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Courier Obituaries

UNA HUNT KELLEY WELBORN

PICKENS — Mrs. Una Hunt Kelley Welborn, 86, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 28, 2022.

Una was born Aug. 2, 1935, in Pickens County. She was the daughter of the late Ivey Clarence Kelley and Sophie Hunt Kelley.

Mrs. Welborn was predeceased by two sisters, Ruth Walker and Flora Kelley.

She is survived by her loving husband of 68 years, Harold Patten Welborn Sr., and their two children, Catherine Welborn Ayers (Wayne) and Pat Welborn (Patti). Surviving also are her sister, Clara Anderson; her grandchildren, Emily Ayers Knowles (Jon), Kevin Welborn (Candace), Kaycee Collins and Kelley McGaha (Matt); and her great-grandchildren, Tanaliegh Taylor Smith, Taylor Knowles, Alex Knowles, Jackson Cole Welborn, Henry Cade Welborn, Ivy-Claire McGaha and one more on the way.

Una was a lifelong member of Mountain Grove Baptist Church and served as a Sunday school teacher for many years.

Mrs. Welborn worked in banking at South Carolina National Bank and Wachovia.

She loved being involved in organizations including Daughters of the American Revolution, Colonial Dames of the 17th Century, Pickens County Historical Society, Upcounty Quilt Guild and the Cow Belles. Una loved making quilts and enjoyed building gingerbread houses with her grandchildren at Christmas.

A private graveside service will be held at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

Memorials may be made to Mountain Grove Baptist Church, P.O. Box 1440, Pickens S.C. 29671.

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

 

S.A. ‘BUSTER’ PALMER

PICKENS — S.A. “Buster” Palmer, 85, husband for 68 years to Loree Frazier Palmer, passed away on Thursday, July 21, 2022, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Buster was self-employed as a paint contractor and was an avid treasure hunter and an expert “wheeler and dealer.” Buster loved to fish, build and work on his car. He came from a large family and was one of nine siblings.

He is survived by his loving wife, Loree; his daughters, Debbie Kent (Johnny) of Taylors and Caroline Palmer of Pickens; his son, Benji Palmer (Dawn) of Pickens; grandchildren, Jennifer Bailey, Caitlin Palmer, Christopher Farhan, John Kent, Max Palmer, Sarah Lackey, Zachary Kent and Joe Palmer; and siblings, William Palmer, Reba Palmer, Sadie Palmer and Janice Palmer.

Predeceased by his parents, Hollis and Lula Palmer; siblings, Katherine Palmer, Tommy Palmer, Shirley Palmer and Jesse Lee Palmer.

A memorial service for Buster was held on July 24 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations is serving the Palmer family.

 

CHARLES PHIL WALKER

EASLEY — Mr. Charles Phil Walker, 77, husband of Martha Case Walker, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 28, 2022.

Born in Pickens County, a son of the late M.B. Walker and the late Beatrice Hannah Walker, Mr. Walker retired from Engineered Custom Plastics and was a member of Morning Star Baptist Church. Charles loved the outdoors and trout fishing, but his greatest love was for his family. He will be dearly missed by all who loved and knew him.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 57 years, are his son, Robert Lee Walker of Easley; a brother, Raymond Walker of Easley; and four sisters, Eleanor Hunter (Jimmy), Nancy Marchbanks, Shirley Hanson (Benny) and Donna Hanson (Jack), all of Easley. In addition to his parents, Mr. Walker was predeceased by his daughter, Angela Walker; two brothers, Jimmy Walker and Fred Walker; and a sister, Mary Dunlap.

Funeral services were held on Aug. 1 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

The family is at the home.

Flowers will be accepted, and memorials may be made to the Help Ministry of Morning Star Baptist Church, 111 N. Cedar Rock Road, Easley, SC 29640.

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

 

BOBBY JOE CHAPPELL

EASLEY — Bobby Joe Chappell, 78, husband of Faye Wyatt Chappell, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022.

Born in Pickens County, he was a son of the late Lewis Rescue and Minnie Callas Chappell.

Mr. Chappell attended Pendleton Street Baptist Church in Easley and loved to spend his free time outdoors camping and fishing.

In addition to his loving wife of 56 years, Mr. Chappell is survived by a daughter, Vicky Wyatt (Scott) of Easley; a son, Rick Chappell (Heidi Covey) of Easley; three grandchildren, Cameron Wyatt, Katlyn Anderson (Collin) and Jessica Chappell; and a great-grandchild, Charles Davis Anderson.

