DAVID PRESTON ALEXANDER

PICKENS — David Preston Alexander, 75, passed away on Monday, July 22, 2019.

David was born Dec. 27, 1943, in Pickens, to the late David Edward and Ruth (Cooper) Alexander.

Preston loved people, as he never met a stranger. He will always be remembered for his kind heart, sense of humor, generosity and exceptional work ethic.

Preston and his father owned a grading/trucking company for many years. He drove a truck for C&S Wholesale Grocers until his retirement.

Preston is survived by his wife, Judy Alexander; one sister, Susan Grant; two sons, Daniel Christopher Alexander (Elizabeth) and Preston Scott Alexander (Sandra); one daughter, Presley Arlene Lewis (Kevin); six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

The funeral service was held at Dillard Funeral Home chapel on July 25, with the Rev. Tommy Hayes officiating. Entombment followed the service at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The family welcomes visitors at the home of Chris Alexander.

Flowers are welcomed or donations may be made to Cottingham House, 390 Keowee School Road, Seneca, SC 29672. Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Alexander family.

OLIVER “RAB” RABALAIS

EASLEY — Oliver “Rab” Rabalais, 83, of Cottage Gate Lane, passed away on Wednesday, July 24, 2019.

Born in St. Landry Parish, La., he was a son of the late Thomas and Norma Saucier Rabalais.

Mr. Rabalais was retired from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years of dedicated service to his country. Also, he retired from the Greenville County School District and was a member of Mountain View Baptist Church in Six Mile. He enjoyed golfing, fishing and bowling with his wife, Margie. He was a family man who enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, grandchildren and his special cat, Boots. He was also a lifetime member of the Six Mile Masonic Lodge #339 A.F.M.

Surviving are his wife of 60 years, Margie Louise Horton Rabalais; a son, Brian Keith Rabalais and his wife, Kelly, of Denver, N.C.; and two grandchildren, Chandler Keith Rabalais and Kayla Elise Rabalais.

Mr. Rabalais was the last surviving member of his immediate family. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his half-sisters, Bess, Hazel, Helen and Gertrude; and half-brothers, Thomas, Arthur and Leo.

A funeral service was held on July 26 at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. The burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Mountain View Baptist Church, 336 Mountain View Church Road, Six Mile, SC 29682.

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

CURTIS LEON MORRIS

PUMPKINTOWN — Curtis L. Morris, 69, husband of Audrey Hughes Morris, passed from this life on Wednesday, July 24, 2019.

Born in Pickens County, he was a son of the late Robert Lee Morris and the late Elizabeth Nabors Morris. Curtis was a veteran of the United States Army and served as a combat medic in the Vietnam War. He was a member of Bethany Church of God and the Beekeepers Association. Curtis enjoyed being outdoors and gardening, and he loved his family.

Survivors include his wife, Audrey, of 48 years of the home; sons, Robert Morris of Seneca, Jason (Rosanne) Morris of Sunset and Jonathan Morris of Pickens; grandchildren, Bryeton, Emma, Luke and Ellie Morris; one brother; and three sisters.

Curtis was predeceased by his parents, two brothers and three sisters.

Funeral services were held on July 27 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home. Burial was held at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Morris family.

 

GEORGE M. LOVINGGOOD

PICKENS — George M. Lovinggood, 83, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2019, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

George was born in Oconee County, the son of the late Henry Marion Lovinggood Jr. and Louise Whitmire Lovinggood.

He was married to Shirley Newton Lovinggood of Pickens for 64 years. George was retired from the Pickens County Stockade after working there for many years. He was a member of Pickens First Baptist Church.

George is survived by his wife, Shirley, of Pickens; a son, Jim (Denise) Lovinggood of Pendleton; a daughter, Debbie (Marty) Harris of Pickens; grandchildren, Wes (Lindsey) Hiott, Josh Hiott, Nicole (Brandon) Meares, Jonathon Lovinggood and Brett Harris; and great-grandchildren, Eva, Hadley and Hayes Hiott and Will and Leah Meares.

