Bill Bowers Sr.

SIX MILE — After a long and virtuous life of 91 years, Bill G. Bowers Sr., a lifelong resident of Six Mile, died peacefully Sunday, April 22, 2018, at Richard M. Campbell Veterans Home in Anderson.

Born May 17, 1926, in Six Mile, he was the son of the late Elbert Gordon Bowers and Nancy Gravely Bowers. Bill’s wife of 69 years, Elizabeth Freeman “Lib” Bowers, was by his side as he slipped into the presence of Jesus.

He loved the Lord and His creation, particularly nature and timberlands, music, church, honest men and his family.

Mr. Bowers and his nine siblings grew up in the Gap Hill community of Six Mile.

He was educated on the family farm and in the historic Palestine Schoolhouse on the banks of the Keowee River. He enlisted in the United States Army in 1944 and served in the 11th Armored Division and 4th Armored Division from 1944 until 1946, attaining the rank of staff sergeant.

Seeing combat in Rhineland, Central Europe, he was awarded the Europe, Africa, and Middle Eastern Service medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Occupation Ribbon (Germany), and the Bronze Star. After World War II, he was a lifelong member of the American Legion, serving as adjutant of Six Mile Post 141.

Over a lifetime of public service, Mr. Bowers enriched lives in the Six Mile community, including the establishment of the first Six Mile Fire Department and spearheading rural water throughout the community.

He was active in the Forest Landowners Association for many years and instrumental in many soil and water conservation projects across Pickens County.

He was a charter member and first president of the Six Mile Lions Club and spent countless hours raising funds to benefit sight conservation and research, including the Rocky Bottom Camp of the Blind. Mr. Bowers was a lifelong member and past master of Six Mile Masonic Lodge and past district deputy grand master of the Sixteenth Masonic District.

He was an active member of Lawrence Chapel and Grace United Methodist churches, as well as supporting the historic McKinney Chapel and its preservation efforts.

Mr. Bowers worked in various manufacturing facilities in the Upstate, including Poinsett Lumber Company, Sangamo Electric and Dunean Mills. Later becoming the rural letter carrier for route one in Six Mile. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service to a life of tree farming and travel with the love of his life, Lib.

Surviving, in addition to his wife Lib, are six sons, B. Gaines Bowers Jr. (Mary Ann) of Lincolnton, N.C., Michael E. Bowers (Ella Mae) of Inman, Edward D. Bowers of Seneca, John L. Bowers (Phyllis) of Greenville, J. Phillip Bowers (Marsha) of Six Mile, and George K. Bowers (Crystal) of Six Mile; one sister, Mildred Thompson of Greenville; grandchildren, Michael N. Bowers, Charles M. Bowers, Jonathan C. Bowers and Elizabeth Brewer; and great-grandchildren, Payton Bowers, Luke Bowers, Julia Bowers, Annabelle Brewer, Cayden Brewer and William Brewer.

He was predeceased by his sisters, Elizabeth B. Gantt, Louella B. Perkins, Alice B. Whitmire, Nora Ashley and Pearle B. Alexander; and brothers, J.C. Bowers, Elbert Gordon Bowers Jr. and John E. Bowers; and one grandson, Michael Hill.

A service of death and resurrection will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, April 25, at Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens, with the Rev. David Taylor and Mike Bowers officiating.

Interment will follow at Hillcrest Cemetery with Masonic Rites and Military Honors. Friends and family will gather afterward for visitation in the Grace United Methodist Church fellowship hall from 4-6 p.m.

Memorials may be made to the Bill G. and Elizabeth F. Bowers Endowed Scholarship Fund at Spartanburg Methodist College, 1000 Powell Mill Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301, or to the charity of one’s choice.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting DillardFunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home, (864) 878-6371.

George P. McCue

Easley — George Patrick McCue, husband of the late Kathie Reid McCue, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, April 18, 2018.

Born in Greenville, a son to the late George Walter McCue and the late Carolyn Lesley McCue, he was owner and operator of Eastern Textile Train and Audit and was a cherished member of Corinth Baptist Church. Mr. McCue loved classic cars and trains, but most of all, he loved his family.

Surviving are daughters, Heather McCue Carey (Ty) and Fallon Katrina Porter (Randy), both of Easley; brothers, Bobby Alan McCue (Linda) and Ronald Joe McCue (Lothel), both of Easley; and grandchildren, Luke West, Trisha Carlisle, Zeke West, Cheyenne Carlisle, Jaymee Payton, Jessaca Carey and Jenna Carey.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Jimmy McCue.

