390 people to lose jobs when local plant closes

Blaze at mill displaces about 85 workers

March 30, 2005

By TASHA STEIMER
Index-Journal staff writer

HODGES – National Textiles will phase out operations at its Greenwood County facility by July – putting about 390 employees out of work.
The facility will cut back on production during the next three to four months with plans to finish the process by the end of June.
In a statement to employees Tuesday, Jerry Rowland, president and chief executive officer of National Textiles, said the decision was a result of diminished demand for fleece and jersey fabric products made in Greenwood.
“Since opening in 1989, Greenwood has been a very successful facility, and its closing in no way reflects on the employees there,” he said. “We will focus our attention over the next few months on helping our displaced employees make a career transition and identifying a buyer for the facility.”
Rowland also said all employees would receive separation pay and a benefits continuation package.
National Textiles will continue to have about 3,300 employees producing yarn and fabric in the Carolinas, Virginia, Tennessee and Georgia.
According to data from the South Carolina Employment Security Commission, Greenwood County had an unemployment rate of 10 percent in January with a labor force of 30,460 people and 3,050 people unemployed.
Using those figures, the layoffs could increase the unemployment rate by more than 1 percent over the coming months.
Len Bornemann, executive director of Greenwood Area Chamber of Commerce, said the decision will have an impact on the county.
“In the short term, this will obviously have a negative effect on an already tough economic situation,” he said. “It will not only affect the people who work for National Textiles, but it will also affect businesses that support it.”
Although manufacturing jobs have been decreasing over the years, Bornemann said the economy in general and employment in other industries are improving.
“The trend is hurting us, and I hope those employees will be able to find jobs,” he said. “It is important that we get other industries in our area to respond.”
Jeff Fowler, executive director of the Partnership for a Greater Greenwood County and Economic Alliance, said the announcement is just part of the trend in the manufacturing industry.
“We hate to see it especially with a company like National Textiles that has a history in Greenwood County from the 1980s,” he said. “Even though we’re still losing manufacturing jobs, we’re seeing that bottom out.”
Fowler said unemployment rates were nearly 11 percent last summer but the number has decreased in January to 10 percent.
“Right now, we’re speaking with five existing companies about adding jobs and that expansion would include hiring more than 100 positions,” he said. “We’re also in discussion with 20 new industries about coming to the area.”
Although this outlook doesn’t help those who could be displaced by National Textiles, Fowler said Greenwood County has a strong workforce and highly-trained professionals that make it attractive to industries looking to expand or move to the area.
Statewide, South Carolina’s unemployment rate rose slightly in January to 7.0 percent from 6.9 percent in December 2004, according to data from the S.C. Employment Security Commission. The national unemployment rate declined from a revised 5.4 percent in December 2004 to 5.2 percent in January.

Marshall G. Campbell

CROSS HILL, SC – Marshall George Campbell, 85. of 374 Driftwood Road died March 29 at Self Regional. A native of Gowensville, SC, he was the son of the late George Washington & Minnie Lee Belue Campbell and husband of Sybil Aileen Hutcherson Campbell.
He was retired from Firestone Steel Products and a retired farmer. He was a member and former Deacon at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Landrum, SC and served in the US Navy.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter, Angela Kennemore and husband, James of Waterloo; a son, Wayne Campbell of Crosshill, SC; three sisters, Ruthell Tucker of Inman, Marcel) Pirkel of Greer and Juliette Staggs of Gowensville; a brother-in-law, Ray Hutcherson of Crosshill; three grand-children. Quentin Pierce of Landrum. Lauren J. Kennemore and Courtney L. Kennemore of Waterloo; two step-grand-children, TrŽ Kennemore and Kristen Kennemore both of Greenwood.
He was predeceased by a son, James W. Campbell; five brothers, Paul, Alex, James, William and Homer Campbell; and two sisters, Kathleen Campbell and Helen Davis.
The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00pm Wednesday at Petty Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be held at 2:30pm Thursday at Petty Funeral Chapel conducted by Dr. Bob Miller, Rev. Thomas Leonard, Rev. Jamie Martin, Mr. Dean Campbell, and Mr. James Nix. Burial will be in Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Oak Grove Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, Landrum, SC or to Rosemont Baptist Church Youth Fund in Waterloo, SC.
The family is at the home of James and Ann Kennemore, Hwy. 221 South. Waterloo, SC.
Online condolences may be left at www.pettyfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY

Ethel Greer

WEST COLUMBIA – Bertha Ethel Greer, 63, of 309 Hadley Hall Road, West Columbia, died Sunday, March 27, 2005 at Palmetto Baptist Hospital in Columbia.
Born in Greenwood, she was a daughter of the late Archie Ray and Leta Padgett Steadman. She was employed by the Department of Social Services in Columbia, was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and was a Mother Advisor of the Rainbow Girls.
Surviving is a daughter, Sandy Greer of West Columbia; a son, James L. Greer, Jr. of Germany; her former spouse, James Leroy Greer of Camden; two brothers, Ray Odell Steadman of Jacksonville, FL and Roy Steadman of Ninety Six; and four grandchildren.
Services will be at 2 p.m. Saturday at the Harley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Stanley Sprouse officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be James Greer, James Covington, Eddie Covington, Dale Steadman, Brent Woods and Danny Harvley.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Friday from 7 to 9 p.m.
The family is at the home of her brother, Roy Steadman, 618 McKenzie Road, Ninety Six.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 1741, Greenwood, SC 29648; American Kidney Fund, 6110 Executive Blvd., Suite 1010, Rockville, MD 20852 or the American Diabetes Asso-ciation, 2711 Middleburg Dr., Suite 311, Columbia, SC 29204.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY

Doris Jean Harling

HODGES — Doris Jean Harling, 51, of 1208 Gary Road, died Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Greenwood, she was a daughter of Mary Leggett. She was a former employee of Park Seed and a member of Cokesbury Baptist Church, where she was a Missionary and an Usher Board member.
Survivors include her mother of Greenville; a daughter, Deborah Jean Gideon of Greer; four brothers, Roosevelt Leggett, Larry Jones, Willie Rena Priestely and Leon Leggett, all of Greenville; five sisters, Elaine Leggett, Mary Elizabeth Leggett, Willie Jean Leggett, Delorise Leggett and Lisa Ann Leggett, all of Greenville; and three grandchildren.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home, Greenwood.

James Lee

James Laylon Lee, 68, of 109 Poplar Drive, husband of Eva Lou Mashburn Lee, died Monday, March 28, 2005 in Due West.
Born in Stephens County, Ga., he was a son of the late Garnette E. and Susie Ollie Willis Lee. He was a Navy veteran of the Korean conflict and Vietnam War and a former partner at Keystone Shell Service Station and Lee Brother’s Lounge & Automotive. He was a member of Westside Baptist Church in Abbeville and The Greenwood Moose Lodge.
Survivors include his wife of Decatur, Ala.; a son, Randy Lee of Decatur; a daughter, Lybia Lee Covington of Decatur; two brothers, Clyde T. Lee and Rudolph F. Lee, both of Greenwood; a sister, Mattie “Pat” Alexander of Honea Path; four grandchildren; and a great-grandchild.
A memorial service is 3 p.m. today at Blyth Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Charles Caldwell.
Visitation is at the funeral home after the service.
The family is at the home of Clyde Lee, 205 Lanett St.
Blyth Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blythfuneralhome.com

Washington Leopard

NINETY SIX — Washington Leopard, 88, of 307 Norwood Ave. widower of Mary Alice Butler Leopard, died Tuesday, March 29, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Services will be announced by Blyth Funeral Home, Greenwood.

Randall S. Mauldin

SIX MILE — Randall Scott “Randy” Mauldin, 45, of 205 Fox Hunt Lane, husband of Sheliah Thomas Mauldin, died Saturday, March 26, 2005 at Anderson Area Medical Center.
A son of James Robert and Doris Tompkins Mauldin, he worked for Duke Power Co. for 25 years, where he was a purchasing agent. He graduated from Daniel High School and had attended Furman University. He served as a director of Little League Coach’s Pitch, was a quarter horse showman and was a member of Lawrence Chapel United Methodist Church.
Survivors include his wife; his parents of Six Mile; a son, Carson Mauldin of Six Mile; a grandmother, Freddie Mae Tompkins of Easley; a brother, Robert Mauldin of Liberty; and a sister, Angie Winchester of Six Mile.
Services are 11 a.m. today at Dillard Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Jimmy Harper. Burial is in Lawrence Chapel Church Cemetery.
Family members are at their respective homes.
Memorials may be made to Six Mile Recreation Department in honor of Randy Mauldin Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 496, Six Mile, SC 29682.
Dillard Funeral Home, Pickens, is in charge.

Eddie McNeil Jr.

SALUDA — Services for Eddie McNeil Jr., of 402 Willow Loop, are changed to 5 p.m. today at The Progressive Church of Our Lord Jesus Christ, conducted by Elder Wilbert Young, assisted by Elder Henry Watson. Burial is in the church cemetery, Denny Highway.
Butler & Sons Funeral Home is in charge.

Mary Lee Perrin

McCORMICK — Services for Mary Lee Middleton Perrin are 1 p.m. Thursday at St. Mary A.M.E. Church, conducted by the Revs. Isaac Booker III and Paul Saunder. The body will be placed in the church at noon. Burial is in Mount Zion A.M.E. Church Cemetery.
The family is at the home, Route 1, Archery Road.
Brown and Walker Funeral Home, Abbeville, is in charge.

