Monthly Archives: December 2010
Obituaries for the week of December 22
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.
Classifieds for week of December 22
Vacation/Travel
ADVERTISE your vacation home, condo or apartment to more than 2.7 million South Carolina newspaper readers. Your 25-word classified ad will appear in 108 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Call Jimmie Haynes at the South Carolina Newspaper Network at 1-888-727-7377. SW
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Announcements
DIVORCE WITH OR WITHOUT CHILDREN $125.00. With FREE name change documents and marital settlement agreement. Fast and easy. Call us 24hrs./7days: 1-888-789-0198; www.CourtDivorceService.com SW
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DO YOU EARN $800 IN A DAY? Your own local candy route! 25 machines and candy. All for $9995. 877-915-8222. All major credit cards accepted! S.S. Reg.No. 229
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Help Wanted
RN Wanted: Now hiring 1 FT and 1 PRN Nurse at Heritage Healthcare of Pickens. Come join our team of loving, award winning, caring professionals at Heritage Health Care of Pickens located at 163 Love and Care Rd., Six Mile. We offer great benefits and competitive wages. Please contact Amanda Hendricks, DHS at 864-868-2307 or email ahendricks@uhs-pruitt.com EEOC Employer/ Drug Free Workplace. 12/22
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HELP WANTED NEW NOW HIRING: Companies desperately need employees to assemble products at home. No selling, any hours. $500 weekly potential. $48.95 info. 1-985-646-1700 Dept. SC-2794. SW
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NEED DRIVERS? Advertise your driver jobs in 111 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 2.7 million readers. Call Jimmie Haynes at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377. SW
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LAID OFF? PLANT CLOSING? Need that new job? Call Xtra Mile & enroll in CDL Class-A training today! Several locations in SC, including Charleston. 1-866-484-6313 / www.xtramiledrivertraining.com. SW
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DRIVERS – HORNADY TRANSPORTATION, Miles, money & home time! Start up to 42 cpm, Sign on bonus available. Great benefits!! Great hometime!! OTR experience req’d. No felonies. Lease purchase available, 1-800-441-4271 x SC-100. SW
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EXPERIENCED OTR FLATBED DRIVERS earn 47.5 up to 50 cpm loaded. 52.3 to 55 cpm for O.D. loads. $1000 sign on to qualified drivers. Call: 843-266-3731 bulldoghiway.com EOE. SW
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Miscellaneous
AIRLINES ARE HIRING: Train for high paying Aviation Career. FAA approved program. Financial aid if qualified- Job placement assistance. CALL Aviation Institute of Maintenance (866) 367-2513. SW
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ATTEND COLLEGE ONLINE from Home. *Medical, *Business, *Paralegal,*Accounting,*Criminal justice. Job placement assistance. Computer available. Financial Aid if qualified. Call 888-220-3872 www.CenturaOnline.com.
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For Sale
FOR SALE: 1974 Honda CR250 Elsinore Motor cross bike. Excellent condition. New motor. $2,200 firm. 864-506-3009. 12-22
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FREE HD FOR LIFE! Only on DISH Network! Lowest price in America! $24.99/mo for over 120 channels! $500 Bonus! 1-888-713-3172. SW
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For Sale: Firewood, dry or green hardwood, delivered. Ready to burn. Call 508-1540 or 639-2786. 12/22
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Auctions/Shows
NEED BIDDERS? Advertise your auction in 111 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 2.7 million readers. Call Jimmie Haynes at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377. SW
Wanted
WANTED: Ben Winchester hardwood flooring to repair the floors at the old Hagood Elementary School. Please call Ted Shehan at 864-508-0878. TFC
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$500+ FOR SOUTH CAROLINA COUNTY and City porcelain auto tags used before 1917. Some not dated. Also want pre-1947 tags. Jeff Francis 727-345-6627 or email gobucs13@aol.com. SW
For Rent
FOR RENT: Nice office space, 316 West Main street. 6 room, 3 Bath, conference room, private w/entrance for CEO. Reasonable price. 878-2281, 506-1719. TFC
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For Rent: Furnished Apt. W/W- D. utilities optional. 878-2281, 506-1719. TFC
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For Rent: Nice house, city limit, 2-3 BR, 2 BA, washer, dryer, stove, refrigerator. Call 878-2281. TFC
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House For Rent: 3BR 1BA, $550 month, $200 deposit. References required. 878-9502. TFC
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For Rent: 3BR, 1.5 BA brick house close to Pickens, 878-6291. TFC
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For Rent: 2BR house between Pickens and Liberty. No pet, central H/A, $400 per month plus deposit. 843-2235 12/22
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For Rent: Nice and Clean 3BR mobile home located above ingles in Pickens. $110 per wk, $225 care deposit. 864-313-6056 2/22
Homes For Sale
House For Sale: Easley 5BR 2.5BA, over 2500 sq ft, 2 story, 2003 Model. In attractive Edenberry Subdivision. Near new condition, convenient to Greenville. $189,900. 864-810-0075. 12/15, 12/22, 12/29
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8-year-old hit by car on 123
EASLEY — An 8-year-old girl faced surgery on Monday after being hit by a car and then run over by another on U.S. 123 in Easley on Sunday evening.
