Obituaries for the week of March 21
Johnnie Stewart
Easley — Mr. Johnnie Dorsey Stewart, 84, husband of Faye Ford Stewart, died Friday, March 9, 2012 at his home.
Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Major and Sadie Dorsey Stewart, Mr. Stewart was a Veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in WWII, retired from Vulcan Materials and attended Rock Springs Baptist Church.
Surviving in addition to his wife of 59 years are a son, Ronnie Stewart and his wife Bonnie of Easley; one brother, Carl Stewart of Liberty; three sisters, Grace Hawkins of Liberty and Enid Jones and Vivian Stewart, both of Pickens; two grandchildren, Shay Stewart Vinson and her husband Derek and Chad Stewart; and two great-grandchildren, Landen and Laney Vinson.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Sunday, March 11 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.
Dorothy Owens
Easley — Dorothy Elizabeth Sunman Owens, 76, of 201 Walnut Hill Drive, died on Friday, March 16, 2012 at St. Francis Hospital.
Mrs. Owens was born Oct. 18, 1935 in Springfield, Ill., but she spent most of her life in Fort Myers, Fla. She was a daughter of the late Harold and Dolly Sunman. She retired from Alice Manufacturing Company. Dorothy was a veteran of the U.S.A.F., and she attended East Pickens Baptist Church. Dorothy was an avid traveler and had traveled throughout Europe and the United States. Her most recent trip was to the Holy Land in 2010. This was probably her favorite trip, because she was able to walk in the same places that Jesus Christ had walked. If you ever talked to Dorothy, she was sure to let you know how much she loved the Lord and couldn’t wait to be in Heaven. Dorothy was a very loving and caring person who was Mom to her many “adopted” children throughout the years as well a caregiver to many senior citizens. She also sponsored children through the World Vision Organization.
She is survived by two daughters Kim Hardin-LeCroy (Jeff) of Pickens, and Tamy Keeney of Greenville; two sons, Keith (Janet) Owens of Greenville and Kelley (Melissa) Owens of Pickens; one brother, Jerry (Diane) Sunman of Florida; six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by a son, Kevin L. Owens, and brothers, Junior, Jack, and Bill Sunman.
Funeral services were 11 a.m. Monday in the Chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road. Burial followed in Robinson Memorial Gardens, 1425 Powdersville Road, Easley.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.
Audrey Tate
Easley — Audrey Tate, 23, of Easley, died Saturday, March 17, 2012 at Greenville Regency Hospital.
Audrey was born March 7, 1989 in Pickens County and was a daughter of Rick and Susan Hood Tate of Easley. She was a graduate of Easley High School class of 2007, and worked for Fatz in Easley. She was a member of Rock Spring Baptist Church.
Surviving in addition to her parents, are two sisters, Jessica Merck (Clint) and Amanda Foster (Ryan); niece and nephew, Ella Beth and London Foster; and a special friend, Anthony Craven.
Funeral services were 3 p.m. Tuesday, March 20 at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road. Burial followed in Robinson Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to Greenville Regency Hospital, 1 St. Francis Drive, Greenville, SC 29601.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.
W. R. “Bobby” Seigle
Central — William Robert “Bobby” Seigle, 74, of 1719 Old Central Road, died, Monday, March 19, 2012 at Oconee Medical Center.
Born in Pickens County, he was a son of the late Joseph Lee and Blonde Margie Dickerson Seigle. Bobby was a lifelong grading contractor getting his start as a teenager helping with the grading of Hartwell Lake and later as a subcontractor with Southern Railway. He later owned and operated the Seigle Grading Company. He was a member of Prayer Baptist Church.
Surviving are his wife, Evelyn Deloris Crowe Seigle of the home; sons Tony Seigle of the home and Joey (Sharon) Seigle of Central; daughter, Sandra (Tony) Cagle of Six Mile; brothers, Billy Seigle and Terry Seigle both of Central; sisters, Beth Nix and Betty Jo Barnes both of Central and Judy Marcus of Pendleton; grandchildren, Travis Seigle, Robby Seigle, Nicole Seigle, Joe Seigle, Kelsey Cagle and Jacob Cagle; and two great-grandchildren, Boe Seigle and Gracie Seigle.
Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Thursday in the chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home with burial to follow in Memory Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Wednesday at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Ruth Few
Six Mile — Ida Ruth Steele Few, 92, widow of Ira Clen Few, Jr. of Six Mile, died Thursday, March 15, 2012.
