JULIA DUNCAN OWEN

SIX MILE — Julia Duncan Owen, 77 of Six Mile, passed away Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020.

Julia was born and raised in Pickens County to Benjamin and Ruby Duncan on Oct. 3, 1942. Through the years, she was a gifted seamstress, as well as an amazing cook. She owned her own catering business for years, assisting the community with special events.

Julia attended a private Christian high school in Central at what is now Southern Wesleyan University.

A beloved wife and mom, she leaves behind her husband of 43 years, Kenneth Owen; sons, Greg Newton and his wife Lori of Six Mile, Harvey Newton and his wife Judith of Six Mile and Jonathan Newton and his wife Cherry of Winder, Ga.; a daughter, Nancy Beth Newton and partner Susan Wilson of Greenville; three siblings, Wayne Duncan, Louvenia Revan and Jewel Key, all of Easley; 13 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

In addition to her parents, Julia was predeceased by two brothers, Elford and Jerry Duncan; and one sister, Carolyn Wilcox.

Family and friends will have a service of remembrance at Hilltop Wesleyan Church at 3 p.m. Aug. 30.

For more details, visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home and Cremations, Central-Clemson Commons.

JOHN RODGER ANTHONY

LIBERTY — John Rodger Anthony, strong and beloved father, husband, son, brother, grandfather and step-grandfather, died on Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, at the age of 75, following a courageous fight with pancreatic cancer.

Rodger was the son of the late Evelyn and Roy Anthony. He was adored by his wife, Erin Anthony, and five brothers and sisters, Robert Anthony, Mary Childs (deceased), Martha Hendricks, Rickey Anthony and David Anthony

He was the father of two sons, John M. Anthony and Adam Joseph Anthony (deceased). He was the stepfather of Gregory Scott Bowers Jr. and Brittany Bowers Fickling; and has three grandchildren, Steven Drake Anthony, Jordan Anthony and Wyatt Gage Anthony; and four step-grandchildren, Miles and Davis Fickling, Oliver Bowers and Maggie Rose Hakim. He had five brothers and sisters, Mary Childs (deceased), Martha Hendricks, Robert Anthony, Rickey Anthony, and David Anthony; several nieces and nephews; and countless aunts, uncles and cousins.

Rodger attended Pickens High School, Wofford College in Spartanburg and the Bankers School of the South. A true patriot, he served his country by volunteering as a paratrooper in the Vietnam War. Rodger founded a very successful bank, Cornerstone National Bank in Easley with branches in Powdersville and Berea. During his long and successful career in banking, he made it possible for many businessmen and women to launch businesses in Pickens County.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20, at the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home – Powdersville Road. Burial will follow in Robinson Memorial Gardens. The service will be limited to no more than 50 people, including family and staff members. The family requests that all guests wear a mask for the service and visitation.

The family will receive friends from 11-12:45 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home, prior to the service. Visitors will be able to speak with the family in intervals of no more than four people at a time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Helping Hands, 167 Brookbend Road, Central, SC 29630.

Visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory – Powdersville Road, Easley.

STEVEN A STANCELL

PICKENS — Steven A. Stancell, 49, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020, in his own home.

Born on July 23, 1971, in Pickens County, he was the son of Tommy Stancell and Shirley Stancell, the husband of Paula Jean Stancell and the brother of Michael and Kim Stancell, William Stancell, Tony Stancell and Gwen Rochester. He attended and was a member of two churches here in Pickens, Mt Tabor United Methodist Church and East Pickens Baptist Church. Steven enjoyed spending time with his family, doing outdoor activities and volunteering and helping his community.

He is survived by his two sons, Conner Stancell (Brittany) and Ryan Stancell; two daughters, Kali Chandler (Colby) and Alena Reddick; and one grandchild, Marcilene Stancell, also known as Marcy.

Donations will be accepted at Mt Tabor United Methodist Church and East Pickens Baptist Church.

EUGENE MCMANIS

PICKENS — John Eugene McManis, 85, husband of Marjorie Young McManis, passed from this life on Friday, Aug. 14, 2020.

