Robert Lee Aiken

Easley — Mr. Robert Lee Aiken, 83, husband of Clara “Sudie” Atkins Aiken, died Monday, April 14, 2014 after an extended illness.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late John Wilson and Illeine Robinson Aiken, Mr. Aiken retired from textiles and was of the Baptist faith. Robert learned to play the steel guitar when he was 10 years old and has played with numerous bands across the state. Along with his musical talent, he brought joy and humor to all he met.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 65 years, are two daughters, Judy A. Young (David), and Joy A. Wilson (Jason), all of Easley; two grandsons, Scott Davis and Bryan Young; seven great-grandchildren; and two grandpets, Berneece and Willard.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Aiken was predeceased by a son, Johnny Lee Aiken; and a grandson, Corey Livingston Young.

Graveside services were 2 p.m. Thursday, April 17 at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

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

Reba K. Brown

Central — Reba Kennemore Brown, 79, died Monday, April 14, after a period of declining health and a critical illness of one week.

She was the widow of William Douglas Brown and was the youngest child of the late George Washington and Pina Lovell Kennemore. A lifelong resident of Central, she attended the Central public schools and retired from Clemson University after 26 years of service.

She was a third generation member of Trinity Wesleyan Church (Second Wesleyan).

There in the church parsonage as a young girl learned to play the piano from her pastor’s wife, Mrs. Mary Mitchell (Dr. V. A. Mitchell). She was a friend to stray animals and the furry critters of the field and wood where they knew a bowl of food and water awaited them.

She is survived by her loving and devoted son and caregiver, Keith Brown, of the home, a host of nieces and nephews and many friends.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by brothers Jack, Dewey, George and Harley Kennemore and sisters Ellen Kelley and Louise Blume. Also, her dear Aunt Lou Crone, who lived with the family and doted on Reba as if she were her own child. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

A celebration of Reba’s life was Thursday, April 17 from 12 to 2 p.m. at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home with a private family committal service to follow in Mt. Zion Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Trinity Wesleyan Church, 700 Isaqueena Trail, Central, SC  29630.

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

Robert Schneider

Easley — Robert Allan “Bob” Schneider, 71, husband of Virginia Gullett Schneider, died Monday, April 14, 2014 at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.

Born in Somerville, N.J., to the late Chester and Lorraine Fleury Schneider, Bob was a painter who was a U.S. Navy veteran and a former volunteer firefighter. He was a member of Arial United Methodist Church.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are four sons, Tim Schneider, Robert Schneider, Jr., Charles Crumpton and Wayne Crumpton; 10 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Myrtle Hill.

Memorial services will be held on a later date at Arial United Methodist Church in Easley, with a second memorial service in Charleston.

The family is at the residence.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Oconee Hospice of the Foothills, ATTN: Foundation Office, 298 Memorial Drive, Seneca, SC 29672.

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

V. Maxine Short

Easley — Virginia Maxine Killough Short, 91, wife of the late Howard Beecher Short, died Tuesday, April 15, 2014 at Baptist Easley Hospital.
Born in Union County, N.C., to the late Thomas Allen and Carrie Belle Deese Killough, Maxine was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are a son, John Short (Lane) of Easley; a daughter, Elaine Hall (Charles) of Easley; a nephew, Mike Hunnicutt of St. Petersburg, Fla.; three grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were 1 p.m. Friday, April 18 at Graceland East Memorial Park, Simpsonville.

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

Leo A. Bidez

Easley — Leo Adair Bidez, 94, of 205 Bud Nalley Drive, husband of the late Sallie Taylor Bidez, died Sunday, April 6, 2014 at Foothills Presbyterian Community.

Born in Mobile, Ala., a son of the late Robert Leo and Ruth Adair Bidez, Mr. Bidez graduated from Auburn University with a degree in chemical engineering and at age 75 graduated from Clemson University with a degree in political science. He retired from DuPont Corporation as the plant manager of the Toledo, Ohio plant in 1977.

His work with DuPont included service as a supervisor in Hanford, Wash. on the Manhattan District Project during the war. He was a longtime member and elder of Fort Hill Presbyterian Church in Clemson. Mr. Bidez was a very active advisor to the Sigma Chi Fraternity at Clemson and was elected to the Order of Constantine in 1992.

