OLLIE KAY MOORE

LIBERTY — Ollie Kay Marcus Moore, 76, wife of the late John David Moore, passed away Monday, June 22, 2015, at her home.

Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Johnny Elfonzoy and Lula Christine Coley Marcus, Mrs. Moore retired from the Quilt Gallery and was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are two sons, Ray C. Ross (Sherry) of Pickens, and Johnny L. Ross (Ray) of Florida; three daughters, Sherry Ann Maw (Bruce) of Belton, Marcie R. Brooks (Wayne), and Glenda Lucille Morgan, all of Liberty; four brothers, Charles Marcus (June) of Easley, Dickie Marcus (Judy) of Anderson, Luther Marcus of Six Mile, and George Marcus (Barbara) of Easley; one sister, Brenda Gail McDowell of Sumter; 14 grandchildren, 31 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Moore was predeceased by a son, Douglas Lee Ross; a sister, Lula Mae Ledford; and a daughter-in-law, Mary Ross.

Memorial services were held June 25 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.

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

JOHN L. HICKS JR.

EASLEY — John Leroy Hicks Jr., 55, of 208 Rotterdam Road, passed away, Monday, June 22, 2015, at his home.

Born in Bakersville, N.C., he was the son of John L. Hicks of Simpsonville. He was a former textile machinery salesman, having worked with many textile companies, including Platt-Saco Lowell and Hollingsworth Industries. He was also a former employee with the City of Pickens and was an Army veteran.

Surviving are his daughter, Amy McFerrin (Michael Taylor) of Dacusville; son, Brad Hicks of Williamston; brother, Brian Hicks of Greenville; sister, Susan Whitmire of Simpsonville; and grandchildren, Chandler Cole, Jordan McFerrin, Camron Hicks and Annahliaha Hicks.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown who is assisting the family.

FLEDA G. FORREST

EASLEY — Fleda Gilstrap Forrest, 89, of 204 Hollingsworth Drive, passed away Monday, June 22, 2015, at Brookdale in Easley.

Born July 14, 1925, in Pickens County, Mrs. Forrest was a daughter of the late Morris and Beulah Capps Gilstrap. She retired from the Foster Plant of Alice Manufacturing. Following her retirement, she worked at Geer Memorial Day Care. Mrs. Forrest was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church and was a former longtime member of Geer Memorial Baptist Church.

Surviving are two sons, C. Otis Forrest, Jr. and David Forrest (Barbara), all of Easley; one brother, Earl Gilstrap of Easley; four sisters, Della Waldrop, and Maxine Stephens, both of Easley, Gladys Jones of Goose Creek, and Margaret Patterson of Greenville; eight grandchildren, Anne Forrest, Alison Harshman, Andrea Martin, Donnie Forrest, Shannon Forrest, Stephanie Forrest, David Forrest Jr., and Christian Forrest; 17 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren. Mrs. Forrest was predeceased by her husband, Charlie Otis Forrest; four brothers, Doyle, Melvin, Buck, and Lake Gilstrap; two sisters, Annie Lou and Frances Gilstrap; and her grandchild, Amy Miller.

Funeral services were held June 25 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

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

JAMES H. BALDWIN

PICKENS — James H. Baldwin, 76, husband of Lucille Hayes Baldwin, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2015.

James was born in Pickens County and was the son of the late James Denver and Clara Whitfield Baldwin. He was a graduate of Pickens High School and was retired from Sangamo and the U.S. Postal Service.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lucille H. Baldwin, and sister, Carolyn Morris of Lexington.

In addition to his parents, James was preceded in death by his sisters Barbara Koch and Maree Dalton.

A private graveside service was held June 27 at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Pickens County Meals on Wheels, 704 S. Pendleton Street, Easley, SC 29640

RONALD E. OLSON

PICKENS — Mr. Ronald Eugene Olson, 86, husband of Iretha Castle Olson, passed away Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at North Greenville Hospital.

Born in Beloit, Wis., the son of the late Raymond Edmond and Elizabeth Sharp Olson, Mr. Olson was a retired real estate agent and a member of the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Pickens.

