LILLIAN G. CHAPMAN

EASLEY — Mrs. Lillian Gillespie Chapman, 90, wife of the late Dewey Odell Chapman, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, Feb. 3, 2020.

Born in Anderson County, a daughter of the late Vanwyck Jerry Gillespie and the late Emma Smith Gillespie, Mrs. Chapman was a graduate of Easley High School and retired from the Elljean Plant of Alice Manufacturing Company with 50 years of service. She was a member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church, where she belonged to the Willing Workers Sunday School Class.

Surviving are a son, Jerry Odell Chapman (Beth) of Clemson; a daughter, Cheryl Chapman Brooks (Ralph) of Easley; two sisters, Jean Lark of Henderson, N.C., and Evelyn Freeman of Easley; five grandchildren, Jeff Chapman, Heather Stephens, Lauren Rinebold, Corey Herndon and Justin Herndon; and three great-grandchildren, J.J. Chapman, Claire Chapman and Cash Rinebold.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Chapman was predeceased by a brother, Thomas Jerry Gillespie; and three sisters, Doris McAbee, Bobbie Langston and Muriel Tooly.

Funeral services were held on Feb. 5 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Flowers will be accepted and memorials may be made to Homestead Hospice, 109 Laurens Road, Suite 1A, Greenville, SC 29607.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.

HAROLD LEE LANDERS

DACUSVILLE — Mr. Harold “Bub” Lee Landers, 90, husband of the late Bessie Lillian Brown Landers, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, Feb. 3, 2020, after a brief illness.

Born in Pickens County, the son of the late William Benton Landers and the late Lillie Hendricks Landers, Mr. Landers was a self-employed carpenter and farmer and was a member of Nine Forks Baptist Church for 64 years. He was a master Mason with the Monaghan Masonic Lodge and a Hejaz Shriner.

Surviving are two sons, Mike Landers (Teresa) and Tim Landers (Wanda), both of Dacusville; a daughter, Vickey Landers Malone (Terry) of Dacusville; seven grandchildren, Matt Malone, Brad Malone (Julie), Lee Malone (Amanda), Brandi Patton (Jeff), Will Landers (Jill), Kyle Landers (Jessica) and Sam Landers (Makayla); seven great-grandchildren, Bradley Malone (Tyler), Brittany Twichell (Dylan), Kenan Villano, John Landon Malone, Jaylee Malone, Kenna Landers and Ayken Landers; two great-great-grandchildren, Case Twichell and Haze Malone; and a special friend, Bobbie Trotter of Pickens.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Landers was predeceased by two brothers, Milton and Lewis Landers; and three sisters, Nettie McJunkins, Nannie Mae Medlin and Rosa Lee Smith.

Funeral services were held on Feb. 7 at Nine Forks Baptist Church. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted, and memorials may be made to Nine Forks Baptist Church, 3207 Earls Bridge Road, Easley, SC 29640.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Powdersville Road, Easley.

ERNEST E. HALL

EASLEY — Ernest Eugene Hall, 73, of Jameson Road, husband of the late Joan Hughey Hall, passed away on Monday, Feb. 3, 2020.

Born in Greenville County, he was a son of the late Alfred and Selma Bolding Hall.

Mr. Hall was retired from Anderson Brothers in Piedmont and was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church. He enjoyed repairing and restoring old cars and he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War.

Surviving are his children, Angela Hall Shiflet (David) of Fountain Inn, Larry E. Hall of Columbia and William “Duane” Hall of Easley; grandchildren, Sarah, Hannah, Michael, Daniel, Jonah, Rebekah, Abigail, Reuben, Ethan and Destiny Shiflet, and Katelyn Carnegie; five great-grandchildren; sisters, Mary Ashmore (Benny) of Lyman and Kathy Hall of Blue Ridge; and a brother, Alfred Hall Jr. (Linda) of Blue Ridge.

Funeral services were held on Feb. 6 at Rock Springs Baptist Church. Burial was held in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rock Springs Baptist Church, 201 Rock Springs Road, Easley, SC 29642.

The family will be at the home.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.

RALPH NORMAN MCKNIGHT SR.

