Category Archives: Obituaries
Courier Obituaries 7-13-19
TOMMY LAMAR WIRES
PICKENS — Tommy Lamar Wires, 79, went home to be with Jesus on Monday, June 17, 2019.
He is survived by his loving wife, Brenda of the home; two sons, David Wires of Pendleton and Bill Wires of Anderson; two grandchildren, Carson and Logan Wires of Anderson; sisters-in-law Barbara Day of Pickens and Margene, Ola Lee and Janice Wyres of Tuscaloosa, Ala. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred O. and Lonnie B. Wyres; sister, Ruby Colburn; and brothers, Frank Wyres, Willie Wyres, Richard Wyres, Parson Wyres and Bobby Wyres.
Along with an unwavering loyalty to his family, Tommy was devoted to his Lord, his country and his community. Tommy continuously showed his love of the Lord through random acts of generosity. Tommy served his country in the United States Marine Corp for 10 years and served two tours in Vietnam, for which he was awarded the Purple Heart. Tommy served his community through the American Legion by going to local elementary schools to teach students patriotism and the proper way to handle the American Flag. Tommy was a true example of how to show love for God and country.
Funeral services ere held on June 26 at Griffin Baptist Church in Pickens, officiated by Rev. Mark Bernshausen. Burial was held in
Courier Obituaries 6-26-19
VERNA MARIE ROCCO
CENTRAL — Verna Marie Rocco, 79, passed from this life Thursday, June 20, 2019, at her home.
Born in New Castle, Pa., she was a daughter of the late Kenneth L. Book Sr. and the late Georgetta Clark Book.
Verna was of the Catholic faith, enjoyed playing bingo, was a vendor at the Anderson Jockey Lot and an avid news watcher, and she loved her family.
Survivors include a daughter Elizabeth Holbert (Timothy Mize) of Liberty; grandchildren, Curtis Holbert, Benjamin Holbert, Michael Holbert, J. J. Holbert, Michelle Pickens, Cherokee Holbert and Cheyenne Holbert; 10 great-grandchildren; 12 great-great-
Courier Obituaries 6-19-19
TONY SHEHAN
PICKENS — Clarence Edward Shehan (Tony Shehan), born June 29, 1954, was called 
home and left this world on Wednesday, May 29, 2019 in Fort Walton Beach, Fla.
He was the son of Dewey B. Shehan Jr. and Hazel Ruth Durham, both deceased, of Pickens.
He leaves behind a former wife, Iva Stratton Shehan, and two step-children, Shelly Wilson and Erica Hyland. He had one sister, Ruth Smith, wife of Terry Smith of Pickens, and their two children, Missy Mauldin (Bear) and Chris Smith; a brother, David Bryan Shehan and wife, Robin, of Pickens; and a brother, Richard Allen Shehan (Al Shehan), deceased, and former wife, Angela Shehan, and their two children, Amanda Vaughn and Robbie Shehan. He also leaves behind several uncles, Ted Shehan, Albert Durham and Carl Durham, and an aunt, Helen (Susie) Bell.
Tony was a graduate of the Class of 1971 at Pickens High School. He loved playing music in a band in high school with his friends.
He was a registered land surveyor in Pickens for 38 years.
He was a former pilot, served on the aeronautics commission, and was a champion
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Courier Obituaries 6-12-19
DONALD R. RIPPY JR.
EASLEY — Mr. Donald Ray Rippy Jr., 60, husband of Jennifer Myers Rippy, passed away on Sunday, June 9, 2019, at his home.
