Courier Obituaries 4-2-25
MICHELLE DEJOHN
LIBERTY — Michelle Dejohn, 69, loving wife of 41 years to Ronnie Hudson, passed away on Monday, March 24, 2025, at her residence.
Born on Oct. 25, 1955, in Syracuse, N.Y., Michelle was the cherished daughter of the late Mike Dejohn and Marion Black. Throughout her life, Michelle was known for her kind heart, her passion for crafting and her love of cooking. She found joy in creating beautiful things and sharing meals with family and friends. Above all, Michelle’s greatest love was her family. Her warm spirit and generous nature touched the lives of all who knew her.
Survivors include her husband, Ronnie Hudson of Liberty; a son, Ronnie Hudson of Greenville; two brothers, Michale Dejohn of Florida and Mark Dejohn of Las Vegas; two nieces, Mandy Dejohn and Erica Dejohn; and a nephew, Michael Dejohn III.
Mrs. Dejohn was predeceased by her parents.
Michelle’s legacy of love, creativity and family will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. She will be deeply missed, but her memory will forever be cherished by her family and friends.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Dejohn family.
JOHN B. WATERS
SIX MILE — It is with heavy hearts but a spirit of celebration that we announce the passing of John Boyce Waters, who left us peacefully on March 25, 2025, at the age of 72.
Born on Jan. 2, 1953, in Greenville, John was a beloved husband, father, brother and friend who embraced life with a passion for the great outdoors and a love for family.
John was a master plumber and proudly self-employed, demonstrating an unmatched dedication to his craft and a commitment to serving his community. But more than his professional accomplishments, John will be remembered for his warmth, sense of humor and the cherished memories he created with those he loved.
A lover of nature, John found joy in camping and hiking, often taking his family on adventures into the wilderness. He had a special bond with his grandchildren, reveling in their laughter and the memories they created together. Music filled his life, and few could resist his rendition of “North to Alaska.” He was known equally for his thoughtful conversations over a good cup of coffee and his appreciation for a well-cooked meal.
John is survived by his beloved wife of 53 years, Brenda Lusk Waters; his favorite daughter, Annette Felty (Brad); his two sons, Toby Waters (Dawn) and Josh Waters (Lynn); and his beloved grandchildren, Harrison, Sophia, Olivia, Francesca, Esmé, Shannon, Clay and Kennedy. He also leaves behind his sister, Pat Bryan, and brother, Mike Waters. They will all forever hold him close in their hearts.
John was predeceased by his beloved mother, Frances Lesley York, and a brother, Chuck Waters.
Celebrating John’s vibrant life, a memorial service was held March 28 at Roanoke Baptist Church, where they shared stories and laughter, honoring the unforgettable spirit of this remarkable man.
Let us gather to remember John not with sorrow, but with joy and gratitude for the wonderful moments we shared.
The family will be gathering at the home of his son, Josh Waters.
You may share memories and offer condolences to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are assisting the family.
MICHAEL E. K. HAGOOD ‘YUNG DRALOW’
PICKENS — Michael E.K. Hagood “Yung Dralow,” 23, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
Born on Aug. 14, 2001, in Greenville, Michael was the son of Bruce Michael Williams and Gina Hagood. Michael was a man of deep faith and attended Bethany Church of God, where he found strength and community. His warm spirit and infectious sense of humor touched the hearts of everyone around him, always bringing joy and laughter to those in his life.
A gifted athlete, Michael had a passion for basketball, where his dedication and sportsmanship were evident. He was also a talented musician, and his love for music inspired many. Whether on the court or with his music, Michael’s enthusiasm for life was clear to all who knew him. Beyond his talents, Michael was driven by a desire to give back. He founded and supported several charitable organizations, always seeking to make a difference in the lives of others. His compassion, generosity and commitment to helping those in need left a lasting impact on his community.
Michael will be deeply missed by his family, friends and all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of kindness, laughter and love will live on forever in the hearts of those he touched.
Survivors include his mother, Gina Hagood (Miguel); father, Bruce Michael Williams; significant other, Jalisa Johnson; mama and poppa, Cynthia and Lewis Roach; sister, former SSGT Jowanna Lashell Shutes (MSGT Peter); brothers, Kenny Hagood and Justus E.L. Hagood (Stephanie Lomax); foster sisters, Crystal Daves (Eric), Michelle Galloway, Janae Simpson, Jessica Hollingsworth and Lacey Hollingsworth; foster brothers, Jack Simpson “Black Jack” Sweeney and Jason Roach; stepfather, Nathaniel Hunt; nieces, Priiya and Savannah; nephews, Justus Jr. and Matthias; aunt, Venus Lucille Lilliebell Young; and uncles, Jimmy Leon Young, Timothy Lee Young and Jermaine Young.
Michael was predeceased by a brother, Anthony Hagood, and an aunt, Ella B. Moss.
Funeral services were held March 29 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home. Interment followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations in Michael’s honor may be made to Bethany Church of God, 428 Hagood Mill Road, Pickens.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the family of Michael Hagood.