EASLEY — Ralph Norman McKnight Sr., 91, of 409 Stewart Drive, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2020, at his residence surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Freehold, N.J., he was the son of the late Vincent C. and Charlotte Appelget McKnight. He proudly served in the Sea Bees with the U.S. Navy during WWII. He was a graduate of Tusculum College and retired from Platt Saco Lowell, where he worked for 28 years. He was a longtime member of Easley Presbyterian Church.

Surviving are his wife of 30 years, Peggy Johnson McKnight of the home; two daughters, Sandy Mahaffey (Paul) of South China, Maine, and Ann Thomas (J.R.) of Easley; two sons, Ralph N. McKnight Jr. (Dedee) and Steve V. McKnight (Karen) both of Easley; a sister, Ruth Marie Garlough of Pompano Beach, Fla.; a son-in-law, Glenn Moore of Easley; 10 grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Virginia “Ginny” Moore.

A memorial service for Mr. McKnight was held on Feb. 10 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be sent to Hospice of the Foothills, 298 Memorial Drive, Seneca, SC 29672.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com.

Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.

CHRISTOPHER LEE OWENS

CENTRAL — Christopher Lee Owens, 38, passed away unexpectedly on Monday, Feb. 3, 2020.

He was born in Greenville on Dec. 5, 1981, a son of James and Judy Holder Owens.

Lee was a young man who loved fixing things. He would work on cars, TVs, watches — you name it, he could fix it. If he couldn’t fix it, then it couldn’t be fixed. He was mesmerized by helicopter and airplanes. Whenever Lee heard one, he would run outside and just watch it.

In addition to his parents, Lee is survived by a daughter, Keily Nicole Owens of Central; a son, Christopher James Lee Owens of Central; a sister, Pamela Renee Brown (Eric) of Six Mile; and grandmother, Martha Holiday Holder. He was predeceased by a brother, Samuel Sheldon Owens.

The family will hold a private memorial for Lee at a later date.

Please visit robinsonfunerahomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory, Central – Clemson Commons.

MAE PARRIS

PICKENS — Prescilla “Mae” Waters Parris, 81, passed away on Feb. 3, 2020, at Manna Health and Rehabilitation of Pickens.

Born on Sept. 2, 1938, in Transylvania County, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Bruce and Bonnie Smith Waters. She was retired from Carolina Fine Foods of Pickens and was of the Baptist faith. Prescilla had a very caring and giving heart. She loved children and was affectionately known by all as “Momma Mae” or Nanny.

Surviving are her four sons, Johnny Parris, Robert Parris, Billy Ray Parris (Bonnie) and Dean Parris (Joni); two daughters, Tina Popard (Reverend Rick) and Missy Moody (Gregg); two sisters, Nan McCardle and Kathleen Holden; 15 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by four brothers, Wayne Waters, William Waters, Robert Waters and Paul Waters; and two sisters, Margie Stalk and Lenora Phillips.

Funeral services were held on Feb. 7 at Dillard Funeral Home chapel. Burial was held at Sunrise Cemetery in Pickens.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Parris family in making arrangements.

ELAINE HUGHES REECE

PICKENS — Elaine Reece, 71, wife of Carl Reece, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2020, at Baptist Easley.

She was the daughter of the late Ellis A. Hughes. Mrs. Reece loved the outdoors, where birds would eat from the palm of her hand.

Survivors include her husband of 53 years; her mother, Gertrude Simmons Hughes of Pickens; two sisters, Catherine Gilstrap and Audrey Morris, both of Pickens; seven nieces and nephews; 10 great-nieces and nephews, which she loved and adored; a special aunt, Doris Childs of Pickens; and sister-in-law, Cathy Hughes of Pickens.

Funeral services were held on Feb. 7 at Mountain View Funeral Home. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Mrs. Reece was predeceased by her father and one brother, Sam Hughes.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Reece family.

SAMMY R. ELLENBURG JR.

EASLEY — Samuel Rufus “Sammy” Ellenburg Jr., 85, of Store Road, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020, at his home.