Surviving, in addition to his loving wife of the home, are a son, Raymond Andrew Olson of Pickens; four daughters, Karen Olson of Spokane, Wash., Barbara Smith of Mukilteo, Wash., Rhonda Bowers of Emporia, Kan., and Sonja Olson of Pocatello, Idaho; one sister, Carolyn Reeder, of Greenville; 21 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; and numerous sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, and numerous other beloved family members and friends. In addition to his parents, Ron was predeceased by his loving wife of 50 years, Jessie Armstrong Olson; a son, Gary Steven Olson; a daughter, Lori Bird; and a sister, Madallyn Townsend.

Funeral services will be held on July 20 in Spokane Wash., and a memorial service will also be held at the Seventh Day Adventist Church of Pickens on July 18 at 2 p.m.

Burial will take place in Spokane Memorial Gardens, Spokane, Wash.

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

ROD GIST

EASLEY — Julius Clinton “Rod” Gist Jr., 68, of 115 Garlington Court, passed away on Tuesday, June 23, 2015, at St. Francis Hospital. Born in Columbia, he was a son of the late Julius Clinton Sr. and Ethel Thurman Gist.

He graduated with a B.S. degree in psychology and finance from GMC and later retired from Suntrust Bank. He worked many years after his retirement as a funeral director for various firms.

During his free time, he was an avid fisherman and was a member of Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church.

Surviving are his wife, Susan Vaughn Gist of the home: two daughters, Amy Lukachik of Madison, Va., and Lori Malto of Buford, Ga.; three sons, Nathan Jamerson of Easley, Julius Gist, III of Crozet, Va., and Christopher Gist of the home; a sister, Lucy Gist of Atlanta; and four grandchildren, Faith, Kaiden, Anthony and Eli.

Funeral services to honor Rod’s life were held June 26 at Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church.

The family will be at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Mt. Pisgah Baptist Church Building Fund 101 Pisgah Road, Easley SC 29642.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

DIANE ALTMAN SIMS (MAMOO)

EASLEY — Diane Altman Sims, a beloved mother, aunt, and friend, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Tuesday, June 23, 2015.

Diane was the wife of Richard C. “Rick” Sims Jr., mother of Andrea Denise Stanley (Randy), aunt to Randall Lee Sims (Chelsea) and Ashley Jane Gilbert (Bryan). She is also survived by a precious grandchild niece, Shelby Jane Nicholson.

Diane had many friends, especially those at Greenville Health System, where she was executive assistant to the president and CEO for 30 years. Friends also very dear to her heart were ladies of the Promise Class at Rock Springs Baptist Church, where she has been a member for 25 years. There were also two very special “boys” in Diane’s life — Nick and AJ, her shih-tzus.

A celebration of her life was held on June 26 at Rock Springs Baptist Church, with burial following in the church cemetery.

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

Memorials may be made to Rock Springs Baptist Church Building Fund, 201 Rock Springs Road, Easley, SC 29642.

OCIEVILLE P. RAGSDALE

EASLEY — Mrs. Ocieville Poston “Nig” Ragsdale, 90, wife of the late Charles Crawford Ragsdale, passed away Friday, June 26, 2015, at her home.

Born in Rockingham, N.C., a daughter of the late John Henry and Ruth Haigler Poston, Mrs. Ragsdale retired from the White Horse Road Plant of J.P. Stevens and was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church.

Surviving are a son, Danny Ragsdale (Linda) of Roswell, Ga.; a daughter, Sandy Cooper (Joe) of Easley; four sisters, Jo Smith of California, Novelleen Stewart of Indiana, Irene Thomas of Augusta, Ga., and Bea Murphree of Greenville; and three grandchildren, Lori and Todd Cooper, and Robert Ragsdale. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Ragsdale was predeceased by a daughter, Patricia Ann Ragsdale, and a sister, Ruby Reeves.

Funeral services were held June 28 at Rock Springs Baptist Church. Burial followed in the church cemetery.

