Mayor Larry William
Abernathy
Clemson — The Honorable Mayor Larry William Abernathy, 64, of 1026 Keystone Lane died Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born in Shelby, N.C., he was a son of the late Paul Hicks and Madge Aline Mitcham Abernathy.  Mayor Abernathy served for a total of 32 years in city government for the City of Clemson having served for four years on council prior to being elected Mayor in 1984.  During his tenure as mayor, both the City of Clemson and Clemson University have had significant growth and yet through his leadership, the city has maintained it’s village quality as well as forged cooperation with Clemson University to help enrich the lives of both citizens and students alike.  He was a 1969 graduate of Clemson University where he also earned his Master’s Degree. He also served as Director of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Commission for both Oconee and Anderson Counties as well as being Visiting Professor of Counselor Education and Clinical/Mental Health in the College of Health Education and Human Development at Clemson University.  He was a member of University Lutheran Church.
Surviving are his wife, Jo Ann Davis Abernathy of the home; daughter, Dana Simpson and husband, Tim of Clemson; son, Ben Abernathy and wife, Nicky of Atlanta, Ga.; and grandchildren, Blake Simpson, Tyler Simpson, Chase Abernathy and Cody Abernathy.
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a brother, Danny Abernathy.
Memorial services will be 2 p.m., Thursday at First Baptist Church of Clemson.
The family will receive friends following the service at the church.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to University Lutheran Church, 111 Sloan Street, Clemson, SC 29631, Clemson Community Care, P.O. Box 271, Clemson, SC 29633 or Clemson Free Clinic, P.O. Box 491, Clemson, SC 29633.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home.

John William Callaham, Jr.
Liberty — John William Callaham, Jr., 83, lifelong resident of Liberty died Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 at Baptist Easley Hospital from a massive heart attack.
Born in Liberty he was a son of the late John William, Sr. and Grace Wofford Callaham. He was raised in Liberty and attended Liberty schools. He was a 1952 graduate of Presbyterian College, where he was still an avid supporter and active member of the Scotsman Club. John was a continuous supporter of his alma mater and loved his return trips to Presbyterian College. He was an active volunteer at Liberty High School and could be found having lunch there often. He was active supporter of Southern Wesleyan University and served on the Board of Visitors.
Mr. Callaham served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II, and was a lifetime member of the Frank D. Callaham American Legion Post # 67. He served as Mayor of Liberty for several years. He was a member of the Liberty Chamber of Commerce, the Liberty Lions Club, and the Liberty/Pickens Lions Club. Throughout his career he owned and operated several businesses including, Callaham Insurance, Callaham Motors, & Callaham Real Estate. He was a founding member of John Foster Ford in Easley. John was a devoted Christian man; he was a lifelong and the oldest member of Liberty Presbyterian Church. He loved to visit and be involved with all churches around the Liberty area. He could be seen walking around town daily and loved to visit and chat with his many friends.
Surviving are a niece, Linda Seiffert of Oceanside, N.Y.; two nephews, Bill Seiffert of Fair Oak, Calif., and Bob Seiffert of Oceanside, N.Y.
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his sister, Mary Callaham Seiffert.
Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 17 at Liberty Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Robert Hicks officiating. Burial will be at the Callaham Family Plot at Westview Cemetery in Liberty.
His body will lie in state on Wednesday and Thursday at the Liberty Mortuary where the family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday evening. Memorial contributions may be made to Liberty Presbyterian Church, 200 W. Main Street, Liberty SC 29657.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Eulalia H. Marett
Pickens — Eulalia Hiott Marett, 89, died on Feb. 10, 2012, at Presbyterian Retirement Community in Easley.
Ms. Marett was the daughter of the late Eunice B. Hiott and Gary Hiott, Sr. Ms. Marett was born in the family home, on Florence Street, on Oct. 9, 1922, in Pickens, and has resided there since 1966. Ms. Marett was a faithful and longtime member of the Pickens First Baptist Church where she taught both the Eunice B. Hiott and T.E.L. Sunday school classes. She also volunteered for many years at Cannon Memorial Hospital. Ms. Marett was retired from the School District of Pickens County where she taught at both Liberty and Pickens High Schools.
Survivors include her three children, Joe Marett of Greenville, Judith Marett of Texas and Diane Shoaf of the home; two grandsons, Dan Alexander of Greensboro and Jay Marett and wife Erica of Simpsonville; one great-granddaughter, Caroline Marett of Simpsonville; two brothers, David Hiott and wife Sue of Pickens and John Hiott and wife Carmen of Raleigh, and sister-in-law Eloise Hiott of Pickens as well as many nieces and nephews.
Ms. Marett is predeceased by two brothers, Gary Hiott, Jr. and Robert Hiott with wife Irene, of Pickens and sister, Eunice Hiott Scott of Alabama.
Funeral services were held in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home on Monday, Feb. 13 at 3 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to: The Presbyterian Retirement Community, 205 Bud Nalley Dr., Easley, SC 29642 or the Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Rd., Anderson, SC 29621.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Marett family.

