Tommy Holcombe

Easley — Thomas Larry “Tommy” Holcombe, 66, husband of Joyce Beasley Holcombe, died, Sunday, Feb. 23, 2014.

Tommy was born in Greenville County, a son of the late Russell Thomas and Gladys Lucille Crane Holcombe. Tommy was retired from Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens as a licensed funeral director and embalmer. He was formerly employed with Coca Cola of Greenville as a sales representative. Tommy was a 1997 graduate of Gupton-Jones College of Mortuary Science in Atlanta, Ga. Tommy was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley where he formerly taught the college and career Sunday school class. He was always interested in the young people of the church and he formerly served as youth director at Cedar Rock Baptist

Joel E. Allgood

Pickens — Joel Edward Allgood, Sr., 83, husband of Evelyn Heath Allgood, died Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014.

Mr. Allgood was born in Pickens County, a son of the late Joel Irvin and Kate Holder Allgood.  He was retired from The City of Pickens as water superintendant after 18 years service. He also served on the Pickens City Council for six years.  Mr. Allgood was a member of Crescent Hill Baptist

Mary Sue Cison Durham

Easley — Mary Sue Stanley Cison Durham, 72, of 109 Tanner Court, wife of the late Furman Durham, died Sunday, Feb. 9, 2014.

Born in Mitchell County, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Bob and Bell Hoilman Stanley. Mrs. Durham was retired from Alice Manufacturing and attended Wayside Baptist Church.

Surviving are her children, Joey Cison (Wanda), Michael Cison (Anna) and Anne Nations (David) all of Easley; four grandchildren, Joey Carter, Zachary Nations, Michelle Cison and Stephanie Cison; a great granddaughter, Haley Carter; and a brother, Frank Stanley of Brevard,

Peggy Porter

Easley — Peggy Jean Christopher Porter, 81, widow of Elbert Sheridan Porter, died, Tuesday evening, Jan. 28, 2014 at Heartland Mannor West in Greenville.

Mrs. Porter was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Cody and Estelle Valley McCollum Christopher.  She was retired from Ryobi Motor Products in Pickens and was a member of Tabor United Methodist Church.

Survivors include one son and two daughters, Janet Porter Donald of Pickens, Mitchell Porter (Lynn) of Easley, and Tina Melissa Porter St. Jean (Steven) of Powdersville, five grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Porter was predeceased by sisters, Lucille

Ray Ross

 Liberty — Ray Silas “Papa Ray” Ross, 83, of 316 Spring Valley Road, died Saturday, January 25, 2014 at his home.

Born in Six Mile, he was the widower of Stella Holden Ross and a son of the late Andy and Bessie Shelton Ross. He retired from Saco Lowell and was a longtime member of Winding Creek Baptist Church. He was also a United States Air Force Veteran.

In addition, Ray was a former singer in the Damascus Quartet, a Southern Gospel group, as well as a bus driver for the Palmetto State Quartet for many years. He was also a well-known horse

EUGENE B. HOLTZCLAW

LIBERTY — Eugene Branan “Gene” Holtzclaw, 66, of 123 Meadow View Lane, died Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2014 at his home surrounded by his loving family and mortuary staff.

Born in Summerville, he was a son of the late James T. Holtzclaw and Frances Branan Cannon.  He graduated from Greer High School, attended Gardner Webb College, and was a 1988 Graduate of Gupton Jones College of Mortuary Science.  He was a licensed funeral director since 1971 and was owner of Liberty Mortuary, Inc.  Gene was a United States Army veteran of the Vietnam War where he served in Saigon.

Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Pat Newton Holtzclaw of the home; a son, Brad Holtzclaw and his wife Christina of Liberty; two grandchildren, Madison and Connor Holtzclaw; two aunts, Mildred Van Patten and Lucile Campbell both of Greer.

In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his father and mother in law, Peter Jack and Ethell Rogers Newton.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Holtzclaw were 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 17 at East Side Baptist Church conducted by the Rev. Dr. Royce Addis, and the Rev. Dr. Rick Lee.  Burial was at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Pickens County Meals On Wheels, PO Box 184, Easley SC 29641.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to his nurses from Providence Care Hospice, Pam, Alexia, and Kayla, for all of their kind love and support during this time.

