BILLY JOE MEECE

PICKENS — Billy Joe Meece, 82, loving husband of 60 years to the late Eva Mull Meece, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024, at Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.

Born May 24, 1942, in Rosman, N.C., Billy was the son of the late Rev. Jesse Meece and Reba Raines Meece. Mr. Meece was a member of Red Hill Baptist Church in Pickens. He worked in textiles for 40 years. After retiring from Kent Manufacturing, he worked part-time at Dillard’s Funeral Home for 10 years. Billy never met a stranger and enjoyed talking to everyone he met. He had a great talent for remembering names, and he knew all the roads in Pickens County.

He also enjoyed collecting stories and pictures about the history of Pickens and of Rosman. He loved his family, friends and his church, and he had a heart for helping others.

Survivors include his daughter, Rhonda Grant (Ed) of Six Mile; grandson, Jed Grant (Ella) of Six Mile; great-grandson, Sam Grant of Six Mile; siblings, Harrison Meece of Pickens, Hoyt Meece of Pickens, Carolyn Ross of Six Mile, Freda Wilkerson of Six Mile, Tony Meece of Anderson and Nick Meece of Anderson; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Meece was predeceased by a sister, Shirley Powell, and a brother, Henry Meece.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Friends are welcome to stop by Mountain View Funeral Home to sign the register book.

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

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

 

JOSEPH ANDREW BELL JR.

LIBERTY — Joseph Andrew Bell Jr., 70, loving husband of 44 years to Sandra “Cathy” Bell, passed away on Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, at his home.

Born July 21, 1954, in Greenville, Joe was the son of the late Joseph Andrew Bell Sr. and Blanche Tucker Bell. Mr. Bell retired from Pratt Industries in Greenville.

Survivors include his wife, Cathy Bell of the home; son, Joseph “Andy” Bell III (Rebecca) of Duncan; grandchildren, Davis Bell, Addison Bell, Cati Grant and Georgia Grant; four great-grandchildren; and a sister, Alexis Phillips.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Bell was predeceased by a stepdaughter, Aimee Grant.

The family will hold a memorial service at noon Nov. 16 in the sanctuary of New Hope Baptist Church, 108 New Hope Road, Pickens. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11 a.m.-noon.

Flowers will be accepted.

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

 

BILLY MICHAEL JAMES

LIBERTY — Billy Michael James, 62, of Liberty, born on Nov. 23, 1963, passed away peacefully on Nov. 8, 2024. Billy loved his two dogs, Sugar Bear and Chopper.

Survivors include two sisters, Peggy L. Parker of Easley and Carolyn Kay Posey of Liberty; and two brothers, Ricky W. James (Cheryl) of West Union and Earl “Wink” James (Angela) of Liberty. He was also beloved by many nieces, nephews and more.

Billy was predeceased by his parents, Roy Williams James and Faye Edith Shepard James, and two brothers, Jimmy and Donnie James.

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

 

SANFORD CHRISTOPHER ‘CHRIS’ WELBORN

EASLEY — Sanford Christopher “Chris” Welborn, 57, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024.

Born June 24, 1967, in Easley, Sanford was the son of Linda W. Elliott and the late Sanford Roger “Buck” Welborn. He was best friend and companion to Amanda White. He was a supervisor and construction foreman with Davis Erecting Construction Company. Chris was known for fixing almost anything. He had a big heart, would help anyone in need and was just an all-around people person. He loved his family dearly, loved the Clemson Tigers and had a green thumb in gardening.

Survivors include his friend and companion, Amanda White; mother, Linda W. Elliott; and his precious children, Shelley Welborn (Jeff) of Easley and Nicole Welborn of Easley. He leaves behind a number of loving cousins and friends.

In addition to his father, Mr. Welborn was predeceased by his grandfather, R.H. Stegall, and grandmother, Lena J. Stegall.

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

 

OPAL L. JOHNSON

EASLEY — Mrs. Opal L. Johnson, 81, loving wife of 62 years to the late Clyde Johnson Jr., passed away Monday, Nov. 4, 2024.

Born Dec. 7, 1942, in Whittier, N.C., Mrs. Johnson was the daughter of the late John A. Raby and Evelyn Queen Raby. She enjoyed gardening, knitting and crocheting. Opal was known for making blankets for giveaways to children.

