HEYWARD PRESTON ‘TREY’ SCOTT III

SENECA — “For the entrepreneur, it’s not a job. It’s a lifestyle. It defines them.” There are no truer words for Heyward Preston Scott III, who passed away Thursday morning, Aug. 5, 2021.

“Trey” was always looking for the next business to embark on and the next new adventure to begin. Trey’s latest adventure was as owner and operator of Keowee Funeral Services of Oconee County. His path to assisting others began years ago when he joined law enforcement, where he proudly served a multitude of agencies over many years. This drive continued, even after his police service, through operating the Seneca-based funeral home.

Trey’s legacy goes beyond his passion for his business, however. He was the epitome of a people person; his personality was a culmination of positive attributes. While helping other families celebrate the lives of loved ones who’ve passed on was his day-to-day job, his generosity didn’t stop there. He continuously strived to instill pure joy in everyone he met and never hesitated to give or share with those in his community. His love for life, selflessness and magnanimity was unmatched. Sharing was not his only way to showcase his love for people, though. Trey was the life of the party and a force of goofy nature to be reckoned with. He aspired to make everyone in the room laugh, even if it meant executing a harmless prank, because he always had one up his sleeve. Trey was always the primary source of laughter in any room he walked in.

Born on Aug. 14, 1976, in Dacusville, Trey was the son of the late Heyward Preston Scott Jr. and Jeannie Andrews Scott.

He is survived by his wife of many years, best friend and mother of his three children, Bridget Bagwell Scott. He was the proud father of three sons, Andrew Thompson, Avery Thompson and Preston Scott. He also leaves behind his adopted daughter, Amber Justice Watts (Curtis) and Trey’s grandson, Asher Watts. Also left to share in his beautiful memory is his loving and faithful girlfriend, Linda McAlister. He is also survived by his brother, Jeff Scott (Karen), and sister, Kim Scott. He was predeceased by his brother, David Scott (Sherrill).

Trey will be greatly missed by his staff at Keowee Funeral Services.

On behalf of Trey Scott and the staff of Keowee Funeral Services, it has been a great honor to serve this wonderful community. Thank you for putting your trust in us to care for your loved ones in your time of need. We love each and every family that we have served.

His beloved funeral home will honor him by hosting designated hours to view the body from 1-6 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13. His celebration of life service will be on Trey’s 45th birthday on Saturday, Aug. 14, at 4 p.m. in the parking lot of Keowee Funeral Services at 101 E. North 2nd St. in Seneca. Attendees are asked to bring a lawn chair. There will be a PA system for those who choose to sit in their vehicles.

Burial will be at Mt. View Cemetery in Seneca following the service.

Flowers are accepted.

 

PATTY J. WOLF

EASLEY — Mrs. Patty J. Wolf, 91, widow of the late Donald Everett Wolf, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021.

Born in Cass County, Ind., she was a daughter of the late Harvey T. and Dessie Fern Gibson.

Next Saturday would have been her 92nd birthday! She was blessed with a long and wonderful life, firmly anchored by her faith in the Lord Jesus. She was a member of Red Hill Baptist Church in Pickens.

Mrs. Wolf is survived by sons, Gary L. Wolf (Dorothy) of Indianapolis, Ind., and Brad L. Wolf (Sharon) of Pickens; a daughter, Karen E. Glaser (Gerald) of Jackson, Mich.; five grandchildren, Tricia and Kyle (Emily) Glaser, James Brown, Lara Allen and Weston Wolf; and five great-grandchildren, Charlotte, Elyse, Margaret, Theodore and Winston.

In addition to her loving husband of nearly 60 years, she was preceded in death by six sisters and three brothers.

Funeral services were held on Aug. 8 at Red Hill Baptist Church. Burial will take place at a later date at Springdale Cemetery in Bunker Hill, Ind.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Red Hill Baptist Church, 558 Red Hill Road, Pickens, SC 29671, or Interim Hospice, 810 Powdersville Rd Suite B, Easley, SC 29642.

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

 

JOHN REED HARPER JR.

EASLEY — Mr. John Reed Harper Jr. went home to be with The Lord on Friday, July 30, 2021.

He was the son of the late John Reed Harper Sr. and Donna Black Harper.

Surviving are a daughter, Samantha Harper of Pickens; two sons, Dylan Harper of Easley and Christopher Harper of Liberty; two sisters, Michelle Harper of Easley and Shannon Thomas of Dacusville; a brother, James Harper of Dacusville; and four grandchildren, Tripp, Jace, Lily and Stella.

John was an avid painter and fisherman. His preferred catch was catfish, but he would take anything that would bite. He was kind hearted and loving, always helped when he could and never met a stranger.

