YVONNE MAY HIDAY SMITH

EASLEY— Yvonne May Hiday Smith, 91, wife of the late Dan A. Smith, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021.

Born in Dayton, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late Russell and Mary Relyea Hiday.

Mrs. Smith worked in retail and was a member of Easley Presbyterian Church. She never met a stranger and loved and was loved by everyone who knew her. Her true passion was her family, which she loved dearly.

Mrs. Smith is survived by daughters, Sharon Beard (Dennis) of Easley and Diana Broome (Darrell) of Slidell, La.; grandchildren, David Beard (Nicole), Tracee Clem (Derek), Jason Broome (Mallory Echols) and Sheila Ogden; great-grandchildren, Cassandra Smith (Jordan), Caitlyn Clem, Cameron Motes (Taylor), Theo Broome and Shiloh Boman; and great-great-granchildren, Turner Smith and Rosemary and Joel Motes.

In addition to her loving husband of 43 years, she was preceded in death by grandsons, Douglas Beard and Jeremy Broome; and a brother, Jack Hiday.

A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24, at Easley Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends following the service in the church parlor.

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

BENNIE FLOYD CROWE

PICKENS — Mr. Bennie Floyd Crowe, 84, loving husband of Shelby Jean Duncan Crowe, passed away on Friday, Nov. 19, 2021, at Manna Health and Rehab of Pickens.

Bennie was born on March 13, 1937, in Pickens, to the late Lawrence and ClovieBaynard Crowe.

He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather brother and friend. Bennie emitted love, wisdom, patience and care everywhere he went, and to know him was to love him. He loved the Lord and was the example of what a Godly man should be, and his top priority was making sure his family was loved and taken care of. Bennie was the fixer of all things broken and the finder of all things lost. When he wasn’t spending time with his family, he stayed busy cutting grass, working in his shop, gardening and tending to his cows. Bennie enjoyed his weekly coffee and fellowship gatherings with old friends, and his sweet smile and witty sense of humor will be deeply missed.

In addition to his loving wife, Bennie is survived by one son, Tony Crowe (Joann) of Pickens; three granddaughters, Jaclyn Payne (Ryan) of Easley, Jennifer Whitmire (Gabriel) of Liberty and Heather Allison (Steve) of Easley; four great-grandchildren, Eliza, John-Luke, Everett and Aaron; and one sister, Ann Gwin (Roger) of Pickens.

In addition to his parents, Bennie was preceded in death by one daughter, Jane O’Brien; one brother, Hoyt Crowe; and one sister-in-law, Ann Crowe.

A graveside service was held on Nov. 23 at Hillcrest Memorial Park. The family received friends following the service at the graveside.

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.

WINONA MCCLAIN

EASLEY — Winona Banks McClain, 72, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021.

Born in Greenville, the daughter of the late Fred Walter Banks Sr. and the late Margaret S. Bullington, Winona received her associate degree in automotive technology from Greenville Technical College and was a retired automotive technician with Sullivan Buick in Anderson. She was of the Pentecostal faith.

Surviving are her son, James Robert McClain Jr. of Fountain Inn; her two brothers, Otis Carl Banks (Debbie) of Piedmont and Fred Walter Banks Jr. of Waterloo; and her grandson, Bradley Bryant.

In addition to her parents, Winona was predeceased by her daughter, Kitten Bryant; and her granddaughter, Kimberlie Bryant.

Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial will follow at Greenville Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, 44-A Markfield Drive, Charleston, SC 29407.

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

LULA MCCOLLUM

CENTRAL — Mrs. Lula Smith McCollum, 91, wife of the late R.D. McCollum, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021.

Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late David Daniel Smith and the late Tillie Jennings Smith, Mrs. McCollum was a homemaker and a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Lula Mae was a loving person who loved and adored her family and had a special love for her dog, Jake. She will be missed by all who loved and knew her.

