IDA MARTHA FINLEY CANTRELL

CUMMING, GA — Ida Martha Finley Cantrell went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus, on May 5, 2021, at the age of 83.

Martha was born to Willie Mae Benjamin Finley and Ernest Edward Finley on Aug. 3, 1937, in Pickens.

As a child, she played the drums in the marching band and helped her father in their family-owned grocery store alongside her sister, Francis, and brother, Ernest Jr.

Upon graduating high school, Martha moved to Atlanta to pursue a career as a registered nurse. She attended Crawford W. Long Nursing School in Atlanta, then went on to work as a registered nurse in pediatrics then spent most of her years at Saint Joseph’s Hospital. She cared for Dr Martin Luther King Jr at the downtown location, which was Saint Joseph’s Infirmary at the time. She served there faithfully 33 years and retired as the director of the Post Anesthesia Care Unit and Pain Center. She was treasured by all the staff she mentored.

Martha married her love, William Horace Cantrell of Six Mile on July 3, 1964, and went on to have two daughters, Catherine Elaine Cantrell Eubanks (Robby) and Martha Elizabeth Cantrell Keyton (Dave).

In addition to being a dedicated and loving mother, her passion was being Mamie to Katie and Kevin and Nana to Jarrett and Jenna, whom she lavished with her love and caring spirit. She also enjoyed getting out and walking in her neighborhood. Throughout her life, she held an unwavering faith in her Lord, which she shared His love to those who surrounded her.

Martha joins Horace, as well as her father, mother and sisters in Heaven. She is survived by her daughters and their husbands Cathy, Robby, Liz and Dave, loving grandchildren Martha Kate (Katie), Kenneth Jarrett, Kevin Robert and Jenna Mae, as well as a brother and wife, Ernest Finley Jr and Karen, nieces and nephews, sister-in-laws Wilma Burkett, Linda Schreck, Margaret Brown, Iona Dodson and Jaen Cantrell and a brother-in-law Dalton Schreck.

She was loved by all who had the privilege of knowing her.

ANDREW JOSEPH MCCALL

WEST UNION — Andrew Joseph McCall died suddenly Dec. 18, 2020, at his home in West Union.

He is survived by his wife, Carlene McCall, who resides at Waterstone on Augusta in Greenville; his two children, Gretta (Richard Lynch) and Blake (Angela) McCall; grandchildren, Claira McCall-Lynch and Daniel McCall; and a sister, Betty Louise Glass.

Joe had a passion for the wilderness and backpacking that led to many long friendships and adventures, both locally and across the country.

His loving friends and family remember him as full of intelligence, humor and spirit. He had a deep knowledge of the mountains of South and North Carolina and led his friends and family on many memorable hiking, backpacking and canoeing trips over the past 50 years. He was a courageous and determined man who had a passion for many things, including music, running, gardening and family. Joe’s unwavering Christian faith and philanthropic heart led to a lifetime of charitable giving and service. He was an excellent conversationalist, and above all else he loved to have fun and get the most out of life. Joe will be dearly missed.

Joe was born Jan. 7, 1944, in Greenville to the late Betty Knox McCall and Andrew Joseph McCall and grew up in Easley. Joe was drafted into the U.S. Army, and after service in Vietnam used the GI bill to earn his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina.

While in Columbia, Joe met Carlene in 1970. Joe described Carlene as the love of his life, and they enjoyed 50 years of their lives together. Their loving and close marriage was an inspiration to all who knew them.

Joe was an entrepreneur and worked as a Certified Public Accountant in a practice he built located in Seneca. He worked at this practice with his son, Blake.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 22, from 1-4 p.m. at Gretta and Richard’s home. The address is 205 Tindal Av., Greenville, SC 29605. Friends and family who wish to honor his memory may make a donation to Upstate Forever at upstateforever.org.

MILDRED GENELL MULL

EASLEY — Mildred Genell Mull, 78, wife of the late J.C. Mull, passed away on Saturday, May 15, 2021.

Mrs. Mull was the daughter of the late Gracie Leona Stancell and William Jackson Morgan.

Survivors include two daughters, Robin Floyd and Jill Newman of Sunset; one son, Brian K. Stewart (Lisa) of Sunset; one sister, Audrey Fisher of Sunset; four grandchildren, Brandon Newman (Brook) of Sunset, Portia Smith (Nick) of Sunset, Blythe Seeton of Sunset and Brett Floyd (Makayla) of Pickens; and four great-grandchildren, Emma Seeton, Hayes Smith, Landry Smith and Rhett Newman.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 19, at the Red Hill Baptist Church cemetery.

A meal will be provided by the family for guests following the service in the church fellowship building.

A special thanks to nurses Melissa Hearan and Patrick Fogarty and the staff of Hospice of the Upstate Anderson.

Mrs. Mull was predeceased by her husband, parents and two brothers, Freddy and Jerry Morgan.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Mull family.