Born in Charlotte, N.C., a son of the late Donald Ray Rippy Sr. and the late Hazel Hager Rippy, Mr. Rippy was a graduate of Minor High School and was retired from King Asphalt. Donald loved woodworking and was an avid Alabama Crimson Tide Football fan, but most of all he loved his family and his grandbabies.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, are four daughters, Ashley Morrison (Kevin) of Liberty, Alycia Avery (Jason) of Jacksonville, Fla., Kathryn Mills (Travis) of Birmingham, Ala., and Carmen Shaw of Easley; a son, Noah Shaw of Easley; a brother, Bobby Rippy (Lisa) of Pineville, N.C.; a sister, Wanda Welch (Jeff Baumgarner) of Concord, N.C.; four grandchildren, Samuel Mills, Reece Mills, Caroline Mills and Loghan Morrison; and one grandchild on the way, Jesse Mills.
The family will host a memorial service at 2 p.m. on Thursday, June 13, at 5 Point Church in Easley.
Memorials may be made to the 5 Point Church Food Pantry Fund, P.O. Box 1827, Easley, SC 29641.
Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, Easley, which is assisting the family.
ROSS CRUM
EASLEY — James Ross Crum, 89, passed away on Monday, June 10, 2019, at his home.
Born in Pickens County, he was a son of the late James Edgar Crum and Georgia Ellen Ross Crum.
Mr. Crum proudly served his country during the Vietnam War, retiring from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years of dedicated service. Following retirement from the Air Force, he was a self-employed electrician. He was raised in Arial United Methodist Church and was a member of Morningstar Independent Baptist Church. He was also a member of the Mountain Springs Masonic Lodge #302 A.F.M., the American Legion Post #172 and the Columbia Lions Club.
Surviving are his wife of 10 years, Peggy Thomas Corn Crum of the home; daughters, Linda Ellen Smith (Roger) of Six Mile and Judith Crum Henderson and April Marie Crum Stewart (Chad), all of Easley; sons, Ronald Edward Crum and Michael Wayne Crum,
Summertime fun
For several reasons I always looked forward to summertime. The last day of school was greatly anticipated. Kinda like saying “Amen” to a six-month-long prayer or blessing, or eating the last morsel of cake or pie. A time of adventure, a time of discovery — and sadly a time to be Daddy’s slave or convict, at least in our minds.
I might add that a dad’s mind and a boy’s mind don’t work — did I say work, there’s that word again — the same. He’s thinking “look 
at the pulpwood in that pine,” while the boy is thinking, “this pine tree would make one heck of a treehouse.”
Speaking of treehouses, Joe McCollum and I constructed our best-ever treehouse in the pine thicket immediately above the yonder side of the lake. It had it all — a roof, floor, window and a hinged door, all of which were compliments of a certain George W. O’Shields. However, somehow we forgot to ask him if we could borrow all that extra building material.
The entry up to the house was via several small wooden boards attached to two spindly pine trees adjacent to the house. One afternoon, I discovered that No. 8 nails were not long enough to support oneself while climbing up and down this contraption called a ladder. One of the steps pulled free as I started to descend, and I vaguely recall examining it during the nanosecond it took me to fall the 15 feet to the ground, knocking
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Courier Obituaries 6-5-19
BETTY JEAN CHRISMER
EASLEY— Betty Jean Chrismer, 82, passed away peacefully on Thursday May 30, 2019.
She was born on Oct. 15, 1936, to the late Roy and Mary Reeves.
Mrs. Chrismer attended Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pickens and was a member at Zion Methodist Church in Easley. She truly loved entertaining friends and family, as she had a very generous heart. She also enjoyed making people laugh and to laugh herself. Those who knew her best also knew that she never met a stranger.
She is survived by her husband, Robert Chrismer; two sons, Robert Chrismer II (Jiamin) and David Chrismer (Michele); one daughter, Elizabeth Hitchcock (Ken); and two grandchildren, Johnny and Patrick.
A graveside service was held on June 3 in Hillcrest Memorial Park with Father Jim Dubrouillet officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of the Upstate at 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC, 29621, and Holy Cross Catholic Outreach at 558 Hampton Ave., Pickens, SC, 29671.
Messages of condolence may be expressed by visiting dillardfunerals.com.
MICHAEL PAUL BOHM
EASLEY — Michael Paul Bohm, 59, passed away on Wednesday, May 29, 2019, at his home.