Surviving are her two sons, Rick McCollum (Judy) of Easley and Ronnie McCollum (Mae) of Charleston; her daughter, Diane M. Elrod (Johnny) of Central; 12 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. McCollum was predeceased by four brothers, Elmain Smith, Sam Smith, Rufus Smith and Bud Smith; and two sisters, Irene S. Snipes and Pauline S. Nix.

Funeral services were held on Nov. 23 at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church. Burial followed at the Cedar Rock Baptist Church cemetery.

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

PETEY FULLER

CENTRAL — Kermit Leon “Petey” Fuller, 65, of James Circle, passed away peacefully on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021, after a brief illness.

Born in Greenville, he was a son of the late Rev. Richard M. and Edna Brady Fuller. He was retired from the School District of Pickens County, where he was a custodian at several different schools including Ambler Elementary, Liberty Middle School, Liberty High School and Central Elementary. He was an avid Georgia Bulldog fan and enjoyed the outdoors and spending time with his family. He was a member of Liberty Masonic Lodge No. 235 A.F.M. and was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are his wife, Elaine Burdette Fuller of the home; two daughters, Selena Owens (Anthony) of Anderson and Miranda Smith (Shannon) of Easley; a son, Brandon Howard (Donette) of Central; two sisters-in-law, Aurelie “Cookie” Fuller and Sandra Fuller of Liberty; eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and many special nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Richard “Dickey” Fuller and Harold Fuller; and two sisters, Sandy LeCroy and Joann Smith.

Funeral services to honor Petey’s life will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 24, in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Burial will follow at Liberty Memorial Gardens. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:30-1:45 p.m. at the mortuary.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Liberty Masonic Lodge No. 235, PO Box 26 Liberty, SC 29657.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

VERA DARLENE STONE

PICKENS — Vera Darlene Stone passed away peacefully at home on Nov. 19, 2021, surrounded by family after a valiant fight with a long-term illness. She was welcomed to heaven with open arms by her Daddy.

Left to cherish fun memories are her mama, Vera Stone of Pickens; four treasured siblings, Preston Stone, Levi (Kara) Stone, Shirley Brooks and Sandy Stone; three beloved children, Jennifer Gillespie, Samantha Saxon and Charlie Gillespie, all of Elberton, Ga.; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

Darlene was a proud Nano to Dylan, Andrew, Lexi, Jacob, Bailee, Aiden and Joshua. She adored her great-grands Sasha, Reagan and Ryleigh. Vera held a special place in her heart for Destiny, who she considered one of her own. Her four-legged companions, Bones, Ozzi and Batman, will miss their treats and love.

Darlene was an inspiration to all, devoting her life to helping and caring for others. She was a preschool teacher in Elberton, Ga., where she loved every child as her own.

The family would like to thank caring staff members of Hospice of the Upstate, Renee, Audrey, Pastor Deon and Starla (hospiceoftheupstate.com).

Per her request, there will be no services.

Palmetto Cremation Service is assisting the family.

DELLA MARIE KELLEY

PICKENS — Della Marie Kelley, 58, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 20, 2021, at her home.

Born Oct. 4, 1963, in New Orleans, La., she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Velma (Vandiver) Miller. She was full of life and was known by her family and friends for being an overall great person to be around.

Mrs. Kelley is survived by her loving husband of 37 years, Tommy Kelley; two daughters, Ashley Gilstrap of Augusta, Ga., and Virginia Montoya of Commerce, Ga.; and a son, Matthew Kelley of Pickens. In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by four grandchildren, Kaden Welborn, Quinten Welborn, Charisma Crowe and Samuel Kelley.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Amber Kelley.

Mrs. Kelley’s wishes were to be cremated, and a celebration of her life will be announced at a later date.

Mountain View Funeral home is assisting the Kelley family.

DOROTHY WHITMIRE

LIBERTY — Dorothy Burns Whitmire, 86, died on Thursday, Nov. 18, 2021, at Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Pendleton, she was the widow of Charlie Whitmire and a daughter of the late Frank Washington and Mavis Elizabeth Roper Burns.