Born in Pickens County, he was a son of the late Samuel Rufus Ellenburg Sr. and Flora Gilstrap Ellenburg.

Mr. Ellenburg was retired from the S.C. Highway Department after 26 years of dedicated service. He was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church and the Keowee Masonic Lodge #79 A.F.M. He enjoyed hunting, working in his yard and listening to bluegrass music. Also, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army with the 101st Airborne.

Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Bettie Waldrop Ellenburg of the home; his children, Samuel Rickey Ellenburg of Easley and Shirley Ellenburg Truluck (Ray) of Greenville; grandchildren, Mary Beth Doherty (Reid), Sallie Gold (Casey) and Danielle Ellenburg; great-grandchildren, Callen Merritt Gold, Merritt Reid Doherty and Riley Grace Ellenburg; and a sister, Joyce Owens of Easley.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter-in-law, Lynn Ellenburg; sisters, Ressie Woods, Myrtle Corey and Wilma Conner; and brothers, Alcie, Ralph, Leland, Dewey, Louie and Herbert Ellenburg.

Funeral services were held on Feb. 11, 2020, at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown with the Rev. Dr. David Gallamore and Rev. Dr. Roger Couch officiating. Entombment followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Homestead Hospice, 109 Laurens Road, Building 1A, Greenville, SC 29607.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.

GARY C. ROBINSON

EASLEY — Gary C. Robinson, 80, widow of the late Shirley Robinson, went to be with the Lord on Friday, Feb. 7, 2020, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born on April 21, 1939, in Greenville County, he was the son of the late Clifton and Lois Odom Robinson. Gary was a gun enthusiast. He enjoyed collecting and trading guns and was a member of the Collector of S.C. Arms and Confederate States of America. He loved watching westerns and listening to country music. His favorite country music artist was Tanya Tucker. Gary was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are his four children, Cindy Bishop and her husband James, Cathy Robinson, Sue Harrison and her husband Ray, and Richard Robinson and his wife Laurie; one brother, Billy Robinson; 11 grandchildren, Rodney Gentry, Robin Harris, Joey Helton, Brent George, Lance George, Angel Thomason, Raymond Harrison, Charles Harrison, Christina Bailey, Christopher Harrison and Colin Skelton; 18 great-grandchildren and several loving great-great-grandchildren.

A graveside service was held in the Hillcrest Memorial Park mausoleum on Feb. 9, with the Rev. Rodney Gentry officiating.

Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital or the American Heart Association.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Robinson family in making arrangements.

NORA “NANNY” ALEXANDER

LIBERTY — Nora Pressley “Nanny” Alexander, 92, of 333 S. Peachtree St., passed away peacefully on Monday, Feb. 10, 2020, at the home of her daughter.

Born in Pickens she was the widow of Clyde B. Alexander and a daughter of the late Dave and Bessie Dickard Pressley.

Mrs. Alexander was a charter member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Liberty. She worked for ECP before taking early retirement to take care of her late husband. She loved caring for others, cooking and her grandchildren.

Surviving are a daughter, Sandy McClain (James) of Liberty; two grandsons, Scott McClain (Tonia) and Kevin McClain (Angie), all of Liberty; four great-grandchildren, Jamie McClain (Stephanie), Jonathan McClain (Kayla), Rachel McClain and Harrison McClain. Also surviving are six great-great-grandchildren, Sophia, Easton, Braxton, Chevy, ElleeMae and Henry.

She was the last surviving member of her immediate family, and in addition to her husband and parents, was preceded in death by eight brothers and sisters.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Alexander will be conducted at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 12, in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Burial will be at Liberty Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 9:45-10:45 a.m. at the mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials may be made to Open Arms Hospice, 1836 W. Georgia Road, Simpsonville SC 29680.

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

WALLACE NOAH MASTERS

SIX MILE — Mr. Wallace Noah Masters, 83, husband to his loving bride Bonnie Jean Durham Masters, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Feb. 8, 2020.

Mr. Masters was born in Pickens County and was the son of the late Esley Wade Masters and Nora Pauline Stone Masters.

