WILLIAM ‘BILL’ C. FORTNER JR.

EASLEY — William “Bill” C. Fortner Jr. of Easley, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025, with his wife Norma by his side.

Born in Greenville, on March 8, 1951, Bill was the son of the late Carl “Skeet” and Florence “Tick” Fortner, who supported him throughout his Little League games, Boy Scouts, school sports and various activities. He was a proud member of Landmark Baptist Church.

A proud 1969 graduate of Easley High School, Bill was especially honored to have been part of the state champion football team. He was a proud Air Force veteran. Following his service in the Air Force, Bill worked for AT&T for more than 40 years, from which he later retired.

Bill was also one of Clemson’s most devoted fans. He loved BBQ, camping, fishing, attending bluegrass festivals and taking care of his wife, Norma. Bill preferred watching war movies, documentaries and shows like “Mountain Men,” “Barnwood Builders,” “Building Off the Grid” and anything related to fishing.

A die-hard Southern rock fan, Bill had a special fondness for the Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd. However, his love for music deepened when he discovered bluegrass, particularly the music of Tony Rice.

He enjoyed a good cup of coffee or a Coke Zero and had an immense love for Breyers chocolate ice cream — he probably ate enough to feed all of Pickens County!

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Norma Brooks Fortner; four sons, Ben Fortner (Stacey) and Scott Fortner (Lynn), Justin Chappell (Cassie) and Devin Chappell (Rebecca); one daughter, Amber Sheriff (Brian); grandchildren, William Fortner, Mia Fortner, Jackson Chappell, Nellie Ray Chappell, Lynlee Marie Chappell, Mason Sheriff and Sawyer Sheriff; and one sister, Cathy Pittman (Don).

Funeral services were conducted Feb. 16 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home.

In honor of Bill, those who were in attendance were encouraged to wear Clemson colors.

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

 

CLEONE BREAZEALE HAYES

PICKENS — Cleone Breazeale Hayes, 92, of Pickens, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025.

Ms. Hayes was born in Pickens, on Jan. 28, 1933, to the late William and Gladys Breazeale.

A talented cook, Ms. Hayes took great pride in preparing delicious meals for her loved ones. In her spare time, she skillfully crafted beautiful quilts and tended to a vibrant garden, full of both flowers and vegetables. Her remarkable green thumb brought life and beauty to her surroundings.

She is survived by her son, Leon Hayes; a niece who she loved like her own daughter, Judy Harrelson; brothers, Roger and Kenneth Breazeale; and sister, Elizabeth Collins.

Ms. Hayes was preceded in death by her husband, Alvin Hayes; parents, William and Gladys Breazeale; and siblings, Waldo, Curtis, Donald, Herbert, Charles, Stanley and Laura Grant.

A visitation and funeral services were held on Feb. 17 at Dillard Memorial Funeral Home. A committal service was held on Feb. 17 at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Flowers are appreciated, and donations may be made to Pickens Meals on Wheels. You can contribute through the memorial honorarium page at pcmow.org/memorial-honorarium/.

 

JEAN TRAMMELL

LIBERTY — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Jean Wood Trammell, who left this world peacefully on Feb. 13, 2025, at the age of 86.

Born on Aug. 1, 1938, in Clearwater, she was the widow of Robert Lamar “Bud” Trammell and a daughter of the late Robert Curtis and Dora Proctor Wood.

Jean spent her life embracing the joys of family and faith. A devoted homemaker, she nurtured her loved ones with a sweet spirit that touched everyone around her.

She was a longtime member of East Side Baptist Church, where she found community and fellowship. Her warmth, kindness and love for her family were the hallmarks of her life.

She is survived by her cherished daughter, Tammy Tarchea (Peter); her three sons, Steve Trammell (Karen), Dean Trammell (Nita) and R.L. Trammell;  12 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a very special longtime friend, Joe Watson.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Andy Trammell, and two sisters, Mary Welborn and Sybil O’Shields.