Funeral services were held April 22 at Corinth Baptist Church, with burial following at the church cemetery.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Corinth Baptist Church, 515 E. Church Rd., Easley, SC 29642.

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

Connie H. Alexander

SIX MILE — Connie Hendricks Alexander, 74, wife of James Larry Alexander, passed from this life on Monday, April 16, 2018.

Connie was born in Six Mile, a daughter of the late Ben and Grace A. Barrett Hendricks. She retired as co-owner of Horizon Machine Company.

She was affectionately known by her husband of 27 years as “Wonder Woman,” because he never knew what she was going to do next.

Survivors include her husband, Larry; a daughter, Missy Tidwell (Tim) of Six Mile; step-son, Greg Alexander (Belinda) of Pickens; and step-daughters Tammy Youngblood of Six Mile and Terresa Alexander of Pickens; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

No services will be held.

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

The family requests that flowers be omitted and memorial be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Mary Bolen Jones

EASLEY — Mrs. Mary Bolen Jones, 69, passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018, at her home.

A native of Greenville County, she was a daughter of the late W.A. “Bill” and Ruth Morris Bolen. She was a graduate of Berea High School and Carson-Newman University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology. Mrs. Jones was a homemaker and an active member of Easley First United Methodist Church, where she held numerous leadership positions in the church.

She was a member of The Dorothy O. Scott Garden Club, The Woman’s Club of Easley, The Easley Book Club and The Easley First United Methodist Women.

Mrs. Jones is survived by her husband of 49 years, Robert Ned Jones; her son, William Mathews Jones and his wife, Samantha T. Jones, of Easley; her daughter, Amy Jones Adams and her husband, Richard, of Greenville; her four precious granddaughters, Sydney Elisabeth Jones, Averi Sinclaire Jones, Mary Caroline Adams and Lauren Elizabeth Adams; and a sister, Ann Curry of Greenville. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Jones was predeceased by two brothers and one sister.

Her celebration of life services were held April 20 at Easley First United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to Easley First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 589, Easley, SC 29641, or to The Dream Center of Pickens County, P.O. Box 203, Easley, SC 29641.

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

Jerry Collier

Six Mile — Jerry Hal Collier, 60, of 620 Terrapin Crossing Road, died Sunday, April 15, 2018, at his residence.

Born in Easley, he was the husband of Phyllis Elaine Willimon Collier and a son of the late Harold and Mary Magdeline Cobb Collier. Jerry had been a longtime machinist at Richmond Gear and was an avid NASCAR fan. He was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving in addition to his wife are two daughters, Sarah Collier of Pickens and Stacy Collier (Tina Kirksey) of Six Mile; a brother, Larry E. Collier of Liberty; and five grandchildren, Emily and Summer Phillips, Benjamin and Alexander Collier, and Andrew Sears.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Collier were held April 20 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel, with burial following at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

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

Phronsie L. McNeely

EASLEY — Mrs. Phronsie Long McNeely, 72, of Breazeale Road, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Wednesday, April 18, 2018, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in Greenville County, a daughter of the late William McMurray Long and Cecile Ariail Long, Mrs. McNeely was a graduate of Alcee Fortier High School and attended LSU. She was a homemaker and member of Arial Baptist Church.

Phronsie was a caring wife, loving mother and grandmother, an avid farmer and friend to all. Her passion and calling in life was loving and taking care of others. She will be dearly missed by all that knew her.

Surviving are her husband of 49 years, James W. “Smiley” McNeely; her children, Thomas W. McNeely of Gainesville, Ga., Nancy M. Lollis and her husband, Dr. Patrick G. Lollis, of Williamston and Dr. J. Benjamin McNeely and his wife, Dr. Johndra U. McNeely, of Piedmont; her grandchildren, Seth, Calleigh and Lydia Lollis; a brother, Dr. James W. Long and his wife, Meredith, of Fort Smith, Ark.; and a sister, Ariail Seshul and her husband, Dr. Michael Seshul of Columbia. In addition to her parents, Mrs. McNeely was predeceased by a brother, Dr. William M. Long Jr.

Funeral services were held April 21 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with burial following in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Arial Baptist Church, 618 Rice Road, Easley, SC 29640.

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

Barbara “Jean” Williams Mitchell

Easley — Mrs. Barbara “Jean” Williams Mitchell, 83, passed away Sunday, April 22, 2018, at her home.

Born in Anderson County, a daughter of the late Luther Luke Williams and the late Daisy Mae Allison Williams, Mrs. Mitchell was a graduate of Southern Wesleyan College, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in education, and retired as the administrator of education of Share Head Start. She was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are two sons, Michael Mitchell (Susan) of Easley and Timothy Mitchell of Myrtle Beach; two daughters, Patricia Moody and Tammerlaine Moorehead, both of Anderson; four grandchildren, Sabrina Robinson, Crystal Milliken, Meredith Brock and Ashley Nelson; nineteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Mitchell was predeceased by a grandson, Stephen Moore; and three brothers.

The family will host a memorial service at a later date.

The family is at the home.

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

Ruby Lois Simpson

PICKENS — Ruby Lois Simpson, 86, of Pickens, passed away Friday, April 20, 2018, in her home.

Lois was born in Pickens to the late Arthur and Eula Nalley Welborn. She was the wife of retired Army 1st Sgt. Glenon Simpson.

Lois was a member of Tabor United Methodist Church and was a seamstress for many years.

In addition to her husband of 62 years, Lois is survived by two daughters, Robin Rena Simpson (John) of Pickens and Ann Carnes of Greenville; a grandchild, Jeremy Gravely (Stacey) of Pickens; and two great-grandchildren, Allie and Katie Gravely, both of Pickens.

In addition to her parents, Lois was predeceased by a brother, George Welborn; sister, Eleanor Crane; and two daughters, Jeri Carnes and Ginger Lee Simpson.

A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 25, at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be sent to Tabor United Methodist Church, 1943 Ireland Road, Easley, SC 29640.

Online condolence may be sent to Dillardfunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Simpson family.

Irene Masters

LIBERTY — Minnie Irene Franklin Masters, 93, of Black Bottom Road, died Monday, April 16, 2018, at Manna Health and Rehab of Pickens.

Born in Cleveland, Ga., she was the widow of Deitrick Beiman “D.B.” Masters and a daughter of the late William and Ollie Wiggley Franklin. She retired as the canteen manager at Woodside Mills. She loved spending time with her family and friends, as well as her flowers, watching the birds and dancing. She was of the Baptist faith and the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Surviving are two daughters, Joan Griffin and Donna Crawford (Melvin), both of Liberty; a son, William “Bill” Masters (Gloria) of Simpsonville; seven grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; two daughters-in-law, Louann and Clara Masters, and many loving friends.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by two sons, Charles and Danny Masters; and 11 brothers and sisters.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Masters were held April 19 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

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

Dink Evett

PICKENS — William Laytheral “Dink” Evett, 90, husband of the late Ruby Morris Evett, passed from this life on Saturday, April 21, 2018.

Mr. Evett was born in Pickens County, son of the late Sherman L. Evett Sr. and the late Lila Anderson Evett. He was a member of Crescent Hill Baptist Church and retired as manager of Exxon and Shell gas stations in Pickens.

Survivors include his son, Don Evett (Pat), and his daughter, Gerri Porter (Wayne), all of Pickens. Also surviving are grandchildren Randy Evett (Ashley), Billy Evett (Delia), Amy Brissey (Michael) and Carrie Howard (Preston) and great-grandchildren, Jessica, Jordan, Leighanne, Libby, Alex, Chelsea (Wes), Hillary, Bryson and Morgan, and a great-great-granddaughter, Vera.

In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Evett was preceded in death by brothers Malloy Evett and Sherman Evett Jr. and a sister, Jessie Lee Evett.

Services were held April 24 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel. Burial will be private.

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

Memorials may be made to Crescent Hill Baptist Church, 115 Crescent Hill Drive, Pickens, SC 29671 or to the McCall Hospice House, 1836 W. Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680.

Betty Pate Lackey

EASLEY — Betty Pate Lackey, 73, wife of Prue Lackey, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, April 17, 2018.

She was at her home surrounded by her family. Betty was a member of Easley Church of God.

She is survived by her children, Dee Anne Shoenleben (Robbie), Eric Beason (Karen), Dickie Crisp (Kevin) and Dustin Lackey (Brandi).

Betty has eight grandchildren who loved her dearly: Charlie Tinsley (Brittany), Samantha Tinsley, Ian Shoenleben, Abigail Beason, Caleb Lackey, Emily Lackey, Kaden Crisp and Alex Lackey, along with two great-grandchildren, Zoey Bailey and Solomon Tinsley.

Betty, “Grandmother,” was a devout Christian who leaves a wonderful legacy for her grandchildren, family and friends.

She is also survived by three sisters, Peggy Flack, Shirley Fulbright, and Nancy Norris of North Carolina.

She will also be missed by her lifelong friend, Ms. Sandra Allen of Pickens.

Graveside services were held April 20 at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson.