JAMES D. ‘JIM’ MULLINS

PICKENS — Mr. James D. “Jim” Mullins, 87, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, at his home.

JD was born in Pound, Va., on Feb. 17, 1935, to the late Chester and Ora Riggs Mullins. He was a man of many talents and was a medic in the Air Force while serving in Korea, a teacher at Easley Christian School, owned Mullins Masonry and was a Sunday School teacher at Jones Avenue Baptist Church. Above all else, he loved his Lord and his family and was known for cooking the best pancakes and grits.

Jim is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Brenda Mullins; five children, Becky Bridgewater, Charla Compton (Charles), Mark Mullins (Rani), Debbie Sessin and Tiffany Lister (Joel); three bonus kids, Suzanne Bolding, Marie Bolding-Tyre (Dale) and Dena Recio (Ben); 19 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren; one sister, Tish Thompson; one brother, Larry Mullins; and a very special fur-baby, Papa’s Puppy Greta.

In addition to his parents, Jim was preceded in death by two daughters, Helen Heller and Kimberly Snedden; and six brothers and sisters.

A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Jones Avenue Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 2-3:15 p.m.

Burial will take place at Mullins Family Cemetery in Pound, Va., on Friday, Jan. 20.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Victory Bible Camp, 64741 Victory Road, Sutton-Alpine, AK 99674, or by phone 907-745-4203, or to Jones Avenue Baptist Church Missions, 614 Ross Ave., Easley, SC 29640.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting dillardfunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

THOMAS MITCHELL CRANK

 

EASLEY — Thomas Mitchell Crank, 77, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at Forest City Hospice of the Carolina Foothills.

Tom was a native of Mobile, Ala. He was a U.S. Army veteran and served in the Army National Guard in the Signal Communications Unit for 22 years. He achieved the rank of E5-Sergeant while assigned to Company D 711 Signal Battalion, Alabama Army National Guard, Mobile, Ala.

Tom was a dedicated veteran to his training, achieving such awards as Certification for Training of Management Systems and M8A1 Chemical Agent Automatic Operator Maintenance and Safety, and he was awarded a medal for saving a child’s life while training in Korea. Tom was honorably discharged retired in February 2005.

He was a graduate of Murphy High School, Class of 1963. While in high school, he was affiliated with FBLA and Phi Sig fraternity. He attended Faulkner University, achieving an associate degree. During his career, Tom was employed as a regional sales and territory manager servicing contracting stores such as Moore Handley, Government Street Lumber Company and most recently retired from Home Depot stores.

Tom was an avid Alabama football fan, loved visiting with family and friends and enjoyed going on outings with the senior adult group from Pickens First Baptist. He and his wife, Sue, grew up in Mobile, Ala., and transferred to Tennessee, where they lived for 16 years before returning to Daphne, Ala. Shortly after retiring, they moved to Easley in 2017.

He is survived by his wife, of 58 years, Sue Grayson Crank of Easley; two children, Mark Grayson Crank (Marti) of Atmore, Ala., and Michelle Crank Rafferty (Jeff) of Easley; six grandchildren, Christopher Thomas Crank of Mobile, Ala., Cameron Theodore Crank of Mobile, Ala., Ashley Rafferty Davis (Wes) of Pickens, Sarah Rafferty Rogers (Christopher) of Pickens, Connor Crank-Parrish of Foley, Ala., and Maggie Leigh Rafferty of Easley; great-grandchildren, Maci Ann Crank, Roman Davis, Cahlen Crank, Harper Davis and Hannah Crank; and his brother, Don Crank of Des Moines, Iowa.

He was proceeded in death by his mother and father, Thornwell Faye Crank and Jessie Louise Robinson Crank.

The family received friends at Mountain View Funeral Home on Jan. 14, with a celebration of life service following.

Flowers may be placed with Mountain View Funeral Home, or donations made to Forest City Hospice on Mr. Crank’s behalf.

The family members will be at their respective homes.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Crank family.

 

TEDDIE BOOHER

EASLEY — Teddie Booher, 35, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at her home.

Teddie was born on Sept. 20, 1987, in Pasadena, Texas. Teddie was a very smart young woman who loved dogs. She enjoyed origami, scrapbooking and painting in her spare time.

