Courier Obituaries 4-10-19
DENNIS MAX HANEY
PICKENS — Dennis Max Haney, 67, husband of 48 years to Linda Haney, passed into eternity on March 25, 2019.
Born in Flint, Mich., he was a son of the late Elwood Max Haney and Marion Schmidt Haney.
Dennis was employed by General Motors for 32 years and was a member of Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens.
Survivors include his wife, Linda of the home; mother-in-law, Betty Pleschakow; a son, Gary and his wife, Ruth Bruner; grandchildren, Michael, Daniel and Abigail Olivia; great-grandchild, Kira; two sisters, Libby and Candy Lynn; three brothers, Glenn, Lloyd and Ray; a nephew, David (Michelle) Haney; and a niece, Shannon Zemotel.
Mr. Haney was predeceased by his parents and a sister, Mary Ann.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Haney family.
THOMAS BRIAN MCKENZIE
PICKENS — Brian McKenzie, 44, son of Thomas McKenzie and Frances Foster, passed from this life on Monday, April 1, 2019, at Prisma Health–Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born in Pickens County, Brian was a veteran of the United States Air Force and known for his love of everything Clemson.
Survivors include his father, Thomas (Yvette) McKenzie of Greenville; his mother, Frances (Robert) Foster of Pickens; his significant other, Nicole James of Pickens; a son, Colton Richard Grantham-McKenzie; a brother, Mikey (Jennifer) McKenzie of Pickens; a sister, Mandy (Daniel) Dowell of Seneca; nephews, Carter McKenzie and Bo Dowell; a niece, Meghan McKenzie; and step-sisters, Whitney More and Taylor More of Greenville.
A visitation was held on April 4 at the Pickin Pickens Auction.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor Brian’s legacy by donating to the Brian McKenzie Cancer Fund at dm2.gofund.me/brian-mckenzie-cancer-fund.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the McKenzie family.
BRUCE T. FINLEY
EASLEY — Bruce Tinsley Finley, 89, of Dacusville Highway, husband of the late Geraldine “Jerry” Weaver Finley, passed away on Tuesday, April 2, 2019.
Born in Pickens County, he was the son of the late Devid Velmon Finley and Mattie Tinsley Finley.
Mr. Finley was retired from J. P. Stevens’ White Horse plant. He was a member and usher of Cedar Rock Baptist Church and proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.
Surviving are his children, Pamela Jean Nicholls of Greenville and Gregory Tinsley Finley (Judy) of Easley; grandchildren, Deanna Finley, April Finley and Robbie Nicholls (Kayla); great-grandchildren, Daniel Nicholls and Rheagan Nicholls; and a daughter-in-law, Cindy Finley.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by a son, Michael Bruce Finley; grandchildren, Stephen Nicholls and Heather Finley; and a sister, Lola Finley Cartee.
Funeral services were held on April 5 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with burial following at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 1625, Easley, SC 29641 or gideons.org.
Condolences may be expressed online by visiting robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Homes-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
MARTHA EVATT
CENTRAL — Martha Frances Smith Evatt, 95, originally of Central, died Sunday, March 31, 2019.
Martha accepted Jesus as her Savior at age 13 and was a Christ-follower the rest of her life. She reflected Christ’s love to her family, church, community, colleagues and students. She was a member of Trinity Wesleyan Church for 66 years where she served in many roles including Sunday school teacher of the Berean Class for nearly 40 years and vice-chairman of the local board for 27 years. She also served The Wesleyan Church in several district and denominational positions.
Martha graduated from Parker High School in Greenville and earned associate and bachelor’s degrees from Southern Wesleyan University and Furman University. During World War II, she worked for the Office of Strategic Services as a researcher and proofreader. After the war, she completed a Masters in Library Science from The University of North Carolina. She was librarian at Daniel High School. Joining SWU, she served as head librarian for 41 years and was honored as librarian emeritus.
Survivors include son, Robert Smith Evatt (Susan) of Mertztown, Pa.; daughter, Susan Evatt Gray (Edward) of Kings Mountain, N.C.; grandchildren, Christopher Lee Evatt, James Michael Evatt, Matthew Edward Gray and Sarah Marie Gray; sister, Nelle Able of Gloversville, N.Y., and brother, Gary Smith (Ellie) of Yorktown, Va.
Martha was preceded in death by her parents, the late Jeptha Oscar and Ida Cook Smith; her husband, Kendrick Lee Evatt; and six brothers and sisters.
A funeral service was held at Trinity Wesleyan Church on April 7, and a graveside service followed at Mt. Zion Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Southern Wesleyan University.
Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at the funeral home.
MARY S. RAMEY
EASLEY — Mrs. Mary Sweet Ramey, 86, wife of the late Jack Lloyd Ramey, passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2019.
Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Edward Grover Sweet and the late Mamie Leona Garrick Sweet, Mrs. Ramey was retired from Cornell Dubilier with 45 years of service and was a member of United Wesleyan Church, where she loved to sing in the choir and formerly served as the church pianist.
Mary loved her family, and was especially proud of her grandchildren, who knew her as Mema. She will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew her.
Surviving are two sons, Stan L. Ramey of Fair Play and Steve H. Ramey of Easley; three daughters, Sherry D. Ramey of Easley, Janet R. Stansell (J.W.) of Pickens and Angie R. James (Earl) of Liberty; one sister, Effie S. Dobson of Easley; eight grandchildren, Heather, Josh, Stevie, Leona, Crystal, Heath, Daniel and Savannah; eight great-grandchildren, Haley, Devin, Deandra, Dylan, Patrick, Chloe, Mattie and Mylah; and one great-great-grandchild, Peyton. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Ramey was predeceased by three brothers, Lewis, Pete and Walter Sweet; and four sisters, Helen S. Garrett, Lena Holliday, Jessie Bentley and Bernice Owens.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, April 6, at United Wesleyan Church. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, Easley, which is assisting the family
PHILLIP NEWTON HODGE SR.
EASLEY — Mr. Phillip Newton Hodge Sr., 89, passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2019.
Born in Bane, Va., a son of the late Charles Alexander Hodge and Mary Lee Carpenter Hodge, Mr. Hodge was a member of Corinth Baptist Church and was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in WWII.
Surviving are a son, Charles W. Hodge (Sherri) of Easley; two daughters, Nancy Ann Hodge of Liberty and Mary Hodge of Virginia; six grandchildren, Alex Hodge, Madison Hodge, Catilyn McDonald, Phillip Hodge Jr., Chad Simmons and Krystal Simmons; and two great-grandchildren, Nathan and Jacob Simmons.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Hodge is predeceased by one son, Mose E. Hodge; one brother and five sisters.
Funeral services were held on April 8 at Galilee Baptist Church. Burial followed in the Corinth Baptist Church Cemetery in Easley.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorials made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road Anderson, SC 29621.
Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, Easley, which is assisting the family.
WILLIAM “WILL” EDWARD BRIGHT
PICKENS — Will Bright, 49, husband of Susan Darlene Mathis Bright, passed from this life on Wednesday, April 3, 2019.
Born in Greenville County, he was a son of Steven Earl Bright Sr. and Jennifer Elliott Bright. Will was a member of Fairview Independent Baptist Church and a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served in Desert Storm. He enjoyed his grandchildren and loved spending time with his family and was known for his willingness to help those who were in need.
Survivors include his wife, Susan, of 14 years; his parents, Steven and Jennifer Bright; children, Eddie (Tina) Bright, William Bright, Josh (Courtney) Bright, Angel Duncan, Melody (Chris) Moore, Sherri Burrell, Stephanie Scott, Christopher Calhoun and Jerry Calhoun; 21 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; brothers, Steven Earl Bright Jr. and Mark Joseph Bright; and his grandmother, Vera Bright.
Will was predeceased by his grandparents, Bill and Sylvia Elliott and Homer Bright, and a brother-in-law, Danny Mathis.
A memorial service was held on April 6 at Fairview Independent Baptist Church, officiated by Pastor David Lambert and Pastor Don McQueen.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Bright family.
VENELL GOUDELOCK GILSTRAP
LIBERTY — Venell G. Gilstrap, 93, wife of the late Carl Daniel Gilstrap, passed from this life on Friday, April 5, 2019, at the Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.
Born in Pickens County, Mrs. Gilstrap is a daughter of the late Brown Knuckles Goudelock and Lizzie Alexander Goudelouck.
Survivors include four daughters, Margaret Hamilton of Easley, Patsy Jones (Jerry) of Liberty, Sharon Gantt (Greg) of Liberty and Carlene Gilstrap of Liberty; five grandchildren, Crystal Barkley (Kyle), Jerry Jones, Michelle Jones, Jason Walker (Sandra) and Gregory Gantt (Felicia); and two great grandchildren, Blake Barkley and Jackson Barkley.
Mrs. Gilstrap was predeceased by her parents, her husband, one sister and two brothers.
A graveside service was held on April 8 at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Easley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cottingham Hospice House, 390 Keowee School Road, Seneca, South Carolina 29672.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Gilstrap family.
JAMES BUFORD
“COTTON TOP” BRYANT
PICKENS — James Buford “Cotton Top” Bryant, 70, passed from this life into heaven on Wednesday, April 3, 2019, at his home.
Born on March 12, 1949, in Pickens County, he was the son of the late James Edward and Ossie Mae Shead Bryant. He was a member of Red Hill Baptist Church and loved collecting knives and tools. Cotton Top enjoyed vegetable farming and trout fishing.
Surviving are his two sisters, Brenda Galloway and Alberta Bryant; one brother, Dennis Bryant (Janice); five nephews, four nieces and many loving great nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by one sister, Sarah Chapman; and two brothers, Ray Bryant and Freddie Bryant.
A graveside service was held on Saturday, April 6, at Red Hill Baptist Church cemetery.
Flowers are accepted, or memorials may be made to Red Hill Baptist Church, 558 Red Hill Road, Pickens, SC 29671.
DANNY COLLINS
LIBERTY — Danny Lee Collins, 57, passed from this life on Saturday, April 6, 2019, at his home.
Danny was born in Pickens County, a son of the late George Washington and Myrtie Louise Nix Collins. He was retired from the U.S. Navy after 17 years of service and later served in the U.S. Army and National Guard. Danny was a member of Cross Roads Baptist Church.
Survivors include sons, Danny Lee Collins II (Jennifer) of Rising Sun, Md., Quentin Collins (Leighton) of Easley and Johnathan Segar of Liberty; a daughter, Angelique Collins (Clint Bailey) of Pickens; and grandchildren, Danny Lee Collins III, Adalynn Collins, Michael Bailey, Xena Bailey and Fisher Collins. Also surviving are brothers, Rickie George Collins and Billy Lee Collins (Eillean), and sisters Audrey Terryn (Mark) and Bonnie Funk (Al).
The family will receive friends Thursday, April 11, from 1:30-2:45 p.m. at Cross Roads Baptist Church in Easley. Funeral services will follow in the church at 3 p.m., with the Rev. Phil Henry officiating. Burial will be held at a later date.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting DillardFunerals.com. The family members are at their respective homes. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Collins family.
JUDY G. ROBINSON
EASLEY — Judy Elaine Gantt Robinson, 72, of Noble Road, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, April 7, 2019.
Born in Pickens County, she was a daughter of the late Dwight and Etheleen Holcombe Gantt.
Judy was a member of Cedar Rock Baptist Church where she was a custodian for 21 years, taught Sunday school, GAs and Acteens and was a leader of the Young at Heart. She also enjoyed writing to her 46er Sisters Group, a group of women who were born in 1946.
Surviving are her husband of 53 years, Danny L. Robinson, of the home; sisters, Jane Gantt Nix (James) of Pickens and Becky Gantt of Ware Shoals; nieces, Jamie Bryant (Allen) of Easley, Janet Roe of Pickens and Emily Gantt of Ware Shoals; a nephew, Jacob Porter Sr. of Columbia; great-nieces, Leah, Lydia, Cara, Paisley and Oli; great-nephews, Elijah, Isaac, Blake and Jacob Jr.; and a special caregiver, Nellie Spitler.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Susan Gantt; a brother, Steve Gantt; and a great-niece, Layla Readon.
Funeral services were held on April 9 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with burial following in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cedar Rock Baptist Church, 1667 Cedar Rock Church Road, Easley, SC 29640 or Pickens County Meals on Wheels, 349 Edgemont Avenue, Liberty, SC 29657.
Condolences may be expressed online by visiting robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
MINNIE JANE BROWN BAKER
EASLEY — Minnie Jane Brown Baker, 82, went home to be with the Lord on Monday April 1, 2019, at Manna Health and Rehabilitation of Pickens.
Born on Nov. 7, 1936, in Pickens County, she was the only child of the late J.D. and Josie Williams Brown. Jane graduated as valedictorian of the Class of 1954 from Pickens High School.
Family was everything to Jane. She enjoyed going to Clemson football games with her family and camping at Twin Lakes. She also enjoyed listening to Southern Gospel music and was a great piano player. She retired after 36 years at Ryobi, and she attended LifeChurch in Dacusville.
Surviving are her husband of 66 years, Leonard Baker; two daughters, Susan Holloway (Steve) and Beth Weisner (Larry); two sons, Sam Baker (Linda) and Eddie Baker (Cara); and three grandchildren, Lindsay Baker, Laura Baker and Jakim Baker.
Graveside services were held on April 4 at Hillcrest Memorial Park, with the Rev. Roland Bearden and the Rev. Chad Albertson officiating.
The family will be at their respective homes. They would like to give a special thank you to Manna Health and Rehabilitation and Long Term Care, Paladium Hospice and the LifeChurch visitation team for all of their care and support.
Flowers are accepted, or memorials may be made to LifeChurch at 199 Thomas Mill Road, Easley, SC 29640.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Baker family in making arrangements.
JOHN FRED PARKER JR.
EASLEY — John Fred Parker Jr., 84, of Easley, husband of the late Mary Nalley Parker, passed away Monday, April 8, 2019.
Born in Pickens County, he was the son of the late John Fred Parker Sr. and Jennie Mae Painter Parker.
Mr. Parker was the retired owner and operator of Parker Wood Products in Easley for 40 years. He was a Mason and a Shriner and enjoyed hunting, fishing and spending time on the lake. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy.
Surviving are his daughters, Ann Parker Hancock (Dan) and Amy Parker (Phil Parrish), all of Easley; grandchildren, Daniel Hancock (Angela), Brantly Moore (Kent), Mandy Creasman (Chris) and Mollie Duke (Josh); great-grandchildren, Parker Creasman, Gracie Creasman, Maddie Duke, Bryson Duke, Joel Hancock and Martin Hancock.
Mr. Parker was the last surviving member of his immediate family. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by sisters, Sybel Davis and Millie Jane Maguire.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff of The Magnolias, Kindred Hospice and Kindred Home Care, for the exceptional care given to Mr. Parker.
As a request of Mr. Parker, a private family service will be held.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Hospitals for Children, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605 or the American Cancer Society, 113 Mills Ave., Greenville, SC 29605 or The Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517.
The family will be at their respective homes.
Condolences may be expressed online by visiting RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
JOHN ALTON MCDANIEL JR.
EASLEY — John Alton McDaniel Jr., 55, passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2019, in Pickens County.
Born on May 13, 1963, in Winston-Salem, N.C., he was the son of John and Joan McDaniel. He was a graduate of Liberty High School and was currently employed with Moller Tech in Elberton, Ga. John was an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hunting and fishing. He especially loved waterfalls, sightseeing and vegetable gardening. He also enjoyed collecting old cameras and traveling with his wife, Marie. One of their most recent vacations was spent together in Paris, France.
Also surviving are one daughter, Jenny Turner (Cody) and their daughter, Allie; four stepchildren, Ashley Fronabarger (Derek) and their son, Sebastien, Weston Moore (Julia), Carson Moore and Shelby Moore; and one sister, Kim Pace (Curt).
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, April 10, from 5-7 p.m. at Dillard Funeral Home.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Pickens County Humane Society at 500 Five Forks Road, Liberty, SC 29657.
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