William Harold Johnson Sr - Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013

William Harold Johnson Sr., 83, of Cassatt, S.C., formerly of Lexington, N.C., died Wednesday, Dec. 25, 2013, at his home.

A funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Piedmont Funeral Home Chapel by Carl Nelson and Daniel Farris. Burial will follow in Forest Hill Memorial Park with military graveside rites.

Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the funeral home.

Mr. Johnson was born in Yadkin County on Aug. 8, 1930, to Earl C. Johnson and Lillie Macemore Johnson. A Master Mason, he retired as a technical sergeant from the U.S. Air Force after 20 years of service. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife Doris Elizabeth Johnson; sisters Marie Johnson Mabry and Louise Johnson Musgrave; and brother James Lewis Johnson.

Surviving are sons “Bobby” William H. Johnson Jr. and wife “Susie” Elizabeth A. Johnson of Sumter, S.C., and Glenn Johnson and friend Christina Strable of Dandridge, Tenn.; sister Eunice Johnson Fortner of Galax, Va.; grandchildren “B.J.” William H. Johnson III and wife Alicia Ann Johnson of Sumter, S.C., Rachael Johnson of Greenville, S.C., and Ashley Johnson and Glenn Johnson Jr., both of Camden, S.C.; and great-granddaughter Skyla Grace Johnson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Online condolence may be made at www.piedmontfuneralhome.com.

Brother William Harold Johnson Sr. was a 40-Year Life member of Hillcrest Lodge No. 397 A.F.M. in Dalzell, SC

Maxwell Duncan Dunson - Friday, December 27, 2013

Maxwell Duncan Dunson

Posted: Sunday, December 29, 2013 6:00 am

Maxwell Duncan Dunson, 82, husband of June Friday Dunson, died Friday, Dec. 27, 2013, at his home.

Born May 25, 1931, in Rapton, Ala., he was a son of the late Max Dunson and the late Barto McIntyre Dunson. He retired as a senior master sergeant from the U.S. Air Force after 28 years of service and was a Korean War veteran. He was awarded numerous awards and decorations during his service. He then retired from Lowes.

He was a member of Hillcrest Masonic Lodge and Crosswell Baptist Church, where he was a member of the Unity Sunday School Class.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years; five children, Donald Dunson of Charleston, Debbie Dunson McLeod (Stan), Denise Dunson Hatfield (Tim Cooley) and Daniel Dunson (Martha) all of Sumter, and David Dunson of Charleston; 13 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; a brother, Hugh Dunson of Wilsonville, Ala.; and numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two daughters, Dianna Dunson Carmack and Dawn Marie Dunson; a brother, Elton Dunson; a sister, Delaurice Goff; and a son-in-law, Del Carmack.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Crosswell Baptist Church with the Rev. Charles Owens and Nathan Timmons officiating. Burial with full military honors will be in the Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Bruce Fisher, Brian Fisher, Mark McLeod, Justin McLeod, Chris Weber, Stephen Weber, Jon Weber and Daniel Dunson.

Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Unity Sunday School Class of Crosswell Baptist Church.

The family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. today at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home.

The family asks that in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Crosswell Baptist Church, 604 Mathis St., Sumter, SC 29150, or to South Carolina Oncology Associates, 166 Stoneridge Drive, Columbia, SC 29210.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

Ray Laverne McCoy Jr. - Thursday, December 26, 2013

Ray Laverne McCoy Jr., 78, widower of Kathryn Davis McCoy, died Thursday, Dec. 26, 2013, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born in Charlotte, N.C,, he was a son of the late Ray Laverne Sr. and Allie Atkinson McCoy. He was the owner and operator of Ray’s Suzuki-Kawasaki until his retirement in 1998. He was an avid race fan. He was a race winner and multi-track champion at dirt tracks around the state. Mr. McCoy was a member of Sumter Masonic Lodge No. 364 and a member of the Elks Lodge. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War.

Survivors include two sons, Ray L. “Randy” McCoy III (Cornelia Corey) of Clemmons, N.C., and John S. “Johnny” McCoy (Lyn) of Sumter; three grandchildren, Andrea Hyden (Rayn) of San Antonio, Texas, and Christopher McCoy and Joshua McCoy, both of Sumter; and a sister, Lillie McCoy Hucks (Ed) of Garden City.

A graveside service will be held at noon today in the Sumter Cemetery with the Rev. Mark Bordeaux officiating.

Pallbearers will be members of the Sumter Enduro Riders Motorcycle Association (SERMA).

Honorary pallbearers will be members of Sumter Masonic Lodge No. 364.

Memorials may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research, Grand Central Station, P.O. Box 4777, New York, NY 10163-4777.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

Shelby Cheek Oliver - Tuesday, December 10, 2013

MANNING — Shelby Cheek Oliver, 65, wife of Roger Oliver, died Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2013, at Carolinas Hospital System in Florence.

Born in Sumter, she was a daughter of the late Roland and Isabelle Costner Cheek. She retired from Tuomey Healthcare System.

Survivors include her husband of 47 years; two children, Tammy Boykin (Harold) and Tony Oliver, both of Manning; four grandchildren, Alex Boykin, Taylor Boykin, Josh Boykin and Jackson Oliver; two sisters, Mary Jo Rich (Carroll) of Lexington and Patty Hodge (Hugh) of Sumter; one brother, Stanley Cheek (Sharon) of Sumter; and a number of nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Roger Cheek.

Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Friday at Concord Baptist Church in Sumter with the Rev. Gene Mosier officiating.

The family will receive friends from 3 to 4 p.m. Friday at Concord Baptist Church.

Memorials may be made to the American Arthritis Foundation, P.O. Box 96280, Washington, DC 20077.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

Raymond Jenkins " Chic" Mathis, Jr., age 93, died Monday, November 18, 2013

Raymond Jenkins " Chic" Mathis, Jr., age 93, beloved husband of sixty five years to Irene Chokes Mathis, died on Monday, November 18, 2013 at his residence.

Mr. Mathis was born on October 6, 1920 in Wedgefield, the son of the late Raymond Jenkins and Emma Lillian Burress Mathis. He proudly served his country in the Navy and retired from active duty on August 8, 1946. Mr. Mathis was an entrepreneur, owning and operating many businesses over the years, including: the Manhattan Restaurant with his wife, Gamecock Packaging Stores, Central Distributing, Chic-A-Dee Restaurants, and co-owner of Jersey Mikes Sub Shop. He was member of the Sumter Lodge #364 AFM for over sixty years and a member of the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church of Columbia.

In addition to his business ventures, Mr. Mathis was a member of various organizations, had many accomplishments, and received numerous awards over the years, some of which include: serving on the USS Aylwin (DD355), President of the South Carolina Beer Association from 1968- 1970; recipient of the SC Beer Association Hammer, Advocate, Benefactor and Friend of USC Sumter; President of the Rotary Club from 1979-1980; Veteran of Foreign Wars for Sumter County Post 3039 and Commander from 1965-1966; President of the Partisans Club from 1973-1977; Distinguished Service Award from USC in 1993; Lynden B. Johnson Inaugural Committee Participation; Stand-By for the Colors; The Order of the Palmetto; the Senate of the State- Appreciation of Dedicated Service Award; Past Chairman of the Democrat Party; House of Representatives Appreciation Dedicated Service Award; Town of Kingstree Resolution Appreciation; Sumter Area Tech Education Commission; Highway Commissioner of South Carolina; American Legion for over 60 years; Sumter County Council Appreciation; Sumter Area Tech Education Commission Dedicated Service for S.C.Y.D.; Member of the Board of Directors for the Sumter Merchants Association; Chairman of the South Carolina Highway Commission, Member of the Mid Carolina Commission for Higher Education; South Carolina Highways and Public Transportation Service Award; Sumter County Development Award and the Director of the South Carolina Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce.

Surviving in addition to his wife is: a son, Dr. Stephen Marcus Mathis of Canton, GA and a sister Carolyn M. Kizer of Summerville, SC.

A funeral service will be held on Thursday, November 21, 2013 at 1:00 pm in the Bullock Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Fr. Michael A. Platanis officiating. Entombment will follow in the Sumter Cemetery with Military Honors.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, November 20, 2013 from 6-8pm with the Trisaghion beginning at 7pm at Bullock Funeral Home, 1190 Wilson Hall Rd., Sumter, SC.

In lieu of flowers, memorial are asked to be made to the Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church, 1937 Sumter St., Columbia, SC 29201 or Tri –County Hospice, 2650 A Hardee Cove, Sumter, SC 29150.

You may sign the family’s guest book at www.bullockfuneralhome.com

The family has chosen Bullock Funeral Home of Sumter for the arrangements

Edwin “Eddie” Kelley Lathan Jr., 56, died Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013

Edwin “Eddie” Kelley Lathan Jr., 56, husband of Darleene Jordan Lathan, died Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013.

Born in Sumter, he was a son of Edwin Kelley Lathan of Sumter and the late Sally Stone Lathan. Eddie graduated from Wofford College and received his master’s in business development from the University of South Carolina. He was a real estate Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM). He was a member of First Presbyterian Church, where he was a former elder and active in the men’s Bible study. He was also a former elder of Sumter First Presbyterian Church. Eddie was associated with Colliers International in commercial real estate development and was president of Latco Development Co. He founded Entre Computer Center in Sumter. Eddie served on the boards of NBSC Bank, Greenville, and the Poinsett Club. He was a member of the Downtown Rotary Club and the St. Andrews Society.

Surviving in addition to his wife and father are a daughter, Kelley Lathan McWhirter and husband, Tully Adrian McWhirter, of London, England; son, Edwin Cobett Lathan of Greenville; and brother, Claude Fleetwood Lathan of Sumter.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday at Greenlawn Cemetery in Dillon.

The memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Friday at First Presbyterian Church, Greenville, with visitation following in the church parlor.

Memorials may be made to the Greenville Humane Society, 305 Airport Road, Greenville, SC 29607 or the Pastoral Visitation Ministry of First Presbyterian Church, 200 W. Washington St., Greenville, SC 29601.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.

Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown, is in charge of arrangements.

Lawrence Rivers Hodge, 55, died Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013

Sumter, SC - LINK
Lawrence Rivers Hodge, 55, died Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born in Sumter, he was a son of Miriam Baker Hodge and the late Perry Rowland Hodge Sr. He was employed by Boasso America Corp. and was a member of Sumter Elks Lodge.

Survivors include his mother of Sumter; fiancée, Kathy Nigro of Sumter; two brothers, Perry Hodge Jr. (Kay) of Johnson City, Tenn., and James Wallace Hodge of Summerton; a sister, Dianne H. Watford (Francis) of Gable; a special nephew, Perry Hodge III; and a number of other nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday in the Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home chapel with the Rev. George Smith officiating. Burial will be in Evergreen Memorial Park cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the home of his mother, 3185 N. Main St.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or to Eastside Baptist Church, 701 Boulevard Road, Sumter, SC 29153.

Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

Saturday, November 16, 2013 - Norwood DuBose Hatfield, 91

BISHOPVILLE, SC Link

Norwood DuBose Hatfield, 91, of Lee County, died Saturday, Nov. 16, 2013, at his home.

Born in Lee County, he was a son of the late Richard Wiley Hatfield and Bertha Marion Barnes. He was the husband of the late Elga Rhea Hatfield. He grew up in Lee County and attended the schools of Lee County. After graduation from Elliott High School, Mr. Hatfield served his country in the U.S. Army 83rd Infantry Division during World War ll in the European theater of operations. He proudly served his country from 1942 to 1945 and was awarded a Purple Heart and four Bronze Service Stars.

Upon returning to the United States, Mr. Hatfield resumed his family farm operations near Elliott and worked at Reeves Brothers in Bishopville for 45 years. He was a member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church and the American Legion Post No. 29. His life was devoted to serving his country, serving his family, and serving the athletic community in Lee County. He was the proud recipient of the Distinguished Cavalier Award in 2006 in honor of his dedication and devotion to Robert E. Lee Academy. He was deeply committed to his family, loved every sport, and had a wonderful sense of humor.

Mr. Hatfield is survived by his only child, a daughter, Tandra Hatfield Alderman of Sumter, to whom his life was devoted. He is also survived by his grandchildren whom he adored, Logan Lee Alderman and Emily DuBose Alderman. Mr. Hatfield is also survived by sisters, Lois Anderson of Columbia, Mary Lou Atkinson of Sumter and Louise Fanning of Florence; a brother-in-law, Ray Kelley of Bishopville; and many nieces and nephews.

He was predeceased by a sister, Vera Hatfield; and two brothers, Oris Hatfield and Hugh Hatfield.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday at Bethlehem United Methodist Church with the Rev. Larry Watson and Chaplain Mark Bredholt of Hospice Care of Tri-County officiating. Burial will be in Bethlehem Cemetery.

The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Wednesday at Hancock-Elmore-Hill Funeral Home and other times at the home of his daughter, 830 Andiron Drive, Sumter.

The family would like to express special thanks to Hospice Care of Tri-County along with Alisa Morris, Rita Hampton, Lucille March, Emma Lonan, Rena Caldwell, Ariel Johnson, Sheritta Dixon and Ernestine Hickmon.

Memorials may be made to Bethlehem United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 167, Bishopville, SC 291010 or to Robert E. Lee Academy, 630 Cousar St., Bishopville, SC 29150.

Hancock-Elmore-Hill Funeral Home of Bishopville is in charge of the arrangements.

Owen Wallace Adams

BISHOPVILLE, SC

Owen Wallace Adams, 84, husband of the late Florence Benfield Adams, died Wednesday, October 23, 2013, in McCoy Memorial Nursing Center. He was born July 18, 1929, in Appleton, MN, but grew up and lived the majority of his life in Iowa. He was a son of the late Gerald Adams and the late Ena Ackley Adams. Mr. Adams was member of Bethlehem United Methodist Church. He dearly loved his church and the Bishopville community. He was employed by John Deere for more than 60 years, and spent over 30 years at Payne and Kennedy in Bishopville. He was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean War. Survivors include three children, Jacki Rae Lawhon (Brent) of Woodville, FL, Patti Jo Baker (Charlie) of Charleston, and Glynn Atkinson (Ann) of Florence; brothers, Jerry Adams (Julie) of CA, Lee Adams (Eva Maria) of Missouri, and Larry Adams (Mary Lou) of Arizona; sisters, Ruth Newton (Don) and Judi Quinn (Jack) all of Arizona; and a special friend, Carol Carter of Bishopville. He was preceded in death by a brother, Max Adams; and two sisters, Shirley Sellon and Faith Flescheniem. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Bethlehem United Methodist Church with the Rev. Larry Watson officiating. Burial will be in Bethlehem United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends beginning at 10 a.m.. Saturday in the church fellowship hall. Memorials may be made to McCoy Memorial Nursing Center, 207 Chappell Drive, Bishopville, SC 29010 or to the Bethlehem United Methodist Church Choir, PO Box 167, Bishopville, SC 29010. Hancock-Elmore-Hill Funeral Home of Bishopville is in charge of the arragements. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestate/obituary.aspx?n=owen-wallace-adams&pid=167680834&fhid=8954#sthash.Qpk0SFIs.dpuf

Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestate/obituary.aspx?n=owen-wallace-adams&pid=167680834&fhid=8954#storylink=cpy

Louie Carlyle Hinson, 86

Louie Carlyle Hinson, 86, died Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2013, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born in Sumter, he was a son of the late William Albert and Erline Jeanette Watts Hinson. Mr. Hinson was twice married, first to the late Wanda Louise Dierich Hinson and later to the late Mary Jordan Hinson. Mr. Hinson was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II and Korea. He later retired from Campbell Soup Co. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church, the Sumter Masonic Lodge, the Scottish Rite Temple and the Democratic Party.


Surviving are a daughter, Carla Erline Hinson of Sumter; three sisters, Willene Josey of Georgia, Frances DeGarmo of New York and Inell Nicholson of Pennsylvania; three grandchildren, Jessica, Paul and Katie Hinson; two stepdaughters, Mary Ruth Krewson and Gloria Jane Thompson; and one stepson, E.J. Donaldson, all of Sumter.

He was preceded in death by a son, Louie Carlyle Hinson Jr., and three brothers.

Hearing the final rap Brother Hinson
begins his Heavenly travels

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Bethel Baptist Church with the Rev. Larry Fraser officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery with full military honors and Masonic Rites.

The family will receive friends from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at Bethel Baptist Church.

Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church Arise and Build Fund, 2401 Bethel Church Road, Sumter, SC 29154.

Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com.



Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.

JoAnn Chamblee McCaskill-Hill May 7, 1935 -October 13, 2013

Bishopville, SC

JoAnn Chamblee McCaskill-Hill died Sunday, Oct. 13, 2013, following a traumatic head injury.

Born May 7, 1935, in Anderson, she was a daughter of the late Bessie and Roger Chamblee. She was the widow of Alva Laverne McCaskill Jr. and was currently married to F. Leverne Hill.

JoAnn Chamblee McCaskill-Hill

JoAnn, or “JoJo” as most children called her, was a kindergarten teacher at Robert E. Lee Academy for 25 years. She was Mrs. South Carolina in 1960 and afterwards was a pageant chaperone and judge for many years. She served on many state and national boards, including Cassatt Water, Pee Dee Tourism, S.C. Master Homemakers, and the Friends of Pearl Fryar Foundation. She was a member of many clubs, too numerous to mention, but one of her favorites was the Tuesday Club in Sumter and she had just been installed as president. Very active in her faith, JoAnn was a member of both Alice Drive Baptist Church in Sumter and at St. Matthews United Methodist in Bishopville. She had many friends, young and old, all over the world who dearly loved her.

She is survived by her three children Lee McCaskill-Watson of Fort Pierce, Fla., A.L. McCaskill III (Karen) of Bishopville and Ann McCaskill McIlhenny (Tim) of Fort Walden Beach, Fla. She was also survived by six grandchildren she adored, Maj. Joshua T. Watson, MD, Micah McIlhenny, Alva L. McCaskill IV, Kristy McCaskill Hutson and Amber McCaskill, as well as five great-grandchildren. The Hill Family graciously welcomed her with open arms and Mr. Hill’s five children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren added much joy to the last few years of her life.

She was predeceased by an infant son, Roger Sheldon McCaskill.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Alice Drive Baptist Church in Sumter.

When her grandson returns from Afghanistan in January, an interment service for her ashes will be held at St. Matthews Church in Bishopville.

The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the home, 120 S. Heyward St., Bishopville.

Memorials may be made to the Chamblee-McCaskill Scholarship Fund of Clemson University, Barr Hall, Clemson, SC 29631, or to the charity of your choice.

Hancock-Elmore-Hill Funeral Home of Bishopville is in charge of the arrangements.

Lillian Ruth Wesberry Johnson

Lillian Ruth Wesberry Johnson

Mrs. Juarez Johnson, Sr, began celebrating with her birthday into eternal life on October 4, 2013.

A funeral service will be held in the Sanctuary of First Baptist Church in Jackson with burial following in Lakewood Memorial Park. Visitation will begin at 10:00 am at the church. 

Lillian was a native of South Carolina, having attended school in Columbia.

She was employed with the credit bureau of Jackson, prior to going in business with her husband. 

Being a member of First Baptist Church of Jackson, she taught fourth grade Sunday school for a number of years. 

She was a member of the W.D. Holder Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, including the Mississippi Division of Real Granddaughters. She also was a member of the James Foster Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Concerned Women of America, Sun Valley Auxiliary, National Women's Christian Union, and the American Association of Christian Counselors. 

She is the wife of Juarez Johnson, Sr. of Jackson and mother of Juarez Johnson, Jr. (Diane) of Morton; Bomar Edmonds (Billie) of Spartanburg, SC; and Jim Edmonds (Harvest) of Kilauea, HI.; grandchildren, McLeod Johnson and Caleb Johnson of Morton; Elise Cantrell (Mark) of Kohler, WI; Bo Edmonds (Ruth) of Charleston, SC; EAO Edmonds (Jennifer) of Kilauea, HI; Merlin Edmonds and Mason Edmonds both of Kilauea, HI; great grandchildren, Hannah Cantrell and Christian Cantrell of Kohler, WA; Mason Edmonds of Charleston, SC; and Isla Edmonds of Kilauea, HI. 

She is also survived by a brother-in-laws, Austin L. Johnson (Melinda) of Ohio and Gary C. Johnson (Linda) of Lexington, SC; sister-in-law, Virginia Johnson of Columbia, SC nephews, nieces and other relations including, George Folsom (Charlotte) of Macon, GA; James P. Wesberry, Jr. (Leah) of Quito, Ecuador; Bill Wesberry of Columbia, SC; Dr. Jesse Wesberry (Mary) of Memphis, TN; Dr. Patricia Wannamaker of Clemson, SC; and Pamela Wesberry of Eastville, VA. 

