Vance Cooley, Jr., Jo Ann Garrard, Mike Williamson, Rick Aicholtz
Rick Aicholtz
Anderson – Richard “Rick” R. Aicholtz, 61, passed away Sunday, May 24, 2026. True to his character, he spent his final moments surrounded by the friends who meant the world to him.
Born on July 26, 1964, Rick was a generous, loving and easy going individual who enjoyed his family, friends, and beloved dogs. An avid automotive enthusiast, Rick spent many years working as a skilled auto body repair mechanic. He truly loved his craft, and though health and life changes limited his ability to work standard jobs over the last 18 years, Rick kept his hands busy and his spirit active at home, taking apart and putting things back together. He will be remembered most for his fiercely kind heart and his willingness to help those he cared about.
Rick joins in heaven his parents, James F. Aicholtz, Sr. and Elizabeth F. Doss; and his brother, James F. Aicholtz, Jr.
He is survived by step-father, David O. Doss; sister, Donna M. Garris (Dennis), step-brothers and sisters, David E. Doss (Sisa) of Stafford, VA, Deborah E. Bowers (David) of Stafford, VA, Ernest W. Doss (Michelle) of King George, VA, and Rachael L. Holt (Steve) of Fredericksburg, VA, as well as a loving extended family of aunts, uncles, nieces, and cousins.
The family will receive friends Thursday, June 4, from 4:00 – 5:00 p.m. at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer with the funeral service following at 5:00 p.m. in the mortuary chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Faith Presbyterian Church or the Faith Presbyterian Church Food Bank, P.O. Box 38, Williamston, SC 29697.
Mike Williamson
Belton – Michael “Mike” Truman Williamson, 71, passed away Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Born in Anderson, he was a son of the late Truman V. and Juanita I. Williamson. He was a graduate of Belton-Honea Path High School and owner of Williamson Builders, Inc. in Belton.
He is survived by daughters, Stephanie Taylor and Andrea Williamson; sisters, Dottie Lecroy (Charles) and Martha Fullbright; brother, Don Williamson (Janet); and grandchildren, Mikayla Burdette (Austin), Hunter Rumsey, Gabriel Clardy, and Lucas Clardy.
He was predeceased by brother, Randall “Buddy” Williamson; and sister, Jane Strickland.
Visitation will be held Friday, May 29, from 12:30 to 1:45 pm at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer. The funeral service will follow at 2:00 pm in the mortuary chapel. Burial will be at Garden of Memories.
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Jo Ann Garrard
West Pelzer – Jo Ann Rogers Garrard, 77, wife of Edmund Garrard, Jr., passed away Monday, May 25, 2026, at her home.
Born in Springfield, VA, she was the daughter of the late James Gardner and Mary Ellen Staffell Rogers.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by daughter, Angela Nathaniel (Richard); sons, James Schoeni and Kenneth Garrard (Lindsey); brother, James Rogers (Christiane); and grandchild, Ingrid Schoeni.
She was predeceased by brother, Dale Rogers.
A private service will be held at a later date.
Gray Mortuary, Pelzer
Condolences: www.graymortuary.com
Vance Cooley, Jr.
Williamston – Hilton Vance Gary Cooley, Jr., 95, passed away at his daughter’s home in Brunswick, Georgia on May 18, 2026.
Born in Williamston, he was the only child of the late Hilton Vance Gary Cooley, Sr. and Sidney Elizabeth Watts Cooley. He was a lifelong resident of Williamston and a 1949 graduate of Williamston High School. He served in the National Guard for nine years, retired from Deering Milliken after 40 years of service, and was a lifelong member of the Williamston First Baptist Church. He was active in the community, helping neighbors and delivering fresh produce from his garden. He served as President of the Williamston Lions Club and of the Palmetto Band Boosters Club. It was rare for the band bus to leave without the Cooleys chaperoning the trip. He loved camping, fishing, walking the beach, and especially sharing stories.
He is survived by his daughters, Frances Gahagan (Drew) of Brunswick, GA and Ann Cooley (John Toumaras) of Alpharetta, GA; three grandchildren, Rachel Keller (Patrick Griffore), Kevin Gahagan, and Katherine Toumaras; and five great-grandchildren, Brandon Keller, Logan Keller, Corey Griffore, KC Griffore, and Alexa Griffore.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved wife of 71 years, Elizabeth Pruitt Cooley and his dear grandson, Mark Gahagan.
The family received friends Friday, May 22, from 12:30 – 1:45 p.m. at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer with the funeral service followed at 2:00 p.m. in the mortuary chapel. Entombment followed at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Anderson.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Williamston First Baptist Church, P.O. Box 477, Williamston, SC 29697 or to Anderson County PAWS, 1320 Hwy. 29 South, Anderson, SC 29626.
Condolences:
www.graymortuary.com
