OFFICER MATTHEW HARE

EASLEY — Officer Matthew Logan Hare, 22, an esteemed member of the Easley Police Department, passed away on Aug. 2, 2023, in Easley. He was born on Feb. 3, 2001, and leaves behind a legacy of courage and selflessness.

Matthew began his journey in law enforcement in 2022 after graduating from Easley High School in 2019. His passion for serving his community led him to enroll in the S.C. Criminal Justice Academy, where he acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to excel as a police officer. Matthew’s dedication to his profession was admired by all who knew him.

Beyond his commitment to his career, Matthew had a vibrant personality that lit up any room he entered. He cherished the love and support of his family and friends above all else. He held a special bond with his mother, Ashley Hare, and his brother, Easton Isaiah Hare who will forever remember him with love in their hearts. He was predeceased by his grandmother, Deborah Rogers Hare, who he affectionately called “Nana”

In his free time, Matthew embraced a wide range of interests and hobbies. He was an avid fan of Clemson Football and took great joy in cheering on his favorite team. His competitive spirit extended beyond the stadium as he enjoyed playing video games with friends.

Matthew’s greatest joy came from spending quality time with loved ones. Whether gathering around the dinner table or embarking on outdoor adventures, he cherished every moment shared with family and friends. Matthew’s warm smile and contagious laughter brought happiness to those around him.

Despite having a life filled with promise and potential ahead of him, Officer Matthew Hare tragically lost his life while bravely saving the life of someone he had never met. This selfless act is a testament to his character and unwavering dedication to protecting others. Matthew’s sacrifice serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact one person can make on their community.

To honor Officer Matthew Hare’s life and commemorate his unwavering commitment to duty, a celebration of his life was held Aug. 8, at Rock Springs Baptist Church.

No public visitation will be held.

Matthew will be deeply missed by his mother, Ashley Hare (Tommy) and his beloved younger brother, Easton Isaiah Hare, whom he adored. He also leaves behind his aunt, Jessica Allsep (Mark), and grandparents Greg and Lori Hare of Six Mile.Matthew’s cousin Hanna Allsep and stepsister Kaylee Hughes were blessed to have shared cherished moments with him throughout their lives. Additionally, he is survived by numerous great aunts, uncles and cousins who mourn the loss of their dear family member.

Officer Matthew Hare touched the lives of many with his kindness, bravery, and unwavering commitment to justice. His memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him. As we bid farewell to a remarkable young officer taken too soon from us, let us remember Matthew as an inspiration and a shining example of what it means to serve others with selflessness and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully asks that donations be made to https://www.etsy.com/listing/1523541876/officer-matthew-hare-memorial-bracelets?utm_source=OpenGraph&utm_medium=PageTools&utm_campaign=Share or     https://serveandconnect.networkforgood.com/projects/200010-officer-matthew-hare-memorial-fund

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

 

MAURICE AUSTIN ‘MARTY’ WARD, JR

MARIETTA — Maurice Austin “Marty” Ward Jr., 58, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 6, 2023, at AnMed Medical Center in Anderson.

Born in Greenville, he was the son of Brenda Laws Ward and the late Maurice Austin Ward Sr.

A lifelong racer, Marty’s first race was when he was 16 years old, and that race propelled it into a lifelong passion. During his racing career he was six-time track champion at Greenville-Pickens Speedway; a three-time S.C. State Champion in what is known as the NASCAR Advanced Auto Parts Weekly Racing Series; he also participated and won in several notable touring series including the Hooters Pro Cup series, the UARA STARS late Model Series, the NASCAR Sportsman Division and the NASCAR All-American Challenge Series. Earlier this year he had a victory in the Southeast Super Trucks Tour at Anderson Speedway in their opening race for the season.  Marty spent his life racing but above all else the thing he treasured most was his family that he loved beyond measure. And with all the accomplishments in his life his greatest accomplishment was known his son was soon to be a graduate of Clemson University.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his son, Jacob Ward; his wife of 30 years, Gina Ward; and aunts and uncles, Lynwood and Linda Laws, David Ward and Juanita McAfee (Lloyd).

