Courier Obituaries 8-29-18
GEORGE MORRIS KEASLER
SIX MILE — George Morris Keasler, 80, of Six Mile, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.
Born on March 25, 1938, he was the son of the late Inez Winchester and George W. Keasler Sr.
Morris was a graduate of Georgia State University where he received his MBA. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Signal Corp. He was retired from Florence Darlington Technical College, where he was the vice president for economic development and continuing education. Morris was a member of the Falcon’s Lair Golf Club in Walhalla, the Florence Rotary Club and Six Mile Baptist Church.
Surviving are his wife of 57 years, Betty Porter Keasler; two daughters, Angie Burgess (Scott) and Jayme Marie van Essen (Ernst); and onegranddaughter, Sylvia Rose van Essen. Morris was predeceased by one son, Gregory Morris Keasler.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, Aug. 29, from noon-1:45 p.m. at Dillard Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow at 2 p.m. in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with the Rev. Ray Longenecker officiating. Burial will be at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to Oconee Hospice of the Foothills at 390 Keowee School Road, Seneca, SC 29672.
Online condolences may be expressed to the Keasler family by visiting dillardfunerals.com.
LAWRENCE PETER GOLAN
SENECA — Dr. Lawrence (Larry) Peter Golan, 80, passed away peacefully on Aug. 17, 2018, after a battle with esophageal cancer.
The son of the late Joseph and Frances (Duda) Golan, he was born June 20, 1938, in Newark, N.J., and raised in Hillside, N.J.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Helen Imelda (Hemko) Golan; their three children, Lisa Holland and her husband Dan of Seneca, Wanda Turner and her husband Michael of Randolph, N.J., and Lawrence Peter II and his wife EeLin of Zachary, La.; seven grandchildren, Kianna and DJ Holland, Heather, Michael and Olivia Turner and Allison and Zachary Golan; and one great grandchild, Aubrey Holland.
Larry attended West Virginia University on football and track scholarships and earned both his Bachelors of Science (1961) and Masters of Science (1964) in mechanical engineering. He continued his education, earning his Ph.D. in mechanical engineering in 1968 from Lehigh University.
Larry was employed at Picatinny Arsenal, Dover, N.J., from 1961-1962, then as an instructor at West Virginia University from 1962-1964 and at Lehigh University from 1964-1968. Larry joined Exxon Research and Engineering, in Florham Park, N.J., in 1968, where he worked until his retirement in 1986. Never one to rest, Larry became the director of the South Carolina Institute of Energy Studies based at Clemson University in 1986, where he eventually retired in 2005 as a special assistant to the vice president of research. Over his long career, Larry contributed significantly to the advancement of technology applications for industry benefit.
Dr. Golan’s professional activities include: director of the Department of Energy sponsored Advanced Turbine Research Program, a nationwide activity of 110 universities and 10 U.S. corporations which provided technology necessary for developing the next generation of advanced land based power generation systems; manager of Advanced Waste Technical Program, Energy Systems Laboratory, High Energy Efficiency Engines and Turbines Program; chairman of the AlChE heat transfer division (1990, 1994, 1999), including winning best paper in 1992; chair of the AlChE Kern and Jakob Award Committee in 1992, 1994, 1996 recognizing individuals for expertise in heat transfer and energy conversion; chairman of the National Heat Transfer Conference hosted by AlChE, ASME and AIAA in 1996; chairman of the 2004 Summer Heat Transfer and Fluids Engineering Conference; advisor to the Illinois Coal Combustion Program; and member of the Academic Advisory Committee in the West Virginia mechanical engineering department.
Dr. Golan has authored 34 articles, offered 13 short courses and organized numerous energy conferences and workshops.
Larry was a lifelong athlete, competing in masters track and field events well into his 70s. For years, he volunteered as a track coach in the Randolph, N.J., youth track program. He was a certified official with the U.S. Track and Field Association and could be seen many days on the Clemson track working to improve his speed, quickness or distance. Larry was also an ardent gardener and woodworker.
He will be remembered for his quiet smile, gentle, caring nature, humor and prudent advice. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him. A mass of resurrection will be held at St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church at 11 a.m. on Aug. 30, to be followed by internment in the parish columbarium.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Capital Needs Fund of St. Paul the Apostle Catholic Church, GHS Hospice of the Foothills, 298 Memorial Drive, Seneca, SC 29672 or a charity of your choice.
STEVE SMITH
NORRIS — Steve Morris Smith, 61, of 147 Frances St., died Saturday, Aug. 18, 2018, at his residence.
