JERRY LYNN BANKS

PICKENS — Mr. Jerry Lynn Banks, 75, loving husband of Helen Banks for 44 years, passed away peacefully on Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, at his residence.

Jerry was born in Pickens on Aug. 29, 1946, to the late Samuel Petty Banks Sr. and Frances McKinney Banks. Jerry was a friend to everyone and never met a stranger. He spent his life as an entrepreneur, starting many businesses, and in his free time enjoyed playing pool, woodworking, working on his ‘31 Model A and gardening. Jerry was a member of Crescent Hill Baptist Church.

In addition to his loving wife of 44 years, Jerry is survived by his three children, Kimberly McCollum (Eric), Julie Patterson (Allen) and Rebecca Newman (Quincy), all of Pickens; his eight grandchildren, Samantha (Christian), Savannah (Austin), Eric-Adam (Waverly), Ethan-Alan, Griffin, Garrett, Grace and Jack; and a brother, Sammy Banks (Elaine) of Pickens.

Funeral services were conducted on Aug. 12 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, with interment following at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

The family members are at their respective homes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society at donate.cancer.org.

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

 

HELEN ADAMS TERRELL

ANDERSON — Mrs. Helen Adams Terrell, 88, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, at her residence.

Helen was born on Jan. 8, 1934, to the late William and Annie Adams. She was a kind woman who never met a stranger and was considered the neighborhood mom. She loved her family and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren and could be found sitting on the floor to play Barbies with them. Helen loved to watch birds, especially red birds. She loved her job and retired from the Great American Horse Store.

Mrs. Terrell is survived by three daughters, Wanda Riddle of Greenville, Barbara Whitesides (Terry) of Pumpkintown and Patricia Odum of Anderson; three sons, Mac Terrell of Anderson, Sam Terrell (Angela Smith) of Anderson and Eddie Terrell (Karen Hightower) of Easley; one sister-in-law, Delree Adams of Hendersonville, N.C.; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and nine great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, Helen was preceded in death by her loving husband of 70 years, Fred McConnell Terrell Jr.; one son, Fred Terrell III; five brothers; and three sisters.

Funeral services were conducted on Aug. 13 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Interment followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

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

 

DAVID RAY ‘BINGO’ RUSSELL

 

PICKENS — David Ray “Bingo” Russell, 78, loving husband of 23 years to Betty C. Russell, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 7, 2022, at Cottingham Hospice House, in Seneca.

A native of Chesterfield County, David was born on Feb. 13, 1944, the son of the late James David Russell and Mary Jacobs Russell. Mr. Russell was a U.S. Army veteran, having proudly served his country from 1961 until 1964. He previously worked for Roadway Trucking. David enjoyed spending time with his friends at the Pickens County Flea Market. He loved worshipping with his church family at Shady Grove Baptist Church in Sunset. Most of all, he loved his family dearly.

Survivors include his wife, Betty C. Russell of Pickens; his children, Dyle Russell (Michele) of Winston-Salem, N.C., John Mark Russell (Brenda) of King, N.C., Joshua Russell (Skye) of Greensboro, N.C., and Steve Cox (Pam) of Pickens; grandchildren, Dalton Russell, Gabe Russell, Dylen Russell, Karis Russell and Cole Russell; step-grandchildren, Brandon Cox, Stephanie Cox, DJ Cox and Brittanie Cox; step-great-grandchildren, Ivy, Raelyn, Jayden and Kennedy; and siblings, Carolyn Rutledge of Chesterfield and twin sister, Betty Faye Whitstone of Columbia. David will also be greatly missed by Duke, their beloved poodle.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Russell was predeceased by a sister, Barbara Ann Russell Shamburger of Tyler, Texas.

A memorial service was held on Aug. 13 in the chapel of Shady Grove Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in David’s honor may be made to Shady Grove Baptist Church.

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

 

ARBETH LYNN ROOD

EASLEY — Mrs. Arbeth Lynn Rood, 75, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022, at her residence.

Arbeth was born on July 23, 1947, in West Palm Beach, Fla., to the late Otis and Agnus Chapin Boatwright. She loved to read and travel and enjoyed going to auctions.

