JULIUS ‘JAY’ GABRIEL

PICKENS  —  Julius “Jay” Gabriel died Saturday, April 13, 2024, at Greer Memorial hospital in Greer. He was 81 years old. His death follows the death just over a year ago of his beloved wife, Becky.

Jay had a reputation as a master accountant. But he was better known as a master creator of puns that would make his friends and family laugh — and groan. His grandchildren even created a book of his best, and worst, puns.

Jay was the son of a military family who traveled wherever the military needed his father. He studied accounting at Lander University and was a lifelong Gamecocks fan. His expertise took him to many places as firms hired him but he always wanted to return to his home state — South Carolina. In 1984 he did, going to work for JP Stevens and living in Greenville.

As the chief accountant for the company, he was responsible for reviewing the financials of the many subsidiaries and partnerships the company had, from not just America but from a number of companies in the Middle East who supplied the materials necessary. Each time he traveled he made friends — some who understood his “puns” and some who did not.

With all these accomplishments, his biggest accomplishment was winning the love of his life. Jay and Becky were childhood sweethearts who never stopped being that. In Jay’s final days, as he fought the demons taking his life, there was one person he wanted by his side — Becky. She was part of his heart, part of his soul.

He is survived by his sister, Mavis Mcleod (husband Thom); daughter, Julie Gabriel Ray (husband Greg); granddaughters, Hannah Ray (husband Mike Pirie) and Claire Dorsett (husband He Drake). He is also survived by three precious great-grandchildren, Dash and Jett Dorsett and Rebecca Diana Pirie. No formal funeral is planned at this time. Those wishing to recognize him are asked to donate to United Way of Greenville County or Sandy Hook Promise

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

JAMES EDWARD  ‘JIMMY, JD’ HALL

EASLEY — James “Jimmy, J.D” Edward Hall, 69 of Easley, passed away peacefully in his home Tuesday, April 16, 2024.

James was born in Greenville on July 6, 1954, to the late James Houston and Mary Elizabeth Irene (Griffin) Hall. He was named after his uncle the late Edward U.T. Griffin.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Violet Hall. His son, James Michael Hall (Billie Howard) of Easley and a former daughter-in-law, Jackie Fleming of Easley. He is also survived by five grandsons, Will Crocker (Candace) of Anderson, Bug Holliday Jr. of Easley, Rodney Rampey (Jennifer) of Greer, Zachary Howard of Easley and Houston Hall (Nadia) of Easley; five great-grandchildren;  his sister, Theresa Ann (Hall) and brother-in-law, Wayne Shedd of Liberty.

James worked as a sheet metal mechanic and materials handler at Lockheed-Martin for 38 years. He loved music and classic cars, going to car shows and swap meets. He was a proud man who worked hard to provide for his family and always put them first.

He was predeceased by his parents; grandparents, U.T. and Clovie Holder Griffin of Easley and John W. and Lula Bell Martin Hall of Ellisville, Miss.

A funeral service was held one April 23 at Dillard Funeral Home, 2402 Gentry Memorial Highway in Pickens. A committal service followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to either of the Via Health Partners (viahp.org).

We would also like to extend a special thanks to Via Health Partners for their Amazing services. They went above and beyond to help our family and James with every aspect of this journey. Their kindness and compassion has made his passing much more bearable.

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

 

PAUL STANLEY O’SHIELD

AUBURN — Paul Stanley O’Shield, 79, of Auburn, Ga. passed away on Saturday, April 13, 2024.

He was born in Pickens, on Aug. 18, 1945. Mr. O’Shield was a 1963 graduate of Pickens High School and a graduate of Oglethorpe University with an associate degree. He was a retired engineer from Gwinnett County government in water resources after 25 years of service.

Mr. O’Shield was a member of the American Public Works Association. He enjoyed writing short stories, riding his bicycle and hiking.

Mr. O’Shield is survived by his sons, Michael S. O’Shield of Auburn, Ala., Matthew (Adrenne) O’Shield of Morristown, Texas, and Benjamin (Jessie) O’Shield of Salisbury, Md.; daughters, Rebecca Urena of Auburn, Ala., and Joanna (Marcus) Stephens of Cumming, Ga.; 13 grandchildren; sisters, Juanita Dancy of Charlotte, N.C., Grace (Lloyd) Dickens of Greenville and Martha Bates of Travelers Rest; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Dessie O’Shield; sister, Jean Stegall; and brothers, Fred, Harold and G. W. O’Shield.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Eagle Ranch (P.O. Box 7200, Chestnut Mountain, GA 30502) in memory of Paul Stanley O’Shield.

