EDGAR O. HOLDER

PICKENS — Edgar O. Holder, 92, died Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.

He was the son of Ossie Crawford Holder and Christine Parsons Holder. After high school he went to work for Poinsett Lumber Company as a lumber inspector and dry kiln operator. Around 1950 while still working at the lumber mill he started working with his cousin Dwight Holder selling perpetual care cemetery property. In 1955 he resigned from Poinsett to concentrate on the cemetery business. He built a 40 year career in the cemetery business. During that time he served 20 years on the South Carolina Cemetery Board and was past president of the South Carolina Cemetery Association. He was a member of the Hejaz Shrine Temple for several decades and rode his Tennessee Walking horse with the Hejaz Horse Patrol. He we past president of the Southeastern Shrine Horse Patrol Association.

In 1960 he organized Ace Sales and Consultants that combined cemetery operations with real estate investing, building houses, apartments and renovating buildings. He was former president of the Pickens County Farm Bureau serving as president for seven consecutive years. He also served as the Pickens County State Director and served on the board of directors for South Carolina Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Company. He was past president of the Pickens County Live Stock Association and served on the board of the Pickens County Water Authority. He was a long time member of the Pickens First Baptist Church.

Mr. Holder was married to the former Beatrice Couch for 72 years. They have one son Dean Holder (Ruth), one daughter Diane Hutton (Eddie), grandchildren Jeff Holder (Liza), Christine Wilson (Jim), Anna Glenn (Jack), Jennifer Winch (Cary), Charlie Ellenburg (Megan), Meredith Hutton, Grace Hutton, Elise Tuck (Bart), and 13 great grandchildren.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Willows of Easley and Cottingham Hospice House of Seneca for their care and compassion to the Holder family during these trying times.

The funeral service was held 3 p.m. Saturday, July 5 at Pickens First Baptist Church. The committal service will be private.

Memorials may be made to Dream Center of Pickens County, Post Office Box 203, Easley, South Carolina 29641.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Holder family.

SAMUEL “SAM” C. YOUNG, SR.

EASLEY — Mr. Samuel “Sam” Curran Young, Sr., 67, husband of Patricia “Trish” Turner Young, died Friday, June 27, 2014 at his home.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Gartrell Asbury and Irene Boggs Young, Mr. Young retired from PFG Milton and was a member of New Harvest Church of God.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of the home, are four sons, Justin Turner, Samuel C. Young, Jr. (Raegan), Todd Young (Ashley), and Kevin Ross (Sandy); two brothers, Ron Young (Sheila), and David Young (Judy); two sisters, Margaret Childress (Bob), and Faye Scammahorn (Dean); six grandchildren, Abby, Emma, Morgan, Madison, Cassidy, and Banks; and seven special kids that called him papa.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Young was predeceased by a brother, Joe Young; and two sisters, Anna Young Mauldin and Rebecca Irene Young.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Monday, June 30 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial was follow in the Flat Rock Baptist Church Cemetery.

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

RANDY “PETE” LESLIE

LIBERTY — Randy “Pete” Leslie, 57, of 238 Joyce Road, died Friday, June 27, 2014 at St. Francis Hospital.

Born in Greenville he was a son of Betty Brown Leslie and the late Tommy Lawrence Leslie. He was employed by Plastic Omnium, and was a member of Golden Creek Baptist Church. His hobbies included camping, watching football & racing, and shooting pool.

Surviving in addition to his mother of Liberty, are his wife, Donna McAlister Leslie of the home; two sons, Chad Leslie of Easley, and Cody Leslie (Brittany) of Piedmont; a sister, Kathy Brewer of Easley; five brothers, Steve Lesley of Anderson, Nick Leslie of Greenville, Freddie Leslie of Liberty, Victor Leslie of Easley, and Keith Leslie of Liberty; two grandchildren, Ryder and Micah Leslie; his mother in law, June A. McAlister of Easley; two brother in laws, the Rev. Randy McAlister and David McAlister both of Liberty.

Funeral services to honor Pete’s life were 2 p.m. Monday, June 30 at Golden Creek Baptist Church conducted by the Rev. Randy McAlister. Burial was at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to Golden Creek Baptist Church, Youth Fund, 477 Golden Creek Road, Liberty SC 29657.

