrandchildren; two special grandsons, Andrew Arnold and Jackson Moore; three great-grandchildren; and brothers, Phil Durham (Sandra) of Pickens, Thomas Durham of Six Mile and Scott Durham (Sheila) of Six Mile.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Durham was predeceased by a son, Jonathan Durham; a daughter, Jennifer Durham; and a brother, Randy Durham.

A graveside service was held on Sept. 17 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Durham family.

 

DANIEL RAY ‘DANNY’ BRACKEN SR.

EASLEY — Daniel Ray “Danny” Bracken Sr., 75, of Easley, passed away on Sept. 15, 2026.

Danny was many things during his 75 years: a husband, Daddy, Pop Pop, brother, landscaper, football player, storyteller and friend. But perhaps the simplest way to describe him is that he was a tender soul.

He felt things deeply and loved people openly. He wasn’t afraid to cry, wasn’t too busy to stop and help someone and rarely met a stranger he couldn’t strike up a conversation with. Those who knew Danny knew those conversations could turn into long ones. He had stories to tell and was usually in no hurry to finish them.

Danny began his career as an accountant, then spent his working years as a landscaper and passed a strong work ethic on to his sons. But perhaps the greater example he left was how to serve others.

Danny was raised in a strong Christian home, and as a child saw through his dad’s example how to serve others like Jesus. If Danny saw someone stranded on the side of the road, he stopped. It didn’t matter where he was going or whether it was late, dark, cold or hot.

During one winter storm, he loaded his boys onto his tractor and headed to Greenville Memorial Hospital to clear the parking lot. When one of them asked why they were doing it, his answer was simple: “People are going to need to go to the hospital today, and they’re going to need a place to park.”

That was Danny.

Helping someone wasn’t something that required much thought. If someone needed help, you helped them. That example became part of his sons and will continue through the generations that follow him.

As a young man, Danny was a member of the 1967 Easley High School state championship football team. He later spent his career working with his hands as a landscaper and built his life in the Easley community he called home. He was a great servant in the church for many years as an RAs teacher and mostly known as the “sound man.”

From cutting grass to planting trees, building rock walls and waterfalls, he was a man of many talents.

He is survived by his wife of 26 years, Barbara Bracken; his sons, Dan and Nicole Bracken, Travis and Robin Bracken, Kyle and Jessica Bracken and Derrick and Heather Hood; and his grandchildren, Cole, Jilli, Ella, Cobi, Marla, Case, Tarik, Kaylee, Wil, Kash, Gray, Hannah and Hunter; and great-grandchild, Keylon.

He is also survived by his brother, Barry Bracken.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Dorothy “Dot” Bracken; and his sister, Linda Evatt.

The best lessons Danny taught his family weren’t through his words, but through his actions. He taught them how to work, how to help, how to love people and how to show up when someone needed them.

The loss of a tender soul leaves a particularly large void. Danny will be deeply missed, along with his long conversations and never-ending stories. But because of the way he lived, his influence does not end with his passing.

His example will echo through generations of the Bracken family.

Let’s carry on his legacy by loving like Jesus, helping others, and in the words of Danny, “Don’t be a scumbag!”

A memorial service was held on Sept. 19 in the sanctuary of Pendleton Street Baptist Church in Easley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Danny’s honor may be made to Potter’s Clay Building Fund, 315 W. Front St., Liberty, SC 29657 or to Cottingham Hospice House, 390 Keowee School Road, Seneca, SC 29672.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Bracken family.

 

KENNETH PAUL ‘KENNY’ GILLESPIE

PICKENS — The family of Kenneth Paul (Kenny) Gillespie is saddened to announce his passing on Wednesday, Sept. 16, at the age of 63 years.

He will be lovingly remembered by his brothers and sisters, Linda Gillespie Wortman, Johnny Gillespie, Sandra Gillespie (Barry Durham), Joan Gillespie Williams (Mark), Robbie Gillespie, Roger Gillespie (Linda), Lisa Gillespie Lewis (Mark) and Jeff Gillespie; along with his nieces and nephews, Brian Gillespie, Alan Gillespie, Andy Gillespie, Amy Quinn, Shannon Childress, Jennifer Rogers, Savannah Gillespie, Delaney Gillespie, Samantha Davis, Shane Gillespie and Kyle Myers.

