LARRY RUDOLPH WHITLOCK

CENTRAL — Larry Rudolph Whitlock, 77, loving husband of 58 years to Fannie Elizabeth Whitlock, passed away on Monday, May 6, 2024, at Baptist Easley Hospital, surrounded by his family.

Born Dec. 9, 1946, in Piedmont, Larry was the son of the late William Rudolph Whitlock and Ethelene Black Whitlock. Larry was a hardworking family man. He enjoyed chocolate ice cream and fried apple pies. His passion was working on hot rods and engines. Larry had many trades and taught himself how to work on cars, and restored a 1931 five-window coup Model A.

Survivors include his wife, Fannie Elizabeth Whitlock of the home; a daughter, Pamela Burrell (Daniel) of Pendleton; grandsons, Justin Burrell and Cody Burrell; sisters, Joann Todd (Richard) of Six Mile and Lynn Greer of Williamston; and many loving and caring nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Whitlock was predeceased by a brother, Donnie Whitlock, and sisters, Cathy Whitlock and Jean Holden.

Funeral services were held on May 14 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens. Burial followed the service at Memory Gardens in Central.

Flowers will be accepted.

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

 

CHARLES EDWARD ‘ED’  ALEXANDER

EASLEY — Charles “Ed” Edward Alexander, 75, of Easley, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 12, 2024.

Ed was born in Pickens to the late M.C. Alexander and Jeanette Alexander Kelley. A graduate of Liberty High School and was employed as an auto mechanic at Roper Motor Company. In 1981, he opened Alexander’s Auto Service where he served the Easley community for 37 years. The success of his business was not only because of his skill, but also because of the way he treated his customers. He was an avid College football fan and was a lifelong USC Gamecock fan. Ed enjoyed hunting, fishing and Nascar racing. Ed was one of the kindest, most generous and patient men. He was a man of God who adored his family and had a wonderful sense of humor.

Ed is survived by his devoted wife Cathy Howard Alexander; one daughter Terri Alexander Graves (Paul) and his three step-children Angie Strickland (Mike), Nathan Ridlehoover (Erin) and Devin Ridlehoover; grandchildren Hayden Alexander Graves, Courtney Elizabeth Graves, Addison “Gray” Guthrie, Lillie Grace Strickland, Jonah, Millie and Nora Ridlehoover.

Ed was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Carlos “Bud” Alexander, Calvin Alexander, Matthew Alexander and his sister Mildred Alexander Powell.

A visitation for Ed will be held May 16, from 10:30 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. at Dillard Memorial Funeral Home, 2402 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens, with a funeral service to follow  at 12 p.m. A committal service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial park.

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

 

FLORA MAE MCALISTER

PICKENS — Flora Mae McAlister, 88, of Pickens, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, May 3, 2024.

Flora was born in Pickens to the late Mary and Sheriff Brezeale. Flora was the wife of the late Bobby Lee McAlister. She retired from Singer/Ryobi. A good person, she loved Jesus and had a wonderful work ethic. She enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren and spending time with family.

Flora is survived by her three sons, Ricky McAlister, Terry McAlister and Patrick McAlister; daughter, Donna M. White; eight grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.

Flora was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 36 years, her four brothers, Grady, Ray, Ralph and Horace Brezeale, and one sister, Sarah Farmer.

A visitation will be held at Dillard Funeral Home, 2402 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens, from 1-1:45 p.m. May 15, with a funeral service to follow at 2 p.m. A committal service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

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

 

DOROTHY MULKEY

PICKENS — Dorothy Ann Mulkey, a cherished member of the Pickens community, passed away on May 10, 2024, at her home in Pickens.

She was born on Jan. 7, 1940, in Pickens as a daughter to the late William Courtney and Laura Turner McKinney, she was the widow to Elmer William “Bill” Mulkey Jr. She was a devoted homemaker who found great joy in tending to her family, always putting them above all else. She enjoyed finding beauty and peace in nature and had a special love for pretty flowers, especially hibiscus and roses, cardinals, and had a fondness for traveling.

Throughout her life, Dorothy upheld her Methodist faith with unwavering dedication. She had a passion for listening to Elvis’s gospel music and cherished the moments spent surrounded by her loved ones.

Her memory will be forever treasured by her sons, Rodney Mulkey (April) and Michael Mulkey (Sharon); her sisters, Glenna Coleman, Carolyn Lawson and Louise Davis; a brother, Donnie McKinney, and a sister-in-law, Nancy McKinney. Above all, she cherished her four grandchildren, Patricia Anne Mulkey, Jennifer Whitworth (Zack), Stephanie Smith (Joey) and Ashley Edwards (Alex); her eight great-grandchildren, Wyatt and Connor Whitworth, Brooklyn and Parker Edwards, Cooper and Josie Smith, Austin Mulkey, Kendrick Mulkey (Adrian) and one soon to be born, Tripp Whitworth; and her three great-great-grandchildren, Noah, River and Karson Mulkey.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a grandson, Bradley Mulkey; a sister, Betty Black; and two brothers, Bud and Harold McKinney.