Born in Chester, he was a son of the late Troy Clyde “T.C.” and Rebecca Hollifield Smith. He enjoyed fishing and playing guitar.
Surviving are a daughter, Trudy Merck and her husband Jon of Liberty; a son, Jason Smith of Easley; a brother, Ronald Smith and two grandchildren, Landon and Ansley Merck.
He was of the Baptist faith. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Jimmy Smith and Troy Smith III.
Private burial at Evergreen Cemetery in Chester will take place at a later date.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association: 7272 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75231 or by visiting heart.org.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.
JAMES ERVIN CULBERTSON
PICKENS — James Ervin Culbertson, 68, of Pickens, went to be with his Lord Friday, Aug. 17, 2018, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Greenville, he was the son of the late Ervin and Viola Rogers Culbertson and husband of Beverly McElhannon Culbertson.
Mr. Culbertson was a loyal employee of Michelin North America for 37 years in several management roles. He attended Clemson University and was an avid Clemson Tiger fan. He was also an active member of Grace United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife, Beverly, of 47 years; a son, Matt Culbertson and his wife Nikki of Easley; a brother, Wayne Culbertson and his wife Mary Ann of Easley; a niece, Candace Culbertson Wigfield of Charleston; and a sister, Juanita Reid and her husband Roy of Greenville. Mr. Culbertson also leaves behind four grandchildren, Callie, Ana Grace, Elijah and Emily and two bonus grandchildren, Valerie and Silvanah, to share in his memory.
He is predeceased by his parents, a niece, Jennifer Denise Nix and a sister-in-law, Jean McElhannon Tulk.
Memorial services were held in the church sanctuary at Grace United Methodist Church on Aug. 20.
Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Culbertson Family.
BRANDON TRAVIS PALMER JR.
PICKENS — Brandon Travis Palmer Jr., 81, of Pickens, husband of Sandra Hughes Palmer, left his earthly body to be with our Heavenly Father on Thursday, Aug. 16, 2018.
Born in Fayetteville, N.C., he was the son of the late Brandon Travis Sr. and Essie Royal Palmer. In addition to his parents he was predeceased in death by his daughter, Honore Palmer Glemaker, and sister, Gwendolyn Marie Palmer.
Brandon was a graduate of Fayetteville Senior High School. He was a career draftsman and retired from South Carolina Steel after 20 years of service. He and Sandra attended Northside Baptist Church. He enjoyed his pets, being outdoors, fishing, painting artwork and watching western movies. He was an avid fan of the North Carolina Tar Heels.
In addition to his wife of almost 36 years, he is survived by three children, Howard Trent Palmer, Brandon Travis Palmer III, Amanda Paige Palmer, Kimberly Hunter; stepdaughter, Lora Patterson; sister Julia Gilmore; aunt, Madge Butts; seven grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren.
A memorial service was held at Black’s Chapel United Methodist Church on Sunday Aug. 26. A memorial service will also be held at Northside Baptist Church with the date and time to be determined.
The family would like to give a special thanks to son-in-law Chris Patterson and special nephew Paul Gary Ballew and McCall Open Arms Hospice for all their love and support.
In lieu of flowers, the family request gifts be sent to Northside Baptist Church, 421 Sangamo Road, Pickens SC 29671 and Black’s Chapel United Methodist Church, 10513 Dunn Road, Dunn NC 28334.
ELLEN M. BOGGS
PICKENS — Ellen M. Boggs, 83, passed away on Aug. 18, 2018, at St. Francis Hospital in Greenville.
Born in Pickens, she was the daughter of Henry Eugene and Ethel Williams McJunkin. Ellen was employed by Belk of Easley for nearly 20 years. She was a devout Christian and loving mother.
Survivors include her daughter, Jean Lark and her husband Ronny of Pickens; two sons, Lee Boggs and his wife Denise of Hiddenite, N.C., and Ken Boggs and his wife Kim of Ocala, Fla.; a sister, Nan Boggs and her husband Tommy of Pickens; three brothers, Harold McJunkin of Pickens, B.F. of Liberty and Donald of Pickens. She is also survived by seven grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by her parents and two sisters, Blanche Tucker of Williamston and Azilee Evette of Pickens.
Memorial services were held at Dillard Funeral Home on Aug. 20.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Francis Foundation, One St. Francis Drive Greenville, SC 23601
The family wishes to extend their deepest gratitude to the St. Francis staff for the compassion and care Ellen was given during her stay.