She is also survived by special friends, Steven Miller, Dr. Wilma Clopton, Genice Parsons, Mona McKeith and Judy Wilson. 

Along with her parents, William McLeod Wesberry and Lillian Iona Galloway Wesberry, she is preceded in death by her brothers, Dr. James P. Wesberry, Sr., Dr. Reginald E. Wesberry, Sr., and William M. Wesberry, Jr.; sister, Marguerite W. Hiers; and also by Reginald E. Wesberry, Jr., Dr. Barbara Van Der-Veur, Wesley M. Wesberry, and Dr. Fred Wesberry. 

She said she felt like "Robert E. Lee" when someone asked him for an interview to write a biography: "I know of nothing good I could tell you about myself." She will be remembered and loved by all who knew her.

Guest Book

Frederick Mitchell Hancock August 4, 2013

Bishopville, S.C.

Funeral services for Frederick Mitchell Hancock age 59, who passed away August 4, will be held Thursday at 5:00 at the Chapel Norton Funeral Home. 

Burial will be in the Spring Hill Cemetery. 

Visitation will be on hour prior to the service at the funeral home. 

Mitchell was born in Bishopville a son of Carolyn Hatfield Hancock and the late Frederick Moore Hancock. He loved to play his guitar. 

Surviving are his mother, Ashwood; one daughter, Shannon (Russell) Atkinson, Bishopville; one son, Chad (Elizabeth) Hancock, Irmo; one sister, Debra (Robert) Christmas, Ashwood; four grandchildren, Brantley Atkinson, Kayla Brown, Madison Atkinson and Madeline Hancock. 

Norton Funeral Home

Robert Craig 'Bob' Worrill December 4, 1948 - July 23, 2013

In Memory of

Robert Craig 'Bob' Worrill

December 4, 1948 - July 23, 2013

Robert Craig Worrill born on Dec. 4, 1948 passed away unexpectedly on July 23, 2013 at his home in a suburb of San Antonio, Texas. 

He is survived by his wife Jean of the home and her 2 sons Russell and his family from San Antonio and Matthew Williams and his wife in Clemson, SC, his sister Paula Finch, her husband Carl and his nephew Chad and niece Holly from Lutz, Fl. He is also survived by his daughter Melissa Barnes and his grandsons Justin Thomas of Indianapolis and Austin Phillips who lives in Maine, two granddaughters Emily and Kelly Barnes who reside in Georgia. He also leaves wonderful family members of his late wife Caroline's family in Greenwood, SC, several cousins and longtime friends from Greenwood. He also leaves behind his best friend Neel Lyons of Georgia. He was preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Pauline Oglesby Worrill, former wife Carolyn Tolbert Worrill and his son Robert Craig, Jr. 

Bob was in Warehouse operations management for most of his working career and left many friends from each of his positions most of which were in Greenwood, SC. 

Bob was quick to laugh and truly never met a stranger. His best quote when meeting someone new was, "it was nice to meet you, I know the pleasure was all yours". He enjoyed dining out and always had servers laughing and he would be remembered the next time he came in for sure. 

Bob was always in search of the best BBQ and never let a chance go by while in Texas to tell everyone that until they visited the Carolinas they didn't know what real BBQ was all about. 

Bob was a 1966 graduate of North Fulton High School and received his BS from Lander University in Greenwood, SC. 

Bob served his country proudly during his two tours of duty in the Vietnam War and never passed anyone in uniform that did not receive a handshake and the words, "Thank you for your service". He believed in our Constitution and upheld our rights and freedoms and continued that support at every opportunity. This wonderful man of laughter, adventure and love for all will truly be missed by many. 

It was Bob's final wish to be cremated and to be scattered among the Great Smokey Mountains where if you ever visit you may just hear one of his favorite song by Vince Gill, Go Rest High on That Mountain, playing in the background. 

The family will receive friends on Friday, August 2, 2013 from 6:00 until 7:00 P.M. at Harley Funeral Home in Greenwood, SC with a Memorial Service beginning at 7:00 P.M. In lieu of flowers, please make memorials to the Disabled American Veterans.

Elma H. Radcliff

Elma Holloman Radcliff, 91, widow of Leo “Red” Radcliff, died Saturday, July 27, 2013, at Tuomey Regional Medical Center.

Born in Bishopville, she was a daughter of the late Adam Holloman and the late Carrie Belle Conyers Holloman. She was a member of Northside Memorial Baptist Church and retired from Campbell Soup Company. She was also a member of the Order of the Easter Star, Iris Chapter 149.
Survivors include a grandson, Jimmy Faris (Moira) of Atlanta; a granddaughter, Susie Faris of Jacksonville, Fla.; two great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by a daughter, Debby Faris; two sisters; and five brothers.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Northside Memorial Baptist Church with the Rev. Jimmy Holley officiating. Burial will be in the Cedar Creek Baptist Church cemetery near Bishopville.

The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday at Northside Memorial Baptist Church.
Memorials may be made to Northside Memorial Baptist Church, 1004 North Main St., Sumter, SC 29153.
Elmore-Cannon-Stephens Funeral Home and Crematorium of Sumter is in charge of the arrangements.

