Obituaries for the Week of February 22
MILDRED HUDSON
GREENWOOD — Mildred Brezeale Hudson, 86, 110 Sylvan Road, widow of J. Floyd Hudson, died Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 peacefully at her home.
Born in Pickens, she was a daughter of the late Riley Odell and Neta Porter Brezeale. She was retired from Kemet Electronics and was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, where she was a member of the Ladies Bible Class and The Friendship Club.
Surviving are two daughters, Susan Jacks of Toccoa, Ga. and Jane Crittendon of the home; a son, Donald Hudson of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; two sisters, Kathryn Wardlaw of Pendleton and Judy McKinley of Central; four grandchildren, Stephanie Turner (Mickey) of Toccoa, Michael Crittendon (Susie) of Greenwood, Hal Jacks and Justin Jacks, both of Toccoa; granddaughter-in-law, Sherry Crittendon; 10 great grandchildren, Brittni, Trevor and Gavin Crittendon of Pelzer, Samantha Crittendon of Greenwood, Wesley Stivers of Foxworth, Miss., Lanny, Matthew and Donavin Turner of Toccoa, Eric Whittington of Greenwood and Alyssa Jacks of Martinez, Ga. and her loving caregiver, Yvonne Spearman of the home.
In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Barry Hudson; a grandson, Chip Crittendon; a sister, Lillian Fender and two brothers, Charles Brezeale and Van Brezeale.
Services were at 11 a.m. Monday at the Harley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. George Thomas officiating. A graveside service was held at 2 p.m. Monday in the Hillcrest Memorial Gardens Chapel Mausoleum, Pickens.
Pallbearers were Michael Crittendon, Justin Jacks, Trevor Crittendon, Brian Turnbloom, Joey Thompson and Bill Starnes.
Honorary escort were members of the Ladies Bible Class of Aldersgate United Methodist Church and nurses of HospiceCare of the Piedmont.
Memorials may be made to HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646.
Messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com.
Robert Lee Layfield
Easley — Robert Lee Layfield, 81, of Easley, died Monday, Feb. 13, 2012 following an extended illness.
Born in Clarksburg, W.Va., Mr. Layfield was a son of the late Austin L. and Lillie Gay Snyder Layfield. He was a graduate of Washington Irving High School, Clarksburg, W.Va. He served as a Staff Sergeant in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. After graduating from Fairmont State University, Fairmont, W.Va., with a B. S. Degree in Physics, he received a U.S. Atomic Energy Commission Fellowship and attended the University of Rochester, N.Y. and the Brookhaven National Laboratory, Long Island, N.Y. He was an employee of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission in the Washington, D.C. area and retired from the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission in Bethesda, Md. Mr. Layfield was a member of Easley Presbyterian Church, where he was an Elder and Trustee, and a member of the Fellowship Sunday School Class. He served as a devoted volunteer at the Baptist Easley Hospital for many years, and was a member and past president of the Easley Lions Club.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Ellen Radebaugh Layfield, of the Foothills Retirement Community; a son, James R. Layfield (Kathryn); two grandchildren, Matthew Layfield and Jessica Layfield all of Katy, Texas; a brother-in-law, Fred Radebaugh of Taylors; and four nephews.
Mr. Layfield was predeceased by a sister, Betty Layfield.
Funeral services were 1:30 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 16 in the Chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road with the Rev. Dr. Bill Seel officiating.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home – Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.
Mildred Langen Childress
Liberty — Mildred Fuller Langen Grove Childress, 80, of 105 Orchard Drive, died Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012.
Born in Greenville she was the wife of Frank Childress and a daughter of the late Luther Young and Mattie Brissey Fuller. She was a member of East Side Baptist Church and her hobbies included, quilting, crochet, and serving as a team mother for her children’s ball teams. Mrs. Fuller worked in textiles for many years, and later worked as a nursing assistant at Clemson Downs and as a private sitter.
Surviving in addition to her husband of the home, are four sons, Gary Langen of Greenville, Anthony Langen of Anderson, and Chris and Mark Langen both of Liberty; a step daughter, Judy Ann Cedargreen of Illinois; four step sons, John Grove, Jr. of Greenville, Jimmy Grove of Greer, Jerry Grove of Florence, and Jim Childress of Easley; a brother, Palmer Fuller of Liberty; grandchildren, Tina Newton, Eric, George, Adam, and Mark Langen, Jr., Tiffany Bitler, Ryan Langen, Kasie Langen, and Jennifer Allen; 16 great grandchildren, three great great grandchildren.
