COACH ANDREW ‘ANDY’ JOSEPH VIRGIL
PICKENS — Coach Andrew “Andy” Joseph Virgil, 80, loving husband of 51 years, Elizabeth “Beth” Virgil, of Pickens, passed away on Friday, 
Sept. 29, 2023, at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Coach Virgil was born in Orange, N.J. on Nov. 24, 1942, to the late Louis and Josephine Szymanski Virgil. He graduated from Appalachian Teachers College (now Appalachian State University) with his Bachelor’s in Science in 1964, then again with his Masters Degree in 1965. Coach Virgil then began his career teaching at Pickens High School where he coached the Blue Flame football team for 40 years, and taught for 35 years. During his tenure at Pickens, in 1969, the Pickens High School yearbook, “The Gem” was dedicated in his honor, and in 1970, he designed the Blue Flame logo, that is still used today by Pickens.
Coach Virgil’s notable coaching career also allowed him many opportunities to enrich the lives of not only many students at Pickens but to students throughout the state of South Carolina. He was invited to coach for the North/South Football Game in 2001, where he coached the offensive line. Coach Virgil’s legacy has lived on throughout the Pickens High School community, and because of this, he was inducted into the Pickens High School Hall of Fame in 2001, and the weightlifting room at Pickens was named in his honor in 2021.
In addition to his loving wife of 51 years, Coach Virgil is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth M. Sloan (Harry); his grandchildren, Drew Virgil, Jackson Blythe and Isabel Sloan; and a sister, Teresa Douglas.
In addition to his parents, Coach Virgil was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Sarah Virgil and a sister, Wilma Sideris.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4, 2023, at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pickens. Interment will follow the Mass at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.
No formal visitation is planned, but the family welcomes you to greet them following the committal services on Wednesday at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
The family is at the residence.
Flowers are accepted, or the family requests that memorial donations be made to Miracle Hill Children’s Ministry via their website at: miraclehill.org/give/
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
TERRY LYNN DURRANCE
SIX MILE — Terry Lynn Durrance, 81, of Six Mile, passed away on Friday morning, Sept. 29, 2023 at AnMed Cannon Hospital in Pickens.
She was born in San Rafael, Calif., in 1942 to Joseph C. and Derese Tuell and moved to Tampa, Fla., at a very young age. She was a resident of Pickens County for 44 years. She is a graduate of Southern Wesleyan University. She retired from Oconee County Solicitor’s Office, and then worked as a Home Health Caregiver for 19 years until the age of 75. She was a faithful member of Six Mile Baptist Church.
Suriving are her sister, Alison Goins of Brandon, Fla.; her son, Gene Durrance (Amy) of Six Mile, and their four childern, Levi, Luke, Lauren and Leah; and daughter, Debbie Looper (Wayne) of Easley.
A memorial service will be held at Six Mile Baptist Church Sunday, Oct. 8, at 3 p.m. Flowers will be accepted, and memorial donations can be directed to Six Mile Baptist Church, 149 N Main St. Six Mile, SC 29682
RACHAEL NALLEY
PICKENS — Mrs. Rachael Nalley, 88, loving wife of the late Haskell Nalley, of Pickens, passed away on Wednesday, Sept. 27, 2023.
Mrs. Nalley was born in Salem, on Feb. 20, 1935, to the late Claude and Edna Burke Galloway.
Rachael was survived by one son, Chris Smith (Lyla) of Norris; and one daughter, Debbie McNeely (Roy) of Easley. She was blessed with three grandsons, Chris Smith, Kevin Smith and James McNeely; four great-grandchildren and five great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a son, Tommy Smith.
Graveside services were conducted on Oct. 1, at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
LOIS ‘PING’ PAULINE ABERCROMBIE
PICKENS — Mrs. Lois “Ping” Pauline Abercrombie, 91, loving wife of the late Robert Eugene “Gene” Abercrombie, of Pickens, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, at her residence surrounded by her family.
Mrs. Abercrombie was born in Oconee on Feb. 2, 1932, to the late Paul William and Leola Estelle Burkett Roper. She spent her life as a homemaker and developed a love for taking care of people, especially Gene, her children, and the numerous children in the nursery for over 40 years at Secona Baptist Church, where she was a member.