Surviving are two sons, Charles “Terry” Whitmire of Asheville, N.C., and Ben Wilson of Spartanburg; two sisters, Nell Holder of Liberty and Fran Kelley of Easley; 12 grandchildren, Melvin Whitmire (Amanda), Laura Whitmire, Amanda Whitmire, Brandon Whitmire (Sue), Jeremy Whitmire (Jenny), Jonathan Whitmire (Ashley), Chelsea Bradley, Trapper Whitmire, Bo Whitmire, Courtney Biddle (Timothy), Melanie Newman (Daniel) and Stephanie Antillon; and numerous great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by four sons, Marty, Tony, Greg and Rodney Whitmire; a brother, Haskell Burns; and a sister, Anne Williams.

Funeral services were conducted on Nov. 23 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Burial was at the Roanoke Baptist Church cemetery.

To share a memory or leave a message for the family, you may visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

TAMMY RENA WELZBACHER

PICKENS — Tammy Rena Welzbacher, 62, formerly of Williamston and Cullowhee, N.C., passed away on Monday, Nov. 8, 2021.

She was the daughter of the late Henry Thomas Welzbacher and Martha Rae Frasier Wright. She loved her family and friends.

She is survived by her daughter, April Owens; grandchildren, Joshua (Kaitlyn) Owens, Joseph Owens, Ryleigh (Logan Meadows) Owens, Bethany Owens and Sadie Ricketts; great-grandchildren, EllaMae Rena Meadows and Madilyn Hope Owens; siblings, Eugene (Pam) Welzbacher, Eddie (Donna) Welzbacher, Irene Jordan and Billy (Barbara) Welzbacher; and honorary “Nana” to Mia Cannon, Blake Tolley, Brandon Barker, Maddy Hooper and Mason Lowery; ex-husband, Johnny Hunt; lifelong friends, Cathy Sutton, Dorothy “Dot” Goodine and Sandy Simpson; nieces, nephews and a beloved dog, Ragnar.

A memorial service was held on Nov. 23 at Tabernacle Baptist, 519 Anderson St., Pelzer, SC 29669. Her grandson, Joshua Owens, officiated.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the GoFundMe.

FRANCIS PETER ‘FRAN’ TORSIELLO

EASLEY — Francis Peter Torsiello, 65, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 9, 2021, at his home.

A native of Waterbury, Conn., Fran was born on June 17, 1956, to Michael Raymond and the late Madeline Ann Matisto Torsiello. Fran was a communicant of Remnant Church in Easley and loved his horse, Scooby-Doo.

Survivors include his daughters, Melissa J. Powell (Marcus) of Watertown, Conn., and Jessica Torsiello of Ansonia, Conn.; his grandchildren, Angel Cardona Jr., Tyson Torsiello Powell, Isaiah Powell, Anthony Torsiello and Madison Torsiello; nieces, Tiffany Patchell, Stacey Lettiero and Rebecca Torsiello; and a nephew, Brian Shaw.

In addition to his mother, Mr. Torsiello was predeceased by his brother, Raymond Torsiello; a sister, Cynthia Torsiello; and a nephew, Kyle Torsiello.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Connecticut.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Torsiello Family.

JEARL WILLIAMS

EASLEY — Mr. Perry Jearl Williams, 86, husband of Avis Formyduval Williams, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Nov. 13, 2021.

Born in Chesterfield County, a son of the late Baxter Alfonzo Williams and the late Ellen Olivia Winburn Williams, Mr. Williams was a graduate of Furman University, where he received his bachelor’s degree. He was previously employed with the Anderson County Family Court and Anderson County Vocational Rehabilitation and was the current owner of Jearl Williams Nursery. Jearl was a member of Easley First Batist Church and a U.S. Army Reserve veteran.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 63 years, are a brother, John A. Williams (Avis) of Mebane, N.C.; a sister, Ann W. Lay of Long; two sisters-in-law, Joan Williams of Siler City, N.C., and Lois Williams of Bakersville, N.C.; and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Williams was predeceased by his daughter, Elen Victoria Williams; four brothers, Randolph Williams, Dearl Williams, Cecil Williams and Lee Williams; a sister, Geneva W. Evans; two sisters-in-law, Kitty Williams and Jewel Williams; and two brothers-in-law, Fred Lay and Preston Evans.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

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

DANIEL S. SCHUPBACH

EASLEY — Daniel S. Schupbach, 41, passed away on Monday, Nov. 15, 2021.

