JOHNNY F. HOLCOMBE

EASLEY — Johnny Foster Holcombe, 78, of Mary Ann Street, passed away on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019.

Born in Pickens County, he was a son of the late Richard D. Holcombe and Eva Mae Forister Holcombe.

Johnny was retired from Creative Builders in Greenville after 21 years of dedicated service. He was also employed with R.T. Murrell and Bivens Construction erecting steel buildings, banks and apartment complexes. He was a lifetime member of Arial Baptist Church and a member of the Bible Fellowship Sunday School Class. He had a passion for and enjoyed repairing and remodeling tractors, especially John Deere.

Johnny was a man of great character and a humble Christian man who loved and was loved by all he met.

Surviving are his wife, Patricia Lance Holcombe of the home; a daughter, Tammy Porter (Randell) of Simpsonville; stepdaughters, Evetta Madden of Mars Hill, N.C., Diane Brown of Simpsonville and Stephanie Maynard; seven grandchildren, Matt Holcombe (Stephanie), Jessica Burroughs (Steven), Butch Brown, Jessie Holcombe, Trisha Morris, Andrea Naassan and Damion Maynard; 13 great-grandchildren, Jordan Wise, Danielle, Iszebelle, Hannah and Zae Standifer, Jerred Holcombe, Maggie Burroughs, Jonathon Holcombe, Jamie-Rae Bryant, Macey Reese, Mackeira Morris, Harvey Huntley and Hydeia Brown; a sister, Joan Gilstrap (Marshall) of Easley; many nieces, nephews and their families that he adored and loved; and his beloved pets, Jasper and Simon.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his second wife, Beatrice Timms Holcombe; a son, Barry Holcombe; a grandson, B.J. Holcombe; sisters, Jean Ouzts and Frankie Brooks; and brothers, Jack Holcombe and J.T. Holcombe.

Funeral services were held on Aug. 27 at Arial Baptist Church, with burial following in Greenlawn Memorial Park in Easley.

Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Arial Baptist Church Bus Fund, 618 Rice Road, Easley, SC 29640 or arialbaptistchurch.org

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

BETTY DALTON CARTER

EASLEY — Mrs. Betty Jean Dalton Carter, 84, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019.

Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Arthur Dalton and the late Melissa Hendricks Dalton, Betty was retired from J.P. Stevens-Monaghan Plant and was of the Mormon faith.

Surviving are two daughters, Barbara Nix and Cynthia Diane Baker, both of Easley; a son, Robert Theodore Carter of Easley; five grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

In addition to her parents, Betty was predeceased by a son, Arthur Carter; and one grandchild.

Private memorial services will be held at a later date.

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

EVELYN HUGHES

EASLEY — Evelyn Louise Hughes, 82, of 114 Louns Drive, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Central, she was the only daughter of Lloyd and Maggie Gillespie Fant.

She retired from Ryobi and was a member of Open Door Baptist Church. She loved her church and spending time with her family.

Surviving are two daughters, Joyce Chappell (Michael) of Easley and Nancy Tellez of Liberty; two sons, Mike Posey of Liberty and Jerry Posey of Easley; five grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Hughes will be conducted at noon on Wednesday, Aug. 28, at Open Door Baptist Church. Burial will be at the Roanoke Baptist Church cemetery.

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

JACK EDMOND ANTHONY

GREENVLLE — Mr. Jack Edmond Anthony, 77, husband of Sylvia Jeanette McConnell Anthony, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 22, 2019.

Born in Kershaw County, a son of the late William “Bill” George Anthony and the late Ethel King Anthony, Mr. Anthony was a graduate of Dacusville High School and was the owner and operator of Southern Beauty and Barber Supply in Greenville. He was an involved member of Pelham Road Baptist Church, a volunteer at the Eastside Crisis Center and Miracle Hill Industries. Jack was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the Vietnam War.

Jack was a man who loved the Lord, his family and his work. He was joyful always and will be remembered by all as a man who loved to laugh and make others smile. His positive attitude was contagious.

A special “thank you” to a special friend and caregiver, Shelia Bryant, for the compassionate care given to Mr. Anthony during his illness.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 59 years, are a daughter, Tonya Anthony Crawford (Brian) of Johns Island; three brothers, Kenneth Anthony of Montgomery, Ala., George Anthony of Garden City and Randy Anthony of Easley; two sisters, Rita Brooks of North Augusta and Helen Anthony of Greenville; and three grandchildren, Cody Crawford, Ella Rae Crawford and Cora Crawford.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Anthony was predeceased by two brothers, William and Allen Anthony; and two sisters, Billie Hunter and Nancy Smith.

Funeral services were held on Aug. 26 at Pelham Road Baptist Church. Burial followed at the Cross Roads Baptist Church cemetery in Easley.

Memorials may be made to Pelham Road Baptist Church, 1108 Pelham Road, Greenville, SC 29615 or to the Amedisys Foundation, 3854 American Way, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70816.

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

STEVE D. AIKEN SR.

LIBERTY — Steve D. Aiken Sr., 66, husband of Sarah E. Aiken for 41 years, passed from this life on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Mr. Aiken was born in Pickens County, a son of the late Marlin Bolt Aiken and Hazel Virginia Alexander Aiken. Steve worked as a truck driver for Francis Produce in Greenville for 28 years.

Survivors include his wife, Sara; children, Steve Aiken Jr. of Liberty, Stacy (Arturo) Hernandez of Liberty, Samantha Aiken of Liberty and Stephanie (Angel) Rodriguez of Roebuck; 13 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a brother, Tony (Juanita) Aiken and a sister, Marlene (Jimmy) Davis.

Steve was predeceased by his parents and a brother, Jackie Aiken.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 28, from 2-3 p.m. in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, with the funeral to follow at 3 p.m.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Aiken family.

KEVIN LEE BRANYON-BETHKE

SIX MILE — Kevin Lee Branyon-Bethke, 43, of 625 Stewart Road, passed away on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, at his home.

Born in Seneca, he was a son of the late Pam Branyon Bethke. Kevin graduated from Liberty High School. He loved NASCAR, Clemson football, the Carolina Panthers and fishing.

Surviving are his father, Blair Bethke of the home; his grandmother, Audrey Bethke of Salem; two aunts, Vickie Rollins (Marion) of Florence and Joyce Austin of Anderson; his caregiver, Dillon Reece; and his good friend who always made him laugh, Jennifer DuPont.

Kevin was a blessing to his family while facing the many challenges of cerebral palsy with strength, perseverance and courage.

Funeral services to honor Kevin’s life will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 29, in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at 10 a.m. on Friday at Oconee Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Cerebral Palsy Foundation, yourcpf.org, or the charity of one’s choice.

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

ROGER D. RIGGINS

SIX MILE — Roger Dale Riggins, 66, born on July 10, 1953, of 124 Belle Shoals Road, died on Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019, at his residence.

Born in Easley, he was a son of the late Frank and Margie Dorsey Riggins.

He enjoyed woodworking, family gatherings and watching westerns, and for many years worked as a brick mason.

Surviving are two daughters, Cathy Welcher (James) of Liberty and Christy Revis (Mike) of Pickens, along with their mother, Jeannie Morton of Liberty; two sisters, Sue Reeves (Ed) of Central and Sheila Riggins of Six Mile; two brothers, Carol Riggins (Linda) of Waynesville, N.C., and Ronnie Riggins (Elaine) of Easley; grandchildren, Casey Roach, Shane Riggins, Kayla Hendricks, Jordan Welcher and Jason Ward; and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Donnie and Ricky (Tiny) Riggins.

Funeral services to honor Roger’s life were held on Aug. 23 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel.

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.

WILLIAM E. “BILL” ROSS JR.

EASLEY — William Eugene “Bill” Ross Jr., 67, of 203 Fish Camp Road, passed away peacefully to be with his Lord and Savior on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.

Born in Manchester, N.H., he was the son of the late William E. Sr. and Betty Ruth Kinsey Ross.

He was a United States Army veteran of the Vietnam War and later retired from Duke Energy. He was the rifle coach for Easley High School NJROTC for 19 years and was a member of the American Legion Post No. 52 and the NRA.

Bill served others wholeheartedly and humbly in many capacities as a devoted member of Golden Grove Wesleyan Church.

Surviving are his wife of 43 years, Gail Satterfield Ross of the home; two daughters, Natasha Desrochers (Brad) of Elgin and Rev. Sabrina Hudson (Rev. Steven) of Liberty; three sisters, Violet Overton of San Antonio, Texas, Betty Brown of Marshville, N.C. and Brenda Thompson of Liberty; seven grandchildren, Marie Rivers, Dillard Hudson, Liam Hudson, Gracen Hudson, Savannah Desrochers, Scott Bradley Desrochers III (Trey) and Jenny-Marie Desrochers; and his lifelong friend, Ricky Brooks of Liberty.

Life celebration services to honor the life of Mr. Ross were conducted on Aug. 24 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Burial with military honors followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to:Golden Grove Wesleyan Church, 7997 Moorefield Memorial Highway, Liberty, SC 29657 or EHS NJROTC Booster Club, 305 Wild Wing Way, Easley, SC 29642.

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

GRACE SMITH

EASLEY — Grace Mae Smith, 81, of 108 Rockmont Road, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019.

Born in Canton, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late William and Mary Schafer Blunt. She worked in daycare for many years. She also loved working with children and spending time with her family.

Surviving are her husband, Karl A. Smith of the home; two daughters, Kathleen Williamson (Tony) of Greenville and Lisa Littleton (Lynn) of Easley; a brother, Bill Blunt of Nevada; five grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Anderson.

Memorial services to honor Mrs. Smith’s life were conducted on Aug. 26 in the Liberty Mortuary chapel.

Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.

PRESTON ALLEN

EASLEY — Mr. Gary Preston Allen, 77, husband of Joyce Jones Allen, passed away on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, at his home.

Born in Spartanburg, he was a son of the late Thomas Jefferson and Virgil Brookshire Allen. Mr. Allen was employed by J.P. Stevens’ Monaghan Plant for more than 30 years and enjoyed classic cars and history. He was a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church and was in the Thomas Sheriff Sunday School Class. Mr. Allen proudly served our country in the U.S. Army.

Surviving, in addition to his wife of 49 years, are one daughter, Shannon Allen Abercrombie (Shane) of Easley; two grandchildren, Austin Clayton Helms (Chandler) of Mt. Pleasant and Savannah Grace Abercrombie (Payton) of Piedmont; two great-grandchildren, AnnaGray and Bristol; one great-grandchild on the way, Marler Hayes; one sister, Karion Gayle Holcombe of Greenville; and three stepbrothers, Robert Owens, Jerry Owens and Kenneth Owens, all of Greenville.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Allen was predeceased by one sister, Frieda Paulette Davidson; one stepbrother, Charles Owens; and stepmother, Thelma Allen.

Funeral services were held on Aug. 24 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, Easley. Burial followed at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks for memorials to be made to the Rock Springs Baptist Church Building Fund, 201 Rock Springs Road, Easley, SC 29642, or to Open Arms Hospice, 1835 W. Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680.

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

DAVID THOMAS ROPER SR.

LIBERTY — David T. Roper Sr., 55, passed from this life on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2019, at his home.

David was born in El Paso, Texas, a son of Wanda June Langston Roper of Liberty and the late Robert Lee Roper Sr.

David is survived by two daughters; August Caroline Roper of Newport, Tenn., and Charlotte Amanda Johnson (Matthew) of Sunset; a son, David Thomas Roper Jr. of Liberty; two sisters, Cara Hunt (Mark) of Pickens and Donita Crowe of Liberty; a brother, Robert Lee Roper Jr. (Debbie) of Pickens; and four grandchildren; Michael, Cameron, Annabelle and Kalija.

A gathering to celebrate David’s life was held on Aug. 27 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621 or Prisma Health Cancer Institute, 900 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.

Mountain View Funeral Home is assisting the Roper family.

DOROTHY P. WILLIAMS

EASLEY — Dorothy Padgett Williams, 97, of Dacusville, passed peacefully from this life on Friday, Aug. 23, 2019, at Oakview Park in Powdersville.

Mrs. Williams was born in Saluda County on March 7, 1922, to Curtis Moody Padgett and Will Rose Oxner Padgett. She was a graduate of Dreher High School and attended the University of South Carolina, where she met the love of her life, E. Wayne Williams. Wayne and Dorothy shared a love like no other for 67 happy years together. During their marriage, Wayne and Dorothy shared many good times with family and friends, especially enjoying their time together square dancing, listening to bluegrass music and traveling.

Mrs. Williams retired from the School District of Pickens County, where she served as the school secretary for Dacusville schools for 34 years. In addition, Mrs. Williams was the oldest living member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, where she was both a Sunday school teacher and an active member of the Women’s Missionary Union. She also volunteered for more than 20 years at Palmetto Health Baptist Easley and spent countless Tuesdays delivering Meals on Wheels to the elderly.

Mrs. Williams is survived by her beloved daughter, Gloria W. Wilson; eight grandchildren, Holley Gaston, Allison Wilson, widow of her beloved John Brentley, Chad Williams, Brandi Johnson, Josh Williams (Angie), Heather Bruce (Jerry), Rhett Wilson (Nadia), Matthew Williams (Lynn), and Justin Williams (Michelle); 17 great-grandchildren; one stepgrandchild, Charlene Lesley; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by one sister, Davie Kelly Surrett of Aiken.

Mrs. Williams was preceded in death by her beloved Wayne; her two sons, Stanley Baxter and Donald Wayne Williams; a son-in law, Bobby Joe Wilson; a grandson, John Brentley Wilson; and a grandson-in-law, Jeff Gaston.

The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to the staff of Oakview Park and Homestead Hospice for their time and attentiveness to the care of Mrs. Williams during her last days and to Mrs. Janie McCombs of Easley.

Services to celebrate Mrs. Williams’ life were held on Aug. 26 in the sanctuary of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church, with burial following in the church cemetery.

Flowers are accepted, but memorials may be made to Pickens County Meals on Wheels, 349 Edgemont Ave., Liberty, SC 29657.

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