NANCY ELAINE CANTRELL

PICKENS — Nancy Elaine Cantrell, 73, of Pickens, passed away on Jan. 23, 2025, after a prolonged illness.

She was a lifelong resident of Pickens and was known as Elaine.

Elaine was born Jan. 12, 1952, at Cannon Memorial Hospital to David Perry Pace and Bobby Evelyn Trotter, also both lifelong residents of Pickens County. She attended Pickens High School and graduated as salutatorian in 1970. She would go on to attend Clemson University and graduate with honors in education in 1973. During this time, she met her future husband, Wallace Nathaniel Cantrell, while working a summer job at Sangamo in Pickens. They married shortly after graduation.

Elaine and Wallace would have two sons, Scott Michael Cantrell in 1974 and Steven Eric Cantrell in 1975. She would continue to attend Clemson University and attained her masters in personnel services (guidance) in 1983.

Elaine would teach both at Pickens Junior High and Pickens High School for 35 years, teaching thousands of Pickens County students before retiring in 2015.

Elaine was also a writer and published 18 novels. She read passionately, and in retirement donated generously to humane causes all over the U.S. She loved animals of all kinds and did everything she could to instill a similar kindness and curiosity in her sons.

Elaine was a member of East Pickens Baptist Church and was a devout Christian.

She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Wallace; her sons, Scott and Steve; her grandsons, Simon and David; her granddaughter, Kara Carter; her daughters-in-law, Seung Eun and Dawn; and her great-granddaughters, Aila Oglesby and Lizzie Carter.

Funeral services were held on Jan. 27 at Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens.

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

 

VINCENT ‘VINCE’ O’BRIAN ROBITAILE

EASLEY — Vincent “Vince” Brian Robitaille, 59, passed away on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born May 18, 1965, in Livonia, Mich., Vince was the son of the late Vincent Robitaille and Donna Ray Acuff. Vince enjoyed fishing, playing pool, playing the fiddle and drawing pictures. He loved cooking and sunsets.

Survivors include his girlfriend, Shirley Esuary of Easley; brother, Tod Robitaille of Pickens; one niece and one nephew.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Robitaille was predeceased by a son, Clint Robitaille, and a sister, Genean Vaughn.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Robitaille family.

 

FRANKLIN DOUGLAS HAMPTON SR.

MARIETTA — Franklin Douglas Hampton Sr., 79, beloved husband of Catherine Price Hampton, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2025, at his home.

Born June 26, 1945, in Anderson County, Franklin was the son of the late Marlin Hampton and Mary Samanthe Willis.

Survivors include his wife, Catherine Price Hampton of the home; two sons, Charlie Hampton (Lexi) of Marietta and Franklin Hampton Jr. of Easley; two daughters, Kathy Kidder (Brian) and Ashley Robinson (Demetrius), both of Easley; eight granddaughters; and eight grandsons.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hampton was predeceased by a daughter, Mary Broadwater.

A gathering of family and friends was held on Jan. 23 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Hampton family.

 

ALICE YOUNG

EASLEY — Sadly our beloved mother, Alice Young, 87, of Easley, lost her battle with dementia disease surrounded by her son and daughter on Jan. 22, 2025.

She was born in Washington, D.C., on May 15, 1937. She was married to our father, Roger Young, who predeceased her on Dec. 8, 2020, after complications with COVID.

She worked at IBM in the mid-’70s and retired after working 30-plus years as an executive secretary. After retirement, she and her husband decided to move back east to be close to their children and grandchildren.

Our mother’s passion was holding parties and bowling with dad in the senior league at Tri City Lanes. They loved their bowling. Mom and dad also enjoyed their travels after retirement. Their most enjoyed trips were to China, Aruba with immediate family and cruises.

Mom was a strong-willed woman from the start. Ever since she was a child in Queens, N.Y., she and her siblings worked hard helping their single mother in the family laundry. It was difficult to see how an incomprehensible disease as Alzheimer’s could transform her into a frail-bodied woman.

Alice is survived by her son, Keith; daughter, Kathy; and grandchildren, Sabrina, Mary and James.

The family held visitation at Robinson Funeral Home in Powdersville.

The family is accepting donations in memory of their loving mother to the Alzheimer’s Association at the provided link. Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association at act.alz.org/goto/KeithYoung.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory – Powdersville Road, Easley.

 

ROBERT LEE FLOWERS

PICKENS — Robert Lee Flowers, 91, of Pickens, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home.

Mr. Flowers was born on July 26, 1933, in Lancaster, to the late Virginia Louise Burch and Robert Woodland Flowers.

Mr. Flowers was a proud veteran and dedicated community leader. He honorably served in the United States Navy for 30 years, retiring at the rank of E-9 master chief. After his distinguished military career, Mr. Flowers went on to serve as the veteran coordinator at Trident Technical College in Charleston, where he remained for 16 years. He also earned his master’s degree in business from Webster University.

Mr. Flowers was deeply committed to giving back to his community. For 11 years, he served as the president of the committee for the Pumpkintown Festival, where he helped to organize and enrich the local event. Additionally, he volunteered at Cannon Hospital for eight years, providing invaluable service to those in need. He will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to both his country and his community, as well as his kind and selfless nature. He leaves behind a lasting legacy of service, generosity and leadership.

Mr. Flowers is survived by his loving wife, Susie Flowers; daughter, Liane (Pat); four sons, Robert Jr. (Kathy), David (Natalie), Timothy (Debbie) and Michael (Jenny); grandchildren, Hilary, Nicholas, Louis, Amy, Sarah, Joel, Julie, Miguel, Gabriella and Casey; great-grandchildren, Gracie, Jackson, Reese, Louis, Charlotte, Ri, Theo; siblings, Becky and Lynn; and stepmother, Myrt Flowers.

Mr. Flowers was predeceased by his parents and granddaughter, Sophia.

Mr. Flowers will be laid to rest at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery at a later date to be announced.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family.

 

DANNY COX

EASLEY — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Danny Lee Cox, who left this world peacefully on Jan. 25, 2025, at the age of 72.

Born on Feb. 18, 1952, in Easley, he was the widower of Phyllis Ross Cox and a son of the late Sam Cox Sr. and Margaret “Peggy” Chapman Cox.

He was a beloved son, father and friend to many. He dedicated his life to the textile industry, working as a machine technician for several plants throughout his career and most recently at Milliken, where he took pride in his craft.

Danny’s warm spirit shone brightly through his close bond with his daughter, Renee Jones.

Together, they shared countless moments, including their time working side by side at Premier Cinemas in Easley. Their relationship was a testament to his love for family, and his legacy will undoubtedly carry on through her.

He was a simple man at heart, who found joy in the little things in life. His furry companion, Nana, his trusted dog, was a constant source of happiness and companionship, reflecting Danny’s genuine and loving nature.

He is survived by his cherished daughter, Renee Jones (Bryan); his brother, Sam Cox Jr.; two grandchildren, Jessica Jones Capps (Triston) and Samantha Jones; and a great-granddaughter, Lila.

A memorial service to honor Danny’s life was held on Jan. 28 at Liberty Mortuary. We invited all who knew and loved him to gather and share in the memories that made him so special to us.

As we remember Danny, let us celebrate the warmth and love he brought to those around him. He may have left our side, but his spirit will forever live on in our hearts.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.

 

EARL REYNOLDS

PICKENS — Earl Reynolds, 76, loving husband of 57 years to Pat Nalley Reynolds, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born June 16, 1948, in Pickens County, Earl was the son of the late John F. Reynolds and Martha McJunkin Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds was a member and deacon at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. He was employed and retired from BASF. He loved animals and enjoyed working in his yard with his azaleas. He was an avid Clemson Tiger fan, being an IPTAY member for many years, traveling to numerous bowl games with his wife, and attending home games with his family. He loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren and their beloved dog, Lacey.

Survivors include his wife, Pat Nalley Reynolds of the home; daughter, Melissa R. Hines (David) of Marietta; son, Rob Reynolds (Tracy) of Travelers Rest; grandchildren, Aaron, Blake, Noah, Anna and Jenna; and brother, Tom Reynolds.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Reynolds was predeceased by his sister, Clara Ann Reynolds.

Memorial services took place on Jan. 26 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Earl’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital by visiting stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Reynolds family.

 

MATTIE REDDING MASSINGGAIL

MARIETTA — Mattie Redding Massingail, 85, loving wife to the late NH Massingail, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, at Lexington Community Hospice House.

Born on May 20, 1939, in Pumpkintown, Mattie was the daughter of the late Pinkney Carlos Redding and Charmie Smith Redding. She was a longtime Sunday school teacher at Peters Creek Baptist Church, where she also worked with the youth group. She enjoyed baking, sewing and reading. She loved her family dearly.

Survivors include her two daughters, Betty Bratcher (Kenny) and Ruby Robinson (Tim), both of Easley; honorary daughter, Wanda Poole of Marietta; three grandchildren, Kris Bratcher (Britanie), Andy Robinson (Kayse) and Nick Robinson (Morgan), all of Easley; four great-grandchildren, Presley Robinson, Cash Robinson, Nolan Robinson and Kaylee Bratcher, all of Easley; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Massingail was predeceased by her siblings, Thomas, Pearl, Clarence, Weldon, Leroy and Ruby.

Funeral services were held on Jan. 28 in the sanctuary of Peters Creek Baptist Church in Easley. Burial followed the service at Peters Creek Baptist Church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations in Mattie’s honor may be made to Peters Creek Baptist Church, 972 Shoals Creek Church Road, Easley.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Massingail family.

 

JOE MILTON LEOPARD

EASLEY — Joe Milton Leopard, 78, loving husband of 32 years to Doris Katherine Lyon Leopard, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born Nov. 5, 1946, in Easley, Joe was the son of the late Luther Leopard and Doris Elouise Fox Leopard. Mr. Leopard enjoyed fishing with his best friend, Charles Davis, working on cars, and spending time at his cabin and pond. He loved his animals and loved his family dearly.

Survivors include his wife, Doris Katherine Lyon Leopard of the home; three sons, Jason Leopard of Easley, James Talley (Tabitha) of Six Mile and Michael Gosnell (Audrey) of Brevard, N.C.; 10 grandchildren, Samantha, Michael, Emily, Breanna, Dana, Daniel, Brooklyn, Elizabeth, Kayley and JJ; nine great-grandchildren, Marilyn, Avery, Lilly, Emersyn, Aiden, Stella, Jaylen, Taysom and Ellisyn; two sisters, Diane Hendricks (Rick) of Six Mile and Denise Bryant of Pickens; a brother, Dick Leopard (Carol) of Easley; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Leopard was predeceased by three sons, Matthew Leopard, Lecane Talley and Robert Gosnell; and a brother, Alan Leopard.

The family will hold a memorial service at 3 p.m. Feb. 8 in the sanctuary of Landmark Baptist Church, located at 116 Landmark Court in Easley.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Leopard family.