DAVID MICHAEL HOLMES

LIBERTY — David Michael Holmes, 35, husband of Kelly Nimmons Holmes, passed away on Monday, May 23, 2022, at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Holmes was born in Hahn, Germany, on April 29, 1987, to Charles William Holmes and Shelia Kaye Turner. David loved cooking, listening to music, being around his friends and going on adventures at the park with his son, Artemis.

Survivors include his wife, Kelly Nimmons Holmes; his son, Artemis Holmes; his father, Charlie Holmes (Leann); mother, Shelia Turner (James); brother, Robert A. Holmes (Jenny); stepsisters, Jennifer Stapleton, Jennifer and Ashley Wood and Kristen Wood Shelton (Colby); maternal grandmother, Jo Sikes; father-in-law, Rocky Nimmons (Marty); sister-in-law, Katie Merritt (TJ); brother-in-law, Bru Nimmons (Jessica); grandmother-in-law, Karen Stone; his uncle, Josh Sikes; nieces, Tiffany Turner and Audrey Merritt; and nephew, Chase Anthony Holmes.

Mr. Holmes was predeceased by his maternal grandfather, Jack Sikes; and his paternal grandparents, Ervin Lee Holmes Sr. and Wilma Irene Holmes Wheeler.

A gathering of family and friends was held on May 27 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, with a memorial service following. Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Holmes family.

 

VIRGINIA DOANE GRANT

PICKENS — Mrs. Virginia Doane Grant, 90, passed away on Saturday, May 28, 2022.

She was born on Aug. 2, 1931, in Blountville, Tenn., and was the daughter of the late Sam Doane and Mahala Kidd Doane and loving wife of 68 years to the late Henry Ray Grant. She is the last remaining member of her immediate family.

Mrs. Grant enjoyed working crossword puzzles and being with her family. She enjoyed cooking and especially making a well-known pound cake recipe. Her boys loved mama’s chicken casserole and macaroni and tomato casserole. Mrs. Grant loved spending time with her husband and best friend, and he was the love of her life. She worked at Kent Manufacturing, but left to pursue a career as a beautician and worked in that profession for many years as the owner of her own salon. She later went to work for the School District of Pickens County, working in the food service program.

Surviving are two sons, Sammy (Sherry) and Blaine (Caroline) Grant, both of Easley; and four grandsons, Justin Grant (Shannon), Joshua Grant, Grayson Grant and Bolt Grant. Also surviving are two great-granddaughters, McKenzie Grant and Emma Layne Grant.

Mrs. Grant was predeceased by her husband, Henry Ray Grant; two nieces, Betty Lesley and Georgia Leigon; and a nephew, T.R. Morrison Jr.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, June 2, at 11:30 a.m. at Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with a visitation that same day starting at 10 a.m. at the funeral home. Burial will follow the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens. The Rev. Mark Krieger will be officiating. Pallbearers include Justin Grant, Joshua Grant, Grayson Grant, Bolt Grant, Dan Sharpe and David Harper.

Family is accepting of flowers. The family would like to take this time to thank the staff at Oakview Park for their wonderful care for mother. “We want you to know the appreciation that we have for your kindness and care.”

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Grant family.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

 

ROGER DALE FINLEY

EASLEY — Coach Roger Dale Finley, 64, passed away Sunday, May 29, 2022.

Born in Pickens County, he was a son of the late Bud Finley and the late Pat Coleman Finley. Coach Finley was a graduate of Pickens High School, North Greenville College and Erskine College, and he received his master’s degree from the Sports Academy in Alabama. He was a member of Easley First Baptist Church.

Coach Finley taught at both Palmetto High School and Easley High School. He was the head baseball coach at Palmetto High School from 1984 to 2000, where he led them to two 2A State championships, three 2A Upper State Championships, five 2A Upper State runner-ups, eight 2A district championships and 11 2A conference championships. Later, he accepted the head baseball coaching position with Easley High School, where he led them to two 4A Upper State runner-ups, three 4A district championships and one 4A conference championships. Coach Finley held the second highest winning percentage in S.C. history. Coach Finley led his teams to the playoffs each of his 28 seasons.

His many coaching accolades included 11 conference coach of the year awards, the Greenville News State Coach of the Year Award, the South Carolina Athletic Coaches Association Coach of the Year Award, North-South All Star Head Coach, S.C. vs. N.C. Select Team Head Coach, and induction into the Palmetto High School Hall of Fame, Easley High School Hall of Fame and SCHSL Palmetto’s Finest Record Book. He was recently inducted into the SC Coaches Hall of Fame. He loved the games and touched many lives. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Zane Masters Finley; his son, Sparky Masters Finley (Kaytie Donald Finley) of Moore; his brother, Mickey Finley (Glenda) of Pickens; and his two sisters, Tammy Trotter (Keith) of Six Mile and Dawn Finley of Easley.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 2, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with Rev. Dr. John Adams officiating.

The family will receive friends from 12-1:45 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home, prior to the service.

