David Nathan Dyer

Pickens — David Nathan Dyer, 76, went to be with his Lord on July 2, 2017, in Greenville.

Mr. Dyer is the son of the late William L. Dyer and Myrtle Breazeal Dyer.

Mr. Dyer retired as construction carpenter for Harold Moore Builders. He was a

member of Piedmont United Methodist Church.

Survivors include one son, Christopher Dyer (Karen) of Simpsonville; two daughters, Robin Marler, engaged to Bobby of West Virginia, and Kellie Masters of Fountain Inn; and granddaughters, Cynthia Martinez of Pelzer and Ashlee Marler of Greenville. Mr. Dyer was predeceased by a son, Eric Dyer, and wife, Evelyn Atkins Dyer.

A funeral service was held on July 6 in the Dillard Funeral Home chapel. Burial was held at Holly Springs Baptist Church cemetery following the service.

Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com. Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Dyer family.

Ronnell Colin Smith

SUNSET — Ronnell Colin Smith, beloved husband of Debra Carr Smith, passed away on Saturday, June 24, 2017, at McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville following a courageous battle with cancer.

Born in Spartanburg County, Ron was the son of the late Joseph Daniel “J.D.” Smith and Dorothy Marie Price Smith. In addition to his wife of 41 years, survivors include a brother, Donald J. Smith (Ramona) of North Charleston, a sister, Debra Marie Smith of Charleston, and many other loving family members and friends.

Ron retired from GE Gas Turbine in Greenville as a machinist and previously served in the U.S. Army for four years. Ron was an avid outdoorsman. He loved hunting, fishing, hiking and just being in the great outdoors. He also cherished and loved his pets, Lulu, Jughead, Minnie, Muffin, Mindy and Lucy.

The family would like to thank everyone for their love, prayers and encouragement during the past several months. Memorials may be made to the Cancer Society of Greenville in Ron’s honor at 113 Mills Ave., Greenville, SC 29605.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

Dilliard Funeral Home will be assisting the family

.

Hase Buford Broom

Six Mile — Hase Buford Broom, 79, passed away on Monday, June 26, 2017, at Cannon Memorial Hospital after a 3.5 year battle with cancer.

Born in Little Canada (Jackson County), N.C., he was the son of the late Rev. Lewy and Mattie Ammons Broom. He was retired from an illustrious career as a blasting specialist at Palmetto Rock Services.

Mr. Broom embarked on a career in blasting as a young man in Washington, D.C., working on such projects as the Watergate Complex. After relocating to South Carolina, he managed all the drilling and blasting for the Keowee Toxaway and Bad Creek projects. In 1991, he began providing creative direction to Palmetto Rock Services Inc. and mentored employees in the art and science of drilling and blasting until he retired in 2004. Even after retirement, he returned to work as a consultant on projects such as Cliffside for Duke Power.

Mr. Broom discovered the joy of golf at 50 and enjoyed playing with his partner, Opal. He was an avid sports fan throughout his life, and inspired by his son Chris’ tenure as a UGA tight end, he had a special place in his heart for the Bulldogs. Mr. Broom was a devoted Christian who loved worshiping the Lord. He was a deacon with Gap Hill Baptist Church, he sang bass in the Gospel Quartet for 20 years and was a devoted member of Keowee Baptist Church. He also loved to travel, and road-tripped through all 48 continental U.S. states. He was a great storyteller who rarely met a stranger.

Surviving are his loving wife, whom he was happily married to for 60 years, Mrs. Opal Lee Broom; one daughter, Cindy Broom Riddle; two sons, Greg Broom and wife Valerie, and Chris Broom and wife Frankie; four sisters, Linda Broom, Francis Parris and husband Eugene, Bonnie Gibson and husband Ronnie, and Sue Stewart and husband Mick; 10 grandchildren, Audra Bettinelli and husband Jérôme, Laura Jane Riddle, Jacob Broom, Jarod Broom, John Broom, Jordan Broom, Thomas Broom, Tiffany Locke and husband Marshall, Cory Cromer and Shawn Cromer; and three great-grandchildren, Braxton, Davis, and Sullivan Locke.

Mr. Broom was also predeceased by four siblings, James Broom, Tim Broom, Mac Carrol Broom and Martha Gross.

Funeral sevices were June 29 at the Dillard Funeral Home. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Dilliard Funeral Home will be assisting the family.

Joseph C. Barger Jr.

Pickens — Joseph Charles Barger Jr., 79, the son of Joseph and Bessie Barger, passed away peacefully on Sunday, July 2, 2017, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

He was born Jan. 8, 1938, in Houtzdale, Pa., and was predeceased by his father, mother, nine brothers and sisters and sons Joseph Charles Barger III and Michael William Barger.

