RALPH JOHN ANDERSON

PICKENS — Ralph John Anderson, 86, went to be with the Lord on Dec. 5, 2022.

Born in Oak Park, Ill., he was the second of three children born to Signe and Axel Anderson. As a very young boy, he enjoyed sketching and drawing pictures and participating in his lifelong favorite sport of tennis.

Following his graduation from high school, he joined his father’s vocation of house painting. Ralph attended Washburn Trade School and then furthered his education at the American Academy of Art in Chicago. Upon completion of his studies, he obtained work with a motion picture company as an artist. His work continued until he joined the United States Army. He trained as a Signal Corps radio operator, and after serving for six years, including Army Reserve time, received his honorable discharge.

Following his military service, Ralph’s pursuits were numerous. He obtained a certificate in missionary medicine from Biola University in La Mirada, Calif. He was the lead painter at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Ill., befriending students, faculty and coaches alike. He developed and operated Spring Creek Farm, a boys camp in Shawano, Wis.

After moving his family to Pickens in 1981, Ralph became a painting contractor, focusing on residential work. He loved his many years of painting in the homes of some of the most gracious customers. In Pickens, Easley and Clemson, he was known as “Ralph the Painter.” An artist in all senses, he also explored portrait photography in the mid-1980s and hosted a show at the Pickens County Museum of Art in January 1987.

However, more important than his occupation, God had been preparing him for the gracious work of sharing the Gospel with those in the church and others on the highways and byways of life. Ralph was not a product of a theological seminary, but God chose him, and he responded, becoming dependent upon God alone — not upon his academics. Ralph never became a “pulpit preacher,” but rather chose street corners for sharing the good news of the gospel message. He always enjoyed meeting and making new friends. He was more comfortable with the “common” and “ordinary” and knew well the insides of rescue missions on Skid Row.

Though his voice has been silenced on earth, Ralph has now joined the angels in heaven, signing, “Glory to God in the heavens; glory to the Lamb.”

He is survived by his wife, Susan; son, Stephen (Shannon); and granddaughters, Caroline and Claire Wallace.

Ralph’s family is grateful to the caring nurses and doctors in the Emergency Department, Neuro ICU and Hospice at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital.

He will be laid to rest at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson. A thanksgiving service for his life will be held in early 2023.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting robinsonfuneralhomes.com. Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley is serving the Anderson family.

 

ROSE ANN HOLLIDAY ALBERTSON

EASLEY — Mrs. Rose Ann Holliday Albertson, 89, went home to be with her Lord on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022.

Mrs. Albertson was born in Easley, on Aug. 29, 1933, to the late Claude and Maude Nicholson. She was the youngest of seven, having three brothers and three sisters, all of whom preceded her in death. Mrs. Albertson was also twice married, first to the late Clifton Holliday and then to the late Ray Albertson. She was a loyal and devoted mother and grandmother and a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church.

Mrs. Albertson is survived by her two sons, Gary Holliday and Scott Holliday; a grandson, Andy Holliday (Libby); and a great-grandson, Brock Holliday.

In addition to her first two husbands and her siblings, Mrs. Albertson was preceded in death by a step-son, Mike Albertson (Debbie). Also surviving are one grandson, Michael Albertson (Kimberly); and a great-grandson, Samuel.

A private graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Foothills Presbyterian Home Health Care Fund: 205 Bud Nalley Drive, Easley, SC 29642.

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

BYRON ‘PHILIP’ BLACKSTOCK

EASLEY — Byron “Philip” Blackstock, 57, loving husband of 35 years to Teresa C. Blackstock, passed away on Dec. 3, 2022, at Greenville Memorial Hospital and went to his Heavenly home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus.

Born on Feb. 16, 1965, in Knoxville, Tenn., and having grown up in Greenville, Philip was the son of Silas N. Blackstock and Betty R. Lawter. Mr. Blackstock earned a degree in civil engineering from Clemson University. He was a senior structural project manager and was employed by Genesis Technical Services on site at Southern Company. He was a very talented custom home designer and was owner of B.P. Blackstock Custom Home Construction. In his spare time, Philip enjoyed riding his Harley, playing the violin and listening to blues music. He loved spending time with his family and adored spoiling his great nieces and nephews. Philip loved big, was the life of any event, and was loved and adored by all.