 

ARA SUE HONAKER BAGWELL

EASLEY — Mrs. Ara Sue Honaker Bagwell, 84, loving wife of Albert L. “Al” Bagwell, passed away on Sunday, May 16, 2021, at her residence.

Mrs. Bagwell was born in Pickens County on Sept. 15, 1936, to the late Luther and Lida Morgan Honaker. A loving wife, mother and grandmother, her mothering nature was known throughout the community and impacted everyone she ever met. She loved gardening, flowers and living life in general. Besides her children and family, she loved to travel, and her many trips to Harrah’s Casino, where she enjoyed playing the slot machines, became one of the many highlights of her life. Mrs. Bagwell was a member of Easley First Pentecostal Holiness Church.

In addition to her loving husband, Mrs. Bagwell is survived by four children, Steve Bagwell (Gwen) of Easley, Richard Bagwell (Donna) of Simpsonville, Barbara Cantrell (Michael) of Seneca and Mitchell Bagwell (April) of Easley; her six grandchildren, Andy Bagwell (Amber), Angela Walts, Alyssa Bagwell, Christina Del Cotto (Ryan), Brent Bagwell and Brittney Merck; a sister, Mary Lou Keasler (Carlisle) of Sunset; a brother, Troy Honaker; and numerous great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Bagwell was preceded in death by a son, Tim Bagwell; a grandson, Justin Boatwright; and two brothers, Clem Honaker and L.C. Honaker.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 19, in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, with interment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 10-10:45 a.m. on Wednesday, prior to the service, at Dillard Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association of America at alz.org/donate.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

CHARLIE PILGRIM

PICKENS — Charles “Charlie” Edward Pilgrim, 82, husband of Beulah M. Pilgrim for 64 years, passed peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on Friday, May 14, 2021.

He was the son of the late Hoyt and Leona Pilgrim.

Mr. Pilgrim retired from Ryobi after working for 38 years. After retirement, he enjoyed cutting grass, working on lawnmowers and spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His favorite pastime and love was watching his Clemson Tigers play football, whether he was at the field or at home. Go Tigers!

Mr. Pilgrim was a member of Concord Baptist Church and loved his church family. He especially loved giving out Tootsie Rolls to all the kids. The kids called him the “Tootsie Roll Man.” Mr. Pilgrim also enjoyed going on trips with the Young at Heart.

Survivors, in addition to his wife, are daughters, Wanda (Guy) Roberts and Tracy (Richard) Bishop; grandchildren, Charity (Jeff) Cantrell, Brittany (Nathan) Trotter, Hailey (Brian) Sisk, A.J. (Carrie) Taylor, Spencer Taylor and Ashlyn “Ashley” Taylor and fiancé Logan Cartee; his great-grandchildren, Zack Cantrell, Kennedy Cantrell, Peyton Sisk, Averie Sisk and Wade Trotter; his sister, Sara (Bob) Chasteen; his sisters-in-law, Flonnie Gray and Mary Jane Pilgrim; as well as his brother-in-law, Willie (Tia) Marcus.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Leon Pilgrim and Carol Dean Pilgrim; and a sister, Velma Bolding; as well as his sisters-in-law, Evelyn Cash and Gladys Smith.

Funeral services to honor the life of Charlie Pilgrim were conducted on May 18 at Concord Baptist Church by Pastor Guy Roberts. A graveside service was held at Hillcrest Memorial Park following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to honor Mr. Pilgrim’s life may be made to Concord Baptist Church, 723 Concord Church Road, Pickens SC, 29671.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Prisma Health and Hospice of the Foothills for the exceptional care Mr. Pilgrim received.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

 

WILLIAM THOMAS GATES

 

SENECA — William Thomas Gates passed away on Monday, May 10, 2021.

Bill was a devoted husband, father, friend and mentor. He was an avid fly fisherman and lover of the outdoors. He loved traveling, listening to music with a nice glass of wine and grilling on college game days.

He was predeceased by his loving wife of 51 years, Ruthanne Gates; mother, Louise Beason Gates; and father, William Horace Gates. He is survived by his children, Bryan and Caryn Gates; sister, Carol Gates; and his beloved dogs, Jake and Atheana.

Bill served in the United States Marine Corps, achieving the distinction of captain while serving in field and staff positions in various parts of the world, including Hawaii, Japan, and Washington, D.C. As he returned to civilian life, he began a career in logistics and earned a post-graduate degree for MS Logistics Systems Management in 1984.

In addition to being an exceptional business leader, he was a lifelong learner and enjoyed mentoring others to higher achievement levels. He was revered by many in the third-party logistics industry and considered one of the leading authorities in warehousing. Bill was recognized in the 3PL discipline as the CEO of Standard Corporation, a Columbia-based company he led to national prominence before being acquired by UTiW. He retired from UTi Worldwide in 2011, and in 2013 became chairman of the board for Sunland Logistics Solutions.

Bill often appeared as a guest lecturer and speaker for numerous universities and professional associations. He served as a board member and president of the Warehousing Education Research Council. He also served as a president for the local Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals Roundtable.

His authenticity, compassion and ability to inspire others earned Bill the deep admiration from many who had the opportunity to work with him. His management approach is reflected in his favorite leadership quote from former U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson, “If you have integrity, nothing else matters. If you don’t have integrity, nothing else matters.”

Funeral services for Bill will be held on Saturday, May 22, 2021, at 2 p.m. at Utica Baptist Church.

A celebration of life will immediately follow at the Madren Conference Center.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bill’s honor to All 4 Paws Animal Rescue, 708 Petigru Drive Pawley’s Island, SC 29585.

 

ELLEN BARNES MCCALL

CENTRAL — Ellen Barnes McCall, 72, wife of 54 years to James R. McCall, passed away on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at Easley Baptist Hospital.

Ellen is survived by her husband, James; daughters, Julia Mealor (Jimmy) of Liberty and Rebecca Weemes (Larry) of Seneca; five grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and brothers, Ervin Barnes, Stanley Barnes (Joann) and Dickie Barnes (Mary).

Mrs. McCall was predeceased by her parents, Radford Conley Barnes and Susie Iola Heaton Barnes; a son, James Ray McCall Jr.; grandchildren, Arie McCall, Summer Mealor, Julia Mealor and Jimmy Mealor Jr.; brothers, JC Barnes, Winford Barnes, Connelly Barnes and Harry Barnes; and sisters, Mary Weaver and Juanita Hendricks.

Funeral services for Ellen were held on May 14 at Central Church of God. Burial followed at Clemson Memory Gardens.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the McCall family.

 

BETTY JO GALLOWAY

PICKENS — Betty Jo Stephens Galloway, 92, died on Tuesday, May 11, 2021, at Cottingham Hospice House.

Born in Greenville, she was a daughter of the late Bessie Irene Stephens.

She was a member of Gap Hill Baptist Church, where she was the last surviving charter member, and retired from Cornell Dubilier.

Surviving are two sons, Joel D. Galloway (Leworline) and Terry D. Galloway (Karen), all of Pickens; two daughters, Patsy Barker (Tommy) of Pickens and Jane Broderick (Len) of Easley; seven grandchildren, Kim Valentin (David), Tina Elrod (Rusty), Chad Galloway, Tracey Lance (Brad), Lisa Barker, David Galloway and Courtney Bryant (Matthew); and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Galloway were conducted on May 15 at Gap Hill Baptist Church. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Gap Hill Baptist Church, Senior Citizens Group, 733 Kelly Mill Road, Six Mile SC 29682.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

MARK ‘YANK’ CUTHBERTSON

PICKENS — Mark “Yank” Cuthbertson, 54, son of the late John Cuthbertson and Mary June Mas, passed away on Sunday, May 9, 2021, at AnMed Hospital in Anderson.

Mark is survived by his brother, Jon Cuthbertson (Karen) of Pickens; nephews, Josh Cuthbertson and Jake Cuthbertson (Hayley); nieces, Alayna Brown, Jaimee Ferland and Stephanie Drew; great-nieces, Aubrey Cuthbertson and Jaycee Cuthbertson; and special friends, Serena Lambert, Kathy Davis and the Ray family.

Mr. Cuthbertson was predeceased by his parents; a brother, Bryan “Cuffy” Cuthbertson; a nephew, Bryan Keith Cuthbertson; and a grandmother, Mary R. Brooks.

The family received friends on May 14 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Cuthbertson family.

 

ELAINE LESLEY

LIBERTY — Margaret Elaine “Susie” Lesley, 72, passed away on Monday, May 10, 2021, in Greenville.

Known as “Susie” to close friends and family, Elaine was a daughter of the late Leroy and Willie Grace Lesley of Liberty.

She is survived by a sister, Alta Lesley Wilcox of Liberty; nieces, Heidi (Bobby) Ravenscraft of Pickens and Melissa (Rami) Michael of Simpsonville; great-nieces, Lesley Ann Ravenscraft, Claire Ravenscraft and Lydia Michael; as well as great-nephew Paul Michael.

Aside from her family and her faith, Elaine was most proud of her years as a public school educator at R.C. Edwards Middle School and Daniel High School. A lifelong English teacher, she helped countless students grow as readers and writers, even after her retirement.

She was a lifetime member of Golden Grove Wesleyan Church.

Funeral services to celebrate her life were conducted on May 14 at Golden Grove Wesleyan Church. Burial followed in the churchyard.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Daniel Foundation, 140 Blue & Gold Boulevard, Central, SC 29630 or Golden Grove Wesleyan Church, 7997 Moorefield Memorial Highway, Liberty SC 29657.

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.