In addition to his father, he was predeceased by his grandparents, Henry and Cora Ward and George and Lois Laws.

The family received friends on Tuesday at The Howze Mortuary.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m.  on Wednesday, Aug. 9,  at Clearview Baptist Church.

A private burial will be held at the Cox Chapel Baptist Church Cemetery.

The Howze Mortuary, Travelers Rest is in charge of arrangements. (864) 834-8051

 

JAMES DANIEL ‘DAN’ WINCHESTER

PICKENS —  Mr. James Daniel “Dan” Winchester, 89, loving husband of Jeanette Sims Winchester, of Pickens, passed away  on Aug. 1, 2023, at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Dan was born in Pickens on July 13, 1934, to the late Jim and Iva Bowie Winchester. In his younger years, he was very active in the Jaycees of South Carolina where he was elected State President in 1970. His love for that program and his position allowed him numerous opportunities for growth and knowledge to serve him better throughout his working career at Dan River Textiles where he was the Corporate Workers Compensation Director. He was proud to be a citizen of Pickens County, and served actively on numerous boards and civic organizations throughout his lifetime including: the Pickens – Liberty Lions Club, the Pickens County School Board, and the Pickens County Taxpayers Association.

He was a man who really took pride in his work, and this was shown in everything he would buy and fix. He loved to work on his family farm and help preserve its heritage.

Dan loved his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He served on the Bowie Family Historical Society, where he helped keep his maternal families’ heritage alive. Most important to Dan of anything, was the Lord. Dan served faithfully in the United Methodist Church for numerous years, and served in many positions in the district level, with 10 years of that being the South Carolina Conference Lay Leader.

He was an active member of Grace United Methodist Church, where he continued to serve the Lord on multiple boards and committees throughout his years there.

In addition to his loving wife of 64 years, Dan is survived by his two children, Tina W. Walker (Steve) of Columbia and Mark Daniel Winchester (Mylene) of Pickens; his two grandchildren, Chelsea Winchester of Easley and Tiffany Winchester of Lowndesville; his four step-grandchildren, Ben, Daniel, Nick and Julie; and his five great-grandchildren, Colton, McKinley, Easton, Maverick and Hudson.

In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by a brother, Don Bowie Winchester; and a sister-in-law, Nell Winchester.

Graveside services were conducted on Aug. 5 at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

A celebration of Dan’s life was held on Aug. 5, at the Sanctuary of Grace United Methodist Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to either Grace United Methodist Church:  309 E Cedar Rock St, Pickens, SC 29671; or to Wycliffe Bible Translators: PO Box 628200, Orlando, Florida, 32862.

Online condolencesmay be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

VICKIE HOLLADAY

CENTRAL — Vickie Lynn Holladay, 68, formerly of Central, passed away peacefully on Aug. 2, 2023, at the Levine & Dickson Hospice House in Huntersville, N.C.  Vickie had resided the last several years of her life with her loving sister, Teresa in Denver, N.C.

Born in Anderson, she was a daughter of the late Franklin Douglas, Sr. and Patricia Vickery Holladay.

She was a 1973 graduate of D.W. Daniel High School and later retired from Phillips Fibers.

Vickie was an avid fan of Jeff Gordon and  the Clemson Tigers.

Surviving are a sister, Teresa Dearnley (Karl) of Denver, N.C.; two brothers, Brad Holladay of Liberty and Chuck Holladay (Pam) of Six Mile; three nieces, Tessa Averett, Sarah Dearnley and Allison Holladay; a nephew, Nate Holladay (Sydney); and four great-nieces and nephews, Neal Hudson, Regan, Grayson Averett and Kiana Pusey.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Timothy Russell “Timbo” Holladay and Franklin Douglas Holladay Jr..

Funeral services to honor Vickie’s life were held on  Aug. 7, at Liberty Mortuary chapel. Burial followed at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church cemetery.

The family will be at their respective homes. To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

RICHARD M. REID

PICKENS — Richard M. Reid, 73, passed away on July 30, 2023, at his home. He fought a courageous 15-year battle with cancer.

Born Jan. 27, 1950, he was the son of the late Nelson E. and Lena M. (Nash) Reid. He grew up in Hyattsville, Md.,and was a former resident of Gapland, Md., Sharpsburg, Md., and Falling Waters, W. Va. Upon his retirement in 2014 from FedEx as a mechanic, he relocated to Pickens.

Richard was an avid car enthusiast and loved anything with wheels. There was always a project in the garage.

His other hobbies included drawing, airbrushing, art, listening to bluegrass, playing the banjo, gardening, flea marketing and history.

He loved to travel, camp and explore the local areas where he lived.

He is survived by his wife, Deborah Kay; his daughters, Elaine M. Wolford (Todd L.) of Greencastle, Pa. and Virginia L. Reid of Frostburg, Md.; granddaughters, Olivia M. Wolford of Greencastle, Pa., and Zia J. Ritchey of Frostburg, Md.

He was preceded in death by his only brother, Nelson F. Reid in 2016.

Inurnment will be held in Fort Lincoln Cemetery in Brentwood, Md., at a later date.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the Reid family.

 

LINDA IRENE FINLEY

EASLEY —  Mrs. Linda Irene Finley, 76, loving wife of the late John Wayne Finley, passed away on Aug. 6, 2023, at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Mrs. Finley was born in Pickens on Feb. 2, 1947, to the late Duke William and Harriet Pauline Nix Reece. She had a wonderful sense of humor, and this was shown in the numerous jokes she enjoyed playing on people throughout her life. Mrs. Finley loved to listen to gospel music and decorating, but most of all she enjoyed spending time with her family.

Mrs. Finley is survived by her two children, Amanda Finley and Justin Finley; a grandson, Conner Finley; and two brothers, Ralph Reece and Carl Reece.

In addition to her loving husband and her parents, Mrs. Finley was preceded in death by her four sisters, Ruth Martin, Jean Chappell, Mildred Derossett and Helen Sexton.

Funeral Services will be conducted at noon on Friday, Aug. 11,  in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home with internment to follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

The family will receive friends from 10:45 a.m. until 11:45 a.m. on Friday, prior to the service, at Dillard Funeral Home.

The family is at their respective homes.

Flowers are accepted.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.

 

CHARLES CENTER

LIBERTY — Charles Avery Center Sr., 82, formerly of Piedmont, died on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, at his residence.

Born in San Souci, he was the husband to Mattie Fuller Center for 25 years and a son of the late Willis K. and Willie Sue Chapman Center. Charles loved to work, especially outdoors in the yard and fishing whenever he could. He loved spending time with his family and he was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving, in addition to his wife, are two daughters, Nadine Garrett (Clint) of Greenville and Sonnya O’Neal (Randy) of Pelzer; two sons, James Center (Tammy) of Piedmont and Jeff Center of Pelzer; three stepdaughters, Tracy Dodson (Jamie) of Six Mile, April Phelps of Easley and Connie Henderson of Pelzer; two stepsons, Chip McCullough of Denver, Colo. and Shane Henderson of Pelzer; four sisters, Linda Bell of Piedmont, Theresa Jackson of Pelzer, Donna Cooley of Williamston and Susan Banks of Naples, Fla.; two brothers, Pete and Ronnie Center, both of Pelzer; and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Charles A. “Chuck” Center Jr.; and three brothers, Gary, Larry and Kent Center.

Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Center were held Aug. 4, at the Liberty Mortuary chapel. Burial took place at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

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

 

WILLIAM T. ‘BILL’ HUGHES

EASLEY — William Thomas “Bill” Hughes passed away on July 31, 2023, at his home with his family by his side.