Maggie Lee Duncan
Pickens — Maggie Lee Smith Duncan, 97, of 933 Old Bethlehem School Road, wife of the late HermanAlex Duncan, died Monday, Feb. 6, 2012 at her home.
Born in Franklin County, Ga., a daughter of the late Walter Bennett Quillian and Mary Luecretia Ellison Smith, Mrs. Duncan retired from Brunswick Yarns of Pickens and was a member of Enon Baptist Church where she belonged to the Maggie Lee Duncan Class for All Ages.
Surviving are four sons, Alex “Kim” Duncan and Ronald “D. “Runt” Duncan (Joyce), all of Pickens, Donald F. Duncan (Hazel) and Wayne Duncan (Viola), all of Easley; four daughters, Elizabeth “Sis” Center of Easley, Mary Parker of Easley, Gladys “Cricket” Gilstrap (Kenny) Liberty, Ruby Breazeale (Kenneth) of Pickens; a son-in-law, Charles Sentell of Liberty; 28 grandchildren, 49 great-grandchildren and 25 great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Duncan was predeceased by a daughter, Judy Sentell, by two grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and by several brothers and sisters.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Thursday in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown which is assisting the family.
 

Emma ELizabeth Boughman
Liberty — Emma Elizabeth Boughman, 7, daughter of Eric Alan and Kimberly Freeman Boughman died Thursday, Feb. 2, 2012.
Emma was a bright and talented first grader at Chastain Road Elementary School in Liberty and she and her family are members at Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley. Emma always had a great love of music and her cats, and loved singing and dancing.
Surviving Emma are her parents Eric and Kimberly, her brother, Houston Alan Boughman, grandparents, Susan & Eddie Barker of Seneca, Ron & Jane Boughman of Gaffney, and Mrs. David (Eunice) Freeman of Liberty. Emma was also loved by many aunts, uncles and cousins and was surrounded by a host of friends.
Funeral services were conducted 4 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 5 at Rock Springs Baptist Church with Dr. David Gallamore, the Rev. Bo Mackey, and the Rev. Mark Kannarney officiating. Burial followed at Memory Gardens in Clemson.
A message of condolence may be left for the family by visiting www.DillardFunerals.com.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, 3535 Pelham Rd Ste 101, Greenville, SC 29615, www.americanheart.org or to Hope for Bravehearts, PO Box 2924, Irmo, SC 29063.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Boughman family.