He served in the Marine Corps Reserve and was a long-time employee and retiree of Fort Hill Natural Gas in Easley. Joe was a devoted and loyal family man who was loved by all who knew him. He was a member of the Freemasons and Mountain View Baptist Church in Six Mile.

He is survived by his wife, Georgine; three sons, Brian (Patti), Jeff (Isabel) and Jason (Libby); 11 grandchildren, Brittany, Brooke (Chaz), Anthony, Preston, Brian David, Isaac, Jacob, Jessica, Anthoni, Reagan and Madison; three great-grandchildren, Hailey, Maisie and Ryland; and his beloved dog, Mini.

A funeral service and visitation was on July 6. A graveside service immediately followed afterward at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Pickens.

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

James “Dub” Waldrop

Easley — James Walter “Dub” Waldrop, 84, of South 6th Street, loving husband, father, grandfather and devoted Christian, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 2, 2017.

Born in Greenville County, he was the son of the late John and Sally Morgan Waldrop.

Dub retired from Woodside Mill in Easley after 38 years of dedicated service. Following retirement, he worked for Easley First Baptist Church and most currently with Professional Express. He was a member, chairman of the ushers and former deacon of Jones Avenue Baptist Church and the Young at Heart Seniors. He was a gentle man who had a heart for making people smile.

Surviving are his wife of the home, Frances Whitmire Galloway Waldrop; daughters, Cindy W. Burns (Lanny), Tina W. Manning and Jane W. Hofstetter, all of Easley; grandchildren, Joe and Jamie Nix, Jessica Hofstetter and Jennifer Lozano, all of Easley; four great-grandchildren, stepchildren, Debbie Moore (Jim) of Easley and Randy Galloway (Sharon) of Powdersville; and stepgrandchildren, Drew and Heath Moore and Cole, Brent and Benjamin Galloway.

Dub was the last surviving member of his immediate family. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife, Velma Lewis Waldrop; a daughter, Teresa Kay W. Cobb; sisters, Clara Welborn, Bernice Gillespie and Toby McRee; and a brother, Ray Waldrop.

Funeral services were held on Thursday, July 6, at Jones Avenue Baptist Church. Burial followed at Westview Cemetery in Easley.

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

John Edward Alms

Easley — Mr. John Edward Alms, 66, passed away Monday, July 3, 2017.

Born in Sparta, Ill., a son of the late R.L. and Cora Chapman Morton, Mr. Alms retired from The Schneider Company and was of the Baptist faith. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in the Old Guard Honor Guard.

Surviving are a son, Scott Christopher Alms of Easley; a daughter, Paula Alms Singh (Prakash) of Taylors; the mother of his children, Kay Melton of Taylors; one brother, Richard Morton of Easley; four sisters, Cathy Atkins of Easley, Vicky Harvey of Hendersonville, N.C., Mary Ann Page of Williamston and Suzanne Musick of Piedmont; six grandchildren, Brittany Alms, Anakin Alms, Roman Alms, Simeon Alms, Ava Singh and Alyssa Singh; and one great-grandchild, Layton. In addition to his mother, Mr. Alms was predeceased by brothers David Alms and Arthur Morton.

Memorial services were held July 8 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, with the Rev. Dr. David Gallamore officiating.

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

Earl Eugene Culbertson

Easley — Earl Eugene Culbertson, 75, of 305 Mary Ann St., passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at his residence.

Born in Greenville, he was a son of the late Paul and Mamie Robertson Culbertson.

He retired from Davis Electrical, and was a member of Bates Masonic Lodge, No. 189 AFM. He was an avid fisherman and during the 1950s and ‘60s he raced dirt track.

Surviving are his wife, Mary Ann Hamilton Culbertson of the home; a son, Gene Culbertson and his wife Selina of Easley; a sister, Patsy Pulley of Gray Court; and three grandchildren, Tommy, Jack and Rex Culbertson. He is also survived by his beloved chocolate poodle, Angel.

In addition to his mother and father, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Mildred Bray and Margie Stewart, and a brother, Harold Culbertson.

Graveside services to honor the life of Mr. Culbertson were held on July 7 at Greenlawn Memorial Park.

Liberty Mortuary is assisting the family.

Jerry W. Ellison

Piedmont — Jerry Ellison, 76, husband of the late Nancy Bloom Ellison, passed away on Sunday, July 9, 2017, at St. Francis Hospital in Greenville.

Born in Easley, he was the son to the late Grady and Eris Ellison.

Surviving are sons, Brian Ellison (Joanna), Ron Cook and Craig Thomas; a sister, Brenda McMakin; and grandchildren, Israel Thomas, Micah Ellison and Jared Ellison.

Along with his loving wife and parents, Mr. Ellison was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Thomas, and a sister, Judy Walker.

Mr. Ellison was a member of Galilee Baptist Church in Easley and enjoyed gardening and fishing and was a classic automotive enthusiast.

Funeral services were held on July 11 at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road. Burial followed at Robinson Memorial Gardens.

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

Ophelia Lillie Yates Buchanan

Pickens — Ophelia Lillie Yates Buchanan, 92, wife of the late Roger Buchanan, passed away on Thursday, July 6, 2017, at her home in Anderson.

Born in Pickens County, on April 1, 1925, she was the daughter of the late John David and Lillie Reeves Yates. Mrs. Buchanan attended Missionary Baptist Church and was such a joyous and fun person to be around. She never met a stranger and was always involved in activities with her family and friends.

Surviving are her daughter, Janice Banks and her husband Curtis; one granddaughter, Cindy Banks; and one great-grandson, Dylan Banks.

Mrs. Buchanan was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was predeceased in death by nine brothers, two sisters, and a grandson, Randy Banks.

Funeral services were held on July 9 at Dillard Funeral Home Chapel. Burial was held at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

The family would like to give a special thank you to Hospice of the Upstate for all of your care, compassion and service to Mrs. Buchanan and the family.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com. Dilliard Funeral Homes is assisting the family.

Helen Hopkins Sizemore

Easley — Helen Hopkins Sizemore, widow of the late William Wright Sizemore, was born on Nov. 5, 1922, to the late William Marvin Hopkins and Cleo Dunwoody Hopkins.

On Tuesday, July 4, 2017, she passed from this life into glory to be with her precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

She graduated from Easley High School and Draughon’s Business College in Greenville. After graduation, she worked as a GED test administrator and English teacher at Donaldson Air Force Base Education Center until its closing. She then worked in the ROTC office at Furman University for 35 years. Upon retirement from Furman, she worked as church secretary for George’s Creek Baptist Church in Easley.

Mrs. Sizemore was an active member of First United Methodist Church in Easley, where she taught Sunday school, sang in the Chancel Choir, and served in the Wesleyan Service Guild, on numerous boards and committees and as a church historian. She volunteered with United Christian Ministries, Pickens County Meals on Wheels, and UMCOR. She enjoyed working in her yard, playing with her great nieces and nephews, traveling with Uncle Bill, studying her Bible and sharing her faith with others.

She is survived by 11 nieces and nephews, whom she considered her children. She was predeceased by two brothers, W. Woodrow Hopkins and John G. Hopkins.

The family wishes to express our heartfelt gratitude to Hospice of the Upstate and to the staff of the Memory Care Unit of the Woodlands at Furman for their dedicated service and loving care.

A celebration of Helen’s life was held at First United Methodist Church on July 8, officiated by the Rev. Dr. Rodney Powell, with entombment following the service in the mausoleum at Robinson Memorial Gardens on Powdersville Road.

Memorials may be made to the Missions Fund of First United Methodist Church, The Salvation Army or Miracle Hill Ministries.

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

Susie Jesnut Lail

Pickens — Susie Jesnut Lail, 67, wife of Charles Lail, passed away Wednesday, June 28, 2017.

Mrs. Lail was born in Pickens County, daughter of the late Elise Mae Morton Thomas and William Ray Thomas. She loved to clean and enjoyed working puzzles and Wheel of Fortune.

Survivors include her husband of 49 years; two daughters, Pam Clark of Seneca, Melissa Dalton (Cliff) of Six Mile; two sons, Michael Lail (Doris) of Anderson and Jeff Lail of Pickens; seven grandchildren; one great-grandchild; one brother and three sisters.

Mrs. Lail was predeceased by her parents, one grandchild, three brothers and one sister.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Lail family.

Elaine H. Peterson

Easley — Mrs. Elaine H. Peterson, 74, wife of Francis Peterson, passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 6, 2017, at her home.

Born in Hudson, N.Y., She was the daughter of the late Ilko and Nellie Zazulak.

Surviving, in addition to her loving husband, are a son, Kyle Peterson (Charm) of Clifton Park, N.Y.; a daughter, Amy DeBiase (Mark) of Scotia, N.Y.; brothers, Myron Zazulak and Mike Zazulak; and grandchildren, Tia DeBiase, Zachary DeBiase and Liam DeBiase.

