JACKIE AARON SIMPSON

PICKENS — Mr. Jackie Aaron Simpson, 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior on April 9, 2021.

Mr. Simpson was born in Anderson County and was the son of the late Echols Jack Simpson and Lila Mae Huckabee. He was a loving husband to Ann Richard Simpson.

Survivors include his wife, Ann Richard Simpson; daughter, Cheryl Carver (Steve) of Lee’s Summit, Mo.; and three grandchildren, Whitney Meyer (Sean) of Dardenne Prairie, Mo., Cameron Carver (Margaret) of Blue Springs, Mo., and Carter Newton of Pickens. Mr. Simpson has six loving and most precious great-grandchildren, Grant, Eric, Duncan, Haddie, Marisa and Russell, and is survived by one brother, Boyd Arnold of Abbeville.

Mr. Simpson was predeceased by a former wife, Jo Simpson.

Mr. Simpson served in the United States Air Force and served during the Korean War. He started out his career as a pipe welder before retiring from Duke Power in maintenance. He enjoyed his crossword puzzles and his travels. He was known to be the occasional camper.

A memorial service will be held at noon on Sunday, April 18, at the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, located 2402 Gentry Memorial Highway in Pickens.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Simpson family.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

HAROLD DEAN CHAPMAN

PICKENS — Harold Dean Chapman, 61, son of the late William Henry Chapman and Jesse Virginia Street Chapman, passed away on Thursday, April 8, 2021, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Harold is survived by his nieces, Andrea Chapman and Kelley Chapman, both of Pickens; great-nephews, Cale Chapman and Cade Chapman; a great-niece, Ansley Chapman; uncle, Willie Stancil (Ann); aunts, Cleon Durham and Evelyn Crowe; and a special friend, Jeanie Hester.

Mr. Chapman was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Robbie William Chapman.

Harold loved spending time with his family and friends.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Chapman family.

RAY CALVIN HANSON

PICKENS — Mr. Ray Calvin Hanson, 67, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, April 5, 2021.

Mr. Hanson was born in Brevard, N.C., and was the son of the late William Arthur Hanson and Nancy Owen Hanson.

Survivors include his two children, Jason Hanson (Gavonda) and Tammy Garrett (Shane), both of Greenville; grandchildren, Chase, Haley, Tyler and Javon; a great-grandchild, Tucker, and one to be named Beckham that is on his way. Also surviving are three brothers and their wives, Jack Hanson (Donna) of Pickens and Joe Hanson (Lisa) and Benny Hanson (Shirley), both of Easley; and a number of loving nieces and nephews, along with his most special companion, Kramer, his dog.

Mr. Hanson loved his fishing and kayaking trips to the lake. He would fish for bream and crappie and sometimes for the elusive bass. He grew up as a young boy doing motorcross trail riding on his dirt bike. He was affiliated with Washington Avenue Baptist Church. He loved his family, loved his cigars and enjoyed picking his guitars and the occasional bass.

A graveside service will be held on Sunday, April 18, at 2 p.m. at Hillcrest Memorial Park, located at 2410 Gentry Memorial Highway in Pickens.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Hanson family.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

KYLE LAYMAN

EASLEY — Jeffrey Kyle Layman, 30, of Easley, died Friday, April 9, 2021, at his residence.

He graduated from Libety High School in 2010 and later attended Tri-County Technical College, where he received his degree in welding. Kyle was currently employed with Gregory Pest Control. He loved to spend time and play with his little girls.

Surviving are his mother, Kim G. Layman of Fountain Inn; his father, Allen Layman of Liberty; his fiance, Lindsey Oliver of the home; two daughters, Brittany Layman and Skyleigh Layman of the home; a brother, Nicholas Layman (Marissa) of Fountain Inn; three nieces and a nephew, Bella, Marlianne, Maggie and Max.

A visitation to honor Kyle’s life was held on April 12 at Liberty Mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation by visiting cff.org.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

CHARLES W. SMITH

EASLEY — Charles W. Smith, 90, husband of the late Reubenia Porter Smith, passed away on Thursday, April 8, 2021.
Born in Pickens County, he was a son of the late Homer C. and the late Beulah Brown Smith.

Charles was a member of Lion’s Club of Easley and Easley First Baptist Church. He was an avid golfer and fisherman and proudly served in the U.S. Army.

Charles is survived by a son, Brad Smith (Lisa), of Easley; two grandsons, Matt Smith (Jamie) and Brandon Smith (Victoria); and two great-grandchildren, Gray and Elliott.

In addition to his loving wife of 58 years, he was preceded in death by two brothers, L.G. Smith and Ralph Smith; and three sisters, Wilma Winchester, Eunice Gossett and Viola Simpson.

Funeral services were held on April 11 at Easley First Baptist Church. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

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

LEROY JAMES TOWE

SENECA — Leroy James Towe, 58, passed away on Monday, April 5, 2021, in Seneca at his residence at 147 Slater Drive.

Leroy worked as a weaver for 24 years at J.P. Stevens Textile. He was a simple man who loved the outdoors. He enjoyed fishing, grilling out, camping and exploring the woods. He also liked to walk, as he did every day to the church by his home, where he prayed. He was a very hardworking family man who loved spending time with his loved ones. He was an amazing father and an even better papa to his grandchildren. Every child who crossed his path would be gravitated to him by his love. There was never a dull moment when Leroy was around. He could make you laugh constantly and put a smile on anyone’s face.

Mr. Towe is survived by his ex-wife, Connie Ridley Towe; his girlfriend of more than 20 years, Loretta Hill; father, John William Towe; daughters, Tonya Towe (Jessi Gilbert), Adriana Towe, Amanda Towe (Wesley Lewis) and Leanna Towe; sister, Pamela A. Towe McCall (Odell Williams); brothers, Alan Z. Towe and Timothy S. Towe; nieces and nephews, Jennifer Chapman, Samantha Towe, Sidney Towe, Hazel McCarter, TJ Towe (Kristen), Brandy Goss, Christian McCall, Krystal “Sissy” Douglas and Dylan Douglas; and grandchildren, Sara Watkins, Latrevis Lewis, Hana Watkins, Aleighya Lewis, Ariel Lewis, Mila Towe and Harmony Smith.

In addition to his mother, Mildred Irene Nicholson Towe, Mr. Towe was preceded in death by his stillborn twin brothers and his brother, Roger William Towe.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Flowers are accepted, along with memorials being made to the Cancer Society.

WOODIE PRENTISS WILLIAMS JR.

CLEMSON — Woodie Prentiss Williams Jr. died on Sunday, April 11, 2021.

He was the son of the late Helen Pearce Williams and Woodie Prentiss Williams Sr. of Lucedale, Miss. He was born in Chapel Hill, Miss., in 1931.

Woodie was predeceased by a son, Charles Wyatt Williams. He is survived by his wife, Winnie Vaughan Williams of Clemson; two children, Woodie Prentiss Williams III (Debra) of Atlanta, Ga., and daughter, Wanda Ann Williams Vickers (David) of Charlotte, N.C.; a daughter-in-law, Ellen Williams of Greer; two brothers, Charles Williams of Simms, Ala., and Jimmy Williams and wife Marlene of Seneca; a sister, Ann Williams Jordan of Brewton, Ala.; and the late Raye Williams of Lucedale, Miss. There are six grandchildren, Carson Williams of Los Anaheim Hills, Calif., Claire Williams of Greer, Taylor Williams and Danielle Williams of Atlanta, Ga., and Davis and Dalton Vickers of Charlotte, N.C.

He received his undergraduate degree in Agriculture Education in 1953 from Mississippi State University and a Master’s degree from Mississippi State University in Nutrition in 1960. He earned a Ph.D. in Nutrition and Biochemistry from Texas A&M in 1960. While in college, he was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, an honorary fraternity, and served as president of the Mississippi State University Baptist Student Union and also president of the Mississippi Baptist Student Union in 1953.

Williams served in the Army as a First Lieutenant from 1953-56 and remained as an officer in the Army Reserve for four additional years.
He was employed as manager of nutrition of the Pillsbury Company in Minneapolis, Minn., and became professor and department head at Clemson University in 1964, serving in that capacity until his retirement in 1993. He was president and owner of Nutrition One Inc. for 20 years, serving as an international consultant.

He was a member of Gamma Sigma Delta and Poultry Science Association and the author of numerous publications related to methodology of amino acid analysis, protein and lipid nutrition.

In 1997, Dr. Williams was honored with a Life Time Achievement Award by the S.C. Food Industry Association, and in 2013, he was recognized with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the Modern Poultry Industry.

He was a Paul Harris Fellow of the Rotary Foundation, a former member and deacon of the Clemson First Baptist Church for more than 50 years, where he served as teacher of students and a men’s Sunday school class and also chairman of numerous church committees.

He was a board member of the Clemson Downs Property Owners Association and vice president of the Wexford Development Inc.
Dr. Williams was a member of First Baptist Church, Greenville.

Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations should be given to the First Baptist Church 847 Cleveland St., Greenville, SC 29601 or the charity of choice.

Visit robinsonfuneralhome.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home and Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.

OLEN EUGENE SMITH

EASLEY — Mr. Olen Eugene Smith, 84, husband of Joyce Sumerel Smith, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 8, 2021.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Minor Oliver Smith and the late Frankie Ozella Evans Smith, Mr. Smith was a 1956 graduate of Easley High School. He was previously employed with Duke Power during the construction of the Oconee Nuclear Station and was past building inspector for the city of Easley. Olen retired as the facilities manager of the Ridgecrest Baptist Conference Center in North Carolina. Later, with his wife Joyce, he served as a missionary with the North American Mission Board.

Mr. Smith was a longtime former member of Arial Baptist Church, where he served as chairman of deacons, chairman of the church building committee, Sunday school director and sang in the church choir. He was a current member of Easley First Baptist Church and the E.R. Eller Growth Group.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 64 years, are two daughters, Dr. Pamela Denise Smith of Easley and Deidre Leigh Smith Terry (Michael) of Irmo; a son, Jonathan Eugene Smith of Blacksburg; a brother, Ray Oliver Smith (Hazel) of Mountain Rest; a sister, Edith Marie Smith of Laurens; two grandchildren, Jason Michael Terry of Charlotte, N.C., and Ashley Marie Ray of Fletcher, N.C.; and three great-grandchildren, Natalie Michelle Terry, Sara Ruth Terry and Alexis Mckenzie Inabinett.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Smith was predeceased by a brother, Marcus Tillman Smith; and two sisters, Jeanette Rose Smith Day and Patsy Ann Smith Parker.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 14, at Easley First Baptist Church, with Rev. Dr. John Adams officiating. Interpreting services for the deaf will be provided by Mr. Alton Brant. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Pallbearers will be Mark Davis, Michael Smith, Tommy Parker, Greg Smith, Keith Sumerel and Darrell Jameson. The Easley High School Class of 1956 and the E.R. Eller Growth Group will serve as escorts of honor.

The family will receive friends from 1-1:45 p.m. on Wednesday in the church narthex, prior to the service.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to Easley First Baptist Church, 300 E. First Ave., Easley, SC 29640.

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

MICHAEL B. KIRK

EASLEY — Michael Kirk, 75, husband of Linda Humphreys Bell, passed away on Thursday, April 8, 2021, at Easley Baptist Hospital.
Mike was an avid gun and knife collector and had a love for nature and animals.

Mike is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter, Stacey Kirk (Bradley Dunkel) of Anderson; son, Michael Chadwick Kirk of Clemson; stepdaughter, Janie Bruce of Easley; nieces, Sonja Turner and Kimberlyn Kirk; grandchildren, Cameron Smith, Bella Bruce, Kirklyn Dunkel and Christian Dunkel; and a brother, Stewart G. Kirk (Sherry) of Six Mile.

Mr. Kirk was predeceased by his parents, Benjamin Duncan Kirk and Mildred Stewart Kirk, and a brother, Oscar Barry Kirk.

A memorial service was held on April 11 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Mike’s honor to Upstate Forever by visiting upstateforever.org/donate.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Kirk family.

HELEN LADD MCCOLLUM

EASLEY — Helen Ladd McCollum, 88, passed away on Tuesday, April 6, 2021.

Born in Liberty, she was the daughter of the late Robert and Willie Mae Owens Ladd and wife of the late Fred McCollum. She was of the Baptist faith.

Mrs. McCollum is survived by her daughter, Starla McCollum of Statesboro, Ga.; sons, Jeff McCollum of Iva and Matt McCollum of Easley; sisters, Louise Crowe of Liberty and Martha Jane Gray of Easley; brothers, Bobby Ladd and Ronnie Ladd, both of Liberty; grandchildren, Brook McCollum, Abbygayle McCollum, Kaylee McCollum, Kinsley McCollum and Kruz McCollum; and a great-grandchild, Walker B. Stone.
She was predeceased by her husband, parents and grandson, Austin McCollum, as well as her great protector and family pet, Major.

Helen had a longstanding working career. She served as the human resources director for a small company. She then worked for and retired from the Pickens County school district. She was an endless caregiver to her family, friends and acquaintances. In fact, she worked until her early 80s taking care of the babies at her church, Geer Memorial Baptist.

Her greatest love was her children and grandchildren. All were proud to call her mom and grandma. She lived life to the fullest, never missing a family tradition. She packed the camper every fall and took all of the grandchildren to Pisgah Forest to enjoy one of God’s great masterpieces — the turning of the leaves. When summer arrived, the family enjoyed annual beach trips to Myrtle Beach and then later to Tybee Island, Ga. Summer always ended with her birthday trip to her beloved little town, Helen, Ga.

Helen lived life with great passion and energy. Her green thumb created beautiful, blooming flowers year round. She wore out many pairs of clippers pruning and trimming. Her red bird feeders were never empty as she sat peacefully on the deck listening to their songs and admiring the beauty. She absolutely loved sunset cruises on the pontoon boat at Lake Hartwell and always knew the perfect spot and timing to enjoy the magnificent colors in the sky. One of her favorite pastimes was going shopping with her sister, Louise, whom she loved dearly.

Helen was well loved by everyone in her small town. She tirelessly provided love and support to many and always welcomed a crowd in her home. She touched many lives in her 88 years here on Earth. All of whom were so blessed to have her warm and loving spirit in their lives will be forever touched!

Funeral services were held on April 9 in the Robinson Funeral Home chapel. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

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

LEO DUNCAN

EASLEY — Elbert “Leo” Duncan, 81, of Enon Church Road, passed away on Tuesday, April 6, 2021.

Born in Six Mile, he was a son of the late Paul Eugene Duncan Sr. and Lena Galloway Duncan.

Mr. Duncan was retired from Alice Manufacturing and was currently employed with Opperman Southern Weaving. He loved his family and enjoyed watching NASCAR racing and repairing lawn mowers.

Surviving are his wife of 29 years, Jeannie Mosley Duncan; his children, Elizabeth Duncan and Dwayne Duncan, both of Easley; grandchildren, Jesse and Josh Duncan and Brittany Fortescue; great-grandchildren, Sierra Newton and Camden Fortescue; and a sister, Shelby Jean Johnson of Simpsonville.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a son, Gregory Alan “Greg” Duncan; sisters, Beatrice Hester, Earlene Higgins, Eunice Thompson, Wanda Lee and Betty Meece; and brothers, his twin, Robert Cleo Duncan, Paul Eugene Duncan Jr. and William R. Duncan.

A funeral service was held on April 9 at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

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

GENE LOVELL

LIBERTY — Gene Edward Lovell, 69, of Bryant Street, died on Monday, April 5, 2021, at Prisma Health-Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Liberty, he was the husband of Carolyn Posey Lovell and a son of the late James J. “Jaybird” and Dorothy Irene Swords Lovell. Gene loved the outdoors, especially hunting, fishing and camping. He also loved gardening, baking cakes and spending time with his family. He was retired from Danfoss and was a member of Gilead Baptist Church.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two daughters, Olivia Lewis (Billy) and Amanda Black (Josh), all of Liberty; a sister, Rhonda Payne of Easley; a brother, David Lovell of Liberty; seven grandchildren, Brittany Holcombe (Dillon), Genefer Nickell (Alex), Zach Lewis (Morgan), Hannah Johnson, Halle Johnson, Jasmine Black and Aaliyah Black; two great-granddaughters, Gracelynn Holcombe and Tatum Nickell; and last but not least his fur son, Spanky.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Ann Stancil and Susan Pickett; and two brothers, Jim and Mark Lovell.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Lovell were held at Gilead Baptist Church on April 9. Burial followed at Liberty Memorial Gardens.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Gilead Baptist Church at P.O. Box 464, Pickens, SC 29671.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

John L. ‘Larry’ Turner

EASLEY — John L.” Larry” Turner, 72, husband of Barbara Ann Masters Turner, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, April 5, 2021.

Larry was the son of the late Elsie Beatrice James Turner and John Bostrich “JB’ Turner. He was also a veteran of the United States Army.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara; two sons, Brian Turner of Greer and Chad Fields (Kim) of Easley; one sister, Wanda Turner Blanton (Steve) of Easley; seven grandchildren, Parker Fields, Hailey Fields, Dustin Hendrix, Jayme Hendrix, Elizabeth Tucker, Seren Turner and Madison Fields; a sister-in-law, Cynthia Turner; and a special family friend, Mitch Meece.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, April 9, at

obinson Memorial Gardens.

Larry was predeceased by his parents; one son, Gary Fields; grandparents, Maude Turner and Rev. John Turner; one brother, Steve Turner; and his first wife, Judy Turner.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Turner family.

JOHNNY E. MILLER

Greenville — Johnny E. Miller entered into his eternal rest on April 5, 2021, at home.

He was born on Feb. 8, 1943, in Washington, D.C., to the late Mr. Elmon Coleman and the late Ms. Catherine E. Miller-Jackson.

He was raised in Washington, D.C., and Bowling Green, Va., before moving to Greenville as an adult.

He retired from a truck driving career after 47 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Donnie McNeal; one son, Johnny Miller Jr.; one daughter, Angela Miller; one grandson, Corey Miller; and two great-grandsons, Runako Gentry and Matthew Wiene Jr.

He leaves to celebrate his life and cherish his memories his wife of 48 years, Betty R. Miller Muhammad of the home; his daughters, Joyce Miller Alexander of Charlotte, N.C., Pauline Miller of Newport News, Va., Jeanette Miller of Charlotte, N.C., Tomika Mustafa of Greenville and Tiffiny Miller of Charlotte, N.C.; his sons, Julius (Sharon) Thompson Sr. and Kunta (Notissha) Miller of Greenville; and two godsons, Rico Thompson of Louisville, Ky., and Omar Braddock of Denver, Colo.

He has left to celebrate and carry on his legacy 21 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

He left three sisters, Teresa Woods of Newark, Del., and Cathy and Peggy Ann McNeal of Washington, D.C.; four brothers, Robert Jackson of Riverdale, Md., and Michael, Warren and Wilbur McNeal, all of Washington, D.C.; one aunt, Adrienne Miller of Gresham, Ore., and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close family friends to celebrate memories.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Miller family.

REV. ROGER NIX

CENTRAL — Rev. Roger B. Nix, 74, of Central, passed away on Sunday, April 11, 2021, at home.

Roger was born to the late Walter and Pearl Nix in Anderson County on March 1, 1947. He graduated from Liberty High School. Roger married Joan Sexton Nix on Aug. 26, 1967. He worked as a plumber before being called into ministry in 1980. Roger ministered and pastored for more than 35 years before retiring in 2018.
Roger is survived by his wife, Joan; daughter, Sonya Winch

ster (Thurmond) of Pickens, and son, Jason Nix (Shannon) of York; his grandchildren, Courtney Aleman, Kirstie Winchester, Hunter Winchester, Jarod Winchester, Jacob Nix and Brody Nix; and nine great-grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. Wednesday, April 14, at Central Church of God. Rev. Allen Smith and Rev. Alvin “Buck” Wilson will be officiating. Visitation will be held at 1:30 p.m. at the church. Burial will follow the funeral at Welcome Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to South Carolina Church of God Home for Children, P.O. Box 430, Mauldin, SC 29662 or Regency Southern Care Hospice Services, 880 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Suite 1A, Greenville, SC 29607.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Nix family.