Ann Hudson, John Irby, Ethelene Tollison, Calvin William Whiteside, Doris Rogers,Preacher James “Jimmy” Michael Smith, Sr., Larry Earle Ford
Larry Earle Ford
October 27, 1966 — February 28, 2025
Anderson, SC
Larry Earle Ford, 58, of Belton, SC, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 28, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.
Larry was the cherished son of Earle and Linda Ford of Pelzer, and the late Jean Burgess. He is survived by his son, Trey Ford, daughter-in-law Stacie, and granddaughter Josie, of Rock Hill; brother T.J. Ford, sister-in-law Sheila, of Williamston; life partner, Donna Stroud, of Belton; stepchildren, Matthew Alewine, Megan Singleton and Brett Hodges (Zach); nieces, Kinley Richey (Clarke), Gabrielle Ford, Kelsey Chapman (Caleb), India Ellison and nephew, Jacob Ellison (Taylor), all of whom he adored.
He was a 1984 graduate of Palmetto High School and a member of Pelzer First Baptist Church. Larry was most recently employed at Goodwill in Williamston, where he was not only an employee but a friend to many. He will be remembered for his story telling, humor and his willingness to lend a helping hand.
A man of many interests, Larry was an avid collector of antiques and vinyl records, a passion that allowed him to connect with fellow enthusiasts and create lasting friendships. His love for sports was evident in his unwavering support for the Clemson Tigers and the Atlanta Braves. Larry had a deep love for animals, and his loyal dog, Samson, who was a constant companion and source of joy in his life.
Larry’s ability to create and cherish memories with his family and friends defined him. He was the life of the party, always ready with a joke or a funny story that could lighten any mood. His selfless nature meant he often put the needs of others before his own, and his spirited personality was a beacon of light in the lives of those he touched.
His legacy is one of love, laughter, and selflessness. He will be remembered as a man who lived life to the fullest, who loved deeply, and who brought joy to everyone around him. His absence will be profoundly felt, but the memories he created will continue to bring smiles to the faces of those who were fortunate enough to know him.
All families are now gathered in their respective homes, as they honor the life of Larry Earle Ford.
A Celebration of Life will be March 15 at Beaverdam Baptist Church in the fellowship building to share memories, stories and love.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Larry Earle Ford, please visit our flower store at Westville Funerals.
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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 was Wednesday, March 05, 2025 at 2:00 PM at the church. Burial was in Whitefield Baptist Church Cemetery.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Doris Rogers
Doris Sloan Rogers of Pelzer, 88, wife of the late Billy “Bill” Rogers, died Friday, March 7, 2025.
Born in Anderson, she was a daughter of the late Rev. Guy Herman and Gladys Stephens Sloan. She was an Executive Secretary with Bigelow Sanford and a Baptist.
Survivors include sons, Derek Rogers and David Rogers; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; sisters, Bobbie Thrasher, Ruby Greene, and Judy Kelley; and brothers, Rev. Joel Sloan and Rev. Thomas Sloan.
A visitation was held March 11, at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer with the funeral service following in the mortuary chapel. Burial was in Greenville Memorial Gardens.
www.graymortuary.com
Calvin William Whiteside
Williamston- Calvin William Whiteside, 88, husband of Bonnie Whiteside, passed away Saturday, March 8, 2025.
Born in Greenville, SC, he was the son of the late Jonathan and Eva Horton Whiteside.
Calvin was a faithful member of Washington Baptist Church for over 40 years, serving as deacon, Sunday School teacher, and various other leadership roles. He started a ministry at Washington Baptist Church called “Jeremiah’s Wall” that built numerous ramps, porches and other structures free of charge for families. He was an industrial sales representative for the Poe Corporation for over 30 years. Calvin was also a farmer in southern Greenville County raising hay and horses. He enjoyed horseback riding, tractors, camping with Bonnie and doing for others. Calvin loved his Savior, family and all the friends he made over the years.
In addition to his spouse, he is survived by sons, Scott (Rosemary), Bryan (Stefanie) and Eric (Bridgett) Whiteside; grandchildren, Sarah, Will, Noah, Elizabeth, Justin, Brady, Alex, Heath and Drew; great-grandchildren, Jaxon and Lucas; and brother, Alvin (Joan) Whiteside.
He was preceded in death by brothers, Guy, JE, and James Whiteside; and sisters, Mary Chandler, Eunice Field and Ceda Huckaby.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, March 12, 2025 from 1:00 PM until 2:45 PM at Washington Baptist Church. The funeral service will follow at 3 pm. Burial will be in Washington Baptist Church Cemetery.
Ethelene Tollison
Ethelene Mae Kelley Tollison of Piedmont , 77, widow of Jackie “Jack” Ray Tollison, passed away Sunday, March 9, 2025.
Born in Greenville, she was a daughter of the late George and Ethel Hicks Kelley. She retired from Kemet.
Survivors include son, Bobby Tollison; daughter, Angela Tollison; two grandchildren.
The family will receive friends 12:45 – 1:45 p.m. Sunday, March 16, at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer with the funeral service following at 2:00 p.m. in the mortuary chapel. Burial will be at Greenville Memorial Gardens.
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
John Irby
Piedmont – John Manning “Jim” Irby, 88, husband of Sylvene Cox Irby, passed away Friday, February 28, 2025.
Born in West Pelzer, he was a son of the late Pierce Irby and Betty Hindman Holmes. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and started his career at Bethlehem Steel in Baltimore, MD. Jim decided to move back south and work for Lockheed Martin in Atlanta, GA. He retired from Robert E. Mason. He was a Clemson University graduate and a longtime supporter.
In addition to his wife of 68 years, he is survived by brother, Phil Stutts (Jennifer) and sister-in-law, Irene C. Dixon (James).
He was predeceased by brother, Pierce Irby.
Visitation will be Saturday, March 15, from 10:00 am to 10:45 am at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer. A memorial service will follow at 11:00 am in the mortuary chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels-Anderson, P.O. Box 285, Anderson, SC 29622.
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Ann Hudson
Ann Wilson Hudson of Piedmont, 75, wife of John Perry Hudson, passed away Friday, March 7, 2025 at her home.
Born in Greenville, she was a daughter of the late Rev. Marvin Eugene and Helen Bagwell Wilson. She was former owner of Ann’s Floral.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by daughters, Angela Lynn Browning of Williamston and Christie Annette Weeks of Piedmont; son, Brian Eugene Wilson of Piedmont; nine grandchildren andnumerous great-grandchildren; brother, Steve Wilson of Pickens County; and sister, Joan Chapman of Boiling Springs.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