Survivors include sons, Delayne Masters (Trisha) of Pickens and Darren Masters (Le Ann) of Greenville. Mr. Masters is also survived by four loving and caring grandchildren, Tristen Merrell (Joseph) of Six Mile, Lindsey Ann Masters of Greenville, Savannah Masters of Greenville and Jackson Masters of Greenville; a brother, Charles Masters; a sister, Kathy Crenshaw (Elbert); and many loving nieces and nephews.

Mr. Masters was a longtime member of Gap Hill Church of God, where he had taught Sunday School since the age of 25. He was a member of the Sanctuary Seniors Sunday School Class. He would do anything for his family, and his four grandchildren were his pride. Mr. Masters taught his two sons the meaning of hard work, and at the age of 83 was still reporting to work every day at Masters Electrical. He loved to take trips with his wife.

Mr. Masters was predeceased by a son, Robert Scott Masters, and a sister-in-law, Betty Masters.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 12, from 1-2:20 p.m. at Gap Hill Church of God, 3540 Walhalla Highway, Six Mile, SC 29682. A funeral service will follow at 2:30 p.m. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Family is acceptable to receiving flowers. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Masters Family. Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

GIL RUSHTON

EASLEY — Harry Guilford “Gil” Rushton, 91, husband of the late Edna Elizabeth “Betty” Jenkinson Rushton, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, Feb. 6, 2020.

Born in Greenville County, Mr. Rushton was a son of the late J. Carlisle Rushton and Joyce B. Rushton. He attended public school in Greenville, graduating from Greenville High School in 1945 as senior class secretary. Upon graduation, he enrolled in Clemson University on a football scholarship. After freshman year, he volunteered to serve in the U.S. Army and served in the special forces, from 1946–1947, in the U.S. Army Headquarters (GHQ) in Tokyo, Japan. During his military tenure, he played football on General Douglas MacArthur’s HQ team and was selected to play in the 1947 Japan All-Star game. Following military service, he returned to Clemson in 1947, and in 1951 received a Bachelor of Science degree in textile engineering. While at Clemson, he lettered in football for four years, including two undefeated seasons culminating in the 1949 Gator Bowl and 1951 Orange Bowl victories. He also lettered three years in track and was selected team captain his senior year. He was a member of Block “C” Club, serving as secretary for two years, was inducted into Phi Psi Honorary Fraternity and selected for Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

Following graduation, from 1951-1953, Gil entered J.P. Stevens Company management trainee program with Victor Mill in Greer. From 1953-1970, he represented Nationwide Insurance Company in sales management for S.C., North Carolina and Georgia. From 1970 to the present, he established and operated The Rushton Agency as general insurance agent in Easley. His achieved accomplishments were the Presidents Club Award for five years and in 1978 received the Charter Life Underwriter (CLU) designation from The American College, Bryn Mawr, Pa.

For Gil, football officiating was his favorite avocation from 1953-1989, serving 12 years in S.C. and North Carolina High School Football Program including the 1957 Shrine Bowl. He was a former president of the S.C. Football Officials Association serving 32 years as an Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) football official, the longest tenure of any ACC football official. He received the ACC Service to Football Award in 1986 and the ACC Commissioner’s Award for Officiating in 1987. He officiated several bowl games, including the Orange Bowl, Gator Bowl, Citrus Bowl, Peach Bowl, Hall of Fame Bowl, Garden State Bowl, Coaches All American game and several Alonzo Stagg Division II Championship Games. He also served as president of the ACC Football Officials Association and until recently, he served as an ACC officials game observer.

Gil was a proud supporter of Clemson University. He was a former president and director of the Clemson Tiger Letterman Association, organized officials and officiated Clemson scrimmages from the Frank Howard to Danny Ford era. He currently was an IPTAY representative for Pickens County and had an IPTAY Scholarship Donor Life Membership, including 46 years of consecutive giving to IPTAY. He also had 40 years of consecutive giving to the Clemson Fund and was an ardent supporter of Clemson athletics.

Gil was an active member of Easley First Baptist Church.