John had a very fulfilled life. He loved everyone, but most of all he loved his children and grandchildren. He will be missed by many who knew him — he had lots of friends, and if you knew John, you know he lived life to its fullest potential.

John, go rest now in the bosom of Jesus, just to see your face when Jesus says “Well done thy good and faithful servant.”

Rest in peace, John, we love you.

Palmetto Cremation Service is assisting the Harper family.

Online condolences can be made at palmettocremationservice.com.

LAURA ELLISON HOWARD

EASLEY — Mrs. Laura Ellison Howard, 79, widow of the late Donald Edward Howard Sr., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.

Born in Pickens County, she was a daughter of the late George A. and the late Alice Bagwell Ellison. She retired from the School District of Pickens County as a librarian clerk after more than 25 years of service at McKissick Elementary. She was a member of Golden Creek Baptist Church, where she was a part of the Joy Group. She was also a member of the Eastern Stars and volunteered and was a past volunteer at Baptist Easley Hospital.

She is survived by sons, Eddie Howard of Easley and Tim Howard of Greenville; grandchildren, Madison Howard of Potsdam, N.Y., and Jacob Howard of Oklahoma City, Okla.; a great-grandson, Jackson Tillman Howard; brothers, Kenneth Ellison and Tony Ellison, both of Six Mile; and a sister, Barbara Dodson of Easley.

A graveside service was held on Aug. 7 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

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

 

KEN H. HANSEN

EASLEY — Kenneth Henry “Ken” Hansen, 76, passed away on Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, at his home.

Born in Benzonia, Mich., he was the son of the late Henry Ward Hansen and Margaret Marie Belknap Hansen.

Ken owned and operated several businesses in Easley and worked for the Housing Authority in Easley for 15 years. He was an avid fisherman who loved to fish for catfish.

Surviving are his loving wife of 46 years, Betsy Davis Hansen; a daughter, Amanda “Amy” Hansen Pennington (Roger) of Fountain Inn; and grandchildren, Wyatt Cade Pearson and Ella Mae Pennington.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sister, Kathlena Hansen Demby.

A service to celebrate Ken’s life was held on Aug. 7 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.

The family will meet with friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 123 Antrim Drive, Greenville, SC 29607, or Hospice of the Foothills, 390 Keowee School Road, Seneca, SC 29672.

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

DY COLLEN

EASLEY — Judy Cornelia Kelly Collen, 73, of Easley, died Friday, Aug. 6, 2021, at Prisma Health-Baptist Easley.

Born in Six Mile, she was the widow of the late Paul Collen and a daughter of the late Paul Kelly and Clara Todd. She was retired from Cannon Memorial Hospital. She loved fishing and being outdoors. She also loved spending time with her family and singing and worshipping the Lord.

Surviving are a daughter, Leah Holliday of Pickens; a son, Jeff Moore (Hope) of Easley; two sisters, Ruby Todd of Liberty and Maude Todd of Pickens: two brothers, Richard Kelly of York and Fred Kelly of Liberty; five grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters.

Memorial services to honor the life of Mrs. Collen were held on Aug. 8 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel, conducted by Rev. Clyde Gravley.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.

 

HENRY J. RUCKDESCHEL

EASLEY — Henry John Ruckdeschel, 73, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.

Born in Franklin, N.J., he was a son of the late Henry Adam Ruckdeschel and Gertrude Cortwright Clemmer.

During his career, Mr. Ruckdeschel worked for different companies as a computer programmer/MIS director. After semi-retiring, he began work at Orange Regional Medical Center in security, which led to him achieving the position as safety officer of the hospital. He also returned to college and completed a bachelor’s degree in business. Finally, Henry retired in South Carolina, living and spending his days with his beloved daughter, son-in-law and grandsons. He enjoyed soaking in the sun, listening to country music, reading his Bible and praying daily. He also stayed connected with his grandchildren back in New York playing chess over the internet, hearing his grandson’s new album, as well as listening to the music the entire family would play together.

Henry was a member of Saint Mary’s Catholic Church in Greenville, as well as St. Joseph’s parish in Middletown, N.Y. Henry was instituted as a lector and acolyte into the church. He was very close to Monsignor George Valastro, who felt like a father to him. Henry served the church and community, helping with the food pantry and distributing thanksgiving meals.

Surviving are his children, Christopher Ruckdeschel (Delia) of Mount Hope, N.Y. and Sarah Ruckdeschel Horan (Chris) of Easley; grandchildren, Jaysen Rodriguez, Florence Ruckdeschel, Giacomo Ruckdeschel, Beatriz Ruckdeschel, Benedict Ruckdeschel, Gesina Ruckdeschel and Carter Horan; brothers, Alan Clemmer and Charlie Clemmer, both of Middletown, N.Y., and John Clemmer of Juniper, Fla.; and a sister-in-law, Penny Schiavone of Chester, N.Y.