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

DEBRA G. DUTY

GREENVILLE — Debra Gibson Duty, 97, widow of Elburts Gerald Duty, died, Friday, Jan. 17, 2014 in Greenville.

Mrs. Duty was born in Philadelphia, Pa. daughter of the late Thomas Andrew and Deborah Louise Leopold Gibson. She was a homemaker and a member of Covenant United Methodist Church. She loved the Lord intensely and walked with him every day of her life. Her family was blessed to have her as an inspirational matriarch, setting an example by leading a devoted and spirit-filled walk with Our Lord. She was a consummate friend; she quickly turned acquaintances into life-long friends. Her love for all of God’s creation flowed through her artwork, singing, and even her countenance. All touched by her life and ministry will miss her dearly.

Survivors include her daughter, Debra Louise Duty Brooks (Grover) of Greenville and her son, Elburts Gerald Duty, Jr. (Linda) of Coral Gables Fla., two grandchildren and five great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later time.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 105 Lovett Drive, Greenville, SC 29607 or to Covenant United Methodist Church, 1310 Old Spartanburg Road, Greer, SC 29650.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Duty family.

LOIS N. PORTER

PICKENS — Lois Eleanor Nix Porter, 84, wife of the Rev. J. Charles Porter, died, Monday, Jan. 13, 2014.

Mrs. Porter was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late John and Mary Reece Nix. In addition to serving as a pastor’s wife, she was retired from Piedmont Shirt in Greenville. She was a member of Northside Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband of 66 years, the Rev. J. Charles Porter of the home, two sons, Melvin Porter (Judy) of Townville, and David Porter (Martha) of Pickens, two grandchildren, four great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are brothers, Clarence Nix of Pickens and Calvin Nix of Saluda and sisters, Christine Julian of Easley, Gladys Looper of Pickens, Hazel Dodgens of Pickens, and Brenda Turner of Westminster and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Porter was predeceased by a sister, Lillian Holcombe.

Funeral services were conducted 4 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

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

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Northside Baptist Church, Pickens, SC 29671.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Porter family.

WILMA M. ROLL

LIBERTY ­— Wilma Medlin Roll, 85, of Liberty, died Monday, Jan. 13, 2014.

Mrs. Roll was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Paul Eugene and Ida Pace Medlin. She was a talented seamstress, cook and gardener and loved to grow flowers. Mrs. Roll was formerly employed with Kent Manufacturing in Pickens, was co-owner of House of Wicker in Columbia and later retired from Furniture Factory Outlet in Waxhaw, N.C. She was a member of East Pickens Baptist Church in Pickens and attended Mountain Grove Baptist Church.

Survivors include her daughter, Dana Rowland (Mike) of Liberty, her son, Robert Austin Roll, Jr. (Wanda) of Lexington, grandchildren, Chris Rowland (Sherri), Brandon Rowland (Jessica), Carey Rowland, Tiffany Marquis (Thomas), Heather Hodge, and Amanda Taylor (Edward). Also surviving are nine great grandchildren and a sister, Bonnie Anderson of Pickens, beloved sister-in-law, Ruth Mary Medlin of Ridgeway, and loving nephews, Chester Medlin and Davey Medlin of Greenville.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Roll was preceded in death by her brothers, Boyce and Wayne Medlin.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 16, at Dillard Funeral Home in the chapel. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

The family would like to extend a special thanks to the caregivers and staff of National Heath Care in Mauldin. Also, the family would like to acknowledge and thank Perry and Marlene Brown at Furniture Factory Outlet World. There has never been a truer display of friendship than was given to Mrs. Roll by these two people, along with the beloved employees and staff at the store.

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

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Roll family.

RAY WILLIAM BROOKS

PICKENS — Ray William Brooks, age 86, loving husband of Margaret James Brooks died Sunday, Jan. 12, 2014 at St. Francis Hospital.

Mr. Brooks was born in Greenville, son of the late Maggie Morgan Brooks and George Washington Brooks. Mr. Brooks loved fishing, hunting and the outdoors; he also was a bee keeper and was known for his honey. He was a mentor and influence on so many people. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and extended family with all his heart. Mr. Brooks was a father figure to so many children over the years; he will be missed by so many.