Mrs. Rood is survived by three sons, Tony Rood (Anna) of Easley, Randy Rood (Lisa) of Easley and Scott Rood of Oklahoma; five grandchildren, Michelle Smith (Rob), Nikki Rood (Daniel), Christy Parker (Willie), Lynne Wilbanks and John Wilbanks (Casey); and three great-grandchildren, Maddox Smith, Emberly Rood and Cameron Wilbanks.

In addition to her parents, Arbeth was preceded in death by her loving husband of 57 years, Martin Wilbur Rood; one son, Gerald Rood; one sister, Diane Hamma; and one brother, Mike Boatwright.

Funeral services were conducted on Aug. 13 in the chapel at Dillard Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Cedar Rock Baptist Church, 1667 Cedar Rock Church Road, Easley, SC 29640.

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

 

RANDY BROOME

 

LIBERTY — Randy Broome, 76, loving husband to Sue Merck Wade, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022, at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital.

A native of Oconee County, Randy was born on June 28, 1946, the son of the late Lee Kenneth Broome and Talsie Lee Welborn. Mr. Broome was a U.S. Navy veteran. He previously worked in the tack industry as a leathersmith and saddler.

Survivors include his wife, Sue Merck Wade of the home; a daughter, Stacy Cain (Michael) of Westminster; a stepson, Jason Wade (Sunday) of Liberty; grandchildren, Samantha, Griffin and Sarah Cain, Justen Wade (Catherine), Kenzie Wade, Bre Ricken (Chad) and Hunter and Trace Moore; great-grandchildren, Hudson, Maisy and Ellie Wade and Renley Ricken; and siblings, Margaret Crocker, Alice Keasler, Joanne Ponder and Jimmy Broome.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Broome was predeceased by a son, Andy Broome; and siblings, Lewis Broome, Mary Lois Moorhead, Talford Broome, Cindy Bearden, Robert Broome, Florence Anderson and Katy Williams.

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

 

CHARLIE OTIS FORREST

EASLEY — Dr. Charlie Otis Forrest Jr., 79, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 10, 2022.

Born and raised in the Alice Mill village in Easley, he was a son of the late Fleda Elizabeth Gilstrap and Charlie Otis Forrest Sr.

Otis showed interest in listening to music at age three, began studying classical piano under Barbara Stuckey at age nine and played for Smith Grove Baptist Church at age 13. He and his friends Jarrett Cassells, Larry Ellenburg, David Capps and Weldow Masters formed the band The Rhythm Rockers in high school. They played for parties and dances and appeared on local television.

In 1960, Otis and his friends, Tom Brown, Joel Duncan, Carl Whitman and Bobby Edwards formed the Trav’lers Qt., which became very popular throughout the South and Southeast. He also played for nationally famous Blue Ridge Qt. in 1967-68. He played on recording sessions, produced and engineered Mark V Recording Studio in Greenville, along with lifelong friend Art Baine. He later began scoring for orchestra.

In 1975, he built and operated the Sounding Board Studio in Easley. Otis and his family moved to Nashville, Tenn., in the summer of 1987. With the help of his son, Shannon, he built the Sounding Board Studio there and quickly began producing some of Nashville’s top gospel artists. Shortly thereafter, Otis became reacquainted with his friend, Bill Gaither. Otis arranged and played piano on scores of the Homecoming Friends Video Series, and Mr. Gaither presented Otis a commendation plaque for his work on the Grammy Award-winning Kennedy Homecoming. Otis is a three-time Grammy-nominated producer and a member of the S.C. Gospel Music Hall of Fame. A living legend of The Grand Ole Gospel Reunion, his musical interests span all styles of music, and he wrote 12 songs for his smooth jazz album, “Our Day.”

Otis is survived by sons, Donnie Forrest (Fonda) of Atlanta, Ga., Shannon Forrest (Quaina) of Nolensville, Tenn. and Christian Forrest of Easley; daughters, Anne Forrest Engard (Norman) of Mt. Pleasant, Alison Forrest Harshman (Brad) of Tarpon Springs, Fla., and Andrea Forrest Martin (Michael) of O’Fallon, Mo.; 13 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and fiancee, Jeannie Marchbanks.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Amy Forrest Miller; a granddaughter, Elise; and a brother, David Forrest Sr.