Survivors include her father; her mother, Donna Langseth Hasten; her boyfriend, Tommy Hayes; siblings, Mandy MacLeod, Stacey Bryant and Tyler Langseth; an uncle, Jeff Langseth (Kay); an aunt, Joanne McClellan (Tom); her grandmother, Jerri McLean; her in-laws, Jim and Bobbie Hayes; a nephew, Lachlan; and a niece, Bhreagh.

Teddie was predeceased by her grandfather, Orville “Tuffy” Langseth, and her aunt, Rachel Ward.

The family will hold a private service to honor Teddie’s life.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the family.

 

JUDY N. DURHAM

PICKENS — Judy Nix Durham, 74, passed away on Monday, Jan. 9, 2023, at her home.

Born in Pickens County, she was a daughter of the late Floyd Nix and Thelma Porter Thrift.

Ms. Durham retired from the School District of Pickens County after 28 years of dedicated service to driving special needs buses. She loved spending time with her family and traveling to the beach. She also enjoyed sewing and knitting for her family. She was a member of Mile Creek Baptist Church in Six Mile.

Surviving are her children, Angela D. Ellenburg (Kenny) and Tina M. Chapman (Greg), both of Pickens, and Melissa D. Aiken (Joey) of Liberty; grandchildren, Amber Ellenburg, Kyndal Ryder (Josh), Nathan Ellenburg (Lauren), Sydney Wike (Aaron), Gracey Chapman and Malachi Aiken; great-grandchildren, Allie Ellenburg, Madelyn Ellenburg, Greyton Wike and Whitton Ryder; a sister, Renee Thrift of Pickens; and a brother, Skippy Nix (Debbie) of Pickens.

In addition to her parents, Judy was predeceased by a brother, Sammy Nix.

Funeral services were conducted on Jan. 13 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

At the request of Judy, no visitation will be held.

Flowers will be accepted

 

DEBORAH ‘DEB’ L. YOUNG ‘SIS’

SIX MILE — Deborah “Deb” L. Young “Sis”, 61, loving wife of 46 years to Doug Young, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 10, 2023, at her home.

A native of Pickens County, Deb was born on Nov. 1, 1961, daughter of the late Preston Ray Lusk and Lola Faye Stewart Lusk. Mrs. Young was the lunchroom manager at Six Mile Elementary School. She loved taking trips to the mountains and the beach. In her spare time, she enjoyed reading, crocheting and taking care of everyone else, especially her grandbabies.

Survivors include her husband, Doug Young of the home; her children, Nicole Jensen (Daniel) and Cory Young (Amanda), both of Six Mile; and her grandchildren, River Young, Kinzey Jensen and Carson Young.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Young was predeceased by her brother, Bobby Lane.

Graveside services were held on Jan. 13 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

Flowers will be accepted, or donations in Deb’s honor may be made to Concerned Citizens for Animals (CCA) by visiting ccaweb.org or by mailing PO Box 1332, Simpsonville, SC 29681.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Young family.

 

BRUCE DAVIDSON

PICKENS — Bruce Davidson, 88, loving husband of 67 years to Sally Davidson, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, at his home.

A native of Logan County, W. Va., Bruce was born on March 13, 1934, son of the late Bruce Davidson Sr. and Udora Davidson. Mr. Davidson was a member of Red Hill Baptist Church in Pickens. He enjoyed coon hunting and spending time with his family.

Survivors include his wife, Sally Davidson; his children, Keith Davidson (Delores) of Pickens, Tammy Crocker (Jim) of Dothan, Ala., and Tricia Still (Anthony) of Pickens; grandchildren, Chad, Brian, Todd, Shellie, Heather Gail and Anslie; great-grandchildren, Caleb, Cameron, Spencer, Presslie, Savanah, Wells, Bricks and Burns; and a great-great-grandchild, Emery.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Davidson was predeceased by a son, Michael Davidson.

Graveside services were held on Jan. 13 at the Red Hill Baptist Church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Bruce’s honor may be made to Red Hill Baptist Church, 558 Red Hill Road, Pickens, SC 29671.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Davidson family.