A memorial service to honor George’s life was held on July 27 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, officiated by Rev. Dr. Fred Stone.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Pickens First Baptist Church building fund.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Lovinggood family.

PATRICIA CURTIS MARITATO

LIBERTY — Patricia Curtis Maritato, 70, passed away on Thursday, July 25, 2019, in Simpsonville.

Born on March 14, 1949, in Chicago, she was the daughter of the late Arthur and Caroline Curtis. Patricia spent many years working as a dietary aide both locally and in Michigan. When she was not busy working, she loved watching old movies. She was a family-oriented wife, mother and grandmother, and had a very special fondness for dogs.

Surviving are her husband of 50 years, Ignatius (Butch) Maritato; two sons, Tony and Michael Maritato; one daughter, Maryann Crawford; four grandchildren, Iggy, Dominick, Kaden and Khloey; three brothers, Arthur, Leonard and James; one sister, Anna; and her beloved friend, Karen.

A memorial service was held on July 29 at East Pickens Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

ELLA “MAMIE” DODD

CENTRAL — Ella Mae Dodd, 89, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 27, 2019.

She was born in Pickens County, on Dec. 13, 1929, a daughter of Charles H. and Lula Mae Smith Dodd.

Mamie loved music, she liked to write, shop, go out to eat and go to the flea market on Wednesday mornings. However, her main interest was her church. She loved her church and she loved her God.

In addition to her parents, Mamie was predeceased by four brothers, J.B. Dodd, Charles Dodd Jr., Frank Dodd and Harold Dodd; and four sisters, Eloise Trotter, Vera Merck, Velma Sexton and Elander Watt. She is survived by several nieces and nephews and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

A graveside service was held on July 29 in the Mt. Zion Cemetery in Central.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at robinsonfuneralhome.com or in person at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, 108 Cross Creek Road, Central.

JAMES K. SMITH

CENTRAL — James Kenneth “Steak” Smith, 63, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, July 26, 2019.

He was born in Anderson County on Nov. 21, 1955, a son of Willie James and Emma Ruth Simpson Smith. Steak grew up in Anderson County and graduated from high school. The rest of his life was pretty much a blur.

Steak is survived by a daughter, Kennetha Smith, aka “Punkin”; three granddaughters, Onasia Campbell, Chania Smith, and Alexis Walls; and a brother, Larry Smith of Georgia. In addition to his parents, Steak was predeceased by a son, Chad Smith; and a brother, Michael Smith.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, at the Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, 108 Cross Creek Road, Central, SC 29630.

Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at the funeral home.

CAROLYN MERCK

SIX MILE — Carolyn Louise Merck, 81, wife of the late Milas “Mike” Merck, passed away on Sunday, July 28, 2019, at Cannon Memorial Hospital.

Born on May 22, 1938, in Habersham County, Ga., she was the daughter of the late Garland and Minnie Wilson Free. Carolyn was retired from Clemson University and was of the Pentecostal faith.

Surviving are her son, Travis M. Merck, and many loving brothers and sisters in law, and nieces and nephews.

Funeral services were held on July 30 at Dillard Funeral Home, with the Rev. Bobby Duncan and Rev. Dwayne Willis officiating. Burial was held at the Six Mile Church of God of Prophecy.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Merck family with making arrangements.

IDELL MOSER

PICKENS — Idell Chappell Moser, 88, of 301 Blue Ridge Drive, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 27, 2019 at her residence.

Born in Pickens, she was the widow of the late Johnny B. Moser and a daughter of the late Lesley and Bessie Stevens Chappell. She had worked at Sangamo Electric and was a member of New Life Baptist Church.

