Patricia “Pat” Ann McClain, Gene Walker, Gail Rector, Gene Walker
Gene Walker
Willie Eugene “Gene” Walker of Belton, 90, husband of the late Brenda Kay Pearson Walker, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
Born in Greenville, he was the son of the late Willie and Nancy Raines Walker. He was a U.S. Navy veteran where he was a gunner’s mate in the Korean Conflict. Gene retired from the Greenville News-Piedmont after more than 40 years. He was twice Past Master at Ornan Masonic Lodge #69, a life-time member of South Greenville Masonic Lodge #425, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a Hejaz Shriner who volunteered at the Shriner’s Hospital. He was also an avid golfer.
He is survived by daughter, Darlene Gary; sons, Barry Walker and Matthew Walker; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 13, at 3:00 pm at the Garden of Memories with military honors and Masonic Rites.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Gail Rector
Barbara Gail Gillespie Rector of Belton, 75, wife of Billy “Bill” Joe Rector, passed away Thursday, March 5, 2026.
Born in Williamston, she was a daughter of Eunice Hiott Moore and the late W. E. Gillespie. She was formerly employed with Tony Creek Pallett and was a member of Whitefield Baptist Church.
In addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by brothers, Keith and Billy Gillespie; and numerous nieces and nephews along with their children.
The family received friends March 9 at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer with the funeral service following in the mortuary chapel. Burial was at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Anderson.
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Gene Walker
Willie Eugene “Gene” Walker of Belton, 90, husband of the late Brenda Kay Pearson Walker, passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
Born in Greenville, he was the son of the late Willie and Nancy Raines Walker. He was a U.S. Navy veteran where he was a gunner’s mate in the Korean Conflict. Gene retired from the Greenville News-Piedmont after more than 40 years. He was twice Past Master at Ornan Masonic Lodge #69, a life-time member of South Greenville Masonic Lodge #425, a 32nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason and a Hejaz Shriner who volunteered at the Shriner’s Hospital. He was also an avid golfer.
He is survived by daughter, Darlene Gary; sons, Barry Walker and Matthew Walker; 10 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 13, at 3:00 pm at the Garden of Memories with military honors and Masonic Rites.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Patricia “Pat” Ann McClain
Patricia “Pat” Ann McClain, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, peacefully passed away on March 6, 2026, in Piedmont, South Carolina, at the age of 83. Born on April 16, 1942, in Greenville, South Carolina, to the late Vanoy Gresham and Lizzie Mae Green Bowers.
Pat dedicated her working years to the textile industry, serving as a cloth inspector and sewing professional at Fiber Industries. Her keen eye for detail and strong work ethic was a testament to her character and devotion, traits that she instilled in her family.
A faithful servant of the Lord, Pat embodied the values of compassion and kindness, touching the lives of many while worshiping at Wren Baptist Church. Her legacy of love, grace, and service will forever be remembered and celebrated by her family and friends.
Her love for her family was profound, and She will be remembered for her warmth, kindness, and the countless moments of joy she brought to her family. Her spirit will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew her.
She will forever be cherished in the hearts of her three children, Kim Sherman and husband, William of Piedmont, Denise Barbrey and husband, Mike of Williamston, and Ronnie Steven McClain, and wife, Brandy of Spartanburg; four adoring grandchildren, Chris McClain, Kayla Sexton (Scott), Alan Tims (Morgan), and Dylan Barbrey; six great grandchildren, Sebastian, Kaden, Devin, Elly, Addie, and Avery.
In addition to her parents and loving husband of over 44 years, Ronnie, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Maria McClain; her siblings, William “Bill” Bowers, Betty Woodruff, Bobbie Campbell, and Jim Bowers.
A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at Thomas McAfee Funeral Homes, Downtown. The funeral service will be celebrated on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. in the Chapel of the funeral home. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Park.
Favorite memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.