No formal services are planned at this time.

To express condolences, please sign our online guest book at flaniganfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Junior E. Flanigan of Flanigan Funeral Home and Crematory, Buford, GA (770) 932-1133.

 

SARA CRISTI GILSTRAP RICE

EASLEY — Sara Cristi Gilstrap Rice, 54, loving wife of 10 years to Eddie Rice, passed away on Saturday, April 20, 2024, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born Jan. 14, 1970, in Pickens County, Cristi was the daughter of the late Wayne Gilstrap and Peggy Dunn Gilstrap. Mrs. Rice enjoyed cooking, baking, and making crafts.

Survivors include her husband, Eddie Rice of the home; children, Jessica Paxton of Liberty and Devon Rice of Jacksonville, N.C.; four grandchildren; and a sister, Patty Gilstrap Knight.

Mrs. Rice was predeceased by her parents.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. April 24 in the Martin Grove Wesleyan Church cemetery in Pickens.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Rice family.

 

 

BONNIE T. CASSELL

EASLEY — Bonnie T. Cassell of Easley, went home to be with Jesus on Monday, April 22, 2024.

Born in Pickens County, she was a daughter of the late Eugene and Florence Thomas. Bonnie loved music, and shared that love by teaching piano to others. She was the organist at Arial Baptist Church for many years and also served as the organist or pianist for several other churches in the area at different times. She also loved working in her yard growing beautiful flowers.

Bonnie is survived by her two daughters, Cindy Cassell McJunkin (Stanley) and Melodie Holder (Tim); five grandchildren, Ryan Holder (Ellen), Hanna Holder Hamlin (Justin), Kerrie McJunkin Melker (Ronnie), Whitney McJunkin Brown (Ethan) and Chezney McJunkin Fuller (Collin); 13 great-grandchildren, Boone Holder, Abel Holder, Evie Hamlin, Crayton Hamlin, Logan Hamlin, Taylor Melker, Tristan Melker, Brackett Brown, Olivia Brown, Stella Brown, Gideon Brown, Heath Fuller and Walker Fuller; three sisters, Doris Wilson, Peggy Crumpton and Sybil Clark; four brothers, Harley Thomas, Doug Thomas, Gary Thomas and Larry Thomas.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her two spouses, James B. Cassell and Champ Burgin; a sister, Joyce Thomas McCall and a brother, Weldon Thomas.

Bonnie loved her family and she was much loved by them, her memory will forever be held close in their hearts. She will be missed.

The family will receive friends on April 25, from 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. at Robinson Funeral Home – Powdersville Road. A private graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice. The family will be at their respective homes.

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

BARBARA LAWRENCE

LIBERTY — Barbara Lynn Woods Lawrence, beloved sister, mother, and grandmother, passed away on April 15, 2024, in Anderson.

She was born on July 9, 1955, to the late Sara McCall Woods Alexander and Roy Woods and was raised by her stepfather, the late Dan Smith. She was married for 49 years to the love of her life, the late Donald Gerry Lawrence.

Barbara was known for her kind and Godly spirit, always offering prayers and support to those around her. Barbara’s passion for flower gardening and love for thrift stores and yard sales were well-known to all who knew her. She found joy in helping others and always put her family first. She was a hard worker for many years in the textiles industry for Alice Manufacturing and Glen Raven Mills.

Barbara leaves behind a legacy of love and compassion. She is survived by her loving daughters, Lynn Porter (Mitchell) and Betty Jo Duncan; brothers, Gary Woods and Ricky Rholetter; sisters, Daphne Conn, Gail Massey and Regina Tullis; six loving grandchildren, Matthew Duncan, Kaitlyn Chandler (Gabriel), Tiffany Dodson (Waco), Jennifer Alexander (Chris), Carla Buchannon (Stacy) and Cayla Porter; several loving great-grandchildren and one great-grandchild who is soon to be born.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, Freddie, Billy Ray and Leon Woods.

A visitation to honor Barbara’s life was held at Liberty Mortuary on April 18, followed by a celebratory service held at the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Following the service, Barbara was laid to rest at Six Mile Church of God of Prophecy cemetery.

Barbara’s memory will forever live on in the hearts of those she touched with her kindness and devotion. May she rest in peace, surrounded by the beauty of her eternal Heavenly home with those loved ones that had gone on before her.

