The Pickens County Courier runs In-County Obituaries free of charge. Please ask your funeral home about this service. Click below to read obituaries at no cost!

Billy Ray Moore

Six Mile — Billy Ray Moore, 56, husband of Linda Bailey Moore died Monday, Nov. 7, 2016 at Cottingham Hospice House following a lengthy illness.

Born in Easley, Ray was a son of the late Samuel Clark and Linda Bailey Moore.

Surviving in addition to his wife are sons, Jerry (Leslie) Moore and Jamie Bailey, both of Six Mile; daughters, Joyce Galloway of Six Mile, Wanda Bagwell and Crystal (Kenneth) Neal both of Central; brothers, John Moore of Liberty and Benny Moore of Easley; 11 grandchildren; and a number of great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were held Nov. 10 at Six Mile Church of God of Prophecy, with burial following in the church cemetery.

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

Albert Manning Burgess

Pickens — Mr. Albert Manning Burgess, 87, of Pickens, husband of the late Sara Breazeale Burgess, passed away Monday, Nov. 7, 2016, at St. Francis Hospital – Downtown.

Albert was born in Spartanburg County on Nov. 9, 1928, to the late John R. and Rachel Redden Burgess. He retired from Ryobi as a lead set-up man and in his free time enjoyed fishing, watching the Carolina Gamecocks and watching the Atlanta Braves play baseball. Albert loved the Lord and his family and was a U.S. Army veteran and a member of Roanoke Baptist Church.

Mr. Burgess is survived by a son, Rickey Burgess (Polly) of Pickens; a sister, Grace B. Robinson of Pickens; and two grandchildren, Chuck Patterson and Samantha Tate. He is also survived by three great-grandchildren, Emerald “Tater Bug” Tate, Jazmayn “Rambo” Tate and Cheyanne Patterson; and a stepbrother-in-law; Donald Porter of Pickens.

In addition to his wife and his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Tammy Burgess; three brothers, Glover Burgess, Coleman Burgess and Alton Burgess; five sisters, Octavia B. McGaha, Vera B. Jackson, Wilma B. Coefield, Virginia B. Mote and Joann Burgess; and a great-grandson, Joshua Patterson.

Funeral services were held Nov. 10 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home – Downtown, with interment following at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

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

Julia Langston Reece

Pickens — Julia Langston Reece, 89, widow of the late Paul Jordan Reece, passed Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016, at St. Francis Hospital.

Mrs. Reece was born in Pickens County to the late Mr. and Mrs. Langston.

She was a homemaker and member of Grace United Methodist Church.

Survivors include two sons, Michael Reece and family member Judith Reece of Auburn, Ga., and Scott Reece (Michelle) of Pickens; grandchildren, Jordan Bannister Reece and Weston Scott Reece of Auburn, Ga., and Julie Reece of Pickens; step-grandchildren, Stephanie (Josh) Seigle, Allison Gillespie of Pickens; great-step-grandchildren, Ryland Gillespie and Ava Seigle of Pickens. Mrs. Reece also leaves in her memory a niece, Eugenia Beach of Waltersboro, and two nephews, Brantley Beach and Dr. Kevin Beach of Saint Simons Island. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by two sisters, Helen Morris and Ruby Langston.

Funeral services were held Nov. 12 at Dillard Memorial Funeral Home, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Condolences may be made at www.DillardFunerals.com.

L.A. “Buddy” Rogers

EasleY — Mr. Laban Augustus “Buddy” Rogers III, 77, husband of the late Ethel Waldrop Rogers, passed away Sunday, Nov. 6, 2016, at his home.

Born in Pickens County, the son of the late Laban Augustus Rogers II and the late Edith Waldrop Rogers, Mr. Rogers retired from Wanger Systems Inc. and later retired from Western Union. He attended Geer Memorial Baptist Church and was a U.S. Air Force veteran.