Mr. McManis was born in Knox County, Ohio, a son of the late John Earl and Erma Jean Shaffer McManis. He was retired from Ryobi Manufacturing in Pickens, where he worked as an engineering auditor. He was a member of Grace United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Marjorie McManis; sons, Michael Eugene McManis (Kathy), Douglas Ray McManis, Larry Allen McManis (Sharon) and Scott Brian McManis (Tammy); grandchildren, Steven McManis, Alicia Owens (Stephen), Timothy McManis (Cayce), Brian Tyler McManis (Breanna) and Kyle Edward McManis (Katie); great-grandchildren, Michaela, Taylor, Kate, Kayden and Grady; and a brother, Charles V. McManis.

In addition to his parents, Mr. McManis was preceded in death by a brother, Dennis Stacy McManis.

Services will be private.

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

GLENN LAWRENCE BENZING

EASLEY — After a long fight, characterized by his trademark determination, Glenn Benzing completed his final ride on Aug. 12, 2020.

Born July 10, 1956, in Pasadena, Texas, and raised in Hamilton, Ohio, Glenn had been a resident of Upstate South Carolina since graduating from Clemson University and was a proud member of the Easley First United Methodist Church. He was a longtime engineer at Techtronic Industries (TTI), where he prided himself on mentoring the next generation of engineers and passing on his considerable knowledge around motor development.

In every endeavor, Glenn gave all of himself. The intensity and fervor with which he approached life was balanced by his easygoing and unfailingly kind demeanor. He was an avid cyclist and a skilled baker, and he combined these passions beautifully — his cycling groups will undoubtedly remember him as the “Anonymous Baker,” and many had their long rides fueled by his brownies and raisin bars. When he wasn’t on his bike, Glenn was most likely tending to his beloved trails. He adored creating spaces where others could share in his profound appreciation for the outdoors. Glenn had a teacher’s heart, and his legacy is one of genuine altruism, inspiring others and leaving the world around him a little bit better than he found it. He aspired to greatness in all that he did, and he motivated others to seek greatness in themselves.

Glenn’s most treasured role was “Pops,” and his sons and grandsons were the pride of his life. He is survived by his two sons, Brandon (Beth) Benzing of Raleigh, N.C., and Travis Benzing of Austin, Texas; and two grandsons, Samuel and Alden Benzing of Raleigh, N.C. He also leaves behind his beloved siblings and best friends, Bruce (Jo Anne) Benzing of Fairfield, Ohio, Jimmy (Donna) Benzing of North Canton, Ohio, Martin (Pauline) Benzing of Paducah, Ky., and Cathy (Carl) Nelson of Jacksonville, Fla. He was predeceased by his parents, James Alfred and Nancy Freshour Benzing, and by his former wife and mother of his children, Nanette Benzing.

The family wishes to extend its sincerest gratitude to the staff of the JMS Burn Center at Doctor’s Hospital in Augusta, Ga., for the unparalleled care Glenn received in his final weeks, and to the entire TTI/Ryobi team for their continued support.

Due to COVID-19 concerns, a private, family-only service and trail dedication will be held and recorded on the TTI trailhead grounds, located at 121 Wigfall Drive, in Anderson at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 22. A video of the service will be posted to the Robinson Funeral Home website and available for all guests to view. From noon-3 p.m. on Aug. 22, the family will receive friends and welcome well-wishers to walk along the trails that Glenn created. The trails will be open until 5 p.m. Please come masked and socially distant and spread visits out as much as possible within the visitation window.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation in Glenn’s memory to one of his favorite charities: The Rails to Trails Conservancy at railstotrails.org/.

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

PEGGY ESUARY

EASLEY — Peggy Jean Lewis Esuary, 82, wife of Billy John Esuary, passed from this life on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2020.

Mrs. Esuary was born in Pickens County, daughter of the late Larry and Clara Belle Sheriff Lewis. She formerly served as a social worker with the Department of Social Services (DSS), where she always strived to help children in need. Following her career with DSS, she retired as manager with the Board of Special Needs and Disability in Pickens County. Mrs. Esuary attended New Life Baptist Church. She loved fishing, gardening and spending time with her grandchildren.