Survivors include her children, Evelyn Tobias of Greer, Michael Johnson of Rome, Ga., and Tim Johnson (Denise) of Greenville; grandchildren, Esther Crosby (Mark), Jeremy Clayton, Kandice Fossett and Seamus Johnson; great-grandchildren, Paul, Charlotte, Steven, Aiden, Lilly, Jo and Wyatt; sisters, Ruth Ammons, Brenda Jones, Lottie Beck and Linda Hughes; and brothers, Roger, Jerry and Robert Raby.

In addition to her husband, Clyde Johnson Jr., and parents, Mrs. Johnson was predeceased by a son-in-law, Joe Tobias; daughter-in-law, Reesa Johnson; a grandson, Chris King; sisters, Lorraine Beck and Janie Waldrop; and brothers, John, Donald, J.D., Tink and Buford Raby.

Funeral services were held on Nov. 7 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens.

Flowers will be accepted.

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

 

SANDRA C. WILLIAMS

EASLEY — Sandra C. Williams, 74, loving wife of 40 years to Stanley H. Williams, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024, at McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville.

Born July 13, 1950, in Pickens County, Sandra was the daughter of the late John Thomas Childress and Bettie Sue Rice Childress. Mrs. Williams was a member of Mount Carmel Baptist Church in Easley. She was a faithful church member and worker and a firm believer in Jesus Christ.

She was a veterinarian assistant by trade and loved animals dearly. She loved to travel and had been all over the world.

Survivors include her husband, Stanley H. Williams of the home; brothers, J.T. Childress Jr. and Roger Childress (Donna), both of Easley; and many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Williams was predeceased by a sister, Ivanell Galloway.

A memorial service for Mrs. Williams will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Sandra’s honor may be made to Samaritan’s Purse by visiting samaritanspurse.org

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

 

JESSICA RAMPEY

PICKENS — Jessica Leigh Rampey, a beloved daughter, sister, and aunt, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Nov. 5, 2024, in Pickens, at the age of 45.

Born on Jan. 25, 1979, in Anderson, she was a daughter of the late Henry Joe “Jay” Rampey and Martha Clardy Rampey, and a treasured member of her family and a devout follower of the Lord.

Jessica was known for her kindness, compassion and unwavering faith.

She was a loving and devoted sister to Vanessa Rampey and a doting aunt to niece Rhiannon Chandler. She cherished her family deeply and found solace in their presence.

She leaves behind a legacy of love and faith that will be carried on by her loved ones, including her aunts, Frankie Bryant, who was her primary caregiver, Alice Gilliam, Syble Whitmire, Vickie Swayngham and Robin Cox; and uncle, Steve Clardy.

A graveside service to honor her life was held on Nov. 8 at Abbott Cemetery in Liberty. No formal visitation is planned.

Jessica’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who knew her, and her legacy of love and faith will continue to inspire future generations. May she rest in eternal peace.

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

 

FLORENCE GILLESPIE

LIBERTY — Florence Isler “Nannie” Gillespie of Liberty, passed away peacefully on Nov. 5, 2024, at the fabulous age of 90.

Born in Seneca on Dec. 20, 1933, she was a devoted homemaker known for her kindness, smile and loving nature.

She will be dearly missed by her surviving relatives, including daughter-in-law Bonnie Gillespie of Easley; her two granddaughters, Tammie Gillespie Burrows (Tim) of Chesnee and Sonia Gillespie Smith (Shannon) of Greenville; great-granddaughter, Ashley Burrows; and great-grandson, Brandon Burrows.

A longtime East Side Baptist Church member, Florence found solace and joy in attending Southern Gospel singings, especially “Faithful For” and other community events. She particularly cherished attending Liberty Idol when it was held uptown, showcasing her love for music and community spirit. She was fond of her pets throughout the years, especially Chihuahuas. She found joy in bargain shopping and purchasing gifts for others.

A celebration of life in her honor was conducted on Nov. 9 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. A private entombment was held at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

Please join us as we gather to honor and remember Florence Gillespie’s beautiful life. She was a beloved member of our community and will forever remain in our hearts.