A graveside service was held on Aug. 15 at the Reedy Fork Baptist Church cemetery, 459 Reedy Fork Road, Greenville, SC.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 113 Mills Ave., Greenville, SC 29605, or to Traditions Health Hospice, 109 Laurens Road, Building 1, Suite A, Greenville, SC 29607.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.

 

MARGARET CHAPPELL MCCOLLUM

EASLEY — Mrs. Margaret Chappell McCollum, 90, loving wife of the late James Whitt McCollum Jr., passed away on Tuesday, Aug. 2, 2022, at her residence.

Mrs. McCollum was born in Pickens County, at their homeplace in Eastatoee on March 15, 1932, to the late Robert B. and Dallie Stansell Chappell. She worked for Sangamo before retiring from the auditor’s office of Pickens County. Mrs. McCollum enjoyed watching Clemson sports, jigsaw and word puzzles, flowers and crocheting. She was a member of Tabor United Methodist Church.

Mrs. McCollum is survived by her three children, Jeff McCollum (Michele) of Easley, Melissa “Lisa” Childs (Bill) of Pendleton and Kimberly “Kim” McCollum of St. Croix; her four grandchildren, Bailey Stewart, Whitney McCollum Weyman (Nick), Polly McCollum and Lindsay Childs (Jeff); two great-grandchildren, Jameson Stewart and Tripp Best; and three sisters, Georgia Garrett (George) of Pickens, Joyce Middleton (Richard) of Jacksonville, Fla. and Geraldine Anthony of Easley.

In addition to her loving husband and parents, Mrs. McCollum was preceded in death by her seven brothers, Leland Chappell, Jay Chappell, Clinton Chappell, Buren Chappell, Craig Chappell, Robert “Bob” Chappell Jr. and Gerald Chappell; and two sisters, Lois Bone and Merle Grigsby.

Funeral services were conducted on Aug. 8 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, with interment following at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Tabor United Methodist Church, 1943 Ireland Road, Easley, SC 29640.

The family is at the residence.

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

SADIE JOHNSON COATS

EASLEY — Mrs. Sadie Irene Johnson Coats, 102, wife of the late Carlie Jordan Coats Sr., went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, Aug. 12, 2022.

Born in Anderson County, a daughter of the late Veston Johnson and the late Salie Pepper Johnson, Mrs. Coats was a graduate of Easley High School and later graduated from Lander College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in history. She retired from the Greenville Department of Social Services with 32 years of service and was a member of Calvary Hill Baptist Church for 52 years.

Sadie loved the outdoors and traveling. She loved to sew and was an avid gardener, working her own garden until the age of 96. Mrs. Coats will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew her.

Surviving are her two sons, Carlie Jordan Coats Jr. (Jan Yarborough) of Durham, N.C., and Robert Steven Coats (Jean Catherine) of Apex, N.C.; her two grandchildren, Catherine Lynn Mobley and William Carlie Coats (Holly Ann King); and her three great-grandchildren, Emily Mobley, Amanda Mobley and Chloe Mobley.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Coats was predeceased by three brothers, Palmer Johnson, Colie Johnson and Marvin Johnson; and two sisters, Aileen Stowers and Ann Akers.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 19, at Calvary Hill Baptist Church. Burial will follow at the Fairview United Methodist Church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 9:30-10:45 a.m. on Friday at the church prior to the service.

Memorials may be made in memory of Sadie to Calvary Hill Baptist Church, 501 Rampey St., Easley, SC 29640.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.

 

ROGER PILGRIM

PICKENS — Mr. Roger Pilgrim, 62, passed away on Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, at his home.

Born on Feb. 4, 1960, in Greenville, he was the son of the late Winslow Hobey Pilgrim and Francis Annette (Snipes).

