WADE LOUIS PEPPER SR., JUANITA ELLISON, LUCILLE BROOKS, HERBERT MCPHERON JR., D. V. POLLARD, GERALD SMITH SR., TRUETT CASEY, SYBIL FUNCHESS, MARGARET CHILDRESS LOOPER, BRUCE JONES, INA RAE HUGHES PEGRAM
WADE LOUIS PEPPER SR.
WILLIAMSTON – Wade Louis Pepper, Sr., 87, husband of Janie Crawford Pepper, passed away peacefully May 24, 2017.
Born in Anderson County, he was the son of the late Clyde Louis Pepper and Annie Miriam Harper.
In addition to his wife of 65 years, he is survived by children, Ruth Ann Hudgens (Doug) of Greenville, Dr. Wade L. Pepper, Jr. (Barbara) of Bartlett, TN, Roy C. Pepper (Joyce) of Brown Summit, NC and Chris E. Pepper (Debbie) of Leander, TX; grandchildren, Lori Bayne (Travis) and Jill Cash (Travis) of Greenville, Garrett Pepper (Jill) of Lithia, FL, Kellye Wilcheck (Philip) of Bozeman, MT, Gracie Pepper of Bartlett, NC, Leslie Pepper of Kernersville, NC, Aaron Pepper (fiancé Becca) of Encino, CA; three wonderful great-grandsons, Jackson and Harrison Cash, Mac Pepper.
Mr. Pepper was a 1947 graduate of Williamston High School and attended Furman University. He worked tirelessly for Harper Corporation (a family firm) for 45 years. He served in the National Guard for 38 years and was a member of the Williamston Masonic Lodge. He also served Williamston as a town alderman for over 25 years. Mr. Pepper was a faithful member of Grace United Methodist Church for over 80 years.
A graveside service was held at the Williamston City Cemetery at 4:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 27, 2017. The family received friends following the service at the graveside.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 460, Williamston, SC 29697.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
JUANITA ELLISON
Ethel Juanita Ellison, 70, of Honea Path, wife of John William Ellison, died Tuesday, May 23, 2017.
Born in Liberty, she was a daughter of the late Truman and Ruth Hamby Gillespie. She was a retired realtor and a member of Concord Baptist Church.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by son, John W. Ellison, Jr. of Pendleton; daughter, Tammy Ellison Hill of Williamston; brothers, James, Dewitt and Jerry Gillespie; sisters, Betty Johnson, Linda Gillespie and Syble Morgano; seven grandchildren; five great-grandchildren.
Funeral service was held Saturday, May 27, in the Chapel of Gray Mortuary, Pelzer. Burial followed at Cedar Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
LUCILLE BROOKS
WILLIAMSTON – Lucille “Lucy” Garrett Brooks, 97, widow of Festenia Dewey “Fess” Brooks, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, May 24, 2017.
Born in Piedmont, she was the daughter of the late Phil Huff and Emma Cox Garrett. She was a member of Pelzer United Methodist Church.
Survivors include daughters, Jane McAlister (Tony) of Williamston, Ann Crawford (Marty) of Greenville, Tammy Hamby (Randy) of Belton; son, Don Brooks (Karen) of Williamston; 3 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held from 1 to 2 p.m. Sunday, May 28, at Pelzer United Methodist Church with the service following at 2 p.m.
Burial was at 12 noon on Monday, May 29, at Greenville Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Pelzer United Methodist Church, 8 Hale St., Pelzer, SC 29669.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
HERBERT MCPHERON, JR.
Herbert McPheron, Jr., 90, of Piedmont, husband of Rosemary Carr McPheron, died Tuesday, May 23, 2017.
Born in Somerset, KY, he was a son of the late Herbert Alvis McPheron, Sr. and Lola Rexroat McPheron.
He was former pastor of Mt. Calvary Baptist Church and Oak Forest Baptist Temple, and a veteran of the U.S. Navy.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by children, Liz Callahan, Shirley Connor, Herbie McPheron, Dennis McPheron, Caroline McPheron, Alice Reed, Margaret McPheron, and Laura McPheron; 18 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren.
Funeral service was held Saturday, May 27 in the Chapel of Gray Mortuary, Pelzer.
Burial followed in Greenville Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to Victory Baptist Church Building Fund, 421 SE Main St., Suite 101, Simpsonville, SC 29681.
D. V. POLLARD
BELTON – Dorothy Louise Vance “D.V.” Pollard, 92, widow of Billy Randolph Pollard, passed away Thursday, May 25, 2017 at her home.
Born in Avery County, NC, she was a daughter of the late Herbert Reece, Sr. and Helen Williams Vance. She was retired from Southern Railway following 45 years of service. She was the last depot agent in Williamston and the first female mobile agent. A devoted member of Big Creek Baptist Church, she formerly served as a Sunday School teacher and was involved in all aspects of the church. She also volunteered with Hospice of the Upstate.