She was preceded in death by her parents, William Elam and Lillie Mae Keowan Isler; her husband, Robert Gillespie; her only son, Roger Gillespie; her brothers, Herman Isler and Emerson Isler; and her twin brother, Lawrence “Box” Isler.

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

 

CHARLOTTE FAYE BRIDGES

EASLEY — Charlotte Faye Bridges, 65, beloved wife of the late Anthony Bridges, passed away on Nov. 6, 2024, surrounded by her family.

Born in Greenville County, she was the daughter of the late Nannette Fry. Mrs. Bridges was a quality inspector at Abbott Medical Equipment and was of the Baptist faith.

She was graduate of Parker High School.

She was a kind woman with a big heart. She especially enjoyed taking care of her family.

She is survived by her son, Joshua Bridges; her brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Ricky and Becky Bridges, Becky Bridges (Timmy) and Greg and Lee Bridges, Jerry and Jenna Bridges, Roger and Brenda Bridges; Lisa Bridges; 12 nieces and nephews, and several great-nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her mother and close friends.

A private memorial service will be held at a later date.

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

 

DAVID GEORGE PEOT

EASLEY — David George Peot, 83, loving husband of Kathleen McGurty Peot, of Easley, passed away peacefully in his home surrounded by family on Thursday, Nov. 7, 2024.

He was born on Sept. 21, 1941, in Chicago, Ill. After World War II, his family bought a working dairy farm in northeast Wisconsin, where he attended grades 1-8 in a one-room schoolhouse — the same one his mother had attended. He was the son of the late George Jerry Peot and Leona Goldschmidt Peot Berg of Coleman, Wis. He was a proud Navy veteran who worked in electronics on the USS Gainard and was married to Kathleen for 60 years.

Though he cared deeply for many things, Dave’s favorite thing was his family, especially being a grandparent. Being “Pops” was his most treasured role.

Dave is survived by his wife, Kathleen; his five children, Lori Hummel (Drew), Julie Poole (Butch), Sherri Sharp (Wes), Tim Peot (Selvi) and David Peot; his grandchildren, Seth Poole (Nicole), Caitlyn Hummel (Layne), Kylie Brown (Tyler), Bailey Sharp, Malia Sharp, Devi Peot and Alexa Peot; his great-granddaughter, Ashlyn Poole; his sister Sharon Neuman; and his brothers Greg Berg and Chris Berg.

In addition to his parents, Dave was predeceased by his sisters Phyllis Heil and Beverly Kamps and brothers Tom Berg, Rodney Berg and Einar Berg.

Dave retired from Techtronic Industries (TTI) in 2006 as senior director of advanced engineering.

He worked as an engineer for 45 years. He held more than 30 patents in his name and helped design many power tools and their safety features that are still in use today. He served as chairman of the Combined Engineering/Technical Committee of the Power Tool Institute. Although this position was a two-year term, he was invited by each new president to continue serving for a total of 22 years. Dave served as an expert witness for various power tool companies, which he continued into retirement. He said that one of his greatest honors at work was his peers calling him “an engineer’s engineer.”

Dave was an active leader of Boy Scout Troop 37 at Easley First Baptist Church, selflessly giving his time, talent and leadership for almost 50 years, including serving as Scout Master. He went on to help more than 200 Boy Scouts become Eagle Scouts, including both of his sons. Dave was an active member of Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pickens for more than 40 years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. He also loved working in the garden, being outdoors, cooking, blacksmithing and woodworking.

Those who knew Dave would call him selfless, hardworking and intelligent. He never spoke a negative word about anyone, always giving them grace. Everyone knew if they needed anything, he would be there for them in every and any way possible. He used his god-given gifts to benefit others and enjoyed every minute.

Dave will be deeply missed by those who had the privilege of knowing him. We do not say goodbye, but “See you later.”

Visitation will be held at Easley First Baptist Church from 5:30-6:15 p.m. Nov. 18, with the memorial service to follow at 6:30 p.m. There will be a private burial at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson at 2 p.m. Nov. 19.

In remembrance of Dave’s life, the family asks that any charitable donations be made to Easley First Baptist Church Troop 37 Eagle Scout Scholarship Fund. Please make the check payable to Troop 37 Eagle Scholarship Fund and mail to Easley First Baptist Troop 37, 300 E. 1st Ave., Easley, SC 29640.

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