Easley police would not identify the girl, only giving her age.
Police say that the girl is facing non-life threatening injuries after being hit at about 7:45 p.m. in front of Firehouse Subs on U.S. 123 Sunday evening, according to an incident report.
Officers said the girl, who was wearing only pajamas and was barefoot, stepped into the busy highway before being hit. According to the report, the driver of the car immediately pulled over to see what had happened, and another car ran over the girl, but did not appear to strike her, witnesses said.
The first car had minor damage, including the passenger side mirror being knocked off.
The driver of the second car did not stop, police said, and may not have even realized the vehicle had run over the girl. Although the car was described as a dark car by witnesses, Easley police do not expect charges to be filed.
According to officers, the girl’s mother arrived on the scene as the girl was being treated by emergency personnel, saying she had been searching the neighborhood for the girl, who had left their home while the mother was downstairs for less than five minutes.
When an officer asked the girl, who was heavily medicated and in pain, why she had left the home, she said there was a house with pretty Christmas lights and she wanted to see them, according to the report.
Six Mile celebrates centennial
The town of Six Mile held its centennial celebration with a special dinner and historical presentation last Friday night. Local dignitaries and community leaders enjoyed a meal at Six Mile Elementary with a message being delivered by U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. Following the meal, Graham was presented several items related to Six Mile and a special framed picture of D.W. Daniel High School, which he attended. Afterwards, all in attendance were bused to the Six Mile Town Hall, where they viewed the history of Six Mile in print and photographs. Above, Graham reads about Six Mile’s Medal of Honor recipients. Below left, Rep. B.R. Skelton, Jim Bay and former mayor Milton Alexander look over the display. Below right, mayor John Wade presents Graham with the framed portrait of Daniel High.
SDPC talks options for athletic facilities
COUNTY — Superintendent Henry Hunt came before the School District of Pickens County’s Board of Trustees at Monday night’s meeting seeking authorization to negotiate lease agreements with the cities of Liberty and Pickens for high school athletic stadiums that will not be needed once the new high schools in Liberty and Pickens are operational.
“The city of Liberty and the city of Pickens have shown interest in leasing football stadiums and fields belonging to SDPC,” explained Hunt. “At this time, they do not want to purchase the properties; however, each municipality would be responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of the properties and the district would lease the properties for a nominal fee.”
As presented, the idea has potential to be a win-win scenario for both the school district as well as the two municipalities. By leasing the unused properties to local cities, the district will bring in some revenue and, because Liberty and Pickens will absorb the upkeep and maintenance responsibilities, the district will be saving money on that end.
Trustee Ben Trotter, who is newly elected to the SDPC Board, suggested that instead of leasing the unused properties, the district should try to sell them for some profit. Trotter called for an amendment that would table the motion to authorize Hunt’s lease negotiation until a committee could look into the matter further.
Alex Saitta, in agreement with Trotter, suggested that board members need to gather a list of all SDPC surplus property so that they can reach a consensus about what to do with the excess properties.
“The district has always been extremely generous, but with a $12 million reduction in revenue, we are no longer in a position to give away these properties. Let’s see what we have — what it is worth,” said Saitta.
Counter to their arguments, trustee Judy Edwards asked, “what if we can’t sell the properties? Everyone needs money just like we do. Who else is going to use them? They can’t sit idle. It looks bad for the cities.”
Bringing balance to the discussion, chair Jim Shelton suggested that the properties could be leased, so the district would maintain ownership and the properties would not be neglected, while board members and the district work together to inventory the surplus properties and research potential buyers.
Trotter’s amended motion passed with a 5-0-1 vote, with Dr. Herbert Cooper abstaining from the vote, so the motion was tabled until the district can provide board members with a surplus property inventory.
Also discussed at Monday’s meeting was how to manage expenses for Daniel High athletics since construction of the new DHS has interfered with practice areas and game fields. Sports like football and soccer have temporary practice and game fields to use until the construction is complete; however, where Daniel’s baseball teams will practice and hold games is still up in the air.
The city of Clemson has worked with the district to accommodate various athletic teams. There is a field available at Old Stone Church that would be suitable for practice, but at this time it does not have the proper lighting that would be necessary for evening/night games. When construction began on the DHS site, the district donated lights from the athletic fields to the city of Clemson. These lights can be used to make the field at Old Stone Church suitable for both practices and games, but installation of the lights and readying the field is going to cost anywhere from $80,000-90,000.
The city of Clemson is asking the school district to pay $30,000 toward these expenses, and, in return, the city will waive all fees associated with DHS athletic teams’ use of recreational fields in Clemson.
Hunt said there was a $75,000 line item in the budget allocated for relocation of DHS athletics. This is where the $30,000 would come from should the board agree to comply with the city of Clemson’s request.
Shelton said he was of the opinion that the city of Clemson should pitch in and help SDPC sans the $30,000 fee.
“The school district has been very generous with the local municipalities,” Shelton said. “We need to say ‘Hey folks. We need help.’ We have always been over the top generous. These kids live in your district and without your help they will not have an athletic program.”
Trotter agreed.
“We’ve done a lot for the cities,” he said. “They ought not to be plucking more feathers out of the chicken.”
Edwards and Cooper both felt that “$30,000 is a bargain.”
“The city of Clemson is waiving their fees. The $30,000 is just for the lights. Clemson is doing its share,” said Cooper.
Final decisions were not reached on Monday night.
Board members and district administrators will continue discussion of the issue and have further negotiations with the city of Clemson. Clemson city council will be holding a meeting on December 22. Daniel athletics is scheduled to be on the agenda at the meeting.
Sunset man pleads guilty in stabbing death of stepfather
PICKENS — A Sunset man was sentenced to 10 years in prison last Wednesday in the stabbing death of his stepfather.
Travis Chad Davidson, 31, of 236 Mt. Bethel Church Road, pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the March 23 death of Richard Alvin Mulkey.
According to arrest warrants, deputies responded to a call on Mt. Bethel Church Road in reference to an assault with a knife in March.
When deputies arrived, they were met by the victim’s wife, who told them that her husband had been stabbed and the person that stabbed him had fled.
When deputies entered the home they found Mulkey, 49, of 206 Mt. Bethel Church Rd., lying on the living room floor stabbed.
Officers left the home, and Pickens County Coroner Kandy Kelley was called. Kelley pronounced Mulkey dead at the scene.
Warrants said at the time of the incident that the victim was stabbed multiple times about the head and body, and a murder weapon was found stabbed into the victim’s body protruding from his buttocks.
Deputies immediately began a search for Davidson following the witnesses’ statement at the scene.
Davidson was apprehended a short time later near the residence. Deputies say according to the witnesses, they believe Davidson and Mulkey were engaged in an argument when Mulkey was stabbed multiple times with a knife.
According to authorities, Davidson will only be eligible for parole after he serves the mandatory 85 percent of his sentence.
CU cops arrest man on firearms charge
CLEMSON — Clemson University police arrested a man Thursday for having a gun in his truck on campus.
William Michael Bryant, 21, of Georgetown was charged with possession of a firearm on university property.
He is a sophomore history major at the university.
A parking enforcement officer reported a handgun between the front seat and console of Bryant’s pickup truck while the truck was being towed from an improper parking space on the west side of the R.M. Cooper Library.
He was released on a $5,000 personal recognizance bond.
Conflicts between town of Norris and local business owners heat up
NORRIS — A dispute between the town of Norris and a business owner has escalated into a heated debate between the two parties, with the town threatening to not renew the business’ license.
According to legal documents presented to Daniel Adams and Sharon Peery, owners of Sharon’s Place, a produce market in the town, from town attorney Stephen Alexander, the owners were accused of being in violation of the Code of Ordinances for the Town of Norris, Pickens County Building Codes and DHEC regulations.
Alexander’s letter, dated August 23, said that there had been numerous complaints about the condition of the property, which sits near the railroad overpass bridge on S.C. 93 on the east end of town at 138 N. Norris Drive.
The letter said that complaints included a sewage smell, a rat infestation, blocking the view of vehicles trying to pull off Winding Creek Road onto S.C. 93 and the overall unsightly, unsanitary and unsafe conditions of the property.
Alexander cited Ordinance 8-202, which says all premises within the town shall at all times be kept in a sanitary condition.
The letter stated that a concern was the business owners had a recreational vehicle (RV) on the property that was being used as a permanent residence that was causing a smell of sewage.
The letter also alleged that the power supply used on the RV was spliced and in violation of Pickens County building codes.
The letter also stated the business owners had the address of the business listed with Registrations and Election Commission as their permanent residence.
Alexander also said that the debris, garbage and other materials on the property were creating conditions affording food or harborage for rats in violation of ordinance 8-202.
The letter demanded the owners of the business move everything off the property with exception of the original produce stand and either a carport or another enclosed building on the site.
The letter went on to inform the business owners that if they did not comply, employees of the town or agents would enter the property and remove the nuisances and the cost would be liable to the owners.
Upon receipt of the letter, Adams and Peery turned the matter over to their attorneys at Cannon and Cannon of Clemson. A letter was sent to the town on September 9 with responses to the town’s requests.
In the letter from Cannon and Cannon, issues raised by the town were addressed one by one.
First was the allegation of unsanitary conditions. The letter said that the business owners had no damp or low places or materials that may hold water and no rank vegetation on the property. The owners also added that there was no garbage on the site and enclosed a letter from Upstate Sanitation showing that all garbage was removed weekly from the business and that the company never encountered an infestation problem on the site. The attorneys also included a letter from lawn maintenance personnel reiterating the information.
The second thing to be addressed by the business owners were the allegations of smell and sewage. According to the reply, the business owners and the property owner had the property inspected by a septic tank service and were told no smells could be noticed and there were no leaks of any kind. The septic tank company, Johnson Septic Tank Company, also provided a letter, which was enclosed, stating there were no odors and the tank was in good condition and was of sufficient size for the building and the RV.
The letter then addressed the alleged violations of Pickens County Electrical Codes. According to the attorneys, the owners had Jason Trotter, codes enforcement officer for Pickens County, inspect the property and found no violations and no safety issues. The letter also included a letter from Trotter detailing his results.
The attorneys for the business owners then addressed the RV being on the property and said that they could not find an ordinance in the town that prohibits having an RV on business property and also included a letter from a local property owner stating that the business owners rented a residence from them and did not live in the RV. According to the response, the owners only stay at the RV at night to prevent theft and vandalism at the business.
The letter also stated that that the owners had to adhere to inspection by the South Carolina Department of Agriculture and had never been cited with violations, which would include the infestation of rats.
Finally, the response letter addressed the alleged violation of the line of sight for Winding Creek Road and S.C. 93. The letter states that the business owners asked Steven Henderson, resident maintenance engineer for the South Carolina Department of Transportation, to look at the property on August 25. The attorneys for the business owners also enclosed a letter from Henderson saying the intersection was clear, the line of sight was good and there were no encroachments in the right of way.
On November 18, Cannon and Cannon received response from the town stating that in an effort to resolve the matter regarding pending citations against the business owners, the town of Norris would agree to dismiss the cases if the business owners would agree to remove the RV on the property immediately and permanently and move the buildings on the property from their current location to be placed in line with the original structure on the property. The town also asked the business owners to remove one of the carports. The letter also asked that the owners not allow parking on the DOT right of way and to have the property owner agree to a contract as the landowner that all present and future tenants will comply to the conditions as listed in regards to any building on the property.
The letter from Alexander also stated that Norris Town Council had voted in a regular meeting on November 8 not to renew/issue a business license for Sharon’s Place and on the businesses on the property for 2011 until the matter is resolved.
Adams and Peery were also informed that the city’s judge has requested a jury trial as soon as possible. The letter says that the trial would be held on either December 20 or 29 and asked which dates the business owners would be available if the matter was not resolved.
According to Alexander, the trial has been set for January 12, 2011, at Norris Town Hall. Jury selection is set to begin at 9 a.m. with pre-trial motions and the jury trial to immediately follow.
“According to the letter they want us to remove certain items from the property that we use every day in the course of doing business,” Peery said. “We have an RV parked on the property that is used so that we can provide security for our business.”
“They are ‘requesting’ that we remove the carports,” she said. “The carports are used to protect the products that we sell to you the community to keep everything as fresh as possible. If they are removed, our produce will be baking in the hot summer sun and freezing in the cold winter winds. According to the letter, if I do not do what they want then I will not be getting my license back in January.
“With this being said, I feel like town hall — not the community — is trying to close me down. They have at their disposal our revenue money to fight us with, while I am depending on how much I can sell to pay for my lawyer. Something surely seems wrong with that picture.”
Efforts to reach Norris Mayor Odell Williams for comments were referred to Alexander, the town attorney. When reached, Alexander declined comment, citing ongoing litigation as the cause.
Sunday benefit set to help Osteen
Musicians playing say they “owe it all” to banjo teacher
PICKENS — Many of the bluegrass musicians playing in the benefit for banjo player and teacher Al Osteen say that Osteen had an immeasurable impact on their musical careers.
An all-star cast of bluegrass musicians will put on a concert this Sunday, Dec. 19, at Pickens High School to benefit Osteen, a world-famous banjo player and Young Appalachian Musicians teacher who is suffering from an aggressive form of cancer.
All proceeds from the concert and silent auction will go toward Osteen’s medical bills. Admission is $20 to the concert event, which will take place from noon to 8 p.m. at Pickens High School Auditorium. Children 12 and under will be able to enter for free. For tickets and information, call Betty McDaniel at (864) 878-4257 or visit https://sites.google.com/site/alosteenbenefit.
“Without Al’s influence, I doubt that I would have become a professional musician,” said Kristin Scott Benson, International Bluegrass Music Association three-time banjo player of the year, who is playing in the benefit. “His impact, personally and musically, is immeasurable.”
Charles Wood, also playing in Sunday’s line-up, is one of the world’s best banjo players.
“Al is not only my biggest musical influence, but one of the most influential people in my life overall,” said Wood. “He was one of the first and few highly accomplished Scruggs style five-string banjo players anywhere and learned to play in an era when there were no banjo teachers or instructional material. Al is a much more accomplished musician than and highly spoken of by many legendary players I have met.”
Isaac Ferrell, one of Osteen’s Young Appalachian Musicians students, was a recent junior banjo winner at the Galax and Union Grove bluegrass festivals.
“If it wasn’t for Al, I probably would not be playing the banjo,” Ferrell said. “Al took time with me; he never got frustrated when I needed help.”
Osteen has performed with some of the biggest acts in bluegrass music, including Jim and Jessie and Charlie Moore. He is also well known in Upstate South Carolina for his role as a teacher with the Young Appalachian Musicians (YAM) program, which teaches traditional bluegrass music to third- through eighth-grade students using local instructors.
In addition to the concert, a silent auction to benefit Osteen will feature many items, including a 175th anniversary edition Martin guitar, which can be viewed on the web site https://sites.google.com/site/alosteenbenefit. In addition, a 1931 Vega Whyte Laydie banjo is being raffled off on December 19. Raffle tickets are $10 each. Interested persons can call Betty McDaniel at (864) 878-4257 to sign up for the raffle ahead of time.
Concessions will be available at the concert, and performing artists and others will hold workshops and jam sessions throughout the day, all for the $20 ticket price.