Survivors include his wife, Teresa C. Blackstock of the home; parents, Betty R. Lawter and Silas N. Blackstock (Lois); siblings, Donna Alexander (Frank), Cheryl Finley (Ken), David Blackstock, Mary Gramling (Robert) and Renee Wallace (Rev. Tommy); as well as numerous nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews whom he loved dearly.

Mr. Blackstock was predeceased by a sister, Felicia Jackson, and stepfather, Paul Lawter.

Visitation was held on Dec. 8 in the sanctuary of Beech Springs Church in Pelzer, followed by a funeral service. Interment followed the service at Greenville Memorial Gardens.

Flowers will be accepted.

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

 

LAWRENCE FRANKLYN PACE

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Lawrence Franklyn Pace, 87, passed away on Nov. 25, 2022, after a long battle with cancer.

Franklyn is survived by his step-daughter, Anne Antonoff of Atlanta; step-grandson, Jeremy Antonoff of Tampa, Fla.; step-granddaughter, Jennifer Stambolsky (Jeff) of Milton, Ga.; and three step-great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother, Hugh D. Pace of Easley; niece, Donna Pace (David Wingard); and nephew, Hughie Pace of Easley.

Franklyn is predeceased by his wife, Alice Taylor Pace; and step-daughter, Elaine Pruitt. He was also predeceased by his parents, Hoyt F. and Ercel Breazeale Pace, and sister-in-law, Nancy Pace.

A graveside service will be held on Thursday, Dec. 15, at 11 a.m. at Oaklawn Cemetery in Jacksonville, Fla.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Landings of Canton Hills and Capstone Hospice for the excellent care received by Franklyn in the last weeks.

 

MARSHA KESSLER

SIX MILE — Marsha Walker Kessler, 78, passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 2, 2022, following an extended illness.

Born in Summerville, Ga., she was the widow of Dr. George Kessler and a daughter of the late Margie Napier Walker.

Mrs. Kessler attended Reinhardt College, then transferred to the University of Georgia, where she received her bachelor’s degree. She was the owner and operator of Hilltop Daycare for 33 years and also with her husband operated the Hilltop Christmas Tree Farm.

She was involved with the Six Mile Lions Club, where she held various offices including president. She was an avid reader, lover of words and animals. She and her husband were longtime members of Six Mile Baptist Church.

Surviving are three daughters, Joanna Tinsley (John) of Pendleton, Katharine Gray (Mike) of Roanoke, Va., and Jennifer Dobson (Greg) of Anderson; a son, Jonathan Kessler of Warm Springs, Ga.; and eight grandchildren, Clayton Tinsley, Ben Tinsley (Lauren), Hayden Gray, Sarah Gray, Lily Kessler, Grady Dobson, Abby Dobson and Rose Kessler.

Memorial services to honor the life of Mrs. Kessler will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15, in the Liberty Mortuary chapel, by Rev. Dr. Ray Longenecker. Private burial will be at the Six Mile Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service.

The family will be at their respective homes. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Six Mile Baptist Church, P.O. Box 134, Six Mile, SC 29682.

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

 

SIDNEY WAYNE ‘SID’ HAMPTON

DACUSVILLE — Sidney Wayne “Sid” Hampton, 33, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 6, 2022.

Born on Dec. 11, 1989, in Tazewell County, Va., Sid was the son of Priscilla Ann Downey and the late Sidney Eastel “Big Sid” Hampton. Sid attended Wren High School and enjoyed playing football.

In addition to his mother, Priscilla Downey, Mr. Hampton is survived by his son, Kendall; a sister, Dana Hampton; a step-brother, Michael Downey Jr; a step-sister, Maria Downey; as well as several uncles, aunts, nieces and nephews.

Mr. Hampton was predeceased by his father, Sidney Hampton “Big Sid.”

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

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made directly to the family.

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