Mary Starks

NEW YORK CITY — Mary Starks, of 153 Bethel Ave., died Monday, March 28, 2005.
Born in Greenwood County, S.C., she was a daughter of the late Robert Elliott and Kattie Starks. She was a member of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
Survivors include a daughter, Bessie Eason of New York; a sister, Mattie Cannon of New York; a grandchild; and two great-grandchildren.
Announcement courtesy of Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home, Greenwood.

Helen D. Towe

SIX MILE – Helen Duncan Towe, 77, wife of Reverend James Ray Towe, of 104 Love & Care Road, passed away, Monday March 28, 2005 at St. Francis Hospital.
Born in Pickens County, she was a daughter of the late Virgil B. Duncan and Etta Ross Duncan. She was a member of Gap Hill Church of God, served on the executive board of the Anderson, Oconee & Pickens Mental Health, was a charter member of the Six Mile Women’s Club and was a retired nursing home administrator.
Surviving in addition to her husband are daughters, Patricia T. Emerson of Seneca, Martha T. Newton of Clemson, Wanda T. Huggins of Anderson, Deborah T. Dukes of Branchville; son, James R. “Jimmy” Towe of Abbeville; sister, Margaret Gilstrap of Pickens; brothers, Wade Duncan of Six Mile, Johnny Duncan of Clemson, Ronnie Duncan of Six Mile; grandchildren, Reggie and Bradley Newton, Chris Newton, Rob and Sara Dukes; great-grandchildren, Jake and Casie Newton, Gabbie Lochbaum, Ansley Gerretzen, Channing, Chase, Erin and Katelyn Brewer.
She was predeceased by brothers and sisters, Richard Duncan, Harvery Duncan, Buddy Duncan and Sara Gantt.
Funeral Services will be held at 3:00 p.m. Thursday March 31, 2005 at Gap Hill Church of God with the Reverends Jerry Madden, Thomas Madden, Jonathan Hodges and Rowland Bearden officiating. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memorial Park and Gardens.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday March 30, 2005 at Dillard Funeral Home.
The family is at the residence.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family of Mrs. Towe.
PAID OBITUARY

Carrie Ada West

SALUDA — Carrie Ada Culbreath West, 81, of 719 W. Church St., died Monday, March 28, 2005 at her home.
Born in Saluda County, she was a daughter of the late Walter and Carrie Goudy Culbreath. She was a member of Pleasant Hill Baptist Church and the Women Home Aide Society.
Survivors include a son, James West of Windor, Conn.; two daughters, Lorraine West of Philadelphia and Christine West of Saluda; a stepdaughter, Ruby Lee Johnson of Batesburg; four brothers, W.C. Culbreath and Willie J. Culbreath, both of Ward, Walter Culbreath Jr. of Aiken and Arthur Culbreath of St. Augustine, Fla.; six sisters, Eva Mae Williams of Ward, Helen Jerry of Ridge Spring, Mattie Bell Ross of Aiken, Cora Lee Dozier of Winter Garden, Fla., Mary Seawell of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Annie R. Lee of Augusta, Ga.; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Services are 2 p.m. Friday at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Clarence Kenner, pastor. The body will be placed in the church at 1. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers are nephews, and flower bearers are nieces.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to The Hospice and Palliative Care Foundations, 900 S. Pine St., Spartanburg, SC 29302.
Butler & Sons Funeral Home is in charge.

Dana Maxine Willis

ABBEVILLE — Services for Dana Maxine Willis are 1 p.m. Friday at Long Cane A.M.E. Church, conducted by the Rev. Judy Richardson. Burial is in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens. The body will be placed in the church at noon.
The family is at the home of her parents at 106 Jones Lane.
Brown and Walker Funeral Home is in charge.

Ellen Worthington

BRADLEY — Ellen Smith Worthington, 71, of 907 Reedy Creek Road, widow of Bobby Worthington, died Monday, March 28, 2005 at her home.
Born in Plum Branch, she was a daughter of the late Lewis Walter and Lizzie Jane Weeks Smith. She retired from Monsanto after 25 years of service and was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include a daughter, Millie Dianne Johnson of Bradley; two sons, Billy Joe Worthington and Danny Floyd Worthington, both of Bradley; two sisters, Helen Jernigan of Greenwood and Lunette Gibson of Ware Shoals; four brothers, Walter Smith, Arthur Smith and Leroy Smith, all of Greenwood and Ralph Smith of Texas; 14 grandchildren; and 17 great-grandchildren.
Services are 11 a.m. Thursday at Oakbrook Memorial Park Chapel Mausoleum, conducted by the Rev. Randy Ouzts.
Visitation is 6-8 tonight at Harley Funeral Home.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646.
Harley Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harleyfuneralhome.com

