Uncle Walter had lived a full life before we children came into the picture.

We thought of him as our uncle — the one who drove the car, ran a truck farm, the gin and sent us on errands and assigned tasks.

Most of his instructions began with “Run in yonder and bring me my” cane, keys, etc. or “Run out yonder and get the” corn for supper, eggs, tomatoes, mail, etc.

We thought of him as old — almost ancient. But Uncle Walter had a life we knew nothing about as children. I suppose we thought, as children do, that noting much had happened before we were there, but that belief was shaken one summer day.

Grandmama wanted to clean out the attic. We were available, so up the ladder we went with

When I die, I expect friends, acquaintances and perhaps strangers to ask a common question: “How did he die?”

The answer to that question for all persons who die in South Carolina is recorded on an official state record — a death certificate. If a death is attended by a physician, the physician states the manner and cause of death on an official form. If the death is unattended by a physician, the manner and cause of death is recorded by a coroner or a medical examiner.

Those forms must be forwarded by the physician or coroner to the embalmer or funeral director taking possession of the body, and this information is to be included in a death certificate that is filed by the

Supporting Gravely for council seat

Dear Editor,

I’m the owner of small business LaRue Fine Chocolate and a lifelong resident of Pickens County. I’m not usually a letter to the editor writer, but the upcoming Pickens County Council District 3 race has me pretty excited.

I think now more than ever it is important to elect officials who actually care about their constituents and understand that they are our public servant and should always selflessly put aside their ego and their best interest to serve the interest of the community.

For years in District 3, we’ve been shuffling through the same people running the same campaigns. The current incumbent has never risen to the challenge of the office. And Alex Saitta, whose name is printed on the “Opinion” page more than most, may have a new campaign “look,” but he’s the same