The family will be at the residence and would like to express their appreciation to Hospice Care of South Carolina for their excellent care and concern during this time.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Care of South Carolina, 1 Caledon Court, Number 1B, Greenville, SC 29615; or Rock Springs Baptist Church, 201 Rock Springs Road, Easley, SC 29642; or to Meal on Wheels of Pickens County, P.O. Box 184, Easley, SC 29641.

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

GARY C. KEASLER

SUNSET — Gary Columbus Keasler, 70, of 2083 Shady Grove Road, passed away on Friday, June 26, 2015, at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Sunset, he was a son of the late Paul C. and Mallie Winchester Keasler.

He spent his working career as a carpenter, was an avid outdoorsman, and was also a veteran of the United States Army.

Mr. Keasler was a member of Shady Grove Baptist Church, where he was chairman of deacons. He was also a lay minister and spoke at various churches.

Surviving are his wife, Patsy Burrell Keasler of the home; a daughter, Stacie Gibson of Pickens; a son, Timothy Keasler of Gulfport, Miss.; three sisters, Eleanor Gibson of Sunset, Mary Bobo of Pickens, and Sue Holcombe of Lynn Haven, Fla.; a brother, Carlyle Keasler of Sunset; four grandchildren, Trisha Gibson, Wyatt Blair, Georgianna Keasler and Audra Dupree.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Alma Barrett, Mildred Breazeale and Ruby Holliday.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Keasler were held June 28 in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial was at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The family will be at the home. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Shady Grove Baptist Church, Building Fund, P.O. Box 362, Pickens SC 29671.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements

JR. STEWART

LIBERTY — William Dyre “Jr.” Stewart, 89, of 244 Larkwood Road, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2015, at his residence.

Born in Liberty, he was a son of the late William D. Sr. and Delphie Sentell Stewart.

He was a United States Navy veteran of World War II, and served on the U.S.S. Slater. Mr. Stewart retired from Platt-Saco Lowell with 28 years of service and was a member of Flat Rock Baptist Church, where he was a former deacon. His hobbies included fishing, hunting, gardening, beekeeping and attending Clemson football games with his son, but most of all he was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, who traveled wherever necessary to watch his beloved grandchildren’s sporting events.

Surviving are his wife, Ruth McCall Stewart of the home; a son, Tony Stewart (Janet) of Anderson; two sisters, Estelle Jones and Solphie Mae Brooks both of Easley; a brother, Clarence Stewart of Easley; three grandchildren, Bryan Bagwell, Hilary Joseph, and Natalie Barrow; and two great-grandchildren, Ryan and Reagan Joseph.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Vikki Bagwell.

Graveside services to honor the life of Mr. Stewart were held at 1 p.m. on June 29 at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The family will be at the home. In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to Gideon’s International, Liberty Camp, PO Box 112, Liberty, SC 29657 or visit www.gideons.org

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

STEVE EUGENE

“ROUGH HOUSE” COLE

PICKENS — Steve Eugene Cole, 58, went home to be with the Lord Thursday June 25, 2015, at Cannon Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Cole was born in Pickens County and a son of the late Grace Wachob Cole and John Clyde Cole.

Survivors in include one daughter; Kerry Cole of Pickens, two sisters; Peggy Madden and Kathy Cantrell and husband Frank, all of Pickens, three grandchildren; Brooke Dodgens, Kyleigh Eddleman and Cole Eddleman, all of Pickens.

Visitation was held June 27 at Dillard Funeral Home, with graveside following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Mr. Cole was predeceased by his parents, one sister, Betty Jean Keasler and one brother, Harry S. Cole.

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

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Cole family.

WILBURN LEON HAMMERS

SIX MILE — Leon Hammers, 52, passed away Thursday June 25, 2015, a son of Wil Hammers, stepmother Vickie Hammers and mother Royselle Spence. Mr. Hammers was born in Bonne Terre, Mo.

Survivors include his parents; one sister, Paula Burns and husband Bill of Knoxville, Tenn.; one brother, Randy Hammers of Six Mile; two nieces, Kelly Brown of Knoxville, Tenn., and Ashley Harrison of Bonne Terre, Mo.; and one nephew, David Burns of Hendersonville, Tenn.