Born in Easley, he was a son of the late Otis and Gladys Hughes.

He was a graduate of Easley High School and attended the University of Maryland while he was serving in the U.S. Army. He was retired from Easley Farm Supply, and was a long time member of Easley First Baptist Church.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Norma F. Hughes; his daughter, Sharon Bagwell (Joey); granddaughters, Megan McVay (Frank), Anna Bagwell (Alex) and Adrienne Bagwell; great-granddaughter, Marlowe Trowbridge; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Ellen Gilstrap and Suzanne Hughes; brothers Allen, Randolph, Charles and Raymond Hughes; and a great-grandson, Vin McVay.

A visitation was held on Aug. 3, at the narthex of Easley First Baptist Church and a memorial service followed at Easley First Baptist Church.

A private burial will be held at West View Cemetery in Easley.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Easley First Baptist Church – the Friendship Outreach.

Please visit robinsonfuneralhomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory – Downtown, Easley.

 

SHERY NELMS

EASLEY — Sheryl Lynn “Shery” Nelms, 54, of Easley, died on Tuesday, Aug. 1, 2023, at her residence.

Born in Anderson, she was the daughter of William Edward Hiott Sr. and Linda Fay Kyzer Hiott.

Shery was a 1987 graduate of Wren High School and later graduated from Lander University with a degree in education.  She worked 29 years as a teacher, starting her career in the Charleston area prior to moving back to the upstate where she later retired from Gettys Middle School.

She was a member of First Baptist Church of Piedmont where she played the piano on occasion. She enjoyed playing the piano and volunteered her talents playing for nursing home residents.

Surviving, in addition to her parents of Piedmont, are her husband of 24 years, J.H. Nelms of the home; a brother, Eddie Hiott (Pam) of Honea Path; one aunt, Mary Lou Helix of Concord, Calif.; one uncle, Tony Kyzer of Myrtle Beach; and numerous other relatives and friends.

Memorial services are being planned and will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Piedmont, 8 1st Baptist Church Road, Piedmont SC 29673.

The family will be at their respective homes. To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.

 

REV. LARRY DAVIS

LIBERTY — Reverend Larry Jackson Davis, 91, of Liberty, died on Aug. 4, 2023, at Rainey Hospice House.

Born in Greenville, he was the widower of Mary Ellen “Bo” Gillespie Davis and a son of the late Rev. James Andrew and Sue Etta Owens Davis.

He was a longtime member of Flat Rock Baptist Church. During his over 50 years of being a minister, he pastored churches throughout the entire state of South Carolina.

Rev. Davis was a United States Navy veteran of the Korean War.  He was an avid Clemson sports fan.

Surviving are daughter, Amy Bott (Jeff) of Easley; two grandchildren, Chelsea Nobrega (Artur) of Liberty and Kenley Knott of Liberty; one sister, Alta Mae Davis Bowen of Elko; and a great-granddaughter, Amelia Bo.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Mark Davis.

Funeral services to honor the life of Rev. Davis were held on Aug. 8, at Flat Rock Baptist Church. Burial  followed at the church cemetery

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to Flat Rock Baptist Church, 115 Slab Bridge Road, Liberty SC 29657.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family please visit libertymortuary.com.   Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

 

ISAAC NEWTON RAMEY

EASLEY — Isaac Newton Ramey, 57, beloved husband of Annette Bates Ramey,  passed away on Aug. 1, 2023.

Born in Easley, he was a son of the late Isaac Eugene and Zellie Ann Arnold Ramey.

Mr. Ramey was employed with Ethox Chemicals and attended Pendleton Street Baptist Church.

He was an outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and even rock collecting. He loved spending time with his family and would always put others before himself.

In addition to his loving wife of 15 years, Mr. Ramey is survived by daughters, Jessica Ramey of Liberty, Ashley Ramey of Greenville and Sarah Mullinnix of Easley; stepsons, Toby “T.J.” Mullinnix (Amber) of Greenville, Joshua Mullinnix of Pickens and Michael Mullinnix of Easley; a brother, Walter E. Ramey (Shirley) of Easley; a sister, Ann M. Mullins (Chris) of Liberty; grandchildren, Cameron Ramey, Sebastian Mullinnix, Malachi Ramey, Skyler Mullinnix, Miles Mullinnix, Kamdyn Ramey, Payton Mullinnix, Hudson Mullinnix, Huxley Mullinnix and Millie Mullinnix; a great-grandchild, Marley Ramey; and numerous nieces and nephews that he adored.

Funeral services were held on Aug. 5, at the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home, Downtown. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.

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

 

BETTY WINEGARD

PICKENS — Betty Hester Winegard, 82, wife of the late Ronnie Joe Winegard Sr., passed away on Aug. 2, 2023, at Prisma Health Baptist Easley Hospital.

Born Sept. 5, 1940, in Greenville, she was a daughter of the late Fred and Mildred James Hester.

Betty was a graduate of Parker High School where she earned a certificate in cosmetology. She owned and operated her own beauty salon for many years, and also ran her own home daycare.

She was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend.

Betty enjoyed baking, Furman sports, but her greatest love was her family especially her sisters, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. She was a member of Reedy River Baptist Church.

Survivors include her three children, Tonya M. Sanders (Charlie) of Powdersville, Rhonda M. Winegard of Piedmont, and Ron J Winegard, Jr. (Lindsey) of Easley; five grandchildren, Blake Winegard (Paige), Bailey Johnson, Brittany Johnson, RJ Winegard (Erica) and Caroline Winegard; three great-grandchildren, Casen Winegard, Weston Winegard and Colton Winegard; and three sisters, Barbara Campbell, Norma Brewton (Maurice) and Linda Ray (Jimmy).

A memorial service for Mrs. Winegard was held on Aug. 6, at Reedy River Baptist Church.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks to the staff of Manna Health and Rehab for their compassion and tender care throughout Mrs. Winegard’s stay.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Reedy River Baptist Church, 871 N. Hwy 25 Bypass, Greenville SC 29617.

To share a memory or leave a condolence for the family please visit libertymortuary.com. Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services is serving the Winegard family.

 

LARRY GENE MCCARLEY

SUNSET — Larry Gene McCarley, 75, loving husband of the late Carolyn McCarley, passed away on Aug. 3, 2023, at his home.

Born Jan. 11, 1948, in Hodges, Ala., Larry was the son of the late Eugene McCarley and Desserene Engle Herring. Larry loved camping, fishing, hunting and gardening.

Survivors include his children, Frances Mitchell (Jason) of Sunset, Cindi Sheppard of Pickens, Marie Robinson (Russell Jones) of Liberty, Austin McCarley of Sunset and Dennis McCarley of Sunset; grandchildren, Terry Evett, Ashley Valdivia, Brandon Sheriff, Ari Hendricks, Tamria Phillips, Michelle Mathis, Sasha Hawkins, Alix Fuller, April Robinson, Michael Robinson, Victoria Kosht and Shana Frick; step grandchildren, Sabrina Gardener and Trenton Jones; 25 great-grandchildren; and siblings, Betty Gilstrap, Roger McCarley, Thomas McCarley, Kathy Gilstrap, Cavalene Gilstrap, Dorothy Herring, Wayne Herring and Wade Herring.

In addition to his wife and his parents, Mr. McCarley was predeceased by a sister, Brenda Sue McCarley of Alabama; a brother, O’Neal Herring of Easley; and two grandsons, Michael Robinson and Terry Evett both of Sunset.

The family will hold a memorial service at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 19, at Roanoke Baptist Church, 400 Roanoke Rd, Liberty, SC 29657.

Mountain View Funeral Home – Pickens Chapel is serving the McCarley family.