Earle E. Morris Jr.

LEXINGTON — Mr. Earle E. Morris, Jr., 82, was born July 14, 1928, in Pickens and died on Friday, Feb. 11, 2011.
He was the son of Earle E. Morris, Sr. and Bernice Carey Morris. Mr. Morris was educated in the Pickens Public Schools. Mr. Morris was a member of Rose Hill Presbyterian Church, Columbia, Elder and Clerk of Session, former Deacon; and Trustee, Synod of South Carolina; Trustee and Former Chairman, Board of Insurance, Annuities and Relief, Presbyterian Church in America. Mr. Morris was elected at age 21 as a member of the South Carolina House of Representatives from 1951 to 1955. He was elected to the South Carolina Senate from 1955 to 1971 and Former Chairman of the Joint Committee on Mental Health and Mental Retardation from 1959 to 1970. Mr. Morris was elected as Lieutenant Governor on Nov. 3, 1970 for a four year term, 1971 to 1975 and was a Member, South Carolina Mental Health Commission from 1975 to 1976. Mr. Morris was elected Comptroller General, June 16, 1976 and re-elected, 1978, 1982, 1986, 1990 and 1994. He retired as South Carolina Comptroller General in 1999. Mr. Morris received many awards and recognitions: 2000 Vice President, Financial Accounting Foundations, 1999 Appointed Honorary Consul by the Republic of Korea, 1997 Clemson Medallion by Clemson University, 1997 Living Legend Award by the South Carolina Historical Foundation, 1995 Frank Greathouse Distinguished Leadership Award by the National Association of Government Accountants, 1993 Nation’s Most Valuable Public Official by City & State Magazine, Listed in Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in Government, Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who in American Politics, Who’s Who in Business and Finance, Distinguished Service Awards: presented by SC Mental Health Association, SC Association for Retarded Children, SC Rehabilitation Association, SC Aurora Clubs for the Blind and SC Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Professionals; Distinguished Alumnus, Clemson University, Algernon Sydney Sullivan Award, Clemson University, Certificate of Appreciation: South Carolina Hospital Association, Distinguished Service Award, SC Association of Extension Agents, Order of the Trilon, Tri-County Technical College, Public Service Award, SC Association of Certified Public Accountants, Distinguished Friend of State Employees, presented by State Employees Association, Donald L. Scantlebury Memorial Award, 1985 (The annual award of the federal government given to a state or local government finance official which specifically recognizes exceptional and distinguished leadership in governmental financial management.) Presidential Medallion, Horry-Georgetown Technical College, The Highest Effort Award for Government, Sigma Alpha Epsilon National Fraternity, Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting (1989-1998), Achievement of the Year Award, Association of Government Accountants, American Legion’s Distinguished Public Service Award, the ARC Award from Midlands Chapter of Association of Retarded Citizens and Dr. E. Gaine Cannon Humanitarian Award. He also received many Military awards: President, State Guard Association of the United States, Major General in the SC State Guard, Past Commander (1987-1993), Past President, SC National Guard Association, 1980-1981, State Director, Selective Service System, Hall of Fame, Palmetto Military Academy (State OCS), Member, SC Army National Guard, 1951-1987, Brigadier General (Retired), SC State Guard Distinguished Service Medal, Order of White Eagle-Poland’s Highest Decoration, Knight Grand Cross-Order of St. Stanislas: Grand Chancellor of Order, Knight Commander-2nd Class-Order of Polonia Restituta, Cross of Merit-1st Class with Swords, Cross of Freedom and Independence, U.S. Army Legion of Merit & Meritorious Service Medals, Selective Service System Distinguished Service & Commendation Awards, SC State Guard Distinguished Service Medal, SC Exceptional Service Medal and the American Legion. Mr. Morris was Chairman of SC Democratic Party, 1966-1968, Secretary-Treasurer of the SC Democratic Party, 1965-1966, Member, National Advisory Mental Health Council, 1965-1969, Executive Committee of the National Lieutenant Governor’s Conference, 1972-1973, Member, Advisory Board, National Association for Retarded Citizens, Member, Advisory Board, National United Negro College Fund, Chairman, Advisory Board, National Information System for Health Related Services, Chairman of the Advisory Board of Directors for the Rocky Bottom Camp of the Blind, Member, SC Interagency Council on Aging, 1966-1971, Represented SC on the Commission on Mental Health and Human Services of the Southern Regional Education Board, Chairman, 1980-1982, Past President, Clemson University Foundation, Member, Fenwick Hall Professional Advisory Board, Alumni Advisory Committee for College of Liberal Arts, Clemson University, Adjunct Professor, College of Commerce and Industry, Clemson University, Trustee, Financial Accounting Foundation, Norwalk, Connecticut (1995-2001), Past President, National Association of State Comptrollers, Past President, National Association of State Auditors, Comptrollers and Treasurers 1989, Past Chairman, Board of Directors, United Way of South Carolina, Inc. Past Chairman Governmental Accounting Standards Advisory Council of the US (1988-1995). Mr. Morris was honored with many Doctor degrees: Doctor of Public Service ‒ USC, 1980, Doctor of Medical Science, MUSC, 1982, Doctor of Humanities, Lander College, 1982, Doctor of Laws, Clemson University, 1982, Doctor of Laws, the Citadel, 1983, Doctor of Humanities, Francis Marion College, 1984, Doctor of Laws, Central Wesleyan College, 1988, Doctor of Public Service, South Carolina State College, 1990, Doctor of Humane Letters, University of Charleston, 1992 and Doctor of Humane Letters, Winthrop University, 1996.
Mr. Morris was a loving husband and father to his wife, Carol Telford Morris of Lexington; children, Lynda Lewis Still (Shannon), Carey Mauldin Anthony (Buddy), Elizabeth McDaniel Holder (Jeff), Earle E. Morris, III (Diana); seven grandchildren, Ashley Crawford, Kristen Pirkle, Jonathan Holder, Jacob Holder, Noah Morris, Tori Morris and Lucca Vitale; great-grandchild, Morgan Crawford and many special friends including Saied Darvish and Jennifer Vitale.
He was predeceased by his first wife, Jane Bouroughs; son, David Earle Morris and brother-in-law, Gary Dale Telford. www.caughmanharmanfuneralhome.net
Funeral services for Earle E. Morris, Jr., were held at 3 p.m. Monday, Feb. 14, 2011, at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel with entombment in Bush River Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.
Memorials may be made to Pawmetto Life Line, P.O. Box 1777, Columbia, SC 29202 or to Pets Inc., 300 Orchard Drive, West Columbia, SC 29170.

