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Neil W. Simmons

PICKENS — Neil W. Simmons, 83, passed from this life at his home, Friday, Nov. 11, 2016.

He was born Dec. 28, 1932, the youngest of eight children to William Hamilton and Della Mae Leslie Simmons.

Mr. Simmons was a memberww of Griffin Baptist Church in Pickens. He had a passion for music of all types, especially gospel, singing all the way up until the day of his passing.

He is survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Kay Mullinax Simmons. He is also survived by three children, Karen West, Donna Williams (Ken) and Chuck Simmons (Sandy); and five grandchildren, Caleb and John Gaston, Brannon Williams Woehr, and Chavis and Christi Simmons. Neil also had two great-grandchildren; Isaiah and Avalyn Kay Gaston.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brothers, Guy Milton Simmons, Perry (Bud) Simmons, Ernest (Bill) Simmons and sisters, Pearl Simmons Day, Jeanette Simmons Gravely, Bessie Simmons Byers and Alice Simmons McCall.

Funeral services were held Nov. 16 at Griffin Baptist Church in Pumpkintown, with burial to follow in the Griffin Baptist Church cemetery.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to Homestead Hospice, especially Ben and Marsha, for taking such good care of Mr. Simmons during his extended illness.

The family requests memorials be made to Shriner’s Hospital 950 W Faris Rd, Greenville, SC 29605.

William “Bill” Francis Alvey

Easley — William “Bill” Francis Alvey, 67, of Easley, husband to Cecilia Elizabeth Rodgers Alvey, passed peacefully Monday, Nov. 28, 2016, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Bill was born in Elwood, Ind., to the late Robert Francis and Marian L. Webb Alvey.

Bill was a retired veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps. He enjoyed building guitars, gardening, landscaping, camping, riding his Harley, and he was an avid reader, world traveler and a man of many interests. He was a proud member of the NRA.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife of 49 years; four children; Jonathon (Kristie), Angela (Larry), Andrew, and Charlotte; brother, Bob; sisters, Susan, Joyce, Annie, Libby, Sarah, and Brigitte; five granddaughters; two great-grandsons; and canine companion, Amy.

Funeral services were held Dec. 1 in Robinson Funeral Home Downtown, Easley, with Fr. Bart Leon officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made directly to Toys for Tots, 669 Perimeter Road, Greenville, SC 29605.

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

Marjorie Elizabeth Borom “Betty” Miller

Easley — Marjorie Elizabeth Borom “Betty” Miller, 75, of Easley, died Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, after a three-year struggle with cancer.

She was born in Louisville, Ky., the eldest child of the late Rev. Wilbur L. Borom and the late Marjorie Hamrick Borom. After her father graduated from Southern Baptist Seminary, the family commenced their Christian ministry in Alabama. When she was 12, her family moved to Columbia, S.C., where she attended high school and proceeded to earn both a BS and MS in biology from the University of South Carolina. Upon graduation from USC, she began her professional career, which was noted by its excellence and broad scope. She taught biology at Newberry College before accepting a research position with Union Carbide at Oak Ridge, Tenn. While there, she was married and began traveling with her husband to various locations around the United States in support of him in his career in the U.S. Coast and Geodetic Survey (NOAA Corps), while providing a loving home environment at each location and raising a wonderful family. While her husband was assigned to the Washington, D.C., area, she worked in biological research lab at the Smithsonian Institute. She and her husband later moved to Norfolk, Va., where she taught biology at Old Dominion University. They then lived in Lawton, Okla., and Seattle, Wash., before moving to Rockville, Md., where she taught at the University of Maryland. When her family relocated to South Carolina, they moved to the Dacusville community in Pickens County, where she spent her last and most pleasant 36 years. While there she returned to graduate school at Clemson University and earned a Ph.D. in plant ecology at age 59 while teaching biology full-time at Greenville Technical College, from which she retired in 2013.