 

LINDA BIGHAM

LIBERTY — Linda Hardy Bigham, 61, died on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, at St. Francis Hospital Downtown.

Born in Easley, she was a daughter of Jerry R. and Nancy B. Hardy.

Mrs. Bigham was a 1980 graduate of D.W. Daniel High School and worked for more than 30 years as a medical transcriptionist. She and her husband are members of Five Point Church in Easley.

She enjoyed reading, traveling and serving her church and others. Most of all, she loved to spend time with her family and grandchildren.

Surviving, in addition to her parents of Central, are her husband of 42 years, Randall (Randy) Bigham of the home; a daughter, Lindsay McLaurin (Ryan) of Easley; a son, Jeremy Bigham (Chelsey) of Liberty; four grandchildren, David McLaurin, Darcy McLaurin, Cate Bigham and Callen Bigham; a brother, Al Hardy of Liberty; and two sisters, Diane Robinson and Katie Duncan, both of Central.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Bigham were held on Jan. 15 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Burial was at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

CURTIS CLAYTON ‘CURT’ ANTHONY

PICKENS — Curtis Clayton “Curt” Anthony, 75, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 7, 2023, at AnMed Medical Center in Anderson.

Born on Aug. 11, 1947, in Greenville County, Curt was the son of the late Ernest Anthony and Myrtle Pace Anthony.

Mr. Anthony retired from Singer/Ryobi after many years of employment. He was a graduate of Pickens High School and served in the Army Reserve.

Survivors include his children, Greg Anthony of Keene, N.H., Jason Barton (Jessica) of Easley and Joshua Barton (Tanya) of Easley; grandchildren, Presleigh Anthony, Brooke Barton, Blake Barton, Clayton Barton, Emily Barton and Marley Hayes; a great-granddaughter, Channing King; a sister, Debra Brezeale (Frank); a sister-in-law, Gail Anthony; nieces, Lora Gantt (Brandon), Karen Anthony and Kathy Covington; and nephews, Clint Brezeale (Kim) and Chad Anthony.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Anthony was predeceased by a brother, Boyd Anthony; a granddaughter, Breanna Barton; and a nephew, Adam Brezeale.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Curt’s honor may be made to the Pickens County Humane Society, 500 Five Forks Road, Liberty, SC 29657.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Anthony family.

 

GAYNELL B. CALLAHAN FISHER

PICKENS — Gaynell B. Callahan Fisher, 98, passed away peacefully at Manna Post-Acute Care in Pickens on Jan. 11, 2023, surrounded by her family at Manna Post-Acute and her loving children.

Born in North Carolina on Oct. 14, 1924, to parents Wesley and Fanny Callahan, she was the last surviving sibling from a family of 15.

Gaynell, known by those who loved her as “Nanny Gaye,” enjoyed music, specifically playing the guitar and organ. She was also a soloist in her church choir at Piney Grove Baptist Church in Sunset and served as an active member of her Sunday school class. She enjoyed celebrating God’s beautiful landscape through her love for flowers and gardening, and all creatures, great and small, gravitated to her gentle care. Employed at Sangamo Electric in Pickens for more than 25 years, Gaynell enjoyed the many friendships she made during her time there. Best known for her homemade biscuits, a person never left Nanny Gaye’s house with an empty stomach or a heavy heart. An avid reader, she enjoyed sharing special lines with her family and friends, always ending with “… love you a bushel and a peck.”

She is survived by her children, Rita Fisher (Shawn Morris) of Eugene, Ore., Sandy Fisher Montgomery (Randy) of Knoxville, Tenn., Col. (R) Lynn D. Fisher (Libby) of Pickens and Terry K. Fisher (Mona Johnson) of Pickens. Gaynell was the proud grandmother and great-grandmother to nine grandchildren and several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, great-great-great-grandchildren and one great-great-great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ernest B. Fisher; a son, Ray A. Fisher; daughter-in-law, Julie W. Fisher; and daughter-in-law, Donna G. Fisher.

The family members are at their respective homes, and flowers will be accepted at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials made to Meals on Wheels, 349 Edgemont Ave., Liberty, SC 29657 or pcmow.org/memorial-honorarium/.