A visitation to honor Dorothy’s life will be held at Liberty Mortuary from 12:30-1:30 p.m. May 16, with a service to follow at 2 p.m. in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Dorothy touched the lives of many with her kindness and warmth, and her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her. Let us come together to honor her life and legacy with love, respect, and gratitude for the joy she brought to the world.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made in her memory to Tunnel to Towers Foundation by visiting t2t.org or The Alzheimer’s Association by visiting alz.org.

You may share a memory and offer condolences to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

CAROLE FAITH SARGENT

EASLEY — Carole Faith Sargent, 81, loving wife of 62 years to James P. “Jim” Sargent, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Sunday, May 5, 2024.

Born March 18, 1943, in Ashland City, Tenn., Carole was the daughter of the late Ben Fambrough and Louetta Jewel Nicholson Fambrough. Mrs. Sargent was a member of Landmark Baptist Church. She worked in retail at Walmart for 28 years before her retirement.

Survivors include her husband, James P. “Jim” Sargent of Easley; son, John G. Sargent of Sunset; two grandchildren, Timothy Sargent and Alex Sargent; six great-grandchildren; and two brothers, Winfred Fambrough and Ben Fambrough Jr.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Sargent was predeceased by her daughter, Pamela Rhea Brumfield; son, James Jason Sargent; two sisters, Louise and Effie Jean; and five brothers, David, Bill, Sterling, Jerome and Mark.

A memorial service for family and close friends will be held at Landmark Baptist Church.

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

 

SFC JEREMIAH EMMETT OWEN JR.

EASLEY — SFC Jeremiah Emmett Owen Jr., 45, loving husband of 18 years to Lauree Owen, passed away on Wednesday, May 8, 2024, at his home, surrounded by family.

Born Nov. 30, 1978, in Easley, Jeremiah was the son of Jeremiah Emmett Owen, Sr. and the late Lola Faye Mathis Owen. Mr. Owen was an active member of the South Carolina Army National Guard. Jeremiah was a friend to everyone and would always run into people he knew. He was a very happy person who had a big heart and loved to make others laugh. He was an avid outdoorsman who had a passion for hunting and fishing for catfish and bass. He loved to cook and made the best chicken wings. Jeremiah was spoiled by being the only boy in his immediate family.

Survivors include his wife, Lauree Owen of Easley; two sons, Jacob Chandler Owen (Ana) of Marietta and William Isaiah Owen of Easley; father, Jeremiah Emmett Owen Sr. of Pickens; three sisters, Rachel Meredith (Chris) of Liberty, Rebecca Owen of Pickens and Elvie Green (Tim) of Easley; and many loving and caring nieces and nephews.

In addition to his mother, Mr. Owen was predeceased by a son, Aaron James Gilstrap.

A memorial service was held on May 11 in the sanctuary of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church in Easley.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Jeremiah’s honor may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project by visiting woundedwarriorproject.org/donate.

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

 

GRACE BURGESS ROBINSON

PICKENS — Grace Burgess Robinson, 100, of Pickens, passed away on Sunday, May 12, 2024.

Grace was the wife of the late Willis “Shorty” Robinson. She was the oldest member of Glassy Mountain Baptist Church in Pickens where she taught Sunday school for several years. She was the daughter of the late John and Rachel Burgess. Grace retired from Ryobi after 26 years.

Grace is survived by her children Betty Cantrell, Mattie Lou Hayes (Sam), Ken Robinson and Margaret Satterfield (Gerald) all of Pickens; six grandchildren Randy Wardlaw (Debra) of Spartanburg, Teresa Lewis (Mike) of Pickens, Sherry and Robin Cantrell of Pickens, Tina Hendricks (Michael) of Pickens and Tonya Suddeth (Brent) of Pickens. She also leaves behind five great-grandchildren and eight great great-grandchildren.

Grace was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years Willis Robinson; one granddaughter Beverley Wardlaw; two great- grandchildren; and her son-in-law, Lloyd Cantrell of Pickens.

Grace was the last surviving member of her immediate family. A graveside service will be held May 16, at 10 a.m., at Hillcrest Memorial Park, 2410 Gentry Memorial Hwy, Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Grace’s memory may be made to Glassy Mountain Baptist Church.

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

 

RUBY JEAN KNIGHT

SIX MILE — Ruby Jean Knight, 90, of Six Mile, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on May 9, 2024.

She was the wife of the late Samuel E. Knight. She was also a devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and special friend to many.

She was a lifelong member of Gap Hill Church of God, where she was involved in various ministries, including teaching children and the Adult Three Sunday School Class. Ruby was also known for her macaroni and cheese and seven-layer chocolate cake, made delicious by the abundance of butter. Her lively personality and wit will be greatly missed.

She is survived by her three daughters, Sharon (Larry) Anderson of Ortonville, Mich., Sonja (David) Kemp of Bethalto, Ill., and Susan (Robby) Fendley of Six Mile; five grandchildren, Sean (Angela) Anderson of Lake Orion, Mich., Stefan (Krista) Anderson of Clarkston, Mich., Lee (Jennifer) Kemp of Fort Cavazos, Texas, Briana (Jonathan) Bennett of Rock Hill and Grant Fendley of Six Mile; and 11 great-grandchildren, Spencer, Slade, Evan, Scarlet and Bella Anderson; David Lee, Ella and Annie Kemp; Trinity, Rory and Ruby Bennett, who loved their “MaMa Ruby” very much.  She is also survived by sisters, Debra Bryant, Brenda Hooper and Yvonne Lomax, and a sister-in-law, Myremn Durham.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Waco and Dorthula Durham; brother, Garvin “Bud” Durham; and sisters, Barbara Ann Stone and Doris Ellenburg.

The celebration of life was held May 14 at Gap Hill Church of God.

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

 

GORDON R. MCDONALD

EASLEY — Gordon Richardson McDonald, 96, beloved husband of the late Mary Lily Gilliland McDonald, passed away Thursday, May 9, 2024, at Richard Campbell Veterans Nursing Home in Anderson.

Born in Simpsonville, he was a son of the late Samuel Ferdinand McDonald and Losey Elizabeth Chastain McDonald.

Mr. McDonald retired from Alice Manufacturing. He was an ordained minister in the Pentecostal church. He also loved to read the Bible and travel.

Surviving are his children, Cyndi Crane (Tim) of Greenville, Judith McDonald of Easley, Peggy Anders (Joe Bill) of Norris, Lucy Grant (Carey) of Powdersville, Richard McDonald (Ruby) of Easley, Mike McDonald of Easley and Steve McDonald (Carla) of Greenville; 20 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; and brothers, Harold and David McDonald.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by his sisters, Mary Stanton, Edith Tucker, Sylvia Dooley, Pearl Pruitt and Loretta Lewis.

Funeral services were held on May 14 at Deliverance Tabernacle Church of God in Easley. Burial will be on Wednesday, May 22, at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson.

The family will be at their respective homes. Flowers will be accepted. Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.

 

MARGARITA M. METTY

EASLEY — Margarita Marruenda Metty, 76, beloved wife of Richard Earl Metty, passed away Thursday, May 9, 2024, at her home.

Born in Madrid, Spain, she was a daughter of the late Antonio Marruenda and Escolastica Ollero.

Marga, known by her family and friends, retired from the School District of Pickens County, having worked at Dacusville Middle School and Gettys Middle School. She volunteered, with her husband, for Pickens County Meals on Wheels, The Lions Club and Holy Cross Catholic Church, where she was a dedicated member for several years. She also enjoyed spending time with her family, traveling and sewing.

Surviving are her husband of 53 years, Richard; her daughters, Sandra Metty-Behringer (Rudolf) of Munich, Germany, and Cindy Metty Stacey (Ron) of Buford, Ga.; grandchildren, Thomas Behringer, Julian Stacey, Diana Stacey, Anna Behringer and Laura Stacey; a sister, Rosario Marruenda of Spain; and a brother, Luis Marruenda of Spain.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by brothers, Antonio and Felix Marruenda.

The family will receive friends from 6-7:30 p.m. May 16 at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, 305 W. Main St., Easley.

A funeral mass will be held at 12:15 p.m. May 17 at Holy Cross Catholic Church, 558 Hampton Ave. Pickens. Inurnment will be held at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectively asks that memorials be made to Pickens County Meals on Wheels, 349 Edgemont Ave., Liberty, SC 29657.

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

 

PATRICIA DIANNE CLARK

EASLEY — Patricia “Patsy” Dianne Clark, 76, went to be with her Lord and Savior Monday, May 6, 2024.

Born in Greenville County, the daughter of the late Joseph M. Clark and the late Ira Nell Vickery Clark, Patsy was a graduate of Easley High School and a retired substitute teacher from the School District of Pickens County. She was an active lifetime member of St. Andrew Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school for more than 30 years. She loved gardening and the outdoors, but her greatest love was for people and serving others. She will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew her.
Patsy is survived by numerous cousins.

Funeral services were held May 10 at St. Andrew Methodist Church. A private burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Patsy to St. Andrew Methodist Church, 309 Pelzer Highway, Easley, SC 29642.

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

 

MIKE HOLDEN

LIBERTY — James Michael “Mike” Holden, known to loved ones as a devoted husband, father, brother and grandfather, will be celebrated and remembered as a retired brick mason who savored life’s simple joys with unwavering faith.

Born in Pickens on April 18, 1956, Mike peacefully passed away on May 7, at St. Francis Hospital surrounded by family.

Throughout his life, Mike found solace in his belief, and his dedication to reading the Bible and spreading the word of Jesus was a testament to his character. An outdoorsman at heart, he cherished moments spent gardening and fishing, finding true joy in the tranquility of nature. His children will forever remember him as a pillar of strength, and his grandchildren will surely hold dear the memories of his playful nature and warm laughter.

Surviving are his loving wife of more than 49 years, Sharon Dover Holden; a daughter, Crystal Ingram (Rick); a son, Derrick Holden (Lacy); a sister, Tracy Brown; two brothers, Randy and Mark Holden; and eight grandchildren, Kiara Cannon, Emily Holden, Nicholas Pye, Isabella Black, Nicholas Ingram, Arianna Ingram, Landen Ingram and Everly Holden.

Mike was predeceased by his parents, James William and Evelyn Finley Holden; and a daughter, Brandi Michelle Holden. Memorial service for James Michael Holden were held on May 10 at the Liberty Mortuary chapel.

With the love of family and friends, we will celebrate the life of James Michael Holden, who touched the hearts of all who were privileged to know him. His memory will forever live on in the stories shared and the love he leaves behind.

You may share a memory and offer condolences to the family by visiting libertmortuary.com Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.

 

HAROLD DEAN ‘PETE’ TROTTER

PICKENS — It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Harold Dean “Pete” Trotter.

Born April 5, 1934 to the late Rev. Arthur Trotter and Ethel McKinney Trotter, he was the oldest of five children and grew up in the Midway community.

A veteran of the U.S. Air Force and retiring from Ryobi in 1996, he quickly realized retirement was not for him, thus began his 28-year tenure as the co-founder and chief operator of Trotter’s Trash LLC.  Pete was a lifelong “piddler” and loved being out and about making new friends and telling his famous “one timers.” An avid reader and lover of local history, Pete could tell you all about Midway community and northern Pickens County. He appreciated the simple things and loved to take the long way around to enjoy the view.

Pete will be remembered as a loving husband to Sarah Riggins Trotter; devoted father to his four children, Darla Atkins (Chris) of Pickens, Tina Stewart (Tony) of Easley, Teresa Green of Six Mile and Diane Pauls of Six Mile; and a steadfast grandfather to 10 grandchildren and numerous great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Louise Derrick of Liberty.

In addition to his parents, Pete was predeceased by his brothers, Jimmy Trotter, John Paul Trotter and Bobby Trotter; and sons-in-law, Grady Green and Tommy Pauls.

Though Pete may no longer walk this earth, his legacy lives on in the hearts and memories of those he touched. His resilience, kindness and unwavering commitment to his family serve as a guiding light for all who knew him.

Funeral services were held on May 3 at Dillard Memorial Funeral Home in Pickens. A burial service followed at Midway Baptist Church in Pickens.

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

 

JONATHAN REID HANCOCK

SIX MILE — Jonathan Reid Hancock, 40, passed away on Friday, May 10, 2024, in Central.

Born Nov. 20, 1983, in Union County, Jonathan was the son of Donald Eugene Hancock and Patricia Ann Sanders Hancock. Jonathan loved his family dearly, especially his children. He enjoyed fishing, camping and spending time outdoors.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Hancock is survived by his daughter, Jasmine Ochoa of Six Mile; son, Draven Hancock of Seneca; three stepchildren, Leo, Colson and Alli, all of Seneca; sister, Christie Seay (Steven) of Easley; three brothers, Jackie Broome of Easley, Chris Broome (Lisa) of Norris and Kevin Hancock (Debora) of Seneca; grandmothers, Virginia Haney of Union and Myra Hancock of Ninety Six; and many loving nieces and nephews.

Mr. Hancock was predeceased by his paternal grandfather, Rev. Eugene Hancock, and his maternal grandfather, Carl R. Sanders Jr.

Visitation will be held from noon-1 p.m. May 18 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home in Pickens, with a memorial service to follow at 1 p.m.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations in Jonathan’s honor may be made to Neighborhood Cancer Connection, 527 Mills Ave. #101A, Greenville, SC 29605.

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