He was a Rotarian beginning in 1968 and served for many years as a sponsor for foreign students with district scholarships at Clemson University. Mr. Bidez was also active in the Valley of Toledo Scottish Rite and the Clemson Lodge.

Surviving are a daughter, Sally Swayze of Bethany Beach, Del.; a brother, William Earle Bidez of Mobile, Ala.; a son-in-law, Dick Powers of Greer; a daughter-in-law, Peggy Bidez of Nashville; and six grandchildren, Lisa Swayze-Thomas, Scott Swayze, Melinda Zietz, David Powers, Kristin Barnett and Lauren Bidez.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Bidez was predeceased by a son, Paul Edward Bidez and by a daughter, Jean Taylor Powers.

Memorial services will be at 3:30 p.m. on Saturday, April 26 at Fort Hill Presbyterian Church in Clemson.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service in Tarton Hall of the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sigma Chi Foundation, 1714 Hinman Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201 or to Fort Hill Presbyterian Church, 101 Edgewood Avenue, Clemson, SC 29631.

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

Zettie C. Culbreath

Clemson — On April 16, 2014 Zettie Frances Chapman Culbreath, 81, of Clemson, wife of Richard A. Culbreath died peacefully in her home.

Her beloved Jesus entered her sleep and took her into His loving arms. Her faith and beliefs delivered her into the joys of Heaven. A loving mother, wife, grandmother and Christian keeping watch over her flock.
Born in Orangeburg, raised in Edgefield, Zettie was the daughter of the late J.G. and Margaret Chapman. Mrs. Culbreath graduated from Edgefield High School in 1952. She was a member of East Clemson Baptist Church. Zettie was employed as office manager of the newspaper The Messenger. She enjoyed sewing and bird watching. Her grandchildren and great grandchildren brought her much joy.
Surviving in addition to her husband of 62 years are her sons, Rick Culbreath (Lynn), Pete Culbreath (Pauline), Keith Culbreath (Susan) and Matt Culbreath (Ellen); sister, Gladys Bates; four grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Mrs. Culbreath was predeceased by son, James Graham Culbreath; brothers, Joe Chapman, James Chapman, John Chapman and a sister Margaret Chapman Collins.

Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Saturday, April 19 at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home in the chapel. Burial follow at Memory Gardens.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral, Central, which is assisting the family.

Melvin Lee Thomas

Easley — Melvin Lee Thomas, 86, of Easley, died Sunday, April 13, 2014.

Born in Pickens County, he was the son of the late Nelson C. Thomas and Bessie Reece Thomas. Mr. Thomas was a self-employed auto mechanic and was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Korean War.

Surviving are his children, Renee Elswick, Linda Lister, Pam Anderson, Brenda Waters, Vicky Wimpey, Marie Thomas and Steven Thomas; 15 grandchildren; several great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; three sisters, Vivian Burgess, Ellen Burgess and Martha Ellenburg; and three brothers, Jack Thomas, Johnny Thomas and the Rev. Mickey Thomas.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Charles Thomas.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 17 at 11 a.m. at Oolenoy Baptist Church. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Thomas family.

Lucille B. Brooks (Martin)

Pickens — Lucille Bolding Brooks (Martin), 88, of Cemetery Drive, husband of the late Chub Brooks, died Thursday, April 17, 2014.

Born in Pickens County, she was the daughter of the late Perry Clyde Bolding and Hattie Myrlee Rogers Bolding. Mrs. Brooks (Martin) was retired from Sir Shirtmakers in Pickens and was a member of Blue Ridge View Baptist Church.

Surviving are her children, Gail Crain (Michael) and Stan Brooks (Sue) all of Easley and Alan Brooks (Johnell) of Central; three grandsons; a granddaughter; and two sisters, Rosalie Gillespie of Six Mile and Nell Hayes of Pickens.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 19 at 12 p.m. in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Flowers accepted or memorials may be made to the Golden Harvest Food Bank, 7931 Moorefield Memorial Hwy, Liberty, SC 29657.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Brooks family.

L.C. “Buck” Lewis

Pickens — L.C. “Buck” Powell Lewis, 90, of Gravley Road, died Wednesday, April 16, 2014 at her home.

