Lawrence C. “LC” Dillard

Easley — Lawrence Clifton Dillard, 91, of 1941 Crestview Road, husband of Ruth Pettigrew Dillard, died Monday, Dec. 13, 2010 at his home.
Born in Six Mile, he was the son of the late Lawrence Clifton and Blanche Cox Dillard. “LC” lived and was born in the depression era, he spent many summers of his youth in Jocassee Valley. In 1942, he was drafted in the U.S. Army and fought in the Battle of the Bulge in the European Theater. In 1947, he completed his degree from Furman University and sold real estate for The Furman Company for 14 years, and taught Science at J.L. Mann High School for 20 years. He was a member of Easley First Baptist Church. In his retirement, “LC” enjoyed “being” there for his family and working on his farm. An ultimate provider, example and rock-solid advice giver, he displayed a positive cheerful spirit and was always happy to see you. Arguably, his greatest trait was his dedication to his family and ability to forgive countless times. He made his life great and made it count everyday. He was greatly admired by many and will be greatly missed.
Surviving in addition to his wife of 62 years, are six children, Janice Wall of Easley, Anne Vinson of Columbia, Lauren Lorentzen of Atlanta, Lisa Agan of Cartersville, Ga., Robin White of Kingston, Ga. and Robert “Bobby” Dillard of Easley; eight grandchildren; four great grandchildren; and a brother, Harold Dillard of Greenville.
Mr. Dillard was predeceased by a daughter Linda Dillard and two brothers, Lloyd Dillard and Kyle Dillard.
Funeral services were held on Friday, Dec. 17 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Entombment followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park Mausoleum.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Easley First Baptist Church, 300 E. First Avenue, Easley, SC 29640.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com

Dean Harris
Easley — Larry Dean Harris, beloved husband of Pamela Sue Fulton Harris, died Dec. 15, 2010 at his home in his 54th year.
Mr. Harris was born in Greenville to the late Paul Harris and Zina Gladys Abel Harris. Mr. Harris was a project manager at Holders Body Shop and attended North Fork Baptist Church.
Loving father of Larry Dean Harris, Jr. of Greenville, Tonya Harris Penny of Jefferson, Ga., Joshua Clyde Harris (Lisa) of Greenville, and Ashley Nicole Brooks of Easley; adoring grandfather of Tristan, Krista, Trai, Grace, McKenzie, Chloe, and Tomayah; brother of David Harris (Carol), Steve Harris, Barbara Harris Owens (Jimmy), and Patsy Harris Chambers (Stanely).
In addition to his parents he was preceded by a sister Jean Harris Stacy.
Graveside service 1 p.m., Friday, Dec. 17 at Graceland Cemetery West, Greenville, SC.
In lieu of flowers the family respectfully donations to North Fork Baptist Church, 162 Callahan Mountain Road, Travelers Rest, SC 29690.
A message of condolence may be expressed at DillardFunerals.com.

Lida Finley
Easley — Lida Childress Finley, 73, of 293 Louise Lake Road, died Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2010, at Baptist Easley Hospital.
Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late B. Ray and Florence Hendricks Childress, Mrs. Finley was a graduate of Liberty High School and Draughans Business College.  She was a homemaker and a member of Antioch United Methodist Church.
Surviving are her husband, B. Franklin Finley, Jr. of the home; two sons, Robin Finley and Will Finley (Amy), all of Easley; two daughters, Shannon Newbill (Bob) and Amy Wilson (Henry), all of Easley; three brothers, Ben Ray Childress (Lucille), Bob Childress (Margaret), all of Easley and Billy Childress (Janet) of Clayton, N.C.; and eight grandchildren, Ben and Leah Finley, Shane and Alyssa Dosser, Hannah and Weston Wilson, and Jessi and RayAnne Finley. Also surviving is her best friend, Carolyn Hamlin of Easley and a brother-in-law, Paul Pettit of Liberty. 
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Finley was predeceased by a sister, Colleen Pettit.
Memorial services were 2 p.m. Saturday in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.
Memorials may be made to Antioch United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 1128, Easley, SC 29641.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Carl Fohl Essig, M.D.

