Pearl Nix

Pickens — Pearl Clemones Nix, 84, formerly of Pickens, died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2014, at Ellenburg Nursing Center in Anderson.

Born in LaGrange, Ga., she was the widow of John B. Nix and a daughter of the late James Isaiah Clemones and Ollie Mae Roberson Clemones Farlow. She was retired from Brunswick Yarns and was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church.

Surviving are a daughter, Jan Reynolds (Andy) of Pickens; two sons, Marvin Nix (Bridget) and John Kevin Nix, both of Pickens; three sisters, Carrie Lee Gordy of Griffin, Ga., Mary Lucille Hill of Wedowee, Ala., and Shirley T. Edwards of Carrollton, Ga.; five grandchildren, Jamie Nix-Chapman, Amanda H. Rowland, Chad Howard, Marty Dumire and Rhonda Littlefield; and eight great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents she was predeceased by a brother, Gene Clemones, and a great grandchild, Joey Dumire.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Nix were held at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Services were conducted by the Rev. Matthew Danuser and the Rev. Scott Childs.

The family would like to especially thank Emily Fairbanks, Marion Nalley and Jamie Lyons of Patriot Hospice, and Wanda Rashe and the staff of Ellenburg Nursing Center for the special care that they gave to their mother.

Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Hoy Z. O’Shields

Easley — Hoy Zimmerman O’Shields, 85, husband of Overa Moore O’Shields, died, Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, at his home surrounded by his family.

Hoy was born in Marion, N.C., a son of the late Lawrence Grady and Eva Waldrop O’Shields. He was a homebuilder and owner of O’Shields Brothers Construction Co.

Hoy was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in Korea, where he was awarded the WWII Victory Medal. In addition to building houses, he was an avid woodworker, especially building tall case clocks. A farmer at heart, he always grew a large garden and in his spare time, he loved to restore old tractors, hunt and fish.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Overa Moore O’Shields of the home, sons, Charles O’Shields (Mary) of Greenville; James O’Shields (Jackie), Wayne O’Shields (Amber), and Jerry O’Shields all of Easley and a daughter, Darlene Walden (Terry) of Easley; seven grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren. Sisters include Naomi Reynolds, Beulah Fraizer, and Barbarajane Sloan, and a brother, George O’Shields.

Hoy was preceded in death by two brothers and five sisters.

Funeral services were conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, Jan. 2, in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens, and burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com

Memorials may be made to Piedmont Hospice, 209-A Riverside Court, Greer, SC 29650.

Dillard Funeral Home assisted the family.

Mildred Hughes Crenshaw

Liberty — Mildred Willimon Hughes Crenshaw, 84, of 346 Campground Road, died, Jan. 1, 2015, at her home.

Born in Six Mile, she was the widow of Robert Crenshaw and a daughter of the late Earl and Eunice Stone Willimon.

She retired from the School District of Pickens County, where she worked in the cafeteria and was a member of First Baptist Church of Liberty.

Surviving are a daughter, Carolyn McEntire (Don) of Pelzer; three sons, Steve Hughes (Gail) of Liberty; Donnie Hughes (Julie) of Gaffney and Ronnie Hughes (Vanessa) of Sanford, N.C.; a stepdaughter, Lisa Holder of Six Mile; three stepsons, Randy, Roger, and Aaron Crenshaw, all of Six Mile; a sister, Betty Seaborn of Six Mile; nine grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Curtis B. Hughes, and a brother, Hugh Willimon.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Crenshaw were held at 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel, conducted by the Reverend Dr. Ray Longenecker and the Rev. Mark Kannarney. Burial followed at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements

David R. Gossett

Easley — David Ramsey Gossett, 90, of 162 Looper Road, husband of the late Louise Looper Gossett, died Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Anderson County, a son of the late Walter E. and Annie Mattison Gossett, Mr. Gossett retired from J.P. Stevens Corp. and was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, where he was a former deacon and a member of the Men’s Bible Class. He was a veteran of World War II, having served with the U.S. Army in the Medical Corps.

Surviving are a son, David Bryan Gossett of Easley; a daughter, Kathy Constance (Mike) of Easley; a sister, Mary Wade of Greenville; four grandchildren, Robby Raines, Ryan Gossett, Shaunda Menke (Josh), and Capt. Jason Constance (Lindsey); and four great-grandchildren, Kevin Raines, Taylor Raines, Karley Davis, and Grayson Menke. In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Gossett was predeceased by four brothers, Francis, Elliott, Walter and Malcom Gossett, and by four sisters, Zula Jordan, Emmie Holleman, Ann Grogan and Betty Gossett.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 10, at Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. Burial, with military honors, will follow in the church cemetery.