Survivors include his loving and caring wife of 66 years, three daughters, Gail Burrell of Pickens, Martha Wilson of Pickens, Norma Fortner and husband Bill of Easley, three sons, Steve Brooks and wife Linda of Easley, Charlie Brooks and wife Tammy of Easley, Mark Brooks and wife Debbie of Liberty, two adopted sons, Jerry Hostetler of Lowndesville, Ricky Lusk of Walhalla, 18 grandchildren and nineteen great-grandchildren.

Mr. Brooks was predeceased by his parents, five sisters, four brothers and one grandson.

A Chapel Service was Tuesday Jan. 14 at 3 p.m. at Dillard Funeral Home.

Mr. Brooks was escorted by horse and caisson, to Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens for burial.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Brooks family.

JOHN HERBERT TURNER

SIX MILE — John H. Turner, 78, husband of Carolyn Sue Shake Turner, died Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2014 at The Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.

Born April 16, 1935 in Nashville, Mich. he was a son of the late William Byron and Kathryn Vera Weed Turner. John received his Bachelors at Southern Connecticut College and Masters at Indiana University, South Bend, Ind. Serving his country, he was a United States Army Veteran, serving in the Korean War. John and Carolyn retired to Six Mile in 1994, following his retirement from Penn-Harris-Madison School Corporation in 1992. Active in the community, John was a member of Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Clemson, a volunteer at the South Carolina Botanical Garden, past president of the Master Gardeners of the Foothills, Six Mile Lions Club, and Carolina Butterfly Society. Mr. Turner was past president of the Penn-Harris-Madison Teachers Association, Mishawaka, Ind., past member of the Indiana State Teachers Association Board of Directors, past member of the National Education Association Board of Directors, retired life member of the Indiana State Teachers Association, and South Carolina Education Association as well as National Education Association.

Survivors include his wife Carolyn of the home, a son; Jeffrey Allen Turner (Wendy) of Granger, Ind., a stepson; Jeffrey Daniel Camplese (Deborah) of Helena, Mont., a step daughter; Kathryn Camplese Affainie of Antioch, Tenn., grandchildren; Kyle and Matthew Turner of Granger, Ind., Mary-Elese Affainie of Antioch, Tenn., sisters; Diane Turner Thorpe of The Villages, Fla. and Anne Turner Sholtis of Milford Conn., and a brother; Raymond H. Turner of New Port Richie, Fla.

Mr. Turner was predeceased by his parents and a brother; Robert W. Turner.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday Feb. 8 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Clemson officiated by the Rev. Terre Balof.

Condolences may be expressed by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Clemson Endowment Fund, 230 Pendleton Road, Clemson, SC 29631.

American Cancer Society, Relay of Life Pendleton/Clemson, 120 Executive Drive, Bldg. 1, Asheville, NC 28801.

South Carolina Botanical Garden, CUF/SCBG, Attn: Allison Jones, 150 Discovery Lane, Clemson, SC 29634.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Turner family.

EULA MAE PARKER

PICKENS — Eula Mae Brown Parker, 89, widow of Shirley Oscar Parker, died Friday, Jan. 17, 2014.

Mrs. Parker was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Swan Robert and Eva Henline Brown. She was retired from Mayfair Mills, Pickens Plant and she was a homemaker.

Survivors include sons, Shirley Eugene Parker, and Raymond Joey Parker (Lesa) of Pickens and daughters Linda Diane Searcy and Anna Elizabeth Hall (James) of Pickens. Grandchildren include Jason Scott Parker, Mandy Keller, Greg Hall, and Rhonda Hall. Great grandchildren include Jasmine Keller, Braydon Parker and Morgan Riley Parker.

In addition to her parents and husband Mrs. Parker was predeceased by a son, Robert David Parker and four brothers.

Funeral services were conducted 3 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Parker family.

HELEN LINGERFELT

EASLEY — Helen Phillips Lingerfelt, 80, of Easley and wife of the late Luther A. Lingerfelt Jr., died Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2014 at Rainey Hospice House.

Mrs. Lingerfelt was born in Greenville County, the daughter of the late Thomas J. and Reba Rogers Phillips. She retired from Greenville Hospital System as a nurse educator and was a member of Siloam Baptist Church where she enjoyed singing in the choir and mission work.

Surviving are a daughter, Cynthia Ann Carter (John); a son, David Lingerfelt (Sharon), a sister, Joyce Phillips Peterson; four grandchildren, Ian Carter (Hilary), Jordan Lingerfelt (Ana Marie), Kristin and Aaron Lingerfelt; two great-grandchildren, Zeke Sides, Jace Blankenship.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Lingerfelt was predeceased by a brother Jerry Phillips.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 18 at Siloam Baptist Church. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.

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

HELEN KNIGHT TURNER

LIBERTY — Helen Knight Turner, age 87, wife of the late Hershel Turner, died Thursday Jan. 9, 2014 at Redeemer Health and Rehab.

Mrs. Turner was born in Oconee County a daughter of the late Rosalee Rice Knight and Clyde Hampton Knight. Mrs. Turner attended Gap Hill Church of God.

Survivors include one daughter, Delores Turner of Liberty, one sister, Lucille Knight Ellenburg of Six Mile, four brothers, the Rev. Frank Knight and wife Nellie Grace of Seneca, J.B. Knight and wife Nellie Sue of Pickens, Melvin Knight of Seneca, Roy Knight and wife Sandy of Six Mile, one sister-in-law Ruby Knight.

Mrs. Turner was predeceased by her husband, parents and two brothers, Samuel Edward Knight and Harold Knight, one sister-in-law Hazel Knight and one brother- in-law Ralph Ellenburg.

Funeral service was Sunday, Jan. 12 at 3 p.m. at Gap Hill Church of God.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Turner family.

SHARON MAXEY

NORRIS — Sharon Ann Maxey, 61, of 117 Dianne Drive died earlier this week at her residence.

Born in Pickens, she was a daughter of the late James Clayton and Katie Pilgrim Maxey. She was retired from retail sales and was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are a daughter Angie Smith Howard and her husband Robert of Six Mile; a son Eric Smith of Greenville; two sisters, Shelia Tinsley and her husband David of Liberty and Gail Dobson and her Husband Mike of Pendleton; a brother, John Maxey and his wife Margaret of Norris; and three grandsons, Cayden, Tucker and Elijah Howard all of Six Mile; two nieces, Jennifer Dobson and Hannah Maxey; a nephew, Josh Tinsley and his wife Sarah; and a great niece, Audrey Tinsley.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a brother, Glenn Maxey.

A memorial service to honor the life of Ms. Maxey was held at 2 p.m. Monday at East Side Baptist Church. The Rev. Mike Dobson and the Rev. Dr. Jason Moss conducted the service.

Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.

FRANK CHARLES MAJOR

EASLEY — Frank Charles Major, 62, of 705 Cardinal Woods Way, husband of Ann Dickard Major, died Friday, Jan. 17, 2014 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born March 20, 1951 in Piedmont, he was a son of the late John and Lillie Lollis Major. Mr. Major served in the US Army and was a life time member of Shiloh United Methodist Church. He retired from Michelin with 37 years of service and then worked for H&R Block for 11 years. Mr. Major loved sports and was a season ticket holder of the Atlanta Braves.

In addition to his wife of 45 years, he is survived by his son, Brian Major (Debra); and daughter, Angela Nease (David); brothers, Harry Major, the Rev. Wayne Major and Ray Major; sisters, Betty Lou Noblitt and Vickie Allison; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 20 at Shiloh United Methodist Church. Burial followed in Robinson Memorial Gardens.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com

or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.

JAMES HENRY WELBORN, SR.

PICKENS — Henry Welborn, age 60, died Saturday, Jan. 18, 2014 at his home.

Mr. Welborn was born in Pickens County. He was a son of the late Henry Welborn and Buna Marie Patten Welborn. Henry was a well known and well respected man and carpenter in Pickens. Various homes and churches in the area were blessed with his craftsmanship. He took great pride in being honest and trustworthy. Henry loved spending time outdoors his entire life. He was most at home beside a bonfire, swimming in Eastatoe Creek, or taking a walk in the mountains. Henry had a soft and special place in his heart for his grandkids. Pops, as they called him, was always ready to take them on an outdoor adventure and spoil them with various gifts.