Online condolences may be sent to dillardfunerals.com.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Boggs family.
BILL COX
EASLEY — William E. “Bill” Cox Sr., 90, of Holly Bush Road, husband of the late Laura Lawson Cox, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Monday, Aug. 20, 2018.
Born in Liberty, he was a son of the late Arthur Woodfin Cox and Lillie Mae Helams Cox.
Mr. Cox was a partner with Talbert, Cox and Associates Engineering Firm in Charlotte. He received his bachelor’s degree from the University of South Carolina, where he was a member of the Sigma Chi Fraternity. He was a member of Easley First Baptist Church and the McCall Sunday School class and was a charter member of Carmel Baptist Church in Matthews, N.C. Mr. Cox was an Eagle Scout and enjoyed fishing, building things with his hands and times spent at the beach. He also proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during WWII.
Surviving are his children, William E. “Bill” Cox Jr. (Dawn) of Atlanta, Ga., Jan C. Shope (David) of Charlotte, N.C. and Cathy C. Gratz (Greg) of Greenville; grandchildren, Ashley Brawner, Laura Fischer, Heather Stanley, Allyson Archer, Billy Cox III, John Stevens, Jillian Krimminger, Stephen Shope, Jennifer Myatt and Chase and Rhys Gratz; and 18 great-grandchildren.
Mr. Cox was the last surviving member of his immediate family. In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by a brother, Charles W. Cox; and sisters, Janet Elizabeth Cox, Mattie Lee Drummond, Agnes Pepper and Edna Cobb.
A service to celebrate Mr. Cox’s life was held on Aug. 23 at Easley First Baptist Church, with burial following in Robinson Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shine Soup Kitchen, 111 Hillcrest Drive, Easley, SC 29640.
Condolences may be expressed online by visiting robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
BRIAN EUBANKS
EASLEY — Brian Richard Eubanks, 44, husband of Erin Riddle Eubanks, passed away Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018.
Born in Easley, a son to Richard Elliott Eubanks and Margo Lane Eubanks, he was a skilled craftsman who enjoyed woodworking, writing, performing music and spending time with his children.
Surviving, in addition to his wife and parents, are sons, Jake Richard Richeson, Zachary Brian Eubanks, and Michael Brent Mason (Treyla), all of Easley; a daughter, Megan Nicole Mason of Greenville; a brother, Andrew Elliott Eubanks (Pam) of Bradenton, Fla.; a sister, Christine Lane Herron (Chad) of Apex, N.C.; a maternal grandmother, Joyce Ann Lane of Summerville; and six grandchildren.
Memorial services were held on Aug. 27 at the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home – Powdersville Road.
Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, 1000 S. Pendleton St., Easley, SC 29642 or to Miracle Hill Ministries at miraclehill.org.
Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home – Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.
TONY LEE SMITH
EASLEY — Mr. Tony Lee Smith, 70, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018.
Born in Easley, a son of the late Otis Austin Smith and the late Gladys Kirk Smith, Mr. Smith was previously employed with the Pickens County Board of Disabilities and Special Needs and was a member of Pendleton Street Baptist Church.
Surviving are seven sisters, Bertie Bowles, Ruby J. Smith, Nancy S. Pace, Judy S. LaBoone, Mary S. Camp, and Gail S. Chapman, all of Easley, Shirley S. Wood of Chesnee; and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Mr. Smith was predeceased by a brother, Edgar Austin Smith, and a sister, Bobbie Jean Burgess.
Graveside services were held on Aug. 24 at Greenlawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Tony to Pickens County Board of Disabilities and Special Needs, 1027 S. Pendleton St., Suite B, Box 12, Easley, SC 29642.
Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, Easley, which is assisting the family.
DELORIS JEAN NICKELL
LIBERTY — Deloris Jean Nickell, 84, of 237 Welby Way, died Tuesday, Aug. 21, 2018, at Heartland Healthcare of Greenville, West.
Born in Page, W.Va., she was a daughter of the late William Russell and Emma Maude Reinhart Nickell. She was a homemaker and was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving are two brothers, Virgil Nickell of the home and Donald Nickell of Seville, Ohio.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a sister and four brothers.
Private graveside services at High Lawn Memorial Park will be held at a later date.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.
JAMES TYLER BREWER
EASLEY — Tyler Brewer, 28, passed from this life Monday, Aug. 20, 2018, at the Medical University of South Carolina following an extended illness.
Tyler was born in Greenville County, a son of Alan and Pamela Brewer. He was a manager with AutoZone in Easley.
Those left to cherish Tyler’s memory include his parents; a daughter, Aubrey Brewer; grandmothers, Beulah Brewer of Pickens and Mildred Ruppe of Cowpens; brothers, Steven (Kristen) Brewer, Justin (Krystal) Brewer and Chris (Jessica) Brewer; four nieces and three nephews, as well as Tyler’s co-workers, friends and other family members.
Tyler was predeceased by his grandfathers, Leonard Brewer and Furman Green.
Funeral services were held on Aug. 25 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home. Burial occurred at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Brewer family.
DAVID LATHROP JR.
CENTRAL — David Henry Lathrop Jr., of 105 Otis Drive, passed away on Monday, Aug. 20, 2018, at his residence.
Born in Newberry, he was a son of Patricia McCarson and the late David H. Lathrop Jr.
Surviving, in addition to his mother of the home, are a sister, Teresa Whitlock (Scott) of Liberty; two brothers, Ashley and Glenn Lathrop, both of Newberry; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services to honor the life of David were conducted on Aug. 24 at Liberty Memorial Gardens. No formal visitation is planned.
Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
DWIGHT C. THRIFT
PICKENS — Mr. Dwight Clarence Thrift, 85, husband of Thelma Porter Thrift, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018.
Born in Oconee County, a son of the late Clarence and Floris Stewart Thrift, Mr. Thrift retired from Ryobi with more than 35 years of service and was of the Baptist faith. He was a U.S. Army veteran.
Surviving, in addition to his wife of 56 years, are two daughters, Renee Thrift (Marty) and Judy N. Durham, both of Pickens; a son, Skippy Nix (Debbie) of Pickens; a daughter-in-law, June Nix of Pickens; three brothers, Horace Thrift, Ray Thrift (Jan) and Roy Thrift, all of Pickens; a sister, Sharon T. Alexander (Boone) of Pickens; seven grandchildren, Angela Ellenburg (Kenny), Tina Chapman (Greg), Jody Wilson (Richard), Melissa Aiken (Joey), Mendia Davis, Kiely Nix and Cody Davis; eight great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a godchild, Darlene Durham.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Thrift was predeceased by a son, Sammy Nix; and two brothers, Curtis and Ted Thrift.
Funeral services were held on Aug. 25 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Flowers will be accepted and donations may be made to the Pickens County Animal Shelter, 186 Prison Camp Road, Pickens, SC 29671.
Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, Easley, which is assisting the family.
GERRI DEESE
LIBERTY — Gerri Gayle Deese, 71, of 10 S. Peachtree Street, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, at the Rainey Hospice House.
Born in Toledo, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late Vincent and Juanita Johnson Zimmerman.
She was retired from Carolina First Bank, where she worked as a trust officer for many years. Following her retirement, she managed the gift shop for her husband at Ye Old Sandwich Shoppe in Liberty.
Gerri attended St. Andrews Catholic Church in Clemson and, during her free time, loved to read and quilt.
Surviving are her husband, Brian C. Deese of the home; a daughter, Rhonda Johnson (Brett) of Liberty; a stepdaughter, Brigette Ersrud (Vidar) of Baton Rouge, La.; two sisters, Theresa “Teri” Gregson of Dallas, Texas, and Cherri Peterson (John) of Washougal, Wash.; a brother, Larry Zimmerman (Marika) of Dayton, Ohio; and five grandchildren, Spencer Saunders, Peyton, Cameron, Coco and Ian Moggio. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a brother-in-law, John H. Gregson.
Friends of the family held a remembrance reception on Aug. 25 at Liberty Presbyterian Church Social Hall. Private family inurnment at Liberty Memorial Gardens will be held at a later date.
Memorials are requested to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson SC 29621.
Online condolences may be left for the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.
SUSAN CROWE GILSTRAP
PICKENS — Susan Crowe Gilstrap, 60, wife of the late Frank Gilstrap, passed from this life Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2018, at her home.
Born in Pickens County, Susan is a daughter of the late Ray Roland Crowe and the late Susan Elizabeth Connelly Crowe Thompson. She was a member of Arial Baptist Church and was known for how she loved her family and her willingness to help others.
Survivors include her daughter, Alice (Anthony) Duncan of Pickens; a grandchild, Kelsy Gilstrap; siblings, Diane Hendricks, Carol Bell, Stanley Crowe, Crystal Neal, Bennett Thompson Jr., Michelle McMahan, Jessica Barnwell, Dana Crow and Margaret Gantt; and stepmothers, Donita Crowe and Marie Gilstrap.
Susan was predeceased by her parents; her husband; grandparents, Vester and Louise Crowe and Clarence and Zelda Connelly; her stepfather, Bennett Thompson Sr.; and a sister, Robbie Jean Smith.
Funeral services were held on Aug. 27 in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home and were officiated by Dr. Danny Parton and Rev. Isaiah Scipio. Burial followed at Mt. Bethel United Methodist Church Cemetery, officiated by Rev. Brandon Wimpey.
Memorials may be made to Elljean Baptist Church Youth Fund, 605 Elljean Road, Easley, South Carolina 29640.
Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Gilstrap family.
JAMES W. “SMILEY” MCNEELY
EASLEY — James W. “Smiley” McNeely, 74, of Breazeale Road, loving husband of the late Phronsie Long McNeely, went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, at his home, surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Baltimore, Md., he was the son of the late Weldon and Nora Lee Carman McNeely.
Mr. McNeely was a 1963 graduate of Easley High School and attended Tri-County Technical College. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy in Rota, Spain. He owned and operated McNeely Auto Repair and was retired from General Electric, Gas Turbine Division. He was also a 32nd Degree Mason, a Shriner and a member of Arial Baptist Church and the Men’s Group.
Jim was a caring husband, loving father and grandfather, an avid farmer and a friend to all. He enjoyed raising cattle, working on classic cars, and watching the Clemson Tigers and the Atlanta Braves.
Surviving are his children, Thomas W. McNeely of Gainesville, Ga., Nancy M. Lollis and her husband, Dr. Patrick G. Lollis, of Williamston; and Dr. J. Benjamin McNeely and his wife, Dr. Johndra U. McNeely, of Piedmont; his grandchildren, Seth, Calleigh and Lydia Lollis; a sister, Carol McNeely Chappell and her husband, Brackett; and a nephew, Douglas Chappell and his wife, Anna.
Funeral services were held on Aug. 26 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with burial following in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to Arial Baptist Church, 618 Rice Road, Easley, SC 29640 or Shriners Children’s Hospital, 950 W. Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605.
Condolences may be expressed online by visiting robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, Easley, which is assisting the family.
WILMA JEWELL BRYANT FELTZ
EASLEY — Mrs. Wilma Jewell Bryant Feltz, 86, of Easley, passed away peacefully on Thursday, Aug. 23, 2018, at the Magnolias of Easley.
Born on April 10, 1932, she was the daughter of the late Lester and Lillian Evett Bryant. Wilma was known for her beautiful smile and sassy taste in clothes. Her favorite color was pink, and she was crowned prom queen at the Magnolias Prom of 2017. Her passion was square dancing. She and her husband, Norbert Feltz, belonged to several square dance clubs for more than 50 years.
Wilma loved her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She also loved her pets through the years, Tina, Buffy, Rambo, Smokey, Gizzie, Ralphie and Sammy.
Along with her husband, Wilma is survived by her three daughters, Rhonda Currin (Robert), Joyce Parker (Ronnie) and Linda Marie Feltz; five grandchildren, Andrea Thompson (Glenn), Diana Tompkins (Farris), Nick Parker (Joli), Lucas Currin (Emily) and Amos Parker (Brittany); 12 great-grandchildren, DJ Sweeney, Dustin Sweeney, Dariann Sweeney, Alysha Kotkowski, Savannah Parker, Emerson Tompkins, Jayden Parker, Olivia Tompkins, Avery Currin, Jaxon Parker, Raylan Parker and Cale Currin. Although Wilma was an only child, she viewed her aunt (Yvonne Evett) and sister-in-law (Agnes Wenning) as her sisters.
Wilma was also predeceased by one great-grandchild, Haiden Parker.
Funeral services were held on Aug. 27 at Dillard Funeral Home chapel, with the Rev. Roger Gwinn officiating.
Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
The family would like to thank friends and staff at Magnolias of Easley for the love and care given to Wilma and Norbert Feltz.
Online condolences may be expressed to the Feltz family by visiting dillardfunerals.com.
BOB CRAWFORD
LIBERTY — Charles Robert “Bob” Crawford, 88, formerly of Apple Drive, Liberty, passed away peacefully Sunday, Aug. 26, 2018, at Brookdale Nursing Home of Easley.