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

DIANN MANLEY SCROGGINS

EASLEY — Diann Manley Scroggins, age 64, wife of Jackie Charles Scroggins died on Sunday, June 29, 2014 at her home.

Mrs. Scroggins was born in Lincolnton, N.C. and the daughter of the late Lillie Bell Burdette Manley and Levie Manley. She was a member of Gods Way Church, Greenville. Mrs. Scroggins loved going to Church and dearly loved her family.

Survivors include her husband, one daughter; Shannon Scroggins Edens of Pickens, four step children; Patricia Rene Hayes and husband Tony of Greenwood, Jacqueline Sphon and husband of Blue Ridge, Danny Scroggins of Liberty, Sherry Scroggins of Pickens, four sisters, two grandchildren; Jacob Scroggins of Simpsonville, Jonathan Scroggins of Anderson, eight step grandchildren.

Mrs. Scroggins was predeceased by her parents and two half brothers and two sisters.

A memorial service was held 3 p.m. Tuesday July 1 at Gods Way Church, 1769 Keeler Mill Road, Travelers Rest.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Scroggins family.

VIVIAN JONES SEARCY

EASLEY — Vivian Jones Searcy, 84, wife of the late Rev. T.W. “Bill” Searcy, died Sunday, June 29, 2014 at Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.

Born in Easley, she was a daughter of the late Holbert Otis and Mary Lois Ballard Jones. Vivian was a 1993 graduate of Furman University with a BA in General Studies and was a teaching assistant in Anderson School District 1 for 15 years. She served as Women’s Missionary Union Associational Director of Pickens and Transylvania Counties for a number of years as well as serving on State committee’s for the Women’s Missionary Union in North and South Carolina. Vivian faithfully served alongside her husband during their 30 year pastoral ministry in many capacities in each of the churches that they were called to serve.

Vivian was a Volunteer with Baptist Easley Hospital for many years, a ladies Sunday School teacher, and choir member at Rock Springs Baptist Church of Easley.

Surviving are two daughters, and Diane Collins (Aron) of Easley and Tami Howell (Scott) of Greer; three grandchildren, the Rev. Chris Barnes (Susan) of Greenville, Chase Howell of Greer, and Zachary Howell of Greer; two great-grandchildren, Matthew and Elizabeth Barnes of Greenville; and a sister, Margaret Garrett of Taylors.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Searcy was predeceased by a sister, Lorraine Snider.

Funeral services were 1 p.m. Tuesday in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown with the Rev. Dr. David Gallamore officiating. Entombment followed in the Hillcrest Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Pallbearers were Scott Searcy, Phil Searcy, Craig Snider, Ed Schumacher and Don Pilgrim.

Honorary Escorts were the ladies of the Willing Workers II Class of Rock Springs Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621, Rock Springs Baptist Church, 201 Rock Springs Road, Easley, SC 29642 or to Piedmont Women’s Center, P.O. Box 26866, Greenville, SC 29616.

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

MAJOR WILLIAM F. RIVERS, USAF RET.

PICKENS — Bill Rivers, 78, husband of Patricia Cameron “Patti” Rivers, died on Sunday, June 29, 2014.

Bill was born in Kingstree, a son of the late Jesse James Rivers and the late Elma Galloway Rivers. He was a graduate of The University of South Carolina where he played football. He was retired from The U. S. Air Force as a navigator where he flew 175 plus missions over Viet Nam. A local businessman, Bill owned and operated Holly Springs Grocery and also operated a real estate company.

Survivors include his wife of 59 years, Patti, of the home, a son, Cameron Rivers (Paula) of Pickens and daughters, Vicki D. Rivers of Sunset and Mary K. Rivers of Pickens, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Franklin Rivers (Dot) of Easley.

A memorial service was held 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 1 at Grace United Methodist Church with the Rev. James McCoy-Bruce officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to York Place Children’s Home, 234 Kings Mountain Street,| York, SC 29745 or www.yorkplace.org.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Rivers family.

WAYNE J. MCCRACKEN

EASLEY — Mr. Wayne J McCracken, 93, husband of the late Marilyn Kelley McCracken, died Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Toledo, Ohio, a son of the late Lenise Lloyd and Bessie Snyder McCracken, Mr. McCracken was a retired drafting engineer with the Jeep Corporation, Toledo, OH, and was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran having served in WWII. Wayne was a life-long resident of Toledo, Ohio and a member of Central United Methodist Church. In 2006 Mr. McCracken moved to Easley and joined Easley First United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Sylvania Pyramid Masonic Lodge for 65 years, and a Boy Scout leader for more than 30 years.