Mrs. Peterson was a loving wife, mother and grandmother who loved taking care of animals. Upon searching for employment one day, she brought one dog home, then two, which later proved to flourish into Kyams Kennel, which she proudly owned and operated for many years.

The family will host services at a later date.

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

Betty Lee O’Shields Davis

Pickens — Betty Lee O’Shields Davis, 82, wife of the late Norman Garfield Davis, went to be with the Lord on Monday, July 3, 2017.

Mrs. Davis was born in Pickens County, the daughter of the late B.D. and Eula Chastain O’Shields. She was a member of Northside Baptist Church for many years.

Survivors include three sons, Ricky Lee Davis (Susanne) of Abbeville, Brian Steven Davis (Vicki) of Pickens and Travis Craig Davis of Seneca; seven daughters, Susan Diane Phillips (Derrick) of Walhalla, Sharon Lynn Mauldin (Danny) of Easley, Kimberly Renee Reeves (Greg) of Pickens, Lisa Dawn Nations (Neal) of Piedmont, Deborah Gale Loftis (Jeff) of Greer, Cindy Carol Roberts (Dale) of Easley and Tabitha Nichole Russell (Erik) of Williamston; three brothers, Dr. Alvin O’Shields, Artis O’Shields and Wayne O’Shields; three sisters, Dorothy Freeman, Alice Maw and Agnes Girardeau; 31 grandchildren and 25 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Davis was predeceased by her parents, her husband of 60 years, Norman Garfield Davis, one son, grandson, Christopher Lee Reeves, and a granddaughter, Erica Lee Davis.

A chapel service was held on July 7. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Davis Family.

Mary Alice F. Marcy

Liberty — Mrs. Mary Alice Forbess Marcy, 78, wife of the Rev. Charles Thomas Marcy Sr., went to be with her Lord and Savior Saturday, July 8, 2017.

Born in Tipton County, Tenn., a daughter of the late Elger Alonzo and Lola Bell Walker Forbess, Mrs. Marcy was the retired owner and operator of Marcy’s Country Store. She was of the Assembly of God faith, having faithfully led and served in Assembly of God churches throughout South Carolina for many years.

Surviving, in addition to her husband of 59 years, are a son, Charles Thomas Marcy Jr. (Sonya) of Tipton County, Tenn.; two daughters, Stephanie Yvonne Ballman (Troy) of Piedmont and Deborah Lee Frasier (David) of Six Mile; a sister, Joyce Faye Belk of Chicago, Ill.; 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Marcy was predeceased by a brother, Kenneth Porter Forbess, and a sister, Evelyn Pearl Costanoda.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

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

Howell Don Pilgrim

Liberty — Howell Don Pilgrim, 83, widower of Yueh Yuan “Linda” Liang Pilgrim, died Friday, July 7, 2017, at the home of his daughter.

Don was born in Pickens County, son of the late Ernest James and Gynell Rumler Pilgrim. He was a retired supervisor with Stayon Products and a member of Solid Rock Baptist Church. He was a Korean War Army veteran, having been awarded the Korean Service Medal with five Bronze Service Stars.

Surviving are his son, Timothy (Judy) Pilgrim of Virginia Beach, Va.; daughters, Shirley Partain (Ronnie) Lingle of Palm City, Fla., Donna (Amanda Heaitley) Riggins of Columbia, Lisa Pilgrim of Liberty and Angie (Scott) Barnes of Easley; sister, Mary Powell of Central; and grandchildren, Kevin Pilgrim, Krissi Pilgrim, Marc Pilgrim, Kip Partain and Lyndy Barnes.

Funeral services were held July 10 in the chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, with burial following in Liberty Memorial Gardens.

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

Steve Mason

Central — Steven Lewis Mason, 66, of Central, died Saturday, July 8, 2017, at his residence.

Born in Pickens, he was the husband of Rebecca Ann Caldwell Mason and a son of Merle Simmons Mason of the home, and the late Lewis Welborne Mason. He was a Pickens High School graduate and had also attended the Mendenhall School of Auctioneers. Mr. Mason previously worked for Singer and Duke Power, but for the most part he was a self-employed businessman dealing in antiques and furniture. He loved fishing, hunting and gardening, but more especially, he loved his family and attending church at Liberty Wesleyan Church, where he had been a member for 24 years.

Surviving in addition to his wife and mother are three sons, Chris Mason of Wrightsville, Ga., Sam Mason of Easley and Josh Mason of the home; a stepdaughter, Denisa Lollis (David) of Anderson; two stepsons, Sammy Edwards (Brenda) of Liberty and Andy Edwards (Jennifer) of Six Mile; a sister, Kathy Owens (Don) of Six Mile; a brother, Keith Mason (Debbie) of Pickens; seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to his father, he was predeceased by a brother, Kenz Mason.