Wallace T. Lyda
Liberty — Wallace Thurston Lyda, 75, of Liberty, died peacefully, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Central he was a son of the late Jim and Oma Leopard Lyda. He retired from Alice Manufacturing, Foster Plant and was a member of Rice’s Creek Baptist Church.
Wallace was an avid fisherman and hunter, with trout fishing being his favorite past time.
Surviving are his wife of 55 years, Shirley Waldrop Lyda of the home; three daughters, Melody Young (Don) of Six Mile, Vicki Mays of Newberry, and Patti Simmons (Jim) of Liberty; two sisters, Doris Reeves of Greenville, and Sarah Hardy of Liberty; four grandchildren, Juston White, Erin Mays, Summer Harris, and Will Mays; five great grandchildren, Mary Katherine, Machen, Greyson, Brayden and Belle.
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a sister and seven brothers.
The family would like to extend a special thanks to the Easley Dialysis Center and Open Arms Hospice for the love, care, and compassion shown to him and his family during his illness.
Funeral services to honor Mr. Lyda’s life were 2 p.m. Friday at Rice’s Creek Baptist Church. Burial was in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorials are requested to the National Kidney Foundation, 508 Hampton Street, Suite 200, Columbia SC 29201, or Open Arms Hospice, 1836 West Georgia Road, Simpsonville SC 29680.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Frances D. Bates
Easley — Frances Duncan Bates, 86, formerly of 101 Johnson Street, died Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012 at St. Francis Hospital-Downtown.
Born in Pickens County, a daughter of the late Wesley A. and Lula Holder Duncan, Frances retired from Swirl Inc. and was a member of Mt. Tabor Baptist Church.  
Surviving are one son, Thomas D. Bates, III, of Easley; one brother, Charlie Duncan of Marietta; and two grandchildren, Kale Bates and Zane Poe.
In addition to her parents, Frances was predeceased by two brothers, Frank and Bud Duncan and a sister, Jessie Cox.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Gladys Williams
Liberty — Gladys Durham Williams, 89, of 8 Lee Street, died peacefully on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012 at her home.
Born in Six Mile she was the widow of John Henry Williams and a daughter of the late Cain and Mae Turner Durham. She was a member of West End Baptist Church.
Surviving are a daughter, Nancy Swilling of Pelzer; three sons, Gary, Mike, and Steve Williams all of Liberty; two sisters, Lourue Hudson and Mildred Childress; 10 grandchildren and numerous great grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents she was preceded in death by four sons, Glen, Charles, Johnny, and Paul Williams, three sisters, four brothers, four grandchildren, Jessie Bailey, Sherri Williams, Rhonda Jackson, and Theresa Jones, and two great grandchildren, Bridgett Riddle and Gary Wayne Kelly.
The family would to say a special thanks to Mitz Grainger Evans and Darlene Dodgens for their love and compassion throughout this difficult time.
Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Williams were 2 p.m. Sunday at West End Baptist Church conducted by the Rev. Jack Connelly, and Christopher Williams. Burial was at Flat Rock Baptist Church Cemetery.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

William A. Hitt

Easley — Mr. William Allen Hitt, 73, husband of Juanita Claudette Pierce Hitt, died Thursday, Feb. 9, 2012 at the VA Medical Center, Columbia.
Born in Easley, a son of the late George Kannon and Irene Griffin Hitt, Mr. Hitt was a U.S. Air Force Veteran, having served in Vietnam, retired from Elcon National and was a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.
Surviving in addition to his wife of 39 years, are a son, Allen Nichols of Goldsboro, N.C.; three brothers, James, Johnny and Arthur Hitt, all of Easley; five sisters, Josephine H. Jameson, Linda H. Looper, Barbara H. Williams, Alma H. Jeffcoat and Gladys H. Dunlap, all of Easley; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Hitt was predeceased by a daughter, Pamela and a brother George Hitt.
Funeral services were 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 13 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in the M.J. Dolly Cooper Veteran Cemetery.
Memorial may be made to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29601.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.
 
Elayne Chastain
Liberty — Elayne Merck Chastain, 66, of 507 Greentree Drive, died Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born in Liberty she was a daughter of the late Joseph W. and Mary Juanita Gaines Merck. She was a 1964 graduate of Liberty High School and retired from Dayco. She loved camping, hunting, and football and was a member of Calumet Baptist Church.
Surviving are her husband, Jimmy Chastain of the home; two sons, Shane Chastain of Pickens, and Jody Chastain of West Columbia; a sister, Darlene Houck of Columbia; one granddaughter, Ashlyn Chastain.
She was preceded in death by a brother, Preston Merck.
Funeral services to honor Mrs. Chastain’s life were 2 p.m. Monday in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial was at Westview Cemetery.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 508 Hampton Street, Suite 200, Columbia SC 29201.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Azalee H. Orr
Pickens — Azalee Hayes Orr, 93, wife of the late Walter Orr, died Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012.
Born in Pickens County, she was the daughter of the late Ervin and Mattie Leslie Hayes. Mrs. Orr was a homemaker. She was a member of Griffin Baptist Church and attended Mountain Grove Baptist Church.
Surviving are four sisters, Gladys Childs of Easley, Rheba Simmons and Louella O’Donald both of Pickens and Naomi Smith of Easley; and several nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by two sisters, Edna Porter and Marie Evette; and seven brothers, Ivy, E.B., Elbert, Alvin, Garvin, Melvin and Milford Hayes.
Funeral services were held on Tuesday, Feb. 14 at 2 p.m. in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Flowers accepted or memorials may be made to SouthernCare Hospice, 6000 Pelham Rd., Suite B, Greenville, SC 29615.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Orr family.

