Obituaries Week of March 4, 2015

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SHIRLEY MARTIN, BETTY DAWSON BRUCE, FURMAN WILLIAMS, SYLVIA H. NICHOLS, JAMES ‘JIMMY’ ROGERS, SARA MAE TOLLISON, GARY Q. CHASTAIN, HUGH R. BROCK, MARY HOLCOMBE, SIDNEY BAYLIS PRUITT, ‘DINK’ HIGGINS, ANDY REID, CAROLYN POLLARD, BILLY COOLEY, DEALOUS ROBINSON, ‘BECKY’ FERGUSON, DORLAN FARMER, WAYNE BROCK, HAZEL HILL, EVERARD MARTINEZ JR.

SHIRLEY MARTIN

Shirley Cox Martin, 78, of Williamston, widow of Alvin Orville Martin, died Tuesday, February 24, 2015.

Born in Anderson County, she was a daughter of the late Ralph “Red” and Mae Brady Cox. She retired from Fiber Industries and was a member of Beaverdam Baptist Church.

She is survived by daughters, Kathy Knight of Pelzer and Donna Hodges of Ware Shoals; sons, Michael A. Martin of Pelzer and Mark O. Martin of Williamston; sisters, Joyce Kelly and Carol Chapman; brother, Paul Cox; nine grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren.

Funeral service was held Saturday, February 28 in the funeral home chapel of Gray Mortuary, Pelzer. Burial followed at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to the Hospice facility of one’s choice.

BETTY DAWSON BRUCE

Betty Dawson Bruce, 61, wife of the late Jerry Bruce, died Tuesday, February 24, 2015 in Honea Path.

Born in Knoxville, TN, a daughter of the late Carl Lester and Myrtle Weaver Dawson, she was the former owner and operator of the K&S Restaurant in Greenville and was of the Baptist faith.

Surviving are a son, Thomas H. Franklin of Greenville; brother, Ronnie Dawson of Williamston; two sisters, Libby Sharrock of Easley, and Faye Vaughn of Honea Path; and two grandsons.

Funeral services were held Saturday, Feb. 28 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home-Powdersville Road. Burial followed in the Friendship Baptist Church Cemetery, Marietta.

Memorials may be made to Interim Health Care Hospice, 155 Deacon Tiller Court, Duncan, SC 29334.

FURMAN WILLIAMS

Family and friends gathered to celebrate the life and legacy of Furman Williams on Saturday, Feb. 28 at The Unity Mortuary, Anderson.

He is survived by sons, Furman Ezell Williams, Jr. and Garvin Williams of Baltimore, MD; sisters, Janie L. Black, Eunice Hagood, Hazel Lewis, all of Baltimore, MD, and Oletha Williams and Mamie Smith of Williamston; brothers, Roy Williams of Baltimore, MD and Lawrence Williams of Williamston; four grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He was the son of the late Lawrence and Madge Williams. He was preceded in death by his wife, Bonita.

FREDDIE SMITH

Freddie Smith, 77, of Greenville, died Monday, February 23, 2015 at his home.

Born in Greenville, he was the son of the late Robert Cliffton and Faye Loraine Rogers Smith.

Surviving are his wife,, Mary Adams Smith of the home; daughters, Tammi Smith and Jennifer Smith Brown; son, Freddie Maurice Black; sisters, Lillie Smith, Callie Bennett, all of Greenville, and Judith Smith Chapman of Piedmont; brothers, Charles Smith of Whitesville, NC and Wallace Smith of Union; and a host of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral service was held Saturday, Feb. 28 at Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church. Burial followed in Greenville Memorial Gardens.

SYLVIA H. NICHOLS

Sylvia Hunnicutt Nichols, 76, of Rock Hill, died on Wednesday, February 25, 2015.

Born in Whitmire, she was a daughter of the late Annie Mae Hunnicutt.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bill Nichols, formerly of Cooper Motor Lines.

Survivors include her son, Richard Nichols; two grandchildren, all of Rock Hill.

Funeral service was held Sunday in the chapel of Gray Mortuary, Pelzer.