Bob was a caring and gentle man who was loved by many, as well as a devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Born in Greenville, he was the widower of Virginia Gravitt Crawford and a son of the late Sydney Levi and Elizabeth Elrod Crawford. He worked at Woodside Mills in Liberty for 32 years and later retired from Ohio Gear. Mr. Crawford was a longtime and very active member of Liberty Church of God.
Leaving behind with loving and fond memories are one son, Vincent Crawford and his wife Cynthia of Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Canada; two brothers, Dan Crawford and his wife Jean of Liberty and Mike Crawford and his wife Hope of Six Mile; two grandchildren, Charles Crawford of Liberty and Tiffany Williams and her husband Ashley of Seneca; a great-granddaughter, Whitney Crawford of Liberty; and three great-grandsons, Dawson, Alexander and Jacob Williams, all of Seneca.
In addition to his wife and parents, he was predeceased by two sisters, Virginia (Jenny) Johnson and Willie Campbell, and a brother, Leon Crawford.
Funeral services for Mr. Crawford will be held at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Aug., 29 in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service. Burial will be at Liberty Memorial Gardens.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may also be made to Liberty Church of God: PO Box 643 Liberty, SC 29657 or to Southern Care Hospice: 6000B Pelham Road Greenville, SC 29615.
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
JOHN R. WISHAM
CENTRAL — John Robert Wisham, 51, of Central, passed away on Aug. 21, 2018.
As was usual, he was surrounded by his family and numerous close friends.
John was born a firecracker on July 4, 1967, and lived up to that his entire life.
His father, Bill, taught John to love farming, gardening and anything involving the outdoors. John was most proud that he was able to find and purchase his father’s John Deer tractor, which he used to farm with himself. His mother, Edith, was John’s first love, and if you ever saw John with his mother, there was no doubt that John was a mama’s boy.
John graduated from Gupton Jones Mortuary School, which he affectionately called “Guts and Bones.” Most of his life, John was a business owner, doing anything under the sun.
John’s second love and soulmate was Lynn, and if you spent time with the two of them, you were lucky. The pair was a force to be reckoned with; able to get anything done they put their minds to. John’s passion for Lynn was evident in every breath he took.
John’s hobbies included gardening, hunting, the annual trip on the world’s longest yard sale, and of course, tailgating for Clemson football. John was also proud that he was able to move both of his brothers back to Central after they had been away from home for many years.
John’s father, Bill, passed away in 2001. He is survived by his mother, Edith; brothers, Larry (Mela) and Dale (Debbie); sister, Connie (Billy); and Lynn’s brother, Ed (Karen). John also deeply loved his surviving nieces and nephews, Jason, Hunter, Meggan, Leslie, Tyler, Caroline, Jared and Hayden. He had numerous great nieces and nephews as well. His special friend was Griff, a woman who he loved and loved to give a hard time.
Services were held at the Spittoono Field in Central.
Condolences may be expressed online at robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home in Central.
LINDA MCJUNKINS
LIBERTY — Linda Carolyn Rackley McJunkins, 67, of 419 S. Peachtree St. Apt. 1A2, died Friday, Aug. 24, 2018, at her residence.
Born in Easley, she was the widow of Billy Wayne McJunkins and a daughter of the late William Grady and Dorothy Chappell Rackley. She was a loving mother and grandmother and enjoyed being outside and flower gardening. She was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving are a daughter, Michelle O’Bryant and her husband Billy of Liberty; three sisters, Martha Lovell of Liberty, Betty Lee of Pickens and Mary Wimpey of Pickens; and two grandchildren, Jessica and Krystal O’Bryant.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was predeceased by three sisters, Barbara Freeman, Patricia Dalton and Lana Rackley.
Graveside services to honor the life of Mrs. McJunkins were held on Aug. 28 at Westview Cemetery in Liberty.
Online condolences may be made by visiting libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
KAREN WHITE PORTER
LIBERTY — Karen White Porter, 60, wife of Charles “Charlie” Porter, passed from this life Sunday, Aug. 26. 2018.
Born in Oconee County, Karen was a daughter of the late Eugene and Ruth Mary O’Kelley White.
Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Charlie of the home; sons, Koty (Brandy) Porter of Liberty and Opie Porter of Easley; grandchildren, Savannah Porter and Blaklee Porter; and three brothers and four sisters.
Karen was predeceased by her parents, two brothers and one sister.
Visitation will be held from 2-3 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 29, in the chapel of Mountain View Funeral Home, with the memorial service to follow at 3 p.m.
Flowers will be accepted. Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Porter family.