Daniel was born on Jan. 26, 1980, to Scott T and the late Darla Revan Schupbach, who raised him in the Powdersville community. Mr. Schupbach loved to cook and read books, especially his Bible.

He is survived by his daughter, Mackensie Schupbach, and her mother, Stephanie Helton of Easley; a sister, Dana Lyda (Jason); grandparents, Shirley Kauffman and Patsy Mills; two aunts, Rhonda Palacios (Alan) and Paula Schupbach; an uncle, Jamie Schupbach (Cheryl); and one niece, Hadley Lyda.

In addition to his mother, Mr. Schupbach was also predeceased by his grandfathers, Alvin Revan, Chuck Kauffman, Jack Mills and Paul Schupbach; and one aunt, Chris Towner.

A memorial service for Daniel was held on Nov. 20 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Schupbach family.

BOBBY JOE LYDAY

PICKENS — Bobby Joe Lyday, 62, loving husband of 40 years to Teresa Lynn Lyday, passed away on Tuesday, Nov. 16, 2021, at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital.

A native of Pickens County, Bobby was born March 12, 1959, son of the late Henry Jackson Lyday and Alice Marie Bryant Neal. He enjoyed working, hunting and spending time with his grandbabies.

Survivors include his wife, Teresa, of the home; his children, Stephanie Ramey (Ryan), Justin Lyday (Morgan) and Courtney Johnson (Corey), all of Pickens; grandchildren, Abbigail Woods, Levi Woods, Chase Lyday, Chloe Ramey, Collin Lyday, Emma Johnson, Jeremiah Johnson, Jameson Johnson and Ellie Johnson; siblings, Rachel Dickard (Wayne), Carolyn Galloway (Terry), Deborah Riddle (Danny), Shirley Haynes, Ricky Lyday (Lisa) and Marie Galloway; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Lyday was predeceased by his brother, Allen Lee.

Visitation was held on Nov. 22 in the sanctuary of Midway Baptist Church, with the funeral service following. Burial was at the Midway Baptist Church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Lyday family.

GLADYE MAE NIX

LIBERTY — Gladye Mae Whitmire Nix, 84, of 135 Whitmire Hill Road, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, at the Cottingham Hospice House.

Born in Pickens, she was the widow of Donald William George Nix and a daughter of the late Clyde C. and Essie Porter Whitmire.

She was a longtime member of Roanoke Baptist Church and enjoyed gardening. The most important things in her life were always her family and faith. She did, however, believe in education, and went back to school after her children were born to finish her high school diploma to set an example for her rapidly growing family.

Surviving are two daughters, Corliss Thomas (Jeff) of Spartanburg and Janice Nix of Liberty; two sons, Randell Nix (Susie) and Chris Nix, both of Liberty; three sisters, Sue Farmer, Diane Sanderson and Kathy Young; a brother, Haskell Whitmire; seven grandchildren, Brian Thomas (Melody), Tracy Shreve (Brandon), Stephanie McClain (Jamie), Shannon Tollison (Kevin), Taylor Kitchens, Katelyn Dotson (Scott) and Rev. Zachary Nix (Abby); and 14 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters, Lucille Chastain, Yvonne Durham and Sylvia Cantrell; and five brothers, Claude, Roy, Bobby, Johnny and Donald Whitmire.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Nix were conducted on Nov. 22 at Roanoke Baptist Church.

The burial followed in the church cemetery.

To leave a memory or message, you may visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

PAULINE GILSTRAP

CENTRAL — Pauline Ross Gilstrap, 73, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Nov. 17, 2021, at her residence.

Born in Seneca, she was a daughter of the late JB and Brodie Ables Ross.

She was a homemaker and loved to spend time with her family.

Surviving are her husband, Larry C. Gilstrap of the home; a daughter, Jodie Campbell (Dale) of Williamston; three sons, Brian Chapman (Amy) of Belton, Ricky Gilstrap (Cynthia) of Liberty and Jimmy Gilstrap of Taylors; a sister, Florence O’Neal of Norris; 10 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her mother and father, she was preceded in death by a son, Ricky Chapman; a brother, Jack Ross; and five sisters, Louise Bates, Frances Ross, Joyce Johnson, Betty Dickard and Inez Bryant.

Graveside services were held on Nov. 22 at Liberty Memorial Gardens. No formal visitation is planned.

To leave a memory or a message, you may visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

GARLAND ‘MARK’ BURGESS

PICKENS — Mr. Garland “Mark” Burgess, 57, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Nov. 7, 2021.

He was born in Pickens County and was the loving husband of Krystal Kelly Burgess. He was the son of Jack Burgess and Juanita Davis Burgess of Pickens.

Mark was inspired by the Lord to pursue ministry work in addiction recovery, going on to receive his master of ministry degree in theology. He authored several books and was ordained as a minister. He served his country in the

LESTER JOHN PORTER

EASLEY — Mr. Lester John Porter, 99, went to meet his adored savior, Jesus Christ, on Oct. 24, 2021, in his home while surrounded by his loving family.

Born on Aug. 5, 1922, Lester was a devoted member of Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley for 91 years. He has faithfully served Jesus throughout his long, beautiful life. He was an avid farmer and handy man until his mid-90s. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1943, where he served as a WWII combat medic of the 30th infantry division. He was a bronze star with valor recipient. Following his service, he worked at Duke Power as a welder and taught welding at

DORIS EMMALINDA TOMPKINS MAULDIN

SIX MILE — Mrs. Doris Emmalinda Tompkins Mauldin, 86, passed away on Friday, Oct. 15, 2021.

Doris was born Aug. 25, 1935, in Pickens County. She was the daughter of the late Avery J. Tompkins and Freddie Mae Seaborn Tompkins and loving wife to the late James Robert Mauldin.

Mrs. Mauldin was of the Baptist faith and a member at Praters Creek Baptist Church. She loved her antiquing and was an avid collector of glassware and furniture. She loved her gardening and landscaping. She enjoyed spending time with her grandkids and cheering for the Clemson Tigers. More importantly, she loved reading scripture and her Lord.

Surviving include a son, Robert Mauldin (Nancy) of Liberty, and a daughter, Angela Winchester (Danny) of Six Mile. Surviving are six loving grandchildren, Kristen Gilstrap, Kayla Hines, Kyle, Alexis and Blake Winchester and Carson Mauldin. Also surviving are five most loving and precious great-grandchildren, Everly, Ember, Lauren, Caroline and Bergen. She leaves behind nieces and nephews who loved her dearly, Lori and Barry Bishop and Tina and Tony Stewart.

Mrs. Mauldin was predeceased by a son, Randy Mauldin; grandson, Clint Winchester; a brother, Wallace

CHARLOTTE TURNER BUTTS

CLEMSON — Charlotte Turner Butts, widow of Leverett Belton Butts Jr., passed away peacefully at home in Clemson on Oct. 2, 2021.

She was born Jan. 13, 1922, in Newnan, Ga., to Henry and Savannah White Turner. She graduated from Newnan High School and, subsequently, from West Georgia College and the University of Georgia. She began her career as a teacher, but soon moved to Atlanta, where she found work as an executive secretary. When America entered World War II, she resigned from her secretarial position to work for the War

CRYSTAL SUE AUSTIN

PICKENS — Crystal Sue Austin, 44, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Sept. 28, 2021.

Miss. Austin was born in Nuernberg, Bavaria, Germany, and was the daughter of the late James B. Austin Sr. and Sue L. Austin of Six Mile.

