Easley philanthropist and successful entrepreneur Ellenbug passes away

RALPH MCCLELLAN ELLENBURG SR.

EASLEY — Ralph McClellan Ellenburg Sr., 97, passed away surrounded by family on Nov. 29, 2019.

He was born Feb. 2, 1922, to Ernest McClellan Ellenburg and Lillie Stewart Ellenburg. Ralph was married to Helen Patterson of Pickens for 70 years.

Ralph was a philanthropist and successful entrepreneur having started and operated several businesses in the community. In his early 20s, he owned and operated Easley Ice Cream Parlor, Ellenburg Jewelry and Ellenburg Amusement Company. He owned and operated Tri-City Lanes Bowling Center, but his crowning achievement was Ellenburg Asphalt Company. His company resurfaced Charlotte Motor Speedway. Ralph developed a method still used today for paving the high banks of a racetrack. Ralph was paving the roadways and building the railroad spur for a manufacturing park development outside Selma, Ala., when Dr. King’s Freedom March passed his jobsite. Preceding the years before retirement, Ralph partnered in real estate development along the South Carolina coast and started the family rental business in Easley.

Ralph encouraged businesses to locate in Easley and supported new entrepreneurs with his advice and, more often than not, financially as well. He was dedicated to his community. He was a tireless supporter of and advocate for the Rocky Bottom Camp of the Blind, serving as president of their advisory board and not only leading their fundraising campaigns for many years, but also could be seen working there regularly with his front-end loader or backhoe or fixing an appliance. He co-founded and served on the board of trustees of Community Bank, was president of the Easley Jaycees and held numerous other leadership positions in the community. Ralph was a lifelong member of Easley First Baptist Church. He spearheaded the fundraising to build Easley Baptist Hospital. He donated the stadium sound system for Easley High School and did play-by-play announcements for their AA football team. He loved his hometown and assisted his brother, Mayor Charles Ellenburg, in revitalizing downtown Easley and building Old Market Square.

Ralph had an ability to fix almost anything and enjoyed working in his shop in the evenings and on the weekends. He was known to his family and friends as “the fix-it man” and lovingly and respectfully called “Mr. E.” He enjoyed many years of horsemanship on his Cedar Rail Ranch, and also enjoyed traveling with his wife, Helen, and his grandchildren in his motor home throughout the U.S. (including Alaska), Canada and Mexico.

Ralph was predeceased by brothers Will Earl, Roy, Charles, Jack, Jimmie, Lafoy and Sherwood; sister, Mary Lou; wife, Helen; and daughter, Hollace Kay Hamid.

Surviving are his children, Ralph McClellan Ellenburg Jr. of Easley and daughters Heller Gwen Ellenburg of Liberty and Heather Marie McConnell of Black Mountain, N.C.; and his grandchildren, Tariq Gibran Hamid, Tara (T.K.) Redick, Jennifer Welborn, Tyson McConnell and Regina Logan. Ralph also leaves behind nine great-grandchildren and four great-great grandchildren. A memorial service to celebrate his life was held on Dec. 7 at Easley First Baptist Church, with committal at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Rocky Bottom Retreat and Conference Center of the Blind at 119 S. Kilbourne Road, Columbia, SC 29205.

Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens is assisting the Ellenburg family in making arrangements.

REBA ESTES HILL

EASLEY — Reba Estes Hill, beloved widow of the late Benjamin Knight Hill, died on Nov. 16, 2019, in Manassas, Va., at the age of 100 years.

She was born in Haralson County, Ga., the daughter of the late James Edwin and Hettie Holland Estes.

Some of Mrs. Hill’s working history includes employment by Wachovia Bank and Trust Co. in Charlotte, N.C. and employment by South Carolina National Bank in Greenville.

Mrs. Hill and her family were members of Easley United Methodist Church in Easley, where she was a member of the Wesley Sunday School Class. Mrs. Hill gave freely of herself and taught in the childrens’ and youth departments. She sang in the Chancel Choir for many years. She also served on the Council of Ministries.

She graciously served as a volunteer for Meals on Wheels and worked in the Free Medical Clinic in Easley.

Left to honor and remember this loving woman are her three daughters, Ramona McLeland (Bruce), Susan Hill