In addition to his wife, Melody, and parents, he was predeceased by two sisters, Kathleen Ruckdeschel and Bette Stage.

A funeral mass was held on Aug. 10 at St. Joseph’s Church in Middletown, N.Y. Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.

 

DIANNE M. AIKEN

LIBERTY — Dianne McAlister Aiken, 76, beloved wife of the late Larry J. Aiken, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021.

Born in Greenville County, she was a daughter of the late Correll and Margaret Sanders McAlister.

Mrs. Aiken was retired from Woodside Mill in Easley and attended Mile Creek Baptist Church. She loved spending time with her family and enjoyed growing beautiful flowers, reading, baking and painting.

Surviving are her children, Joey Aiken (Melissa) of Liberty and Kimberly Aiken Thompson of Easley; grandchildren, Tyler Thompson (Jordan), Ashley Smith (Brandon), Nic Thompson (Abby) and Malachi Aiken; great-grandchildren, Sawyer, Layla and Cara Thompson, Carter Smith and Cassidy Belle Smith; and a brother, Charles McAlister of Easley.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by a sister, Sharon Hendrix.

Graveside services were held on Aug. 9 at Greenlawn Memorial Park in Easley.

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

 

JOHN ED YOUNGBLOOD

PICKENS — John Edward Youngblood, 86, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021, at St. Francis Hospital.

Born in Walhalla, he was the widower of Frances Jordan Youngblood and a son of the late Joseph E. and Lila Walt Youngblood.

John Ed was retired from Ryobi Corporation with 44 years of service. He was a member of Glassy Mountain Baptist Church. He loved fishing, boating and hunting.

Surviving are two daughters, Diana Stone (Dale) and Kaye Golden (Brian) both of Pickens; two sons, Mark Youngblood (Debra) of Kingston, Tenn., and Eddie Youngblood (Amanda) of Westminster; nine grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Alan K. Youngblood; a grandson, Jason Corey Stone; and two sisters, Aileen Williams and Carolyn Cooper.

Services to celebrate the life of John Ed were conducted on Aug. 9 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Burial was held at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Glassy Mountain Baptist Church, 1103 Farrs Bridge Road, Pickens SC 29671.

The family members will be at their respective homes.

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

 

EDNA BELLE ELLENBURG AIKEN

LIBERTY — Mrs. Edna Belle Ellenburg Aiken, 95, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021.

Mrs. Aiken was born in Pickens County and was the daughter of the late Cless Ellenburg and Lake Roper Ellenburg and wife of the late Leroy Aiken.

Survivors include a son, Melvin Aiken (Barbara) of Easley; a brother, William “Bud” Ellenburg of Liberty; and daughters-in-law, Dianne Aiken and Pam Aiken, both of Liberty. Also surviving are eight precious grandchildren, 18 most precious great-grandchildren and five most precious and loving great-great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Aiken was predeceased by two sons, Larry and Dale Aiken; and a brother, David Ellenburg.

Mrs. Aiken loved working in her flowers. Her favorite time was pulling weeds from her flower beds. She was close to 90 years of age before she quit cutting grass. She was a member of Landmark Baptist Church and she loved attending. She loved crocheting and was happy to cook for everyone. Her beloved dishes were poor man’s casserole and sweet potato pie. When asked “What is your secret to old age?” her answer was that all that she has known is hard work!

A graveside service was held on Aug. 8 at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Aiken family.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

NANCY L. ANDERSON

PICKENS — Nancy L. Anderson, 88, wife of the late Alvin Anderson, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021, at her home.

Born in Pickens County on July 18, 1933, to the late Doc and Mae Nealy, Nancy was a loving wife and mother.

Surviving are her daughter, Norma Dodgens (Stewart) of Pickens; grandchildren, Joshua Dodgens (Lindsey), Stephen Dodgens (April) and Ronnie Anderson; great-grandchildren, Blake, Nikki, Stacie, Austin, Keara, Kade, Ella, Henry, Rebekah, Rachel and Ronnie; great-great-grandchildren, McKenna and Paisley; and a sister, Laura Porter (Garvin).

Nancy was predeceased by her parents; her husband; a son, David Anderson; a grandson, Curtis Dodgens; and a great-grandson, C.J. Dodgens.

A celebration of life service was held on Aug. 7 at Bethany Church of God. A private burial was held at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Anderson family.