Born in Transylvania County, she was the daughter of the late Thomas and Louisa Revis Powell. Mrs. Lewis was a homemaker and member of Cannon Mountain Baptist Church.

Surviving is her husband of 68 years, the Rev. Dewey W. Lewis of the home; her children, Donald Ray Lewis (Brenda) of Pickens, Otis William Lewis (Linda) of Easley, James Edward Lewis (Teresa) of Cleveland and Theresa Darlene Lewis of Pickens; five grandchildren; and five great grandchildren.

Mrs. Lewis was the last surviving member of her immediate family. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by two sisters, T.C. Owens and Clara Roof; and three brothers, J.C., Harold and Ross Powell.

Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 19 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Burial followed in Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

Flowers accepted or memorials may be made to Blue Ridge Hospice, 105 Lovett Dr. Greenville, SC 29607.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Lewis family.

Charles Edward

Milligan, Sr.

Easley ­— Mr. Charles Edward Milligan, Sr., 92, husband of the late Marjorie A. Milligan, died Thursday, April 17, 2014 at Trident Medical Center, Charleston.

Born in Wilmington, N.C., the son of the late William Moultrie Milligan, Sr. and the late Lillian Platt Milligan, Mr. Milligan retired from C&O Railway and was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran having served in WWII.

Surviving are a son, Charles Edward “Chuck” Milligan, Jr. of Easley; a daughter, Linda Nippert (Jim) of Cumming, Ga.; three grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Milligan was predeceased by a brother and four sisters.

Funeral services were 2:30 p.m. Monday, April 21 at Rock Springs Baptist Church. Burial followed in Graceland East.

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

Paul W. Niemela

Easley — Mr. Paul Willard Niemela, 82, husband of Phyllis Niemela, died Friday, April 18, 2014.

Born in Ashland, Wis., the son of the late John Peter and Aili Kauppi Niemela, Mr. Niemela retired as an Electrical Design Engineer from Singer/Ryobi and was of the Lutheran faith. He was a U.S. Army Veteran having served during the Korean War.

Surviving are two sons, Matthew Niemela of Pickens, and Luke Niemela (Megan) of Piedmont; a sister, Ruth Pass of Sacramento, Calif.; and two granddaughters, Nikki and Madelyn Niemela.

Memorial services will be 2 p.m. Friday, April 25 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.

The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

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

Kate Eastwood

Marietta — Katherine Janice “Kate” Henshaw Eastwood, 86, died on Easter Sunday, April 20, 2014.

Mrs. Eastwood was born in Syracuse, N.Y., a daughter of the late John Carter and Katherine Henshaw. She was a homemaker and a Protestant. Mrs. Eastwood was twice married, first to the late Bernard Frank Besaw and then to the late Donald Lester Eastwood.

Survivors include daughters, Katherine E. “Kathy” Monaghan of the home, and Shirley Williams (Joe) of Liberty, sons, Charles William Besaw (Patricia) of East Syracuse, N.Y., and John Carter Besaw (Annette) of Plantersville, Texas, brother, Thomas Henshaw (Virginia) of Jacksonville, Fla., and sister, Betty Cheria of Miami, Fla. Also surviving are 17 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren.

A graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, April 24 at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

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

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Eastwood family.

Charles Garrett

Six Mile — Charles Alan Garrett, 48, of 728 Kelly Mill Road, died peacefully on Monday, April 21, 2014 surrounded by his loving family following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Easley he was a son of the late John Garrett, Jr. and Helen Watson Abercrombie. Charles was a 1983 graduate of D.W. Daniel High School, and was a longtime employee of Blue Ridge Co-op. He spent more than 25 years coaching Little League Baseball and Football for Six Mile Recreation Department. He loved to coach young people and instill his strong work ethic and determination in them. Charles and his family were active members of Gap Hill Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Cindy B. Garrett of the home; two sons, Clint and Carter Garrett of the home; a sister, Pam Rampey and her husband Wesley of Six Mile; his father in law, Curtis Bolick of Central; numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Memorial services to honor Charles’s life will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Gap Hill Baptist Church. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at the Liberty Mortuary.

The family will be at the home of Dr. Boyce and Doris Whitman, 733 Kelly Mill Road, Six Mile SC 29682.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Six Mile Recreation Department, C/O Town Hall, 106 S. Main Street, Six Mile, SC 29682.

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