Obituaries 6-3-2026

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Rick Aicholtz, Becky Sears, Mike Williamson, Marlene McCurry, David Lee Cantrell, Jr., Donna Bell

Donna Bell

Donna Faye Hooper Bell of Piedmont, 76, widow of John Thomas “Jackie” Bell, passed away Sunday, May 31, 2026.

Born in Pelzer, she was a daughter of the late James “Jaime” Hooper and Patricia “Patsy” Moore Lusk. She worked many years at Michelin US-1 and for many years as a hair stylist. She was a Baptist.

Survivors include daughters, Tracey Liberty-Lopez of Seneca, Tonya Liberty Barker of Piedmont, Lisa Lusk Jeanes and Robyn Lusk, both of Piedmont; grandchildren, Cain and Anna Grace Stoffel, Tasha Shaver, Justin, Austin, and Boedy Jeanes, Whitney Nilsson, Savannah Leopard, and Jensen Barker; and 11 great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Thursday, June 4, from 12:30 – 1:45 p.m. at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer with the funeral service following at 2:00 p.m. in the mortuary chapel. Burial will be at Shiloh Methodist Church Cemetery.

Condolences: www.graymortuary.com

David Lee Cantrell, Jr.

David Lee Cantrell, Jr., 56, of Williamston, husband of Karen Cantrell, passed away Thursday, May 28, 2026.

 Born in Greenville, he was the son of Shirley Chism Cantrell and the late David Cantrell Sr.

 Mr. Cantrell was an affectionate, dedicated and hardworking husband, father, and grandfather who always put others’ needs ahead of his own. He was born in the city of Greenville where he was known for his giving spirit, compassionate nature, and witty sense of humor. He was always faithful to the Lord and always willing to share.

 He leaves behind his mother, Shirley Cantrell; wife, Karen Cantrell; daughter, Jennifer Rector; sons, David Cantrell, III; Brandon Cantrell and Logan Cantrell; sister, Sheila Elliott; brothers, Berry Cantrell and Shane Cantrell; six grandsons, one granddaughter, and several nieces and nephews. His legacy will live on for generations to come.

 The family received friends June 2 at Gray Mortuary. The service was held in the mortuary chapel. Burial followed at Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hillcrest Baptist Church, 1300 Anderson Drive, Williamston, SC 29697.

 Condolences: www.graymortuary.com

Marlene McCurry

Pelzer – Marlene Young McCurry, 83, widow of Max E. McCurry, passed away Friday, May 29, 2026, at her home.

Born in Royston, GA, she was a daughter of the late Hubert and Romie Shed Royster. She retired from Garland’s Flowers and Gifts. She enjoyed cooking and shopping.

Survivors include son, Robert Young; daughter, Melinda Padgett (Richard); 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; and sister, Sue Burdett.

She was predeceased by son, Roger Young; daughters, Shirley Young and Sandra Manny; grandson, Joshua Young; brother, Clayton Royster; and sisters, Helen Davis, Nancy Roach, and Hazel Royster.

The family will receive friends Friday, June 5, 2026 at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer from 10:30 – 11:45 a.m. with the funeral service following at 12:00 p.m. in the mortuary chapel. Burial will be at Greenville Memorial Gardens.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Foothills, 390 Keowee School Road, Seneca, SC 29672.

Condolences: www.graymortuary.com

Mike Williamson

Michael “Mike” Truman Williamson of Belton, 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 and Martha Fullbright; brother, Don Williamson; and grandchildren, Mikayla Burdette, Hunter Rumsey, Gabriel Clardy, and Lucas Clardy.

Visitation was held Friday, May 29 at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer. The funeral service followed in the mortuary chapel. Burial was at Garden of Memories.

Condolences: www.graymortuary.com

 

Becky Sears

Janice Rebecca “Becky” Crompton Sears of Williamston, 77, widow of William Steve Sears, passed away at her home with her family by her side and into her Savior’s loving arms on Friday, May 29, 2026.

Born in Anderson, she was the ninth child of the late Johnny and Annie Tecora Revels Crompton. Becky was a member, choir director, and Sunday School teacher at Pelzer Wesleyan Church and most recently a member of Alive Wesleyan Church and Emerge Church.

Survivors include daughter, Nickie Sears-Schroeder; two grandsons. Becky was a wonderful friend and pillar of our community, as well as a loving Aunt and Great Aunt to many nieces and nephews who she thought of as her own, including Hope Hopkins Patterson and Kristi Crawford Morrow, who helped care for her.

The family received friends May 31 at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer.

The funeral service was held Monday, June 1, in the funeral home chapel with burial followed at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Anderson.

The family will be at her home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Emerge Church, 13701 SC-20, Belton, SC 29627.

Condolences: www.graymortuary.com

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.

Condolences: www.graymortuary.com