RONNIE BREAZELE PORTER

PICKENS — Ronnie Breazele Porter, 71, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021, at his home.

Born in Pickens, he was the son of the late Ivy Roscoe and Grace Helen Breazele Porter. Ronnie was a graduate of Pickens High School and served Pickens County in law enforcement for 32 years.

Ronnie is survived by his children, Kevin Porter (Kim) of Pickens, Kyle Porter (Myra) of Easley and Kirk Porter (Shawna Parham) of Pickens; grandchildren, Sara, Evan, Anna, Alissa and Abigail Porter, Chloe Green and Mack Floyd; and sister, Doris Hamby.

Mr. Porter was predeceased by his brother, Doc Porter, and sister, Linda Childress.

A memorial service was held on Dec. 9 at Landmark Baptist Church.

Memorial contributions can be made to the Pickens County Red Cross.

Arrangements are in the care of Mountain View Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting mountainviewfunerals.com.

 

BRITTANY JADE HOLTZCLAW

CLEVELAND — “Jade,” 25, lived in Dillon until she was struck by a stray bullet and left paralyzed, and she later died from the injuries.

After her incident, she lived with her mother and stepfather in Cleveland with her son, Braxdon Bailey.

She leaves behind two children, Braxdon and Marcus “King” Townsend; her mother, Hope Crisp (Adam) of Cleveland; her grandmother, Ollie Pitman of Cowpens; three sisters, Haley Holtzclaw of Dillon, Kirstie Pitman of Mullins and her twin sister, Jasmine Holtzclaw of Dillon; as well as her brothers, Christian Pitman of Belton, Marcus Joy Jr. of Latta and Alix Holtzclaw of Latta.

Jade was preceded in death by her grandfather, Douglas “Steve” Pitman of Belton, and her stepfather of 20 years, Marcus Joy Sr. of Latta. Jade also left behind several other brothers and sisters, many cousins and nieces and nephews who she loved very much.

Services will be held at 184 Voyage End in Cleveland on Dec. 18 at 2.p.m.

Charities and donations can be made to the family directly or through Mountain View Funeral Home.

 

TERRY SEXTON

PICKENS — Richard Terry Sexton, 77, of John Street, died on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, at Prisma Health-Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Six Mile, he was the husband of 58 years to Patricia Roach Sexton and a son of the late Sam and Laura Mae Porter Sexton. He was retired from Glenco Insulation and was a carpenter for many years. He loved collecting cars and being in the outdoors fishing. Mostly he enjoyed spending time with his family. He was a founding member of Open Praise Fellowship Holiness Church in Easley.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two daughters, Melinda Morgan (Brian) of Pickens and Tammy Galbreath (Frank) of Salem; five sons, Terry Scruggs (Joanie) of Easley, Dean Sexton (Marie) of Pickens, Bo Sexton (Carleen) of Liberty, Randy Sexton (Julie) of Liberty and Danny Sexton (Donna) of Pickens; six brothers, Bill Sexton of Easley, Kenneth Sexton of Pickens, Milton Sexton of Easley, Ronnie Sexton of Liberty, Melvin Sexton of Liberty and Gary Sexton of Easley; two sisters, Sarah Moore of Liberty and Charlene Baker of Greenville; 11 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, David Sexton.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Sexton were held on Dec. 14 at Open Praise Fellowship Holiness Church in Easley. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park. The family will be at the home.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

TIMOTHY A. ‘TIM’ CHAPPELL

PICKENS — Timothy A. “Tim” Chappell, 52, loving husband of 19 years to Andrea Chappell, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, at Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital.

A native of Pickens County, Tim was born Jan. 11, 1969, the son of Dola Mae Atkins Chappell and the late Allen Johnston Chappell. Mr. Chappell was a graduate of Pickens Senior High School. He enjoyed fishing and watching football games and was an avid South Carolina Gamecock fan.

Survivors include his wife, Andrea Chappell of Pickens; his mother, Dola Mae Chappell of Easley; sister, Michelle Duncan (Rodney); nieces, Savannah and Adeline Duncan; nephews, Luke and Conway Duncan; as well as a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.

Mr. Chappell was predeceased by his father, Allen Johnston Chappell.

In lieu of flowers, memorials and donations to help cover the costs of the funeral expenses can be made to the family directly or through Mountain View Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Dec. 18 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home at 11 a.m., with burial to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Chappell family.

 

HERMAN AUSTIN ‘HEAVY’ CLARK

PICKENS — Herman Austin Clark, 71, husband of Lucille Clark, passed away on Thursday Dec. 9, 2021, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

A native of Six Mile, Heavy was born on June 4, 1950, to the late Earnest and Lessie Bowen Clark. He enjoyed working, going out to eat with his children and watching TV and loved to aggravate his grandkids and racing dirt track race cars.