Lexington, Ky. — Carl Fohl Essig, M.D., age 91, Lexington, Ky. loving husband and best friend for 37 years to Jeannine P. Essig, died Dec. 13, 2010 at the Leestown VA Hospice.
He was born in Canton, Ohio, to Carl F. and Katherine Jones Essig. He was a graduate of Kent State University (Ohio), and the Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio.
Dr. Essig, a neurologist, served his country first in the Army and then as a commissioned medical officer in the U.S. Public Health Service until retiring in 1971. After moving his family to Lexington in 1954, he joined the staff at the Addiction Research Center, which was a part of the National Institutes of Health. The Center was located at the U.S. Public Health Service Hospital on Leestown Road, where he conducted research on drugs that affect the central nervous system. He also served as clinical neurologist for the hospital. Dr. Essig published numerous articles in professional journals, presented his research at a meeting of the American Assoc. for the Advancement of Science, and authored chapters in several medical textbooks. He was a member of the American Physiological Soc., and served on the voluntary faculty of the neurology department at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine.
Survivors, in addition to his wife, include three daughters; Judith (Jerry) Jackson, Noblesville, Ind., Ellen Dotson, Lexington, Ky. and Loris (Gary) Sherman, Somerset, Ky.; a sister, Diane (Oliver) Nealy, Pickens; a stepson, Kerry Tate, Atlanta, Ga.; four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Edith; a brother, Roger Essig; and a sister, Audrey Creighton.
Graveside services were at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 18, at the Lexington Cemetery. No public visitation is planned. www.milwardfuneral.com
In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Leestown VA Hospice, 1101 Veterans Drive, 27-2, Lexington, KY 40502.

Mildred M. Moody
Easley — Mildred M. Moody, 86, of 127 Brushy Creek Road, wife of the late Clarence Moody, died Friday, Dec. 17, 2010 at Rainey Hospice House, Anderson.
Born in Madison County, Ga., a daughter of the late Franklin B. and Beatrice Streetman Mobley, Mrs. Moody was a homemaker and a member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church.
Surviving are one son, C. Richard Moody (Linda) of Calhoun Falls; one daughter, Linda C. Moody of Easley; a sister, Frances M. Hall of Fountain Inn; six grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
Funeral services were 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 19 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown with the Rev. Dr. Jim Spencer and the Rev. Rodney Graham officiating. Burial followed in Robinson Memorial Gardens, 1425 Powdersville Road, Easley, SC 29642.  
Honorary escorts will be the Friendship Sunday School Class of Brushy Creek Baptist Church.
Memorials may be made to the Rainey Hospice House, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
 

Rev. James B. Grant

Simpsonville — The Rev. James B. Grant, 84, of 127 Circle Drive, died Wednesday Dec. 15, 2010 at McCall Hospice House.
The Rev. Grant was born in Pickens County, a son of the late Julius Walter and Addie Hudson Grant. He was a retired Church of God Minister and a member of Praise Cathedral Church of God and was a member of the Church of God Retired Ministers Fellowship. He formerly taught music schools in the churches. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.
Surviving are his wife, Laura E. Lewis Grant, of the home; two sons, Rev. Ronnie Grant (Sherry), of Clinton and Roger Grant, of West Union; a daughter, Rhonda Fincannon, of Westminster; two brothers, Cecil H. Grant and Joseph W. Grant, both of Pickens; sisters, Inez Grant, Bertha Townes, Dorothy Dodgens, Elizabeth Eades, Lou Grant and Katie Grant, all of Pickens; grandchildren; Chris Grant (Melissa), Justin Grant, Jessica Grant, Jonathan Fincannon and Seth Fincannon; two great-grandchildren, Laura Beth Grant and Ryan Grant.
The Rev. Grant was predeceased by two sisters, Bernice Couch and Veda Mae Townes; a brother, The Rev. Donald W. Grant.
Funeral Services were 1 p.m. Saturday at Praise Cathedral Church of God in Greer. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Pickens, SC.
Church of God Ministers and their wives and the Senior Adult Group from Praise Cathedral were invited to serve as Escort of Honor for the funeral service.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home – Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Rev. Ralph G. Nix
Liberty — The Rev. Ralph Grady Nix, 80, of Liberty, died Friday, Dec. 17, 2010 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Pickens he was a son of the late Clarence and Hattie Durham Nix. He served as pastor of Memorial Free Will Baptist Church in Michigan for 14 years, and also worked in construction throughout his life.
Surviving are his wife, Frances Watson Nix of the home; four sons, Jerry Nix of Liberty, Glenn Nix of Easley, Dewayne Nix of Liberty, and Tony Nix of Madison Heights, Mich.; three brothers, JC Nix of Simpsonville, Robert Nix of Easley, and Willie Nix of Pickens; 11 grandchildren and four great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by a daughter, Frances Diane Nix Childress.
Funeral services to honor the life of The Rev. Nix were held 1 p.m. Monday at Lakeview Baptist Church. Burial was at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Claude E. Beard