Mrs. Few was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late James Edward and Amanda Josephine Alexander Steele. She was a homemaker and was a lifelong member of Keowee Baptist Church. Mrs. Few was a member of the Senior Ladies Class of the church.
Survivors include her three sons and their wives, Ira Edwin Few & Janice, Larry Donald Few & Linda, and Charles Alton Few & Gail all of Six Mile, six grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Mrs. Few was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Funeral services were conducted 3 p.m. Sunday in the Chapel of Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens with the Rev. Bobby Stewart and the Rev. Jim Ed Looper officiating. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
Memorials may be made to the Mission Fund at Keowee Baptist Church, Post Office Box 247, Six Mile, SC 29682.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Few family.
William Norris
Liberty — William S. Norris, 93, of 119 Flat Rock Church Road, died Monday, March 12, 2012 at McCall Hospice House.
Born in Anderson County, a son of the late William Scarborough and Rebecca Gillespie Norris, Mr. Norris retired from Mohawk Mills and was a member of Bishop Branch Baptist Church.
Surviving are his wife, Frances Brown Norris of the home; a son, Don Norris of Liberty; three daughters, Jane Lesley (David) of Greer, Shirley Gwinn of Greenville and Frances Chapman (Larry) of Williamston; nine grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Norris was predeceased by his first wife, Alene Perry Norris, a daughter, Phyllis Smith, a brother, two sisters, and by a great-grandson, Grant Cunningham.
Private graveside services were 11 a.m. Thursday at Liberty Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Interim Hospice, 775 Spartan Blvd., Spartanburg, SC 29301.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown which is assisting the family.
Glenn Hargate
Easley — Glenn L. Hargate, 84, of 424 Cherokee Trail, died Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at the home of his daughter, Lisa, in Mount Holly, N.C.
Born in Gaston County, N.C., a son of the late William H. and Della Elizabeth Spearman Hargate, Mr. Hargate retired from Duke Power Company and attended Cannon Memorial Baptist Church where he was baptized. He was a veteran of the Korean War having served with the U.S. Army.
Surviving are his wife, Edna Holder Hargate of the home; two daughters, Elizabeth Estep and husband, Charles, of Easley and Lisa Gaye Hargate of Mount Holly, N.C.; a brother, William Curtis Hargate of Liberty; a sister, Constance Irene Wardlaw of Seneca; two grandchildren, the Rev. Ross Estep and wife, Kayla, and Angela Forest and husband, Matt, and three great-grandchildren, James Forest, Sarah Forest and Weylin Forest.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Hargate was predeceased by a brother, Harold Hargate and by a sister, Helen Warren.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Friday at Cannon Memorial Baptist Church with the Rev. Ross Estep officiating. Burial followed in Mount Zion Cemetery in Central.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cannon Memorial Baptist Church, 120 Pepper Street, Central, SC 29630 or to Gaston Hospice, c/o The Robin Johnson House, P.O. Box 3984, Gastonia, NC 28053.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown which is assisting the family.
Jim Harrison
Easley — James Roland “Jim” Harrison, 71, of Easley, died peacefully on Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at St. Francis Hospital surrounded by his family.
Born in Ninety Six he was a son of the late John Dee and Nina Manley Harrison. He retired from Michelin Tire Corporation. He was a member of Pendleton Masonic Lodge, #34 A.F.M. His hobbies included hunting, fishing, woodworking, and he was also a gunsmith. He was of the Christian faith.
Surviving are his wife, Louise Gravley Harrison of the home; a daughter, Regina Harrison of Iowa Falls, Iowa; two sons and daughters in law, Russ and Donna Harrison of Easley, and Rob and Beth Harrison of Pendleton; a sister, Karen Adams of Simpsonville; a brother, Mike Harrison of Charlotte, N.C.; grandchildren, Joseph Harrison, Zach Shaw, Abby Harrison, Brittany Harrison, Samantha Morales (Adrian), Allie Shaw, Madison & Alex Harrison; two great grandchildren, Sydney & Zoey Harrison.
Memorial services to honor Jim’s life were 2 p.m. Saturday in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel.
In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to the Arthritis Foundation, 1330 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta GA 30309.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.
Sheila E. Trotter
Central — Sheila Evellena Trotter, 51, died Monday March 12, 2012.
Sheila was born in Pickens County, a daughter of Sallie Cordelia Chappell Trotter of Central and the late Vernon Edward Trotter. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include her mother of the home, her sister, Katie Sue Trotter Gillespie (Jimmy) of Central, niece Candy Gillespie Cure of Charleston, nephew Christopher Lee Gillespie of Lynchburg, Va. and a great nephew Kalen Cure.
