Thomas Evans

Six Mile — Thomas Earl Evans, 69, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, surrounded by his family.

Born on Aug. 4, 1947, in Greenville County, he was the son of the late Clarence Eugene and Floy Josephine Thomas Evans. Thomas fought a long and hard battle with pancreatic cancer.

He was a recipient of two kidney transplants, and because of this, he was very appreciative and supportive of organ donation. He graduated from Forrest Business College of Anderson and was a retired employee of Duke Energy. Thomas was very active in his community. He served as a driver for Pickens County Meals on Wheels for many years, and for more than 20 years he taught Sunday school at Pruitt Health and Rehabilitation (Formerly Harvey’s Love and Care) of Six Mile. He enjoyed water skiing, camping and vacationing at the beach, watching the Clemson Tigers play, and was a charter member of the Six Mile Lions Club. Thomas was also a member and retired deacon of Kings Grove Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife of 50 years, Ruby Albertson Evans; one daughter, Amy Evans Goodin (Scott); one son, Andrew Evans (Sandie); one nephew of the home, Will Albertson (Andrea); one brother, Russ Evans (Deborah); 11 grandchildren, Katriena, Justin, Alex, Jessie, Chris, Aubrey, Emma, Carrie, Annabeth, Kyra and Sydney; two great-grandchildren, Josephine and Evan; special sisters-in-law, Brenda Mauldin and Sherri Albertson, and brother-in-law, Ed Albertson, and many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by parents-in-law, Mack and Elizabeth Albertson; brothers-in-law, Donald Albertson and Jim Mauldin; and a daughter-in-law, Dionnah Evans.

The family received friends on Friday, March 17, and funeral services were held on Saturday, March 18, both at Kings Grove Baptist Church. Burial was private.

The family would like to thank the doctors and staff of St. Francis Cancer Center, and a special thank you to Dr. Fred Rogoff, Dr. Brad Simpson and Dr. Richard Curry for all of the care, dedication and support given during this difficult time.

Flowers are appreciated, but also consider making memorials to Meals on Wheels of Pickens County and/or the St. Francis Cancer Center.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Rev. James A. Ramsay

Central — The Rev. James Aaron Ramsay, 76, of Central, passed away on Sunday, March 19, 2017.

He was born in Gibraltar, Pa., on July 25, 1940, to Sedgwick Uriah and Mary Elizabeth Ramsay. He was married to Carol Chance on Aug. 4, 1962.

James was a graduate of Twin Valley High School (Morgantown, Pa.), Frankfort Wesleyan College (Frankfort, Ind.), the University of South Africa (Pretoria, RSA) and did graduate studies at the Fuller School of World Missions (Pasadena, Calif.). He was an ordained elder in The Wesleyan Church for more than 50 years. Commissioned as a career missionary with The Wesleyan Church in 1964, he served for 38 years in various capacities. His ministry took him to Swaziland, Africa (nine years), the Republic of South Africa (26 years) and Albania, Eastern Europe (three years). During his ministry, he led the Ebenezer District of Swaziland to full national leadership, as well as assisting in organizing the creation of the Emmanuel Wesleyan Bible Institute; for seven years, he did pioneer work among the Venda people of South Africa, then served as the principal of Wesleyan Evangelical Seminary in Brakpan, South Africa, while also pastoring the nearby Boksburg Wesleyan Church for 13 years. In Albania, he worked as a church planter and with refugee’s relief during the Kosovo War. Upon returning to the U.S. in 2000, he pastored Trinity Wesleyan Church (Central) for four years, and for the last 10 years has served as pastor of Martin Grove Wesleyan Church (Sunset).