A graveside service was held Saturday, June 27, at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Hammers family.

LILA FAYE BYERS TROTTER

PICKENS — Lila Faye Trotter, 88, went to be with the Lord Tuesday June 23, 2015, at Rainey Hospice House. Mrs. Trotter was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Evie Anderson Byers and James Perry Byers.

Mrs. Trotter was a member of Midway Baptist Church for 70 years.

Survivors include her daughter, Brenda Brannock of Pickens, one sister; Arvie Lee Finley of Central, and one brother; B.F. Byers and wife Stella of Easley.

Mrs. Trotter was predeceased by her parents, one sister; Villa Mae Gillespie, four brothers; Rayford Byers, Arlie Byers, Wilven Byers, Donald Byers.

Services were held June 26 at Midway Baptist Church, with burial following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Trotter family.

ONOREE MELISSA RODDY

EASLEY — Onoree Melissa Roddy went to be with the Lord Tuesday June 23, 2015, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Onoree was born in Greenvile, a daughter of Tabitha Jean Roddy and Justin Belton Odell Roddy.

Survivors include her parents, one sister; Madison Jean Roddy of the home, maternal grandparents; Lee and James Patterson of Honea Path, paternal grandparents; Larry and Alisa Roddy of Pickens.

A funeral service was held June 28 at New Hope Baptist Church, with burial following in the church cemetery.

An angel in the book of life

Wrote down Onoree’s birth.

She whispered as she closed the book

“Too beautiful for this Earth.”

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Roddy family.

J.R. PILGRIM

PICKENS — Archie Don Pilgrim Jr., 54, of 153 Pilgrim Circle, passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2015, at Cannon Memorial Hospital.

Born in Easley he was a son of Don Pilgrim and the late Betty Evatt Pilgrim. He was a graduate of D.W. Daniel High School and had a passion for the Lions’ football team and the Clemson Tigers.

He was a member of Concord Baptist Church.

Surviving in addition to his father are his stepmother, Jean Pilgrim of Pickens; his wife, Gina Pilgrim of Valdese, N.C.; a daughter, Courtney Hess of Easley; a son, James Pilgrim of Valdese, N.C.; five stepsons, Jessie, Jeremy, Joseph, John and Joshua Bolding; a stepsister, Leilani Watt (David); two stepbrothers, Brad Lewis (Andrea), and Sean Lewis; two special uncles, Mike Pilgrim (Jane), and Mark Pilgrim (Cyndi); a special aunt, Joyce Gilstrap (Jack); and two grandchildren.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Pilgrim will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial will be at Mountain View Baptist Church cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11:30 a.m. until 12:45 p.m. at the mortuary.

The family will be at 198 Pilgrim Circle in Pickens. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the charity of one’s choice.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

JOE D. COOPER

EASLEY — Mr. Joe David Cooper, 89, husband of Sondra Ragsdale “Sandy” Cooper, passed away Monday, June 29, 2015, at his home.

Born in Woodruff, a son of the late Shaw Herbert and Pauline West Cooper, Mr. Cooper retired from Greenwood Mills and was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church. He was a U.S. Navy veteran, having served in WWII.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 39 years, are five children, Lori Cooper and Todd Cooper, both of Easley, Mike Cooper of Simpsonville, Terry Cooper of Fountain Inn, and Stacey Cooper of Mauldin; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild. In addition to his parents, Mr. Cooper was predeceased by two brothers, Lewis and Peck Cooper.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2015, at Rock Springs Baptist Church, with Rev. Dr. David Gallamore officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. Wednesday at the church prior to the service.

The family is at the home.

The family would like to express their love and gratitude to Mr. Cooper’s sister-in-law, Linda Ragsdale, for the love and care she provided for him and his family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice Care of South Carolina, 1 Caledon Court, Number 1B, Greenville, SC 29615; or Rock Springs Baptist Church, 201 Rock Springs Road, Easley, SC 29642; or to Meal on Wheels of Pickens County, P.O. Box 184, Easley, SC 29641.

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