Gil was a loving husband, father and grandfather who adored his family. He was a great influence on all of their lives and was always there for the love and support. He will be dearly missed by all who knew him. Surviving are his children, Dr. Harry Guilford “Gil” Rushton Jr. and his wife, Denise, of McLean, Va., and Janet Rushton “Jan” Overton and her husband, Benson, of Clemson; grandchildren, Dr. Hilary Rushton, Callie Rushton, Douglas Rushton Jr. and Manning Rushton; and two step-grandchildren, Joe Conrad and Taylor Conrad.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Rushton was predeceased by a son, Douglas Edward “Doug” Rushton; a sister, Joyce R. Curry; and a brother, James C. Rushton.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 15, at Easley First Baptist Church, with Rev. Dr. John Adams officiating. Entombment will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum.

The family will receive friends prior to the service on Saturday from 1-1:45 p.m. in the church narthex.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Easley First Baptist Church, 300 E. First Ave., Easley, SC 29640.

The family will be at their respective homes.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.

MICHAEL DAVID YOUNGBLOOD (BLOOD)

CENTRAL — Michael David Youngblood, 54, passed away on February 8, 2020.

Survivors include his mother, Linda Simmons Youngblood; his children, Megan McGrew (Levi), David Austin (Savannah) Youngblood, Madison Youngblood and Kayla James; his grandchildren, Taylor, Kennedy, Kyler, Hudson and Landyn; his brother, Jeffrey (Nancy) Youngblood; his nieces, Carol Schoenfeldt and Katie Holcombe; his cousins, Lawana Gilstrap and Alan Gilstrap; and his aunt, Betty J. Gilstrap.

Mr. Youngblood was predeceased by his father, David Walton Youngblood; grandson, Cole McGrew; and maternal grandparents, J.R. and Maggie Simmons.

Michael was a member of Pickens View Wesleyan Church. Blood enjoyed fishing, Harley motorcycles and Jeeps, and was an avid fan of the Clemson Tigers.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 12, at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Youngblood family

JOYCE S. ROWLAND

EASLEY — Joyce S. Rowland, 71, wife of James E. Rowland for 51 years, passed away on February 9, 2020.

Survivors include her husband, James; her son, Stephen Rowland; her father, “Wilton” Roy Sanders; her sister, Martha Tant; and her brother, Barry Sanders.

Joyce was predeceased by her mother, Doris Mae Sanders.

Joyce was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church and a devoted member of the Shekinah Glory Bible Study Group. She loved to cook and bake, but most of all loved her family.

A visitation of family and friends will be held on Friday, Feb. 14, from 1-2 p.m. at Rock Springs Baptist Church, to be followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. The family will be at the home.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Rowland family.

SYLVIA WILLIMON WHITAKER

PIEDMONT — Sylvia Jean Willimon Whitaker, 82, of Piedmont, loving wife, mother, and Nana, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Feb. 7, 2020, with her family by her side.

Sylvia, daughter of the late Homer Matthew Willimon and Bertie Johnston Willimon, was predeceased by her husband, Earnest Delano Whitaker; three brothers: Ernest, Marvin and Bill Willimon; and one sister, Helen Ringstad.

Surviving are three daughters, Trish Whitaker (Bill) and Taleena Widener of Piedmont, and Judi Peterson (Jim) of Lexington; three sons, Roger Kevin Peterson (Jane) of Anderson, and Timothy Lee Peterson and Paul Michael Peterson, both of Piedmont; six grandchildren, Taj Gomez (Andy), Bejhane Dibaj (Aubree), Magen Peterson, Twana Zayas, Michael Peterson and Cara Peterson; and seven great grandchildren, Caleb Gomez, Dominic Gomez, Hunter Zayas, Dorian Dibaj, Kaleigh Friend, Braydon Zayas and Harper Dibaj. She is also survived by three sisters, Lucille Willimon of Piedmont, Vernie Norton (Lester) of Easley and Mary Ann Hale (Mark) of Greenville; and one brother, Homer Willimon Jr. (Liz) of Dacusville.

Sylvia enjoyed spending time with her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She loved making jewelry and was a gifted home decorator.

A graveside service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 12, at Robinson Memorial Gardens on Powdersville Road in Easley.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Whitaker family.