Mrs. Abercrombie is survived by her three daughters, Gloria Jean Turner, Debra Ann Evette (Dan) and Donna Lynn Daves (Doug), all of Pickens; her four grandchildren, Mandy Nicholson (Brad), Matt Turner (Renee), Lacey Chappelle (Jonathon) and Jonathan Daves (Haley); and her 14 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her loving husband and her parents, Mrs. Abercrombie was preceded in death by her three sisters, Audrey Crooks, Neil Miller and Cathy Roper; and her three brothers, Arthur Roper, Gary Roper and Romaine Roper.
Funeral Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Oct. 6, in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home with interment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.
No formal visitation is planned, but the family welcomes you to greet them following the committal services on Friday at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
The family is at their respective homes.
Flowers are accepted, or the family requests that memorial donations be made to either Secona Baptist Church: 234 Secona Rd, Pickens, SC 29671.
Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.
JIM ED LOOPER
DACUSVILLE — Jim Ed Looper, 82, of the Dacusville community, a beloved husband, father and friend, passed awayon Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023.
He will be deeply missed by his family and all who knew him.
Born on July 10, 1941, in Easley, Jim Ed was the son of the late Jim Garrick Looper and Eunice MacDonald Looper.
Jim Ed’s educational journey led him to North Greenville College, where he gained valuable knowledge and skills that would serve as a foundation for his future ministry.
Beyond his career at the Rotary Corporation, Jim was deeply committed to his faith and community. He had a passion for woodworking and shared it with his family and community. Jim Ed was a longstanding member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, where he found solace and strength in the presence of fellow worshippers. His unwavering devotion to his God, church and family served as an inspiration to all who crossed paths with him.
Jim Ed’s greatest joy in life came from spreading the gospel of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and spending time with his family and his special Hitt family. His beloved wife Linda Hitt Looper stood by his side through thick and thin, offering constant love and support throughout their journey together. Jim was also a proud father to two sons, Jeff Looper (Janice) and Brad Looper (Adrianne). He cherished every moment spent with them, watching them grow into kindhearted individuals who embodied the values he held dear. His grandchildren, Allie Looper, Abby Ramey (Jace), Noah Looper (Destinee Thetford), Gabe Looper and Jack Looper, also brought him boundless joy and laughter throughout the years.
He is also survived by a brother, Don Looper (Susan); a sister, Agnes Kay (Terry); a brother-in-law, Don Brown; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Mary Evelyn McAlister, Gladys Foster and Vera Brown.
Jim Ed Looper leaves behind a legacy of love, kindness and devotion. His memory will forever be etched in the hearts of his family and friends.
Though he may be physically absent, his spirit will continue to guide and inspire all those who were fortunate enough to have known him.
A celebration of Jim Ed’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Oct. 4 at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 1623 Hester Store Road, Easley, SC 29640. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made to McCall’s Hospice House, 1836 W. Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680; The Gideons International, 1000 S. Pendleton St., Easley, SC 29640; or Mt. Carmel Baptist Church Youth Camp, 1623 Hester Store Road, Easley, SC 29640.
The family will be at the home.
As we celebrate Jim’s life and bid him farewell, let us remember the lessons he taught us through his unwavering faith, his dedication to family and community and the love he freely shared with all who crossed his path.
DEAN SEXTON
PICKENS — Edwin Dean Sexton, a loving husband, devoted family man and avid outdoorsman, passed away peacefully on Sept. 24, 2023, at St. Francis Hospital-Downtown.
Born in Easley on Jan. 19, 1965, Dean lived a life filled with passion, love and a deep sense of faith.
Dean’s determination and resilience were truly inspiring. He was always eager to learn and grow, finding joy in his hobbies and embracing every moment spent in the great outdoors. Hunting and fishing were one of his greatest passions, where he felt a profound connection to nature and found solace in the quietude of the wilderness.
Beyond his love for nature, Dean also had a knack for working on cars. With skilled hands and a curious mind, he enjoyed tinkering and repairing vehicles, often lending a helping hand to friends and neighbors. His dedication to his craft earned him the respect and admiration of those around him.
However, above all else, Dean cherished his faith and his family. His unwavering belief in God provided him with strength and guidance throughout his life.
He treasured the time spent with his beloved wife of 34 years, Violet Marie Golden Sexton, and held a special place in his heart for his mother, Patricia Roach Sexton.