Pickens — Claude Edwin Beard of Pickens, died on Dec. 17, 2010, surrounded by his family at the McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville.
Born March 21, 1917, in Norfolk, Va., Mr. Beard was the son of the late Commander Roscoe Wier Beard (U.S. Navy Retired) and Lillian Louise Stell Beard. He was raised in Marble Hill, Ga.
Mr. Beard attended North Georgia College in Dahlonega, Ga. and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II in the Panama Canal Zone. He retired from the U.S. Naval Reserves with the rank of Chief Petty Officer.  He worked at Poinsett Lumber Company and retired from Platt Saco Lowell in Easley.   He served for 12 years on the Pickens City Council, was a past Board member of the Pickens County Meals on Wheels, and a member of the Over 55 Club and the American Legion.  For over 60 years, Mr. Beard was a member of Grace United Methodist Church.  He was a member and past President of the Methodist Men’s Club, and a member and President of the Adult Fellowship Sunday School Class.
Surviving are a daughter, Martha Beard Shayda and her husband, Paul, of Fairfax, Va.; two sons, Carey L. Beard and his wife, Lucy, of Easley, and David L. Beard and his wife, Virginia, of Greenville; six grandchildren, Mark Shayda and his wife, Katie, of Stuttgart, Germany,  Bryan Shayda and his wife, Mandi, of Mt. Pleasant, Bailey Beard of Greenville, Hall Beard and his wife, Koehler, of Columbia, Elisabeth Beard Anders and her husband, Jason, of Lexington, Laura Beard Allen and her husband, Greg, of Arlington, Va., and four great-grandchildren, Colton Allen, Sullivan Allen, Rowan Anders, and Emily Beard.  Mr. Beard is also survived by a very special first cousin, Dale Sartor Moore, and her husband, Gus, of Resaca, Ga.
Mr. Beard was predeceased by his wife of 63 years, Laura Naomi Alexander Beard, and two half-sisters, Bonnie Beard Stoeckel and Dorothy Beard Edison.
The funeral service was held Tuesday, Dec. 21, at 2:30 p.m. at Grace United Methodist Church, Pickens.  Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Pickens.   
Pallbearers were the grandsons and grandsons-in-law of Mr. Beard. Honorary Escort was the Adult Fellowship Class.
Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church Men’s Club, 309 East Cedar Rock Street, Pickens, SC 29671, or to the McCall Hospice House, 1836 West Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home – Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Lila Rampey Jones
Easley — Lila Bell Rampey Jones, 93, of 447 Latham Road, wife of the late Rev. Henry T. Jones, died Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010 at McCall Hospice House, Simpsonville.
Born in Six Mile, Mrs. Jones was a daughter of the late William John and Nancy Langley Rampey. She retired from textiles and was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church, where she belonged to the Lydia Sunday School Class.
Surviving are three sons, Henry E. “Gene” Jones and Douglas “Doug” A. Jones, both of Easley, and Thomas G. Jones of Liberty; three daughters, Nancy Diane McCoy of Johns Island and Joyce Patricia Allen and Cindy Darlene Childress, both of Easley; 14 grandchildren; and 31 great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Jones was predeceased by two daughters, Georgia Elizabeth Phillips and Carolyn Virginia Jones; four brothers, Dennis, Jolly, Doc, and Cleo Rampey; and three sisters, Lula Waldrop, Essie Mae Ellenburg, and Lucille Waldrop.
Funeral services were 12 p.m. Monday in the Chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to McCall Hospice House, 1836 W. Georgia Road; Simpsonville, SC 29680 or Rock Springs Baptist Church Building Fund, 201 Rock Springs Road; Easley, SC 29642.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
 