You may share a memory or offer condolences to the family by visiting her obituary at libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

WESLEY FRANKLIN MEADOWS

LIBERTY — Wesley Franklin Meadows, affectionately known as “Paw Paw” and “Uncle Wes,” 82, loving husband of 52 years to Sharon Diane Meadows, passed away on Monday, April 15, 2024, at St. Francis Downtown Hospital in Greenville.

Born Nov. 27, 1941, in Raleigh County, W. Va., Wesley was the son of the late Walter Albert Meadows and Bessie Mae Cole Meadows. Mr. Meadows was of the Baptist faith. He loved the Lord and enjoyed watching Charles Stanley on Sunday mornings. He was a true country boy and an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting rabbits and deer. He enjoyed playing cards and working in his yard. He enjoyed county music (especially the tearful songs) and was a big fan of racing, football and westerns. He was a very loving man who loved his family dearly.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon Diane Meadows; children, Celeste Rougier, Mark Meadows (Grace), Andrea Rider, Brian Meadows (Rebecca), Jaime Newill (Terry), Rian Hedden (Ezra), Halley Willoughby (Brandon), Walter Meadows (Ashley) and Lacie Meadows; 16 loving grandchildren; 21 loving and caring great-grandchildren; three sisters, Macie Lambert, Mary Cree and Shirley Fuda; and many caring nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Meadows was predeceased by a grandson, Taylor Meadows; four infant grandchildren; siblings, Bernice Meadows, Clarence Meadows, Lloyd Meadows, Junior Meadows, Emett Meadows, Cloy Harvey, Mertha Mitchum, Howard Meadows, Gertrude Utt and Lawrence Meadows; and many in-laws who he loved dearly.

The family will hold a memorial service in West Virginia at a later date.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Meadows family.

 

JERRY FORTESCUE

LIBERTY — Jerry Wayne Fortescue, born on Oct. 22, 1955, in Liberty to the late Charles Dalton and Betty Norton Fortescue, passed away on April 15, 2024, at his home.

He was a loving husband to Jennifer Hunter Fortescue. Jerry was a self-employed plumber by trade for many years and was a well-known fixture in the Liberty community.

Throughout his life, Jerry found joy in his faith and was an active member of the church. His laughter was infectious, and his sense of humor lit up every room he entered. He was a respected member of Liberty Masonic Lodge No. 235, A.F.M., where he held the role of Tiler. Additionally, he was an honorary member at Bates Lodge No. 189, as well as Six Mile Lodge No. 339. Jerry was also a dedicated member of the Hejaz Shriners.

In addition to his wife, Jerry is survived by his son, Calvin Fortescue (Brittany); two stepsons, Brian Marcus and Kirk Marcus (Brandy); a brother, Don Fortescue; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

Jerry’s love extended beyond his family and friends to include his loyal companion, Grayson, who held a special place in his heart. He, Jenny and Grayson loved to go for a ride in his truck wherever the roads may lead.

Jerry was also preceded in death by his three brothers, Sam, Eddie and Calvin Fortescue.

Funeral services to honor and celebrate Jerry’s life were held on April 19 at the Liberty Mortuary chapel as family and friends gathered to pay tribute to a man who brought laughter, love and kindness to all who knew him. Burial followed at Flat Rock Baptist Church cemetery.

Jerry Wayne Fortescue will forever be cherished, his spirit living on in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to have known him. May his legacy of laughter and love continue to bring warmth and comfort to all who were touched by his presence.

You may share a memory or send condolences to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

MICHAEL CLIFTON RHOLETTER

EASLEY — Mr. Michael “Mike” Clifton Rholetter, 72, husband of Margaret Jones Rholetter, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, April 20, 2024.

Born in Richland County, a son of the late Bernice Rholetter and the late Sue Lewis Rholetter, Mr. Rholetter was a graduate of Liberty High School, a retired foreman from Sloan Construction Company, and was a current dump truck driver with Abercrombie Asphalt. He was a member of Marathon Church.

Mike loved hunting, camping and trips to the beach and Pigeon Forge, but his greatest love was spending time with his family and grandkids. He will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew him.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 49 years, are his two daughters, Michelle Rholetter Abercrombie (Greg) and Ashley Rholetter Baker (Wyman), both of Easley; a sister, Deann Klein (Jim) of Pheonix, Ariz.; four grandchildren, Savannah Welborn (Tim Swaney), Jennifer Welborn, Graham Abercrombie and Gregory Abercrombie; two great-grandchildren, Renly Swaney and Aliyah Welborn; and one great-granddaughter on the way.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Rholetter was predeceased by a brother, Harry Rholetter.

