Jake Lance

Pickens — J.D. “Jake” Lance, 91, of 169 Massingill Road, died Monday, March 10, 2014 at McCall Hospice House.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Elbert and Terzie Stansell Lance, Mr. Lance was employed with Easley Ice Parlor for 27 years, after which he owned and operated J.D. Lance Paint Contractors for 36 years. He was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church where he belonged to the Jim Merritt Sunday School Class.

Surviving are his wife of 49 years, Mary Reece Lance of the home; a son, Randy Fowler (Joyce) of Pickens; two daughters, Lola Clark (Bill) of Augusta, Ga., and Carolyn Boyd of Pawley’s Island; four grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Mr. Lance was predeceased by two brothers, Whitey Lance and Roscoe Lance, and by a sister, Christine Moore.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Thursday in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Entombment followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park Mausoleum.

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

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

Bruce “Smiley” Reeves

Marietta — Bruce Edward “Smiley” Reeves, 77, formerly of Marietta, died Monday, March 10, 2014 at Heartland Healthcare in Greenville.

Smiley was born in Easley, a son of the late William Edward and Ethel Mae Ferguson Reeves. He was retired from the textile industry and a member of Pleasant Grove Baptist Church. He enjoyed life, having fun, and found humor in the little things of life. It was a joy to see him get to know and love his grandchildren and great-grandchildren in his last days on earth. And as the angels carried him to his final resting place in Heaven he was still smiling on the inside.

Survivors include his daughter, Sharon Reeves Nichols (Mike) of West Union, grandchildren, Julia Gaillard Massey of Walhalla and Lukas Gaillard of Clemson, and great grandchildren, Kaleigh Nicole Massey and Brayden Delano Self. Also surviving are sisters, Reba Elrod and Vertie Burgess both of Pickens and Jean Trotter of Greenville, and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Smiley was preceded in death by his brothers, Leroy Reeves and Joseph Harmon Reeves.

A graveside service was held 3 p.m. Monday, March 17 at Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Richard Burgess and the Rev. Fred Sanford officiating.

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

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice, 421 SE Main Street, Simpsonville, SC 29681.

Dillard Funeral Home is serving the Reeves family.

Janet Chappell

Pickens — Janet Kimbrough Chappell, 62, wife of Gary (Wayne) Chappell died Tuesday, March 11, 2014 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Greenville County, Mrs. Chappell is a daughter of Frances Stamey Kimbrough and the late George (Bud) Kimbrough. She retired from the Table Rock golf course and was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving in addition to her husband, of the home, are a daughter, Angie Walker (Greg); two step-sons, Jay and Matt Chappell; one brother, Jimmy Kimbrough (Evelyn); four grandchildren, Jessie McGaha, Bryson Dover, Danielle and Maddison Chappell; one great-grandchild, Sofia McGaha; and her best friend, Mary Brace.

Funeral services were 3:30 p.m. Friday, March 14 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Holly Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.

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

Gladell Trotter

Easley — Gladell Roper Trotter, 85, wife of the late James (J.T.) Thomas Trotter died March 12, 2014 at her home.

Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Rufus Charlie and Mattie Gibson Roper. Mrs. Trotter was a homemaker and a member of Enon Baptist Church.

Surviving are three sons Steve Trotter (Carolyn), Tommy Trotter (Janet), and Cecil Trotter (Anita); nine grandchildren, Lynn Hatcher (Bubba), Keith Trotter, Kiley Trotter, Dillon Trotter (Candace), Clay Trotter, James Trotter, Thomas Trotter, Jeremy Honea, and Rachelle Turner; and seven great-grandchildren, Austin Hatcher, Carson Hatcher, Caleb Hatcher, Drake Galloway, Mileke Jackson, Landon Trotter, and Miles Trotter.

In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Trotter was predeceased by six brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services were 2 p.m. Saturday, March 15 at Enon Baptist Church.

Entombment followed service in Robinson Memorial Gardens Chapel of Reflection Mausoleum.

Memorials may be made to Enon Baptist Church, Building Fund, 871 Enon 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.

Gene M. Rollins

Six Mile — Gene Millard Rollins, 82, of 182 Andrew Road and husband of Jo Ann Riggins Rollins, died Thursday, March 13, 2014 at his home.

Born in Central, he was a son of the late Adam D. and Eugenia Holland Rollins.  He was the owner and operator of Rollins Tile and Carpet of Norris since 1955 and he was a U.S. Navy veteran of the Korean War.  Gene was a member of Cateechee Baptist Church.