Her ability to quickly read voluminous numbers of books was legendary among her family. Her passion for native plants was well known, as was her love of plants in all areas of the globe, making her an oft-consulted travel companion. She was an avid and enthusiastic traveler, journeying to all seven continents. She had a strong Christian faith and was a member of Cross Roads Baptist Church in Easley.

Surviving are her beloved husband of 53 years, Sidney C. Miller of Dacusville; daughter, Sarah Boyle (Jeff) of Forest City, N.C.; son, Dr. Hart Miller (Allison), of Pahoa, Hawaii; grandsons, Benjamin Boyle and Clay Miller; step-grandsons, Alexander and Jackson Rigg; sister, Kathy Gillespie (Joe); sisters-in-law, Betty Morin (Gene) and Nancy Hart Hamrick (Fitzhugh, deceased). She was preceded in death by a sister, Martha Broom. She had a special love for and relationship with her many nieces and nephews, who considered themselves most fortunate to know this accomplished and gracious woman.

Funeral services were held Dec. 6 at Cross Roads Baptist Church, with the Rev. Phil Henry officiating, with burial following in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Building Fund of Cross Roads Baptist Church, 160 Cross Roads Church Road, 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.

James L. Vandiver

Pickens ­— James Leander Vandiver, 72, of 400 Reece Mill Road, died Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016, at St. Francis Hospital Downtown in Greenville.

Born in Boston, Ky., he was the husband of Nancy Turner Vandiver of the home and the son of the late Henry James “John” and Mary Edith Cundiff Vandiver. He was a locksmith by trade and was employed with Ellis Repair Service. He enjoyed antique cars, but mostly his passion was cowboy shooting. He and his wife, Nancy, were members of S.A.S.S. where he was known by other members as “Don Leander.” He was a member of Liberty United Methodist Church.

Surviving in addition to his wife are a son, Jason Kyle Vandiver of Asheville, N.C.; a stepdaughter, Stephanie Gass (Kenneth) of Pickens; and two grandchildren, Thomas and Marcus Gass, both of Pickens.

A memorial service for Mr. Vandiver was held Dec. 6 at Liberty United Methodist Church.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to The American Cancer Society: P.O. Box 22478 Oklahoma City, OK 73123.

Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements. www.libertymortuary.com

Trula Lesley

Pickens — Trula Virginia Masters Lesley, beloved wife of Bascum Gregory Lesley, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Dec. 3, 2016.

Born in Pickens County on May 31, 1933, Trula was 83. She was the daughter of the late Tessie C. Masters and the late Neal M. Masters. She was a member of Pickens First Baptist Church.

She is survived by her son, Randy Steven Lesley (Becky); and her daughter, Cheryl Lesley Edge (Alex).

Services to honor and remember her life were held Dec. 6, 2016, in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, with the Rev. Dr. Fred Stone and the Rev. Bryan Hester officiating, with entombment following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Memorials may be made to Pickens First Baptist Church, 406 E Main St, Pickens, SC 29671.

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

Weldon Haynes

Pickens — Paul Weldon Haynes, 74, husband of Joyce Gosnell Haynes, passed from this life on Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, at The Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.

Mr. Haynes was born in Newberry County, a son of the late Paul and Pearl Robinson Haynes. For 25 years he was a service manager for Hinkle Jeep Sales in Pickens and retired as a department head after 30 years of service with Pickens County Vehicle Maintenance. Mr. Haynes loved to race Jeeps in his younger years, was a member of the Jeep Club and loved to bowl on the county bowling league. He was a U.S. Army veteran.

Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Joyce of the home; daughters, Tina Bearden of Pickens and Pamela Haynes Gray (Adam) of Six Mile; and grandchildren Braxton Paul Bearden, Braylon Jayce Bearden, and Madison Elizabeth Gray. Also surviving are brothers Walter Haynes, Leonard Haynes, Winfred Haynes, and Randall Haynes and a sister Elaine Marburger.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Haynes was preceded in death by a brother, Wallace Haynes, and sisters, Joan Turner and Janice Aiken.