 

LINDA D. BAKER

PICKENS — Linda D. Baker, 74, loving wife of 50 years to Rev. Alvin Lee Baker, passed from this life and gained her wings on Monday, Aug. 2, 2021, at her home surrounded by her family.

A native of Pickens County, Linda was born Oct. 3, 1946, daughter of the late William Thomas and Hassie Golden Leopard. Mrs. Baker worked in a mill for years. She was very active in a lot of different organizations. She was a member of Seneca Chapter No. 5 Order of the Eastern Star, and a member of the Ladies Oriental Shrine of North America Crescent Court No. 106.

Surviving are her husband, Rev. Alvin Lee Baker; two daughters, Veronica Lee Rucker (Otis Franklin) and Catherine “Cathy” Oates (Dennis), both of Pickens; one granddaughter, Amanda Mae Lester (Jackie) of Liberty; and two great-grandchildren, Jazmyn and Jacklynn.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Baker was predeceased by a daughter, Carlottia Victoria Baker, and a sister, Sharon Hill.

A funeral service was held on Aug. 9 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home. Burial was held at Graceland East Memorial Park, 2206 Woodruff Road, Simpsonville, SC 29681.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Linda’s honor may be made to Eastern Star Training for Religious Leadership (ESTARL), c/o Kathy Gerner, PGM, 532 Greenbriar Drive, Seneca, SC 29678.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Baker family.

 

Neil Ferguson

Easley — Thomas Neil Ferguson, 54, of Earls Bridge Road, died Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021 at Northside Hospital in Atlanta, Ga.

Born in Greenville, he was the husband of Greta Hamlin Ferguson for 35 years and a son of Ray W. and Barbara Gardner Ferguson. He was a graduate of Pickens High School and was employed as an electrician with the School District of Pickens County.

Neil’s many talents included fishing, hunting, carpentry, gunsmithing and raising fig trees. He loved his family and his Lord. He was a past master and was the current sitting senior warden at Liberty Masonic Lodge No. 235 A.F.M.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are his daughter, Jessica Ferguson-Oggenfuss (William) of the home; two brothers, Johnny R. Ferguson of Easley and Randall Ferguson (Tammy) of Pickens; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family would like to express their heartfelt thanks to Neil’s work family and his Masonic brothers. All of those who took the time to be what everyone should be — generous, helpful, loving and wonderfully kind during the hardest times of our lives. Neil loved each of you. To Neil’s cheerleaders, you ladies never stopped cheering, and Neil loved you. Finally, a special thank you to Teresa D. Smith and Trudy L. Brady, both of whom came whenever called. Neil loved you both.

A memorial service with Masonic Rites to honor Neil’s life will be held Friday, Aug. 13, in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 3-4 p.m. at the Liberty Mortuary.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by visiting lls.org.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements..

 

 

Charles H. ‘Hal’ Felton

 

EASLEY — Mr. Charles Harold “Hal” Felton, 66, husband of the late Martha Graham Felton, passed away Sunday, Aug. 8, 2021.

Born in Greenville County, the son of the late Robert Felton and the late Louise Chambers Felton, Mr. Felton retired from Fluor Daniel Construction and was a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He was a talented musician, loved camping and boating, but his greatest love was for his family, and especially his grandchildren.

Surviving are his son, Charles “Chuck” Felton (Danielle) of Easley; his daughter, Tammy QuickBear (Tony) of Easley; three sisters, Cindy, Donna and Rita; his grandchildren, Desiree Thomas, Dakota QuickBear, Madison Felton, Kylee Hubbard and Alycia, Seth, Chase, Alden and Anabelle Felton; and his great-grandchild, Arrianna Prince.

In addition to his wife and parents, Mr. Felton was predeceased by a grandson, Jeremy Felton.

Private memorial services will be held at a later date.

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

 

CAROLINE KING RYER

PICKENS — Caroline King Ryer, 94, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.

Caroline was born in Bryson City, N.C., to the late Warren N. King and Lucy Hancock King on Aug. 2, 1927. A lifelong resident of Greenville, she was married to the late Richard N. Ryer. She worked for Toledo Scales for more than 30 years. She was an active member of the Second Presbyterian Church.

She is survived by two daughters, Barbara R. Barber (Kevin) and Anita R. Swiger (Barry); son, Richard N. Ryer II (Dorothy); four grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Harrison King.

A graveside service was held at Woodlawn Memorial Park on Aug. 7.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to Second Presbyterian Church Widows Fund, Open Arms Hospice or the charity of one’s choice.

Arrangements are being handled by Mackey Funerals and Cremations at Century Drive.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at mackeycenturydrive.com for the Ryer family.