A private memorial service will be held by the family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made in memory of Mike to Agape Hospice by visiting sc.agapecaregroup.com.

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

 

JIMMY GARY MOSELEY

SIMPSONVILLE — Jimmy Gary Moseley, 78, loving husband to Phyllis Baugus Moseley, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, April 19, 2024, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born May 15, 1945, in Pickens County, Jimmy was the son of the late Lasco Moseley and Bernice Galloway Moseley. Mr. Moseley was an active member of Gap Hill Church of God where he attended for many years. He was an outreach Sunday school teacher and taught at the retirement center in Easley. He worked at Singer Manufacturing in the tool and die department until his retirement. He was an avid outdoorsman who loved fishing and hunting.

Survivors include his wife, Phyllis Baugus Moseley of the home; two daughters, Angie M. Stone (Scott) of Pickens and Kim Scheinberg (Ian) of Simpsonville; grandchildren, Hillary Baldwin (Dillon), Brady Gilstrap (Morgan), Lesley Harrison (Sloan) and E.J. Scheinberg; great-grandchildren, Jackson Gilstrap, Denver Baldwin, Jacob Gilstrap and Stone Baldwin; nephews, John Thomas Rutledge, Blair Stewart, Keith Stewart and Jay Stewart; brother-in-law, Jerry Green; and sister-in-law, Joanne Baugus.

Mr. Moseley was predeceased by his parents. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Funeral services were held on Monday, April 22, at the sanctuary of Gap Hill Church of God in Six Mile. Burial followed the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Moseley family.

BONNIE LUCILLE PORTER BARNETT

ATLANTA, Ga. — Bonnie Lucille Porter Barnett, a tender-hearted mother, loving wife, grandmother and great-grandmother who was best known for her guitar playing and her cheerful personality, slipped the surly bonds of earth on Monday, April 8, 2024.

She was barely two months shy of her 99 birthday.

The solar eclipse’s path of totality passed over the land of her nativity on the day she departed, a fitting tribute to a life lived in spreading sunshine to those around her.

She spent her final years at the Park Springs retirement community adjacent to Stone Mountain Park near Atlanta. At Park Springs, she led an old-time musical group called the Stone Mountaineers, which brought much joy to her and to her family and the community.

She wrote and recorded many songs of faith, family and friends over the years. She was honored recently at the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts at Clemson University for her pioneering role as a guitar teacher in the Clemson community.

She was the wife of the late Dr. Bobby D. Barnett, in a marriage of nearly 72 years.

THOMAS EARLE WARD

EASLEY — Thomas Earle Ward, 79, of Easley, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 1, 2024.

In the fall of 1944, Tom was born in Pickens to the late Arial and Dorothy Golightly Ward. He graduated from Easley High School in 1962 and Clemson University in 1966, later serving as a submariner in the U.S. Navy before beginning his career in sales. He was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church, and loved the Lord and His word.

Born with a natural engineering mind Tom was a hot rodder in every sense of the word, but above all enjoyed spending time with his family and furry friend, Priscilla. After his heart surgery, Tom volunteered with Mended Hearts, providing support and encouragement to heart operation patients.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife of 57 years, Linda

BETTY ‘BETTY SUE’ TOWE REECE

PICKENS — Betty “Betty Sue” Towe Reece, 89, loving wife to the late Rudolph Edward Reece, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at her home.

Born June 26, 1934, in Anderson County, the daughter of the late Rosco Esco Towe and Irene Childress Towe, Mrs. Reece was a member of Porter’s Chapel Methodist Church in Pickens.

She enjoyed going to yard sales and her strawberry ice cream. She loved cooking and made the best homemade biscuits, and her cornbread was off the charts. She loved her family dearly, especially her grandkids.

Survivors include her two daughters, Linda

PHILLIP REECE

PICKENS — Phillip Reece, 74, of Pickens, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, March 18.

Phil bravely fought cancer and died unexpectedly of other complications at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

In 2022, Phil married his high school sweetheart, Kaye Edens. His wife, her children and grandchildren are deeply saddened by Phil’s passing.

