EARL REYNOLDS

PICKENS — Earl Reynolds, 76, loving husband of 57 years to Pat Nalley Reynolds, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 22, 2025, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born June 16, 1948, in Pickens County, Earl was the son of the late John F. Reynolds and Martha McJunkin Reynolds. Mr. Reynolds was a member and deacon at Pleasant Grove Baptist Church.  He was employed and retired from BASF. He loved animals and enjoyed working in his yard with his azaleas. He was an avid Clemson Tiger fan, being an IPTAY member for many years, traveling to numerous bowl games with his wife and attending home games with his family. He loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren and their beloved dog, Lacey.

Survivors include his wife, Pat Nalley Reynolds of the home; daughter, Melissa R. Hines (David) of Marietta; son, Rob Reynolds (Tracy) of Travelers Rest; grandchildren, Aaron, Blake, Noah, Anna and Jenna; and brother, Tom Reynolds.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Reynolds was predeceased by his sister, Clara Ann Reynolds.

A memorial service took place on Jan. 26 at the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Earl’s honor may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital by stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Reynolds family.

 

HILDRED NEWTON LEWIS

PICKENS — Hildred Newton Lewis, 85, loving husband of 42 years to Carol Victoria Hill Lewis, passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, at his residence.

Born Jan. 5, 1940, in Pickens County, Hildred was the son of the late Virgil Lewis and Mildred Bailey Lewis. Mr. Lewis enjoyed working in his yard, going to the flea market and refinishing furniture. He loved his family dearly and enjoyed spending precious time with them.

Survivors include his wife, Carol Victoria Hill Lewis of the home; two daughters, Deborah Lewis of Pickens and Donna Jean Wilson (Lamott) of Easley; a son, Michael N. Lewis of Easley; three grandchildren, Dustin Sexton of Pickens, Jessee Sexton of Spartanburg and Kayla Gray Lewis of Piedmont; three great-grandchildren, Kaitlin, Koby and Kaden of Piedmont; a brother, T.J. Lewis of Pickens; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Lewis was predeceased by a daughter, Amanda Victoria Lewis; two sisters, Velma Waldrop and Evelyn Porter; and four brothers, Berce Lewis, Lester Lewis, Garvin Lewis and Wallace Lewis.

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

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Lewis family.

1. HAROLD CHASTAIN

PICKENS — D. Harold Chastain, 79, loving husband of 60 years to Barbara Chastain, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, at his residence.

Born Dec. 17, 1945, in Pickens, Harold was the son of the late Dewey Chastain and Claudia Chastain. Mr. Chastain loved the Lord and was a member of Berea First Baptist Church. He was very involved in church, where he served as a deacon, sang in the choir and participated in mission trips.

He loved his family dearly, especially his children and grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Chastain of the home; son, Jon Chastain of the home; daughter, Amy Moore (Marty) of Leawood, Kan.; grandchildren, Olivia and Mason; sister, Elese Sanford; and brother, Jerry Chastain.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Chastain was predeceased by a son, Barry Michael Chastain, and brothers, Wade Chastain and David Chastain.

A private committal service will be held.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Harold’s honor may be made to Berea First Baptist Church, 529 Farrs Bridge Road, Greenville, SC 29611, or the Pickens County Humane Society, 500 5 Forks Road, Liberty.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Chastain family.

 

DOLA MAE ATKINS CHAPPELL

EASLEY — Dola Mae Atkins Chappell, 84, loving wife of 56 years to the late Allen Chappell, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, at her daughter’s home.

Born on July 21, 1940, in Pickens County, Dola Mae was the daughter of the late Luke Atkins and Louise Porter Atkins. Mrs. Chappell was a member of Blue Ridge View Baptist Church in Pickens. Over the years, she had been employed as a seamstress for various companies, and in retirement she continued sewing for family and friends.