Rosa Jones O'Kelley Smoak June 6, 1916 - June 29, 2013

Rosa Jones O'Kelley Smoak

CAMDEN, SC

Rosa Jones O'Kelley Smoak of Camden, SC passed away on June 29, 2013. She was born on June 6, 1916 in Kershaw, SC. 

She was the daughter of George N. and Gladys Cook Jones. 

Mrs. Smoak was educated in the public schools of Bishopville, SC. 

Mrs. Smoak was first married to George Hamlin O'Kelley, Sr. who died in 1955. They had two children, George H. O'Kelley, Jr. of Beaufort and Mary Wade O'Kelley Smith of Kings Mountain, NC. 

She was married to the late William Walker Smoak. They owned the Smoakhouse in Camden. 

Mrs. Smoak is survived by her son, George and his wife, Yancey, and her daughter, Mary Wade. 

She was predeceased by her son-in-law, Robert L. Smith, Jr. She is also survived by six grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. 

A memorial graveside service will be held on July 13 at 1:00pm at the Bethlehem United Methodist Cemetery in Bishopville, SC.

Kornegay Funeral Home, Camden Chapel, is assisting the family. 

On-line condolences may be sent to the Smoak family by visiting www.kornegayfuneral.com.

Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestate/obituary.aspx?n=rosa-smoak&pid=165629165&fhid=8963#storylink=cpy

George Tillman Swearingen

BISHOPVILLE, S.C. 

Mr. George Tillman Swearingen, age 80, died June 19, 2013 in Bishopville, SC.  He was born July 20, 1932, a native of Trenton, SC, son of the late Dorothy Swearingen Toney and George Tillman Swearingen.  He was also preceded in death by his sister, Bobbie Swearingen Smith.

George was a graduate of Trenton High School.  He then attended Clemson University graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Husbandry in 1955, and then received his Master of Public Health from The University of Oklahoma.   Clemson was a military institution at the time, and George served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the US Army, based in Germany, after graduating.

He worked with the South Carolina State Board of Health in Aiken, SC for several years and then moved to Charlotte, NC where he worked and retired from Duke Power Company as manager of environmental health.   George’s retirement years were spent in Bishopville, SC.  In Charlotte, George was an active member at Sharon Presbyterian Church, where he served in a number of capacities, including as an elder and on the committee to build a fellowship hall, resulting in plenty of Clemson orange in the new building.  Upon moving to Bishopville, George was a member of Bishopville Presbyterian Church.

If a man can be defined by his friends, George had a full life, with numerous friends from his childhood in Edgefield County, his time at Clemson, neighbors, and coworkers at Duke Power Company.  He was a gregarious man, a real character, who loved his family and friends, coaching baseball, the outdoors, building and woodworking, gardening, hunting and fishing, and all things Clemson.  His quick wit and unique sayings will be missed.

He is survived by his wife of fifty years, Roberta “Boochie” DuRant Swearingen; his children, Robin Swearingen Goodson (Michael) and George Tillman Swearingen III (Kerry); and his grandchildren, Morgan Flinn Goodson, Ian Cooper Goodson, George Tillman Swearingen IV and Dargan Shaw Swearingen.  He is also survived by his sister Harriet Toney Shirley; his brother-in-law Marion DuRant (Sue); and numerous nieces and nephews.

A service in celebration of the life of George Swearingen will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, June 22, 2013 at Bishopville Presbyterian Church in Bishopville, SC.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.   The family will receive friends at the church following interment.

The family greatly appreciates the love and care provided to George by the staff of Cottonwood Villas over the last several years, as well as the assistance of Hospice Care of South Carolina during the last two months of his life.

Arrangements are in the care of Hancock-Elmore-Hill Funeral Home of Bishopville.

Ottis Dewey 'Slim' Whitman Jr. died Wednesday, 19 June, 2013

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(CNN) -- Slim Whitman, the high-pitched yodeling county music singer whose productive career spanned decades, died Wednesday, his son-in-law told CNN. He was 90.

The singer-songwriter, born Ottis Dewey Whitman Jr., died of heart failure at Orange Park Medical Center in Florida, Roy Beagle said.

Whitman gained fame in Europe as well as the United States. "Love Song of the Waterfall," which a Country Music Television biography calls his "breakthrough" hit, was released in the early '50s.

His next single "Indian Love Call" brought him stardom, according to the bio.

"Whitman joined the Grand Ole Opry, and then went to Britain in 1956 as the first country singer to play the London Palladium. Throughout the late '50s and early '60s, he had a string of British hits, including 'Tumbling Tumbleweeds,' 'Unchain My Heart,' and 'I'll Take You Home Again Kathleen," the bio said.

He gained cult status after he filmed a TV commercial that touted a released of his top greatest hits, a compilation that was a great success.

"Between 1980 and 1984, Whitman had a small run of minor hits, highlighted by 1980's number 15 hit 'When.' In the late '80s, he returned to television-marketed albums, releasing Slim Whitman: Best Loved Favorites in 1989 and 20 Precious Memories in 1991. During the '90s, Whitman recorded infrequently but continued to tour successfully, particularly in Europe and Australia," CMT said.

His music was featured in the 1996 film "Mars Attacks!" In the film, the sound of Whitman's "Indian Love Call" made the heads of invading Martians explode.

