THOMAS EARLE WARD

EASLEY — Thomas Earle Ward, 79, of Easley, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 1, 2024.

In the fall of 1944, Tom was born in Pickens to the late Arial and Dorothy Golightly Ward. He graduated from Easley High School in 1962 and Clemson University in 1966, later serving as a submariner in the U.S. Navy before beginning his career in sales. He was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church, and loved the Lord and His word.

Born with a natural engineering mind Tom was a hot rodder in every sense of the word, but above all enjoyed spending time with his family and furry friend, Priscilla. After his heart surgery, Tom volunteered with Mended Hearts, providing support and encouragement to heart operation patients.

Tom was preceded in death by his parents and is survived by his wife of 57 years, Linda “Becky” Sizemore Ward; and his son, Cameron Ward.

A graveside service for Tom was held April 5, at Hillcrest Memorial Park mausoleum, 2410 Gentry Memorial Hwy, Pickens, SC 29671.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Rock Springs Baptist Church, 201 Rock Springs Rd, Easley, SC 29642-1430 or Blue Ridge Humane Society, 1214 Greenville Highway, Hendersonville, NC 28792.

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

 

KENNETH WAYNE WHITE

PICKENS — Kenneth Wayne White, 61, passed away on Saturday, April 6, 2024, at his home.

Born Nov. 28, 1962, in Pickens County, Kenneth was the son of the late Eugene Hamilton White and Ruth Elizabeth O’Kelly White. Mr. White worked as an auto mechanic. He loved to build things and rebuild four-wheelers. He came from a musical family and could play the guitar like no one’s business; he really enjoyed picking and grinning.

Survivors include his very special partner, Melissa Muchow of the home; siblings, Terry Eugene White, Patricia Cole (Jerry Holcombe), Elaine Ellis, Ann Bryant and Teresa Diane Brannon; and many loving and caring nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. White was predeceased by three brothers, William Steve White, James Larry White and Robert Eugene White; and two sisters, Karen Porter and Mary Joyce White.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Kenneth’s honor may be made to the Pickens County Humane Society by mailing 500 5 Forks Rd, Liberty, SC 29657, by calling (864) 843-9693, or by visiting their website at pchumanesociety.org/.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the White family.

 

BRAXTON MURRAY CUTCHIN III 

GREENVILLE — Braxton Murray Cutchin III, 83, of Greenville, passed away on Thursday, April 4, 2024.

Born on March 3, 1941, and raised in Easley, Braxton was the son of the late Braxton Murray Cutchin Jr. and the late Josephine Hunter Cutchin. Braxton graduated from Easley High School in 1959 and from Wofford College in 1964.

The consummate entrepreneur, Brax founded the Cutchin Company in the 1970s, and later Surf Associates, which developed real estate from Maryland to Florida. He co-founded Propel HR in 1996. He was a member of Open Hearts United Methodist Church and the Greenville Country Club. As an Eagle Scout, Braxton helped on the Eagle Scout Review Board.

Braxton was happiest when he was surrounded by people. He loved playing golf and cards with his buddies. He loved going downtown and catching up with old and new friends. Many people called him the “Mayor of Greenville” because he seemed to know everyone, and everyone knew him. He loved grabbing a friend and just driving the backroads of South Carolina in search of the best diner or meat and three. Most of all, he loved being with his grandchildren, and they loved being with their Big Daddy. Braxton left this world just like he lived it, in control and surrounded by loved ones.

He is survived by a son, Robert Braxton Cutchin of Santa Monica, Calif.; a daughter, Lee Cutchin Yarborough (Hubert) of Greenville; brothers, Johnson Hunter Cutchin (Debbie) of Easley and William Joseph Cutchin of Tallahassee, Fla.; sister, Mary Josephine Cutchin Phail (Andrew) of Easley; three grandchildren, Caroline MacFarlane Yarborough, Josephine Ellis Yarborough and Marston Rainer Cutchin.

A memorial service will be held at Open Hearts United Methodist Church, on April 11, at 3:30 p.m. A reception will follow.

Memorials may be made out to Open Hearts United Methodist Church, 2703 Augusta Street, Greenville, SC 29605 onrealm.org/openheartsumc/giving or the Josephine Hunter Cutchin Nursing Scholarship at Foothills Presbyterian Retirement Community, 205 Bud Nalley Drive, Easley, SC 29642.

The family will be at the home of Lee and Hubert Yarborough.

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

 

TAYLOR LYNN COLE

EASLEY — Taylor Lynn Cole, born Nov. 9, 1994, in Pensacola, Fla.,  left this world much too soon on March 29, 2024 at her residence in Easley. A free spirit and loving soul, she graced this earth with her presence for 29 years.

Taylor loved spending time with her children making random crafts and taking pictures with them.

She also loved music and collecting dream catchers and anything to do with foxes and penguins, her favorite animals.

Taylor will forever be remembered by her mother, Linda Wooten of Anderson; her fiance, Virgil Harrison; her precious son, Silas Meek and her darling daughter, Coraline Cole.

With a knack for brightening any room she entered. Her warm smile and kind heart touched the lives of many.

Although no public service is planned at this time, let us remember Taylor for the love she shared, the joy she brought, and the memories she leaves behind. Though our hearts are heavy with sorrow, let them also be filled with the light of the beautiful moments we shared with her.

She may be gone from our sight, but she will forever remain in our hearts. Rest in peace, dear Taylor. You will be profoundly missed but never forgotten.

You may offer condolences to the family and share memories by visiting libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are assisting the family.

 

MARY W. THOMAS

PICKENS — Mary Wood Thomas, 88, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at her home.

Born in Pickens County, she was the daughter of the late Carl and Jessie Mae Reeves Thomas.

Mrs. Thomas was a 1954 graduate of Easley High School and always talked about how much she loved playing in the band. She was employed with The Southern Restaurant and The Grill in Easley for over 20 years until they closed. She was a member of Crescent Hill Baptist Church in Pickens and loved to crochet and cook, in her younger years, and often talked about riding the Pickens Doodle Train.

Surviving is her husband, of 64 years, D.C. “Jack” Thomas; a son, Daniel L. Thomas (Shirley) of Pickens; and grandchildren, Jeff Bridges (Debbie) of Easley and Tonya Thomas of Pendleton.

Mary was the last surviving member of her immediate family. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her siblings, Bill Wood, Jim Wood and Mildred Thompson.

The family will receive friends on Friday, April 12, from 12 p.m. until 12:50 p.m. at Oolenoy Baptist Church with the funeral service to follow at 1 p.m. in the church sanctuary. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted.

The family will be at the home.

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

 

DONALD LAWRENCE VAN METER

EASLEY — Donald Lawrence Van Meter, 90, of Easley, passed away on April 4, 2024 after an extended illness.

Don was born on August 22, 1933 to Lawrence Ellis Van Meter and Ruth Elizabeth Simpson Van Meter in Norphlet, Ark. After a childhood that included living in Washington D.C., Sacramento Calif., Monticello, Ark., Los Angeles, Calif. and Jones Mill, Ark., Don graduated from Magnet Cove High School in Arkansas in 1951, during which time he became a skilled pianist. Don went on to study chemical engineering at the University of Arkansas. Upon graduating with his degree in 1955, Don’s initial job was in the Navy where he served a two year tour of duty, at the end of which he began his career in chemical engineering with Chemstrand in Decatur, Ala. It was here that Don met and married Norma Hellums in 1959. Don and Norma’s three children, Stuart, Roxanne and John were all born in Decatur.

Don was a member of the American Institute of Chemical Engineers and enjoyed a 35 year career in the chemicals production industry, retiring in 1992 after 26 years with the Amoco Corporation which included periods of time spent in Texas, Alabama, South Carolina, Illinois and Belgium. After retirement, Don and Norma retired to Easley, where they became involved as members of Easley First Baptist Church. Don served as a deacon and was also a member of the adult and senior choirs. He joined the Lion’s Club of Easley, where he served for many years as both a member and an officer. Don enjoyed staying involved with the Amoco retirees’ social organization, attending several events to keep in touch with old coworkers and friends. Don and Norma loved traveling and made several memorable trips from Easley, visiting Australia, Europe, South America, and various locations within the continental United States. After Norma’s passing in 2010, Don married Mary Helen Williams, with whom he spent the remaining years of his life. Don and Mary loved one another and enjoyed many experiences and travels during their years together, and he continued to serve Easley First Baptist Church with Mary until his passing.

Don’s motto was “Every day is Don’s big day”, and over his lifetime Don enjoyed many pursuits. He was a born volunteer, always looking for an opportunity to help others. Over the years he spent time as a volunteer for Meals On Wheels, organized hiking and other outings for seniors at the church, volunteered at the information desk at the Greenville airport, and assisted with youth from Simpson Academy. For leisure, in addition to playing the piano throughout his life, Don enjoyed the arts in general and attending live theater. As a young man he enjoyed playing tennis, and he also loved watching sports, enthusiastically rooting for both the Arkansas Razorbacks and the Clemson Tigers. Don spent a great deal of time researching the genealogical history of the Van Meter family, and loved to regale his family with stories from his childhood and stories that he learned from his research. Don took up fly fishing after retirement, and enjoyed fishing local rivers and the waters of the Pisgah Forest, as well as taking several fishing trips out west to Montana. He enjoyed hiking and the outdoors, and hiked up Table Rock and Mount LeConte several times. Don was always quick to share a smile and a good wish with everyone he met.

Don is survived by his wife, Mary Helen Williams Van Meter; sons, Dr. Stuart Van Meter and John (Chong Ae) Van Meter; daughter, Roxanne (Jeff) Green; stepson, Todd Williams; grandchildren, Erin Van Meter, Michal Van Meter, Daniel Green, Danielle Sundstrom, Shane Pettit and Mattson Williams; daughter-in-law, Debra Van Meter; younger sister, Nancy Sexton and several nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Don was predeceased by his wife, Norma Hellums Van Meter and his older sister, Ann Rusher.

The family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Don’s medical care providers over the past 15 months, to Agape Care for their thoughtful assistance in caring for Don, and to The Retreat/Viva Senior Living of Easley for helping to make his final days peaceful and comfortable.

Memorial services for Don were held on April 7, at Easley First Baptist Church, 300 E. 1st Ave, Easley, SC, and officiated by Reverend John Adams. Honorary pallbearers are members of the Easley Lion’s Club and members of the Don Jones and Marion Moorhead Growth Groups. Graveside services were held at Robinson Memorial Gardens. In lieu of flowers, Don asked that donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, alz.org, or the Easley First Baptist Church Building Fund (address above).

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

 

MARTHA ANN POWELL PORTER

PICKENS — Mrs. Martha Ann Powell Porter, 73, wife of 48 years to David Porter, went home to be with the Lord on Monday, April 1, 2024.

Martha was the daughter of the late Forrest Freeman and Elizabeth Mae Robinson Powell. Martha worked over 30 years at the Bantam Chef in Pickens and could remember almost everybody’s order. She went on to work at Cannon Hospital for years.

She is survived by her husband, David Porter of the home; sisters, Doris Garrett and Louise Pace (Rev. Joe); brothers, Forrest Lee Powell and Steve Powell; sisters-in-law, Bonnie Powell and Karen Powell; and brother-in-law, Melvin Porter. Martha had many nieces and nephews that she loved like her own, Joe, Alan, Wanda, Greg, Michele, Randy, Melissa, Toni and Ben. “Mot” was loved by many great-nieces and great-nephews also.

In addition to her parents, Martha was predeceased by her parents-in-law, Charles and Lois Porter; sister, Millie O’Donald and brother-in-law, Albert; brothers, Samuel, Gene, Howard and Carl Powell; sister-in-law, Judy Porter; and brother-in-law, Harold Garrett.

Funeral services were held on April 4, at the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens. Burial followed the service in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Martha’s honor may be made to Mountain Grove Baptist Church, PO Box 1440, Pickens, SC 29671.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Porter family.

 

STANLEY MARK LESLEY ‘FARCUS’

LIBERTY — Stanley Mark Lesley “Farcus”, 62, passed away on Friday, March 29, 2024, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born Sept. 26, 1961, in Greenville, Mark was the son of the late William Levi Lesley and Martha Jane Lesley. Mr. Lesley was a United States Marine veteran. He worked as a lineman with Dominion Power in Virginia. Mark was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hunt with his uncle Charles. He had a heart of gold and was a kind and caring man. Family was everything to him.

Survivors include his children, Kristen Ann of Hawaii, Scott Satora of Japan, Justin Utah of Japan, and Evan Chase of Louisiana; a sister, Cindy Stephens; a brother, Chris Lesley; and many loving friends and family.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Lesley was predeceased by a son, Sean Kimo Lesley of Hawaii.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Lesley family.

 

JO ANN ADDINGTON

EASLEY — Jo Ann Lesley Addington, 88, wife of the late Robert Louis Addington, passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at her home.

Born in Pickens County, she was a daughter of the late Gordon and Della Roper Lesley.

Mrs. Addington worked for JP Stevens for several years and was a member of Pickens Church of God. She enjoyed growing flowers and camping in the mountains of Maggie Valley.

Jo Ann was the last surviving member of her immediate family. In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by her sisters, Sue Springfield and Virnell Dodgens and a brother, Sammy Lesley.

Surviving are her nieces, Lynn McCall and Wanda Crott; and a nephew, Bryan Springfield.

A graveside service were held April 6, at the mausoleum chapel of Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

Flowers will be accepted.

The family will be at the home.

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

 

FURMAN E. HAYES

EASLEY — Furman E. Hayes, 86, went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 6, 2024 surrounded by his family.

Hayes was born July 10, 1937 to the late Eugene and Josie Mae Raines Hayes.      Mr. Hayes was retired from Mayfair Mill in Pickens and was a member of Elljean Baptist Church in Easley. He enjoyed being outdoors, listening to bluegrass music, gardening and spending time with his family.

He is survived by his daughter, Kathy (Wayne) Fowler; and three grandchildren, Kasey, Heather and Faith.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hayes was predeceased by his wife, Sue Whitmire Hayes; a brother, Melvin Hayes; a twin brother, Truman “Skinner” Hayes; and two sisters, Elizabeth “Lib” Simmons and Effie Crowe.

Services will be held on April 10 at Elljean Baptist Church in Easley. The family will receive friends from 1:30 p.m. until 2:45 p.m. followed by the funeral at 3 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Furman’s honor may be made to Elljean Baptist Church Building Fund, 605 Elljean Rd, Easley, SC 29640.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Hayes family.

 

TOM ‘TOMMY’ PETRATOS

EASLEY — Tom “Tommy” Petratos, 63, loving husband of 30 years to Caryn Nix Petratos, passed away on Sunday, April 7, 2024, at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born March 13, 1961, in Greenville County, Tommy was the son of the late Andreas D. Petratos and Ntina Chatos Petratos.

Tommy had his black belt in Tae Kwon Do. He enjoyed cooking, reading and was a veteran of the United States Navy. He loved people and had the gift of gab. Most of all he loved his family. They brought him great joy. He loved caring for his family.

Survivors include his wife, Caryn Nix Petratos of the home; sons, Tyler Petratos of Easley and Evan Petratos (Brianna) of Simpsonville; sisters, Nickie Petratos and Susanna Petratos (Timothy); and many loving and caring nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Petratos was predeceased by a brother, John Petratos.

A memorial service will be held on April 10, at 3 p.m. in the sanctuary of Lakeview Baptist Church, 107 Mauldin Lake Rd, Pickens, SC 29671.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Tommy’s honor may be made to The American Cancer Society by calling 1-800-227-2345 or by donating to their website.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Petratos family.

 

FRANCISCO GARCIA

EASLEY — Francisco Garcia Jr., affectionately known as “Cisco” or “Cubba” among others, passed away at the age of 38 on Thursday, April 4, 2024, at his home in Easley.

Born on July 28, 1985, in Houston, Texas, he was a cherished son, brother, uncle and friend.

His memory will live on in the hearts of his family. He was a proud United States Army veteran, having served for seven years and achieving the rank of Specialist before his honorable discharge in 2013. He served overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan.  A lover of cooking and an artistic soul, Francisco was not only talented in his profession but also a peacemaker among his siblings. He was currently employed with RedSail Technologies in Spartanburg.

He was a free spirit, who enjoyed floating from one place to the next being with his family.

He is survived by his mothers, Susan Diane Reyes (Jenaro) and Maria Aguilar; four brothers, Cesar Flores Aguilar, Jeremy Reyes (Alexis), Cheney Reyes (Catie) and Lucas Reyes; three sisters, Maribel Flores Aguilar (Francisco), Noelia Flores Aguilar and Cipriana Reyes Goss (Allen); his grandparents, Lawrence and Nancy Redding; a nephew, Jamahri Reyes; four nieces, Natalee Reyes, Audrey Reyes, Riley Reyes and Arabella Reyes-Goss

He was preceded in death by his father, Francisco Garcia Sr., a brother, Fermin Flores and a grandmother, Mandy.

A funeral service to celebrate Francisco’s life is scheduled for April 11 at 7 p.m. in the Liberty Mortuary chapel.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 5:30 until 6:30 p.m. at the mortuary.

The burial will be held  April 15 at 2:15 p.m. at MJ Dolly Cooper Veterans Cemetery.

Francisco’s legacy of love and kindness will continue to inspire those who knew him. May he rest in peace.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family please visit libertymortuary.com.

 

JOHNNY W. BRADLEY

MARIETTA — Johnny W. Bradley, 71, loving husband of 53 years to Patricia A. Bradley, passed away on Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at his home.

Born Sept. 15, 1952, in Pickens County, Johnny was the son of the late William T. Bradley and Essie Mae Bradley.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Bradley of the home; daughter, Cynthia Shirley of Marietta; grandchildren, Joshua Shirley, Dustin Shirley and Matthew Shirley; three great-grandchildren; brothers, Bob Bradley and Jimmy Bradley of North Carolina; sister, Ruth Phillips of Pickens; and many loving friends and family.

Mr. Bradley was predeceased by his parents.

A graveside service was held at Hillcrest Memorial Park on April 8.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Johnny’s honor may be made to Mt. Tabor Baptist Church, 4174 Dacusville Hwy, Easley, SC 29640.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Bradley family.