C.F. WHITLOCK
LIBERTY — Clarence Franklin “CF” Whitlock Jr., 78, of Liberty went to his heavenly home on Saturday, March 22, 2025.
Born in Greenville, he was a son of the late Clarence F. Sr. and Alma Harbin Whitlock.
He worked many years for Dan River Mills at the Cateechee Plant, and later on in life he worked several years at Advance Auto in Clemson.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his two sisters, Virginia Ray and Pat Binette; and a niece and nephew, Theresa and Dennis Cobb. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Those left to cherish his memory are his nieces and nephews, Cindy Pruitt (Hal), Tammy Fennell (Dan, deceased), Nancy Plummer (Rob), Mike Parks and Brian Binette (Peggy).
Also surviving are 12 great-nieces and nephews, and 11 great-great nieces and nephews.
He was a lifelong faithful member of East Side Baptist Church, where he loved singing in the choir. In his younger years, he was a charter member of the Liberty Jaycees and was named “Outstanding Young Man of America” three different times.
He served his country in the United States Army during the Vietnam War.
To honor his life, funeral services were held March 31 at East Side Baptist Church. He was laid to rest with his parents at Liberty Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to East Side Baptist Church, 920 Anderson Drive, Liberty.
To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family, please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
ROBERT CLARK
EASLEY — Mr. Robert Keith Clark, 61, passed away peacefully at his home Wednesday, March 26, 2025.
Born in Greenville County, the son of the late Rando Clark and the late Sharon Burns Clark, Mr. Clark was a graduate of Parker High School and was employed with Active Day of Greenville. He was of the Methodist faith.
Robert was very athletic and loved sports, especially his South Carolina Gamecocks. As a former football coach at Pickens High School, he impacted many.
He also coached his son’s baseball team to the Junior League World Series in 2009. He loved to be a jokester, but his greatest love was for his family and his beloved dog, Peanut. Robert cherished serving the special needs patients under his care, as well as his coworkers.
He also loved spending time at the beach with his toes in the sand and the sound of waves crashing around him.
He will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew him.
Robert was predeceased by his maternal grandparents, Troy Burns and Mary Henderson Burns.
Surviving are his son, Nolan Clark (Alexis) of Six Mile; his daughter, Anna Tucker (Blake) of Columbia; his sister, Kim Brock (Toby) of Belton; his niece, Emily Brock of Belton; his nephew, Andrew Brock; his aunt, Becky Nix (Mike) of Greenville; and his ex-wife and dear friend, Angela Nease.
Memorials may be made in memory of Robert to the National Kidney Foundation by visiting support.kidney.org/.
Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.
JACK DRAWDY
EASLEY — Jack Edward Drawdy Jr., 61, of Easley, passed away on Friday, March 21, 2025.
Born in Horry County, he was a son of Jack “Jackie” Edward Drawdy Sr. of Easley and the late Harriette Nash Drawdy.
Jack was a 1981 graduate of Easley High School and an active member of Easley Presbyterian Church, where he served faithfully as a deacon, church bus driver and youth basketball coach. Jack found great joy in coaching his sons and their teams throughout the years.
He was the vice president of sales for SCT and enjoyed a successful career in that role. Outside of work, Jack loved spending time at the beach, especially playing bocce ball. He was an avid listener of Jimmy Buffett and Kenny Chesney and cherished good music and coastal living. Jack was a loving father and a friend to many, known for his warm presence, steady encouragement and genuine care for others.
In addition to his father, he is survived by his wife, Tonya Drawdy, of 28 years; his two sons, Jack Edward “Jake” Drawdy III (Jessica) of Pelzer and William Nash Drawdy of Charleston; his brother, Ben Drawdy (Tonya) of Charlotte; his sister, Melissa Drawdy of Greenville; and two beloved grandchildren, Kylie and Brayden Miller.
A private graveside service was held March 29, at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens – Spartanburg. A reception celebrating Jack’s life took place at the Blue Room at Easley Presbyterian Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Easley Presbyterian Church at easleypresbyterian.org/give/.
Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory – Downtown, Easley.
PAUL ANTHONY ‘TONY’ TURNER
CENTRAL — Paul Anthony “Tony” Turner, 58, loving husband of 20 years to Donna Jean Granger, passed away on Friday, March 28, 2025, at his residence.
Born on April 29, 1966, in Pickens County, Tony was the son of the late Preston Lee Turner and Clara Joan Haynes Turner.
Tony found great joy in the company of his loved ones and his beloved dogs, Zoey and Clyde. He was always quick to engage in conversation with friends. With a deep passion for hands-on work, Tony spent countless hours tinkering with four-wheelers and lawnmowers, showcasing his mechanical skills and love for fixing things. His admiration for his Toyota trucks was unwavering.
Survivors include his wife, Donna Jean Granger of the home; children, Justin Turner of Pickens, Sheena Delegatti (Clay Williams) of Easley, Austin Chapman (Kim) of Liberty, Brittany Kees (Kyle) of Pickens, Kaitlyn Hair (Jody) of Pelzer and Kayla Granger of Central; 13 grandchildren and one on the way; one great-grandchild; two brothers, Roger Turner and Tommy Turner; and many nieces and nephews.
Tony was predeceased by his parents, Preston and Joan Turner. Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Turner family.
ROBERT FRANK ‘BOB’ BICKEL
SUNSET — Robert Frank “Bob” Bickel, 81, passed away on Thursday, March 27, 2025, at his residence.
Born on Jan. 26, 1944, in Trenton, N.J., Bob was the beloved son of the late Frank Patterson Bickel and Henrietta Loretta Hendrickson Bickel. Throughout his life, Bob demonstrated a deep passion for the arts and shared this enthusiasm with others. He generously volunteered his time as an art instructor at the Pickens County Senior Center, where he inspired and mentored many. His dedication to both his craft and his community left a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to know him.
Survivors include his sister, Susan Bickel of Durham, N.C., and nieces, Amanda Mraz and Rebecca Mraz.
In addition to his parents, Bob was predeceased by his wife, Maudine Bickel.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Bickel family.
ROGER E. WILSON
PICKENS — Roger E. Wilson, 63, loving husband to Jennifer Crane, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born on June 2, 1961, in Spartanburg County, Roger was the son of Lois Hollifield Wilson and the late Alton Eugene Wilson.
A devout individual, Roger was a member of Living Water Church, although he was a longtime attendee of New Prospect Baptist Church, both in Inman, where his deep love and faith in the Lord were evident. Above all, he cherished the time spent with his family, valuing the bonds they shared. He took comfort in the special bond he shared with his four-legged buddy, Benny. Roger had a passion for music, finding joy in the melodies that filled his life. His enthusiasm also extended to sports, where he proudly supported Clemson football, the Miami Dolphins and NASCAR racing, always enjoying the excitement and camaraderie these passions brought.
In addition to his beloved wife and mother, Mr. Wilson is survived by his son, Timothy Hughes (Olivia) of Seneca, and his father-in-law, Tom Crane, with whom he shared a special bond.
Roger was preceded in death by his father, Alton Eugene Wilson.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. April 4 at Bethlehem Church Cemetery in Pickens.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Roger’s honor may be thoughtfully directed to the Humane Society of your choice, a cause close to his heart.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Wilson family.
DALE BENJAMIN AIKEN
EASLEY — Dale Benjamin Aiken, 68, passed away on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Baptist Easley Hospital.
Born on Oct. 13, 1956, in Greenville, Dale was the son of Mary A. Greene and the late Benjamin Lawrence Aiken. A man of simple joys, Dale found peace and contentment in the quiet moments, whether he was fishing by the water or unwinding with his favorite show, Duck Dynasty. Above all, he cherished his family, particularly his beloved mother. His greatest joy was having his loved ones close, and he always made a point to keep them near, valuing the warmth and connection of family above all else.
Survivors include his mother, Mary A. Greene of Easley; daughters, Sherry Sandifer of Easley and Cheryl Hannah of Norris; two loving grandchildren; three precious great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lisa Patterson (Chuck) of Easley and Jean A. Hayes (Tom Crumpton) of Liberty; and many loving nieces and nephews.
In addition to his father, Dale was predeceased by his wife, Wanda J. Aiken; a son, Jimmy Scruggs; a brother, Gary Greene; and the man who raised him as his own, his stepfather, Lester C. Greene.
Visitation will be held from 1-2 p.m. April 3 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, with a funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at West View Cemetery in Easley.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Dale’s honor may be made to Pickens County Meals on Wheels, 349 Edgemont Ave., Liberty.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Aiken family.
JEFFERY PAUL BLACK ‘LITTLE JEFFERY’
EASLEY — Jeffery Paul Black “Little Jeffery,” 33, passed away on Sunday, March 30, 2025, at his home.
Born on May 22, 1991, in Greenville County, Jeffery was the son of Truman “Jeff” Black and Tonya Renee Clanton Black. He found great joy in spending quality time with his family and housemates, always surrounded by those he cared for. Jeffery had a special bond with his nieces and nephews, showering them with affection and warmth. His passions included everything related to My Little Pony, a source of endless enjoyment for him, as well as visits to Walmart, where he could find comfort in the simple pleasures of life. His joyful spirit and love for his family will always be remembered by those who knew him.
In addition to parents, Jeffery is survived by his sister, Diamond Neal (Mathew) of Pickens; brother, Jonathan Black of Pickens; nieces, Ashleighn and Raelynn; nephews, Ryan and River; great-uncle who he shared a special bond with, Tony Carver; and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Jeffery was preceded in death by his grandmother, Elaine Todd, and his great-grandparents, Ray and Sallie Carver.
The family will hold a memorial service at 4 p.m. April 3 in the chapel of Full Life Church of God, 118 Pistol Club Road, Easley.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Jeffery’s honor to Diamond Neal, 131 Stephens Road, Pickens, to assist with covering the expenses of his burial. Your generous support during this time is deeply appreciated.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Black family.