MARGARET GOSSETT

EASLEY — Margaret Virginia Ellason Gossett, 82, passed from this life on Wednesday, March 23, 2016.

Mrs. Gossett was born in Laurens, a daughter of the late Gaddy Smith Ellason and the late Minnie Sludder Butner Ellason. She was retired from The Singer Company, Ryobi Motor Products in Pickens for 43 years. Mrs. Gossett was shut in for the last several years but last attended Landmark Baptist Church.

Survivors include her son, Bill R. Gossett (Janice) of Easley, and her daughters, Peggy V. Terry of Easley and Martha Jean Swafford of Westminster. Also surviving are six grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Services were held March 26 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

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

JOHN E. “OX” BLACK

EASLEY — Mr. John Edward “Ox” Black, 68, passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2016, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Lewis Albert and Jessie Mae Smith Black, Mr. Black retired from Duke Power and was of the Baptist faith. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the Vietnam War.

Surviving are the mother of his children, Shelby Jean Bargiol; a daughter, Kelsey Black (Brandon Dyar) of the home; a sister, Brenda J. Hendricks of Pickens; three grandchildren, Katie Black, Laila Black and Geoffery Black, Jr.; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Black was predeceased by a son, Geoffrey Black Sr.; and two brothers, Louis Alvin Black and James Marvin Black.

Services were held March 26 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.

Memorials may be made to the Leukemia Research Foundation by visiting their website at www.allbloodcancers.org, or to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615.

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

TOMMY CHAPPELL

LIBERTY — Tommy Ray Chappell, 54, of 102 Marigold Lane, died Thursday, March 24, 2016, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Pickens, he was a son of Donnie and Elaine Chappell. He was a graduate of Liberty High School and worked as a flight attendant for American Airlines for 20 years.

He was a member of Cannon Mountain Baptist Church.

Surviving in addition to his father and mother of the home, are a brother, Cameron Chappell of Liberty; two nieces, Chloe and Claire Chappell, both of Liberty; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in death by a sister, Tammy Michele Chappell.

Funeral services to honor Tommy’s life were held March 26 in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

RANDALL TROTTER

PICKENS — Randall D. Trotter, 59, passed from this life on Wednesday, March 23, 2016, at his home surrounded by his loving family, his companion Terri Talley, and his faithful dog Katie.

Randall was born in Pickens County, a son of the late Edgar and Alma Jones Trotter. He was formerly employed with Alice Manufacturing Company and retired from Pickens Railroad. He was a member of Red Hill Baptist Church.

Survivors include his companion, Terri Talley of the home; his son, Joshua Dean Trotter (Mandy) of Easley; brothers, Wayne Trotter and Jerry Trotter; sisters, Jean Travers and Jessie Mae James; grandson, Logan; and granddaughters, Jessie, Trinity, Sofeiya and Deserae.

A graveside service was held March 26 at Red Hill Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Red Hill Baptist Church, 558 Red Hill Road, Pickens, SC 29671.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to Upstate Hospice, especially Beverly and Kristie, for the loving care given to Randall during his illness.

BARRY TALLMAN

CENTRAL — Byron John “Barry” Tallman, 56, husband of Cindy Ramey Tallman, passed from this life on Thursday, March 24, 2016.

Barry was born in Plattsburg, N.Y., a son of Shirley Mae Churchill Latham and the late Earnest Arnold Tallman. He was self-employed as a floor covering installer and attended Golden Corner Church.

Barry was a loving husband, father, Papa and brother. Survivors include his wife of 24 years, Cindy Ramey Tallman; his mother, Shirley Lathem of Hankamer, Texas; his son, Corbin Tallman; and his daughters, Tara Layfield (Dylan), Trista Tallman (Erik Collins), Hannah Tallman (Caleb Bass) and Sheena Harris. Also surviving are grandchildren, Byron Colby Tallman, Payton J. Edmiston, Gage Lee Allen and Finn Elisha Collins, soon to be born. Surviving also are sisters, Cynthia Cooper, Cherie Campbell (Robert), Louise Farmer (Phillip), Iris Levesque (Bill), and Lisa Voyles (Tim) and brothers, Chris Tallman (Cherie) and Scott Tallman.

A graveside service was held March 28 at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens, with the Rev. Mark Bagwell officiating.

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

BETTY JOAN NEALY

EASLEY — Betty Joan Gilstrap Nealy, 79, wife of Joe Bart Nealy, passed from this life on Saturday morning, March 26, 2016.

Mrs. Nealy was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Frank and Mary Ardelle Kirk Gilstrap. She was retired from the School District of Pickens County, where she served as a teacher’s assistant at East End, Ben Hagood and Liberty elementary schools. Mrs. Nealy was a member of St. Andrew United Methodist Church in Easley.

Survivors include her husband of 60 years, Joe Bart Nealy of the home, and daughters, Kimberly Cumbee (Greg) and Clysta Fortner (Eddie) all of Easley. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Nealy Boyd, Jared Cumbee and Ali Cumbee.

Graveside services were held March 28 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 The Dream Center, Post Office Box 203, Easley, SC 29641.

CHARLES CLARDY

EASLEY — Charles H. “Charlie” Clardy, 76, husband of Sarah Kennemore Clardy of 45 years, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Friday March 25, 2016, at Rainey Hospice House in Anderson.

Born in Pickens County, he was a son of the late Charlie Harrison and Nannie Mae Swords Clardy. He was a graduate of the adult education program at Pickens High School, a member of Liberty Church of God and No. 10 Sunday School Class. He retired from Security Forces Inc. at the BASF plant in Central.

He loved his wife, his family, his church and friends. He was a No. 1 Clemson fan, an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved all sports, his trucks, camping, attending auctions, selling at the flea market and real estate sales. He was an all around happy person, never met a stranger and was willing to help those in need at any time.

Surviving in addition to his wife are two brothers, Buddy Clardy and Robert “Pee Wee” Clardy, both of Liberty; numerous nieces and nephews, including the oldest, Dale, whom they referred to as “Little Brother”; three great nieces; and a great nephew; and many loving cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by an infant daughter, Pamela Diane Clardy; a goddaughter, Missy Bates; a sister, Rebecca Ann Clardy; and five brothers, Paul, David (Knocker), Cecil, Dink and J.P. (Doodlebug) Clardy.

The family would like to thank the staff of Gentiva Hospice of the Upstate for their excellent care that was given. Also, a heartfelt gratitude to Upstate Cardiology Group, Dr. Steven Johnson, Dr. Jerry Acosta and staff and the staff and doctors of Baptist Easley Hospital.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Clardy were held March 28 in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel, with burial following at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Liberty, Church of God:PO Box 643 Liberty, SC 29657, Gentiva Hospice: 15 Brendan Way Greenville, SC 29615 or Hospice of the Upstate: 1835 Rogers Road Anderson, SC 29621.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements. www.libertymortuary.com

KATHRYN BLACKWELL

LIBERTY — Kathryn Pratt Blackwell, 88, of 101 Mae St., passed away peacefully Saturday morning at the home of her daughter.

Born in Liberty, she was the widow of Roy Ray Blackwell and a daughter of the late Burts Bonner Pratt Sr. and Frances Boggs Pratt. She was retired from Glenwood Mills and a member of Calumet Baptist Church.

Surviving are a daughter, Linda Whitlock (Billy) of Liberty; two sons, David “Buddy” DeNard (Buea) and Garen DeNard, both of Liberty; three brothers, Bonner Pratt of Greenville, Joseph Pratt of Richmond, Va., and Paul David Pratt of Liberty; five grandchildren, April Durham (Brad), Amy White (Mike), Amanda Rollins (Kevin), Brittany Bridwell (Matt) and Andrew DeNard (Jenna); and four great-grandchildren, Kathryn Durham, Cameron Durham, Emma White and Kaylee Chastain.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by three sisters, Mary Frances Proffitt, Eleanor Williams and Aletha Smith; and two brothers, Kyle Pratt and Robert “Bobby” Pratt.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Calumet Baptist Church: 400 S. Peachtree Street Liberty, SC 29657. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements. www.libertymortuary.com.

ROBERT WHITAKER

LIBERTY — Robert O’Neal Whitaker, 50, of 526 Piney Trail Road, passed away on Sunday March 27, 2016 at his residence.

Born in Pickens, he was a son of the late Johnny “Slick” Whitaker.

For many years he worked in construction, and during his free time he enjoyed the challenge of fixing just about anything that was broken. He also enjoyed fishing and hanging out with friends and family.

Surviving are his wife, Jeri Tatham Whitaker of the home; a son, Lukas R. Whitaker of the home; his mother and stepfather, Shirley and Ken Allen of Travelers Rest; a sister, Renee Whitaker of Anderson; six brothers, Jason Whitaker of Travelers Rest, Jimmy Dean Whitaker of Liberty, Joey and Brad Boggs of Ninety Six, Scotty Boggs of Easley and Robbie Boggs of California; and his stepmother, Grace Whitaker of Liberty.

He was preceded in death by his biological father, Neal Boggs.

Funeral services to honor Robert’s life will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.