Jean will be deeply missed by all who knew her, but her spirit will forever remain in the hearts of her family and friends.

Funeral services to honor and celebrate Jean’s life were Feb. 14 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. No public visitation was held. A private entombment will take place beside her husband at the Liberty Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that you consider making a donation to East Side Baptist Church, Bus Fund, 920 Anderson Drive, Liberty.

As we remember Jean, let us cherish the time we had with her and find comfort in the love she shared.

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

 

DONNA MARIA DAVIS

PICKENS — Donna Maria Davis, 64, of Pickens, went to her Heavenly home on Monday, Feb. 10, 2025.

Donna was born in Augusta, Ga., to the late Clifton Parnell Jr. and Gloria Varnadore Parnell. She was a member of Independent Baptist Church and enjoyed hearing someone read the Bible to her. She loved her cat Pickles and dog Chi-Chi. During her working life, she had a career in sales. She loved her family dearly and enjoyed her time spent with them.

Donna is survived by her son, Shane Davis; grandson, David Shane Jr.; two granddaughters, Cheyenne Nicole Davis and Kiley Davis; great-grandson, Dawson Revis; and sisters, Sharon Webb and Tonya Taylor. She also leaves numerous nieces and nephews to cherish her memory.

Donna was preceded in death by her parents and her previous husband, Boyd Davis.

A graveside service for Donna was held Feb. 14 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

2 Corinthians 5:8 “To be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.”

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

 

KEVIN REUBEN TURNER

LIBERTY — Kevin Reuben Turner, a beloved father, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully at the age of 60 on Feb. 9, 2025.

Born in Seneca, he was the widower of Christy Whitaker Turner and a son to the late Rube and Carolyn Addis Turner. Kevin grew up with a passion for the outdoors and a determination to work hard. Throughout his life, he was known for his strong work ethic in his profession of septic installation, a trade he proudly practiced as a self-employed contractor.

Kevin was a loving father, grandfather, brother and uncle. He leaves behind his three children, Matthew Turner, Ashley Stewart and Kimberly Turner; a grandson, Brian Satterfield; and his niece and nephew, Ashley and John Holcombe. He also shared many adventures with his brother, Ricky Turner, who fondly remembers their shared laughter and countless memories together.

A proud veteran of the Army, Kevin’s service to his country was just one of the many ways he embodied dedication and resilience. He left an indelible mark on the lives he touched and will be fondly remembered for his vivacious spirit, warm smile and the unforgettable moments spent outdoors.

The family will host a celebration of Kevin’s life at noon Feb. 22 at Golden Creek Baptist Church.

Kevin Turner is survived by his children and brother, who continue to carry forward his spirit of hard work and love for the great outdoors. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a contribution to a local charity that uplifts the community, reflecting Kevin’s generous heart.

You may share memories and offer condolences to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are assisting the family.

 

MARGARET ‘PUG’ SMITH

LIBERTY — Margaret “Pug” Ross Smith, 74, passed away and walked into the arms of Jesus on Feb. 14.

She was the widow of Steve Smith. They spent 51 years together. She was a cherished wife, mother, Nanna and friend.

Pug was born on June 28, 1950, in Six Mile, to John R. and Lillie (Matoy) Ross. She graduated from Liberty High School in 1968. She attended Anderson College and graduated as a surgical tech. She worked at Baptist Easley Hospital for more than 40 years, where she was an adored member of the surgical department.

She was a member of Rice’s Creek Baptist Church. She loved the Lord, and on any given Sunday, you would hear her “Amen” ringing throughout the church. She loved to hunt and golf in her golden years. She was an avid book reader in her spare time. Most of all, she loved spending time with her family, especially her great-grandchildren.