Born in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, he was the son of the late Frederick Walter and Anna Marie Kasner Bohm. Michael received an associate degree from Pinellas Technical College in Clearwater, Fla., and was an electronics technician with Abbott Laboratories in Liberty.
He enjoyed spending time with his friends and family, especially his nieces and nephews, and playing different instruments.
He is survived by two sisters, Michelle Papke of Fletcher, N.C., and Mindy Maiden (Chris) of Ladson; two nieces, Kristina and Caitlyn
Courier Obituaries 5-29-19
RICHARD E. MILLER
CENTRAL — Richard Eugene Miller, 63, died at home on Thursday, May 23, 2019, with his family surrounding him.
He was born Dec. 28, 1955, in Seneca to Doug and Lib Miller.
Rick graduated from D.W. Daniel High School, received an associate degree from Tri-County Technical College and worked in the grocery business and at BASF in Seneca. For the last three and a half years, he bravely fought cancer. He worked through the end of March, which is when the cancer began its final painful siege of his body. Through this long battle, Rick was supported by close family members, friends, coworkers and customers who called, texted, prayed, read Bible verses, sent cards and encouraged him. He experienced the love of Jesus through their kind support.
He asked us to express his appreciation for these kind actions, prayers and words, which would lift him up when he felt he could not keep going. The doctors and nurses who treated him through these years also became dear friends. The staffs of St. Joseph Emory in Atlanta, Anderson Area Cancer Clinic, Carolina BioOncology in Huntersville, N.C., and finally the staff of Hospice of the Upstate became his friends. These lovely people made the cancer journey more bearable for him
Rick is survived by his wife of 40 years, Nancy Elias Miller; two daughters, Julie Bird (Dalance) and Anna Redmon (Cecil); two sons, Richard and Daniel; his sister, Mary McAlister; and his brother, Hugh. He was so proud of his five grandsons, Addison, Matthew, Parker, CT, and Collin; and his numerous nieces and nephews.
Rick was predeceased by his parents, his beloved brother, Henderson, and a precious grandson, William Herbert.
A memorial service for Richard will be held on Friday, May 31, at 4 p.m. at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home in Central. The family will greet friends immediately following the service at the funeral home.
A private interment at Ramsey Creek Preserve will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to either of the following: St. Andrew Catholic Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 112, Clemson, SC 29633 or to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.
Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central.
LORETTA C. HUNTER
LIBERTY — Catherine Loretta Golden Crowe Hunter, 82, widow of John Curtis Hunter Jr., passed away on Tuesday, May 14, 2019, at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.
Loretta was born in Central, a daughter of the late Richard Duff and Mae Boggs Golden. She was a member of the first graduating class of D.W. Daniel High School in 1956. She was a retired employee with West Point and attended Mt. Sinai Baptist Church in Pickens. She and Curtis loved to bowl, and she enjoyed spoiling her grandkids.
Surviving are her daughter, Cathy Lynn Gerlach of Liberty; brother, Darrell Lee Golden of Pickens; sister, Connie Fay Barnes of Central; grandchildren, Catherine Kelley (Kyle) of Liberty and Jennifer Collins (Bradley) of Hendersonville, N.C.; and great-grandchildren, Henry, Abby and Huntley Kelley.
In addition to her husband, Loretta was predeceased by brothers, Edward Golden and Ronnie Golden; and sisters, Ruth Weldon and June Hendricks.
Funeral services were held on May 17, 2019, in the chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home with Revs. Bradley Collins and Rudy Smith officiating.
Burial was at Memory Gardens.
Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at the funeral home.
ANNETTE HARDY PACE
PICKENS — Annette H. Pace, 56, passed from this life on Monday, May 20, 2019, at her home.
Born in Easley, she was the daughter of Clarence Douglas and Ruby Cox Hardy.
Annette was known to be a loving, caring and giving person, but was most defined by the love she had for her three boys, and she was definitely a “Daddy’s girl.”