Surviving are two daughters, Lynn Rogers and Leigh Redding, both of Easley; five grandchildren, Krissy McMahan, Nicole Galloway, Cody Hollingsworth, Chad Lavvorn and Tristan Redding; and seven great-grandchildren. In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Rogers was predeceased by a daughter, Lisa Temple.

Memorial services were held Nov. 11 at Geer Memorial Baptist Church, with Rev. Phil McAlister officiating.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675, or by visiting their website at www.woundedwarriorproject.org.

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

Theodore Helms

Easley — Theodore Joseph Helms, 83, husband of Juanita Vivian Bradford Helms passed peacefully Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016.

He was born in Brookfield, Miss., to Ivan and Mildred Helms. He was called Teddy Joe by family and friends He joined the Navy at age 17. He served on the USS Quincy during the Korean War until the retirement of the ship in Bremerton, Wash. He then went to work for John Deere Tractor Works in Waterloo, Iowa, serving as a power house operator, retiring after 30 years of service. He loved traveling and, keeping with his naval service, loved boating and the water. He loved history and shared his love and knowledge with all. He kept active until his health declined. He loved being outdoors and clearing the land. He was often found with his chainsaw cutting wood on his and other’s properties. He was an inspiration to his family.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Brian Monroe Helms of Easley, and his sister, Barbara Draper of Independence, Miss.

He is survived by his wife, Juanita; his daughters, Retta (Richard) Sundblad and Wanda (Samuel) Hersey; his son, Bradley (Martha) Warneka; and his sister, Sheila (Wally) Hammond. He is also survived by six grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandson.

Funeral services were held Nov. 12 at Calvary Hill Baptist Church, officiated by Dr. David Shorter. His body was escorted by the Patriot Guard Riders from Robinson Funeral Home to the church and then back to Robinson Memorial Gardens for burial.

Flowers are accepted at the funeral home, and donations may be made directly to Cottingham House, 390 Keowee School Rd, Seneca, SC 29672.

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

Willie “Mack” Stansell Sr.

Easley — Willie “Mack” Stansell Sr., 94, of Atlantic Avenue, husband of Geraldine Suddeth Stansell, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016.

Born in Pickens County, he was a son of the late William Abner Stansell and Vera Grethel Cantrell Stansell.

Mr. Stansell was retired from Woodside Mills in Easley and was a member of Easley First Baptist Church. He was a Past President of the Easley Bowling Association, coached Easley Little League Baseball and played community baseball. He enjoyed bowling, hunting, fishing and working in his yard.

Surviving in addition to his wife of 48 years are two sons, Willie Mack Stansell Jr. of Easley and Charles Stansell (Darlene) of Seattle, Wash.; a stepson, Brian Shelton of Easley; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; three sisters, Olive Surrett and Ellen Sponsler, both of Easley, and Linda Davis of Greenville; and a brother, Wade Stansell of Crockett, Calif.

Mr. Stansell was predeceased by his first wife, Marie Vinson Stansell; two sons, Gerrell Stansell and Dean Stansell; four sisters, Helen Owens, Lucille Smith, Julie Stansell and Irene Stansell; and two brothers, Ralph Stansell and Carl Stansell.

Funeral services were held Nov. 13 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with burial following in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615.

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

James Edward nix

Six mile — James Edward Nix, 77, of Six Mile, went to be with his Lord on Nov. 9, 2016, at his home.

Born in Six Mile, he was the son of the late Louie and Louise Parsons Nix.

Mr. Nix was a logger all of his life but retired from the Cliffs of Keowee in maintenance. He enjoyed spending time with his family, hunting, fishing and his great-grandchildren. He was also a dealer at the jockey lot.

Surviving are his wife of 42 years, Barbara Nix; daughter, Pam Revis (Jackie Holbrooks) of Seneca; three grandchildren, Brandi Wilson (Jesse) of Central, Brittiny Owens (J.L.) of Central, and Zach Revis of Six Mile; four great-grandchildren, Annah and Addie Wilson and Hunter and Brenleigh Owens; two brothers, Charles Nix of Pickens and Roy Nix (Tracy) of Pickens; three sisters, Ruth Evans of Travelers Rest, Ruby Crowe of Pickens and Sue Trimnal of North Carolina.