Rev. Ramsay is being remembered as a loving husband, devoted father, doting grandfather, a loyal friend and a fun person to be with, but most of all as a godly man who was faithful in ministry and friendships.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Carol, and two daughters, Suzan (Chris) Potter of Central and their children, Rachel (Brandon) Jett, Gavin and Jared; Sharilyn (Kerry) and their children, Ian and Taryn; brothers, Uriah Ramsay of Danville, Ill., and Thomas Ramsay of Allentown, Pa.; and by many nieces and nephews who love their Uncle Jim. Three brothers preceded him in death.

In addition to services here, his life will be celebrated with a memorial service in Pretoria, South Africa on Friday, March 24. His ministry has impacted lives of people now residing in many countries around the world. His was a life well lived.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 24, in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial will be at Martin Grove Wesleyan Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at the mortuary.

The family wishes to express their deep appreciation for the wonderful care given during Rev. Ramsay’s sickness by St. Francis Cancer Center and by Hospice of the Foothills (Seneca) as well as the continued care of the Martin Grove Wesleyan Church family throughout his illness.

Liberty Mortuary is assisting with arrangements.

Carl E. Sawdy

Six Mile — Carl E. Sawdy, 91, of Six Mile, died Monday, March 13, 2017, at the home of his granddaughter, Kimberly Keathley.

He was a native of Woodland, Mich., son of the late Clifton and Gatha Smith Sawdy. Carl was a retired employee with Keeler Brass in Grand Rapids, Mich. He was a volunteer with D.A.V., and assisted in raising money for blind and deaf students, the Children’s Miracle Network and the Shriners Hospital for Children. He enjoyed dairy farming and traveling.

Surviving are two daughters, Donna Marie Lloyd Crowell and Linda Val Jean Lloyd Cartier, both of Ionia, Mich.; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his wife, Alfreda Armada Sawdy; and sons, Clifford Allen Sandy and Charles Terry Lloyd.

Memorial services will be held at a later date in Michigan.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home in Central.

Alfred H. Zator III

Easley — Alfred H. Zator III, 69, passed away from this life on Monday, March 13, 2017.

He is the son of the late Alfred H. Zator Jr. and Marjorie Zator. Mr. Zator is from Rockville Centre, N.Y.

Mr. Zator served in the United States Air Force and retired as the owner operator of the Long Island Express. He was also a past member of the HOG Harley Davison Club.

Survivors include his wife, Joyce Blackston; two stepsons, Eric Blackston of Orlando, Fla., and Ryan Blackston of Easley; and a grandchild, Julia Blackston of Easley. Mr. Zator is predeceased by his parents.

Graveside services were held March 16 at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Garden in the Veterans Garden.

Memorials can be made to the Greenville Humane Society, St. Jude Hospital or the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Zator family.

Patricia S. Tate

Clemson — Patricia Skinner Tate, 85, wife of Joe M. Tate, died Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at her home.

Born in Gaffney, she was a daughter of the late Charles and Allean Wood Skinner.

Pat was a 1952 graduate of Limestone College and was a former resident of Union and Milledgeville, Ga. She and her husband were members of the United Methodist Church of Milledgeville, Ga., where they enjoyed singing in the church choir. She was an avid bridge player.

Surviving in addition to her husband are her daughter, Patilee Tate of Central, and her sister, Tessa Skinner Simpkins of Rock Hill.

Graveside services were held March 17 in Frederick Memorial Gardens in Gaffney, with Rev. John Culp and Rev. Johnny Rogers officiating.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Providence Care Hospice, 202 Wall Street, Piedmont, SC 29673 or to the charity of one’s choice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home in Central.

Donald Durham

EASLEY — Donald “Ray” Durham, 62, went to be with the Lord on Monday, March 13, 2017.

He is survived by his loving wife, Faye P. Durham of Easley; his daughter, Deanna N. (John) Braswell of New Ellenton; his grandchildren, Rachel and Bruce Braswell; his brother, Gary L. (Eileen) Durham of Easley; his aunt, JoAnne Yeargin; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John Robert Lee and Frances Yeargin Durham; and his sister, LeAnn Durham.