Funeral services were held Dec. 5 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens in Pickens.

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

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Hospice of The Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.

Joseph C. Nalley

Easley — Mr. Joseph Carlton “Joe” Nalley, 91, husband of Mary Eloise King Nalley, passed away Monday, Dec. 5, 2016, at his home.

Born in Anderson County, a son of the late Luther David and Ola Mae Smith Nalley, Mr. Nalley received his associate degree from Central Wesleyan College. He retired from Norfolk Southern Railway and later retired from Ole Norm’s Hardware and Sporting Goods in Clemson. Mr. Nalley was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church, where he was a member of the Prayer Warriors Sunday School Class. He was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran, having served in WWII.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 66 years, are four daughters, Shirley Boyter (Tom) of Inman, Debbie Nalley of Easley, Pam Forrester (Gary) of Pickens, and Hope Grant (Jeff) of Easley; one brother, Charles Nalley (Bobbie) of Shelby, N.C.; five granddaughters, one great-granddaughter and one great-grandson. In addition to his parents, Mr. Nalley was predeceased by three brothers, George, Daniel and Jimmie Nalley; and three sisters, Leila Price, Elizabeth Patton and Lillian Knight.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 7, at Rock Springs Baptist Church, with Rev. Dr. David Gallamore officiating. Burial will be private.

The family will receive friends from 9:30-11:15 a.m. Wednesday at the church, prior to the service.

The family is at the home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Building Fund of 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-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Gary Earl Galbreath

Pickens — Gary Earl Galbreath, 52, husband of Sheila Galbreath, and son of the late William Earl Galbreath and Janice Marlene Galbreath passed Friday, Dec. 2, 2016, in Anderson.

Mr. Galbreath was born in Greenville and was loved dearly by his family.

Survivors include his wife Shelia of 33 years; and two sons, Jerry Galbreath of Pickens and Thomas Galbreath of Pickens. Mr. Galbreath also leaves to share in his memory six grandchildren, Faith Holcomb, Jerry Lee Galbreath Jr. and Anthony David Galbreath, all of Washington; Jeremiah Galbreath, Alex Galbreath and Anna Galbreath, all of Easley; and a brother, John Benson Galbreath of Pickens, and best friend, Andy Medlin of Easley.

Mr Galbreath was predeceased by his parents.

A memorial service for Mr. Galbreath will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Galbreath family.

Brian Keith Martin

easley — Brian Keith Martin, 47, of Easley, went home to be with his Lord on Sunday, Dec. 4, 2016, at his home.

Born on Aug. 9, 1969, in Greenville County, he was the son of James Edward and Billy Jean McAdams Martin. Brian was a 1987 graduate of Pickens High School and a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church.

Along with his parents, Brian is survived by two daughters, Courtney Cox (Brad) and Hailey Martin; one brother, Alan Martin (Tiffany); one grandson, Dawson Cox; and two nieces, Jenna and Jocelyn Martin.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Dec. 7, from 5-8 p.m. at Dillard Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, Dec. 8, at 11 a.m. in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with burial to follow at Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

The family will be at the home.

Memorials may be made to the Greenville Cancer Institute or Interim Hospice.

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

 

Amy Duegaw

Pickens — Amy Christine Duegaw, 48, of Pickens, formerly of Wichita, Kan., beloved daughter of Patrick and Kathleen Dooley Duegaw, joined hands again with her Mom in heaven on Nov. 28, 2016.

Amy was an adult with autism, but she never let that stand in her way when it came to being an advocate for anyone with special needs. She was determined to change the world for everyone with a disability. This determination enabled her to live independent, of which she was very proud.

Amy was a true happy camper with a giggle that could always make anyone smile. She had a “Can Do” attitude and never gave up dreaming of all the things she could accomplish in her life and had a very loving, giving heart.

Amy had a never-ending love for animals and children. She wanted to work with horses and children, despite her limitations, but that did not stop her from volunteering or applying for jobs at the horse ranch and child care facilities. She also enjoyed volunteering with community services and spent a lot of time with local food banks as this was her way of giving back to her community.