Mr. Nix was also predeceased by his brother, Jimmy Doc Nix.

Funeral services were held on Nov. 13 at Dillard Funeral Home Chapel, with burial following at Gap Hill Baptist Church in Six Mile.

The family requested all guests wear camouflage to the services in honor of Mr. Nix.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.DillardFunerals.com.

Thomas F. Carroll

Clemson — Thomas Francis Carroll, 76, husband of Jean Lora Poppe Carroll, loving husband, father, grandfather and very caring person, died Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016, at the Clemson Downs.

Born in Chicago, Ill., he was a son of the late John and Marie Taylor Carroll. He was an Electrical Engineer with Baxter Travenol and following retirement became a realtor in Keowee Key. Tom was a deacon of Seneca Presbyterian Church. He loved snorkeling, scuba diving and working and playing with electronics.

Surviving in addition to his wife are daughters, Lisa Herak and Pam Carroll of Rolling Meadows, Ill.; brother, Dennis A. Carroll of Mt. Prospect, Ill.; and three grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brother, John J. Carroll; and sister, Mary Lou Flood.

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

Sam Powell

Easley — Mr. Samuel Clifton Powell, 80, husband of Bonnie Crowe Powell, passed away Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, at Manna Health and Rehab.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Forrest Freeman Powell and the late Mae Robinson Powell, Mr. Powell retired from Alice Manufacturing and was of the Baptist faith. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 53 years, are two sons, Gregory Scott Powell (Jenny) of Charleston and Randal Eugene Powell (Debbie) of Easley; three brothers, Forest Powell (Linda), Carl Powell (Karen) and Steve Powell, all of Pickens; three sisters, Doris Garrett (Harold) of Six Mile, and Louise Pace (Joe) and Martha Porter (David), all of Pickens; and three grandchildren, Nathan Powell (Julie) of Fletcher, N.C., Jon Powell of Summerville and Kylie Powell of Easley. In addition to his parents, Mr. Powell was predeceased by a brother, Eugene Powell, and a sister, Millie O’Donald.

Funeral services were held Nov. 14 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with burial following in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Palladium Hospice, 101 Grace Drive, 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.

Leroy lance

Easley — Leroy Lance, 87, of Easley and husband of the late Dorothy “Dot” Lance, passed away on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Translyvania County, N.C., he was the son of the late Charles and Ella Hogsed Lance and a member of Elljean Baptist Church. Mr. Lance was retired from Saco Lowell Plant and was a U.S. Army veteran.

Surviving are his two sons, James Lance (Wanda) and Gary Lance (Karen); one daughter-in-law, Julia Lance; one brother-in-law, Marvin Parker; one sister-in-law, Hattie “Lou” Tolley; five grandchildren, Brad Lance (Tracey), Wendall Lance (Kimberly), Nick Lance (Jenn), Carrie Byers (Nathan), and Justin Lance; three great-grandchildren, Kadence Byers, Wyatt Lance, and Nellie Ann Lance; and three step-great-grandchildren, Ashtyn and Dakota Scanlan and Taylor Wages.

Mr. Lance was also predeceased by two sons, Andy and Ronnie Lance; one grandson, Shannon Lance; and 10 siblings, George, Don, JB, Earnest, Arlin, Howard, Charles Jr., Homer, Hannah Landreth and Gertie Rhodes.

Funeral services were held Nov. 14 at Dillard Funeral Home Chapel, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.DillardFunerals.com.

Betty S. Spencer

Easley — Mrs. Betty Seaman Spencer, 84, wife of the late James Douglas Spencer, passed away Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, at Southern Oaks Health and Rehab.