Ray worked in the trucking industry for more than 32 years. He retired from Estes Express in July 2016.

He was a faithful member of Glenwood Baptist Church, where he presently served as deacon. Ray’s passion was first to his Lord and Savior and to his family. He also had a passion for the outdoors, where he loved to deer and turkey hunt.

He was a man of integrity who was loved and respected by all.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Ray’s name may be made to the Glenwood Baptist Church Building Fund, 325 Saco Lowell Road, Easley, SC 29640.

Wanda K. Miles

Easley — Wanda Marie Knight Miles, 70, wife of Samuel Ray Miles, passed away Monday, March 13, 2017, at McCall Hospice House.

Born in Brevard, N.C., a daughter of the late Charles James and Ona Marie Ramey Knight, Mrs. Miles was a retired CNA and a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church.

Surviving, in addition to her husband of 43 years, is her loving daughter, Serena Sarah Miles of Easley. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Miles was predeceased by a brother, James Charles Knight, and a sister, Carolyn Knight Daves.

Memorial services were held March 17 at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Central.

Memorial may be made to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 186, Central, SC 29630.

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

Isabel Ruth Allgood Hunt

Woodstock, Ga. — Isabel Ruth Allgood Hunt passed away on March 10, 2017.

She was born in Anderson County on May 11, 1919.

She is preceded in death by her father, Dr. James Edward Allgood; her mother, Ruth Thompson Allgood; her sister, Catharine Allgood Young; her brother-in-law, DeWalt Secrist Young; her brother, Dr. James Edward Allgood; her sister-in-law, Sara Blackman Allgood; her brother-in-law, Al Lafayette Johnson; and her son-in-law, John Edward McIntosh. Isabel is survived by her sister, Nancy Allgood Johnson of Liberty; her son, George Warren Hunt of Decatur, Ala.; her daughter, Susan Hunt Clark of Marietta, Ga.; her daughter, Teresa Hunt McIntosh of Woodstock, Ga.; and her grandsons, Travis Harlow Clark of Marietta, Ga., and Dillon James Clark and his wife, Sadie Lacey Clark of Marietta, Ga. Also surviving are nieces, nephews and their families.

Isabel was a graduate of Pendleton High School. While attending high school, she additionally studied at Anderson College and she was president of the Beta Club. Isabel received her Bachelor of Arts in music from Furman University. She completed her graduate studies in piano, voice and composition at Juilliard and received her Masters in music at Columbia University in New York City.

Isabel played the organ and piano professionally for several churches in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia. She directed and sang soprano in many church choirs and professional choirs. She taught music in school systems and taught private piano and voice. Much can be said about her spirited teaching of music which inspired many students to continue with it after their graduation from high school.

Everywhere Isabel lived, she was an active member and officer in many social and music clubs. Although she lived in many places, Isabel always considered Liberty, South Carolina her home.

Her beauty resonated from within and without. She loved her family, laughter and life. Isabel will be deeply missed.

Funeral services to honor the life of Ms. Hunt were held March 18 in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel, followed by committal services and entombment at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite music organization. Liberty Mortuary is assisting the family. www.libertymortuary.com

Peggy Elisa Merck

EASLEY — Peggy Elisa Merck, 54, of Easley, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, March 15, 2017.

She is survived by her husband, Wallace Merck; her son, Christian Barnett; her sister, Shelby Spurlock; her grandchild, Logun Barnett; and her several cousins.

She was preceded in death by her son, Cory Dustin Merck; and her brother, Jerry Ray.

Services were held March 21 at Galilee Baptist Church, with Rev. Clyde Gravely presiding and interment following in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in Peggy’s name can be made to Galilee Baptist Church.

Clarence E. Wilbanks

Clemson — Clarence E. Wilbanks, 91, widower of Ella Mae Durham Wilbanks, died Wednesday, March 15, 2017, at Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.

Born in Central, he was a son of the late Jesse M. and Rosa Wilson Wilbanks.