Jane Elizabeth Chappell Mayes February 6, 1921 - June 12, 2013

Jane Elizabeth Chappell Mayes, 92, widow of William Rhodes Mayes, died on Wednesday, June 12, 2013, at her home, 19 Salem St., Mayesville.

Born on Feb. 6, 1921, at 218 Heyward St., in Bishopville, she was a daughter of the late Dr. Ralph B. and Mae Baskin Chappell. She was educated in the Bishopville public schools and attended Winthrop College and Coker College. She was a civilian employee at Camp Rucker, Ala., during World War II. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. She was a member of Mayesville Presbyterian Church for 67 years. She loved her family, her God, her church, and her friends.

She is survived by a son, William Rhodes Mayes Jr. (Teresa) of Charlotte, N.C.; two daughters, Jane Whitworth Mayes Cubbage (Tom) of Ballentine and Maria Chappell Mayes Watson of Greenville; two grandsons, Whitworth Mayes Cubbage (Nicole) of Columbia and William Benton Watson of Atlanta; two great-grandchildren, Arista Noel Couture and Layton Kemp Cave; also a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, great-great-nephews; great-great-great-nieces; and great-great-great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by a brother, Parker “Buddy” Baskin Chappell; and a sister, Louise “Weezie” Chappell Reames.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. today at Mayesville Black River Cemetery with the Rev. Brian Peake officiating.

A reception will follow the graveside service in Morrison Hall at Mayesville Presbyterian Church, ARP Synod.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mayesville Black River Cemetery Fund, P.O. Box 144, Mayesville, SC 29104.

Online condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com.

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad St., Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements, (803) 775-9386.

Emory Hayes Bedenbaugh - Friday, June 7, 2013

Bishopville, SC

Emory Hayes Bedenbaugh, 84, husband of the late Patricia Jane Balcomb Bedenbaugh, died Friday, June 07, 2013, at Generations of Chapin. 

Born in Newberry, SC, he was a son of the late Aldon Eugene Bedenbaugh and the late Ida Mae Hayes Bedenbaugh. 

He was a member Bethlehem United Methodist Church. He retired as the owner/operator of WAGS Radio and also retired from the Lee County Development Board. 

Survivors include five children, Mike Bedenbaugh (Mitzi) of Bishopville, Cathy Ballentine (Steve) of Mt. Pleasant, Tony Bedenbaugh (Laura) of Irmo, Tracey Bedenbaugh of Bishopville, and Todd Bedenbaugh (Beth) of Chapin; 12 grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. 

Services will be private. The family will receive friends at the home, 708 West Church St., Bishopville.

Memorials may be made to Bethlehem United Methodist Church, PO Box 167, Bishopville, SC 29010. 

Hancock-Elmore-Hill Funeral Home of Bishopville is in charge of the arrangements.

Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestate/obituary.aspx?n=emory-hayes-bedenbaugh&pid=165205013&fhid=8954#storylink=cpy

Helen Watts Kirkley July 11, 1921 - May 16, 2013

Florence, S. C. 

Mrs. Helen Watts Kirkley, 91, passed away peacefully at Elmcroft Assisted Living on May 16th, 2013, after a long illness. 

Mrs. Kirkley was born in Lee County on July 11th, 1921, and was the daughter of the late Birchmore and Callie Gardner Watts. 

After graduating from Winthrop College with a degree in education, she taught school in several locations in South Carolina and  after moving to Bennettsville in the late 1960's, she was appointed the Principal at Wallace Primary School, and  during several summers, she traveled to St. Coletta School in Jefferson, Wisc. where she taught disabled children.   After 30 years of dedication to education, Mrs. Kirkley retired in 1983 from the Chester County School District.  Not content with retirement she worked with Dr. She Ling Wong in Bennettsville and Rockingham, N. C., and in 1997 she began working at Fantasy Harbour in Myrtle Beach.

Mrs. Kirkley was a member of the Concord United Methodist Church in the Lucknow Community west of Bishopville and First United Methodist Church in Bennettsville.  She was a member of the Katie McCall Newton Circle, and a member of various Bridge and Garden Clubs in Bennettsville.  She was a very giving person, volunteering her time to the March of Dimes, American Red Cross, Florence Little Theatre, Give Kids the World, United Methodist Manor of the Pee Dee, 2003 Dixie Youth Baseball World Series, Senior Expo in Florence, Carolinas Hospital System, and was honored in 1991 for volunteering 800 plus hours at the Marlboro Park Hospital.

She was a wonderful person and educator who was always willing to give a helping hand and will be deeply missed by those who knew and loved her.  As she stated in a newspaper article about her 30 years of service, she said  "My theme song has always been, if I can help somebody as I travel on, then my living is not in vein."

Mrs. Kirkley's surviving family includes a brother, Dargan Watts, of Orlando, Fla., a sister, O’zella Williams, of Greenwood, a son, Jim Kirkley, of Gresham, SC, a granddaughter, Michelle Murphy, of Florence, SC, grandson-in-law, Michael Murphy, of Florence, four grandsons, Jeff, Chris, Jason and Jack Kirkley of Marion, three great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Jack B. Kirkley, her daughter, Jackie Carroll, two brothers, Curtis Watts and Blake Watts, and two sisters, Pansy Hatfield and Willie Bell Wright.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, June 1st, 2013 at Concord United Methodist Church, 3121 Old Camden Highway  in the Lucknow community, west of Bishopville.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Alzheimer’s Foundation of America, 322 Eighth Ave., 7^th floor, New York, N. Y. 10001 or Concord United Methodist Church, c/o Mrs Bobbie Arrants, 1083 Stokes Bridge Rd. West, Bishopville, S. C. 29010.

Frances Elizabeth Clarke Martin - Monday, April 8, 2013

Frances Elizabeth Clarke Martin, daughter of the deceased Harry Powell Clarke and Margaret Hammett Clarke, widow of Henry G. Martin Jr., grandmother to the deceased Gary Schraibman, and the last of seven Clarke sisters, was a resident of Brentwood, Tennessee, for the past few years, where she passed away April 8, 2013.  Known by most as Frankie, she was born in SC and lived there most of her life.

She is survived by her five children: Jane Smith of Columbia, SC, Hank (Linda) Martin of Nolensville, TN, Mary (Paul) Van Hoesen of Nashville, TN, Anne (Ronnie) Galloway of Sumter, SC, and Dale (Freddy) Richardson of Murfreesboro, TN, ten grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.

For over sixty years Frankie was an active member of First Presbyterian (Bishopville), First Presbyterian (Sumter), and St. James Lutheran Church (Sumter), respectively.  She served as choir member and soloist, as a Sunday school teacher, and in the Women’s Circle.  She served on the board of directors for Sumter Little Theatre and starred in many musical productions. Frankie was a member and soloist of the Sumter Civic Chorale, patron of the Sumter SPCA, dedicated volunteer for United Ministries of Sumter County, past president of Women’s Afternoon Music Club, past president of Ladies Golf Association at Sunset Country Club, and an active member of multiple bridge clubs and garden clubs in Bishopville and Sumter.  Accompanied by her husband, Henry, Frankie sang for hundreds of weddings, funerals, and community events in Sumter, Bishopville, and throughout the state of SC.  She loved and devoted her life to Jesus, her family and friends.  Frankie will be remembered for her Southern hospitality, her optimistic view of life, her poetry, quick wit and humorous musical parodies, and the life of love she lived.

A memorial service will be held at St. James Lutheran Church, 1137 Alice Drive, Sumter, SC, on Saturday, May 4, at 11 am.

Memorials may be made to United Ministries of Sumter County, PO Box 1017, Sumter, SC 29151, or to the Gary Schraibman Memorial Foundation, c/o Central Carolina Community Foundation, 2711 Middleburg Drive, Suite 213, Columbia SC 29204.

Following the memorial service, the family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall.
“Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:  ‘Many women have done excellently, but you surpass them all.’” (Proverbs 31:28, 29)

On-line condolences may be sent to www.sumterfunerals.com

Elmore Hill McCreight Funeral Home & Crematory, 221 Broad Street, Sumter, is in charge of the arrangements (803) 775-9386.

Donald Eric Arrants April 20, 2013

Bishopville, S.C.

Graveside services for Donald Eric Arrants, age 47, who passed away April 20, will be held Tuesday at 2:00 pm at the Tiller (Bethany) Cemetery directed by Norton Funeral Home. 

Rev. Hazel Mixon will officiate. Visitation will be Monday 5-7 pm at the Funeral Home. 

Eric was born in Darlington a son of the late Don & Shirley Lyles Arrants. 

Surviving are two sons, Mark Arrants, Hartsville and Matthew Arrants, Bishopville; two sisters, Wanda (Richard) Gainey, Bishopville and Donna Arrants, Hartsville; one grandchild, Bailey Arrants, Bishopville. www.nortonfh.net

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Theo Woodham Lang Saturday, April 13, 2013

BISHOPVILLE, SC 

Theo Woodham Lang, 99, of Bishopville, died Saturday, April 13, 2013, in McCoy Memorial Nursing Center. 

A graveside service will be held in Savannah Advent Christian Church Cemetery Wednesday, April 17 at 1:30, conducted by the Rev. T.W. Mitchell. Visitation will be 6:00-7:30 Tuesday evening at Norton Funeral Home, Bishopville Chapel. 

Theo was born in the Ashland section of Lee County, a daughter of John Edward and Laura Hall Woodham. The widow of James W. Lang, she was first married to the late Robert R. Woodham Jr. 

Surviving are her son, Robert T. Woodham of Bishopville; grandson, Jim McDonald of Destin, Fla.; granddaughter Sherry Swann (Robert) of Satsuma, Ala.; four great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren. 

Theo was predeceased by her daughter, Barbara W. Trauner; a granddaughter, Sandy McDonald; and five siblings: L.T. Woodham, Ruby Lucile Woodham, Travis Woodham, Sam Woodham and Ruth W. Lockett. 

The family thanks the staff at McCoy for the loving care given to Theo during her residence there. 

Memorials may be made to First Church of the Nazarene, 320 N. Dennis Ave., Bishopville, SC 29010 or to Lee County Memorial Library, 200 N. Main St., Bishopville, SC 29010. 

Norton Funeral Home of Bishopville is in charge of arrangements.

Read more here: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/thestate/obituary.aspx?n=theo-woodham-lang&pid=164271260&fhid=6362#storylink=cpy