Surviving in addition to his wife are two daughters, Tammy Lynn Rollins of Norris, Rebecca Jean Rollins (Phillip) of Central; two step-daughters, Donna (Barry) Young and Tammy (Thomas) Evatt all of Six Mile; three grandchildren, Sommer Gillespie, Hannah Davis and Emily Evatt; and his longtime special friend who was a like a son, Everett Cameron of Liberty.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by brothers, Welton, Ramsey, A.D., Holland, Harold and Mac Rollins; sisters, Lois Madden and Doris Summey Stevens.

Funeral services were 2 p.m., Saturday at Cateechee Baptist Church. Burial followed in Mt. Zion Cemetery.

A special thanks to Providence Hospice Care for their special care.

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

Gwen McCall

Easley — Gwendolyn Smith McCall, 90, of South Pendleton Street, wife of the late Roy C. McCall, Jr., died Friday, Feb. 28, 2014 at NHC of Greer.

Born in Lodge, a daughter of the late Leroy Martin and Eugenia Fox Smith, Mrs. McCall was a graduate of Furman University. She retired as a teacher with Gettys Middle School and Easley High School where she taught senior English and drama. Mrs. McCall was very active with the Greenville Little Theater where she won several Oscars, and was also active with the Foothills Theater in Easley as well as the Pendleton Theater. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Easley, where she taught Sunday School and was past president of the Greenville Christian Women’s Club.

Surviving are three sons, Roy C. McCall, III, (Carolyn) of Easley, Marty McCall (Vickie) of Herndon, Va., and David McCall (Barbara) of Nashville, Tenn.; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

Memorial services will be at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19 at First Baptist Church, Easley, with the Rev. Dr. John Adams officiating, along with Roy McCall, III, Marty McCall and David McCall.

Visitation will be in the narthex of the church immediately following the service.

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

Ruth C. Stokes

Easley — Ruth Ellen Cater Stokes, 77, wife of the late Charles Eugene Stokes, died Sunday, March 16, 2014.

Mrs. Stokes was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late James Clyde and Lavenia Perritt Cater. She retired as a supervisor with Sir Shirtmaker in Pickens and was a member of East Pickens Baptist Church.

Survivors include her sons, Gene Stokes of Easley and Hal Stokes (Liz) of Easley and a grandchild reared in the home, Chuck Stokes (Betsy) of Birmingham, Ala., three other grandchildren and six great grandchildren. Also surviving are sisters, Nell Galloway (Bill) of Jacksonville, Fla., Lura Hudson of Pickens, and Geraldine Patterson (Thomas) also of Pickens.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Stokes was preceded in death by brothers, A. C. Cater and James G. Cater and a sister, Melonee Wood.

Graveside services were 11 a.m. Tuesday at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

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

Memorials may be made to East Pickens Baptist Church, 2244 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens, SC 29671.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Stokes family.

Robert Lee Raines, Jr.

Marietta – Robert Lee Raines, Jr., 93, husband of the late Belvia McCall Raines, died Saturday, March 15, 2014 at his home.

Mr. Raines was born in Pickens County, a son of the late Robert Lee and Cassie Landers Raines. He was retired from Woodside Mills and he was a Baptist.

Survivors include sons Fred Raines (Pat) of Pickens, Eddie Raines (Joyce) of Easley and a daughter, Patricia Madden (Larry) of Pickens, 23 grandchildren 44 great grandchildren and 22 great-great grandchildren. Also surviving is a brother, Claude Raines of Easley and daughter-in-law, Lola Mae Townsend.

In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Raines was preceded in death by sons, John Robert Raines, Eugene Townsend, and Joel Raines and a daughter, Joyce Townsend Dowell, brothers, J. B. Raines, Andrew Raines, Gene Raines and Arthur Raines and sisters, Eula Holder, Minnie Sizemore, Mae Hayes, and Fannie Reeves.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 19 at Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens from 1:30 to 3 p.m. with funeral services following at 3 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will follow in the Veteran’s Garden of Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

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

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Raines family.

Oddyssey McCall

Woodruff —
Oddyssey Luann McCall, age 9 of 6 Cedar Lane, died Saturday March 15, 2014 at her home.

A native of Easley, she was the daughter of Randy C. and Edith Holliday McCall. She was a member of Lighthouse Baptist Church in Enoree, where she was a member of the Children’s Church and Children’s Choir.

Survivors, in addition to her parents, include her maternal grandparents, Maurice and Lucille Collier Holliday of Easley; three brothers, Zacchaeus, Joseph and Justin McCall; one sister, Winter McCall.

She was predeceased by her paternal grandparents Joseph Columbus Wayne McCall and JoAnn Garren McCall.
Funeral Services were held 11 a.m. Tuesday March 18 at Lighthouse Baptist Church officiated by Rev. Enoch D. Wilson. Interment followed in Forest Hills Memorial Park in Woodruff.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to Lighthouse Baptist Church c/o The Bible Team 23994 Hwy. 221 N., Enoree, SC 29335.

Forest Hills Funeral Home, Woodruff is assisting the McCall family. Send online condolences to www.foreshillsfuneralhome.net.

Eva Mae Davidson Sloan

Pickens — Mrs. Eva Mae Sloan of Pickens, died March 15, 2014, she was 83 years old.

Born in Greenville Township on May 17 1930 to George and Eva Mae Campbell Davidson.  Eva met and fell in love with her future husband, Llewellyn A. Sloan at the age of 17; they spent the next 66 years together.  Eva Mae dedicated her life to the service of her family and the Lord. As a young girl, she worked to help take care of her father, brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews. During that time she played third base in a traveling fast pitch softball league, often known for removing her cleats before the game was finished and playing with bare feet.

She was also a gifted writer, and enjoyed writing poems.  As an adult she worked alongside her husband in his many business ventures. She opened her own daycare center and was lovingly known as “Teacher” to her children. 32 years ago when her first (and only) granddaughter was born, she closed her business in order to help her children with their children, from then on she became our devoted “Nannie.” Her life’s work was caring for her four grandchildren.  Nannie prayed for and was blessed with the time she was able to spend with her two great grandchildren; they were pure joy to her life.  Sister Eva Mae loved the Lord; she was a spirited prayer warrior, and an active member of Abundant Life Church of Greenville.

Eva Mae never met a stranger, she was a strong, dynamic woman, and she is cherished by many. “If there ever comes a day when we can’t be together…Keep me in your heart, I’ll stay there forever.”

Eva Mae is survived by her husband and sons; Barry (Karen) Sloan, Garry Sloan, and Harry (Charlene) Sloan Sr., all of Pickens. She has four grandchildren; Andrea Sloan Thornal(David), Harry H. Sloan Jr., Bryan L. Sloan, and Larry Austin Sloan. Additionally, Nannie has two great-grandchildren Connor Burns and Carsyn Lily Thornal.  She is also survived by one sister, Irene Gossett.

In addition to her parents, and many siblings, she was preceded in death by a son and daughter in law, Larry Abraham Sloan and Donna Lynn Sloan.

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

A service was at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Mausoleum Chapel at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens. Entombment followed.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Journey Hospice, 655 N. Academy St., Greenville SC 29601 or Abundant Life Church, 630 Farrs Bridge Rd., Greenville SC 29611.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Sloan family.

Gene White

Easley — Morris Eugene “Gene” White, 80, of 930 McAlister Rd., husband of Florence Brownlow White, died Sunday, March 16, 2014 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born March 19, 1933 in Walhalla, he was a son of the late Jesse William and Mittie Smith White. Mr. White was a retired U.S. Air Force veteran having served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and also served with the 53rd Weather Recognizance Hurricane Hunters. He started his appliance service career in 1956, eventually owning and operating his own business, White’s Appliance in Easley. Mr. White graduated from Greenville Technical College and was a longtime member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church. He was an avid Braves fan, loved being with his family and put his heart and soul in his family business for 30 years.

In addition to his wife of 59 years, he is survived by his children, Barry White, Keith White, Karen Watson, Ray White (Sandy) and Alan White (Marinda); three sisters, one brother, 10 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his granddaughter, Cherie White, one sister and one brother.

Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 20 at Brushy Creek Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Robinson Memorial Gardens with full military honors.

The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road.

The family is at the home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute, P.O. Box 30105, Bethesda, MD 20824-0105 or the Veterans Foundation of America, 200 Craig Road, Suite 104 Manalapan, New Jersey 07726.

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

Glenn Allen Jr.

Easley — Glenn Carl Allen Jr, 79, husband of Joanne Hall Allen died Saturday, March 15, 2014 at St. Francis Hospital.

Born in Knoxville, Tenn., Mr. Allen was a son of the late Glenn Carl Allen Sr. and Bertha McCrosky. He retired from Michelin Tire and was a member Brushy Creek Baptist Church.

Surviving in addition to his wife of 56 years, are two sons, Charles Steven Allen (Justine) and Robert Kent Allen (Annette); two granddaughters, Gabrielle and Christie Allen; one grandson, Matthew Allen.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Allen was predeceased by two sisters.

Glenn words: “Life has been a great, glorious journey and I’m just changing vehicles! See you soon!”

A memorial service will be 3 p.m. Sunday, March 23 in Sapphire, NC 2000 White Water Road, Sapphire, NC 28774.

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