The family is at the home.

Flowers will be accepted, and memorials may be made in memory of Coach Finley to the Easley or Williamston Recreation Department baseball programs. Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.

 

LARRY GENE MOTE

EASLEY — Larry Gene Mote, 78, husband of 30 years to Judy Summerall Mote, passed away on May 28, 2022, at his home.

Larry attended Golden Creek Baptist Church and was an avid Clemson fan and New York Yankees fan.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; sons, Michael Mote (Linda) of Valley Grand, Ala., and Chris Mote of Piedmont; a daughter, Stephanie Kelley (Kevin) of Easley; grandchildren, Brittany Mote, Chelsey Mote, Savannah Mote, Abby Mote, Ashton Jacks, Kaylen Kelley and Jacob Mote; and great-grandchildren, Journey Palmer and Brecken Mote.

Larry was predeceased by his parents, Ralph Mote and Elizabeth Cleveland; and a son, Tracy Mote.

A memorial service was held on May 31 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens. Mountain View Funerals and Cremations – Pickens is serving the Mote family.

 

REV. KENNETH LYLE ALBRIGHT

PICKENS — Rev. Kenneth Lyle Albright, 77, loving husband of 56 years to Sharon Lea Albright, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, May 25, 2022, at his residence.

A native of North Manchester, Ind., Rev. Albright was born on Sept. 24, 1944, to the late Harry Jacob Albright and Grace Montel Albright. Rev. Albright served as a pastor for almost 50 years. He was passionate about his family and also loved motorcycles and ATVs. He loved taking walks in the mountains and he was loved by everyone who he came in contact with.

Survivors include his loving wife, Sharon Albright of the home; his children, Julie Bailey (Jon) of Frankfort, Ind., and Ben Albright (Keitha) of Pickens; grandchildren, Courtney DeLorea (Drew), Dakota Bailey, Skyler Albright and Shayna Albright; his brother, Leon Albright (Regina); and a brother-in-law, Gary Monagle (Kay).

In addition to his parents, Rev. Albright was predeceased by his infant sister, Virginia Albright.

Flowers will be accepted.

Visitation was held on May 30 at East Pickens Baptist Church, with funeral services following, officiated by Rev. Jamie Duncan. Burial took place following the service at Holly Springs Baptist Church.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Albright Family.

 

ESSIE ANDERSON LOOPER

PICKENS — Essie Anderson Looper, 92, loving wife of the late Eugene Looper, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, May 26, 2022, at Manna Health and Rehab.

A native of Pickens County, Mrs. Looper was born on June 21, 1929, to the late Joseph Rugless Anderson and Nancy Cornelia Reece Anderson. She was a lifelong member of Mountain Grove Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday school for many years. Mrs. Looper was a graduate of Greenville Technical College, earning her degree in secretary science. She worked for Pickens County for more than 20 years in various positions and retired at the age of 72 from the Easley Library. Mrs. Looper loved gardening, canning, sewing, quilting, working in her church and, most of all, she loved all of her family.

Survivors include her children, Cathy Hughes of Pickens and Nancy Smith (Bobby) of Pickens; her grandchildren, Eugene Hughes (Emilie), Samantha Langdale (Rick), Jacob Smith (Briana) and Jeana Howard (Justin); great-grandchildren, Chase Smith, Alexis Smith, Bentley Taylor, Olivia Howard, Conner Taylor, Jaxon Howard, Eliza Langdale and Paisley Smith; her brother, Oscar Anderson (Audra); numerous nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Laura Hinds.

In addition to her husband, Eugene Looper, Mrs. Looper was predeceased by her parents, seven brothers, one sister and a son-in-law, Sam Hughes.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made in Mrs. Looper’s honor to the St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, located at 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Receiving of family and friends was held on May 29 in the sanctuary of Mountain Grove Baptist Church, with graveside services following in the church cemetery.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Looper family.

 

ALMA C. RIGDON

PICKENS — Alma C. Rigdon, 94, passed away surrounded by her family in her home in the Pleasant Grove community on Friday, May 27, 2022.

Alma was born in Lynchburg, Va., on Nov. 21, 1927. She was a military spouse, homemaker, mother of six children and wife of 64 years. Alma enjoyed many shopping trips with her daughters and sister, Carolyn Brown of North Carolina. During her life in South Carolina, Alma made many trips with her children to Virginia to visit her predeceased sister, Bobbie Gooch, and predeceased mother, Myrtle Ruth Propst Raines (Furman Raines). Alma loved her special pets, making them a part of her family, including her little dog, Susie, and Tiger that passed away this past spring.

Survivors include her children, Alfreda Rigdon, Sonny Rigdon (Sarah), Lee Rigdon, Robert Rigdon (Cindy) and Evelyn Rigdon; her grandchildren, Michelle Rackley, Ken Winchester (Amanda), Christopher Rigdon (Tammy), Kimberley Rigdon, Corey Rigdon, Travis Wenzel (Samantha) and Jessie Rigdon; her great-grandchildren, Devin Rackley, Addison Rackley, Benson Rigdon and Bayley Winchester; and several nieces, nephews and other family members.