Artists scheduled to appear at the benefit concert include Grand Ole Opry star Jesse McReynolds and 2010 Dove Award winners The Little Roy and Lizzy Show. A host of other artists are scheduled to appear, including Sweet Potato Pie Kids, a performing group of Young Appalachian Musicians, and Jack Lawrence, Tony Williamson, Larry Perkins, Curtis Burch, Leroy Savage, Craig Smith, Scott Huffman, Jeff Foxall, Curtis Blackwell, Randall Collins, Larry Jefferson, Northern Border, Roger Bellow, Dave Snyder, Tim Gardner, David Blackmon, Rickey Rakestraw, Jim Iler and Gerald Smith.
SWU celebrates more than 400 graduates
CENTRAL — Family members and friends joined Southern Wesleyan University faculty and staff in applauding the university’s winter graduates on Dec. 9 and 11.
The graduation ceremonies were held at Southern Wesleyan University’s campus in Central. Students graduating from the university’s traditional program participated in the ceremony on Thursday, Dec. 9, at 3 p.m.
The speaker for the Dec. 9 graduation ceremony was Dr. Colleen Keith, president of Spartanburg Methodist College since July of 2009. Keith is a native of upstate New York, with more than 20 years of experience in higher education. A cancer survivor, Keith encouraged the graduates not to be afraid when life is difficult.
“We can become frozen by fear,” she said. “Find the courage to face your fears and work like heck to overcome them.”
Prior to coming to SMC, Keith served as executive director of development at Ohio University in Athens, Ohio.
She holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from State University of New York in Binghamton, a master’s degree in education from the University of Pittsburgh and a Doctor of Philosophy in Higher Education Administration and Student Affairs from The Ohio State University.
Keith urged the graduates to be persistent, never compromise their values and to take their time when they are faced with big decisions.
“Falling down does not signify failure, but staying down will,” she said. “Go forth, enjoy the life that you’re about to build for yourself.”
The Dec. 11 morning and afternoon ceremonies featured Dr. Phillip Baldwin, pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church and founder of Bethlehem Christian Academy in Simpsonville, S.C.
There were two separate graduation ceremonies on Saturday, Dec. 11, for students graduating from the university’s Adult and Graduate Studies programs. The 10 a.m. ceremony on Dec. 11 was for students earning associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees from the Central, Greenville, Greenwood and Spartanburg locations.
The 3 p.m. ceremony on Dec. 11 was for students earning associate degrees, bachelor’s degrees and master’s degrees from the Columbia, Charleston and North Augusta locations.
Baldwin credited God for the achievements of the graduates and said they should keep their focus on God’s plan for their lives.
“You are here today because of the unfailing grace of God,” Baldwin said. “I urge you to follow your passion and purpose.”
Baldwin is a native of Pittsboro, N.C., and is the eighth of nine children. He earned a bachelor’s degree in industrial technology from North Carolina A and T State University in Greensboro, N.C. Baldwin received his master of divinity degree from Erskine Theological Seminary in Due West, S.C. He earned his doctorate of ministry degree at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Ky.
In 1993, Baldwin was called to serve as pastor of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Simpsonville. Bethlehem Baptist Church now has two worship services, more than 40 ministries, an after-school program, summer camp and a Christian academy.
“There is no greater fulfillment in life than knowing you’re doing what God created you to do,” Baldwin told the graduates. “Keep your hand in God’s unchanging hand.”
The December 2010 Graduation Exercises of Southern Wesleyan University were held in Newton Hobson Chapel and Fine Arts Center on the Southern Wesleyan University campus in Central, S.C.
The university conferred approximately 425 degrees, according to Registrar Rock McCaskill. For additional photos and graduation details, go to www.swu.edu.
Southern Wesleyan University prepares students for leadership and graduate study in such fields as religion, education, music, business, medicine, law and a variety of civic and social service professions. Southern Wesleyan offers 41 degree programs in the areas of business, education and ministry. The university’s main campus is in Central and there are regional learning centers across South Carolina, in locations such as Greenville, Columbia, Charleston and North Augusta. Classes are also offered in Spartanburg and Greenwood.