Zona Hallums Ladd
Easley — Mrs. Zona Hallums Ladd, 94, formerly of 201 West B Avenue, wife of the late R.L. Ladd, died Tuesday, Feb. 8, 2011 at Majesty Health and Rehabilitation, Easley.
Born in Anderson County, a daughter of the late Wesley and Dora Collins Hallums, Mrs. Ladd worked for the Grantham family for 40 years prior to which she worked for the family of L.R. Poole.  She is known by many people for keeping children at the Easley Bowling Alley.  She was a lifelong member of Easley Union Baptist Church where she was a former deaconess, usher and member of the Missionary Auxillary.  Mrs. Ladd was also a member of the White Rose Garden Club.
Surviving are a son, Terry Smith (Cynthia) of Easley; step-son, Reginald Ladd (Elenor) of Atlanta; a son raised in the home, Andrew Ladd (Wendy) of Charlotte; a sister, Pearlie Gamble of Greenville; special daughter, Dottie Grantham of Easley; her God-daughter, Betty Jo Gambrell of Easley; 18 grandchildren, 43 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Ladd was predeceased by a daughter, Barbara Johnson; and by two brothers and seven sisters.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Friday at Easley Union Baptist Church with the Rev. C.L. Cruell officiating. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
“With grateful hearts, we express appreciation for all the acts of kindness extended to our family during our loss. We are humbled by your thoughtfulness” The Ladd Family
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Haskell Charles Galbreath

Pickens — Haskell Charles “Hank” Galbreath, 78, of 174 Porter Road died Monday, Feb. 7, 2011 at his residence.
Born in Easley, he was the husband of Geraldine Rich Galbreath of the home, and a son of the late Edgar Bruce and Grace Ellenburg Galbreath. Hank was a 1950 graduate of Easley High School and afterwards he joined the U.S. Marine Corp and served our country during the Korean War. He was the owner of Western Auto in Pickens which later became known as Haskell Corp. He was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving in addition to his wife are two daughters, Debbie Fowler of Liberty and Suzanne Smith of Six Mile; three sons Mike Galbreath of Titusville, Fla., Brian Galbreath of Toccoa, Ga. and Bruce Galbreath of Easley; a stepson, Jerry Clark of Liberty; two sisters, Barbara Ellis of Easley and Shelby Hawkins of Greenville; 10 Grandchildren, Misty Kearney, Jason Fowler, Katie Estes, Shawn, Jennifer, Katelyn, Kim and Kaley Galbreath, and Brittany and Jacob Smith; great grandchildren, Zachary Sanders, Andre and Haley Bergeron, Ashton Kearney, Jayden Parker and Nolan Galbreath.
In addition to his parents he was predeceased by a daughter, Rhonda Galbreath; a stepdaughter Jan Rathgeb; a son Joseph Mark Galbreath; two brothers, Chris and Jack Galbreath; and a great grandchild, Haiden Parker.
Funeral services to honor the life of Mr. Galbreath were held Friday at 2 p.m. in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Burial was at Flat Rock Baptist Church Cemetery.
Floral arrangements are appreciated but memorials may also be made to Open Arms Hospice: 1836 West Georgia Road Simpsonville, SC 29680 or Armed Forces Veterans Homes Foundation 5211 Auth Road Suitland, MD 20746.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Lee C. Fowler

Liberty — Lee C. Fowler, 90, of Liberty, died Wednesday, Feb. 9, 2011 at Anderson Area Medical Center.
Born in Liberty he was a son of the late Frank and Mattie Hinton Fowler. He retired from the U. S. Air Force and had previously served in the U.S. Army as well. He served his country during World War II and later the Korean War. After his military service he later retired from Woodside Mill and attended Smith Chapel Wesleyan Church.
Surviving are his wife, Ruth Gilstrap Fowler of the home; two sons and daughters in law, Stanley and Yvonne Fowler, and Randall and Gloria Fowler all of Liberty; a brother, Earl Fowler of Liberty; five grandchildren, Stacey Kitchens, Stephanie Cope, Dustin Fowler, Amanda Fowler, and Lauren Fowler; two great grandchildren, Kristen and Zane Kitchens.
Graveside services with full military honors for Mr. Fowler were 4 p.m. Saturday at Westview Cemetery, Liberty.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Smith Chapel Wesleyan Church, 735 Golden Creek Road, Liberty SC 29657.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary is handling arrangements.

Shirley D. Childress
Easley — Shirley Ann Dalton Childress, 72, of 125 May Street, wife of the late James Roy Childress, died Thursday, Feb. 10, 2011 at her home.
Born in Pickens County, she was the daughter of the late Richard Earl Dalton and Beatrice Holbrooks Dalton. Mrs. Childress was formerly employed with Stayon and was a member of Cedar Rock Baptist Church.
Surviving is her son, Steve Childress (Martha) of Easley; two grandchildren, Bradley and Jennifer; two great grandchildren, Devon and Joey; six sisters, Glenda Finley, Linda Kennemore, Susie Durham, Judy Gillespie and Mary Lesley all of Easley and Bobbie Fox of Greenville; two brothers, Wayne Dalton and Ricky Dalton of Easley; and her companion and longtime friend, B.F. Evatt.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was predeceased by two children, James Bradley Childress and Kathy Marie Childress, two sisters, Ann Black and Ellen Seigle, and a brother, Jimmy Dalton.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, Feb. 12 at 3 p.m. in the chapel of Dillard Funeral Home. Burial followed in Cedar Rock Baptist Church Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615 or to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Rd., Anderson, SC 29621.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com

Melvin Eugene Heaton, Sr.

Pickens — Mr. Melvin Eugene Heaton, Sr. 74, husband of Mrs. Martha Joan Cheek Heaton, died Friday, Feb. 11, 2011 at his home.
Born in Oconee County, a son of the late Mack and Pearl Calhoun Heaton, Mr. Heaton retired from G.E., served in the U.S. Navy, and was of the Baptist faith.
In addition to his wife of the home, are two sons, James Chuck Heaton and Melvin Eugene Heaton, Jr. (Deanna), all of Easley; one daughter, Debbie Pelt (Billy) of Easley; one brother, Curtis Heaton of Seneca; one sister, Linda Crane of Westminister; and seven grandchildren, Mitzi Burgess, Shane Heaton, Brandon Heaton, Stephanie Heaton, Meagan Heaton, Austin Cordell, and Brady Cordell.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Heaton was predeceased by two brothers, Fred and Alvin Heaton.
Funeral services were 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 13 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown. Burial followed in Greenlawn Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to Interim Hospice, 775 Spartan Boulevard, Spartanburg, SC 29301 or to the Cancer Centers of the Carolinas, 3 Butternut Drive, Suite B, Greenville, SC 29605.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or in person at Robinson Funeral Home-Downtown, which is assisting the family.