Amy was featured in artwork by her brother Patrick in two national magazines, Art In America and New American Paintings.

Amy is survived by her dad, Patrick, and stepmom, Joyce McJunkins of Pickens; and two brothers, Patrick and Eric Duegaw of Wichita, Kan. She is also survived by a dear friend and her brother from another mother, Lane McJunkins.

Amy was also blessed with extended family from Pickens County Board of Disabilities and Special Needs, Café Connections and Behavorial Health Services of Pickens County.

Amy was predeceased by her mom, Kathleen Dooley Duegaw of Watertown, N.Y.

Memorial services will be held at a later date in South Carolina, with plans for burial in New York to be forever by her mother’s side.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pickens County Board of Disabilities and Special Needs Day Program, 1308 Griffin Mill Road, Easley, SC 29640 or Café Connections, 319 E Main Street, Pickens SC 29671. Liberty Mortuary is assisting the family. www.libertymortuary.com

Dallas Warren

Easley — Mr. Dallas Warren, 47, of Easley, loving husband of Stacy Warren, passed away Sunday, Nov. 27, 2016.

He was born in Candler, N.C., to Charles Robert and Rosa Lee Warren. Both parents are surviving.

Dallas owned and operated Dallas Warren Welding in Easley and loved to build motorcycles. He was a talented and gifted welder and fabricator. He was a member of Mt. Moriah Wesleyan Church. He was truly a God-fearing warrior and he was loved by many. Truly a man of faith, family, hope, love, loyalty and pure grit, he was an individual who touched lives like no other. He gave hope in life and in the darkest times to others. He loved and lived bigger than life itself.

Anyone who ever saw him with his daughter saw true love first hand. For this brother of ours was a great warrior, protective brother and best friend who will truly be missed. Godspeed to you, Dallas Brown Warren.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Charlee Warren, and his son, Chandler Nix, both of Easley and their mother, Rhonda Nix, and his daughters, Paisley McClendon and Geneva McClendon, both of Easley, and their mother, Dallas’ loving wife, Stacy Warren; and sister, Annette Warren Padgett (Chad) of Campobello.

Memorial services were held Dec. 3 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home, Easley. A second service was held Sunday, Dec. 4, at Mt. Moriah Wesleyan Church, Candler, NC 28715.

In memory of Dallas, family has requested donations be made directly to Pelzer Rescue Squad EMS, P.O. Box 94, Pelzer, SC 29669-0094.

A special thank you to Brad Allen for honoring his friend.

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

Eloise J. Chambers

Easley — Eloise J. Chambers, 76, went to be with the Lord Saturday, Nov. 26, 2016.

Ms. Chambers was born in Easley, a daughter of the late Robert Truman Farmer Jones and Artie Jones.

Ms. Chambers was a member of Blue Ridgeview Baptist Church and also a member of the Moose Lodge and VFW. She was an entrepreneur of many different things, but her last venture was in physical therapy.

Survivors include one son, Jimmy Roy Chambers of Liberty; one daughter, Bobbi Jo Chambers of Easley; two grandchildren, James Horace Scruggs III (Trey) of Liberty and Meagan Elizabeth Pace of Easley; and two great-grandchildren, Andrew Anderson of Liberty and Alexus Ka’ren Smith of Easley. Ms. Chambers was predeceased by her parents and a daughter, Karen Roberta Chambers.

Graveside services were held Dec. 2 at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Easley.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Chambers family.

Richard Scott Mosley

Marietta — Richard Scott Mosley, 46, of Marietta, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2016, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Pickens County on Sept. 25, 1970, he was the son of the late David Reeves and Frances Mosley. Scott graduated from Pickens High School in 1989. He enjoyed taking trips to the mountains, walking, and he loved animals.

Surviving are his caregiver and cousin, Kathy Kelly (Leroy); one aunt, Ethelene Styles (Frank); and many loving aunts, uncles and cousins.

Services will be private.