Surviving are three sons, Ronald McCracken (Susan) of Easley, James McCracken (Cathie) of Yadkinville, N.C., and Charles McCracken (Beckie) of London, Ohio; three daughters, Patricia Shigley (Ed) of Easley, Marjorie Malphrus (Duane) of Greenville, and Debra McCracken of West Palm Beach, Fla.; a brother-in-law, Richard Kelley of New Smyrna Beach, Fla.; 15 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. McCracken was predeceased by four brothers, Donald, Gerald, Robert, and Keith McCracken.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Saturday, July 5 at Easley First United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Rodney Powell officiating. Burial was followed in Sylvania Memorial Gardens in Toledo, Ohio, at a later date.

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.

JAY SMITH

EASLEY — Jay Ralph Smith, 71, husband of Dawn Roberts Smith, died Wednesday, July 2, 2014 at his residence.

Born in Utica, N.Y., to the late Ralph and Mary Dirda Smith, Jay was a U. S. Army veteran. After honorably serving his country, Jay was a truck driver and a CNC machine operator, both in New York and South Carolina, until his retirement. He enjoyed gardening, crafts and riding his Harley Davidson motorcycle, going wherever the wind took him. Mr. Smith was a member of Tabor Methodist Church, as well as a proud member of the American Legion Post 52 in Easley and the VFW in New York.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 31 years, are 10 children, Rick, Scott, Wendy, Lisa, Jennifer, Jessica, Michael, Timmy, Michelle and Neni; two sisters; several grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Saturday, July 5 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in 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.

JAMES CANTRELL

EASLEY — James Robert Cantrell, 85, husband of the late Doris Rogers Cantrell, and son of the late Ross and Lillie Chapman Cantrell died, Sunday, June 29, 2014.

He formerly resided at 433 Bonita Drive in Easley. Mr. Cantrell was born on October 23, 1928 in the Arial Mill Village of Easley. James (Jamie) was a graduate of Westport High School in Westport, Ore. in 1948 and Trade School through the United States Air Force for which he served from 1951 to 1955. He worked as a purchasing agent for Davis Mechanical Contractors and Universal Services, Inc. Since 1955, he was a devoted and dedicated member of Glenwood Baptist Church in Easley. He served the Church as Chairman of the Board of Deacons. He was honored for his many years of dedicated service as a deacon by the Church in 2004.

He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a sports enthusiast and die hard Clemson supporter. His blood ran orange.

Surviving are his two children, Dr. Robert Stephen Cantrell of Miami, Fla.; and a daughter, Sharon Cantrell James (Michael) of Powdersville.

Also surviving are his four grandchildren, Robert Williams (Linda) of Greenwood, Michelle Stephens (Sam) of Dacusville, Angela Spearman (Brian) of Powdersville and James Williams (Natalie) of Greenville; six great-grandchildren, Brian Smith Jr., Nathanael Spearman, Anna-Kaye Williams, James Patrick Spearman and Alexander Spearman, Mira Margadonna-Williams; and many loved nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by a sister, Thelma Reeves.

Funeral services were 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, July 2 at Glenwood Baptist Church. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

The family wishes to thank Dr. Abbas Mansour, Dr. David Chang, Nancy Crenshaw and the nurses and doctors of the McCravey Wing of Baptist Easley Hospital for their expert care for Jamie during his recent illness.

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

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

TOMMY M. BAKER

PICKENS — Tommy McFall Baker, 74, of 4996 Moorefield Memorial Highway, died Saturday, July 5, 2014 at St. Francis Hospital.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Richard Milton and Hattie Florine Looper Baker, Tommy retired from Saco Lowell Corp. and was a member of Calumet Baptist Church. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Surviving are his wife, Brenda Couch Baker of the home; three sons, Chris Baker (Kristi) of Liberty, Jason Baker of Pickens and Jeffrey Baker (Henri) of Anderson; two sisters, Patsy McWhorter (Wayne) and Winona Hipp (Jim), all of Easley; and three grandchildren, who were his inspiration and who he adored greatly, Tyler Nathanael Baker, Caroline Jane “CJ” Baker and Hattie Adair Baker.