Zane Chastain
Liberty — Betty Zane Hunter Chastain, 80, of 33 N. Commerce Street, died Friday, Feb. 11, 2011 at Baptist Easley Hospital.
Born in Liberty, she was the widow of George Vernon Chastain and a daughter of the late Ralph and Betty Childs Hunter. Zane was a member of First Baptist Church, Liberty. During her working career she was the owner of Zane’s Place an antique store in Six Mile, was a bowling instructor, and also worked for Barnes Landscaping.
Surviving are a son, George V. Chastain, Jr. and his wife, Jeanne Goodman of Point Marion, Pa.; two grandsons, Jason and Dawson Chastain; three sisters in law, Cindy Hunter, Jean Watson, and June Finley and her husband Quillen; her beloved pet and companion, Alfie; special friends, Howard Ralph, Jr., Patricia Poehl, Buddy Rosado, Rozell Garrison, Patsy Morris, and Caroline Bagwell; numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral services to honor the life of Mrs. Chastain were 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Liberty Mortuary Chapel. Entombment was at Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Memorials are requested to Pickens County Meals on Wheels, PO Box 184, Easley SC 29641.
Memorial messages may be sent to the family by visiting www.libertymortuary.com Liberty Mortuary, Inc. is handling arrangements.

W. Clarence Simmons
Pickens — William Clarence Simmons, 94, formerly of Woodall Mountain Road, and husband of the late Ida Mae Aiken Simmons, died Friday, Feb. 11, 2011.
Born in Pickens County, he was the son of the late Earlie C. Simmons and Ollie Hudson Simmons. Mr. Simmons retired as the owner of the Pickens Radiator Shop. He was an active member of Pickens Church of God and the Pickens Senior Center.
Surviving are his children, Wesley Simmons and his wife, Rheba, of Pickens; Mary Ann Hayes and her husband, Theo, of Pickens; and Nancy Peace and her husband, Stan, of Lawrenceville, Ga.; 10 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren; 15 great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Gertrude Hughes and Doris Childs, of Pickens; and a brother, Garland Simmons, of Pickens.
In addition to his parents and wife, he was predeceased by two sisters, Nina Anderson and Edna Tinsley, and two brothers, Garcie Simmons and Carl Simmons.
The family wishes to express its gratitude to the staff of Rosemond Living Center for the exceptional care of Mr. Simmons.
A service to celebrate Mr. Simmons’ life was held on Monday, Feb. 14, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Pickens Church of God. Burial followed in Hillcrest Memorial Park.
Flowers accepted or memorials may be made to Pickens Church of God Building Fund, 127 McDaniel Ave., Pickens, SC 29671.
Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com

Weldon Gilbert, Jr.

Pickens — Weldon Gilbert, Jr., 82, of Pickens, died Feb. 2, 2011 at Rainey Hospice House.
Born April 18, 1928 in Gainesville, Ga., he was a son of the late Mr. and Mrs. Weldon Gilbert, Sr. He was a veteran of the Korean War. He worked at the Atlanta Transit Company before moving to Pickens with his family. After moving to Pickens he was employed at Singer and Alice Manufacturing.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Ricky Gilbert of Pickens and Dwayne Gilbert of Easley; two daughters, Sharon Whitworth (Victor) and Karon Hickey (Johnny), both of Pickens; three granddaughters and two grandsons.
The family appreciates every act of kindness that has been done during this time.
A memorial service was held Friday, Feb. 4 at Mountain Grove Baptist Church with the Rev. H.C. Couch officiating.
Donations may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, Inc., 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.

Joseph E. Rauschenbach
Simpsonville — Joseph “Joe” Eugene Rauschenbach, 49, died suddenly at his home, 102 A Alice Avenue, Simpsonville. 
Joe was born in Springfield, Ill., the son of the late Bill Rauschenbach.  He was a 1980 graduate of Pickens Senior High School.  He worked for Southeastern Concrete in Simpsonville. 
Surviving is his Mom, Joan, two brothers, six sisters and 14 nieces and nephews, Mary Bell (Danny), Matt Rauschenbach (Alba), Sue Williams, John Rauschenbach (Kathy), Nancy Bagwell (Avery), Amy Hood (Ralph), Carol Lawson (Rob), Margaret Holder (David). 
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes memorials to be made to Pickens County Library House, c/o Habitat for Humanity, PO Box 330, Pickens, SC  29671.
The family will be at the home of his parents at 129 Gail Avenue in Pickens.
Dillard Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements.