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Shirley Reece

Liberty ­— Shirley Crawford Reece, 70, wife of Ralph William Reece, passed from this life on Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016.

Mrs. Reece was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Fred and Sadie Brooks Crawford. She was retired from the School District of Pickens County in the lunchroom and later cooked at Durham’s Convenience Store in Six Mile. She was of the Church of God faith.

Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Ralph W. Reece; daughters, Lisa Simmons (Lonnie Owen) of Pickens and Ann Clardy (Greg) of Liberty; and grandson, James Moser and his fiancée Lana of Liberty. Great-grandchildren include Amber, Brenden, Carter and Casey. Also surviving is a brother, Jerry Crawford of Pickens, and sisters, Ida Bagwell and Emily Barnett.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Reece was preceded in death by a brother, Junior Crawford, and sisters, Martha Lollis and Inokal Crawford.

Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 29, in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens, with the Rev. Jason Thomas and Mr. Greg Clardy officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home.

The family is at the home.

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

Linda N. Skelton

Easley — Mrs. Linda Nan Brothers Skelton, 69, wife of Albert Furman “Butch” Skelton, passed away Monday, Dec. 19, 2016, at her home.

Born in Greenville County, a daughter of the late Ted Livingston and Mary Merle Thackston Brothers, Mrs. Skelton was a homemaker and a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church.

Surviving, in addition to her husband of 53 years, are a son, Ted Furman Skelton (Susan) of Greenville; a daughter, Misty Marie Skelton Littlefield (John) of Easley; a sister, Carolyn Segars (Barry) of Easley; and five grandchildren, Milton Skelton (Kaitlin), Bryson Skelton, Bailey Littleton, Riley Littleton and J.C. Littlefield.

Funeral services were held Dec. 22 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, with Rev. Dr. David Gallamore and Rev. Ted Gaines officiating and burial following in Robinson Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rock Springs Baptist Church, 201 Rock Springs Road, Easley, SC 29642, or to Open Arms Hospice, 1836 W. Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680.

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

Cecyl M. Waldrop

EaslEY — Mr. Cecyl M. Waldrop, 91, husband of the late Louise W. Waldrop, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Rev. Ansel Waldrop and the late Grace Hughes Waldrop, Mr. Waldrop was a retired sales manager with R.J. Reynolds Company and a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Army veteran.

Surviving are a son, Jack Waldrop (Sabrina) of Lincolnton, N.C.; a daughter, Sherry Long of Clayton, N.C.; a brother, Guy Waldrop (Elaine) of Pickens; two grandchildren, Adam Waldrop and Kristi Strange (Michael); and two great-grandchildren, Rhys Scott Strange and Aiden Michael Strange. In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Waldrop was predeceased by a sister, Agnes Capps.

Funeral services were held Dec. 23 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, with the Rev. Dr. David Gallamore and the Rev. Marion Mitchell officiating and burial following in Robinson Memorial Gardens with military honors.

Memorials may be made to Rock Springs Baptist Church, 201 Rock Springs Road, Easley, SC 29642.

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

Steve Trotter

Marietta — James Steven “Steve” Trotter, 66, of Holloway Road, husband of Carolyn Hendrix Trotter, went home to be with his Lord Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016.

Born in Greenville County, he was a son of the late J.T. and Gladell Roper Trotter.

Steve was retired from Sauer-Danfoss and previously was employed with Arial Mill for 33 years. He was a member of Enon Baptist Church and the Masters Reflection Sunday School Class. He enjoyed his grandchildren and farming.

In addition to his wife of 44 years, he is survived by his children, Lynn Trotter Hatcher (Bubba) of Easley and Keith Trotter of Marietta; grandchildren, Austin Hatcher (Fiancee, Anna Willis), Carson Hatcher and Caleb Hatcher; and brothers, Tommy Trotter (Janet) and Cecil Trotter (Anita) all of Easley.

Funeral services were held Dec. 23 at Enon Baptist Church, with burial following in Robinson Memorial Gardens.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Parking Lot Fund of Enon Baptist Church, 871 Enon Church Road, Easley, SC 29640.

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

Betty C. Whitmire

Central — Betty Joan Chappell Whitmire, 70, wife of Haskell “Butch” Whitmire, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016, at her home.

Born in Central, she was a daughter of the late Elbert W. and Thelma Gillespie Chappell. Betty was a 1964 graduate of Liberty High School and was the co-owner and manager of Midway Grocery. She also substitute taught for the School District of Pickens County. She attended Cannon Memorial Church.

Surviving in addition to her husband of the home are her daughter, Amanda Jo Whitmire Cope (Ryan) of Central; sister, Peggy Chappell Mullinex of Central; granddaughter, Thelma Clarice Cope of New York City; two nieces, Suzy Chappell Wilbanks and Leigh Chappell Budgen; two great-nieces; and three great-nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her brother, Harold Leon Chappell.