The Fisher family expresses gratitude to the CNAs, nurses, administration and staff at Manna Post-Acute Care for their acts of kindness and love.

Funeral services were held on Jan. 14 at Piney Grove Baptist Church.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Fisher family.

 

JOSEPHINE MARY HOWARD

WEST UNION — Mrs. Josephine Howard, known to many as Jo, formerly of Garner, N.C., died peacefully surrounded by her beloved husband of 69 years, Jim Howard, her only son, Marc Howard, and her daughter-in-law, Michelle Howard, on Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2023, at her home in West Union. She lived to be 91 and was blessed with good health for the majority of her life.

Born in Portland, Maine, on Dec. 23, 1931, she was the middle daughter of the late Joseph and Agnes Mickiewicz, who were from Poland and came to the United States in the early 1900s. Mrs. Howard was very proud of her Polish heritage.

She met her devoted husband, Jim Howard, in 1951 at the home of his grandmother, who happened to live next door to her sister. She married James Clyde Howard on Sept. 16, 1953, in a small impromptu service held in a cotton field in Pickens County. After their marriage, they moved to Alexandria, Va., where they welcomed their only son, Marc, in 1956. Mrs. Howard worked as a waitress at Hot Shoppes while in Virginia. In 1957, the Howards moved to Burlington, N.C., and lived there for nearly 20 years. There, she was an active volunteer in the community, often giving her time freely to the PTA. They moved in 1976 to Brick, N.J., where she worked at AT&T as a librarian at their famous Holmdel campus, and Mrs. Howard was especially proud of this.

After retiring in 1991, the Howards moved to Garner, N.C., where they lived until October 2022. During her retirement years, Mrs. Howard volunteered at the Wake County Public Library, where she received a special commendation for her generosity with her time. She was accomplished in knitting and crochet, often showing others how to perform complex crochet maneuvers. She delighted not just in displaying her crafts, but in teaching others as well.

Mrs. Howard is survived by her husband, James C. Howard, formerly of Garner N.C.; her son and his wife, Marc W. and Michelle C. Howard of West Union; her two grandsons, Leo Harrison Howard of West Union and Curtiss J. Howard and his wife, Jennifer Howard; and her great-grandchildren, Jacob and Cassidy Howard of Pittsboro, N.C.

She was preceded in death by her four siblings, Stanley Mickiewicz of California, John “Mickie” Mickiewicz of Maine, Stella Holcombe of Easley and Wanda Thompson of Connecticut.

Services were held on Jan. 16 at Mountain View Funeral Home. Burial was immediately following at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

 

Dr. Sandra Ward Lamberson, M.D.

EASLEY — Dr. Sandra Ward Lamberson, M.D., 79, went to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023.

Born Jan. 21, 1943, in South Bend, Ind., she was the daughter of the late Edison Bruce Ward and the late Frances Baker Ward. She was a graduate of Indiana University and the Indiana School of Medicine, one of only three women in her graduating class. Dr. Lamberson served her residency at the Dermatology and Medical College of Wisconsin and Ohio State University. She practiced dermatology for 41 years in Easley and Clemson, where she was able to help many patients, and was the president of the S.C. Academy of Dermatology prior to retirement. She served members of the community by doing free skin cancer clinics, including at one point helping set a world record.

Sandy was a longtime member of Easley Presbyterian Church and helped on the committee to start the Foothills Presbyterian Retirement Community in Easley. Her love of traveling allowed her to experience adventures and missionary work in the U.S., Europe, Antarctica, Africa and India. Her favorite place on Earth was the Galapagos Islands. She loved animals, having horses, dogs and cats under her love and care. She was a super-fan of Clemson sports, and all sports for that matter, keeping up with everything and having a strong opinion about every news story. She enjoyed plays at the Peace Center and Foothills Playhouse and was an avid reader — her favorite author was Pat Conroy, and she had met him at book signings each time a new book was released. She had a green thumb with both indoor plants as well as a large yard of flowering plants and blueberry bushes. Most of her family and friends will know her as the world’s largest giver — whether it be a pie, birthday or Christmas gifts. She supported many organizations in the community, including the YMCA, Peace Center, Foothills Playhouse, Centre Stage, Samaritan Health Clinic, American Cancer Society, Miracle Hill, American Diabetes Association, United Way of Pickens Country, Mary’s House and the Dream Center. After retirement, she was welcomed into the Foothills Retirement Community, which provided the best care, love and social environment for her to enjoy so many friends.