Survivors in addition to her mother are brothers Erick Austin (Daniela) of Navarre, Fla., and James B. Austin Jr. of Six Mile. Also surviving are a number of loving nieces and nephews.

Miss Austin worked a majority of her career at Walgreens and was her mother’s caregiver. She furthered her education in early childhood development. She loved her many nieces and nephews and spent most of her time with family. Most of all, she loved her furry friend Ammo. She enjoyed doing puzzles, going to church, going to the lake and crafting jewelry. She loved adventure and travel. Crystal will be truly missed by her family.

The funeral service was held on Oct. 5 at the Dillard Funeral Home chapel. The burial followed the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Austin family.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

EMORY V. JONES

DACUSVILLE — Emory Valentine Jones, 80, husband of Joy Connelly Jones, went to be with his Lord and Savior

GLENN D. TURNER

CENTRAL — Glenn D. Turner, 88, husband of Eleise Owen Turner, passed away peacefully Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2021.

He was born Oct. 22, 1932, in Ochlocknee, Ga.

Glenn served in the United States Air Force from 1953-55 and later, after serving in management in the hardware business, completed his undergraduate degree from Central Wesleyan College in 1969. He began teaching with the School District of Pickens County in 1970. He was awarded his Master’s Degree in Educational Administration and Supervision in 1971 from Clemson University. He then received an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Administration from

WILLIAM HAROLD MCJUNKIN

PICKENS — Mr. William Harold McJunkin, 93, passed peacefully on Sept. 17, 2021, at his home.

He was born in Pickens County, and was the son of the late Henry Eugene (Gene) McJunkin and Ethel Williams McJunkin. Harold was the loving and devoted husband of the late Mary Lee Ellison McJunkin.

Surviving are one brother, Donald McJunkin, and one sister, Nannie Bet Boggs (Tommy) of Pickens, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, great and great-great nieces and nephews.

Mr. McJunkin was predeceased by sisters Azilee Evette, Blanche Tucker and Ellen Boggs; and a brother, B.F. McJunkin.

Mr. McJunkin served in the United States Air Force and worked throughout his life as a carpenter and vegetable and cattle farmer. He was a lifelong resident of Pickens County and member at Pickens First Baptist Church. He was a member of the Pickens County Cattleman’s Association, American Simmental Association and a past commissioner of the Pickens County Soil and Water Conservation District for 10 years.

A funeral service was held on Sept. 21 at the Dillard Funeral Home chapel. Burial followed the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park. Rev. Lee Boggs officiated.

In honor of Mary and Harold’s love of children, memorials may be made to Pickens First Baptist Church Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child, 406 E. Main St., Pickens, SC 29671.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the McJunkin family. The families will be at their respective homes.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

REX EDWARD CAUTHEN

EASLEY — Mr. Rex Edward Cauthen, 70, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Sept. 15, 2021.

He was born in Central and grew up in Travelers Rest. He was the son of the late Prince Edward Cauthen and Claudine Etheridge Cauthen. Rex was husband of the late Elaine Allgood Cauthen.

Surviving are a daughter, Mandy (Scott) Roberts of Taylors, a grandson, Brandon Roberts, and a granddaughter, Lexie Roberts. Also surviving are a brother, Hart (Connie) Cauthen of Marietta; a sister, Nancy (Danny) Hawkins of Easley; and a stepsister, Hope (Steve) Lotheridge of Piedmont.

Mr. Cauthen was predeceased by a brother, Mike Cauthen.

Mr. Cauthen was the retired owner/operator of Carolina Storage Buildings in Easley. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, gardening and spending time with his grandson. He served his country in the United States Army. Rex was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church, where he volunteered as a shuttle bus driver until his health declined. He was always reaching out to others to help in any way that he could.

A funeral service was held on Sept. 20 at the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with a visitation

RUTH MERRITT JEFFEAUX

DACUSVILLE — Ruth Merritt Jeffeaux, 80, wife of the late Billy Jeffeaux, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, Aug. 27, 2021.

Born in Powdersville, she was the daughter of the late John Clinton and Sarah Lou “Sallie” Trotter Merritt.

Ruth was a member of Woodside Baptist Church. She loved the Lord, her family and her church. Her life was a reflection of her love and dedication to Him, and she honored Him in her actions of always doing and helping others however she could. She was the true meaning of a Godly woman.

She is survived by a daughter, Elizabeth “Beth” Davis (Robert) of Williamston; son, Jimmy Jeffeaux (Theresa) of Greenville; sisters, Lou Ellen Pruitt (Joe) of Easley and Annette Freeman of Greenville; and grandsons, Clint Davis and Al and Matt Jeffeaux.

In addition to her parents and loving husband, she was preceded in death by sisters, Ivory Orr, Sarah Lowery Lewellyn and Joyce Merritt Williams; and a brother, Robert “Bobby” Merritt.

A visitation was held Monday, Aug. 30, at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes Northwest, with the funeral service following in the Northwest Chapel. Burial was at Graceland Cemetery West.

The family appreciated those who attended for following the CDC guidelines on social distancing and wearing a mask.

The family would like to thank Amedisys Hospice especially Bridget and Cindy for their love and care of Ruth.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Woodside Baptist Church, 301 Woodside Ave., Greenville, SC 29611, or to Amedisys Hospice, 250 Commonwealth Drive, Suite 105, Greenville, SC 29615.

FRANK TOWERS RICE SR.

EASLEY — Frank Towers Rice Sr., passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday, Sept. 4, 2021.

He was born on July 2, 1931, to Gladys Hollingsworth Smith Rice and Ibzan Rex Rice.

Towers was a lifelong resident of Greenville, with a few short stints in other places. He attended Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tenn., and Georgia Tech. He was on the wrestling team and a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He developed lifelong friendships there, and they continued to gather as often as they could through the years.

While at Georgia Tech, Towers attended Marine Officer Basic School. He spent summers at Parris Island, Quantico, Va., and Fort Sill, Okla. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in June 1952. When he graduated in 1953, Towers began active duty, serving in the Mediterranean and at Camp Lejeune. In 1965, he took command of the 57th Rifle Co., serving reserve duty. With 130 men under his command, he continued through the Vietnam era. He was a holder of the National Defense, Organized Reserve and European Occupation Ribbons. He retired as a lieutenant colonel. One of his favorite sayings was “Not as mean, not as lean, but always a Marine! Semper Fi.”

Towers met the love of his life, Betty Claire Fontaine, on a blind date set up by her great-aunt and his mother. After a long-distance courtship while she was at Mary Baldwin, they married on June 25, 1955, in Houston, Texas. They spent the next 63 years together. They lived in Surf City, N.C., Carlisle, S.C., and Pensacola, Fla., before returning to Greenville. For Towers, his family was most important. He attended every sporting event and school/church activity that he could, and he was always willing to help and mentor. In his later years, family dinner on Sunday nights was what he looked forward to all week. He loved his lima beans, Duke’s mayonnaise and a cold Guinness. He always had a good story or a joke, and his smile was contagious. After Claire’s funeral, he was sitting, watching his children and grandchildren as they talked, laughed and played Monopoly together. When asked what he was thinking, he quickly said, “Just how lucky I am.”

MARGARET ANN MCCALL

PICKENS — Margaret Ann McCall Coffman of Pickens transcended this life on Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, peacefully in her sleep.

The wife of Ralph Lee Coffman, Margaret was born Jan. 7, 1940, in Cashiers, N.C., to Shearron “Fess” McCall and his wife, Monica (Rochester). The youngest of 11, she was orphaned at the tender age of two and adopted by her sister, Winnie Lee Nix, and husband, Grover Nix, living in Pickens.

After graduating Pickens High School at the top of her class, Margaret married the late F. Don Durham and raised four children in Germany, Pickens and Melbourne, Fla. (Don, Lee Anne, “Mali” Susan Amalia, and Chris). Later, to pursue her passion for learning and life, she graduated with highest honors from Clemson University with a Bachelor’s Degree in accounting. Margaret was a