 
Roland Patterson

Pickens — Roland A. Patterson, beloved husband of the late Betty T. Patterson, died peacefully Dec. 18, 2010 at Rainey Hospice House, Anderson, in his 86th year.
Mr. Patterson was born in Seneca to the late Barney Guy Patterson and Minnie Bearden Patterson. He was the retired president of Patterson Electrical Company, member of Grace United Methodist Church and Hawley Lynn Sunday School Class, Masonic Keowee Lodge #79, Shriners International – Hejaz Temple, Cannon Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, U.S. Naval Reserve, and was a highly decorated honorably discharged WWII U.S. Navy Veteran.
Loving father of Robin McCollum (Phil) of Easley, Tommye Hendricks (Charles) of Pickens, and Katie Bagby (David) of Jacksonville, Fla.; adoring grandfather of Matthew McCollum, Lori Ellenburg (Brent), Sarah McCollum, Andrew Hendricks, and Abby McCollum; brother of Helen Ellenburg (Ralph) and Jack Patterson (Helen).
In addition to his parents he was preceded by a son Nicholas Patterson.
Graveside service 1 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 22 in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Pickens. Memorial service 2 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 22 at Grace United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jimmy Dillard officiating. Visitation following the service in the church fellowship hall.
In lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests donations to Cannon Memorial Hospital Auxiliary, 123 W. G. Acker Drive, Pickens, SC 29671 or Grace United Methodist Church, 309 East Cedar Rock Street, Pickens, SC 29671.
A message of condolence may be expressed at DillardFunerals.com

Elizabeth R. Woodall
Pickens — Elizabeth Raynell Cater Woodall, beloved wife of the late Derriel Woodall, died peacefully Dec. 18, 2010 at Cannon Memorial Hospital in her 76th year.
She was born in Walhalla daughter of the late Raymond Cater and Artie Vee Logan Cromer. Mrs. Woodall was of the Baptist faith and was retired from the textile industry.
Survivors are children Betty Winchester (Bob) of Walhalla, Pat Crowe (Carl) of Liberty, Elizabeth Dean of Liberty, Joby Jones of Rosman, N.C., Sandra Ladd (Ray) of Pickens, Peggy Eaves (Rodney) of Norris, Ellen Woodall of Pickens, Judy Robertson (Jack) of Pickens; 17 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren; one great-great granddaughter; and sister Hassie Pelfrey. In addition to her parents she was preceded by a brother William Verner Cater.
Funeral service 3 p.m., Tuesday, Dec. 21 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Burial in Hillcrest Memorial Park, Pickens.
Flowers accepted or donations to Shriners Hospital For Children, 950 West Farris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.
A message of condolence may be expressed at DillardFunerals.com.

Gerald D. Duncan

Pickens — Gerald David Duncan, 64, of 117 Janice Way, died Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born in Pickens, he was a son of the late Horace Vernon and Elizabeth Iola Simmons Duncan.  Gerald was a retired Superintendant with Vulcan Materials and a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam War.
Surviving are his fiance, Deborah Yates of the home; son David Duncan and fiance, Gina Bolding of Liberty; step-sons, Steven Lee and wife, Jessica; Scott Lee and wife, Anna of Central; and John Yates of Pickens; grandchildren, Gavin Duncan; Matthew Lee; Abby, Matthew and Harley Yates; three brothers, Jesse Duncan of Central; Gary Duncan and Horace “Tubby” Duncan both of Liberty; sisters, Doris Owen of Central; and JoAnn Bates of Liberty.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Tony Duncan and Roger Owen.
Memorial services were 3 p.m., Tuesday in the Chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, www.cancer.org.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at the funeral home.

June Culver
Mims, Fla. — June Massingill Culver, age 71, of 3441 Grantline Road, died Saturday, Dec. 18, 2010 at her home.
She was born a daughter of the late Joe and Ruby Massingill of Pickens. Surviving are her husband Phil Culver of the home, sister JoAnn Murphee of Seneca, brother Richard Massingill of Easley, daughters Melanie Dulaney of Longview, Texas and Apryl Culver of Merritt Island, Fla.
Memorial service 2 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 23 at First Christian Church. Donations may be made to Wounded and Homeless Veterans c/o First Christian Church, 2880 Jay Jay Road, Titusville, FL 32796.
North Brevard Funeral Home, Titusville, FL is assisting the Culver family.

Gary Buchanan
Liberty — Gary Johnnie Buchanan, 52, of 116 Jefferson Street, died Monday, Dec. 20, 2010 at his residence.
He was born in Pickens and was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving are his mother, Mary Frances Buchanan of the home; three sisters, Patty Buchanan of Pendleton, Kathy Henderson and Martha Gambrell, both of Liberty; several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his father, William Johnny Buchanan.
Graveside services to honor the life of Gary will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at Liberty Memorial Gardens. No formal visitation is planned.
The family will be at the home of his sister, Kathy Henderson, 110 East Court, Liberty SC.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com.