Surviving are her two sons, Mike Lamberson and his wife, Susan, of Mount Pleasant, and J.J. Lamberson and his partner, Nicki, of Charleston; her brother, Jerry Ward of New Canaan, Conn.; her sister, Jennifer Linder and her husband, Jim, of South Bend, Ind.; and her three grandchildren, Ava Lamberson, Nikolas Lamberson and Baker Lamberson, Emma and Isabella, and “grand puppy dog,” Emmitt.

The family will receive friends from 4-6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 21, at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, 1425 Powdersville Road, Easley, SC 29642.

Funeral services will be at 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 22, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, 1425 Powdersville Road, Easley, SC 29642. Entombment will follow in the Chapel of Reflection Mausoleum of Robinson Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Sandy to Easley Presbyterian Church, 200 S. 1st St., Easley, SC 29640; to the South Carolina Medical Association by visiting scmedical.org or to the Dream Center of Pickens County, P.O. Box 203, Easley, SC 29641.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home & Crematory-Powdersville Road, Easley.

 

DANNY LEE MCCLAIN

PICKENS — Danny Lee McClain, 62, loving husband of 41 years to Renee McClain, passed away on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023, at his home.

Born on Aug. 25, 1960, in Greenville County, Danny was the son of Ruth McClain and the late Ernest H. McClain. Mr. McClain enjoyed racing and pulling tractors and working on them. He loved fishing and his dogs, but most of all he loved his family.

Survivors include his wife, Renee McClain of the home; a daughter, Heather Hughes (Justin) of Macclesfield, N.C.; a grandson, River Hughes; two sisters, Linda Sexton (James) and Nancy Delorme (Scott) both of Pickens; two brothers, William McClain (Jaime) and Michael McClain (Melanie), both of Marietta; as well as several nieces and nephews.

Mr. McClain was predeceased by his father, Ernest H. McClain.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 18, at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the McClain family.

 

WINFRED E. ‘LEGGS’ MCATEE

EASLEY — Mr. Winfred E “Leggs” McAtee, 78, loving husband to Mary Sue McAtee for 57 years, passed away on Friday, Jan. 13, 2023, surrounded by his family.

Leggs was born July 17, 1944, to the late Robert B and Wannie Kelley McAtee. He loved to go fishing, boating and camping and mechanical work. Leggs and Sue loved taking their camper to the lakes and riding the golf cart around visiting all the campers. Many of these campers were regular patrons and had rapport with one another. Above, all he enjoyed spending time with Sue and his family.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his nine children, Ernie Keeney (Kim), Ramona Keeney, Earlene Keeney, Denise Mickealson (Ross), Renee Olgesby (Sidney), Brian Keeney (Loretta), Barbara Bramblett (Tony), Belinda Catoe (Tim) and Scott McAtee. As you can imagine, with this many children, there are numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews; one aunt, Jesse Smith of Georgia; and one brother, David Kelley.

Funeral services were held on Jan. 17.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visitingdillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with the arrangements.

 

TONY PILGRIM

EASLEY — Mr. James “Tony” Pilgrim, 69, husband of Wendy Lee Blanton Pilgrim, passed away Thursday, Jan. 12, 2023.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Thomas Vernon Pilgrim and the late Marie Seaborn Pilgrim Gillespie, Mr. Pilgrim was the retired owner and operator of Skys Tha Limit and was a U.S. Army veteran.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 46 years, are three daughters, Brandi Childress (Rocky) of Liberty and Dawn Pilgrim and Carrie Pilgrim, both of Easley; a brother, Benny Ray Pilgrim of Norris; three sisters, Elaine Smith of Norris, Brenda Pilgrim of Liberty and Sylvia Abercrombie of Easley; eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

The family will host a memorial service at a later date.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.