Survivors include her parents, Clarence and Ruby Hardy of Pickens; sons, Travis (Dixie) Pace, Trenton (Courtney) Stegall and
Courier Obituaries 5-22-19
LARRY R. WINN, MD
EASLEY — Dr. Larry Ross Winn, 79, passed away on Friday, May 17, 2019, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born in Columbia, Dr. Winn was the son of the late Walker Wilson and Mattie Marguerite Ross Winn. At age 13, he became an Eagle Scout. He graduated in 1958 from Columbia High School and at age 17, he joined the National Guard, where he served for seven 
years. He received his B.S. and master’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of South Carolina. Dr. Winn worked for NASA prior to attending MUSC, having graduated in 1974. He did his residency at Greenville General Hospital and was a physician, in Easley, for 41 years, until his sudden death.
As a volunteer for MUSC, Dr. Winn interviewed prospective medical school candidates for more than 30 years. He was past president of the MUSC Alumni Association. Dr. Winn was a gentle soul who loved and cared dearly for his patients. He was a great man of God and member of St. Matthias Lutheran Church, where he sang in the choir. His adventuresome spirit led him on many travels, and he enjoyed running, biking, snow skiing, swimming and bird watching.
Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Wraellen Messex Winn, of the home; a sister, Patricia Winn Langston (Mark) of Mt. Pleasant; sister-in-law, Brenda Messex of Greenville; brother-in-law, Jerry Messex of Georgia; nieces, Gretchen Buchanan (Jack) and Leslie Collier (Matt) and Wramie Spafford (Harry); several nephews, Jason Gallagher, Derrick Messex (Jennifer), and Travis Messex (Teresa); numerous great-nephews and great-nieces; and a special pet Havenese, Annabelle.
Memorial services will be announced by Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 123 W. Antrium Drive, Greenville, SC 29607 or St. Matthias Lutheran Church, 501 Powdersville Road, Easley, SC 29642.
Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown Easley, which is assisting the family.
GARY W. GRAY
LIBERTY — Gary W. Gray, 85, passed away peacefully on Monday, May 13, 2019, at his home in Liberty.
He was born on July 29, 1933, in Six Mile, to the late Mary Jane Riggins Gray and Gary Stewart. He was the widower of Judith Nix Gray and Peggy Madden Gray.
Gary was a brick and rock mason and invented and patented the Brick Buggy. He loved working on cars and tractors and was always 
fixing or creating something. He had a huge heart for animals and enjoyed tending to his catfish ponds. He was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving are his three daughters, Sharon King (Tommy), June Coleman (Sam) and Tammy Coleman (Richard); five brothers, Jake Gray, Ray Gray, Wallace Gray, David Gray and Leroy Gray; four grandchildren, Josh Coleman (Kelley), Eli Coleman (Samantha), Lisa Swords (Chris) and Michael Madden (Beverly); and four great-grandchildren, Jonah Coleman, Finn Coleman, Connor Swords and London Lane.
Gary was also predeceased by one brother, Thomas Gray; one sister, Mildred Brewer; and one nephew, Michael Shane Fuller.
Funeral services were held on May 16 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with the Reverend Tony Stancil officiating. Burial was held at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
The family would like to thank Gary’s caregivers, Candice Teague and Renee Bennet, for their love, support and gentle care. Memorials may be made to Kindred Hospice, 15 Brendan Way, Ste. 100, Greenville, SC 29615, or to Pickens County Humane Society, 500 Five Forks Rd., Liberty, SC 29657.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting dillardfunerals.com.
DOROTHY “DOT” R. MAULDIN
EASLEY — Mrs. Dorothy “Dot” Rackley Mauldin, 88, wife of the late Osbone J. Mauldin, went to be with her Lord and Savior on
Courier Obituaries 5-15-19
COACH JIMMY SATTERFIELD
EASLEY — Jimmy Earl Satterfield, head coach of Furman University’s 1988 NCAA I-AA national championship football team and member of both the South Carolina and Furman athletic halls of fame, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2019. He was 79 years old.
A native of Lancaster, he was the son of the late Rev. Walter Satterfield and the late Grace Satterfield.
Coach Satterfield graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1962 with a B.A. degree in history and English, and was awarded a M.A. in education from USC in 1968. He spent 21 years as a member of Furman’s coaching staff, serving as an assistant for 13 seasons (1973-85) and head coach for eight years (1986-93). He led the Furman Paladins to 16 winning seasons, nine Southern Conference Championships, and the 1988 NCAA I-AA national championship — the first by a SoCon school. His combined head coaching record spanning 21 seasons at Eau Claire, Irmo and Lexington high schools and the collegiate level was 189-63-8.
Satterfield loved his community, family and friends, but most of all spending time with his grandsons. He had a passion for sports, playing cards, gardening and antique cars. He was a member of Easley First Baptist Church.
Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Sara Ann Funderburk Satterfield; a son, Michael Shaun Satterfield of Easley; two daughters, Sydney Hilton Garrett (Todd) of Easley and Lee Ann Satterfield (Patrick Steel) of Washington, D.C.; three brothers, Jerry, Steve and Tim Satterfield; and four grandsons, Hayden Todd Garrett (Anna), Adam Hilton Garrett, Jack Reilly Steel and Conor James Steel.
Memorial services were held on May 11 at Easley First Baptist Church, with Rev. Dr. John Adams officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Coach Jimmy Satterfield Athletic Scholarship Fund at the Furman University Development Office, 3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC 29613.
Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.
DIANN GAIL L. WILSON
CENTRAL — Diann Gail Lykins Wilson, 74, wife of William Wilson, passed away on Tuesday, May 7, 2019.
She was born in Huntington, W.Va., on July 25, 1944, a daughter of Orin and Clara Clark Lykins.
Gail was an accountant for many years, retiring from Ohio Gear/Richmond Gear in Liberty. She had many interests. She enjoyed raising puppies, camping, raising her grandchildren and Facebook.
Gail is survived by her loving husband of nearly 57 years; son, Jeffrey Todd Wilson (Radna) of Hendersonville, Tenn.; daughters, Tina Renee Parker (Stephen) of Pickens and September Wages; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a sister, Dolores June Toney of Central.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Andy Lykins; and a sister, Idella Benge.
Gail’s family would like to give special thanks to their hospice nurse, Melissa, for the love and care she showed to each member of her family
Funeral services were held on May 10 at the Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Gail’s memory to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.
Messages of condolence may be expressed at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at the Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home in Central.
DANNY LEON RACKLEY
BELTON — Danny Leon Rackley, 69, of 2603 Cheddar Road, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 5, 2019, at his home.
Danny was born Jan. 27, 1950, to J.C. and Hazel Rackley. He was a USMC Vietnam veteran and retired self-employed paint
Courier Obituaries 5-8-19
CALVIN MITCHELL ALEXANDER
LIBERTY — Calvin Mitchell Alexander, 67, son of the late MC and Jeanette Alexander, passed away on Friday, May 3, 2019, at his 
home in Liberty.
Mr. Alexander, who loved to socialize, was a friend to everyone, as he never met a stranger. Although he didn’t watch much TV, besides the weather and news, he had a deep fondness for music. He was a strong man of faith who also enjoyed collecting hats — especially old sombreros.
He is survived by three sisters, Elizabeth Nix (Harrison), Gail Bennett and Evelyn Bowie; and two brothers, Edward Alexander (Cathy) and Michael Alexander (Cheryl), all of Pickens County.
He was predeceased by one sister, Mildred Powell; and two brothers, Carlos Alexander and Matthew Alexander.
A graveside service was held on May 7 at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Alexander family in making arrangements.
GERI REEVES
SIX MILE — Geraldine Smith “Geri” Reeves, 73, of 1176 Liberty Highway, passed away peacefully on Monday, April 22, 2019, at the