Pug is survived by her two sons, Bryan (Melissa) and Michael, both of Liberty; sister, Ella Kelley (Muggs) of Liberty; brothers, Andy Ross (Sylvia) and Beau Ross (Carolyn), both of Six Mile, and Nub Ross of Pickens; three grandchildren, Jaimie Brunner (Tim) of Easley, Jason Smith of Liberty and Rylee Medlin of Piedmont; five great-grandchildren, Kira Smith, Greyson Brunner, Kassi Smith, Blakely Smith and Nora Brunner; as well as a sister-in-law, several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her husband, Steve, and her parents, John R. and Lillie, Pug was preceded in death by her sisters, Mary Jane Turner, Jean Lackey and Bobbie Melton.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 20 at Rice’s Creek Baptist Church, followed by a graveside service and burial at the church’s cemetery.

You may share memories and offer condolences to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

ELOISE TROTTER GRANT

PICKENS — Eloise Trotter Grant received her wings and went to her heavenly home on Feb. 10, 2025.

Eloise was born on Feb. 5, 1935, in Pickens County, she was the daughter of the late William Loyd and Inez Pace Trotter. She graduated from Pickens High School, where she was the class secretary, and those duties followed her through the years. She planned many 1953 class reunions and lunches.

Eloise as a young child was a member of Pickens Mill Church. Eloise was an active member for many years and as a young woman was one of the cofounders of the Senior Citizens Group. Eloise was currently an active member of Northside Baptist Church.

Her working career started out at Gayley Mills in Marietta. Eloise made many birthday cakes and pound cakes for the Pickens/Easley area. Eloise’s specialty cake was her famous pound cake. She retired after 35 years from Pickens High School as the cafeteria manager.

She was married to the late Harold Lloyd Grant for 41 years at his passing in 1994.

She is survived by her children, Hal Grant (Tracy) and Cindy Grant; grandchildren, Brandon Grant (Christina) and Cora Beth Setzer (Quinton); and four great-grandchildren, Anslee Thornton, Rylee Grant, Leni Setzer and Bodhi Setzer. Also surviving are her sister, Brenda T. Parson, along with her very special children that Eloise loved as her grandchildren, Amanda Goldman (Brian), Michelle Loudermilk (Jake) and Ashley Miller (David). Eloise also had their children to enjoy over the years, Corbin Loudermilk, Luke Goldman, Ansley Loudermilk, Sam Goldman, Tori Loudermilk and Ellie Jane Miller.

Eloise had some very special friends who loved her like family, Barbara S. Ard, Betty Richards and Alta Rathwell.

She was predeceased by her brother, Curtis L. Trotter and his wife Elneda and their grandson, Richard C. Vanderwood; and a brother-in-law, Martin E. Parson.

Funeral services were held Feb. 14 at Northside Baptist Church in Pickens. Burial took place after the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

JASON DARIUS SANDERS

MARIETTA — Jason Darius Sanders, 50, loving husband to Heather Crowe Sanders, passed away on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at his residence.

Born Oct. 5, 1974, in Coffee County, Ga., Jason was the son of Carlie Burch and the late Pamela Diane Kirkland. Mr. Sanders was a member of Grace Christian Fellowship of Easley and loved his Lord and Savior. Jason was a loving and caring person who also enjoyed a good joke. He loved the Georga Bulldogs and was an avid outdoorsman who enjoyed hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his wife, Heather Sanders of the home; children, Caleb Sanders (Heather), Shelby Nicole Wiggins (Mark), Hunter Sanders and Seth Sanders, all of Waycross, Ga., Austin Crowe (Shayanne) of Easley and Madison Leigh Burris of Easley; several loving and caring grandchildren; siblings, Ashley Sanders and Amber Sanders, both of Douglas, Ga.; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his mother, Mr. Sanders was predeceased by a sister, Amanda Burch.

Services will be announced at a later date.

Memorial donations in Jason’s honor may be made to Grace Christian Fellowship, 377 Deer Creek Rd, Easley.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Sanders family.