In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her first two husbands, Ernest Langen and John Grove.
Funeral services for Mrs. Childress were conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial was at Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.
Geraldine Elrod
Easley — Geraldine Sexton Elrod, 70, wife of James Neil Elrod of Easley died Wednesday, Feb. 15, 2012.
Mrs. Elrod was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Charlie and Lola Mae Galloway Sexton. She was a homemaker, of the Baptist Faith and was a member of the Red Hat Society. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and sister.
Survivors include her husband of 53 years, Neil Elrod of the home, her daughter Rhonda Perry (Richard) of Easley and her three granddaughters, Taylor Perry, Claiborne Perry, and Ali Perry. Surviving also is her brother Ted Sexton (Gail) of Sunset and sisters Patsy Chastain (Allen) of Pickens and Margaret Springfield (Wayne) of Easley.
Funeral services were conducted 12:30 p.m. Saturday in the Chapel of Dillard Funeral Home with the Rev. Jeff Childress officiating. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Elrod family.
“Farmer” Gray
Easley — Robert William “Farmer” Gray, 88, of 703 South B Street, died Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012 at his home.
Born in Greensboro, N.C., a son of the late Howard Wailes and Dorcas Cowgill Gray, Mr. Gray was a graduate of Greenville High School and attended the University of Connecticut. He retired from BellSouth (now AT&T) after 35 years of service and remained active in the BellSouth Pioneers. Mr. Gray has resided in Easley since 1960 and was a member of First United Methodist Church where he had served on the Board of Stewards. He served as a Boy Scoutmaster of Troop 26 and was past president of the Easley Lions Club and the Green Wave Boosters Club. He volunteered for many years with Habitat for Humanity and also with the School District of Pickens County and particularly with AR Lewis Elementary in Pickens and was also an active member of the Easley Tennis Club and the YMCA.
Mr. Gray served his country during World War II in the U.S. Army Air Corps serving in Hawaii as a B-24 flight engineer, and was a member of Walden Masonic Lodge #274.
Surviving are his wife, Edna Wike Gray of the home; a daughter, Carol Gray Nichols of Easley; a son, Bob Gray and wife, Susan, of Signal Mountain, Tenn.; a sister, Jean Gray Amick of Greenville; and two granddaughters, Rachel Gray and Frances Gray.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Gray was predeceased by a brother, Howard Gray and by two sisters, Louise Gray and Betty Gray Gaze.
Memorial services were 2 p.m. Sunday at First United Methodist Church, Easley, with the Rev. Jim Correll officiating.
The family wishes to express their appreciation to the staff of Hospice of the Upstate for the loving care they gave to Mr. Gray.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Boy Scouts of America, 1 Park Plaza Court, Greenville, SC 29607 or to Habitat for Humanity, 201 South Fifth Street, Suite 209, Easley, SC 29640.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown which is assisting the family.
Carolyn Boggs
Pickens — Carolyn Cathlene Banks Crenshaw Boggs, 87, of Pickens died Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012 in Royston, Ga.
Mrs. Boggs was born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late James Holbert and Effie Dee Freeman Banks. She was retired from the Singer Company (now Ryobi), in Pickens and was a member of Crescent Hill Baptist Church. For many years Mrs. Boggs gathered clothing and other items for missions in Kentucky. She also loved to quilt and provided her family and friends with her beautiful work. Mrs. Boggs was twice married, first to the late Clyde Crenshaw and then to the late Levi Boggs.
Survivors include a son, Robert Crenshaw (Allene) of Pickens, daughter, Virginia Wilson (Robert) of Canon, Ga., step-sons William L. Boggs, Jr. (Barbara), Donald E. Boggs (Jane), James T. Boggs (Nan), and a step daughter Martha B. Leslie all of Pickens. Surviving also are four grandchildren, seven great grandchildren, seven step grandchildren, 15 step great grandchildren, and seven step great great grandchildren.
Mrs. Boggs was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Funeral services were conducted 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19 in the Chapel of Dillard Funeral Home in Pickens with the Rev. Tommy Howard officiating. Burial followed at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
A message of condolence may be expressed to the family by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com.