He was preceded in death by his brothers, Hubert, David, Dwight, Ray and Edward Chappell; and his sisters, Betty Rackley and Dorothy Rackley.

Funeral services were held on Aug. 1 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home, Downtown. Burial followed at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Pendleton Street Baptist Church, 601 S. Pendleton St., Easley, South Carolina 29640, or to the Outdoor Dream Foundation, P.O. Box 802, Anderson, SC 29622.

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

 

RUTH S. CRAIG

EASLEY — Mrs. Ruth S Craig, 98, widow of Mr. William Nean Craig, passed away on July 28, 2022.

Ruth was born on May 7, 1924, to the late Charles “Dee” Dietrich and Dulcenia Adline Puckett Seaborn. She grew up in Six Mile and graduated from Six Mile High School. William and Ruth were married for 72 years. Mrs. Craig was a stay-at-home mother until her children started school. Ruth worked in the textile industry for many years, and her last location was at Work Wear in Pickens. Later she worked in retail, including the local Harper’s store. Ruth and her family moved to Pickens after Duke Power bought their home place in preparation to form Lake Keowee.

Attending church was always a top priority for Ruth. She was an active member of Mt. Olive Wesleyan Church, where she taught Sunday school for many years. After moving to Pickens, she and her family joined Pickens View Wesleyan Church, where she remains a member. Her faith in Jesus Christ, her Savior, was unwavering.

Ruth is survived by one son and his children, Don S. Craig (Annette), Kim and Leigh; one daughter and her children, Gail Griffin, Brian, Alan and DeLynne; 16 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; one sister, Eloise Seciliot of Columbus, Ohio; two sisters-in-law, Martha Seaborn-Bolding and Barbara Seaborn; and one brother-in-law, Bill Dorsey.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mrs. Craig was preceded in death by her son-in-law, M.H. Griffin, five brothers and six sisters.

Funeral services were conducted on July 31 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, with interment following at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The family would like to express appreciation to the Heartland Hospice staff for the care they provided to Ruth. Special appreciation is expressed to Maurissa at Heartland.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Pickens View Wesleyan Church Missions, 744 Bethlehem Ridge Road, Pickens, SC 29671.

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

 

DONALD RAYMOND DILELIO

EASLEY — Donald Raymond Dilelio, 85, passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2022, at his home in Easley.

He was born in Fayette County, Pa., on July 23, 1937, a son of the late Paul and Edna Runyon Dilelio.

He was a beloved friend to all, a loving and awesome husband and father. He started his own very successful A/C business early on in Greenville. Don’s passions were family, music and fishing. When he wasn’t baiting a hook, he was picking his guitar. He was a master of all stringed instruments, but his favorite was his guitar. He and his friends would often gather and play “pic” to share their love for the music and their talents, which filled everyone around with pure joy.

He is survived by his youngest daughter, Michelle “Micki” Luquire, and her husband, P. Jason of Pawleys Island; three grandchildren, P. Chapman, Lucas M. and Abigail M. Luquire.

In addition to his parents, Don was preceded in death by his wife, Shelia Jan Dilelio; his eldest daughter, Donna R. Dilelio; and six siblings, Paul, Thelma, Pauline, Jean, Bernice and Frederick Dilelio.

As we would all like to gather to celebrate Don’s life, the family is adhering to his wishes of no service. We ask that you celebrate him in your hearts, as he strongly suggested.

Any contributions may be made in Don’s name to your favorite charity. He will be missed! God Bless!

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

 

GREGORY KEITH  ‘GREG’ LANGSTON

NORRIS — Gregory Keith “Greg” Langston, 62, loving husband of 29 years to Vanessa Brown Langston, passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2022, at Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital.

A native of Norris, Greg was born on March 8, 1960, the son of the late Thomas Frank “Butch” Langston and Lorene Langston.

In addition to his wife, Vanessa, Mr. Langston is survived by his children, Candace Martin (Wes) of Patrick AFB, Fla., and Brandon Langston of Norris; grandchildren, Ryan, Braylyn and Alana; a sister, Tracy Smith (Ashley) of Asheville, N.C.; and brothers-in-law, Tim Brown (Brenda) and Bennie Brown (Beth), both of Pendleton.

Mr. Langston was predeceased by his parents.

A memorial service to honor Greg’s life will be held at a later date.

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

 

BONNIE J. MOODY

PICKENS — Bonnie J. Moody, 62, wife of 36 years to Eddie Moody, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville.