For 36 years of his life, Phil worked for Singer/Ryobi/OWT in Pickens. He was an engineer, fisherman, hunter, gardener, pilot, golfer and traveler and loved being outdoors in God’s creation. Phil lived his faith everyday by loving God and loving his neighbor.

He was a hard worker and friend to many and always accomplished everything he put his mind to, from helping friends/family with projects to engineering brake calipers for railroad cars. His intuitive, down-to-earth, practical manner was admired by everyone who knew him. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, church and the community.

He was preceded in death by his parents, William Reece and Myrtis Cannon of Pickens, and his

BETTY D. HOOD

GREENVILLE — Betty Davis Hood, 93, passed away on March 15, 2024.

Born on Oct. 1, 1930, she was a daughter of the late Clarence and Edna Watson Davis.

Betty was known for her sweet personality and kind heart that touched the lives of many around her. She graduated from Liberty High School in the class of ‘49, where she was voted Class

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Beauty Queen and High Miss by her peers.

Betty also found joy in dancing and enjoying life. She was a poll manager for the county, and she

RODNEY EDREW  ‘CHUBBY’ HENDRICKS

SIX MILE — Rodney Edrew “Chubby” Hendricks, 64, passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at his home.

Born March 25, 1959, in Anderson County, Chubby was the son of the late James Edrew Hendricks and Helen Edna Towe Hendricks. He enjoyed fishing for anything that would bite, playing his guitar and singing.

Survivors include his daughter, Shannon Carlisle (Matthew) of Liberty; grandchildren, Kinlee Ann and Karsyn; stepmother, Shirley Cox Hendricks; siblings, Eddie Wade (April) of Liberty, Suzanne Edwards (Terry) of Seneca and Kayla Freeman (Jay) of Easley; and several loving nieces and nephews.

The family will hold a private service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Chubby’s honor may be made to the American Cancer Society, by mailing P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, by calling 1-800-227-2345, or by visiting cancer.org/donate.html.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Hendricks family.

 

RICHARD ALEXANDER YATES

LIBERTY — Richard Alexander Yates, 56, passed away on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at his home.

Born Dec. 20, 1967, in Pickens County, Richardwas the son of Charles Douglas Yates and Judy Yates Parris. He was an avid outdoorsman, who loved to fish and hunt.

Survivors include his wife, Christie Yates of the home; a son, Shawn Yates of Pickens; grandchildren, Bryson Yates, Kyler Yates and

ALTON PRESTON KELLY

CENTRAL — Alton Preston Kelly, 84, passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.

Born July 2, 1939, in Pickens County, Alton was the son of the late Marvin Kelly and Lexia Smith Kelly. Mr. Kelly was a member of the Baptist faith. He was a huge Clemson football fan. He enjoyed watching westerns, gardening and fishing for anything that would bite. He loved his family dearly, especially his grandkids.

Survivors include his wife, Evelyn Kelly of Central; his children, Tammie Nagy (Joseph) of Midlothian, Va., Richard Kelly (Teresa) of Westminster, Eddie Kelly (Pam) of South Daytona, Fla., Randall Kelly (Suzie) of Central and Donna Kelly of Central; grandchildren, Adam Roberts, Nicholas Roberts, Shane Roberts, Will Nagy, Shannon Kelly, Justin Kelly, Candice Kelly, Brooke Kelly, Chris Kelly, Courtney Whitworth, Randall Scott Kelly Jr. and Ashlie Riley; and 15 loving and precious great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Kelly was predeceased by 10 brothers and one sister. He was the last of his siblings to pass.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Alton’s honor may be made to the American Cancer Society by mailing P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741, by calling 1-800-227-2345, or by visiting cancer.org/donate.html.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Kelly family.

 

BARBARA ELLA CARLTON

SIX MILE — Barbara Ella Carlton, 79, loving wife to the late Lonnie Carlton, passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2024, at Six Mile Retirement Center.

Born April 16, 1944, in Pickens County, Barbara was the daughter of the late George Washington Bates and Junia Benjamin Bates. Mrs. Carlton was a member of the Church of God faith and a strong prayer warrior. She worked a career in nursing, treating all of her patients like her own mother and father. Barbara would always let you know where you stood and if you were doing something wrong. She loved her family dearly, especially her three sons.

Survivors include her children, James “Eddie” Howe, Marie Tucker, Terri C. Symons and Joanne Carlton; many loving and special grandchildren; a brother, Kenneth Bates; and a special niece, Sherry Haney.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Carlton was predeceased by two

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