Born in Missoula, Mont., a daughter of the late Joseph and Lillie Mae Griggs Seaman, Mrs. Spencer retired from Zales and was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are two sons, Robert L. Carden (Mary Kathy) of Easley and George W. Carden (Brenda) of Phenix City, Ala.; three daughters, Lisa Morrison (Steve) of Piedmont, Gwendolyn Chenowth (Steve) of Hubert Heights, Ohio, and Kelly Jeanine McKinney (Joseph) of Middletown, Ohio; eight grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Spencer was predeceased by a brother, Johnny Seaman; and three sisters, Lillie Jo Griggs, Katherine McLinkton and Edna Naggy. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Funeral services will be noon Saturday, Nov. 19, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.

The family will receive friends from 10:30-11:45 a.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, at the funeral home, prior to the service.

Family members are at their respective homes.

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

Alvia Lorine Cooke Robinson

Pickens — Mrs. Alvia Lorine Cooke Robinson, 84, of Pickens, loving wife of the late Dillard Pearson Robinson, passed away Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016, at St. Francis Hospital – Downtown.

Mrs. Robinson was born in Iaeger, W. Va., on March 22, 1932, to the late Ira and Rebecca Hamilton Cooke. She spent her life as a homemaker, and in her free time enjoyed traveling, yard sales, flea markets and going out to eat. Mrs. Robinson loved to take care of anyone who was down and was a member of Amazing Grace Fellowship in Pickens.

Mrs. Robinson is survived by three sons, Kyle Robinson of Pickens, Daryl Robinson (Linda) of Liberty and Dennis Robinson of Norris; a daughter, Rebekah Stewart (Gary C.) of Pickens; a sister, Erma Cooke of Chesapeake, Ohio; eight grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Keith Robinson; and eight sisters, Phyllis, Fern, Ethel, Angie, Hazel, Mary, Audrey and Ardella.

Funeral services will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17, 2016, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home – Downtown 305 W. Main Street Easley. Interment will be held on Saturday at the Cooke Family Cemetery in Iaeger, W. Va.

The family will receive friends on Thursday prior to the service from 5-6:15 p.m. at the funeral home.

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

Frank w Gilstrap

PICKENS — Frank W. Gilstrap, 62, of Pickens, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2016.

He is survived by his wife, Susan Gilstrap; his daughter, Alice (Anthony) Duncan; his granddaughter, Kelsy Gilstrap; his siblings, Clarence Gilstrap Jr., Myrtle Barker, Ethel Childs, Betty Williams, Shirley Adams, Faye Gilstrap, Barbara Gilstrap and Mary Evelyn Gilstrap.

He is preceded in death by his brother and sister, Ernest Gilstrap and Louise Barker; and his parents, Clarence E. and Myrtie H. Gilstrap.

The visitation will be held on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 1 p.m. at Arial Baptist Church in Easley, with the funeral service following at 2 p.m.

Interment will be at Mount Bethel Methodist Church Cemetery in Sunset.

Evelyn McWhorter

Liberty — Evelyn Lorraine McWhorter, 69, of 7618 Liberty Highway, passed away on Sunday, Nov. 13, 2016, at Anderson Area Medical Center.

Born in Rock Hill, she was a daughter of the late Bailey Madison and Doris Ferguson Porter.

She retired from Bi-Lo and was a member of Flat Rock Baptist Church. One of her favorite things was volunteering at her grandchildren’s schools.

Surviving are her husband, Wayne McWhorter of the home; two daughters, Angela Abercrombie of Greenville and Melissa Gilbert and her husband Tracy of Liberty; two brothers, Robert S. Porter of Pickens and Raymond Porter of Gainesville, Ga.; and four grandchildren, Kyle Parris, David Bradshaw, Olivia Gilbert and Bailey Gilbert.

Graveside services to honor the life of Mrs. McWhorter will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16, at Flat Rock Baptist Church Cemetery. No visitation is planned.

The family will be at the home. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Flat Rock Baptist Church, 115 Slab Bridge Road, Liberty SC 29657.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.