Daily Archives: 02/18/2025
Seniors going back to work?
A small recent survey revealed that 51 percent of the retired senior respondents are considering going back to work, also known as “unretiring.” The reason, of course, won’t be a great surprise: They need to 
go back to work because the cost of everything is going up. The amount of money they’re trying to earn is $500 per month on average.
To be considered before you rush into unretirement:
— If you’re collecting Social Security and are under full retirement age, your benefit amount might be reduced while
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Create your own Veterans Legacy Memorial page
The Department of Veterans Affairs has just expanded the use of the Veterans Legacy Memorial (VLM) — the online digital platform dedicated to the memory of veterans who have passed away. Until now, a 
page for a veteran was created, usually by family, after that veteran died. Now the new feature — “Your Story, Your Legacy” — means that living veterans can create their own
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Courier Obituaries 2-19-25
WILLIAM ‘BILL’ C. FORTNER JR.
EASLEY — William “Bill” C. Fortner Jr. of Easley, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, with his wife Norma by his side.
Born in Greenville, on March 8, 1951, Bill was the son of the late Carl “Skeet” and Florence “Tick” Fortner, who supported him throughout his Little League games, Boy Scouts, school sports and various activities. He was a proud member of Landmark Baptist Church.
A proud 1969 graduate of Easley High School, Bill was especially honored to have been part of the state champion football team. He was a proud Air Force veteran. Following his service in the Air Force, Bill worked for AT&T for more than 40 years, from which he later retired.
Bill was also one of Clemson’s most devoted fans. He loved BBQ, camping, fishing, attending bluegrass festivals and taking care of his wife, Norma. Bill preferred watching war movies, documentaries and shows like “Mountain Men,” “Barnwood Builders,” “Building Off the Grid” and anything related to fishing.
A die-hard Southern rock fan, Bill had a special fondness for the Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd. However, his love for music deepened when he discovered bluegrass, particularly the music of Tony Rice.
He enjoyed a good cup of coffee or a Coke Zero and had an immense love for Breyers chocolate ice cream — he probably ate enough to feed all of Pickens County!
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Norma Brooks Fortner; four sons, Ben Fortner (Stacey) and Scott Fortner (Lynn), Justin Chappell (Cassie) and Devin Chappell (Rebecca); one daughter, Amber Sheriff (Brian); grandchildren, William Fortner, Mia Fortner, Jackson Chappell, Nellie Ray Chappell, Lynlee Marie Chappell, Mason Sheriff and Sawyer Sheriff; and one sister, Cathy Pittman (Don).
Funeral services were conducted Feb. 16 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home.
In honor of Bill, those who were in attendance were encouraged to wear Clemson colors.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
CLEONE BREAZEALE HAYES
PICKENS — Cleone Breazeale Hayes, 92, of Pickens, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.
Ms. Hayes was born in Pickens, on Jan. 28, 1933, to the late William
The continuing importance of Black History Month
No one has played a greater role in helping all Americans know the black past than Carter G. Woodson, the individual who created Negro History Week in Washington, D.C., in February 1926. Woodson was 
the second black American to receive a PhD in history from Harvard—following W.E.B. Du Bois by a few years. To Woodson, the black experience was too important simply to be left to a small group of academics. Woodson believed that his role was to use black history and culture as a weapon in the struggle for racial uplift. By 1916, Woodson had moved to DC and established the “Association for the Study of Negro Life and Culture,” an organization whose goal was to
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KidsFest and YAMs coming to Hagood Mill on March 15
PICKENS — KidsFest is coming to Hagood Mill Historic Site on Saturday, March 15.
The event, held in partnership with the Young Appalachian Musicians (YAMs), is a family-friendly 
event featuring performances from local YAMs students, a traditional talent show and interactive games and activities.
Attendees can enjoy hands-on experiences like Paint the
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The Willows of Easley lauded in recent survey
EASLEY — The Willows of Easley recently announced its achievement of an outstanding overall 
resident satisfaction score in the most recent resident survey conducted toward the end of 2024.
The recognition highlights The Willows of Easley’s commitment to
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Courier Community Calendar 2-19-25
• SMEC set to host annual oyster roast
St. Michael’s Episcopal Church will host its annual oyster roast from 2-5 p.m. Saturday, March 8, at 1200 Powdersville Road in Easley.
Proceeds from the event benefit multiple charitable organizations in Pickens County. Attendees will be able to enjoy all-you-can-eat oysters, Brunswick stew, sides, and beverages (photo ID required). If oysters aren’t your favorite, the event offers many additional food options. Tickets are $45 for adults, $10 for children 6-11, and free for children 5 and under. Rain or shine, oyster-shucking takes place outdoors, so attendees should dress accordingly. Please also bring personal oyster knives and gloves.Tickets are available for purchase by mail or at the church office, and order forms are available at
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Courier Classifieds 2-19-25
Announcements
Help Wanted
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ADVERTISE YOUR DRIVER JOBS in 99 S.C. newspapers for only $375. Your 25-word classified ad will reach more than 2.1 million readers. Call Alanna Ritchie at the S.C. Newspaper Network, 1-888-727-7377. SW
Courier Trespass Notices 2-19-25
In the state of South Carolina, trespass after notice is a misdemeanor criminal offense prohibited by section 16-11-620 for the South Carolina Code.
Those who enter upon the lands of others without the permission of the owner or manager shall be deemed guilty of misdemeanor trespassing. All persons are hereby notified and warned not to hunt, fish, cut timber or trespass in any manner whatsoever upon the lands of the undersigned:
Ronald Russell Mar. 2025
Betty L. Haynes Mar. 2025