Bruce Michael Sheriff
Easley — Bruce Michael Sheriff “Sawdust”, 60, of 519 Sheriff Mill Road, died Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 at his home.
Born in Greenville County, a son of the late Bruce Franklin and Pauline Finley Sheriff, Mr. Sheriff was a 1970 graduate of Easley High School and was owner / operator of Sheriff Unlimited and a member of Rock Springs Baptist Church.
Surviving are his wife of 33 years, Janice Harris Sheriff of the home; two sons, Chris Sheriff and wife Barbara, of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., and Brian Sheriff of Easley; and a sister, Ann Sheriff Granger of Easley.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Sheriff was predeceased by a brother, Ricky Sheriff and by a sister, Mary Jo Sheriff.
Funeral services were at 2 p.m. Sunday at Rock Springs Baptist Church with the Rev. Dr. David Gallamore and the Rev. Gene Nealy officiating assisted by Chris and Brian Sherriff. Burial followed in Zion United Methodist Church Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown which is assisting the family.
Dr. George W. Smith
Easley — Dr. George Warren Smith of Easley died Saturday, Feb. 18, 2012.
He was the beloved husband of Frances Martin Smith for 57 years. Born in Six Mile on Feb. 5, 1932, the son of the late George Franklin and Elizabeth Cobb Smith, George graduated from Easley High School, Wofford College, and the Medical University of South Carolina, where he presided as senior class president.
After serving as an Air Force Captain at Blytheville Air Force Base in Arkansas, George returned home to Easley to establish a family practice in 1959. A devoted, compassionate physician, he was appreciated for his skillful diagnostic abilities. In addition to caring for his family practice patients, he also served as chief of staff at Easley Baptist Hospital and sat on the State Board of Medical Examiners. After retiring from his medical practice, George pursued many of his passions. As a master gardener, he supervised many numerous beautification projects for the City of Easley and transformed his yard into a native wildlife habitat. As a member of the Woodcarvers Club of Greenville, he became a skilled woodcarver and shared many of his carvings with family and friends. An avid outdoorsman, he was an honorary member of the Beech Creek Hunt Club and was fundamental in the development of Long Shoals Park on Highway 11. George served on the SHINE Board, and was a member of First United Methodist Church of Easley, where he sang in the choir for many years. An avid reader with encyclopedic knowledge, George, who incorporated his dry wit into all of his activities, was adored by family, friends, and grandchildren.
In addition to his wife, Fran, George is survived by his sons, Greg Smith (Kelly), Marty Smith (Pam) all of Easley, and Alan Smith (Jill) of Atlanta, Ga.; and his daughter, Julie Crowder (Mike), of Chattanooga, Tenn. G-Pop was a loving grandfather to his grandchildren, Connor Smith, Chase and Carly Crowder, and Cason Smith. He is also survived by his sister, Jane Craig Hanes of Winston-Salem, N.C.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Monday at First United Methodist Church, Easley with the Rev. Jim Correll officiating. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to Dr. Steve Freeman and Pharmacist Mike James for their dedicated care.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church Choir Fund, P.O. Box 589, Easley, S.C. 29641, or to a charity of one’s choice.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Charles A. Marsh
Sunset — Charles Ames Marsh, 82, of Sunset, died Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012 at McCall Hospice House.
Born in Waterville, Maine, a son of the late Terrill Belkap and Mona Lisa Ames Marsh, Mr. Marsh graduated from Elkins College in Elkins, W.Va., and was a member of Pickens Presbyterian Church. He retired as Director of Trade Development for the South Carolina Ports Authority.
Surviving are his wife, Carol Pennington Marsh of the home; a son, William Ellsworth Marsh of Cummings, Ga.; three daughters, Lisa M. Buurman (Robert) of Simpsonville, Terrill M. Byrd (James) of Gainesville, Ga., and Amy M. Burnes (David) of Newport, R.I.; a brother, John English Bagby of Pine Knoll Shores, N.C.; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Marsh was predeceased by a brother, Owen Thayer Marsh, a half-brother, Ronald Belknap March and by a step-sister, Ann B. Packard.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Building Fund of Pickens Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 834, Pickens, SC 29671.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown which is assisting the family.
Pat Childs
Pickens — Patricia Jennings Childs, 68, of Pickens, died on Feb. 15, 2012.
Born in Easley, she was the daughter of the late Clarence Jennings and Cleo Moody Jennings. Pat retired from Sangamo and was a member of New Life Baptist Church.
Surviving are her husband of 53 years, Carroll F. Childs, of the home; three sons, Joey Childs and Mark Childs, both of Fountain Inn and Dan (Melissa) Childs, of Pickens; nine grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a son, Clarence Stephen Childs; and two sisters.
Funeral services were held Friday, Feb. 17 at 3:30 p.m. in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Childs family.
Beulah Lee Trotter
Easley — Mrs. Beulah Lee Trotter, 76, of 419 Highland Circle, wife of the late Roy Trotter, died on her birthday Thursday, Feb. 16, 2012.
Mrs. Trotter was born Feb. 16, 1936 in Pickens County, and was a daughter of the late Joe Crowe and Julia Porter.
Mrs. Trotter is survived by her daughters, Diane Cantrell, Juanita Aiken, Sarah Aiken and Glenda Brissy; sons, Wayne Chastain and Scott Trotter; brothers, Robert Crowe, Winfred Crowe, Tommy Crowe and Calvin Crowe; sister, Elizabeth Rowland; 17 grandchildren; 40 great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, James Crowe.
Funeral services were conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in the Abbott Cemetery.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
Randolph Howes
Liberty — Randolph Howard Howes, 83, of 339 Springdale Avenue died Friday, Feb. 17, 2012 at Baptist Easley Hospital.
Born in Buffalo, N.Y., he was the son of Charlotte Green Howes. He served the public in many different aspects, mainly as a deputy sheriff with the Erie County, N.Y. Sheriff’s Department. He also drove a school bus for the West Seneca and Iroquois School System and was the Fire Chief at West Seneca Reserve Hose F.D. in West Seneca, N.Y. He was a Master Mason and was a member of Fellowship Lodge #1175 in Cheektowaga, N.Y. Locally he was regularly seen at “The Table of Knowledge” at Yank’s in Liberty and also attended Fellowship Community Church.
Surviving are his wife of over 50 years, Diane Helen Brown Howes of the home; two sons, David Howard Howes and his wife LuAnn of Buffalo, N.Y. and Daniel Harold Howes and his wife Marilyn of Easley; and two grandsons, Justin D. and Brandon A. Howes both of Easley.
The family of Mr. Howes received friends on Sunday, Feb. 19 at the home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent in his memory to: American Diabetes Association P.O. Box 11454 Alexandria, VA 22312.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary and Cremation Services are handling arrangements.
Earl R. Dalton
Easley — Earl “Foss” Dalton, 84, of Easley, husband of Barbara Kelley Dalton for 58 years, died, Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012 at his home.
Born in Pickens County, Mr. Dalton was a son of the late Earl Dalton, Sr. and Bertha King Dalton. He retired from Greenville County Postal Service. He was a Mason and a Shriner, and a member of the VFW, American Legion and Scottish Rites. Mr. Dalton was also a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War, and was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving in addition to his wife, are two sisters, Nancy and Ruth Robinson and two brothers, Jack and Ronnie Dalton.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by three brothers, Clyde, Dennis and Harry Dalton.
Funeral services were 2:30 p.m., Tuesday, Feb. 21 in the Chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road. Burial followed at Robinson Memorial Gardens.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to Gentiva Hospice and his caregivers for the loving care of Mr. Dalton.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road, which is assisting the family.
Ona Bell Bagwell
Liberty — Mrs. Ona Bell Seigle Bagwell, 82, wife of the late Charles Edward Bagwell, died Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012 at her home.
Born in Greenville County, a daughter of the late Henry and Fannie Seigle, Mrs. Bagwell retired from Alice Manufacturing Company and was a member of Mt. Pisgah Church of God.
Surviving are four sons, James Bagwell (Tommie Ann) of Easley, Ronnie Bagwell of Easley, Stanley Bagwell (Barbara) of Anderson and Ricky Bagwell (Vicky) of Easley; one daughter, Carolyn Pitts (Kyle) of Piedmont; one daughter-in-law, Becky Bagwell of Taylors; eight grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Bagwell was predeceased by a son, Jerry Bagwell, a daughter, Karen Bagwell and by a granddaughter, Beth Bagwell. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Corinth Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Scott Willis officiating.
The family would like to express a special thank you to Kim and Russell Robenson.
Memorials may be made to Harmony Care Hospice, 107 Lovett Drive, Greenville, SC 29607.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.