Survivors include her daughter, Michelle Duncan (Rodney) of Easley; grandchildren, Luke Duncan (Abigail), Savannah Hiltz (Jordan), Conway “Bo” Duncan and Adeline Duncan; siblings, Linda Masters, Dan Atkins (Judy), Martha Hawkins (Billy), Janice Atkins and Rachel Durham (Stanley); daughter-in-law, Andrea Chappell; and many loving nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Chappell was predeceased by a son, Tim Chappell, and brothers, Harold Atkins and Phillip Atkins.

Funeral services were held on Feb. 1 in the sanctuary of Blue Ridge View Baptist Church. Burial followed the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dola Mae’s honor may be made to Blue Ridge View Baptist Church, 745 Wolf Creek Road, Pickens.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Chappell family.

 

ALTA W. MURRELL

EASLEY — Alta Whitlock Murrell, 89, of Frank Street died Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025, at Cottingham Hospice House.

Born in Liberty, she was the widow of Marion Murrell and a daughter of the late William and Mary Frances Summey Whitlock. She was retired as a self-employed seamstress and a longtime member of Flat Rock Baptist Church where she worked with the children from pre-school to GAs.

Surviving are a sister, Ida Nix; two sisters-in-law, Zoe Whitlock and Elma Teat; two brothers-in-law Gordon Murrell and Ted Murrell (Pam); and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Gregg Murrell; two sisters, Wanda Norton and Frances Hamlin; and a brother, Jim Whitlock.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Murrell were held on Feb. 3 at the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Burial took place at Flat Rock Baptist Church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Flat Rock Baptist Church, 115 Slab Bridge Road, Liberty.

You may share memories or send condolences to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

BARBARA JEAN UNRUE

EASLEY — Barbara Jean Unrue, 83, of Easley, wife of the late Joseph Gerald Unrue, passed away on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.

Born in Richmond, Va., she was a daughter of the late George Henry McDorman and Nellie Margaret Hemp. She was a loving mother and grandmother, known for her simple yet profound dedication to her family. Barbara retired after more than 30 years of service at Belk in Easley. Throughout her life, Barbara had a loving heart, always putting others before herself. She found great joy in spending time with her family, which brought her endless happiness. Her children and grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she devoted much of her time and energy to nurturing those relationships. In addition to her family, Barbara had a deep affection for her dog, Norma, who shared many happy moments with her. She also enjoyed relaxing and reminiscing while watching old sitcoms, which added a touch of laughter to her days. She was of the Methodist faith.

She is survived by a son, Glenn Miller (Lisa) of Easley; a daughter, Debra Coates (Billy) of Easley: and two grandchildren, Matthew Coates and Michala Coates.

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

The family will host a private memorial service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), aspca.org, or to the Greenville Humane Society, greenvillehumane.com.

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

 

KENNETH WAYNE PARKER

EASLEY — Kenneth Parker, 86, of Easley, husband of 64 years to Rosemary Stewart Parker, passed away Saturday, Feb. 1, 2025.

He was born July 20, 1938, in Pickens, to Hoyt and Allene Parker.

Mr. Parker served in the US Navy and was a proud veteran of that branch of military service. He retired from Richmond Gear. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He loved his family with a passion and took great pride in each of their accomplishments.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Susan Gibson (Brian) of Easley; sons, Stewart Parker of Liberty and Thomas Parker (Theresa) of Pickens; and grandchildren, Jennifer Parker (Eric), Jessica Parker (Brandon), Ashley Owens (Parker), Katherine Gibson, Leanna Gibson, Seth Parker and Caroline Gibson. The apples of his eye in his later years were his great-grandchildren, Alaska and Oliver Balevre and Brinley Owens. Mr. Parker is also survived by sisters Jean Porter (Benny) and Lou Gantt and a sister-in-law, Vickie Stewart. He leaves behind many much-loved nieces, nephews and friends.

He was predeceased by a sister-in-law, Jane Davis (Dan), and his beloved brother-in-law, Dickie Stewart.

He was a member of Jones Avenue Baptist Church.

Visitation will be held from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5, in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. Interment will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

Flowers will be accepted.