The body is at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown and will be placed in the church at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, where the family will receive friends from 10 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, 1621 Hester Store Road, Easley, S.C. 29640.

The family is at the home of Kathy and Mike Constance, 159 Looper Road, Easley.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Ruby L. Holliday

Pickens — Ruby Leona Keasler Holliday, 83, wife of the late Jesse Hampton “Hamp” Holliday, died Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015.

Mrs. Holliday was born in Sunset, a daughter of the late Paul C. and Mallie Winchester Keasler. She was employed with Blue Ridge Electric Coop for more than 20 years and then kept books for her husband’s business, Holliday Body Shop. Mrs. Holliday was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. She was an excellent seamstress and made clothes for her children when they were young. Mrs. Holliday was also a wonderful cook, always grew a large garden and canned and preserved everything she grew.

An active member of Red Hill Baptist Church, Mrs. Holliday was a member of the T.E.L. Sunday School Class and former director of the Red Hill W.M.U. and the Pickens Twelve Mile Baptist Association W.M.U. She served in various capacities of leadership both at Red Hill and Shady Grove Baptist churches.

Survivors include two daughters, Paula Owens (Hank) of Pickens and Gina Stancil (David) of Sunset; a son, Mark Holliday (Tina) of Pickens; four grandchildren, Laura Roach of Irmo, Will Roach of Easley; Justin Roach of Pickens and Jennifer Wilkins of Charlotte, N.C.; three great grandchildren, Quinn Thomas Wilkins of Charlotte, N.C., RaeLynn MacKenzie Roach of Pickens and Amelia Grace Fowlkes of Irmo; two step-grandchildren, Hunter and Kendall Weeks. She is also survived by brothers, Carlyle Keasler (Mary) of Sunset, and Gary Keasler (Patsy) of Sunset, three sisters, Eleanor Gibson of Sunset and Mary Bobo (J.L.) of Pickens and Sue Holcombe (Herschel) of Lynn Haven, Fla.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Holliday was preceded in death by sisters, Mildred Brezeale and Alma Barrett.

Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 6, at Red Hill Baptist Church.

Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.

Memorials may be made to Red Hill Baptist Church, 558 Red Hill Road, Pickens, SC 29671.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family.

WILLIAM BELTON MARTIN JR.

CENTRAL — William Belton Martin Jr., 95, of Central died on Sunday, Jan. 4, 2015.

A native of Orangeburg, he was the son of the late William Belton and Mary Mignonne Lowman Martin.

He was a graduate of Orangeburg High School and attended Georgetown University. He was drafted and honorably served in the army of the United States during World War II. He loved horses and ran Martin Radio and TV and the Thunderbird Motor Inn in Clemson. He was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church of Clemson.

He is survived by sons William Belton Martin III of Gainesville, Ga.; Robert Francis Martin and wife Pat of Clemson; Thomas Edward Martin and wife Cathy of Graham, N.C.; daughters Marilyn Joy Martin Erickson of Fargo, N.D.; Deborah Lynn Martin Wickliffe of Seneca; Mary Mignonne Martin Matheson of Easley; brother John Campbell Martin and wife Willie Anne of Clemson, 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his sisters, Jane Frances Martin Schmalz of Aiken and Mignonne Martin Sullivan of Jacksonville, Fla., and brothers-in-law Richard Albert Schmalz of Aiken and Dr. Edward Sullivan of Jacksonville, Fla.

Memorials may be made to St. Andrews Catholic Church of Clemson.

Funeral services are pending, and the families are at their respective homes.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central-Clemson Commons, which is assisting the family.

Barbour “Bob” Moore

Easley — Barbour “Bob” Moore, 83, of 718 Smith Grove Road, died Monday, Dec. 29, 2015, at his residence.

Born in Oconee County, he was a son of the late Elbert and Maebell Carver Moore. He retired from Palmetto Loom and Reed Company, where he worked from 1955 until 1993. He was also a longtime member of Jones Avenue Baptist Church, beginning in 1959 where he became a deacon at the age of 23 and received the Father of the Year Award in 1994 and Senior of the Year Award in 1998.

Surviving are a daughter, Marlene Tribble of the home; two sons, Sam Moore (Rhonda) of Anderson and Bruce Moore of Chicago; a sister, Marie Pitts of Walhalla; a brother, George Moore of Westminster; four grandsons, Tim Tribble, Kevin Tribble, Lance Moore and Nathan Moore; one great grandchild, Audrey Tribble; and longtime friend, Conise Owens.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Doris M. Moore; his second wife, Louise Wardlaw Satterfield Moore; two sisters, Maudie Lee Moore and Eva Johnson.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Moore were held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 3, at Jones Avenue Baptist Church in Easley. Burial followed at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Hospice of the Upstate: 1835 Rogers Road Anderson, SC 29621. Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Polly N. Owens

Easley — Polly Nalley Owens, 82, formerly of Lennox Lane, wife of the late George Thomas Owens Jr., died Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, at Foothills Presbyterian Home.

Born in Pickens County, the daughter of the late Lorene Turner Nalley, Mrs. Owens retired from the Arial Plant of Alice Manufacturing Company and was a member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church.

Surviving are a son, Greg Owens (Ann) of Greer; two daughters, Vicki Pounds (Jerry) of Liberty and Wanda McGaha (Frank) of Liberty; a brother, Walter “Smokey” Nalley of Easley; five grandchildren, Joey McGaha, Gwen Childress, Valerie Larson, Amy Linsz and Hayes Owens; and nine great-grandchildren; and a family friend, Jack Ledford.

Funeral services were held at 3:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of Foothills Presbyterian for the love and care they gave to Mrs. Owens.

Memorials may be made to St. Andrew United Methodist Church, 309 Pelzer Highway, Easley, SC 29642 or to Lutheran Hospice, 429 North Main Street, Suite 3, Greenville, SC 29601.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhome.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Bessie “Montez” McNeely

Easley — Mrs. Montez McNeely, 87, of Easley, loving wife of the late Cecil H. McNeely, died, Monday, Jan. 5, 2015, at her residence.

Mrs. McNeely was born on March 13, 1927, in Anderson County to the late Willie and Jannie McElreth Vinson. She was a homemaker and enjoyed fishing, watching the game show network and playing board games, especially Bingo. She was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church.

Mrs. McNeely is survived by a daughter; Linda Watson and her husband Arnold Gosnell, of Easley; a sister; Margeline Bunch, 10 grandchildren, 18 great-grandchildren, and 11 great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two sons; Cyrus M. Watson Jr. and William Richard Watson; two daughters, Bessie Howe and Martha Watson; three brothers and four sisters.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 10, in the Chapel of Robinson Funeral Home – Downtown conducted by the Rev. David Bagwell. Interment will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home prior to the service on Saturday from noon until 1:30 p.m.

The family is at the residence.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com, or in person at Robinson Funeral Home – Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Juanita Martin Gilstrap

Easley — Juanita Martin Gilstrap, 78, of Huntington Road, wife of Willie Fant Gilstrap, died Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Emeritus Countryside.

Born May 11, 1936, in Franklin, N.C., she was a daughter of the late Claude and Edna Holcombe Martin. Mrs. Gilstrap was a homemaker who gave of herself unselfishly to family and friends. She was a hospice volunteer, prayer warrior and a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church.

In addition to her husband of 62 years, she is survived by her children, David Gilstrap (LeAnn), Jay Gilstrap (Kristi), James Gilstrap (Yari) and Janice Gonzalez (Phillip); 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her sisters, Jo Harper and Frieda Gravely.

Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 7, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road. Entombment will follow in Robinson Memorial Gardens Chapel of Reflection Mausoleum.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home- Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.

Opal G. McAlpin

Clemson — Opal Gregory McAlpin of Clemson, formerly of Atlanta, died on Jan. 4, 2015, at age 88 after a long battle with memory loss.

She was born May 23, 1926, in Grayson, La., to George W. Gregory and Carrie Myers Gregory. She grew up on a farm as one of nine children.

She was a member of the 1941 state champion high school girls basketball team at Grayson High School. She attended business college in Baton Rouge, La., and worked in a variety of businesses as a secretary and administrative assistant.

She worked more than 25 years for the DeKalb County, Ga., school system. A strong and gracious caregiver for her husband, Mark, for more than 30 years, she loved her church, her flowers that she often shared with friend and neighbors, and her family.