Pro cycling challenge coming to Greenwood

March 30, 2005

By RON COX
Index-Journal sports writer

Professional cycling will again make a pit stop in Greenwood.
Residents of the Emerald city will be able to see top flight bicycle racers compete in the third annual Uptown Greenwood Pro Cycling Challenge criterium April 28.
The race, which will have a field of more than 100 pro and amateur cyclists, is scheduled to start at 6:40 p.m. at the intersection of Main and Court streets.
“It’s real exciting to have the race back here in Greenwood,” said Jim Cox, former president of the Greenwood Cycling Club. “We ride as a club for a variety of reasons, namely fun or health, but these people take it to the next level.
“Olympians and Tour de France riders, all of them are coming here to take part in this race.”
The Greenwood race is the second of two races in the South Carolina Heritage Cycling Series, with the first race taking place the night before in Walterboro.
“We’re extremely excited with how it’s turned out,” said assistant city manager Charlie Barrineau, who is working on an interim basis with the Uptown Greenwood Development Corp.
“This is probably the largest professional sporting event that comes to this area. We get riders from all over the world.
“The race has grown each year and we feel that it will grow again this year.”
The Uptown Greenwood Development Corp. is one of the sponsors of the race.
A criterium is a multi-lap race on a closed course, typically less than one mile long. The Greenwood race will run on a four-turn course that stretches 1.1 kilometers.
Cyclists make approximately 55 trips around Main Street, Washington Avenue, Monument Street and Maxwell Avenue at speeds in, around and sometimes over the posted speed limits.
“The only way I can describe it is NASCAR on two wheels,” Barrineau said. “Those guys get up to 35 or 40 miles per hour and you can feel the breeze in your face as they pass by you.
“It is a lot of fun.”
Emil Abraham, of Trinidad and Tobago, won the Greenwood criterium last year, finishing the 50-mile race in approximately an hour and 20 minutes to claim the first-place allotment of the $10,000 purse.
This year’s racers will once again be competing for a share of a $10,000 prize.
The South Carolina Heritage Cycling Series is a part of the National Racing Calendar and is sanctioned by USA Cycling.
As a precursor to the race, downtown Greenwood will be the site of several children’s activities, including a bicycle rodeo and races.
But for the first time, a Live After Five Concert will take place at the Countybank Plaza before the race.
“We’re looking to attract as much variety into downtown as we can to encourage professionals working in the downtown area to stay for the race and enjoy the environment of Uptown Greenwood,” Barrineau said.

Ron Cox covers prep sports for The Index-Journal. He can be reached at: ronc@indexjournal.com

Republicans get new look by more black Americans

March 30, 2005

Black Americans have been so loyal to the Democratic Party through the years they’ve reached the point of being taken for granted. It’s little wonder, then, that Republicans these days are making inroads with black voters. There’s a good reason, it seems, and it has nothing to do with politics.
The senior pastor of a 2,500-member African American church in the College Park, Md., suburb of the nation’s capital leaves little doubt why.
Bishop Harry Jackson said, “I’m a registered Democrat, and I didn’t vote for Bush in 2000, but now I’m a vehement supporter. Look at the moral issues. The black family is under siege in this culture, and something like same-sex marriage will take us right down the slippery slope. When I heard Bush say he supported a constitutional amendment to ban it, well, that made sense to me. Sacred rights are different than civil rights.

“THE DEMOCRATS ARE BEING held hostage by their gay-rights agenda. They ignored black issues until the last weeks in the campaign. For me, that put salt in the wounds. I thought, ‘Now they want to come to the churches and ask for votes? How dare they!’ So I’m working with the Republicans now. And if the president follows through on reaching out to us, then more of the masses in the churches will be open to the Republicans in national elections.”
Moral issues obviously have helped bridge the gap between Republicans and many black Americans, including some in Greenwood who have been concerned about some of the things that have become political issues in recent times. It appears to be more than a Republican/Democrat question, though. Moral issues are turning things more to a conservative/liberal question.

OLDER BLACKS, TO BE SURE, have always been strong family believers, something that lends itself more to the conservative side. Liberal issues perceived as detractions from that historical strength of the black family are likely to continue to convince more blacks to go where conservatives are more likely to be, and that is the Republican Party.
Bishop Jackson is not alone. For example, the Rev. Herb Lusk, pastor at a church in North Philadelphia, wants more blacks to consider the GOP. “I just think it’s bad strategy for 95 percent of our people to be riding in one boat as it goes downstream.”
Times do change. So does politics. People are thinking more, and that’s a good thing.