Cecil William Durham

Six Mile — Cecil William Durham, age 72, husband of Annie Sue Ellenburg Durham died Sunday Aug. 24, 2014 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Durham was born in Pickens County a son of the late Sam Wesley Durham and Elva Crowe Durham. Mr. Durham was a member of Mile Creek Baptist Church. He had a Lifetime passion for 51 years in the Lumber and Logging Business, Owner & Operator of Durham’s Hardwood Lumber & Logging Inc.

Survivors include his wife of 56 years, one son; Mickey Wesley Durham of Six Mile, five daughters; Barbara McAlister of Greenville, Elaine Porter husband Dale of Six Mile, Sandy Simmons husband Chuck of Pickens, Rhonda Pace husband Dr. Barry Pace of Six Mile, Pam Cison husband Tony of Six Mile, one sister; Faye Bell husband Terry of Liberty, 17 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

Mr. Durham was predeceased by his parents, one sister Carolyn Durham and two brothers Leon Durham and Rickey Durham.

Visitation will be Wednesday Aug. 27 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Dillard Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be 3 p.m. Thursday Aug. 28, 2014 in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

The family will be at the home.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Durham fam

Nara Cooper

Liberty — Nara Chapman Cooper, 83, formerly of Wilson Avenue, died Wednesday at The Magnolias of Easley.

Born in Liberty, she was the widow of Lloyd Edward Cooper and a daughter of the late Ben and Ressie McWhorter Chapman. Over the years she had worked at The Food Palace as well as Holcombe Grocery. She was a member of Calumet Baptist Church.

Surviving are a daughter, Shena Hendrix (William Herlie) of Travelers Rest; a son, Jeff Cooper (Theresa) of Easley, a sister, Faye Smith of Seneca; a brother, Ray Chapman of Marietta, three grandchildren, Dr. Joseph R. Bates of Hamilton, Ohio, Melissa Hincher of Beaufort and Brandon Cooper of Easley; and four great grandchildren, Jacob, Emma, Kelsy and Gavin.

In addition to her husband and parents she was predeceased by two sisters, Lois Holden and Lucille Alexander; two brothers, Lawrence and Henry Chapman; and a granddaughter, Savannah Cooper.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Cooper were held at 4 p.m. Friday in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial was at Liberty Memorial Gardens.

The family is grateful for the care of their mother and would like to thank the staff of Palmetto Baptist Easley Hospital in the critical care unit, the emergency room and the 2^nd floor nursing staff and CNA’S, as well as the staff of Southern Care Hospice and The Magnolias of Easley assisted living staff.

Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

William J. Reid, Jr.

Central — Dr. William James Reid, Jr., 86, died Wednesday night, Aug. 20, 2014.
Bill was born on Nov. 2, 1927 in Abbeville to the late William J. Reid, Sr. and Mary Shelley Reid.

Bill enlisted in the army during World War II on his 17th birthday and served until the war ended.  After the war he served in the S.C. National Guard and as the General’s Aid.

He received his undergraduate degree from Erskine College and served as field representative and professor of chemistry and physics.

He received his Master of Science degree in chemistry from Duke University and a Ph. D. in Physics from Clemson University.

He served as Chairman of the Science and Engineering Department at Jacksonville State University from 1968-1994.

During his tenure at Jacksonville State, he published 28 professional papers and served as Chairman of the Alabama Academy of Physics and President of Alabama Physics Teachers.  He was a member of ODK national honor society, Sigma Pi Sigma physics honor society, Phi Lambda Upsilon chemical honor society and Sigma Xi national research society, and was known throughout the Physics community for seminars on teaching physics with demonstrations.

He was also active in civic life and was named Abbeville Jaycee Man of the Year and later Kiwanian of the Year in Jacksonville. In 1995 Bill retired, and he and Nancy moved back to his native state.  He was a member of Lawrence Chapel United Methodist Church and the Clemson Rotary Club.

Not only a scientist, Bill was truly a “Renaissance man” and had a multitude of interests, in particular history.  An avid reader for his entire life, he could discuss any topic from revolutionary-era South Carolina and unsolved mysteries to quantum physics” and published professional papers on Physics, History, and Archaeology. He was a true Southern gentleman, a humble servant of God and his fellow man, and a loving father, grandfather, and husband.  Whether he was educating high-school physics teachers, post-graduates in college, or three and four-year-olds at his wife’s nursery school, he eagerly instructed them all with equal kindness and respect.

He is survived by his wife of 49 years, Nancy Edwards Reid of Six Mile; daughter Laura Reid Hemmings of Mauldin; son William J. Reid III and wife Ellison of Clemson; daughter Sandra Reid Boney and husband Durham of Columbia; grandchildren Kathryne and Bob Hemmings, Caroline, Will, Mary Shelley, and Jackson Reid, Matthew and Anna Grace Boney; brother Oscar H. Reid and wife Marilyn of Abbeville, one niece and three nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was also predeceased by a brother Wayne Alexander Reid of Indialantic, Fla.

A memorial service was 4 p.m., Sunday, Aug. 24 at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home. He was interred in a private service at Lawrence Chapel Cemetery.

The family would like to particularly thank the staff of The Sterling House of Central for six years of love and devotion to Bill and his family.  We ask any memorials to be made to The Sterling House, 133 Vickery Drive, Central, SC  29630.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at the funeral home.

Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home is assisting the Reid family.

Sandra “Gail” Oates Elrod

Liberty — Sandra “Gail” Oates Elrod, age 64, wife of the late Ray Oliver Elrod died Friday Aug. 22, 2014 at Cannon Memorial Hospital.

Mrs. Elrod was born in Cateechee a daughter of the late Leonard Darvin Oates and Jimmie Lou Bell Oates. She was of the Baptist faith. Mrs. Elrod loved to go shopping and was an avid artist. Several times each year she enjoyed a beach trip with her sisters. She loved spending time with her family and cared for each of them dearly.

Survivors include two sons; Jimmy Chappell of Liberty, Timothy “Bubba” Elrod and wife Hester of Liberty, four sisters; Louise Rochester and husband Gene of Walhalla, Linda Whitlock of Liberty, Mary Ruth Black and husband Larry of Liberty, Debra Chambers and husband James “Slick” of Newry, three brothers; Milton Oates of Central, Mickey Oates and wife Judy of Anderson, Sammy Oates and wife Vikki Sue of Seneca and eight grandchildren.

Mrs. Elrod was predeceased by her husband, parents, one daughter Lisa Michelle Chappell, one brother Marion Oates and one sister Nancy Jane Oates.

Funeral service was at 11 a.m. Monday Aug. 25 at Dillard Funeral Home in the funeral home chapel. Burial was at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Memorials may be made to American Diabetes Association of Greenville, 2434 Hudson Road, Suite 154 Greer, SC 29650 or Cancer Society of Greenville, 113 Mills Ave. Greenville 29605 or the March of Dimes, 6 Roberts Road, Asheville, NC 28803.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Elrod family.

Mary W. Morgan

Clemson — Mary Anna Walser Morgan, 88, of 102 Ridgeview Drive, Clemson, SC died Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014.
She was a native of Rowan County, N.C., the daughter of Reuben and Mary Patrick Walser. She graduated from Spencer High School and from Pfeiffer College. Before moving to Clemson with her husband, she was the secretary to the judge of the Greensboro, N.C. Municipal County Court. She was employed at Clemson University from 1968 until her retirement in 1987 as administrative assistant to the Vice President for Student Affairs. She was a person who understood and loved students. Mary and her husband often entertained students in their home.

Frequently, she assisted students and campus organizations to plan for Homecoming, Tigerama, and other events; the Clemson University students were an extended part of her family.

She was honored in 1996 as Tiger Brotherhood’s Mother of the Year for her love and devotion to her family, but also her compassion, loyalty, and dedication to her community and Clemson University. She was a member of the Clemson University Women’s Club and was an active member of the Clemson United Methodist Church for over 50 years.

She is survived by her beloved children: Elizabeth (Beth) Morgan Poole and husband, Danny G. Poole of Clemson, Mary Kathryn (Kitty) Morgan McNeill and husband George Terrence (Terry) McNeill of Monroe, Ga., and Reuben (Ben) G. Morgan and wife, Nancy Strom Morgan of Anderson; her adored grandchildren: Jacqui Elaine Poole Rice (Greg), Abby Blair Poole White (Andrew), Terrence Morgan McNeill, Bethany Lee Morgan and Mitchell Strom Morgan; her sister Faye Walser Yarbrough; and her nieces and nephews who were so dear to her: John Michael, Patrick Michael, Tracy Michael Vardeman, Rick Yarbrough, Marianne Yarbrough Hicok, David Yarbrough, Lynn Walser Garms, Matt Morgan, Mark Morgan, Melissa Morgan Fearn, their spouses, and children.

She was predeceased by her devoted husband of 58 years, Harvey Eugene Morgan, Professor Emeritus at Clemson University, her brother, John F. Walser and his wife Rebecca Leonard Walser, her sister, Lillian Walser Michael and her husband Malbourne Michael, her brother-in-law, Richard Yarbrough and nieces Kelly Michael Pugh and Patricia Walser Rose.
A private graveside service was held in Clemson University’s Woodland Cemetery and a memorial service followed at 12 p.m., Tuesday, Aug. 26 at the Clemson United Methodist Church.

The family would like to thank her caregiver and friend, Chris.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Clemson United Methodist Church, 300 Frontage Road, Clemson, SC 29631.

Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett – Robinson Funeral Home, Central, SC.

John James

Easley — John “Bud” James, Jr., 86, husband of the late Mildred Queen James, died Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014 at Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born in Asheville, N.C., to the late John, Sr. and Ella May Young James, “Bud” worked for Alice Manufacturing for 45 years as a doffer and later as a fixer. When he was able to, he loved to go camping; two of his favorite places to camp were in Beufort and in Florida.

Aside from camping, and spending time with family, Bud loved to fish, tinker with his car and lawn mower, as well as go to drag races. He was a member of Pendleton Street Baptist Church.

He is survived by a son, Gene James (Wanda) of Pickens; a brother, Bill James (Brenda) of Central; a sister, Zoie Hawthorne of Easley; two grandchildren, Leigh James Trotter (Todd) and Mae Crawford (Scott), both of Pickens; three great-grandchildren, Zach Golden (Kayla), Hannah Crawford and Haleigh Crawford; a great-great grandchild, Connor Golden; two sister-in-laws, Thelma Ellenburg and Cathy Cable; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be 3:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 27 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.

Burial will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Easley.
A visitation will be from 2 p.m. until 3:15 p.m. Wednesday, prior to the service at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.

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

Mark G. Hendricks

Easley – Marcus (Mark) George Hendricks, 74, of Abbey Road, husband of Genevieve (Genny) Boggs Hendricks, died Monday, Aug. 25, 2014.

Born and raised in Pickens, he was the son of the late Jim Ed and Cassie Looper Hendricks. Mr. Hendricks graduated from Pickens High School, Clemson University and received his Ph.D. from The University of Florida. He retired from Lockheed Martin in Orlando, Fla. following 30 years of service. He was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley, and the Pastors Bible Fellowship Class. He was also a member of the WESCA Gem Club in Greenville and was a U.S. Army Veteran having been stationed at Fort Knox, Ky.

Surviving in addition to his wife of 51 years, is a daughter, Carmen Akers (Chad) of Oakton, Va.; a brother, Dr. James Edwin Hendricks (Sue); a niece, Lee Turpin (Dennis); nephews, Jim Hendricks (Lisa) and Dr. Christopher Hendricks; sisters-in-law, Carolyn Willimon and Dora Jane Duncan; and a brother-in-law, Lloyd Boggs (LaDelle).

Graveside services were held on Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 11 a.m. in Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Activity Center of Heartland Healthcare West, 600 Sulphur Springs Rd. Greenville, SC 29617 or to the Kidz Town of Rock Springs Baptist Church, 201 Rock Springs Rd. Easley, SC 29642.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Hendricks family.

Florine D. Wade

Pickens – Florine Day Wade, 90, wife of the late William Wade, died Sunday, Aug. 24, 2014 at her home.

Born in Pickens, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Lizzie Williams Day. Mrs. Wade was retired from Mayfair Mills after 40 years of service. She was a member of East Pickens Baptist Church.

Surviving are her daughters, Sybil Fisher of Simpsonville, and Linda Lesley (David) of Easley; sons, Jimmy Wade (Linda) of Pickens, Harold Wade (Carolyn) of Six Mile and Donnie Wade (Kathy) of Easley; grandchildren, Vince Wade, Tony Wade, Angela Bloomer, Tina Medlin, Jennifer Roby, Christy Murrell, Eddie Wade, Kayla Wade, Suzanne Wade, Kenny Wade, Josh Wade, Nikki Wade and Amy Gantt; 21 great grandchildren; and a sister, Joyce Staton of Pickens.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by a son, Billy Wade; a granddaughter, Madeline Wade; a son-in-law, Eddie Fisher; and three brothers and four sisters.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 27 at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home with burial to follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the funeral home.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com

The family will be at the home.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Wade family.

Mellie C. LaRoche

Clemson – Mellie Clark LaRoche, 93, died on Aug. 23, 2014.   She was born in Charleston, to Wilfrid H. Clark and Helen Rivers Clark. She was married to Evans Allen LaRoche, Sr. for 54 years. Mrs. LaRoche received her Bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston and a Master’s degree from Clemson University. She was a member of Phi Kappa Phi honor society. She taught Latin, English, and Spanish at Daniel High School and English at Brookland-Cayce High School. Mrs. LaRoche was a member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Clemson for over 60 years. She was an adventurous knitter. She loved to get together with her friends to have lunch, play cards, or just share some coffee.  She also loved to travel and to read.
She is survived by a son, Evans A. LaRoche, Jr. (Diane Ellison LaRoche), a daughter, Mellie L. Warner (John), a grandson, Evans A. LaRoche, III, two granddaughters, Sarah Warner (Corrado Baratti) and Ellen Warner, and a great-granddaughter, Anna Baratti.
She was predeceased by her husband as well as by a brother, Wilfrid H. Clark, Jr.
A memorial service will be held in early October.
Memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church in Clemson.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central, SC.

Elsie Mae Davis

Easley — Elsie Mae Davis, 86, of the Elljean Community, died on Monday, Aug. 18, 2014.

Born in Pickens County, she was the daughter of the late Clarence and Margie Hughes Davis. Miss Davis was retired from Alice Manufacturing, Elljean Plant. She was a member of Lakeview Baptist Church and the Pickens Senior Center.

Surviving is a brother, Marvin Davis; a sister-in-law, Grace N. Davis; and a number of nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, waiting to meet her were her sisters, Lillian McCall, Geneva Sloan, Lona Medlin and Margaret Speed; her brothers, Lawton, Jeffery, Marshall, Arthur, Dewey and Wister (Pete) Davis.

Funeral services were held on Wednesday, Aug. 20 at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Burial followed in Mile Creek Baptist Church Cemetery.

A special thank you to the nurses and staff of Manna Health Care and Ark Hospice for the love and care shown to our dear Aunt Elsie.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pickens Senior Center, 129 Schoolhouse Street, Pickens, SC 29671 or Ark Hospice 101 Grace Drive, Easley, SC 29640.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Davis family.