In addition to her father, Sheila was preceded in death by a sister Judy Gillespie.
Funeral services were conducted 4 p.m. Friday in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens with the Rev. Vernell Chappell officiating. Burial followed at Hillcrest memorial Park and Gardens.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting DillardFunerals.com.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Trotter family.
Richard H. Willhite
Piedmont — Richard Herman Willhite, 79, husband of the late LaJune Adams Willhite, died Sunday evening, March 18, 2012 at the home of his daughter and son-in-law.
Mr. Willhite was born in Peebles, Ohio, a son of the late James and Julia Stewart Willhite. He was retired from Reliance Electric Co. and was a member of David Street Baptist Church in Greenville. Mr. Willhite was a U.S. Air Force Veteran during the Korean War.
Survivors include daughters, Pamela Jean Willhite of Algonac, Mich., and Lori W. Jennings and her husband Harold of Piedmont, and three granddaughters Jana Danielle Jennings, Morgan Michelle Jennings, and Jessica Cape Tucker and a great grandson Jaxon Meade Tucker, sister, Betty Vucich of Park Ridge, Ill. and a niece Joanne Morris of Leesburg, Ohio.
In addition to his parents and wife, Mr. Willhite was preceded in death by a son Daniel Willhite and a daughter Julie Ann Pearson.
The family will receive friends from 3 to 4 p.m. Wednesday, March 21 at Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens with a graveside service following at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens with the Rev. Samuel Davis officiating.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way
Greenville, SC 29615.
The family is at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Lori and Harold Jennings, Piedmont, SC.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Willhite family.
Tori Smith – James
Pickens — Victoria “Tori” Hope Smith – James, 18, of 134 Scenic Drive, died Wednesday March 7, 2012 at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Tori was born in Greenville, a daughter of John William and Christina Manley James, of Pickens. She was a member of the Senior Class at Easley Christian School, a sales associate at Kohl’s in Easley and of the Baptist Faith.
Surviving in addition to her parents, is a brother, Will James, of the home.
A Celebration of Life was 2 p.m. until 3 p.m. Saturday at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Greenville, with the Rev. Alexander Poindexter officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please give to someone in need.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home – Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.
Steven R. Roy
Easley — Steven Russell Roy, 48, husband of Annette M. DuVall Roy, died Wednesday, March 14, 2012 at The McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville.
Steven was born in Elmira, N.Y., a son of Lyle A. and Cressie L. Byers Roy of Easley. He was employed with Maritec and Robert Bosch.
Surviving in addition to his wife and parents are sisters Judy A. Roy Cox (Russell) of Newport Richey, Fla., and Janet M. Roy Stewart (James) of Easley, and brothers John R. Roy (Terry), Christopher T. Roy (Pamela), Phillip Roy, and Nathan A. Roy (Tanya) all of Easley. Also surviving are a number of nieces and nephews.
Steven was preceded in death by a brother Lyle Donald Roy and a nephew LCpl. James Ryan Stewart, U.S.M.C.
Funeral services were conducted 11 a.m. Saturday, March 17 in the Chapel of Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens with Pastor Jack Cannon officiating. Burial followed at Memory Gardens in Clemson.
Due to allergic sensitivities, the family requests flowers be omitted. Those desiring may make memorials to the McCall Hospice House, 1836 West Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Roy family.
Florence Mae Byers
Pickens — Florence Mae Jones Byers, 86, of Pumpkintown Highway, widow of James R. Byers, died Thursday, March 15, 2012.
Mrs. Byers was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Edward L. and Essie Simmons Jones. She was a homemaker and a member of Griffin Baptist Church.
Survivors include a son Heyward Byers of Six Mile and a daughter Wanda Robertson of Pickens, sisters Virgil Byers and Earlene Evette both of Pickens and a brother James Jones of Pickens. Also surviving are granddaughter Janet Pack, great grandchildren Megan Nalley and Alan McKeon, and great great grandchildren Lexi Howard and McKenna Nalley.
Graveside services were conducted 3:30 p.m. Saturday, March 17 at Griffin Baptist Church Cemetery.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting DillardFunerals.com.
Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, South Carolina Chapter,
4124 Clemson Boulevard, Suite L, Anderson, SC 29621-5528
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Byers family.
Al Wilson
Easley — James Alton “Al” Wilson, 75, of 107 Linda Lane, died Friday, March 16, 2012 at Hospice of the Upstate.