Mrs. McAlpin was preceded in death by her husband, Mark L. McAlpin, and eight siblings: Benjamin Gregory, Loice G. McCarty, Belton Gregory, Marie G. Haddox, Lozelle G. Rozema, Audrey Gregory, Clayton Gregory, Elton Gregory.

She is survived by three children: Karen M. McDougal (Gary), Newton, N.C.; David McAlpin (Nanell), Kansas City, Mo.; and Nancy M. Spitler (Hugh), Clemson; six grandchildren: Patrick McDougal, Long Creek; Katherine M. Dancel (Rex), Chapel Hill, N.C.; Benjamin McAlpin, St. Louis, Mo.; Stephen McAlpin (Emily), Los Angeles; Donald Spitler; William Spitler, Clemson; and one great-grand-daughter, Remedy Jane McAlpin, Los Angeles, and numerous nieces and nephews.

A celebration of Opal’s life will take place at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at First Baptist Church of Clemson, with Dr. Roger Lovette officiating. A graveside committal service will take place at 11 a.m. Thursday in Floral Hills Memory Gardens, Tucker, Ga.

The family would like to thank the caregivers at Belvedere Commons and Clemson Downs for their special attention and love.

Donations may be made to Shepherd Center Rehabilitation Center, 2020 Peachtree Road NW, Atlanta, GA 30309 (www.shepherd.org).

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central.

Ruby Marie Hayes

Liberty — Ruby Marie Gibson Hayes, 86, of 2724 Anderson Highway, died Saturday, Jan. 3, 2015, at Manna Health & Rehab in Pickens.

Born in Easley, she was the widow of Cecil Bennett Hayes and a daughter of the late William Charlie Gibson and Inez Bolding Gibson Martin.

She retired from Swirl and was a member of Flat Rock Baptist Church.

Surviving are a daughter, Jean Beacham Moore (Roy) of Liberty; a son, Benny Hayes (Debbie) of Marietta; a brother, Larry Gibson of Easley; three grandchildren, Sarah Hayes, and Monty and Billy Beacham; six great-grandchildren, Mathew, Jamie, Ashley, Colt, Brandon, and Jeremy.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Bruce and Charles Gibson.

Graveside services to honor the life of Mrs. Hayes were held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 6, at Flat Rock Baptist Church Cemetery. The family greeted friends and relatives following the service at the graveside.

In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to Flat Rock Baptist Church, 115 Slab Bridge Road, Liberty SC 29657.

Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com

Alexander “Mac” M. Sprott Jr.

CLEMSON — After a lengthy battle with Alzheimer’s disease, Alexander “Mac” McTaggart Sprott Jr., 62, was freed from his battle on the morning of Jan. 4, 2015, at his home with members of his family at his side.

A visitation with the family will be held from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 7, at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home at 108 Cross Creek Road in Central, S.C., Mac’s memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday at the same location.

The family is at the home of his beloved wife, Sue, at 213 Wren Street in Clemson, S.C.

Born in Florence, S.C., on Dec. 22, 1952, Mac was the son of the late Alexander “Pete” McTaggart Sprott and Bettie Jane Sprott.

He served in the United States Army from 1975-1978, undergoing basic training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C., before being stationed at Fort Jackson, Colo., where he met Sue.

After moving back to South Carolina, Mac earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Clemson University in 1984 and 1986, respectively, and went on to serve as the grounds manager at the South Carolina Botanical Garden on the Clemson campus for 24 years, where be built long-lasting friendships with both his co-workers and student assistants.

In addition to his love of his family, the outdoors, landscaping and horticulture in general, Mac enjoyed spending time camping and going on family vacations to Edisto Island, S.C., where he particularly enjoyed fossil hunting, fishing and canoeing. Well known for his sense of humor and his friendly nature, Mac also deeply enjoyed music — in particular that of his favorite band, The Who — and his collection of firearms. In his younger years, he also enjoyed hang gliding.

In addition to his wife, Mac is survived by a son, Eric (Cassie) of Pendleton, S.C., and a daughter, Jenny (Clint) of Sevierville, Tenn. He is also survived by a grandson, Jacob, the son of Eric and Cassie.

While flowers are accepted, the family asks memorials be made to the South Carolina Botanical Garden, 150 Discovery Lane, Clemson, SC 29634-0174.