Survivors include daughter, Martha Anne Pollard Davis (Frank) of Windsor, son, William R. “Bobby” Pollard of Pelzer, adopted child, Diane Williams of Anderson; sister, Clara Robinson of Winnsboro; 9 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by sons, John Randolph Pollard and James Michael “Mike” Pollard; brother, Herbert Reece Vance, Jr.
Visitation was held from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, May 28, at Big Creek Baptist Church with the service following at 3 p.m. Burial was at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Anderson.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Rd., Anderson, SC 29621.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
GERALD SMITH, SR.
Gerald Browning Smith, Sr., 89, of Williamston, husband of the late Laura Jean Woods Smith, died Sunday, May 28, 2017.
Born in Pelzer, he was a son of the late Adger T. and Eunice Browning Smith. He was a U.S. Army veteran having served during Post WWII. He retired from Mt. Vernon Mills and was a member of White Plains Baptist Church.
He is survived by son, Jerry Smith of Belton; daughters, Ginger Crawford of Belton and Betty Lewallen of Williamston; and one grandson.
A graveside service was held Tuesday, May 30, at White Plains Baptist Church Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Rd., Anderson, SC 29621.
TRUETT CASEY
WILLIAMSTON – William Truett Casey, 87, husband of the late Betty Ford Casey, passed away Monday, May 22, 2017.
Born in Pelzer, he was a son of the late Martin Blease and Helen Rainey Casey.
He was a MSgt. in the U.S. Air Force for 21 years and served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service and was a former Elder and choir member of Faith Presbyterian Church where he helped with the food ministry. He was also past president and member of Williamston Lions Club.
Survivors include daughters, Beryl Burns (Jim) and Elisa Sargent (Scott), both of Williamston, Sandi Russ (Steve) of Piedmont and Lynn Holcombe of Belton; ten grandchildren; 16 great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.
He was predeceased by brother, Charles Casey.
Visitation was held 2 – 4 p.m. Saturday, May 27 at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer. The service followed at 4 p.m. in the mortuary chapel. Burial was held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
The family was at the home.
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
SYBIL FUNCHESS
Sybil Holladay Funchess, 89, of Clemson, wife of William H. Funchess, died Thursday, May 25, 2017 at Greenville Memorial Hospital.
Born in Orangeburg County, she was a daughter of the late Leroy Clemson and Gladys Culler Holladay.
She retired as a school teacher and was a member of Clemson United Methodist Church.
Surviving in addition to her husband are daughters, Carol Rebecca Funchess Morgan of Powdersville, and Janet Marie Heriot of Dahlonega, GA; son, Mark Herbert Funchess of Central; and seven grandchildren.
Funeral services were held Sunday in the chapel of Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home. Burial followed in Old Stone Church Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Clemson United Methodist Church, 300 Frontage Road, Clemson, SC 29631.
MARGARET CHILDRESS LOOPER
Margaret Childress Looper, 87, of Piedmont, wife of the late William A. Looper and Jack S. Childress, died May 25, 2017.
She was the daughter of the late Elijah and Jesse Chasteen.
She is survived by sons, Bobby Childress, Billy Childress, Sammy Childress, Joe Childress, Tommy Looper, all of Piedmont, Ted Childress of Pelzer, Roy Childress of Fountain Inn, sister, Betty Lou Davis of Piedmont; 17 grandchildren; and 34 great-grandchildren.
She was a member of Southside Baptist Church of Piedmont.
A celebration of life was held Sunday, May 28 at Southside Baptist Church, 15 Southside Circle, Piedmont.
Burial was held Monday at Greenville Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to Southside Baptist Church.
BRUCE JONES
Bruce Franklin Jones, 83, of Piedmont, died Monday, May 29, 2017.
Born in Anderson County, he was the son of the late John Franklin and Sara White Jones. He was formerly employed with J.P. Stevens Estes Plant.
Survivors include sons, Randy Jones of Greenville and Mack Jones of Piedmont; daughter, Lynn Barnett of Piedmont; six grandchildren; five great-grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Thursday, June 1, at Bessie Road Baptist Church, Piedmont. A memorial service will follow at 12 p.m. at the church. A private family burial at Greenville Memorial Gardens will be held at a later date.
INA RAE HUGHES PEGRAM
Ina Rae Hughes Pegram, 80, of Piedmont, died Saturday, May 27, 2017 in Greer.
Born in Greenville, she retired from Michelin Tire Company and was a member of Rockvale Baptist Church in Piedmont.
She was predeceased by her parents, James W. and Dora L. Hughes.
She is survived by her husband, Bill Pegram, Sr.; step-daughter, Stacy Paul; step-son, Billy Pegram, Jr. and three grandchildren.
Memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, June 1 at the Rockvale Baptist Church, 652 Old Grove Road, Piedmont.
Memorials may be made to Rockvale Baptist Church.