In addition to his parents, Tommy was predeceased by a brother, Richard M. Baker, Jr.

Funeral services were at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Calumet Baptist Church. Burial, with military honors, followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

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

LINDA JOANN SMITH

CENTRAL — Linda Joann Gilstrap Smith, 61, of 2385 Maw Bridge Road, died peacefully Tuesday, July 1, 2014 at her residence.

Born in Greenville, she was the wife of Roger Dale Smith of the home and a daughter of the late Arthur B. and Mary Alice Tribble Gilstrap. She enjoyed cake decorating and all types of crafts and was a member of Camp Creek Baptist Church.

Surviving in addition to her husband are three daughters, Crystal Rowland of Central, Tracie Brock(Sammy) of Six Mile and Stacie Andersen(John) also of Six Mile; a sister, Pam Hendrix of Pickens; two brothers, Lane Gilstrap of Cateechee and Roger Gilstrap of Toccoa, Ga.; nine grandchildren; and four great grandchildren.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Smith were held at 11 a.m. Friday at Camp Creek Baptist Church. Burial was at Welcome Baptist Church Cemetery.

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

MILDRED M. MCWHORTER

PICKENS — Mildred Madden McWhorter, 80, wife of Earl H. McWhorter, died, Wednesday, July 2, 2014.

Mrs. McWhorter was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late James W. and Flora Gilstrap Madden. She was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include her husband of 45 years, Earl McWhorter of the home, son, Wayne F. Madden (Darlene) of Pickens and daughter, Linda M. Orr (Barry) of Piedmont and four grandchildren, Chris Madden (Mary), Kayla McJunkin (Randall) of Pickens, Bradley Orr (Brittany) of Rock Hill, and Laurel Orr (fiancée Chase Hardy) of Piedmont, and two great grandchildren, Noah and Aiden Madden. Also surviving is a brother, Paul Madden and a sister, Hazel Madden.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Madden was predeceased by four brothers, Arthur, Claude, Fulton, and Grady Madden.

Funeral services were 11:30 a.m. Saturday, July 5 at Dillard Funeral Home, Pickens in the funeral home chapel. Burial was at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

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

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the McWhorter family.

JACK WILLIMON MEECE

PICKENS — Mr. Jack W. Meece, born July 29, 1947 in Twelve Mile, died peacefully at home June 26, 2014.

The youngest son of the late Lewis Meece and Montez Porter Meece of Six Mile. Mr. Meece was 66 years old.

He is survived by daughter Michelle Meece (Moss) of the Home, granddaughter Kirsten B. Meece of Pickens, her boyfriend Joshua O. Medlin of Pickens, great grandsons Bryson L. Medlin of Spartanburg, Mason E. Brezeale (Medlin) of Greenwood, and Jaxon C. Medlin of Pickens, sister Wylene Hawkins of Conway, brothers Orbin Meece of Easley, and Buddy Meece of Pickens. Also very dear, long time friends Gail McKittrick, Kristy Revels, Jason Revels, Taylor Revels and Charles Hughes of Spartanburg.

A memorial service will be planned at a later date.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Meece family.

LOIS DAVIS

PICKENS — Lois Geneva Cantrell Davis, 98, of Moorefield Memorial Hwy. died Sunday, July 6, 2014 at her residence, 11 days before her 99th birthday.

Born in Pickens, she was the widow of Richey Lawrence “Buster” Davis and a daughter of the late Wallace and Minnie Chapman Cantrell. In her earlier years she worked in textiles and later worked and received her cosmetology license. She owned and operated Lois Davis Beauty Salon many years before retiring. She was a member of Lakeview Baptist Church.

Surviving are three daughters, Minnie Jane Bearden of Pickens, Lynda Lee Haulter of Easley and Vikki Ann Lesley of Liberty; a son, Johnny Joe Davis of Pickens; two sisters, Myrtie Stokes of Easley and Lavonne Greene of Greenville; two brothers, J.B. Cantrell of Easley and Charles Cantrell of Cleveland, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; 21 great grandchildren; and nine great-great grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents she was predeceased by three sisters, Winnie Duncan, Mildred Ellison and Marie Willimon; and two brothers, James and John Cantrell.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Davis will be held Friday at 3 p.m. in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Visitation will be prior to the service from 1:30 until 2:45 p.m. at Liberty Mortuary. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The family will be at their respective homes. Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.