Joyce Nix

Easley — Linda Joyce Simmons Nix, 67, of Dacusville Highway, wife of the late Billy Fred Nix, died, Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013.

Born in Easley, a daughter of the late Paul E. and Thelma Laura Elizabeth Murphy Simmons, Mrs. Nix, along with her late husband, was co-owner of Stone City of Greenville and a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church.

Surviving are two sons, Billy C. Nix (Melynda) and Daniel F. Nix (Kristie) all of Easley; a daughter, Kathy Connelly (Daniel) of Easley; two brothers, David E. Simmons (Louise) of Six Mile and Tommy G. Simmons of Easley; two sisters, Mary Ann Porter (Cecil) of Easley and Patsy Raines (Freddy) of Pickens; and five grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Nix was predeceased by a sister, Jonnie Cooper.

Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Thursday in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial park.

Memorials may be made to WTBI Radio, 3931 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC 29611.

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

Betty Garrett

Liberty — Betty Kay Garrett, 77, of 325 Lakeview Drive, died Tuesday at Manna Health and Rehab in Pickens.

Born in Anderson, she was the widow of the late Homer Frank Garrett and the daughter of the late Cecil and Bernice Holland Kay. She was a member of Gap Hill Church of God where she sang in the choir. She was a dietary manager for Health Management Resources. Betty loved spending time with her family and gathering everyone at her home. She also was an avid gardener who loved her flowers.

Surviving are a daughter, Lynn Kelley and her husband Terry of Pickens; a son, Roger Garrett and his wife Teri of Liberty; a brother, James C. “Jim” Kay and his wife Nancy of Spartanburg; five grandchildren, Jaymie Anderson (Erik), Jeremy Garrett (Marie), Jon Garrett (Morgan), Kasey Batson (Jon), and Karey Eastwood (Danny); great grandchildren, Ally Grace, Alexa Leigh, Colton, Ellory Hope, Isabella, Joseph, and Hannah Faith.

In addition to her husband and parents she was predeceased by a grandson, Joshua Roger Garrett.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Garrett were held at 3 p.m. Thursday in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Entombment followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to ARK Hospice, 101 Grace Drive, Easley SC 29640.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of ARK Hospice and Manna Health & Rehab for their compassionate and loving care shown to Betty during her sickness.

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

Garth S. Gillespie

Pickens — Garth Seniard (Dink) Gillespie, 88, husband of Wilma Coleman Gillespie, died Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013.

Mr. Gillespie was born in Pickens County, a son of the late Perry and Effie Walker Gillespie. He was retired from Pickens Oil Company where he worked for 32 years. He was a member of Midway Baptist Church and a decorated World War II veteran, a sharpshooter with the 330^th Infantry, 83th Division of the US Army, earning a Bronze Star and Purple Heart for injuries sustained in the Normandy campaign.

In addition to his wife of 66 years he is survived by his children David Gillespie of Walhalla, Linda Wortman of Kings Mountain, N.C., Johnny Gillespie, Sandy Gillespie (Barry Durham), Joan Williams (Mark) of Sonoita, Ariz. , Robbie Gillespie, Roger Gillespie (Linda) of Six Mile, Kenny Gillespie of Pompano Beach, Fla., Lisa Capone of Easley and Jeff Gillespie. In addition, he is survived by 15 grandchildren, Brian Gillespie, Alan Gillespie, Andy Gillespie, Amy Quinn, Shannon Prince, Stacey Shaver, Jennifer Mowen, Savannah Gillespie, Delaney Gillespie, Samantha Davis, Shane Gillespie, Kyle Myers, Joey Capone, Robert McKinney and Anna Bryson, along with 20 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Gillespie was preceded in death by his siblings Charles, Chester, Nina Kelley and Sula Grant, son in law Gary Wortman and grandson Travis Wortman.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Angels, 6600 Wilkinson Blvd, PO Box 710, Belmont, NC 28012-0710.

The family would like to thank the caring staff of Interim Hospice and especially Cassie Patterson of ResCare for the love and attention given Mr. Gillespie.

Funeral services were Friday, Nov. 22 at 3 p.m. at Dillard Funeral Home in the chapel with the Rev. Tony Stancil, the Rev. Joseph Pace and the Rev. Robert McKinney officiating. Burial was 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 Gillespie family.

Freeman Patterson, Jr.

Pickens — Freeman Patterson, Jr., 82, of 120 Holder St. Pickens died Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013.

Freeman (Junior) was born in Pickens County (Eastatoee), a son of the late Freeman & Kizzie Powell Patterson.  He was the owner of Patterson’s Auto Sales and a member of Northside Baptist Church in Pickens.

