HAROLD ANTHONY MAJOR, MARY LOU GRAY, DORIS ‘NANNY’ GARIBALDI, EDDIE GOWAN, CARL THURSTON, SARA PATTERSON, JOE SHERER, JO ANN WILLIAMS, DON SANDERS, JACK JACKSON, VERSENA DEAN, TAYLOR QUINTON EVANS
HAROLD ANTHONY MAJOR
SUMMERVILLE – After a brief illness, Harold Anthony Major, 88 years old, died peacefully at home on November 20, 2017, surrounded by family.
He was born in Great Falls, SC on August 7, 1929 to William Aiken Maj0r and Rebecca Mars Crawford. After her early death Harold and brothers Bill and Jim (2, 4, and 6 years old) were sent to Williamston, SC to be raised by their aunt, Miss Fannie Christine Guyton (a never married 50 year old). They were surrounded by many aunts, uncles and cousins and were loved by the large Major family. He attended the First Baptist church and was a Boy Scout. After graduating from Williamston High School, he met the love of his life, the beautiful Margaret Ann Martin of Pelzer, SC. He called her “The Duchess of Lyman Street” after the street she lived on near the Cotton Mill. They were married on September 15, 1950 and shared 67 wonderful years together.
After graduation he began his career with Donaldson Air Force Base in Greenville, SC as a civilian financial officer. He was also a member of the National Guard in the 1950s. After the base closed he worked in a similar position at Hunter AFB in Savannah, Georgia. After that closure he transferred to Charleston AFB where he worked at Base Headquarters and the Reserve Squadron. He retired after 40 years with a party attended by 100 coworkers, friends and family. He made many lifelong friends during his career.
Always an athlete, he competed in the Mill League Basketball system playing with the Pelzer Bears against other mill teams and small colleges in South and North Carolina, Georgia and Tennessee. He also developed a love for golf which lasted a lifetime. He started playing at Piedmont Golf Course and was a founding member of Saluda Valley Country Club in Williamston. After moving the family to Summerville in 1965 he joined the George Miller Country Club. He was a well known golfer at that course as well as the course on the base. His lowest handicap was a 3, he had two holes in one and shot his age twice. He was club champion or runner up on several occasions. He was also a member of the SOB’s–the Summerville Old Boys who played every Monday on a different golf course in the Low Country.
He had a passion for Clemson Athletics and attended hundreds of football and basketball games. He enjoyed tailgating with family. He, Keith and Terri would be in their own homes watching Game Day and calling each other to discuss great plays. He watched college football bowl games, sometimes with 3 TVs set up! He enjoyed March Madness and the College World Series. He watched NFL and NBA playoffs and the World Series. He watched golf tournaments every weekend and attended The Masters many times, back when you could walk up to the gate and buy a ticket. He was fortunate to attend the Ryder cup in 1991 at Kiawah and he also played the Ocean Course himself several times.
He is survived by his wife Margaret Major of Summerville, his son Keith Major and wife Ginger of Summerville; his daughter, Terri Luhrs MD and husband John Camp of Macon, Georgia; and his daughter, Cindy Major of Summerville; his grandchildren are Traci Theodore and her husband Matt of Summerville, Micah Major of Ft. Worth, Texas and Rachel Rush of Summerville. Great-grandchildren are Traci and Matt’s four year old twins, Ansley and Lowndes. He was predeceased by his parents and brother Bill, and survived by brothers, Jim, George, and Earl and a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.
A celebration of his life will be held on Sunday, December 10 from 1:00 – 3:00 at the George Miler Country Club (now Summerville Country Club, 400 Country Club Blvd). Please wear casual clothes–golf attire would be appropriate! In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Meals on Wheels (PO Box 592, Summerville, SC 29484) or Intrepid Hospice who provided such good care for him in his last days (2964 Lake Park Drive, North Charleston, SC 29406). Cards can be mailed to the Major Family, c/o Terri Luhrs, 1062 Forsyth St., Suite 2A, Macon, Georgia 31201-8639.
MARY LOU GRAY
WILLIAMSTON – Mary Lou Bellamy Gray, 85, retired owner and president of Gray Mortuary in Pelzer, and widow of James Lee “Jim” Gray, Sr., passed away December 2, 2017.
Mrs. Gray was a native of Nashville, Tennessee and the daughter of the late Gordon Allen and Vera Gladys Everett Bellamy. A graduate of West End High School, she met her husband while he was earning a degree at Gupton-Jones School of Mortuary Science in Nashville. After his graduation and their marriage in 1952, she joined him in Pelzer where he worked for and eventually became President of the mortuary.
At age 48 and until retirement, Mrs. Gray assumed full ownership of Gray Mortuary and provided impeccable leadership before turning the family business over to her sons. During her presidency, she oversaw two major building projects, a chapel and a visitation wing, and she earned the respect of hundreds of families in southern Greenville County, northern Anderson County, and elsewhere. For her children, grandchildren, employees, and others, she modeled the benefits of dignity, integrity, and hard work. She was the epitome of a true southern lady who consistently put her family and community above herself.