Survivors include a daughter; Jennifer Welborn Mitchell and husband Travis of Pickens, three grand children; Joshua Barrett Mitchell, Emma Noelle Welborn Mitchell and Kadyn James Welborn Mitchell all of Pickens, two brothers; Harold Welborn and wife Una of Pickens, Fred Welborn and wife Barbara of Pickens, four sisters; Sarah Rampey and husband James of Six Mile, Frances Welborn of Greenville, Ruth Clark and husband Larry of Pickens, Clova Vaughan and husband Foster “Scooter” of Easley and a sister-in-law Martha Welborn of Pickens.

Mr. Welborn was predeceased by his parents, a son; James Henry Welborn, Jr. and a brother John Welborn.

Visitation will be 12 until 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 22 at Dillard Funeral Home. A 2:30 p.m. graveside service will follow at Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Gerald Martin officiating.

The family will be at their respective homes.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Welborn family.

GROVER J. MAULDIN

LIBERTY — Grover James Mauldin, 83, of Liberty and formerly of Central, died Sunday, Jan. 19, 2014 at Cannon Memorial Hospital in Pickens.

Born in Pickens County he was a son of the late Jefferson Davis and Katie Florence Bradley Mauldin. Grover was a former employee with Swirl Inc. of Easley.

Surviving are sisters, Florine Hamilton of Pickens and Aileen Rowland of Central; a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brothers, J.D. Mauldin, Leo Mauldin, Tom Mauldin and Quillen Mauldin.

Funeral services were held 2 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 21 in the chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central. Burial was in Mt. Zion Cemetery, Central.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at the funeral home.

Sarah Nell Pinyon

Pickens — Sarah Nell Nevins Pinyon, 66, of 103 Lois Lane, died Wednesday, Jan 08, 2014.

Born in Pickens County, she was the daughter of the late James Melvin Nevins and Avanell Stephens Nevins.

Surviving is her husband of the home, Clyde Cephus Pinyon; a son, Jamie Pinyon (Tina) of Pickens; a daughter, Sharon Pinyon of Easley; seven grandchildren; six

SUE GILLESPIE

PICKENS — Mae Sueko “Sue” Agena Gillespie, 74, wife of Calvin “Coy” Gillespie, died Sunday, Dec. 29, 2013.

Mrs. Gillespie was born of Japanese heritage in Oahu, HI, a daughter of the late Jiro and Kami Yonamine Agena. She was retired from Ryobi Motor Products in Pickens and was employed with The Pickens County School District as a bus monitor for special needs children. Mrs. Gillespie attended Bob Jones University and was a member of Fairview Independent Baptist Church.

Survivors include her husband of 38 years, Calvin “Coy” Gillespie of the home, a son

Joy Israel Ross

Liberty — Joy Israel Ross, 49, of 308 Campground Road, died Tuesday at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Fletcher, N.C., she was the wife of Lloyd “Nub” Ross of the home and a daughter of Roy and Sharon Wilkie Israel of Hendersonville, N.C. She was a graduate of Wren High School and worked at Ball Mart in Liberty. She was also a member of Mills River Baptist Church in Fletcher, N.C.

Surviving in addition to her husband are four daughters, Ariel Morgan of Liberty, Stephanie Moore (Chant) of Liberty, Mandi Bullock (Kevin) of Easley and Lindsey Ross of the home; three sons, Mitchell Ross of Liberty, Lee Tinsley of Pickens and Will Simmons of Pickens; a sister, Susan Israel Foster of Pickens; and her beloved

Edwin L. Bolt, III

Easley — Mr. Edwin “Eddie” Lee Bolt, III, 60, husband of Michelle Houston Bolt, died Monday, Dec. 9, 2013 at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Greenville County, he was the son of the late Dr. Edwin Lee Bolt, Jr. and the late Elizabeth Stewart Bolt. Mr. Bolt was a graduate of North Greenville College and retired from Alice Manufacturing Company with 25 years of service. Eddie was curator of the Pickens County Museum until becoming current site manager for