Mr. Pilgrim is survived by his son, Benjamin Pilgrim of Pickens; his siblings, Shirley Veal, Kenneth Pilgrim, Billy Pilgrim and Annette Baumes; niece and nephew, Josh Pilgrim and Jamie Pilgrim; as well as numerous others.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his siblings, Linda Lewis and Carolyn Anderson.

There are no formal services scheduled at this time.

Mountain View Funerals, Pickens is assisting the family of Roger Pilgrim.

 

Sylvia Jean Kay-Austin

EASLEY — Sylvia Jean Kay-Austin, 71, loving wife of 22 years to James D. Austin, passed away Saturday, Aug. 6, 2022 at home with her family by her side.

A native of Pickens County, Sylvia was born April 29, 1951, the daughter of the late Ervin and Edna Mae Brooks Rhodes. Mrs. Kay-Austin was of the Baptist faith. She was a homemaker and loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt and friend. She will be dearly missed by all those who loved her and knew her.

Sylvia enjoyed thrift store shopping, or as she called it “Good Willin’ it,” and watching “Days of Our Lives” (you didn’t dare disturb her from 1-2 p.m.), as that was her “me time.” When able, she truly enjoyed cooking and having Sunday dinners with her family and friends. If you ever came to one of these dinners, you know what a spread it was, and you definitely didn’t leave hungry. But most of all, she enjoyed her time with her children and especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband, James D. Austin of the home; her two children, Tammy Kay (Barry Stegall) of Pickens and Tony Kay (Sonya Lomax) of Central; two stepchildren, Josh Austin (Stephanie) of Easley and Amanda Austin of Tucson, Ariz.; seven grandchildren, Lee Kay of the home, Samantha Kay Chandler (Zack) of Liberty, Brandon Kay (Brianna Atkins) of Central and Haley Kay Streets (Isaac) of Easley; three step-grandchildren, Mikey Austin of Tucson, Ariz., Malachi Austin of Tucson, Ariz., and Sawyer Austin of Easley; and three great-grandchildren, Brysin Ross of Easley, D.J. Chandler of Easley and Mason Kay of Central.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Kay-Austin was predeceased by six brothers, Alvin Rhodes, J.T Rhodes, Paul Rhodes, Floyd Rhodes, Jerry Rhodes and Danny Rhodes; and five sisters, Carolyn Holbrooks, Kathy Willard, Brenda Yates, Shirley Kay, and Joan Ray. Sylvia was the last of 12 children.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to Hospice of the Upstate for their care, compassion and guidance during this hard journey. An extra special thanks to two angel nurses, Audrey and Starla, for the respect and care they showed the family during this difficult time.

There is no service at this time. A gathering of family and friends will be announced at a later date.

The family is at the home.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Sylvia’s honor may be to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Charleston Medical University of South Carolina – Heart and Vascular Center by visiting their website at rmhcharleston.org, by mailing 81 Gadsden St., Charleston, SC 29401 or by calling (843) 723-7957.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Kay-Austin family.

 

 

DAVID W. CAREY

 

LIBERTY — David W Carey Sr., 88, loving husband of Lois E. Carey, passed on to his reward on Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, at Simpsonville Post Acute Care.

Dave was born on Feb. 3, 1934, to the late Walter and Lucy Carey in Rome, N.Y. He lived most of his adult life in the upcountry of South Carolina, first in Taylors and later in Liberty. As a mechanical engineer, Dave was a subject matter expert in large-scale industrial fans, producing many of his own designs for use in factories across the nation. He was an artist, inventor, entrepreneur, consummate handyman and a pioneer of dad jokes. Dave was a U.S. Navy veteran, serving during the Korean conflict, and a faithful congregant of Amazing Grace Lutheran Church.

In addition to his loving wife of 63 years, he is survived by his son, Dave Carey Jr. (Bridget); two daughters, Sue Hanks (David) and Betsy Bish; and seven grandchildren, Hannah Carey, Carson Carey, Lauren Hanks, Breanna Hanks, Aidan Bish, Morgan Bish and Jason Bish; along with many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Dave was preceded in death by his older brother, Walter Carey; and older sister, Barbara Foster.

A memorial service to celebrate Dave’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Aug. 28, in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home.