Mrs. Rigdon was predeceased by her husband, Alfred L. Rigdon Sr.; her parents, Robert Carriker and Myrtle Ruth Raines; three brothers, Gary Raines (Jackie), Larry Raines and Eddie Raines; and her beloved daughter, Sue Rigdon Winchester.

Memorial contributions can be made to Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Pickens, Landmark Baptist Church in Easley or Cedar Rock Baptist Church in Easley.

The family members are at their respective homes.

No formal services are scheduled at this time.

 

LILLIE MAE SMITH MASTERS

PUMPKINTOWN — Lillie Mae Smith Masters, 81, loving wife of 65 years to Olin D. Masters, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at her home.

A native of Oconee County, Mrs. Masters was born on Sept. 3, 1940, to the late James Harvey “Red” Smith and Janie Mae Johnson Smith. She was a member of Blue Ridge View Baptist Church. Mrs. Masters loved being with her grandchildren and taking care of her family and was always together with her husband.

In addition to her husband, Olin D. Masters of the home; Mrs. Masters is survived by her children, Ronnie Masters (Debra JC) of Pickens, Kathy Medlin of Pumpkintown, Marie Burgess (Donald) of Pumpkintown and Shelia Turner (Danny) of Easley; eight grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; two brothers, James Smith (Joan) and L.C. Smith (Arlene); and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Masters was predeceased by her parents; a brother, Robert Carl Smith; a sister, Sylvia Smith; a granddaughter, Courtney Mae Turner; and a grandson, John Gilstrap.

Flowers will be accepted.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 1, in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home from 12-2 p.m., with funeral services to follow. Burial will follow the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Masters family

 

THOMAS R. HOLDER

LIBERTY — Thomas R. “Digger” Holder, 77, of Griffin Circle, died on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at his residence. Born in Seneca, he was the husband of almost 56 years to Ann Powell Holder and a son of the late Joseph Calvin and Ola Mae Brown Holder.

Mr. Holder was a 1962 graduate of Liberty High School and played on the very first Red Devil baseball team. He served with the U.S. Army Reserve and worked for many years at Mayfair Mills in Pickens, where he was a supervisor. Later, he worked and retired from Electrolux. Tommy was an avid Clemson sports fan and followed his Tigers anywhere and everywhere. He also loved the New York Yankees. He enjoyed being outdoors fishing and hunting, especially rabbit hunting. Tommy loved his family and spending time with them, especially his grandchildren. He was a godly man and loved serving his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a longtime member of First Baptist Church of Norris, where he served as a deacon.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are a son, Mark Holder (Christy) of Liberty; a sister, Carolyn Nix of Liberty; two grandchildren, Abbigail and Joseph Holder, both of Liberty; his mother-in-law, Frances Powell of Norris; a very special sister-in-law, who was more like a daughter, Jane Yates (David) of Norris; four nieces, Samantha Nix, Zina Lee (Patrick), Hannah McIntire (Trent) and Lydia Yates; a nephew, Jason Powell; and several great-nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Lynn Turner; his father-in-law, Ernest “Cub” Powell; two brothers-in-law, Tommy Powell and Don Nix; and a nephew, Jeff Powell.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Holder will be on Wednesday, June 1, at 2 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Norris. Burial will be at Liberty Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends prior to the service on Wednesday from 12:30-1:45 p.m. at the church.

The family will be at the home.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Norris Building Fund, PO Box 130, Norris, SC 29667.

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

 

NANCY SMITH PACE

EASLEY — Nancy Smith Pace, 81, wife of Hugh D. Pace for 59 years, passed away on Saturday, May 28, 2022, at Manna Health and Rehab, in Pickens.

Nancy was born in Pickens County on Dec. 4, 1940, to the late Otis A. Smith and Gladys K. Smith.

Nancy was a member of Crossroads Baptist Church in Easley. Nancy loved her family very much and was considered the caretaker of her family. Nancy loved people. She loved to talk, and anyone who knew her knows that she never met a stranger. Nancy loved to travel with Hugh on bus tours and read. She was a part of the Garden Club and delivered Meals on Wheels.

She is survived by her husband, Hugh; her daughter, Donna Pace (David Wingard) of Easley; her son, Hughie Pace of Easley; sisters, Bertie Bowles, Shirley Wood, Judy LaBoone, Mary Camp and Gail Chapman; her brother-in-law, Franklyn Pace; special family members, Lane Murray and Leah Paine; and numerous nephews and nieces.

Nancy was predeceased by her parents; brothers, Ed Smith and Tony Smith; and sisters, Bobbie Burgess and Ruby Smith.

Funeral services for Nancy were held on May 31 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pickens County Meals on Wheels in Nancy’s honor.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations – Pickens Chapel are serving the Pace family.