Obituaries 7-19-2023

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Michael “Mike” Gene Keeler, Rev. Mickey Gambrell, Rudy Steve Mardis, Sr., Sylvia Alberson, Kevin Evatt, David Cox, Melinda M. DiGirolamo

Melinda M. DiGirolamo

Pelzer, SC – Melinda Mary DiGirolamo, 79, passed away peacefully on July 12, 2023, in Anderson, SC.

Born on October 21, 1943, in Newark, NJ to James Federico and Mary D’Agostino Federico. 

Melinda was known for her dedicated career as a Medical Technician at Countryside Village in Easley. After many years of service, she retired to spend more time with her family. Melinda adored her family and cherished the love they shared.

In addition to being a loving wife and mother, Melinda had a passion for art. She was a talented artist and painter, always showcasing her creativity with wonderful pieces that captured the beauty of the world around her.

Melinda’s warm presence will be deeply missed by everyone who knew her. Her kind spirit and genuine love for others made a lasting impact on those fortunate enough to cross paths with her. She had the remarkable ability to make everyone feel valued and appreciated.

Melinda was preceded in death by her father, James Federico; mother, Mary D’Agostino Federico; and brothers, James and Joseph Federico. She leaves behind cherished memories in the hearts of her surviving family members: Melinda is survived by her beloved husband, Anthony DiGirolamo, Sr. and their three children: Anthony DiGirolamo, Jr. and his wife Julie of Pelzer, James DiGirolamo and his wife Kelly of Greenville, and Patricia Ann Cannon and her husband Chris of Williamston; grandchildren, Dylan DiGirolamo (and wife Brittany), Corey DiGirolamo (and wife Emily), Christopher Cannon (and wife Olivia “Liv”), Will Cannon; Alexis DiGirolamo; Hannah DiGirolamo; as well as a great-granddaughter Corinna DiGirolamo with another great-grandchild on the way.

During this time of mourning, let us remember Melinda Mary DiGirolamo for her unwavering love and devotion to her family, her incredible talent as an artist, and the kindness she showed to all. She will forever be missed but never forgotten. May her soul rest in eternal peace.

As a request of Melinda, no services will be held.

Visit RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory-Downtown, Easley.

David Cox

David Gregory Cox of Clinton, 68, passed away Saturday, July 15, 2023.

Born in Anderson County, he was a son of the late James Merideith Cox, Sr. and Helen Inez Campbell Cox.

He is survived by his brother, James M. Cox, Jr. and wife Kay Smith Cox of Belton; and niece, Maxi Cox Henry and husband, William of Taylors.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 21, from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. at Gray Mortuary. The service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the mortuary chapel, with burial at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Gray Mortuary, Pelzer

Condolences: www.graymortuary.com

Kevin Evatt

Williamston – Kevin Patrick Evatt, 50, husband of Lisa Brooks Evatt to whom he would have been married 25 years on October 3, passed away suddenly on Monday, July 10, 2023. 

Born on May 18, 1973, he was a son of Judy Sprinkle Evatt and the late Marvin Eli Evatt. He was currently employed with Palmetto Precision Engineering.

Before retiring from law enforcement, Kevin was a Williamston Police Department School Resource Officer at Palmetto Elementary School serving as a supervisor and Sergeant. He also worked as a K-9 handler through the Anderson County Sherriff’s Office with his partner, Duke from 2010-2017. He was a Captain with the Williamston Police Department from 2002-2009.

Kevin served his country in the United States Army National Guard for 12 years and was also a police advisor with DynCorp International collaborating with military forces.

In addition to his wife and mother, he is survived by three daughters, Alydia, Kaylee and Loren Evatt; and a brother, Michael Evatt.

The family received friends 12:30 – 2:00 p.m. Friday, July 14, at Whitefield Baptist Church with the funeral service following at 2:00 p.m. at the church. Burial was at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Anderson.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be made to the college fund designated for Kaylee and Loren Evatt at Upstate Federal Credit Union, 4 Roberts Blvd., Williamston, SC 29697.

   The family will be at the home.

   Gray Mortuary, Pelzer

   Condolences: www.graymortuary.com

Sylvia Alberson

Sylvia Ann Bratcher Page Alberson of Williamston, 85, wife of the late Charlie Alberson, Jr., passed away Thursday, July 13, 2023.

She was twice married, first to the late Wesley C. Page.

Born in Honea Path, she was a daughter of the late Ellis Clyde “E.C.” and Macy Campbell Bratcher. She retired as cafeteria manager from Anderson School District One and was a member of Alive Wesleyan Church, Pelzer. She served her community in many areas and was known as Mrs. Claus for more than twenty years.

She is survived by children, Julia Page of Charlotte, NC, Jeritha Landreth of Easley, Juanita Jolley)of Liberty, Kenneth Page of Pelzer, Rick Page of Williamston, and Tammie Dargan of Anderson; eight grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren; and twelve great-great-grandchildren.

The service was held July 17, in the Gray Mortuary Chapel. Burial followed at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

Memorials may be made to Alive Wesleyan Church, P.O. Box 9, Pelzer, SC 29669.

Condolences: www.graymortuary.com

Rudy Steve Mardis, Sr.

Rudy Steve Mardis, Sr., 78, of Pelzer, passed away Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

   Born in Pelzer, he was a son of the late James Thomas Mardis and Marion Leigh Taylor Mardis Davis.  He was employed with J.T Logistics.

   Survivors include sons, Steven Michael Mardis of Pelzer, David Mardis of Williamston, Rudy Steve Mardis, Jr. of Piedmont, and James Christopher Mardis of Travelers Rest; daughters, Tracey Leah Stancil of Spartanburg and Kelly Marie Patterson of Honea Path; sister, Peggy Thompson of Pelzer; brother, Bobby Mardis of Gaffney; sister-in-law, Sandy Mardis of Williamston; 12 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

The family received friends July 15, at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer with a memorial service following in the mortuary chapel.

Condolences: www.graymortuary.com

Rev. Mickey Gambrell 

Rev. Mickey Gambrell, 81, a devoted servant of God, has passed away on Friday, July 14, 2023, at the Prisma Health Greenville Memorial. He was born on May 2, 1942, Rev. Mickey’s life was filled with unwavering faith, love for his family, and dedication to spreading the word of God.

Having earned a bachelor’s degree from Furman University, Rev. Mickey was called to preach the word of God. His career was defined by his commitment to sharing the teachings of love, compassion, and kindness with his congregation and community. His devotion to his faith shone brightly in every aspect of his life. Though he was a man of many accomplishments, Rev. Mickey’s proudest achievement was undoubtedly his faithfulness to God. He dedicated his days to nurturing the spiritual growth of others and guiding them towards a deeper connection with their creator.

Outside of his religious duties, Rev. Mickey cherished moments spent with his beloved family. As a loving husband of 61 years to Sandra Gambrell, he exemplified devotion and selflessness in their marriage. Together they built a foundation based on faith and unconditional love that touched the lives of those around them.

Rev. Mickey’s nurturing spirit extended beyond his marriage as he and his wife raised three wonderful children – Mike Gambrell (Kim), Kelly Strutton (Todd), and Angie Vickery – instilling in them the same values he held dear. He understood the importance of family and prioritized spending quality time together. He was also blessed with 8 grandchildren, Christopher Gambrell (Ashley), Brittany Gambrell, Jamie Strutton (Jessica), Taylor Strutton (Sarah), Sarah Sperry (Zachary), Hannah Vickery, and Grayson Vickery: also four great grandchildren, Eva Broome, Delcie Strutton, Deacon Strutton, and Zoey Gambrell; and one sister, Kay Sewell. He was preceded in death by his parents, George Ernest Gambrell and Etrulia Driskell; and a brother, James Gambrell.

Among Rev. Mickey’s interests was his passion for sports; he was an avid fan of both the LA Dodgers and Furman Paladins. Through victories or defeats on the field or court, he found joy in supporting his favorite teams.

As we mourn Rev. Mickey’s passing, we also celebrate the beautiful life he lived and the positive impact he made on countless lives. His caring heart knew no bounds, always placing the needs of others above his own. Whether offering a listening ear or providing comfort during difficult times, Rev. Mickey was a pillar of strength and compassion.

 Visitation for Rev. Mickey Gambrell took place on Monday, July 17, 2023, from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM in the Chapel of Rock Springs Baptist Church in Easley, South Carolina. The funeral service was held on Tuesday, July 18, 2023, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Rock Springs Baptist Church. Rev. Mickey leaves behind a legacy of faith, kindness, and love. While we mourn his loss, his teachings and memory will live on in our hearts forever. 

Visit www.RobinsonFuneralHomes.com or Robinson Funeral Home and Crematory – Powdersville Road.

Michael “Mike” Gene Keeler 

Michael “Mike” Gene Keeler departed this world on Thursday July 6th, 2023 after a long and well fought battle with cancer. Born in Pelzer on September 7th 1962, he was a life long Carolina Gamecocks football fan. Mike loved spending time with his family and friends. Those who knew Mike, knew that he was always cracking jokes and making those around him laugh. He was loved dearly and will be missed. 

Mike was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon Crawford Keeler, and father, Clifton Eugene “Gene” Keeler. He is survived by his mother Diane Smith of Anderson, sister René Crompton (Dewitt) of Belton, brother Brent Keeler (Amanda) of Williamston, and three children, Craig Keeler of Williamston, William “Bill” Keeler of Ware Shoals and Jennifer Keeler of Honea Path as well as six grandchildren. The family resides at their separate homes. 

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you consider making a donation to the Rainey Hospice House in his honor.