Vera Greer
Easley — Vera Rollins Greer of Easley, widow of Winfred Eugene Greer, Sr., died Feb. 12, 2012 at Baptist Easley Hospital.
Born in Cateechee on Dec. 30, 1915 to George Berry and Viola Nix Rollins, Mrs. Greer was a charter member of McKissick United Methodist Church and retired from Alice Manufacturing Company.
Surviving are a son, Winfred Eugene Greer, Jr., and wife, Diane; a daughter, Linda Ann Greer Galloway and husband, Mike, all of Easley; three grandchildren, Melinda Greer Galloway Fisher and husband, Ron, of Lexington, Michael Grant Galloway, Jr., and wife, Christy of Easley, and Tara Ann Galloway Garrett and husband, Hal, of Fountain Inn; six great-grandchildren, Madison Greer, Mallory Hutchings and Meriwether Rollins Galloway, Charles Galloway, Brooke Alexandra and John Marchbanks Garrett.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Greer was predeceased by a brother, Virgil Rollins, a sister, Jessie Mae Retzer and by a great-grandson, Todd McClintock Garrett.
Funeral services honoring the life of Mrs. Greer were held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at First United Methodist Church Easley. Interment followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 582, Easley, SC 29641.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhome.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown which is assisting the family.

Pearl R. Looper
Pickens — Pearl Reece Looper, 91, of 916 Railroad Street, wife of the late Wayne C. Looper, died Monday, Feb. 13, 2012.
Born in Pickens County, she was the daughter of the late Sylvester and Tamer Aiken Reece.
Mrs. Looper was a homemaker. She was a member of Secona Baptist Church and the Ladies Sunshine Sunday School Class. She was a dedicated Christian, faithful to her church and family. She found happiness in serving others through her cooking and baking.
Surviving is her daughter, Katherine L. Porter (Don) of Pickens; two granddaughters, Susan P. Sill (David) of Easley and Debbie P. King (Ron) of Pickens; the delights of her life, her great grandchildren, Emily Moore, Eric King and Andrew King.
Mrs. Looper was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was predeceased by five sisters and four brothers.
A service to celebrate Mrs. Looper’s life will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 3 p.m. at Secona Baptist Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery.
The family will receive friends prior to the service from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. at the church.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Vision Growth Fund of Secona Baptist Church, 234 Secona Rd., Pickens, SC 29671.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com
The family will be at the home of the daughter, 902 Railroad St., Pickens, SC 29671.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the Looper family.

Frances Sims Friend
Easley — Frances Sims Friend, 86, of 605 West 4th Ave., wife of the late Paul Raymond Friend, died Sunday, Feb. 12, 2012 at Rainey Hospice House.
Born Oct. 1, 1925 in Oconee County, she was a daughter of the late Hugh and Roxie Orr Sims. Mrs. Friend retired from Southern Bell and was a longtime member of Jones Avenue Baptist Church. She loved her family and especially her grandchildren.
She is survived by her daughter, Paula Gadley (Rusty) of Easley; grandchildren, Jeffrey Toby (Danielle), John Toby (Lee Ann) and Kayla Gadley; and great-granddaughter, Natalie Toby.
In addition to her husband and parents she was predeceased by her sister, Vera Thompson; and brother, Robert Sims.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 15 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends from 12:30 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. Wednesday, prior to the service at the funeral home.
The family will be at 225 Midland Dr., Easley, SC 29640.
Memorial contributions may be made to Rainey Hospice House, 1835 Rogers Rd., 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.

Berry Beck
Liberty — Berry Benson Beck, Sr., 66, of 127 Eagle Drive, died Friday at his residence.
Born in Oconee County, he was a son of the late Emory Spear Beck, Sr., and Pearl May Turner Beck. He was of the Pentecostal faith.
Surviving are a daughter, Michelle Bolton and her husband Heath of Easley; two sons, Berry “Ben” Beck, Jr. and his wife Rhonda of Liberty and Joshua Beck and his wife Megan of Liberty; two sisters, Ella Watts of Clayton, Ga. and Lucy Dockins of Iva; and four grandchildren, Matthew Beck, Emileigh Bolton, Drew Beck and Kara-Ann Beck.
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by two sisters, Martha Harbin and Lily Shook; and three brothers, Paul Beck, Emory Beck, Jr. and Gene Beck.
A memorial service for Mr. Beck was held Saturday, Feb 11 at 11 a.m. at the home of Michelle Bolton.
Cremation Society of South Carolina is assisting the Beck family.