Born in Pickens County, a son of the late Joseph E. and Ida Estelle Stone Wilson, Mr. Wilson retired from Alice Manufacturing Company and was a member of the Methodist faith.
Surviving are his wife Linda Sheriff Wilson of the home; two sons, Rick Wilson and wife, Lisa, of Hampton, Ga., and Jim Wilson and wife, Amanda of Starkville, Miss.; a step-daughter, Susan Pilgrim and husband, Scott, of Six Mile; a brother, Jerry Wilson and wife, Martha of Easley; a sister, Ellen W. Youngblood of Easley; seven grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Wilson was predeceased by a brother, Eugene “Cotton” Wilson.
Graveside services were 1 p.m. Monday at Greenlawn Memorial Park with the Rev. Roger Gwinn officiating.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown which is assisting the family.
Loyce D. Dawkins
Easley — Loyce Dabbs Dawkins, 83, of 137 Summit Drive, died Monday, March 19, 2012 at the Foothills Presbyterian Home.
Born in Rockingham, N.C. she was a daughter of the late William Bryant and Maggie Ussery Dabbs. She retired from American Federal Bank with 33 years of service and was a longtime member of Geer Memorial Baptist Church.
Surviving are her husband of 61 years, Randolph “Carter” Dawkins of the home; two sons, Randolph C. “Randy” Dawkins, Jr. (Audrey) and Charles Bryant “Chuck” Dawkins (Marion) both of Easley; a sister, Sarah Featherston of Rockingham, N.C.; 10 grandchildren and one great grandchild.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by a daughter, Carol Susan Dawkins, and two sisters and three brothers.
Memorial services to honor the life of Mrs. Dawkins will be 2 p.m. Thursday, March 22 at Geer Memorial Baptist Church. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m. at the church.
In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to Geer Memorial Baptist Church, Benevolence Fund, 911 S. Fifth Street, Easley SC 29640.
The family will be at the home. Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services is handling arrangements.
Allen N. Crawford, Jr.
Easley — Allen Nathan Crawford, Jr., 67, of 1010 Old Liberty Road, died Saturday at his residence.
Born in Pickens, he was a son of the late Allen Nathan and Ruth Virginia Crawford, Sr. He was employed with YH America and was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving are a daughter, Natasha McCall of Balsam Grove, N.C.; 3 step daughters, Brandy Kinsey of Brevard, N.C., Donna Belcher of Easley and Brenda Hickey of Pickens; two sons, Dale Crawford of Easley and Stacy Crawford also of Easley; a step son, Wayne Alewine of Pickens; two brothers, Jerry Cunningham of Ohio and Darrell Crawford of Six Mile; 16 grandchildren; and three great grandchildren.
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by two brothers, Buddy Cunningham and Valley Crawford.
A memorial service to honor the life of Mr. Crawford was held at 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.
Michael Anthony Speeg
Liberty — Michael Anthony Speeg, 52, of 228 Brothers Road, husband of Sheryl Dianne Bailey Speeg died Sunday, March 18, 2012 at his residence.
Born in Cincinnati, Ohio he was the son of Capt. Roger Speeg, USMC Ret. and Mildred Torres-Speeg of Mountain City, Ga. He was employed by The Palmetto Bank of Laurens.
In addition to his wife and parents he is survived by a sister, Vivianne Speeg Dupeire (Dwayne) of Kennesaw, Ga.; two nephews, Ssgt. Joseph Gillooly, USMC, and Dwayne Duppeire II; a step-daughter, Jessica Sibley (Andy) of Augusta Ga.; two grandchildren, Elijah James and Esther Joy Sibley of Augusta Ga.; and his father in law, Jim Bailey of the home; and his mother in law, LaNelle Bailey of Calhoun, Ga.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Open Arms Hospice: 1836 West Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680.
A memorial service to honor Michael’s life will be held at 2 p.m. Friday, March 23, in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. The family will be at the home. Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services will be handling arrangements.
Maria Wooten Patterson
Easley — Mrs. Maria Wooten Patterson, 56 of Easley, wife of Dean Martin Patterson, died Tuesday, March 13, 2012 at Baptist Easley Hospital.
Born Aug. 3, 1955 in Greenville County, she was the daughter of the late Ed Wooten and the late Betty McMullan Mies. Mrs. Patterson was a homemaker and a member of Trinity Lutheran Church.
In addition to her husband of 36 years, she is survived by her daughter, Laura Patterson; brothers, Mac Wooten and Jack Wooten.
Memorial services were conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, March 15 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.