The family members are at their respective homes.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to either the United Service Organization (USO) via uso.org/donate or the veterans’ charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

 

JERRY BENJAMIN  ‘BEN’ KELLEY JR.

 

PICKENS — Jerry Benjamin “Ben” Kelley Jr., 62, passed away on Friday, Aug. 12, 2022, surrounded by his family.

Born on Nov. 22, 1959, he was the son of Meg Kelley and the late Jerry Kelley Sr.

Mr. Kelley was a United States veteran, having served in the U.S. Air Force as a security specialist. He was employed as a machinist working as a Class A toolmaker.

In addition to his mother, Meg Kelley of Easley, he is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Joyce Kelley of the home; children, Deborah Rhodes (Matt) of Greenville and Levi Kelley (Deidra) of Pickens; three grandchildren, Acen Kelley, Azariah Kelley and Annabeth Rhodes; siblings, Mike Kelley (Jenny) and Junise Stracener; as well as many loving family members and friends.

In addition to flowers, memorials may be made in Mr. Kelley’s memory to MSA Hospice or Pickens View Wesleyan Church Missions.

A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Aug. 18, at 4:30 p.m., at Pickens View Wesleyan Church, with a visitation to follow.

Mountain View Funerals, Pickens is assisting the family.

 

 

DONNA SWIGER

 

EASLEY — Donna Swiger, 62, passed away on Monday, Aug. 8, 2022, at Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born on March 20, 1960, in West Union, W.Va., she was the daughter of the late Sharon Kerr and Kenneth Lewis.

After serving our country proudly and honorably in the United States Marine Corps, Ms. Swiger worked as an accountant, where she thrived thanks to her innate talent for numbers and calculation.

Through all her numerous accomplishments, however, Donna’s greatest passion was the love she shared with her daughter, grandchildren and many friends and family. She will be dearly missed but never forgotten.

Ms. Swiger is survived by her daughter, Charity Vanderpool of Easley; grandchildren, Lena Vanderpool, Rilee Vanderpool, Cerenity Vanderpool, Codie Vanderpool and Easton Leslie; and brothers, Kenneth J. Louis of West Virginia and Donny Orr of Ohio.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations, Pickens Chapel, is assisting the family of Ms. Swiger.

 

CAROLYN ‘CAROL’  OWENS JOHNSON

LIBERTY — Carolyn “Carol” Owens Johnson, 70, loving wife of 37 years to Chester Lee Johnson, passed away Thursday, Aug. 11, 2022, at her home.

A native of Pickens County, Carol was born Aug. 30, 1951, the daughter of the late Ned Owens and Inez Childers Owens. Mrs. Johnson formerly drove a school bus for the School District of Pickens County. She was loved by those who knew her and will truly be missed.

Survivors include her husband, Chester Lee Johnson of the home; her children, Chad Reeves of Boiling Springs, Corey Reeves of Dacusville, Robert Johnson of Pickens, Penny Johnson of Pickens and Micha Johnson of Easley; grandchildren, Wyatt Reeves, Owen Reeves, Kaylan Reeves, Dustin Johnson, Danielle Johnson, Katie Crenshaw, Joshua Johnson, Chase Smith, Job Johnson and Derek Bell; a niece, Heather Owens, and a nephew, Marty Owens.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Johnson was predeceased by a brother, Mark Owens.

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

 

CAROLYN S. PILGRIM

CENTRAL — Carolyn S. Pilgrim, 69, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Aug. 9, 2022, at her home.

Born in Lamar, she was a daughter of Mary Rogers Sutton and the late Carol Sutton.

She retired from Mt. Vernon Mills LaFrance Plant and was of the baptist faith.

Surviving, in addition, to her mother of Pendleton, are her husband of 45 years, JD Pilgrim of the home; two daughters, Angie Miller (Mark) of Central and Wendy Pilgrim (Jody) of Central; one granddaughter, Amber Pilgrim; and a sister, Millie Swofford of Pendleton.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Dean Black.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Pilgrim were conducted Aug. 12 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Burial was at Faith Baptist Church cemetery.

The family will be at the home. To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.