Clarence was a retired employee with 42 years at Cannon Mills in Central. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of WWII and served on the USS Alcyone in the Pacific Theater. He was a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church and loved gardening and yard work.

Surviving are his daughter, Ginger (Trent) Allen of Clemson; grandsons, Robert Allen (Kaley Goodwin) of Clemson and Jeremy Allen of Washington, D.C.; and sister, Francis Reid of Seneca.

In addition to his wife and parents, Clarence was predeceased by brothers, J. Martin Wilbanks, Bill Wilbanks, Jack Wilbanks and James Wilbanks; and a sister, Kathryn Reeves.

Funeral services were held March 18 at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, with Rev. Gene Aiken officiating and burial following in Mt. Zion Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 186, Central, SC 29630 or to Make-A-Wish SC, McAlister Square, 225 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville, SC 29607.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home in Central.

Dorothy “Dot” E. Henson

Easley — Mrs. Dorothy “Dot” Ellenburg Henson, 91, wife of the late Jesse Hampton Henson, passed away Monday, March 13, 2017.

Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Lannie and Annie McGaha Ellenburg, Mrs. Henson was a graduate of Easley High School and a homemaker. She was a member of Geer Memorial Baptist Church.

Surviving are two daughters and son-in-laws, Hope and Robert Watson of Easley, and Jan and Rickey Lewis of Pickens; a brother, James Ellenburg of Anderson; four grandsons, Brian Watson (Wendy), Stacy Lewis (Jennifer), Shane Lewis, and Brad Watson (Jennifer); 12 great-grandchildren; and a special friend, Millie Skinner.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Henson was predeceased by three brothers, Jerry, Frank and Fred Ellenburg; and two sisters, Frances Billingsley and Louise Lane.

Private graveside services were held at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

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

Larry Eugene Aiken

Liberty — Larry Eugene Aiken 67, husband to Judy Smith Aiken, was called home Monday, March 13, 2017, to his Lord.

Larry’s final days he spent glorifying the Lord. He was born in Easley March 1, 1950, son of the late William Aiken and Helen Lorene Sanders. He was a loving father to daughter Tammy Marie Hamilton (Lon) of Central. He also was proud papa to grandchildren, Jonathan, Jessica and Jeremy Hamilton; one stepgrandchild, Justin Hamilton; and great-grandchildren, Jonathan (Jr), Amelia and Peyton. He is also survived by one brother, Billy Wayne Aiken (Susan); one sister, Darlene Duncan; mother-in-law, Bulah Smith; two sisters-in-law, Tammy Clark and Debra McCall; and brother-in-law, Sam Hunter of Pickens. He was predeceased by his parents; great-granddaughter, Abbigail Clare Hamilton; sister, Ruby Neil Allen; and, two brothers, Jerry Aiken and Butch Aiken.

Visitation was from 1-1:45 p.m. on March 18 at Mountain View Funeral Home. Funeral service followed in the funeral home chapel, officiated by the Rev. Jason Thomas. Burial was at Westview Cemetery in Liberty.

Serving as active pallbearers were Jonathan Hamilton, Brandon Bray, James Capps, Carlos Dodgins, Tye Nalley and Jeremy Hamilton. Honorary pallbearers were Donald Jones, David Porter, Larry Critten and Greg Garrett.

The family will be at their respective homes.

Messages of condolences may be shared online at www.mountainviewfunerals.com. Mountain View Funerals and Cremations is serving the Aiken family.

Hazel Marie Fuller

Easley — Hazel Marie Fuller, infant daughter of Samuel Brandon Fuller and Anjelica “Anjel” Maria Balcombe, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 19, 2017.

Surviving, in addition to her parents, are her grandparents, Hector and Linda Garcia, and Samuel and Missy Fuller.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Thursday, March 23, at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road.

The family is at the home of her grandparents, Hector and Linda Garcia.

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