Preacher James “Jimmy” Michael Smith, Sr, Brian Fullbright, Steve Kelly, Mikel Godwin, Eddie Cox, Sandy Chandler, Erahlene Pearce, Ross Jones, Jr., Sarah “Tootsie” Smith
Sarah “Tootsie” Smith
Sarah Jeanette “Tootsie” Queen Smith of Pelzer, 69, wife of the late Aubrey Joe Smith, passed away Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Born in Laurens, she was a daughter of the late Frank D. and Sara Jean Clark Queen.
She is survived by sons, Frankie Smith and Oubery Smith, Jr.; sister, Janice Webber; three grandchildren, Zowie Smith, Courtney and two great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held on Friday, March 7, at 11 AM at the home of a granddaughter, Courtney Smith, 223 Looper Road, Pelzer, SC 29669.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Ross Jones, Jr.
Ross George Jones, Jr. of Piedmont, 87, husband of Shirley Ann Eller Jones, passed away March 3, 2025.
Born in Piedmont, he was the son of the late Ross George Jones, Sr. and Estelle Moore Jones. He served in the SC Army National Guard, retired from Fluor Daniel and was a member of Piedmont Heights Baptist Church where he served as a deacon.
In addition to his wife of 57 years, he is survived by daughter, Tina Charlene Lynn of Piedmont; sister, Pam Thomason of Travelers Rest.
Visitation will be Friday, March 7 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm in the church. Burial will be at Greenville Memorial Gardens.
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Erahlene Pearce
Erahlene Thomas Pearce of Pelzer, 89, wife of the late Hubert Earl Pearce, passed away Sunday, March 2, 2025.
Born in Hickory, NC, she was a daughter of the late Edgar William and Essie Woody Thomas. She was a member of Washington Baptist Church.
She is survived by daughters, Pamela P. King and Regina “Gina” P. Hensley, both of Pelzer; two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held Thursday, March 6, at 11:00 am at Greenville Memorial Gardens with visitation following the service.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Alzheimer’s Association, 123 W. Antrim Dr., Greenville, SC 29607.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Sandy Chandler
Sandra “Sandy” Kaye Chilton Chandler of Pelzer, 75, wife of Larry Raymond Chandler, passed away on Monday, February 25, 2025.
Born in Eden, NC, she was the daughter of the late Calvin Anderson Chilton and Elizabeth Anyon Robertson Hodges. She retired from Michelin and was a member of Augusta Road United Methodist Church.
In addition to her husband of 53 years, she is survived by daughters, Marnie Snowdon, Missy Watson, and Ericka Calhoun; brother, Maurice Chilton; six grandchildren, and seven great-grandchildren.
Visitation was March 3 at Augusta Road United Methodist Church. The funeral service followed in the church. Burial was at Greenville Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Augusta Road United Methodist Church online at www.augustardumc.org or Dementia Society of America online at www.dementiasociety.org/donate.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Eddie Cox
Cecil Edward “Eddie” Cox of Pelzer, 77, husband of Edna Gayle Lollis Cox, passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at his home.
Born in Pelzer, he was a son of the late Cecil Millard and Mary Lou Scruggs Cox. He retired from Guy M. Beaty Co. in Travelers Rest and was a member of Pelzer First Baptist Church. He was also a veteran of the United States Navy.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughters, Lisa Davis of Belton and Lynn Cox Fortner of Easley; sisters, Sandra Cox of Easley and Kay F. Connelly of Williamston; brother, Allen Cox of Simpsonville; six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, March 5, from 11:45 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer with a graveside service following at 2:00 p.m. at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery, Anderson.
Memorials may be made to Bon Secours Hospice by Compassus, 1835 West Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680.
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Mikel Godwin
Piedmont – It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Mikel “Mike” Albert Godwin, 71, a beloved husband, father, and grandfather on Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
Born in Wichita Falls, TX, he was a son of the late Albert Louie and Sybil Weathers Godwin. After his career in the Air Force, Mike was inspired by aviation and worked for 30 years at Lockheed Martin where he held various roles within the aviation industry. His dedication and skill in working with airplanes earned him the respect and admiration of his colleagues and peers.
Beyond his work in aviation, Mike was an avid car enthusiast. He spent countless hours restoring classic cars, appreciating the craftsmanship of the past and preserving the beauty of vintage automobiles. His garage was his sanctuary, and he poured love and dedication into every project he undertook. A devoted member of the Masonic Fraternity, Mike held his fellowship in high regard, living by the values of friendship, charity, and truth. He was also a proud Hejaz Shriner, contributing to the well-being of his community and supporting charitable causes throughout his life. He was a member of New Hope Baptist Church.
Mike was a man of strong character and his legacy will live on through his family, friends, and everyone he touched with his kindness and dedication. Those who knew him will carry his memory in their hearts forever.
He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Robbin Mahaffey Godwin. Together, they created a family filled with love and laughter. He was the proud father of his daughter, Kelley Thompson (Brad) and son, Michael Godwin (Beth). His grandchildren, Alee Godwin, Riley Thompson, and John Parker Godwin brought him immeasurable joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them.
The family received friends 2:00 – 3:00 p.m on Sunday, March 2nd, at New Hope Baptist Church with a Celebration of Life service following at 3:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to New Hope Baptist Church, 108 New Hope Road, Pelzer, SC 29669.
Mike will be deeply missed, but never forgotten. May he rest in peace.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Steve Kelly
Billy Stephen “Steve” Kelly of Williamston, 75, husband of Beverly Anne Sullivan Kelly, passed away Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at his home.
Born in Pelzer, he was a son of the late Ralph Donald and Eunice Rebecca Gillespie Kelly. He retired from Bi-Lo and was a member of Trinity Baptist Church.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by daughter, Amanda Rector; two grandchildren and one great-grandchild; brother, Jack Kelly; and step-mother, Bonnie Kelly.
The family received friends February 28 at Trinity Baptist Church and a memorial service followed.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Baptist Church, 324 Belton Dr., Williamston, SC 29697.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Brian Fullbright
Joseph Brian Fullbright of Williamston, 46, husband of Brandi Cox Fullbright, passed away Wednesday, February 26, 2025.
Born in Anderson, he was a son of George “Buck” and Vickie Joy Howard Fullbright. He was employed with Conlan Company and a member of Williamston Pentecostal Church.
In addition to his wife, Brandi, he is survived by sons, Ethan Fullbright, Cody Alberson and Jacob Alberson; brother, Blake Fullbrigh.
Visitation was March 3 at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer with a memorial service following in the mortuary chapel.
Preacher James “Jimmy” Michael Smith, Sr
Williamston – Preacher James “Jimmy” Michael Smith, Sr., 72, husband of Kathy Bannister Smith, went to his Heavenly home Saturday, March 1, 2025.
Born in Anderson, he was a son of Carolyn Rhodes Carroll of Anderson and the late Clarence Guyton and Helen Welborn Smith. Preacher Jimmy had a unique story of fulfilling God’s call on his life into full-time ministry. He graduated from Anderson College with a focus on ministry and served various local churches while providing pulpit supply. He served as a Youth Pastor at Middleton Road Baptist Church. His first pastorate was Eastview Baptist Church in Pelzer. He also was the Senior Pastor of Dorchester Baptist Church, and Southside Baptist Church. He served as an Interim Pastor at Eastview Baptist Church, Southside Baptist Church, Cedar Grove Baptist Church, and Austin Road Baptist Church. He was a member of Whitefield Baptist Church and also provided pastoral care there. Through Preacher Jimmy’s ministry, God blessed him with a servant’s heart to be a listening ear for anyone he encountered. Preacher Jimmy gives all the glory to God.
He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Kathy Smith; sons, Jammie Smith (Mary Margaret) and Jeremy Smith (Amy); daughter Joy Smith; sisters, Janet Bartodej (Pete), Karen Hogg, and Lesa Holden (Wayne); grandchildren Bailey Smith (MacKenzie), Bryson Smith (Macey), Makina Smith (Hunter), Raelynn Smith, and Austyn Smith; and great-granddaughter Tinley Smith.
He was preceded in death by his brothers Steve Smith and Tony Carroll.
A visitation was held Tuesday, March 04, 2025 from 6:00 PM until 8:00 PM at Whitefield Baptist Church.
The Funeral Service will be Wednesday, March 05, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the church. Burial will be in Whitefield Baptist Church Cemetery.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