In addition to his wife of 54 years, survivors include Heavy’s children, Ronnie Clark (Rose), Sandy Roper (Johnny), Melissa Clark, JoAnn Cannon (Kenneth) and Tommy Clark; grandchildren, Billy Clark, Adam Clark, Stephanie Mann, Kayla McAnulty, Tracy Belcher, Steven Todd, Kacy Hannah, Austin Cannon, Brandon Clark, Krystyn Roper and Dustyn Cannon; 12 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Alice McQueen and Margaret Neal.

Mr. Clark was predeceased by his parents; his son, Donnie Clark; four brothers; and two sisters.

Flowers will be accepted.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 18, at West End Baptist Church at 1 p.m. The church is located at 120 Mission Drive, Easley, SC 29642.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Clark family.

 

TRACEY ELIZABETH RAMPEY

LIBERTY — Tracey Elizabeth Rampey, 55, of Anderson Drive, passed away on Friday, Dec. 10, 2021, at her residence

Born Feb. 12, 1966, in Easley, she is the daughter of Dan Rampey and Phyllis Ann Reeves Rampey.

Tracey was an avid dancer and dance instructor and very much enjoyed anything involving animals and watching TV. She loved her friends and family dearly and enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren Kenlie Trotter, Jax Miller, Caden Wagoner and Weston Clardy.

In addition to her parents, she is survived by her daughter, Savannah Miller; and son, Johnny “Jay” Miller and spouse, Emily Batson, both of Liberty; as well as a brother, Danny Rampey.

A celebration of Tracey’s life will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 15, at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home — Pickens Chapel.

The family members are at their respective homes, and in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Tracey’s honor to the American Diabetes Association by contacting 1-800-342-2383.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations — Pickens Chapel is assisting the family of Tracey Elizabeth Rampey.

 

WILLIAM STANLEY ‘BOONE’ CANNON

PICKENS — William Stanley “Boone” Cannon, 67, of Cove Creek Road, passed away on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2021, at Prisma Health Hospital Greenville, following a medical episode on Thanksgiving day.

Mr. Cannon was the son of the late WWI veteran James Prince Cannon and Cecil Rogers Cannon of Oconee County. Stanley simply enjoyed watching television, daily visits with friends and family on the phone and drawing. He regarded Daniel Boone as a hero and had the privilege of meeting Fess Parker at Ghost Town many years ago. Stanley preferred to be called “Boone” and affectionately nick-named many of his friends after his favorite television characters.

Boone was predeceased by his parents and a brother, James Eugene Cannon, and is survived by one sister, Rosa Elizabeth Coyle and other family members and many community friends and neighbors who loved him, particularly Chris Holcombe, who cared for Stanley for more than 20 years. Stanley fondly referred to Chris as Crockett.

Memorial contributions can be made to Mountain Grove Baptist Church in Pickens, in lieu of flowers.

A graveside service was held at Cove Creek Baptist Church, located on Cove Creek Road in Pickens, on Dec. 13.

Arrangements in care of Mountain View Funeral Home. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting mountainviewfunerals.com.

 

 

FRANKLIN JAMES RIVERS

 

EASLEY — Lt. Col. Franklin James Rivers (Ret.), 88, husband of Dorothy “Dot” Chastain Rivers, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021.

Born in Sumter, he was the son of the late Jesse James and Elma Galloway Rivers.

Mr. Rivers graduated from The Citadel and later retired from the Veterans Affairs office as benefits counselor. He was a member and past patron of the Order of the Eastern Star and Rock Springs Baptist Church. He loved to play golf and read and was a skilled woodworker. Mr. Rivers proudly served as an air defenseman with the United States Army during the Vietnam War. He received the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Combat Infantryman’s Badge, Vietnam Campaign Medal and Bronze Star Medal.

In addition to his wife, Mr. Rivers is survived by daughters, Teresa Blackmon (Kenny) of Lancaster and Renee Williams (Burnie) of Gastonia, N.C.; a son, Franklin J. Rivers Jr. (Lisa) of Rock Hill; stepsons, Scott Culley (Christine) of Lexington, Larry Culley of West Columbia and Michael White (Amy) of Easley; grandchildren, Stephen McKnight (Morgan), Stephanie Thompkins (Brent), Hannah Fultz (Christian) and Emma White; and great-grandchildren, Belle and Marie Thompkins and Graham and Georgia McKnight. Mr. Rivers also leaves behind his extended church family.

He was preceded in death by a brother, William F. “Billy” Rivers.

Funeral services were held on Dec. 14 at Rock Springs Baptist Church.

Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 15, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery in Columbia.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Samaritan’s Purse, P.O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory.