A native of Hollywood, Fla., Bonnie was born on Dec. 12, 1959, to the late Raymond and Theresa Wood. Mrs. Moody never met a stranger. She was blunt and feisty, but always spoke the truth in love. She was a loving mother, wife, Mimi and the matriarch of her family. She was a very faithful and Spirit-filled member of Gap Hill Church of God. Bonnie was a true warrior for God.

Survivors include her husband, Eddie Moody of the home; her children, Faith Gilstrap (Judd) of Dacusville, Deidre Ubelhart (Jason) of Greer, Jessica Moody of Travelers Rest and Josh Moody (Diana) of Morgan Hill, Calif.; grandchildren, Makenzie, Raylan, Adelina, Alexander, Eli, Hunter and Jesika; a brother, Duane Wood (Vickie); and a sister, Vanessa Barrett; as well as several nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Moody was predeceased by a brother, Dwight Wood.

Visitation was held on Aug. 1 in the sanctuary of Gap Hill Church of God, with funeral services following. Burial followed the service at Moody-Turner-Anders Cemetery on Marked Beech Road in Marietta.

Flowers will be accepted.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Moody Family.

 

CHARLES ALLEN STILLWELL SR.

PICKENS — Mr. Charles Allen Stillwell Sr., 91, passed away on Thursday, July 28, 2022, at his home.

Charles was born in Bryson City, N.C., on Jan. 24, 1931, to the late Zell and Cora Stillwell. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend who will be missed by many.

Mr. Stillwell is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Othella Stillwell; one son, Charles Alan Stillwell Jr.; and four grandchildren, Charles Alan Stillwell III, Mary Elizabeth Stillwell, Allison Cone Ringer and Rachel Cone Attaway; and one brother, Harold Stillwell of Turtletown, Tenn.

In addition to his parents, Charles was preceded in death by his daughter, Karen Lynn Stillwell Cone; and seven siblings.

Funeral services were conducted on Aug. 1 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, with interment following 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.

 

 

HALLE COHEN MARTINEZ SR.

 

PICKENS — It is with great sorrow we announce the passing of Halle Cohen Martinez Sr., 91, on July 28, 2022, at Greenville Memorial Hospital in Greenville.

Halle showed his courage in facing life challenges after he suffered a recent heart attack that resulted in other medical issues. Despite his pain, he came out a hero and stayed strong until the end.

Halle was surrounded by his loving wife and family in his final days. Being the Godly man he was, he spread his love for Jesus and shared the gospel until the end.

Halle was the son of the late Tony and Angelena Martinez, both immigrants from Portugal.

Halle met his wife in his hometown of Jacksonville, Fla., and married only a few months later before joining the United States Air Force at the age of 20. This began Halle and Audrey’s 71 years of happiness together.

Halle retired as a master sergeant and was extremely proud of his 25-year military career and accomplishments. Halle earned multiple awards for his accomplishments while serving in the Air Force.

After retirement, Halle obtained his college degree and enjoyed a second career at Bob Jones University in Greenville. He was also involved with several Christian ministries with missionaries and church.

Halle and Audrey moved back to South Carolina in 2005, the midpoint, to be closer to family and settled in Pickens.

Halle attended church at Lakeview Baptist Church in Pickens with his wife, Audrey. His favorite pastimes were spending time with his wife, traveling around the world domestically and internationally, as “traveling keeps you young,” gardening, crossword puzzles and watching sports or Western movies. Halle was an adventurous man, as evidenced when he went sky diving on his 80th birthday.

Halle was an extremely faithful servant of the Lord, a very proud and humble man. He always put God first and expressed this in every aspect of his life. He had an enormous heart and cared about everyone, always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone in need. He will be remembered for his gentle smile, glint in his eyes and caring nature. He always encouraged everyone to be honest and do what was right. He demonstrated this to everyone by the way he lived his life.

Halle is survived by his wife, Audrey and his three sons, Halle Jr. and wife, Barbara, Andre and wife, Edith, and Darrel and wife, Mary. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Melissa Martinez McNeely and husband, Chris, Andrea Martinez, Jason Martinez and wife, Chasity, Angelena Martinez McDonald, Halena Martinez, Douglas Martinez and Halle “HC” Martinez III; nine great-grandchildren, Larry “Daniel” Delano III, Cameron Delano, Kaleb Sorrow, Jared Fowler, Kinsey Fowler, Jayden Martinez, Alexandra Delano, Harmony McDonald, Hayden McDonald, Ryan McNeely and Lindsay McNeely; five great-great-grandchildren, Bentleigh Fowler, Gabriella Delano, Jameson Fowler, Tucker Delano and Jayce Sorrow; and many nieces and nephews.

In lieu of sending flowers, it was his wishes for donations to be made to his church’s mission fund a Lakeview Baptist Church.

The family would like to thank the staff at Greenville Memorial Hospital and Hospice for taking exceptional care of Halle and making him comfortable in his final days.

A memorial was held at Lakeview Baptist Church on Aug. 1.

Palmetto Cremation Service is assisting the family.

 

 

RANDAL EUGENE ‘RANDY’ HOLCOMBE

 

SALEM — Randal Eugene “Randy” Holcombe, 50, passed away on Friday, July 29, 2022.

Born on Aug. 5, 1971, in Pickens, he was the son of Cecil Earl Holcombe and the late Essie Lee “Bryson” Hardin. Mr. Holcombe was a veteran, having served in the United States Marine Corps. He formerly served local communities as a police officer and was a local small business owner of several local businesses.

Mr. Holcombe is survived by his father, Cecil Earle Holcombe (Beverly) of Walhalla; his wife of 27 years, Caroline (Berryhill) Holcombe of Salem; one son, Garrett Lloyd Holcombe (Ashley) of Greenville; two grandchildren, Aubree Holcombe of Pickens and Charlotte Holcombe of Greenville; and two siblings, Stephen Hardin of Pickens and Kim Hall of Greenville.

In addition to his mother, Mr. Holcombe was preceded in death by his daughter, Alanah Elizabeth Holcombe; and his nephew, Eric Ray Sutherland.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Randy Holcombe will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, in the chapel of Mountain View Funerals and Cremations of Pickens, 105 Florence St., Pickens. The family will receive friends following the service in the fellowship building of Gilead Baptist Church in Pickens for fellowship and refreshments.

Flowers are accepted.

Mountain View Funerals and Cremations, Pickens is assisting the family of Mr. Randy E. Holcombe.

 

 

L.G. PORTER

 

PICKENS — Mr. L. G. Porter, 91, passed away on Wednesday, July 20, 2022, at Manna Health and Rehab, in Pickens.

Mr. Porter was born in Pickens County on Nov. 14, 1930, to the late Ernest Craig and Edna Roosevelt Durham Porter. For more than 65 years, he owned and operated Porter’s Paint Contracting, and upon his retirement, he spent his time making knives in his workshop to sell at the local flea market. Mr. Porter was truly a “jack of all trades” who loved people and never met a stranger. He enjoyed gardening, deer hunting, fishing, frog gigging and the outdoors in general. Most importantly, Mr. Porter loved his family, especially his grandchildren. When his family came to visit, he spent his time prior to their visit by baking peanut butter cookies that they all would enjoy. He was a S.C. National Guard veteran with nine years of service and a member of Arial Baptist Church.

Mr. Porter is survived by his two children, Larry Porter of Easley and Kathy Brown (Clay) of Pickens; his three grandchildren, Jessica “Nikki” Porter of Pickens, Dr. Ethan Brown (Whitney) of Easley and Dr. Amber Gaulden (Andrew) of Cincinnati, Ohio; four great-grandchildren, Brackett Brown, Olivia Brown, Stella Brown and unborn baby Brown; a brother, Bobby Joe Porter of Easley; and a special “grand-dog,” Walter Augustus Gaulden.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Porter was preceded in death by three siblings, Mary Ellen Watson, Jean Carolyn Dobson and Coy Porter.

Funeral services were conducted on July 24 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home, with interment following at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

The family is at the home of Nikki Porter.

Flowers are accepted, or the family requests that memorial donations be made to a charity of one’s choice.

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

 

RACHEL L. RAMEY

LIBERTY — Rachel Lovell Ramey, 88, of Liberty died Thursday, July 28, 2022, at St. Francis Hospital Downtown.

Born in Liberty, she was the widow of James Floyd Ramey and a daughter of the late Johnny and Ruby Kennemore Lovell.

She retired from the Orlando Regional Medical Center, where she worked in patient transport. She loved to cross stitch and do needlework, but most of all she loved her family and spending time with them.

Surviving are a daughter, Donna West (Peter) of Easley; a son, Jim Ramey (Hope) of Longwood, Fla.; a sister, Brenda Black of Liberty; four grandchildren, Michael Butt, James Ramey Jr., Stacey Sullivan, and Jason West; and 10 great-grandchildren.

Graveside services to celebrate Rachel’s life will be conducted at 3 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 4, at Greenlawn Memorial Park. No formal visitation is planned.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson SC 29621.

The family will be at their respective homes. To share a memory or leave a message for the family, please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.