Mrs. Gray was a long-time member of Pelzer United Methodist Church and formerly served on the First Citizens Bank Advisory Board. For 2001-2002, she was named Citizen of the Year by the Pelzer Lions Club. Her greatest honor, however, was when families repeatedly placed their trust in her in their greatest times of need. She served her Lord, by serving others.
Survivors include children, James “Lee” Gray, Jr. of Pelzer, Lori Gray Simpson (Dan) of Easley, and Samuel “Lance” Gray (Shea) of Williamston; grandchildren, Brooks and Rosemary Gray, Allen Davenport, Anna Stowe (Robert), and Meridith Olivia Gray; great-grandchildren, Parker Davenport, Charlie Anna and Charlotte Stowe; sister-in-law, Lucille Bellamy of Lake Junaluska, NC; special friends, Debra Gray, Judy Young, both of Williamston, and Barbara Crawford of Franklin, TN.
She was predeceased by brothers, Everett Bellamy and Rev. James Stanley Bellamy.
The family is extremely grateful for the love and care provided by her caregivers Ruby Chillers, Ernestine Smith, Judy Moon, and Megan Marcengill. They made it possible for Mrs. Gray to complete her earthly life with the same dignity she exhibited in earlier years.
Visitation was Tuesday, December 5, from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Gray Mortuary. The funeral was Wednesday, December 6, at 2:00 p.m. in the mortuary chapel, with Rev. Lee Cole and Rev. Mark Spearman officiating. Burial followed at Woodlawn Memorial Park, Greenville.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
DORIS ‘NANNY’ GARIBALDI
July 6, 1937 – November 24, 2017
Doris Amelia Fowler Garibaldi, 80, of San Antonio, Texas, passed away Thursday, November 24, 2017, surrounded by her loving family.
Born in Piedmont, South Carolina, Doris was one of 14 children born to the late Fred Benjamin and Flora Mae Hooper Fowler.
She was a homemaker and loved to cook, read, sew and was a longtime member of Churchill Baptist Church.
Doris is survived by her husband of over sixty-one years, Raul Garibaldi; son and daughter-in-law, Tony and Sharon Garibaldi; daughter and son-in-law, Debbie and Jeff Davidson and son, Gary Garibaldi all from San Antonio; sisters, Dot Browning and Sandra Anderson of Piedmont, South Carolina; four brothers, Sammy Fowler of Pelzer, South Carolina; Keith Fowler, Troy Fowler and Fred Fowler, Jr. of Piedmont, South Carolina; grandchildren, Nicole White, Julie Mannella, Stephanie Rooks, Matthew Davidson, Brian Garibaldi, Garrett Davidson, Micheas Garibaldi and Dylan Garibaldi and seven great grandchildren.
Visitation was at Sunset Memorial Funeral Home; 1701 Austin Hwy, San Antonio, Texas on Wednesday, December 6, 2017 from 6-8 pm. Funeral services will follow on Thursday, December 7, 2017 at 9:00 am in the Sunset Funeral Home Chapel officiated by Pastor Neil Bennett. Burial will be at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Churchill Baptist Church; 12400 Vista View St; San Antonio, Texas 78231. Condolences may be offered at www.sunsetfuneralhomesa.com.
EDDIE GOWAN
Eddie Ray Gowan, 56, of Pelzer, husband of Cindy Teresa Pressley Gowan, died Friday, December 1, 2017 at his home.
Born in Spartanburg, he was a son of the late James Lee and Willie Laurel Beheler Gowan. He was currently employed with 84 Lumber, and a member of NewSpring Church.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by children, Mackensie Rogers of Spartanburg, Zachary Gowan of Spartanburg, Jacob Schultz of Ohio, Lauren Ready of Seneca, and Cory Taylor of Pelzer; sisters, Wanda Dyer of Woodruff and Barbara Turner of Greer; brothers, Roger Gowan of Lattimore, NC, James Gowan of Boiling Springs and Ted Beheler of Chesnee; and six grandchildren.
Funeral service was held Tuesday, December 5 in the chapel of Gray Mortuary, Pelzer.
Memorials may be made to NewSpring Church, Overflow Offering, P.O. Box 1407, Anderson, SC 29622.
CARL THURSTON
Carl Pelham Thurston, 90, of Pelzer, husband to the late Sula Ruth Dyal Thurston, died Wednesday, November 29, 2017.
Born in Greenville County, he was a son of the late Avery and Melinda Sellers Thurston. He was retired from Anderson County.
He is survived by daughter, Sarah “Sadie” Thurston Fagan of Williamston; sister, Nellie Kirk of Greenville; four grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
A graveside service was held Friday, December 1, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.
SARA PATTERSON
Sara Lollis Patterson, 90, of Williamston, widow of Mack Leland Patterson, died Friday, December 1, 2017.
Born in Pelzer, she was a daughter of the late John Grady and Lois Lollis. Retired from J.P. Stevens, she was a member of Williamston First Baptist Church.
She is survived by daughter, Barbara Solesbee of Williamston; brother, John Lollis, Jr. of Ware Place; and two grandchildren.
The Funeral service was held Monday, December 4 at Williamston First Baptist Church with burial at Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Memorials may be made to the Williamston First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 477, Williamston, SC 29697
JOE SHERER
Joseph Harvey Sherer, Sr., 81, of Starr, died Tuesday, November 28, 2017.
Born in Sharon, he was the son of the late William T. and Jean Phillips Sherer.
He served in the National Guard and retired from Anderson School District Three as an educator and administrator.
He was a member of Starr Baptist Church.
Surviving are his wife, Nancy Busby Sherer; daughter, Nan Campbell of Powdersville; son, Joseph H. “Chip” Sherer of Flat Rock, NC; five grandchildren; and brother, Robert E. Sherer of Troutman, NC.
Funeral services were held Saturday, December 2 at Sullivan-King Mortuary Chapel. Burial followed at Sharon A.R.P. Church Cemetery in Sharon.
Memorials may be made to Gideons International, West Camp, P.O. Box 4258, Anderson, SC 29622.
JO ANN WILLIAMS
Jo Ann Creamer Williams, 81, of Anderson, died Wednesday, November 29, 2017 at her home.
Born in Anderson, she was a daughter of the late James Albert Creamer and the late Katie Floyce Bruce Creamer.
She retired from Cushman Mill and was a member of Faith Baptist Church.
She is survived by her husband, Brother Paul Williams; sons, Randy Phillips of Honea Path, and Barry Phillips of Iva; daughters, Vickie Hobby of Belton, and Melanie Luker of Piedmont; brothers, Marshall and Lamar Creamer, both of Williamston; and sisters, Julia Moody of Easley, and Sherry Cook of Spartanburg; nine grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren.
Funeral service was held Saturday at Faith Baptist Church. Burial followed in Beaverdam Baptist Church Cemetery, Williamston.
DON SANDERS
Don Kenneth “Bomber” Sanders, 73, of Williamston, husband of Kay Hix Sanders, died Saturday, December 2, 2017.
Born in Anderson County, he was a son of the late David Clayborne and Hazel Daniel Sanders. He was formerly employed with Bank of America.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters, Shannon Nichols of Easley and Shane Alexander of Cornelius, NC; grandchild, Kayda Page of the home, and three other grandchildren; sisters, Mary Ann Wooten and Wanda Ashley.
A graveside service was held Tuesday, December 5, at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Anderson.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.
JACK JACKSON
Harold Douglas “Jack” Jackson, 76, of Williamston, husband of Sherlin McKee Jackson, died, Saturday, December 2, 2017.
Born in Spartanburg County, he was a son of the late James Richard and Glennea Jackson. He was the owner of S&J Sanitation and a member of Rehoboth Baptist Church.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by son, Richard Jackson of Simpsonville; brothers, James and Don Jackson; and five grandchildren.
Visitation will be held Thursday, December 7, from 11:00 a.m. – noon at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer. The service will follow at noon in the mortuary chapel with burial at Greenville Memorial Gardens.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.
VERSENA DEAN
The Unity Mortuary of Anderson announces that family and friends will gather at 1 p.m. Thursday, December 7, 2017 to celebrate the life of Versena Dean at W.I. Peek and F.W. Jackson Memorial Chapel-Anderson with interment to follow at Fairfield United Methodist Church, Piedmont. The family is at 1029 Firetower Road, Williamston.
TAYLOR QUINTON EVANS
Taylor Quinton Evans, 22, of Easley, died Friday, December 1, 2017.
Born in Greenville, Taylor graduated from Wren High School, Class of 2013. He attended The Citadel, a member of the Charlie Company. Currently he was a senior at Clemson University majoring in Pre Veterinary Science.
He worked for Study Hall and Clemson Beef Cattle Research Farm. He attended Rock Springs Baptist Church.
Taylor served our country in the Army National Guard. His selfless love for others was strong including the gift of organ donation to over 50 people.
Left to cherish Taylor’s memory are his parents, Stephanie and James Martin; his biological father, Geoff Evans; brother, Hunter Reid Evans; sisters, Kirby Revis, Kayla Martin and Brittney Gentry; maternal grandparents, Bill and Nancy Spearman and Dale and Carol Martin; aunts and uncles, Burriss and Miriam Nelson, Michael and Kristy Evans, Billy and Jennifer Perdue, Darryl Evans and Brenda Gaines; cousins, Christopher Brewington, Grant Holden, Garrett Holden, Caleb Nelson, Dennie Guidici, Leigh Nalley, Hannah Milford, Travis Evans, Nicole Davis and Patrick Evans; and his beloved soulmate, Emily Yarbrough.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, December 6, at 2:00pm at Rock Springs Baptist Church. Burial with military honors followed in Robinson Memorial Gardens.
The family received friends Tuesday evening at Robinson Funeral Home – Powdersville Road.
Memorials may be made in Taylor’s memory to Sharing Hope South Carolina by visiting www.sharinghopesc.org; or to LifeLink at www.lifelinkfoundation.org.