Survivors include her husband of 66 years, Billy J. Esuary; sons, Charles Esuary of Ware Shoals and Tony Esuary of Easley; granddaughter, Missy Simmons of Pickens; three great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren. She is also survived by a brother, Tommy Lewis of Spartanburg.

In addition to her parents, Mrs. Esuary was preceded in death by her sister, Doris Sellers.

A funeral service was held on Aug. 17 at Hillcrest Memorial Park Mausoleum II, with Rev. Cody Black officiating.

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

LAVINIA BRYANT

LIBERTY — Lavinia McAlister Bryant, 85, died on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, at her home.

Born in Anderson, she was a daughter of the late Reese and Blanche Gillespie McAlister.

She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are a niece, Joan Fowler of Fountain Inn; two stepdaughters, Carolyn Culbreath of Spring Lake, N.C., and NaDene Sullivan (Tommy) of Terry, Miss.; three stepsons, Robert Bryant (Sheila) of Liberty, Phillip Bryant of Liberty and Kent Bryant (Lisa) of Biloxi, Miss.; 14 grandchildren; 25 great-grandchildren; and a brother in law, Ernest Bryant (Nell) of Pickens.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil W. Bryant, and a son, Ronald Reese Barrett.

Graveside services to honor the life of Mrs. Bryant will be conducted at noon on Thursday, Aug. 20, at Liberty Memorial Gardens. No visitation is planned.

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

LUTHER WALTER SWANSON

EASLEY — Luther Walter Swanson, 84, widower of the late Lottie Mae Ellenburg Swanson, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 16, 2020, at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.

Born on Dec. 9, 1935, in Pickens County, he was the son of the late Walter and Agnes Henderson Swanson. Luther retired from Saco Lowell, where he worked for 35 years in the traveling department. He was a U.S. Army veteran and was of the Christian faith. Luther was a Clemson Tiger fan and enjoyed camping and staying in his mountain home in Eastatoee.

Surviving are his two children, Shirley Esuary and Marvin Swanson; four sisters, Mary Hendrix, Aline Duncan, Reva Reeves and Norma Jean McCall, and several loving nieces and nephews. Luther was preceded in death by four siblings, Harold Swanson, Hershel Swanson, Oliver Swanson and Clara Kelley; and one grandchild, Jessie Lee Sentell.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, Aug. 20, from 1-1:45 p.m. at Dillard Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

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

DONALD G. MANN

GREENVILLE — Donald Gene Mann, 85, husband of the late Wilma Helen Robinson Mann, passed from this life on Friday, Aug. 14, 2020.

Mr. Mann was born in Greenville County, a son of the late James Kirksey and Beulah Mae Williams Mann. He was retired from Greenville Industrial Supply, where he was an electric motor technician. Mr. Mann was a member of Tanglewood Baptist Church. He was an avid fisherman and served for many years as a little league coach for basketball, football and baseball.

Survivors include his son, Donney Wayne Mann of Anderson; daughters, Donna Mann McGowan (James) of Clinton and Kathy Mann Cobb (Stan) of Piedmont; a brother, Ronnie Mann; and a sister, Connie Mann Ballew, both of Easley. Mr. Mann is also survived by 11 grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Mann was preceded in death by brothers, Tommy and Jimmy, and sisters, Bobbie, Linda, Patricia and Helen.

Graveside services will be conducted at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 19, at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens, with his grandson, the Rev. Tyler Tatum, officiating.

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

Memorials may be made to Crescent Hospice, 105 Lovett Drive, Greenville, SC 29607.

CLYDE A. RACKLEY

EASLEY — Mr. Clyde Allen Rackley, 86, passed away on Friday, Aug. 14, 2020, at Oakview Park.

Born in Pickens County, he was a son of the late James Walter Rackley and the late Rose Anna Rothel Rackley. Mr. Rackley was a graduate of Clemson University, where he received his bachelor’s degree, was a retired cemetery counselor and a member of Park Street Baptist Church. He was a retired U.S. Navy veteran, having served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, was a member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the USA Post 9273 and a member of the Masonic Lodge of the Philippines.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Ann Rackley; three daughters, Donna Edmond of Piedmont, Janet Hutson (Walter) of Travelers Rest and Sheila Rackley of Lyman; four grandchildren, Michael Edmond Jr., Brandon Hutson, Shawn Snow and Kayla Snow; and five great-grandchildren, Gage, Hannah, Allison, Shawn Jr. and Layla.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Rackley was predeceased by a brother, J.C. Rackley; and three sisters, Katherine Rampey, Ovaline Porter and Lucile Chapman.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20, in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial will follow at Graceland East Memorial Park, with military honors.

The family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m.-12:45 p.m. on Thursday at the funeral home, prior to the service.

Family members are at their respective homes.

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

MILDRED ‘MICKIE’ CHAPMAN

PICKENS — Mildred “Mickie” Chapman, 63, daughter of the late Clyde J. and Drunell Grant Chapman, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2020.

Mickie was retired from General Electric and was a member of Holly Springs Baptist Church. She was loved by all her family, and especially her great-nieces and great-nephews, who called her “MiMi.”

Survivors include her sisters, Lynda Brucke, Carolyn Durham (Jerry), Janice Beacham (Lee), Margaret Day (Allen) and Louise Ponder (Tom).

In addition to her parents, Ms. Chapman was predeceased by her brother-in-law, Steve Holder.

Graveside services were held at the Holly Springs Church cemetery in Pickens on Aug. 14, officiated by Rev. H.C. Couch, Rev. Steven Day, Rev. Barry Dilworth and Rev. Gerald Martin.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Heart for Honduras or the National Adrenal Disease Foundation in Mickie’s honor by visiting heartforhonduras.com/donate or nadf.us/donate respectively.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Chapman family.

CHERYL DALE ALEXANDER

LIBERTY — Mrs. Cheryl Dale Alexander, 64, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2020.

Mrs. Alexander was born in Greenville County, and was the daughter of the late Harmon Stewart and Adalein Wilson Stewart.

Mrs. Alexander loved fishing for anything that would bite. She loved spending time with her family, especially eating ices with her grandson. Mrs. Alexander was known by her family to be a great cook and was known for her gravy biscuits. Cheryl worked most of her life as a homemaker and caretaker for Little Michael. Some time was spent working at Country Side Nursing Home. She attended Maranatha Baptist Church and enjoyed her church family. Mrs. Alexander will be deeply missed by her family.

Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Michael Alexander Sr.; a son, Michael Alexander Jr. of Liberty; a daughter, Michelle Duet (Jason) of Pendleton; and one grandson, Dale Duet. Surviving siblings include Betty Scruggs (Ed) of Easley, Neta Landers of Easley, Wendell Stewart (Mary Sue) of Greenwood, Gary Stewart (Rebecca) of Pickens and Jerome Stewart (Brenda) of Easley.

Mrs. Alexander was predeceased by one sister, Deborah Garner.

A chapel service will be held at Dillard Funeral Home on Thursday, Aug. 20, at 11 a.m. A visitation will be held prior to the service at 10 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Maranatha Baptist Church at 114 Maranatha Drive, Pickens, SC 29671. The family is acceptable to flowers.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Alexander Family.

Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.

BETTY JEAN GARDENER

EASLEY — Mrs. Betty Jean Gardner, 82, wife of the late James Winfred Gardner, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Friday, Aug. 14, 2020.

Born in Madison, Ga., a daughter of the late Annie Ruth Murphey, Mrs. Gardner was a homemaker and a longtime member of Brushy Creek Baptist Church. Betty Jean was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who dearly loved her family. She will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

Surviving are two sons, James Gardner (Deborah) and Barry Gardner, both of Easley; 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband and mother, Mrs. Gardner was predeceased by a sister, Mary Murphree.

Funeral services were held on Aug. 18 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

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