Surviving are two daughters, Brenda Barrett of Concord, N.C., and Barbara Moser of Pickens; four sons, Daniel Henry of Sanford, N.C., Raymond Henry of Easley, Sammy Moser of Pickens and Jimmy Moser of Liberty; a sister, Cornelia Lynch of Easley; a brother, Donnie Chappell of Liberty; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a daughter, Ruby Lovejoy, and six brothers, Odell, James, J.C., Loyd, Carell and Steve Chappell.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Moser will be held at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

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

BOBBY MCCOMBS

EASLEY — Mr. Robert Jesse “Bobby” McCombs, 63, husband of Anita Janie Griffith McCombs, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2019.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Heyward Frank McCombs and the late Levenia Finley McCombs, Mr. McCombs was a graduate of Easley High School and was employed with Rich Products. He was a member of Cedar Rock Baptist Church.

Bobby loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing or any activity on the water, but most of all, he loved his family. He will be truly missed by all who loved him and knew him.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of the home, are a brother, James H. “Jimmy” McCombs of Easley; four sisters, Fay M. Ellenburg (Alton), Patricia M. James (Jerry), Bonnie McCombs and Nancy M. Turpin (Robert), all of Easley; three stepchildren, Ray Reid (Niki) of Travelers Rest, John Farmer (Lachalla) of Williamston and Brandi Bellue of Easley; six nieces and nephews, Rochelle Binion, Jeremy James, Elijah Turpin, Allie Turpin, Carly Starnes and Chapin Mosley; three great-nieces and nephews, Londyn, Alyssa and Brody; and seven stepgrandchildren, Nathan, Alexa, Bryson, Maddison, Charlotte, Anna and Macie.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial will follow at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. on Wednesday, July 31, at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the Oconee County Fire and Rescue, the South Carolina DNR Recovery teams and the Waterford Community for their tireless efforts and compassion they provided for Bobby’s family.

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

JULIA J. PARTON

EASLEY — Julia J. Parton, 78, peacefully went to be with her Lord on Sunday, July 28, 2019, in Powdersville.

Born in Easley, she was the daughter of the late Burrel Hendricks and wife of the late Bobby T. Parton. She was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include a son, Mike Mullinax (Cindi) of Liberty; a daughter, Fonda Finley (Tim) of Pickens; five grandchildren, Leann Lesley of Dacusville, Michelle Lesley of Georgia, Elizabeth Bordeaux (Chip) and Jessica Tollison (Matt), both of Easley, and Chandler Blackburn of Liberty; and two sisters, Dorothy Richardson (Billy) of Liberty and Linda (Denny) Hardin of Easley. Julia also leaves eight great-grandchildren to share in her memory.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a daughter, Ginger Dowdy, and a brother, Ronald Hendricks.

A gathering of friends will be held on Wednesday, July 31 from 2-3 p.m. at Dillard Funeral Home. Services will follow at 3 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Parton family.

ROBERT BEARD

PICKENS — John Robert Beard, 89, of Pickens and husband of the late Joyce Rochester Beard, passed away on Monday, July 29, 2019.

Born on Oct. 4, 1929, in LaFrance, he was the son of the late Hubert and Vinnie Nix Beard. Robert was a retired welder of Duke Power. He enjoyed using his craft of welding to create metal artwork, such as yard decorations. He also enjoyed whittling walking canes, carving animals and people’s faces into his woodwork and camping. He was a member of East Pickens Baptist Church.

Surviving are his son, Bob Beard; daughter, Debbie Wimpey (Gary); two sisters, Joyce Chapman and Evelyn Tucker; four grandchildren, Gabriel Wimpey Nabors (Randy), Dundee Wimpey Carter (Paul), Daniel Wimpey (Nicole) and Caleb Wimpey (Laurel); 11 great-grandchildren, Emily Hardenbrook, KelsiMcKelvey, Ashley Nabors, Ciera Bodden, Emma and Lily Carter, Tyler Buddy DeFilio, James Wimpey, Chris Coleman, Sebastian Coleman, Chase Robinson and Cameron Robinson; and three great-great-grandchildren, Jacob Nabors, Sophie Nabors and Karson McKelvey.

Robert was also preceded in death by his sister, Vinnie Pressley.

Funeral services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the East Pickens Baptist Church Building Fund, 2244 Gentry Memorial Highway, Pickens, SC 29671.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Beard family in making arrangements.

JULIANNA BLAKE CHAPMAN

LIBERTY — Julianna Blake Chapman, precious baby girl of Marissa and Cole Chapman, went to her heavenly home on Saturday, July 20, 2019.

Surviving, in addition to her parents, are her sister, Alston Grace Chapman; brother, Riggs Chapman; maternal grandparents, Elizabeth Taylor and Jeff Nix, both of Pickens; and paternal grandparents, Gary and Debra Chapman of Liberty.

A memorial service was held on Saturday, July 27, at Liberty Church of God.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com.

Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.

BILL WHITAKER

SIX MILE — William Charlie “Bill” Whitaker, 92, of 679 Smith Memorial Highway, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 23, 2019, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Born in DeLand, Fla., he was a son of the late Richard Whitaker and Lucy Mae Whitaker Bruce.

He was retired from Bolding Brothers Exxon and attended Fellowship Community Church. Mr. Whitaker was a United States Navy veteran of World War II.

Surviving are his wife of 71 years, Edna Stephens Whitaker of the home; a daughter, Gail Hughes (Steve) of Liberty; a son, Carl Whitaker (Sharon) of Six Mile; a brother, Paul Whitaker of Charleston; and five grandchildren, Kamie Duncan (Scott) of Easley, Kyle Whitaker of Charlotte, and Karla Hughes, Kim Hughes and Craig Hughes, all of Liberty. Also surviving are several great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services to honor Bill’s life were conducted on July 27 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Burial followed at Six Mile Church of God of Prophecy.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Open Arms Hospice, 1836 W. Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680.

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting libertymortuary.com.

Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

ANN WILLIAMS POLLARD

EASLEY — Ann Williams Pollard, 65, wife of the late James Tony Pollard, passed away on Tuesday, July 23, 2019, at McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville.

Born in Easley, she was the daughter of the late Woodrow Wilson and Martha Grant Williams. Mrs. Pollard enjoyed Clemson football and spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren. She was employed by Nelson Mullins Riley and Scarborough Law Firm in Greenville for twenty years, and was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church.

Surviving is one son, Jason Pollard of Easley; one daughter, Courtney P. McDaniels (Dustin) of Jamestown, N.C.; one brother, Ronald Wilson Williams (Mirenda) of Easley; and two grandchildren, Noland and Hollister McDaniels.

Funeral services were held on July 27 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home – Powdersville Road. Burial followed in Robinson Memorial Gardens.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Open Arms Hospice, 1836 W. Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680.

Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home – Powdersville Road which is assisting the family.

GLEN BENTLEY

LIBERTY — Glen Paul Bentley, 60, of 406 Mills Ave., passed away peacefully on Friday, July 19, 2019, at his home.

Born in Yale, Mich., he was a son of the late Marvin and Dimple Blair Bentley.

He previously worked at Vulcan Materials and was of the Baptist faith. He loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren.

Surviving are his wife, Shirley K. Bentley of the home; a daughter, Tabitha Holder (Lee) of Six Mile; two sons, Ramie Paul Bentley and Glen Page Bentley, both of Liberty; three sisters, Carolyn Gallant of Central, Vickie Wright of Surfside Beach and Donna Clayton of Six Mile; a brother, Corsey Bentley of North Carolina; and eight grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, two brothers, three nephews and a niece.

Funeral services to honor Glen’s life were conducted on Friday, July 26, in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Burial followed at Hamburg Baptist Church, 4673 Highway 107 North, Glenville NC 28736.

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangement