Steve Autrey, Christopher O’Donnell, Rachel Sloan Shupe, Judy McAbee, Woody Simmons, Jr.
Woody Simmons, Jr.
Williamston – Woodrow Calvin “Woody” Simmons, Jr., 78, husband of Kim Erwin Simmons, passed away Tuesday, September 23, 2025, surrounded by family and friends at his home. Woody was blessed to have many roles as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and friend.
Born in Greenville, September 4, 1947, he was the son of the late Woodrow Calvin Simmons, Sr. and Margaret Allen Simmons. He was a native of Williamston, and a graduate of Palmetto High School and Limestone University. An Eagle Scout and proud decorated U.S. Navy veteran, awarded for honorable service during the Vietnam War as an Aviation Electronics Technician Radar Petty Officer 2nd Class. Following his service, he enjoyed a distinguished career in the technology industry, retiring from the Greenville Hospital System. He was a devoted member of Calvary Baptist Church and a Mason, remembered for his wit, humor, faith, service, and integrity.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by son, Woodrow Calvin Simmons, III (Jena); daughter, Cindy Simmons Volker (Jack); grandchildren, Max and Joe Volker; sisters, Patricia Callaham, Esther Gerard, Nancy Simmons, and Ann Simmons; and brother-in-law, Philip Erwin (Raquel).
A graveside service will be held Sunday, September 28, 2:00 pm at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Anderson.
Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Calvary Christian Academy St., Williamston, SC 29697.
The family would like to thank caregivers from Interim HealthCare, Right at Home, the U.S. department of Veteran Affairs and all the neighbors and friends for their love, prayers and support.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Judy McAbee
Judy Ann Hammond McAbee of Fountain Inn, 82, wife of the late Thomas Joe McAbee, passed away Thursday, September 25, 2025.
Born in Spartanburg, she was the daughter of the late Eunice Mattie Hammond. She retired from Kemet and American Security, and was a member of Bethel Church of God of the Abrahamic Faith.
She is survived by son, Edward Randall “Randy” Finley of Pelzer; daughter, Pamela Gail Finley of Pelzer; step-daughter, Ronda Leonard of Fountain Inn; two grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Visitation was held September 29 at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer. The funeral service followed in the mortuary chapel. Burial will be at Greenville Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association Upstate SC Chapter, 123 West Antrim Dr., Greenville, SC 29607.
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Rachel Sloan Shupe
Rachel Sloan Shupe, 88, of Greenville, SC went to her eternal heavenly home, on Sunday, September 21, 2025. Rachel was born in Greer, SC to the late Matthew and Katie Eskew Sloan. Rachel and her late husband Charles lived the beginning years of their marriage in the Greater DC area, which they both loved. They moved to live and work in Williamston, SC in 1975, as they bought the local Western Auto Store. In her later years, Rachel enjoyed working at Knight Real Estate where she interacted with many folks in the area. Rachel was an avid sports fan and loved cheering on The Atlanta Braves and The Washington Redskins.
In addition to her parents, Rachel was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Charles M. Shupe, their infant son, Scott Allen Shupe and her sister, Emily Sloan Cox.
Left behind to cherish her memory are her beloved son Thomas E. Shupe and wife, Tammie, her grandchildren, Scott and Rachel Shupe Tousley whom she cherished, her four beloved great grandchildren, Olivia Lee, Sloan Thomas, Hannah Louise and Pierce Edward all of Bowling Green, Kentucky, as well as her nieces, Becky, Janet, Jenny and her nephew, Fred all of Indiana.
Rachel loved her church, Bethesda United Methodist Church in Powdersville, and was a faithful member until her health declined. Rachel enjoyed serving on various committees throughout the years.
Rachel and her son Tom spoke each evening, and Rachel never failed to say how much she missed her husband Charles, how proud she was of her son Tom and how happy she was he had chosen Tammie as his wife as she loved her like she was her very own daughter. She always asked about her grandchildren and was happy to hear all their news. Rachel made sure to tell us each day, how much she loved her family and how ready she was to go to Heaven to be with Jesus and to again see her loved ones already there. Rachel also looked forward to her daily phone calls with her best friend, Debra Roberts and her husband George. Rachel always voiced how much their friendship meant to her and to Charles.
Rachel’s graveside service will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery, Friday, October 10, 2025, at 3:00 pm. A Celebration of Life for Rachel will be held at Terra Bella Independent Living, where Rachel lived the past 6 years, on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at 3:00 pm.
Memorials may be made to Terra Bella Independent Living, 11 East Augusta Place, Greenville, South Carolina 29605
Attention: KELLY (Activities), In Memory of Rachel Shupe
The family would also like to thank Rachel’s friends, and the staff at Terra Bella Independent Living for their attention and care not only to Rachel, but also for their faithfulness in communicating with us and always being available to help whenever called upon.
Palmetto Cremation Service is assisting the family at this time.
Christopher O’Donnell
Christopher John O’Donnell of Ware Shoals, 74, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2025.
Born in Philadelphia, PA on October 19, 1950, he was the son to the late John Thomas and Thelma May Woodroffe O’Donnell. He was a veteran the U.S. Marine Corps.
Survivors include son, Matthew; and three granddaughters; his ex-wife Cathy; sisters, Judy, Linda, Jane, Sally, Betsy, and Francine; and brothers, Mick, Dennis and David.
A memorial service will be held Friday, October 3 at 1:00 p.m. at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery in Anderson.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Steve Autrey
Luther Steven “Steve” Autrey of Greenville, 79, husband of Sharon Rogers Autrey, passed away Wednesday, September 24, 2025.
Born in Pelzer, he was the only son of the late Luther Autrey and Lydia Phedonia Fennell Rainey.
He retired from Michelin North America. He was a member of the Army National Guard and Mt. Airy Baptist Church in Easley.
In addition to his wife he is survived by son, Scott Rogers Autrey of Powdersville; daughter, Shannon Autrey McNamara (Cliff) of Charlotte, NC; and one grandchild.
Visitation was held September 27 at Mt. Airy Baptist Church. The funeral service followed in the church.Burial was in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mt. Airy Baptist Church, 210 Mt. Airy Church Rd., Easley, SC 29642.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