He is survived by his loving wife Connie Meece Patterson of the home, a son, Mark Freeman Patterson (Carol) of Williamston, a daughter Marsha J. Patterson of Greenville (fiance Bill Gravely of Pickens), grandsons PFC Brandon Patterson (Jessica) of Ft. Stewart, Ga. and Colin Patterson and their mother Heather Patterson of Pickens and granddaughter Morgan Davis.

In addition to his parents, Freeman was preceded in death by his sisters Leona P. Mooneyham and Ruby P. Adams.

Funeral services were conducted at 3 p.m. on Sat., Nov. 23 at Northside Baptist Church, 421 Sangamo Rd. in Pickens. Burial followed at Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

The Palmetto Mortuary of South Carolina is assisting the Patterson family.

Robert Chapman

Pickens — James Robert Chapman, 62, husband of Kenna Underwood Chapman of Pickens, died Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013 doing what he loved, deer hunting.

Robert was born in the Eastatoee Valley of Pickens County, a son of the late Mansell and Bonnie Elizabeth “Tincy” Chapman. He was a supervisor with Cornell Dubilier in Pickens and of the Baptist faith. Robert was an avid outdoorsman; he lived to hunt deer, turkeys, and black bear. He was a member of the SC Bear Hunters Association.

Survivors include his wife of 40 years, Kenna, of the home, his son, Brent Chapman and his wife, Susan of Pickens and the joy of his life, his grandchildren, Robert Henry and Sally Kate Chapman. He is also survived by a sister, Claudette Phillips and brother, Mansell Chapman, Jr. both of Pickens.

In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his daughter, Elizabeth Chapman.

A graveside service was 12 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Country Santa, P.O. Box 856, Pickens, SC 29671 or www.countrysanta.org.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Chapman family.

Donald Houston

Easley — Donald Woodrow Houston, 83, of Rampey Street, died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late John Robert and Madge Lee Barton Houston, Mr. Houston retired from Alice Manufacturing Company after 58 years of service. He was a member of Arial United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday School and was also the choir director.

Surviving are his wife of 63 years, Betty Fortner Houston of the home; three sons, Tim Houston (Rita) of Lexington, the Rev. Mitchell Houston (Martha) of Irmo and Gregg Houston of Easley; a brother, Wallace Houston of Easley, six grandchildren, Josh Houston, Christopher Houston, Benjamin Houston, Ryan Houston, Andrew Houston and Carrie Houston; and one great-granddaughter, Elana Houston.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Houston was predeceased by five brothers, the late Rev. Cecil Houston, Harold Houston, Robert Houston, Milton Houston and Jack Houston.

Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Tuesday in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown with the Rev. Roger Gwinn officiating. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Memorials may be to Arial United Methodist Church, 839 Gentry Memorial Highway, 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.

Doris T. Hedden

Liberty — Doris Elizabeth Thomas Hedden, 78, of 29 Boggs Drive and widow of Alvin Penson Hedden died Sunday, Nov. 24, 2013 at her home.

Born in Pickens County, she was a daughter of the late Eulice Covie and Naomi Pearl Ayers Thomas.  Doris was the co-founder and principal of Calvary Christian Academy in Central.  She was a former employee of Cannon Mills and Garretts of Easley.  She was a member of Deliverance Tabernacle Church of God of Easley.

Surviving are a son, Buford Keith (Judy) Hedden of Anderson; daughters, Beverly Joyce (Jerry) Moore of North Attleboro, Mass., Donna Elizabeth Garrett and Teresa Faye (John) Reynolds both of Central; sister, Hazel Thomas of Central; eight grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, Doris was predeceased by a brother, Jack Thomas; one grandchild; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral services were 3 p.m., Tuesday in the Chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central. Burial followed in Memory Gardens.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to United Hospice of Simpsonville, 102 E. Curtis Street, Simpsonville, SC 29681.

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

Duckett-Robinson is assisting the Hedden family.

Barbara Sweet

Easley — Barbara Ann McGaha Sweet, 75, of Easley, wife of the late Billy Royce Sweet, died Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013.

Born in Anderson County, a daughter of the late Sloan and Lois Lollis McGaha, Mrs. Sweet retired from textiles and was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are a son, Greg Sweet (Debbie); three daughters, Mitzl Finley (John), Cookie Crawford (Chris), Sonya Black (David), a granddaughter who was raised in the home, Shannon Yousey (Dave); a sister, Earline Free; eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

Graveside services were 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 24 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

William Chappell

Greenville — Bill Chappell, 78, died Saturday, Nov. 23, 2013 at his home.

He was born in Pickens County, and was retired from ABF Trucking. Member of Unity Baptist Church, Berea and an Army veteran.

Survivors include his wife of 22 years, Mary Ann Harless Chappell of the home, daughters, Cathy Vines (Ron) of Greenville and Linda Harrison (Brian) of Greer and step-sons, Steve Harless (Sherry) of Welford and Randy Harless of Simpsonville, eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. Also surviving are adopted sisters, Joyce Mahon and Dorothy Phelps.

A graveside service was 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25 at Hillcrest Memorial Park Gardens.

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

Memorials may be made to Unity Baptist Church, 12 Piney Road, Greenville, S.C. 29611

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Chappell family.

Doris Burkhart Wentzel

Easley — Mrs. Doris Burkhart Wentzel, 85, wife of the late Harold l. Wentzel, died Tuesday, Nov. 19, 2013 at Majesty Health and Rehab.

Born in Reading, Pa., the daughter of the late George Calvin and Anna Hoch Delp Burkhart, Mrs. Wentzel was a homemaker and a former member of Zion’s UCC Church in Reading, Pa.

Surviving are a son, Richard Wentzel (Cherilyn), of Easley; and a grandson, Marty Wentzel (Katie), of Columbia.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Wentzel was predeceased by a half-brother, Paul Delp, and two half-sisters, Arlene Stoudt and Helen Shadler.

Funeral services and burial will be held at a later date in Reading, Pa.

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

Thomas Reeves

Liberty — Thomas Edward (Tommy) Reeves, 43, of Liberty, died Thursday, Nov. 21, 2013 at Greenville Memorial Hospital due to severe brain injuries sustained from a motorcycle accident on Nov. 10, 2013.

Born March 23, 1970 in Greenville County, he was a son of the late Jack D., Sr. and Alice Faye Whitmire Reeves. Tommy lived in Greenville, Simpsonville, and Fountain Inn before settling in Liberty. He worked at Hartness International in Greenville as a machine technician and at the Blind Horse Saloon in Greenville as a bartender. Tommy was a long time participant of charity bike runs and renowned for his generosity, servanthood and love for others.

Those left to honor his memory are two brothers, Jack Reeves, Jr., (Shannon) and Jimmy Reeves (Sherri); two sisters, Donna Campbell (Haskell) and Cindy McJunkin; several nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, grand-nieces, and countless treasured friends with honorable mention to Lisa Burns.

A celebration of life will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 27 in the chapel of Robinson

Funeral Home-Powdersville Road. Burial will follow in Robinson Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to Pickens County Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 184, Easley, SC 29641.

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

Mildred Helen Thompson

Pickens — Mildred Helen Thompson, age 90, formerly of Gainesville, died Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2013, at Manna Health & Rehab Center in Pickens, following a brief illness.

Mrs. Thompson was born Aug. 29, 1923, in Poe Mill, to Torvill Rasmussen and Helen Shulz Rasmussen. She was retired from Pirkle’s Café and was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church.

Mrs. Thompson is survived by her daughters and sons-in-law, Elizabeth and Alex Gettys Jr. of Pickens, and Frances and Benje Huff of Demorest; her daughter-in-law and son, Jackie and William “Billy” Pirkle Jr. of Clermont; grandchildren, Billy Pirkle, Micky Huff, Matthew Huff and Ben Huff; 12 great-grandchildren and beloved caregiver and adopted granddaughter, Brittany Knight.

Mildred was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Robert H. Thompson.
Funeral services were Friday, Nov. 22 in the Chapel of Memorial Park Funeral Home. The Rev. Ben Huff officiated. Burial followed in Memorial Park Cemetery.
Memorial Park Funeral Home, 2030 Memorial Park Road, Gainesville, GA 30504 is in charge of arrangements. Send online condolences to www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.

Barbara Gail Maw

Pickens — Barbara Gail Maw, age 56, died Friday Nov. 22, 2013 at her home.

Ms. Maw was born in Pickens County a daughter of Virgie Mae Patterson of Pickens and the late Edward Lee Bowen. Ms. Maw was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church

Survivors include his mother, one daughter; Melissa Hayes husband Eddie of Liberty, two sons; Jonathan Maw of Central, Josh Maw wife Kayla of Liberty, two sisters; Patricia Smith of Pickens, Betty Hendrix of Dacusville, four brothers; Edward Lee Bowen, Jr. wife Lisa of Williamston, Robert Bowen of Inman, Michael Bowen wife Angela of Pickens, Greg Bowen of Pickens, and five grandchildren.

Visitation will be Wednesday 27 from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m. at Dillard Funeral Home. A Graveside Service will follow at 1 p.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

The family will be at their respective homes.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Maw family.