The family is at the home.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Parker family.

 

MILDRED MANN SMITH

SIX MILE — Mildred Mann Smith, 98, formerly of Liberty Highway in Six Mile, died Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, at Powdersville Post Acute in Easley.

Born in Pickens, she was the widow of the late L.G. Smith and a daughter of the late Oscar and Sallie Duckworth Mann and the last surviving member of her immediate family. She retired from Swirl industries, where she worked as a cost analyst. She was very kind and giving to others. She showed that love and kindness in many ways, especially by assisting with delivering Meals on Wheels alongside her sister, Frances Bryson, for more than 25 years. Mrs. Smith was also a godly woman and was a longtime member of Ridgeland Drive Baptist Church.

Surviving are her two sons, Larry Smith (Pat) of Greenville and Robert “Bob” Smith (Marilyn) of Aiken; nine grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Geraldine Reeves; her son-in-law, Gary Reeves; and three sisters, Sarah Davis, Frances Bryson and Modena Kelley.

Graveside services conducted by Rev. Timothy Friar to honor the life of Mrs. Smith will be held at 11 a.m. Feb. 6 at Liberty Memorial Gardens. No visitation is planned.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Pickens County Meals on Wheels by visiting pcmow.org or by mail at 349 Edgemont Ave., Liberty.

The family members will be at their respective homes. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

ALLEN GILBERT TENNIS JR.

EASLEY — Allen Gilbert Tennis Jr., 70, of Easley, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025.

Mr. Tennis was born in Alaska to the late Allen and Billie Tennis.

Mr. Tennis was a devoted member of Oolenoy Baptist Church. He was a dedicated and hardworking man throughout his life. He spent much of his career as a mechanic and continued to pursue mechanical work even after his retirement. He had a particular passion for restoring and working on classic cars and motorcycles. Outside of the garage, he enjoyed tackling home projects and woodworking. He also found pleasure in watching classic shows and movies, as well as reading. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his beloved family.

Mr. Tennis is survived by his wife of 49 years, Sue Tennis; daughter, Alicia Shock (Steven); daughter, Melissa Snipes (Kendall); grandchildren, Amelia Shock, Nolan Snipes, Alleigh Shock and Wade Snipes; and two brothers, John Tennis and Tim Tennis. Mr. Tennis also leaves numerous nieces, nephews and cousins to cherish his memory.

A memorial service for Mr. Tennis was held on Feb. 4 at Oolenoy Baptist Church in Pickens.

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

 

EMMA ‘JEAN’ GILSTRAP BEARD

EASLEY — Emma “Jean” Gilstrap Beard, 88, of Easley, passed peacefully surrounded by family to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, February 2, 2025. Jean was born in Six Mile to the late William Henry Gilstrap and Elsie Aiken Gilstrap Trotter.

She attended Pickens High and loved her first career in several dental offices in Pickens County performing all supporting roles. First marrying Charles Edward Simmons, Jean became a mother, homemaker, and Sunday School teacher. After 18 years of marriage Charles passed away, and Jean poured her soul into her church and children. She represented the women of Pickens View Wesleyan Church on the building committee of the current sanctuary.  A decade later, she married Arnold Beard starting a second career as a pastor’s wife at Wesleyan churches in Elberton, Ga., several in N.C., Piedmont, and her home church at Pickens View. She and Arnold loved each other, their blended family, church families, traveling, and celebrating patriotic and Christian holidays. Her warm heart, great smile and Southern cooking will be missed by all.

Jean is survived by her daughter Susan Simmons (Roy Hoyle); son Samuel Simmons (Kristi); stepdaughter, Rena Quist (Phil); stepson, Brian Beard (Laura); and stepdaughter, Jena Edwards (Richard). She loved her grandchildren; Jennifer Crittenden (Adam), Charles Simmons (Grace), Alexander Simmons (Ali), Cameron Simmons, Drake Kelon Brown, Cody Jacobs (Kimberly Burrell), Matthew Jacobs, Morgan Dorriety (Aaron), Victoria White (Jay Cox), Hunter Allen (Chaz), Addison Holcombe (Isaiah) and Landon Edwards; and great-grandchildren, Cooper Crittenden, Khloe Jacobs and Devin Smith and Nolan, Jett, Sailor, Bowie and Boston Dorriety.