Surviving, in addition to his wife and mother, are two sisters, Melinda Morgan (Brian) of Pickens and Tammy Galbreath (Frank) of Salem; five brothers, Terry Scruggs (Joannie) of Easley, Bo Sexton (Carlene) of Pickens, Randy Sexton (Julie) of Liberty and Danny Sexton of Pickens; a very special nephew who he helped raise, Daniel Sexton of the home; and numerous other loving nieces and nephews.
Dean was preceded in death by his father, Richard Terry Sexton, and a brother, David Sexton.
In honor of Dean’s life, a visitation service was held at Open Praise Fellowship on Sept. 29, followed by a heartwarming funeral service where family, friends and loved ones gathered to celebrate the life of this remarkable man. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.
The family will be at the home of his mother. Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
JAMIE ROSS SATTERFIELD
EASLEY — Jamie Ross Satterfield, a beloved son, brother, father and friend, passed away tragically on Sept. 26, 2023, at the age of 32.
Born on Aug. 15, 1991, in Greenville, Jamie lived in Easley with his loving parents.
Jamie had a need for speed and a love for racing, especially drag racing, and had even competed in go-kart races. In his down time, he enjoyed fishing and cherished time spent with his family. He had a close bond with his mother, Diane Perry Satterfield; father, Gary Satterfield; sister, Heather Montgomery; and brother, Samuel Auld. He also had two children who he adored, a son, Zane Ross Satterfield, and daughter, Elizabeth Mae Satterfield.
Honoring Jamie’s life and mourning his untimely passing, funeral services were held at Liberty Mortuary on Oct. 3. Friends, family and all those whose lives Jamie touched were invited to attend and pay their respects. Following the services, a burial took place at the Flat Rock Baptist Church cemetery in Liberty.
Jamie will forever be remembered for his vivacious spirit, love for his family and his contagious laughter. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to Shriner’s Hospital for Children in Jamie’s name.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
CHRISTY MELINDA GRAY
PICKENS — Christy Melinda Gray, 41, passed away on Tuesday, Sept. 26, 2023, at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital.
A native of Pickens County, Christy was born Aug. 15, 1982, the daughter of Carl “Pete” Dodson and Kathy “Linda” Landers Dodson of Pickens. Mrs. Gray previously worked in retail sales at Walmart and Dollar General. Christy was very sociable, loved going to cookouts and loved being outdoors. She enjoyed going shopping with her mom, cooking for her family and loving on her dogs. Her greatest achievement was becoming a mother.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Gray is survived by two sons, Isaac Liles of Pickens and Grady Cole Gray of Liberty; a brother, James Paul Dodson; nieces and nephews, Alanzo and Braxton Dodson, Stacy Fergason, Tommy Anderson, Kenny Wade and Tina Brewer; and a significant other, Chris Hicks.
Mrs. Gray was predeceased by her grandparents, James Paul Dodson, Estella Cox Dodson, Alberta Pettit Stevens and Lee Lenbeurg Landers; great-grandparents, George Cox and Grace Cox; and uncles, Waldo Dodson, Waco Dodson and Gerald Fergason.
Funeral services were held Sept. 30 at Cannon Mountain Baptist Church, with burial following the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, any monetary donations can be made directly to the family.
Mountain View Funerals and Cremations – Pickens Chapel is serving the Gray family.
FRANCES PATRICIA ‘PATTI’ RIVERS
PICKENS — Frances Patricia “Patti” Rivers, 85, wife of the late William F. Rivers, passed away Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023, at the Foothills Retirement Community in Easley.
Born Dec. 23, 1937 in Columbia, Patti was the daughter of the late Furman and Frances Lucas Cameron. She held a real estate broker’s license and was a broker with Oristo Realty in Edisto Island and Bill Rivers Realty in Pickens.
She was a watercolor artist and a member of the S.C. Watercolor Society. She was a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church.
Mrs. Rivers is survived by her children, Vicki D. Rivers of Sunset, and Mary K. (Kim) Rivers and Cameron Rivers, both of Pickens; grandchildren, Cameron Whitworth, Nathan Whitworth, Jesse Whitworth, Troy House, Skyler Morgan, Jami Rivers, Kali Rivers, Anna Rivers and Coleman Rivers; and many great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 5 at Holly Springs Baptist Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, or the charity of one’s choice.
Mountain View Funerals and Cremations – Pickens Chapel is serving the Rivers family.