 

 

LARRY LOTHER BAUGUS

 

LIBERTY — Larry Lother Baugus, 82, of Myrtle Beach, passed away peacefully on Friday, Dec. 3, 2021, at his home.

Born Aug. 13, 1939, in Cateechee, he was a son of the late Hugh S. Baugus Sr. and Bessie Lother Baugus. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran. After completing his ATC School in Biloxi, Miss., he was stationed in Spain and later Michigan. While in Spain, he often conducted the services at the base when the chaplain was unable to be there.

Larry was a 1957 graduate of Liberty High School, where he enjoyed playing drums in the marching band and was drum major his senior year. He enjoyed taking part in the school plays, playing basketball and other school activities. As a young boy, he was active in Boy Scouts and RAs at Eastside Baptist Church. He later united with Liberty Church of God, where he loved playing piano and singing. He always played the piano and organ and sang in every church he attended. He always loved hymns and gospel music and never played anything else. He enjoyed painting and leading golf cart parades. He enjoyed being with friends and having a lot of singing and playing his accordion or piano and organ, especially around a campfire.

He always worked in accounting, and his last employment was at Peachford Hospital, where he was assistant controller. He installed a new computer system there and programmed all of the computers for the Peachford hospitals. Later, he did the same for the Lance Company in Atlanta and all of their branch offices.

Surviving are his daughter, Jil Hopkins and her husband, Joel, and their children, Cooper, Grayson and Lanie Hopkins of Holly Hill and Brett (Morgan) Wilson and great-granddaughters, Olivia and Paisley Wilson; sister, Joyce Stewart of Six Mile; nephews, Tony and Barry Tollison, Ike Maddox, Mike (Joyce) and Greg (Dayle) Stewart; nieces, Penny Cody, Cendi Baugus and Pam (Don) Anderson and many great-nieces and great-nephews.

He was predeceased by brothers, Hugh S. Baugus (Doris) and Rudolph Baugus (Jean); sisters, Ruth Maddox (Charles) and Betty Tollison (Bruce); and a brother-in-law, Leroy Stewart. Also a special friend, Gene Lewis.

A graveside memorial service to honor Larry’s life will be at noon on Friday, Dec. 17, at Abbott Cemetery in Liberty.

In lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the American Diabetes Association or St. Jude’s Childrens Hospital.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Baugus family.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at dillardfunerals.com for the Baugus family.

 

RUBY BAGWELL

LIBERTY — Ruby Chapman Bagwell, 91, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, at Cottingham Hospice House.

Born in Liberty, she was the widow of Luther E. Bagwell and a daughter of the late Samuel Chapman and Lois Chapman Durham.

She retired from textiles and was a member of East Side Baptist Church. For many years, she played the piano and organ at Emmanuel Baptist Church and Calumet Baptist Church.

Ruby enjoyed walking around town and pulling for her favorite team, the Atlanta Braves.

Surviving are three sons, Randy Bagwell (Deborah) of Easley, Rev. Benny Bagwell (Beth) of Franklin, N.C., and Mark Bagwell of Sugar Mountain, N.C. Also surviving are seven grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by three sisters, Kathleen “Kat” Tollison, Eloise Durham and Sammie Joe Bryant.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Bagwell were held on Dec. 12 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel, conducted by Rev. Guy Roberts. The burial was at Liberty Memorial Gardens. A livestream of the service will be available by visiting her obituary at libertymortuary.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Miracle Hill Ministries, for Miracle Hill Children’s Home, 490 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville SC 29602.

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

 

RUBY OLIVIA COLLINS MCELHANNON

PICKENS — Ruby Olivia Collins McElhannon, 79, wife of the late Harold Dean McElhannon, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2021.

Ruby was born April 11, 1942, in Pickens County, daughter of the late Jonah Collins and Gladys Breazeale Collins. She enjoyed cooking and running the Feed Room. She also enjoyed working for the School District of Pickens County and the RA Camp. In her spare time, Ruby liked to visit people in nursing homes and working outside in her flower beds. Ruby was a member of Northside Baptist Church.

Surviving are her son, Kenneth Dean McElhannon (Veronica); three sisters, Martha Masters, Helen Byce and Ellen Breazeale; four grandchildren, Jonathon Franklin, Nicholas Cumbow, Christy McCall and Cammie Cumbow; nine great-grandchildren and one special grand-dog whom she loved spoiling, Bella McElhannon.

Along with her parents and husband, Ruby was also preceded in death by her daughter, Kathy Cumbow; one sister, Lula Cunningham; and four brothers, James, David, Arthur and Bobby Collins.

A visitation for Ruby will be held Wednesday, Dec. 15, from 5-7 p.m. at Dillard Funeral Home. Funeral services will be private.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at dillardfunerals.com for the McElhannon family.