A memorial service for Mr. Mason will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, July 16, at Liberty Wesleyan Church. A visitation will be held following the service at the church.

Memorials may be made to Pickens County Meals on Wheels: P.O. Box 184 Easley, SC 29640 or in person at 349 Edgemont Ave. Liberty, SC 29657.

Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements. www.libertymortuary.com

Ruth Chapman Aiken

Easley — Ruth Chapman Aiken, 89, wife of the late Verdell Aiken, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 5, 2017, at Cottingham Hospice House in Seneca.

Mrs. Aiken was born in Easley, the daughter of the late Roe and Alice Holcombe Chapman.

She was a charter member of Cove Creek Baptist Church. Mrs. Aiken was a homemaker until all her children were in school. She retired after many years in food service at Pickens Middle School and spent many summers as a staff member at McCall RA Camp.

Survivors include one son, Scott Aiken of Pickens; seven daughters, Carolyn A. Ellenburg (Larry) of Pickens, Martha A. Duncan (Ronnie) of Six Mile, Mary Finley of Kirkland, Wash., Frankie A. Masters (Rick) of Six Mile, Phyllis A. Parsons (Joel) of Pickens, Lisa Singleton (Hal) of Pickens, and Paula A. Rivers (Cameron); eight grandsons, Eric Ellenburg, Bryan Duncan, Matthew Parsons, Brent Moore, Todd Moore, Trey Singleton, Vic Singleton and Coleman Rivers; and six granddaughters, Ami Davidson, Andrea Brown, Allison Mickler, Sara Rhindhart, Kenna Dillard and Anna Rivers; 23 great-grandchildren; one sister, Cleon Durham; and one brother, Willie Stansell (Ann).

Mrs. Aiken was predeceased by her parents; her husband, Verdell Aiken; one granddaughter, Lori Ellenburg; two brothers, William Chapman and B.D. Chapman; and two sisters, Blanche Kinsey and Edna Baker.

A funeral service was held July 8 at Dillard Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Holly Springs Baptist Church cemetery.

She was lovingly cared for at the Cottingham House in Seneca, and the family would like to extend their gratitude.

Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Aiken Family.

Tammie Wood Naguit

Easley — Tammie Wood Naguit, 58, wife of Russell Deming, passed away Tuesday, July 4, 2017.

Mrs. Naguit was the daughter of the late William C. and Nora Louise Wood.

Survivors include her husband; three sisters, Judy Childers (Rodney) of Warrior, Ala., Lillian Wood of Stringaille, Ala., and DeeRae Childers (Gary) of Warrior, Ala.; and one brother, Carl Wood (Gayla) of Warrior, Ala.

Tammie was predeceased by her parents and a brother, Robert Wood.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Naguit family.

Dennis Martin Wiersma

Easley — Dennis Martin Wiersma, 67, passed away Friday, July 7, 2017. Mr. Wiersma was the son of the late John and Wilma Wiersma.

Dennis had a passion for graphic design and loved sharing his knowledge for pre-press setup with students who often came through on the Clemson internship programs.

Survivors include two sons, Jason Brinkhuis of Michigan and David Wiersma of Easley; two grandchildren, Stephanie and Seth Brinkhuis, both of Michigan; and one sister, Kay Wiersma of Michigan.

Dennis was predeceased by his parents.

Mountain View Funeral Home is serving the Wiersma family.

Carol R. Harris

Pickens — Carol Ramey Harris, 54, passed away on Tuesday July 4, 2017, at Greenville Memorial Hospital.

Born in Pickens County on July 26, 1962, she was the daughter of the late Woodrow and Lycnia Arnold Ramey. Mrs. Harris enjoyed being outside. She loved fishing and trips to the beach or the lake, but most importantly, she loved spending time with her family.

Surviving are her husband of 37 years, William Barry Harris; a son, Barry Chad Harris (Brandy); a daughter, Kayla Crawford (Ian); two brothers, Jeff Ramey and Kenneth Ramey; one sister, Lynn Ramey; and six grandchildren, Sadie, Kylie, Ashlyn, Sierra, Braylin and Reiley.

Mrs. Harris was predeceased by one brother, James Ramey, and one sister, Wanda Sutherland.

A graveside service was held on July 8 at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens, with the Rev. Roger Todd officiating.

Memorials may be made to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com. Dillard is assisting the family.