Funeral services were held Dec. 23 at Cannon Memorial Baptist Church, with burial following in Mt. Zion Cemetery.

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

Alice K. Blanton

Easley — Alice Keziah Blanton, 83, wife of the late Wilbur Lee “Bill” Blanton, passed away Monday, Dec. 19, 2016.

Born in Union County, N.C., she was a daughter of the late John Newton Keziah and Lillian Brewer Keziah.

Mrs. Blanton was a homemaker. She loved anything that involved her grandchildren and enjoyed flower arranging, painting and working in her yard.

Surviving are her children, Tony Grant (Yolanda) of Ft. Worth, Texas and James Grant (Angie) of Easley; stepchildren, John R. Blanton (Barbara) of Greer, Cathy Quate (Rusty) of Wake Forest, N.C., and Claire Williams (Mark) of Matthews, N.C.; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two sisters, Martha Carriker and Betty Armstrong, both of Charlotte; and two brothers, Johnny Keziah of Charlotte and Glenn Keziah of Monroe, N.C.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Lynn Turbyfill.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, December 28, 2016, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30-1:45 p.m. on Wednesday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association of South Carolina 4124 Clemson Blvd., Suite L, Anderson, SC 29621.

The family will be at the home of the son, James Grant, 101 Windham Lane, Easley, SC 29642.

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

Thomas Randolph “Randy” Pruitt

Pickens — Thomas Randolph “Randy” Pruitt went home to be with the Lord Saturday, Dec. 17, 2016, at AnMed Hospital in Anderson.

Randy enjoyed fishing and playing chess and loved Gamecock football.

Randy is survived by his wife of 16 years, Donna Howard, two stepchildren and four grandchildren, his mother Patricia Turner, and brothers Wayne Turner, Gene Turner, Shawn Turner and Tony Pruitt.

Randy was predeceased by his father, Rudolph Pruitt.

Services will be arranged at a later date.

Ronnie L. “Moe” Hughes

Six Mile — Ronnie Lamar “Moe” Hughes, 74, died Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2016, at Oconee Memorial Hospital.

Born in Easley, he was a son of the late Glenn Lamar and Willie Mae Spearman Hughes. Moe was a 1960 graduate of Easley High School. He was one of the first employees of Pratt Read Company in Central, where he went from working on the docks to being the vice president of operations. After retirement, he along with his son owned and operated The Minute Mart in Central. He was also a basketball referee and baseball and softball umpire.

Moe is survived by his son, Glenn “Big E” Hughes of the home; four siblings, Rev. Jimmy Hughes (deceased) (Peggy) of Liberty; Barbara Corbin (Tommy) (deceased) of Easley; Carol Chastain of Central and Donald “Duck” Hughes (Dianne), of Greenville; and his grandson, Zack “Twinkle Toes” Hellard of Central.

Memorial services were held Dec. 23 in the chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Daniel High School Booster Club.

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

Alex “Junior” Crowe Jr.

Liberty — Alex “Junior” Crowe Jr., of Roanoke Road, widower of Sara Mae Powell Crowe, passed away peacefully, on Wednesday, Dec. 21, 2016, at Cannon Memorial Hospital.

Born in Pickens, he was a son of the late Alec and Alberta Nix Crowe. He was a hardworking man all of his life and retired as a business owner of Crowe’s Grocery. He loved fishing and was up for a trip to Santee Cooper at a moment’s notice. He was a member of Keowee Masonic Lodge #79 A.F.M. for more than 50 years and was a member of the Hejaz Shriners. Mr. Crowe had attended Norris First Baptist Church for a number of years.

Surviving are a daughter, Patricia Gilstrap (Tommy Joe) of Liberty; two sons, Robert Crowe (Deborah) of Easley and Richard Crowe (Joan) of Pickens; three sisters, Frances Wilson of Easley, Nancy Neas of Easley and Martha Jean Clark of Dacusville; three brothers, Larry Crowe of Liberty, Bobby Crowe of Liberty and Charles Crowe of Easley; three grandchildren; and numerous great and great-great grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Billy Crowe.

A memorial service to honor the life of Mr. Crowe was held Dec. 23 in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Private burial will be held at a later date at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Norris First Baptist Church Building Fund: PO Box 130 Norris, SC 29667. The family will be at their respective homes. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.

Melvin Jack Waldrop (Msgt. Retired)

Liberty — Melvin Jack Waldrop, 85, our loving father, passed away on to his heavenly home on Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016, at his residence surrounded by family.

Born in Liberty, he was a son of the late William Loyd and Mattie Louise Gantt Waldrop. He proudly served his country for 20 years in the U.S. Air Force as a Msgt. Flight Engineer. Following retirement from the Air Force, he served in the National Guard for three years. He loved gardening and was a member of Rice’s Creek Baptist Church.