Jean was preceded in death by her parents, husbands Reverend Arnold McArthur Beard and Charles Edward Simmons; son, Sydney Simmons; her Gilstrap siblings, stepfather Arthur Trotter of Pickens and her Trotter stepsiblings.

For the last three years, Jean lived with her daughter on Lake Keowee due to limited vision. This time was filled with good memories of trips to Wyoming and fresh produce especially the melons from the Wednesday flea market. As her health declined, she was blessed to have Russell Chambers and Mary Evans as her household family. The family also wants to thank her many healthcare providers during this time. The family truly believes that while Jean’s quality of life visibly declined, God’s plan for her to live at home was still shining brightly through her beautiful blue eyes blessing and enriching the lives of everyone around her.

Visitation will be held Feb. 7, from 1 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. and a funeral service at 2 p.m. at Pickens View Wesleyan Church, 744 Bethlehem Ridge Rd, Pickens. A committal service follows at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 2410 Gentry Memorial Hwy, Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Pickens View Wesleyan Church building fund. Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

ANNE R. NABORS

EASLEY — Anne R. Nabors, 68, formerly of Warren, passed away Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Anne was born on April 5, 1956, in Springfield, Mass., and lived most of her life in Massachusetts and South Carolina. Anne attended Marian Hill High School in Southbridge, Mass., and earned her LPN from Holyoke Community College. She worked as an accountant at Piedmont BP until she became very ill early in 2024. Anne’s favorite pastime was bowling and talking while enjoying her favorite Starbucks coffee.

Anne was preceded in death by her father, the late Dr. John J. Rearick; her husband, Jerry S. Nabors; her brother, John J. Rearick Jr.; her sister, Theresa M. Rearick; and her sister-in-law, Ann W. Rearick.

She leaves behind her mother, Lorraine O. Frew; her siblings, Patricia Briggs, Michael Rearick and his wife Marilyn, Timothy Rearick, Maureen Rearick and Constance Schanck and her husband Bruce. Anne is also survived by her goddaughter, Leilani R. Peltz, and many other beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, as well as a true companion, her beloved cat, Ashland. She also leaves her “adopted” family Harry, Shilpa, Suryakant, Rohan Patel, Ashley and Moti.

A funeral mass for Anne will be held at 12:15 p.m. Feb. 7 at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Pickens. Visitation will be held from 5-6 p.m. Feb. 6 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Anne’s memory to the Shriners Hospitals for Children at shrinershospitals.org or St. Jude Children’s Hospital at stjude.org

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Nabors family.

 

NANCY ANN MCCARLEY

SIX MILE — Nancy Ann McCarley, 68, loving wife of 53 years to Thomas McCarley Sr., passed away on Monday, Jan. 27, 2025, at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.

Born on April 25, 1956, in Jackson County, N.C., Nancy was the daughter of the late Gemes Carr Harris and Ellen Harris. Mrs. McCarley was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church in Six Mile. She enjoyed traveling, working in her flower beds and spending time with her family and dogs. She was the glue of the family and loved making holidays special for all of them.

Survivors include her husband, Thomas McCarley Sr. of the home; children, Thomas McCarley Jr. of Six Mile, Crystal McCarley (Len Morton) of Six Mile and Tessa McCarley of Nashville; grandchildren, Dusty Morton and Isaih Anders; sisters, Dessie Gerrald and Charlotte Sullivan (Robert); and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. McCarley was predeceased by her grandson, Gene Thomas McCarley; and her siblings, Jim Snyder, Bill Snyder, Jane Hoxit and Gemes Harris Jr.

Funeral services were held on Jan. 30 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens. Burial followed the service at Mountain View Baptist Church cemetery in Six Mile.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the McCarley family.