 

RUTHIE PATTERSON

EASLEY — Ruthie Mae Patterson, 67, died on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2021, at Prisma Health-Baptist Easley.

Born in Easley, she was the widow of Eddie Bart Patterson Sr. and a daughter of the late Clyde and Ruth Nix Durham.

Mrs. Patterson was a longtime employee of the School District of Pickens County, where she worked as a teacher’s assistant and custodian and in the lunchroom. She was a member of Potters Clay Fellowship.

Surviving are two sons, Travis Patterson (Tosha) of Central and Eddie Patterson of Easley; two brothers, Doug Durham of Easley and Glen Durham of Waynesville, N.C.; four grandchildren, Austin Patterson (Anna), Morgan Lewis (Zack), Drake Patterson and Bryson Patterson; and two great-grandchildren, Nathaniel and Ezekiel.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers and a sister.

Graveside services to honor the life of Ms. Patterson will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 16, at the Six Mile Church of God of Prophecy cemetery.

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

LEVI EUGENE SURRETT

PICKENS — Levi Eugene Surrett, 24, son of Timothy Eugene Surrett and Angel Michelle O’Shields, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 5, 2021.

Mr. Surrett was born May 16, 1997, in Greenville. He enjoyed go-cart racing and competed as a long jumper, as well as playing football during his time at Pickens High School. Levi was known for his contagious laugh, smile and for giving the best hugs. He loved his family dearly, especially his “sissy.” He lived his life one day at a time. He loved big and forgave quickly and often.

Those left to honor and cherish him are his parents, Tim Surrett (Sandy) and Angel O’Shields (Marty) of Pickens; a brother, Dylan Timothy Surrett (Erin) of Six Mile; a sister, Isabelle Marie Guzman (Kevin) of Grovetown, Ga.; stepbrothers, Dylan O’Shields and Jonathan O’Shields (Stephanie); maternal grandparents, Jack and Glenda Adams; paternal grandparents, Russell Surrett and Pat Smith; nephews, Colt and Raidin; nieces, Stormie and Summer; aunts, Geannie Phillips (Keith), Amanda Fowler (Jake) and Tiffany Bryant (Curtis); an uncle, Al Adams; cousins, Meghan, Jarred, Dakota, Brady and Josee; as well as three great-nieces and two great-nephews.

Levi was predeceased by an uncle, Todd Surrett.

Visitation was held on Dec. 11 in the sanctuary of East Pickens Baptist Church in Pickens, with a funeral service following. The burial followed at Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral home is serving the family of Levi Surrett.

 

MARY ANN O’SCIER NORMANLY

CLEMSON — Mary Ann O’Scier Normanly, 92, wife of the late Richard L. Normanly, entered eternal rest on Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, at Easley Place.

She died peacefully in her sleep and was called home to be with Jesus.

Surviving are a brother, Peter O’Scier of Buffalo, N.Y.; children, Dorothy Ann Ellis of Seneca, Robert David Rubritz of Charleston and Deborah Jean Wendt of Clemson; nine grandchildren, 27 great-grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by her parents, Peter and Nicolena O’Scier; siblings, Frank, Daniel and Eleanor; and great-grandchild, Margaret Kathryn Wendt.

A memorial service celebrating her life will be held at Pendleton United Methodist Church.

The family welcomes donations to safeharborsc.org and Helping Hands of Clemson as an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers.

 

HOYT JASON REECE

PICKENS — Mr. Hoyt Jason Reece, 90, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Dec. 5, 2021.

He was born in Pickens and was the son of the late Johnie Reece and Eula Ramey Reece and loving husband for 48 years to the late Helen Turner Reece.

Mr. Reece was of the Baptist faith and worked as a skilled auto mechanic. People knew him to be generous and helpful, but he told it like it was. He enjoyed racing and spent many years racing his own car at Riverside Speedway. He was the owner, mechanic and motor builder of his race car. Mr. Reece was known across the state for his mechanical knowledge. He loved to fish, hunt, farm and grow produce. His passion for automobiles in his later years was rebuilding Toyota trucks. He always had to be working on a mechanical problem. Mr. Reece had a good life and lived it at full speed up until the end.

Surviving are a son, Wallace Reece, and a daughter, Joyce Ann Reece (Del) Lesley, both of Pickens; brother, A.J. Reece of Travelers Rest; a sister, Mozelle Reece of Pickens; 10 loving grandchildren, Tina, Amanda, Rosanna, Savannah, Dewayne, Delano, Ashley, Breanna, Christianna and Johnie; 19 most precious and loving great-grandchildren; and two loving great-great-grandchildren.

Mr. Reece was predeceased by a son, William Reece, and a brother, Earnest Reece.

A funeral service was held on Dec. 9 at the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with a visitation before the service. The burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Reece family.