Kenny was preceded in death by his parents, Garth and Wilma Gillespie; his brother, David Gillespie; brother-in-law, Gary Wortman; niece, Stacey Wortman; and nephew, Travis Wortman.

Kenny will be dearly missed by many friends, especially his close friends Gary and Kymla Davis and Fred Fortner, who have always provided such support and kindness to him.

Kenny relocated to Pickens in 2024 after having spent his career in Pompano Beach, Fla., where he was employed for 20 years by Butch’s Auto Body Supplies. He loved his job, respected his employer and greatly loved the Florida sunshine.

His brothers and sisters will remember Kenny for his spirit, his laughter and his love for his family. He will live forever in our hearts.

The family will have a private celebration of life.

For those wishing to make a gesture of remembrance, the family suggests donations to Pickens County Meals on Wheels, 314 Edgemont Ave., Liberty, SC 29657.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Gillespie family.

 

 

CLIFTON RICHARD ‘RICKY’ WILDER

 

LIBERTY — Clifton Richard “Ricky” Wilder, 65, passed away on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026, at his residence in Liberty.

Born on Aug. 8, 1961, in Georgetown, Ricky was the beloved son of James E. Wilder Sr. and Carolyn Smith Wilder Williamson.

He proudly served his country as a United States Air Force veteran. Ricky enjoyed many hobbies and activities throughout his life, including fishing, woodworking, welding and following NASCAR. He was also a devoted South Carolina Gamecocks football fan. Ricky enjoyed cooking and gardening and took great pleasure in spending time pursuing the things he loved.

Survivors include his siblings, Jimmy Wilder of Andrews, Sue Holcombe (Mike) of Easley, Cathy Owens (Dave) of Liberty, Kristi Wilder Strong (Allen) of Andrews, Darlene Ackerman (Logan) of Andrews and Andy Baylor (Krickett) of Andrews; nieces, Heather Manley (Chris) of Pelzer, Tiffany Wilder Poston (Chad) of Andrews, Katelyn Owens of Greenville and Tina Lynch of Kingstree; nephew, Scottie Wilder (Nikki) of Phoenix, Ariz.; and best friend, Donnie Sargent of Liberty.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Wilder was predeceased by his daughter, Chelsa Wilder Tucker.

A memorial service to honor Ricky’s life will be announced at a later date.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Wilder family.

ROBBIE MATTHEWS

EASLEY — Robert Dale “Robbie” Matthews, 61, loving husband of 39 years to Jennifer Cassell Matthews, passed away on Sunday, Sept. 20, 2026, at his residence in Easley.

Born on Oct. 28, 1964, in Greenville, Robbie was the beloved son of Barbara Jean Foster Sutherland and the late Thomas Eugene Matthews Sr.

Robbie never met a stranger and had a way of making friends wherever he went. He was a true wheeler and dealer who enjoyed piddling with things and staying busy. Robbie loved his family dearly, especially his children and grandchildren, who meant the world to him. He was always willing to lend a helping hand and would give you the shirt off his back. He would do anything he could for anyone in need. Robbie enjoyed guns and spending time with his many friends. Above all, he will be remembered for his generous heart, his willingness to help others and the many lives he touched along the way.

In addition to his wife and mother, Robbie is survived by his children, Shane Robert Matthews (Cassie) and Heather Nicole Matthews (Don), both of Easley; grandchildren, Bella, Tyler and Brystle; sister, Donna Shealey (Dean) of Pickens; several nephews; one niece; and two great-nieces.

In addition to his father, Mr. Matthews was predeceased by his brother, Thomas Eugene Matthews Jr., and sister, Lawana Gail Matthews.

Visitation will be held from 3-4 p.m. Friday, Sept. 25, in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens, with a memorial service to follow at 4 p.m. Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Matthews family.