Category Archives: Obituaries
Courier Obituaries 11-8-23
DAVID ‘PAPA DAVID’ SMITH
LIBERTY — Mr. David “Papa David” Smith, 83, loving husband of Mrs. Lynda Crowe Smith, of Liberty, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 21, 
2023, at his residence.
Papa David was born in Six Mile, on Sept. 27, 1940, to the late Cliff and Ethel Towe Smith.
A true Giant of a man, he loved big and only wanted what was best for those he loved, which included his family, both near and far, his grandchildren, great-grandchildren, close friends, camping buddies, church friends and daycare babies.
Papa David had the best sense of humor and he loved to joke and would take every opportunity to make people laugh and smile. A man with an infectious smile that would light up any room, he was a joy to all who knew him with his jokes, simple smile, and happy-go-lucky personality. Papa David was loved by so many people, and his memory will be cherished throughout the years to come.
Papa David could always be found in one of his woodworking or metal shops. A true handyman who could fix or make anything you asked for, he truly enjoyed crafting things by hand for his family and friends. In his later years, even though Papa David couldn’t work as well as he used to, he could surely supervise the work being done in his shop and give you constructive criticism on how to do the job correctly (just ask his son-in-law or grandson-in-law).
Papa David was always an adventure that was waiting to happen. He cherished the time he was able to spend with his family, which included many trips all over the Southeast, where they would listen to old country music while he
Courier Obituaries 11-1-23
STACEY MICHELLE RICHBURG TALLEY
SUNSET — Stacey Michelle Richburg Talley, 42, loving wife of 14 years to Theodore Frank Talley, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, at her home, surrounded by her family.
Born Nov. 11, 1980, in Pensacola, Fla., Stacey was the daughter of William Pascal Richburg and Vicki Lynnett McKamey Richburg. Stacey earned a degree from West End Baptist Bible Institute. She worked as a bank teller for nine years at Truist (BB&T) Bank and later worked as a
Courier Obituaries 11-18-23
TAYLOR MICHELLE PARSONS
EASLEY — Mrs. Taylor Michelle Parsons, 28, loving wife of the late Kenneth Parsons, passed away Friday, Oct. 13, 2023, at her residence.
Mrs. Parsons was born in Spartanburg on Nov. 30, 1994, to Tianna Alicia Jackson of Pickens. She loved to hike and truly was a lover of all animals. Mrs. Parsons loved her family, especially her daughter, and cherished the times spent with her watching movies.
In addition to her loving mother, Mrs. Parsons is survived by her daughter, Madelyn Parsons; her father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gary and Po Parsons; her grandmother,
Courier Obituaries 10-11-23
GERTRUDE SIMMONS HUGHES
PICKENS — Mrs. Gertrude Simmons Hughes, 98, loving wife of the late Ellis A. Hughes, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Sept. 
26, 2023, at her residence.
Mrs. Hughes was born in Pickens County on May 12, 1925, to the late Earlie and Ollie Hudson Simmons. She retired from Swirl, Inc. and was a member of Bethany Church of God.
Mrs. Hughes is survived by her two daughters, Catherine Gilstrap and Audrey Morris; a son-in-
Legendary PHS coach Virgil passes away
By Bru Nimmons
Sports Editor
bnimmons@thepccourier.com
PICKENS — The City of Pickens lost a legend last week when longtime former coach and teacher Andy Virgil passed away at the age of 80.
Virgil, who coached the Pickens JV boys’ basketball, boys’ track and field and tennis teams, is best known for his four-decade tenure as an assistant coach for the Blue Flame football
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They called him ‘Skyagunsta’
The Cherokee were primarily farmers, hunters and traders. They provided the English settlers with deerskins and, in return, they received tools and axes.
The Cherokee developed an extensive trade network that stretched from backcountry South Carolina to the ports in Charleston. But the younger generation grew concerned when the settlers began moving onto their lands and watched in dismay as tribal elders traded away their
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COACH ANDREW ‘ANDY’ JOSEPH VIRGIL
PICKENS — Coach Andrew “Andy” Joseph Virgil, 80, loving husband of 51 years, Elizabeth “Beth” Virgil, of Pickens, passed away on Friday, Sept. 29, 2023, at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Coach Virgil was born in Orange, N.J. on Nov. 24, 1942, to the late Louis and Josephine Szymanski Virgil. He graduated from Appalachian Teachers College (now Appalachian State University) with his Bachelor’s in Science in 1964, then again with his Masters Degree in 1965. Coach Virgil then began his career teaching at Pickens High School where he coached the Blue
Courier Obituaries 9-20-23
JOHN CLARK GALLOWAY
ANDERSON — Mr. John Clark Galloway, 69, loving husband of Rhonda Joyce McCulloch Galloway, of Anderson, passed away Sunday, Sept. 
10, 2023 in Sparta, Ga.
Mr. Galloway was born in Pickens County on Jan. 25, 1954 to the late Verner and Marie White Galloway.
He was retired from Nu Life Environmental as a supervisor and in his free time he enjoyed tournament fishing, hunting, bowling, sitting on his back porch watching the deer, and cars, especially project cars. Mr. Galloway was a very competitive person, who loved all sports, especially cheering on his favorite team, the USC Gamecocks. He was a loving man who always tried to be there for anyone going through a difficult time, and truly cared for everyone he met. Family was most important to Mr. Galloway, and he cherished every moment he was able to spend with his grandchildren, and he loved playing with his dog, Buddy. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
In addition to his loving wife of 10 years, Mr. Galloway is survived by his five children, Jason Galloway (Tonya) of Sparta, Ga., Nathan Galloway (Chasity) of Belton, Ashley Galloway of Easley, Catherine Patterson (Matt) of Florence and Jacklyn Earnhart (Eric) of Easley; his nine grandchildren, Cameron, Austin, Deja, Sebastian, Caroline, Hannah, Mackenzie, Aiden and John; a brother, Billy Galloway (Anne) of Liberty; a step-sister, Donna Raby of Pickens; and his
Courier Obituaries 9-13-23
ELIZABETH ‘BETTY’ HARRIS CARTER
CENTRAL — Elizabeth (Betty) Harris Carter died on Tuesday, Sept. 5, 2023, having recently celebrated her 68th wedding anniversary.
Betty was born in Asheville, N.C., on Feb. 27, 1932, as the third child of Henry Herman and Elizabeth Moss Harris. She developed lifelong friendships from her early school years at St. Genevieve-of-the-Pines, from her long association with Kanuga Conference Center, and as a member of the Holy Trinity Episcopal Church. Betty received a Bachelor of Arts degree in
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Courier Obituaries 9-6-23
RANDALL SPIVEY
LIBERTY — Randall James Spivey, a loving husband, father, brother and friend, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, Aug. 25, 2023, at the age of 61.
Born on Oct. 4, 1961, in his hometown of Liberty, he was the son of the late Oren and Edna Spivey. Randall touched the hearts of many during his time with us.
Randall will be forever remembered as a hardworking and diligent individual. He obtained his high school diploma and pursued a career in