He leaves behind four daughters, Jackie Messer (Eddie), Tina Elgin (Rick), Ramona Waldrop, and Susan Hostetler; a sister, Shirley Faye Lyda; seven grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his lifelong love of 66 years, Lonnie Ruth Hardy Waldrop; a daughter, Carolyn Joyce Waldrop; a sister, Betty Nell Carver; and one great-granddaughter, Jenna Jones.

Graveside services with full military honors for Mr. Waldrop were held Dec. 26 at Westview Cemetery in Liberty.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Wounded Warrior Project: PO BOX 758516 Topeka, KS 66675 or Paralyzed Veterans of America: Donation Processing Center PO BOX 758532 Topeka, KS 66675-8532.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements. www.libertymortuary.com

Alvin Leo Powell

Pickens — Alvin Leo Powell, 77, husband of Betty Lou Powell, went to be with the Lord Thursday, Dec. 22, 2016.

Mr. Powell was born in Pickens and was the son of the late Horace R. Powell and Ada Chandler Powell.

Mr. Powell was retired from Sir Shirtmaker as a stitch room foreman and a member of Blue Ridge View Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 57 years; one son, Alvin Dale Powell (Sandy); a sister, Edna Faye Raines; and a brother, Vernon Powell. Mr. Powell also leaves in his memory a grandson, Lewis Powell. In addition to his parents, Mr. Powell was predeceased by his brothers, William Powell, Cleo Powell, Herman Powell and Albert Powell; and a sister, Sara Mae Crowe.

Services were held Dec. 26 at Blue Ridge View Baptist Church, with burial following at the church cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Blue Ridge View Baptist Church building fund at 745 Wolf Creek Road, Pickens, SC 29671. The family will also receive flowers.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Powell family.

Charles Fox

Liberty — Charles Fox, 71, of 107 Brianne Lane, died Friday, Dec. 16, 2016, at his residence following an extended illness.

Born in Bremerton, Wash., he was a son of the late Elmer Oliver and Gladys Irene Stoddard Fox. He worked in the construction industry and was a finish carpenter by trade.

Surviving are a son, Eric Fox (Alissa) of Troy, N.H.; three sisters, Linda Novak of Littleton, N.H., Susan Parent of Erving, Mass., and Debra Hasting of Dade City, Fla.; and two granddaughters, Sage and Lila Fox, both of Troy, N.H.

No services are planned at this time. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are assisting the family. www.libertymortuary.com

Sarah Elizabeth Burns Simmons

Greenville — Our beloved mother, Sarah Elizabeth Burns Simmons, 80, of Greenville, widow of The Rev. R. Lewis Simmons, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016.

Born in Pickens County, she was the daughter of the late Stiles D. and Phoebe Owens Burns. Affectionately known as “Meemaw” to everyone, she retired from Curtron Manufacturing and was a member of Mountain Creek Baptist Church. She had been a volunteer at Shriner’s Hospital for Children. She always put others first, often caring for her family members and friends in their time of need. Mrs. Simmons was a devoted mother and proud grandmother who possessed a deep love of life, family and her Lord and Savior.

Surviving are three daughters, Jane S. Wall (Lyndon), Teresa S. Owen (Keith) and Gayle S. Seif (David); and three grandsons, Brandon S. Owen and Johnny and Josh Wall; two sisters, Brenda B. Holliday (Ray) and Ann B. Becknell (late Wallace); a brother, Wayne Burns (Ann); three sisters-in-law, Selena Burns, Sarah Burns and Bridgette Burns; brother and sister-in-law, Charles and Christine Morris; and numerous nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by brothers, Stiles Jr., Charles, Jimmy, Alvin, Gene, Ronnie and Tommy.

Funeral services were held Dec. 23 at Mountain Creek Baptist Church, with burial following in the church cemetery.

She was our angel for a while — now an angel in heaven with our earthly father and Jesus Christ forever.

Arthur Donald Alexander Reinovsky

Timmonsville — Arthur Donald Alexander Reinovsky, 75, of Timmonsville, passed away unexpectedly Friday, Dec. 16, 2016.

He was born Aug. 28, 1941, in Utah. Art (Buddy as he was known to his friends) grew up and went to school in Pickens. He loved hunting, fishing and listening to gospel music. His wonderful dry wit made for amusing and wonderful stories, and he knew how to make people laugh.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Dr. A.J. Reinovsky and Willie Mae Hill Reinovsky, and his brother, Albert Joseph Reinovsky Jr.

He is survived by his daughters, Anastasia Faith Smith (Paul) and Kathryn Ann Perley (Eric), all of Texas; sisters, Dr. Rebecca Reinovsky Tomsyck (John C.) of North Carolina, Roberta Reinovsky Wray (Charles V. Jr.) of Rock Hill, Regina Louise Reinovsky of Virginia, and Rashidi Reinovsky Fawcett (H. Brian) of Pickens; and brother, Robert William Reinovsky (Karen) of Pickens.

Services will be privately held.

Online condolences may be directed to www.burroughsfh.com.

Burroughs Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Murrells Inlet is assisting the family.