JAMES ‘JIMMY’ ROGERS

PIEDMONT—James Robert “Jimmy” Rogers, 85, husband of Betty Myree Hindman Rogers, died Sunday, March 1, 2015.

Born in Anderson County, he was a son of the late James Robert “Rob” and Eunice Ashley Rogers. He was a retired Major, having served twenty-five years in the South Carolina Army National Guard. At the age of fourteen, he founded Rogers’ Auto Parts, which later became Rogers’ Outdoor Equipment. A 1946 graduate of Boys High School in Anderson, he attended Clemson University, and later served on the Anderson County School District One Board of Trustees. A lifelong member of Mount Pisgah Baptist Church, he loved tennis and Kubota tractors.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters, Lynn Rogers King (Jack) of Piedmont, Laurie Rogers Rowe (Sammy) of Pelzer; brother, Jon Martin Rogers (Jeanette) of Piedmont; grandsons, Berkeley Adam King (Katie), James Norwood “Jamie” King (Kelly) of Piedmont; and six great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Tuesday, March 3, at 6:00 p.m. in the Gray Mortuary chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.

Condolences: www.graymortuary.com

SARA MAE TOLLISON

Sara Mae McCullough Tollison, 87, of Piedmont, wife o fthe late Milford E. Tollison, died Wednesday, February 25, 2015.

Graveside services were held Monday at Graceland West Cemetery.

GARY Q. CHASTAIN

Gary Q. Chastain died February 24, 2015 in Ovilla, TX.

He was born in Greenville to the late Quentin and the late Priscilla Chastain.

He served in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War.

He retired from Owens Corning.

He is survived by his wife, Linda Chastain of Ovilla, TX; daughter, Alison Sanders of Stephensville, TX; son, Gared Chastain of Sachse, TX; siblings, June Tuck of Piedmont and Roger Chastain of Reidville; and three grandchildren.

A memorial service was held Saturday, Feb. 28  at Boze-Mitchell McKibbin Funeral Home in Waxahachie, TX.

Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.

HUGH R. BROCK

Hugh R. Brock, 92, husband of the late Annie Vickery Brock, died Friday, Feb. 27, 2015.

Born in Franklin, GA, he was a son of the late Jones and Molly Thomas Brock.

He was a World War II veteran of the U.S. Army and retired from co-ownership of Brock and Sons Truck Body Shop, and was a member of Salem United Methodist Church.

He is survived by five sons, Nelson Brock of Piedmont, Kenneth Brock of Mauldin, Dwain Brock of Piedmont, Larry Brock of Atlanta, GA, Terry Brock of Pelzer; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; and six great-great-grandchildren.

He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Memorials may be made to Salem United Methodist Church, 2700 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC 29611.

Funeral service was held Tuesday, March 3 in the Thomas McAfee Downtown Chapel. Burial followed at Graceland East Memorial Park.

MARY HOLCOMBE

Mary Hooper Holcombe, 85, wife of the late Thomas Robert “Tommy” Holcombe, died Sunday, March 1, 2015 at her home.

Born in Greenville, she was the daughter of the late Earl and Auggie Janette Cox Hooper.

She attended Covenant Baptist Church and worked at the Singer Plant and then Read a Book and Tobacco Shop.

She is survived by her sons, Thomas Robert “Bobby” Holcombe, Jr. of Batesburg-Leesville, Wendell Holcombe of Piedmont, and Phillip Holcombe of Anderson; daughters, Terri Holcombe Stewart of Anderson and Vicki Holcombe Reese of Greenwood; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.

Funeral service was held Tuesday, March 3, 2015 in the Chapel of The McDougald Funeral Home. Interment followed at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.

SIDNEY BAYLIS PRUITT

Sidney Baylis Pruitt, 72, husband of Shelby “Jean” Pruitt, of Belton, died Saturday, February 28, 2015 at Fellowship Health and Rehab.

Born in Belton, he was the son of the late James Carlton and Laura Kelly Pruitt. He was a retired welder, and was a member of Mt. Bethel Baptist Church.

Surviving in addition to his wife of the home are: daughter, Dixie Kellett of Williamston; son, Lowell Pruitt of Spartanburg; sisters, Gale Hunter, Debby Jones; and four grandchildren.

Funeral service was held Tuesday at Cox Funeral Home Chapel. Burial followed at Mt. Bethel Baptist Church Cemetery.

‘DINK’ HIGGINS

Denver “Dink” Newman Higgins, 91, of Piedmont, widower of Louise Ellison Higgins, died Friday, Feb. 27, 2015.

Born in Forsyth County, GA, he was a son of the late Jack L. and Mammie Gravite Higgins.

A U.S. Army and Air Force veteran, he retired from J.P. Stevens and was a member of Piedmont Heights Baptist Church.

Surviving are a sister, Wynell Clevenger of Greenwood; two grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.

Funeral service was held Tuesday, March 3 in the chapel of Gray Mortuary, Pelzer. Burial followed at Greenville Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to Piedmont Heights Baptist Church, P.O. Box 36, Piedmont, SC 29673.

ANDY REID

WILLIAMSTON – Anthony “Andy” Lee Reid, Sr., 57, died Sunday, March 1, 2015.

Born in Greenville, he was a son of Martha Moody Reid and the late Billy Lee Reid. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and worked for D&W Fine Pack, Fountain Inn.

In addition to his mother of Pelzer, he is survived by daughters, Hannah and Liah Reid; son, A.J. Reid; brothers, James Michael and Billy Ray Reid; sister, Robin Meeks; five grandchildren; one great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be held at 4:00 pm on Monday, March 9 at Tabernacle Baptist Church, Pelzer. Visitation will follow the service.

Gray Mortuary, Pelzer

Condolences: www.graymortuary.com

CAROLYN POLLARD

Carolyn Pollard, 68, of Greenville, died Wednesday, February 25, 2015.

Born in Manhattan, NY, she was the daughter of the late Mamie Lee Neal and Witt Gault, and Stepfather, Ernest Neal.

Surviving are daughters, Cheryl Neal, Linda Brown, both of Greenville; son, Keith Bennett of Piedmont; sister, Shirley Gillespie of Greenville; seven grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

Funeral service was held Tuesday, March 3 at Watkins, Garrett & Woods Mortuary. Burial followed in Resthaven Memorial Gardens.

BILLY COOLEY

PELZER – Billy Otis Cooley, 71, husband of Amie Melissa Proctor Cooley, passed away Sunday, March 1, 2015.

Born in Greenville County, he was a son of the late James Enoch and Venie Estelle Cothran Cooley.  He was a self-employed carpenter and attended St. Paul United Methodist Church.

Surviving in addition to his wife of the home are daughter, Donna Lynn Phillips of Starr; sisters, Ruth Warlick of Pelzer, Polly Stone of Williamston, Zella Mae Moody of Pelzer, Nan Shubert of Honea Path; brother, James Cooley of Greenville; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by a daughter, Alice Renee Autry; one sister; three brothers.

A memorial service was held 4 p.m. Tuesday at Gray Mortuary Chapel, Pelzer.

The family received friends following the service.

The family is at the home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriners Children’s Hospital, 950 West Faris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605.

Condolences: www.graymortuary.com

DEALOUS ROBINSON

William Dealous Robinson, 63, of Pelzer, died March 2, 2015.

Born in Anderson County, he was a son of the late John Dealous Dexter Robinson and Lillie Ammons Robinson.  He was employed for many years at J.P. Stevens/Delta Woodside and was a member of Life Journey Church.

Survivors include daughters, Heather Burton of Belton and Jennifer Robinson Durham of Pelzer; sisters, Bess Seagraves, Ellen Cooley, Martha Robinson and Sherry Burrell; brother, Jerry Robinson; six grandchildren.

The service was held Wednesday in the chapel of Gray Mortuary, Pelzer. Burial followed at Pine Lawn Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Life Journey Church, P.O Box 9, Pelzer, SC, 29669.

‘BECKY’ FERGUSON

Rebecca “Becky” Carole Williams Ferguson, 64, died Sunday, March 1, 2015 at her home.

Born in Greenville, she was a daughter of Betty Wells Williams and the late Earl Floyd Williams. She was a homemaker.

Surviving in addition to her mother of Greenville are; daughters, Tammy Ferguson Capeles of Piedmont, Cindy Ferguson of Greenville; son, John Ferguson, Jr. of Moore; five grandchildren; three brothers; and seven sisters.

Visitation will be held Thursday from 12:30 – 2 p.m. at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer.

A memorial service will follow at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel.

DORLAN FARMER

Robert Dorlan Farmer began eternal life on Feb. 25, 2015. Dorlan was 57 years old, having been born July 1, 1957.

Dorlan was the son of Dewey L. and Jennie R. Farmer, who welcomed their son home that morning, as Dorlan left a testimony of being ready to go.

Left to grieve Dorlan are one son, Jeff Farmer, and three grandchildren, Alex, Alanna, and Alexis. He also left two great-grandchildren.

Jeff’s mama, Faye, and the grandchildren’s mom Carline. Also predeceased one brother, Jerry.

Four sisters, Barbara Stewart (Boyd), Abbie Eaton (Mike), MaryLand Farmer, Loretta Andrews (Darrell); a brother, Dewey Lee Farmer.

Nieces and nephews, Kerry Weldon, who helped care for Dorlan while he was sick. Rena Anderson, Brian and Pam Neely, and several great nieces and nephews. Predeceased is one nephew, Jason Smith, and one niece, Melissa Marshall.

Dorlan had a great love for music and singing and had several songs he had written copyrighted. He would often sit on the front porch swing and serenade the neighborhood. He also played with a band on channel 16 in his very young teen years, talented with a pencil and paints also.

Your families hearts are bruised and aching for you, Dorlan. No chance to say goodbye. So, Go rest high on that mountain, but leave the light on, we will see you one day. We love you, Your sisters.

WAYNE BROCK

Curtis Wayne Brock, 60, of Williamston died Monday, March 2, 2015 at his home.

Born November 28, 1954 he was the son on the late Curtis and Betty Brock.  He is survived by his wife, Rita of the home; two daughters, Amanda (John) Friar and Jennifer (Steve) Carraway both of Williamston; and three grandchildren, Skye, Wyatt and Laney.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 pm Saturday, March 7, 2015 at Williamston Church of God . The family will receive friends before the service, from 12:30-1:30, at the church.

The family is at his residence. Flowers can be sent to the residences or memorial donations can be made to the Rainey Hospice House.

HAZEL HILL

Hazel Cox Hill, 88, of Pelzer, formerly of Holland Ford Road, widow of Thomas Elvis Hill, passed away Monday, March 2, 2015.

Born in Pelzer, she was a daughter of the late Etta and Dutch Owens and Harold Cox. She retired from Woolworth Distribution Center and was a member of Rehoboth Baptist Church.

Survivors include sons, Jerry Hill, Danny Hill; daughter, Patricia Brown, all of Pelzer; brother, Earl Owens; eight grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great grandchild.

Visitation was held Wednesday at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Thursday at the mortuary chapel. Entombment will follow at Greenville Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to the Susan Komen Foundation, P.O. Box 650309, Dallas, TX 75265-0309.

The family is at the home of her daughter.

EVERARD MARTINEZ, JR.

Everard Martinez, Jr., 84, of Piedmont, died Monday, March 2, 2015 at  his home.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late Everardo and Louise Isles Martinez.

He retired from the U.S. Air Force and attended NewSpring Church.

Surviving are his wife, Shelva Jean Lang; three sons, John Martinez of Easley, Jay Martinez of Greenville, and Jeff Martinez of Simpsonville; daughter, Jacqueline Mills of Comer, GA; two step daughters, Patricia Crossley of Anderosn and Carol Carlson of Piedmont; two sisters, Maria Moyer of Boston, MA and Lola Weber of Chalfont, PA; 11 grandchildren; and one great-granddaughter.

He was predeceased by his first wife, Patricia Ann Marvel Martinez.

Funeral services will be held Friday,  March 6 in the chapel of Robinson Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Robinson Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to Amedisys Hospice, 250 Commonwealth Dr., Suite 105, Greenville, SC 29615.