Celebrating a King

Greenwood residents march to honor legacy of MLK Jr.

January 18, 2005

By SHAVONNE POTTS
Index-Journal staff writer

Nearly 100 people marched Monday, bundled beneath scarves and coats to honor the legacy of slain civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr.
They walked five miles in cold weather from Brewer Middle School to the Greenwood County Courthouse. Dream Builders, a Greenwood mentoring program, sponsored the event.
“We are here to pay tribute to Martin Luther King. We have no set agenda. It’s about time we pay tribute to a man who gave his life for us,” said Dream Builders President Michael Gaskin.
The group met at Brewer Middle where the purpose was given and a prayer was said.
“We first have to start in our community and it’s going to take us rebuilding our community one dream at a time,” said Donald Burton, vice president of Dream Builders.
Felicia Griffin, 13, of Greenwood, said she attended the march because she felt that King made this world a better place for her.
“Martin Luther King spoke up for both black and white people to have a better life,” said her sister Kadaria Griffin, 14.
Once the group arrived at the courthouse, there was prayer and motivational speeches.
Gaskin spoke about making a change for the positive and men owning up to their responsibilities.
“We have a solution,” Gaskin said.
“Are you ready for it,” he asked the audience.
He said his plan was to gather one minister from different “races” and sit down at a “table of brotherhood to facilitate a discussion.”
James Dunlap, a member of Faith Christian Center, said the event was a way to share what is going on in the community.
“It’s a time to come and fellowship one to another,” he said. “It’s about what we can do to command change.”
Dunlap said each person must commit to see a change and the event was a way to create an environment to discuss issues.
Geraldine Carter, of Greenwood, said she attended the march because she wants King’s dream to live on.
Carter said she wanted her 10-year-old son to see that King sought for all people to coexist.

Jim Fortson

HODGES – James Curtis “Jim” Fortson, 64, also affectionately known as “Pop”, resident of 706 Flatwood Road, husband of Martha “Mot” Hill Fortson, died January 16, 2005 at his home.
Born in Oconee County November 1, 1940, he was a son of the late Pascal Lee and Ola Wilson Fortson. He was a graduate of Salem High School and was a US Air Force Veteran. He formerly served on the South Carolina Highway Patrol and has owned and operated Fortson Paving Company for the past 25 years.
Mr. Fortson was a member of Bascomb Masonic Lodge #363 and the Southern Roads Motorcycle Club. He was of the Baptist faith.
Surviving in addition to his wife of the home are two daughters, Shawna Fortson Prince of Greenwood and Sherry Martines and husband Jimmy of Hodges, a son, Phil Higdon of Hodges, two brothers, Roy Fortson and Paul Fortson, both of Salem, two sisters, Doris Grant of Easley and Imogene Lusk of Salem, three grandchildren, Kelly Martines, Brandi Higdon and Alex Higdon, all of Hodges.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 pm Wednesday from the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Frank Thomas and Rev. Hugh Fortson officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Bill Raines, Abney Coleman, Brantlee Sorrow, Tommy Sprott, Billy Lusk and Rusty O’KelIey.
Honorary escort will be members of the Southern Roads Motorcycle Club.
The family is at the home on Flatwood Road and will receive friends at the funeral home from 7 to 8:30 Tuesday evening.
A Masonic Rites ceremony will be conducted at the funeral home immediately following visitation at 8:30 pm Tuesday.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646 or to Helping Hands Ministry, C/O Harris Baptist Church, 300 Center St., Greenwood, SC 29649.
For additional information please visit
www.blythfuneralhome.com
BLYTH FUNERAL HOME IS ASSISTING THE FORTSON FAMILY.
PAID OBITUARY

Mattie Shealy Goss

LEESVILLE – Mattie Shealy Goss, 91, of Leesville, died Sunday, January 16, 2005, Funeral services will be held at 4:00 p.m. Thursday, January 20, 2005, at Milton Shealy Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Ridge Crest Memorial Park with Rev. Tom Hart and Rev. Porter O. W. Walters officiating. Pallbearers will be her grandsons.
Mrs. Goss was born in Leesville, SC to the late Littleton Patrick Shealy and the late Lula Estelle Snelgrove. She was a member of Living Word Assembly of God Church in Lexington, She was formerly a music teacher and homemakcr.
Surviving is her husband of 68 years, Van Q. Goss of Leesville; daughter, Sylvia G. Stamm of Asheville, NC; sons, Byron Goss of Leesville; Joseph (Joe) Goss of Greenville, TX; Warren Goss of Windsor, NC; Wendell Goss of St. Louis, MO; Dean Goss of Greenwood, SC; 1 step-grandchild; 13 grandchil-dren; 17 great grandchildren; preceded in death by a brother. Finis D. Shealy and Dayton Shealy; sister, Estelle Shealy.
Family will receive friends from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 19, 2005, at Milton Shealy Funeral Home, other times at her residence.
Milton Shealy Funeral Home 803-532-6100 is in charge of all arrangements.
PAID OBITUARY

Lettie Bell Hampton

DETROIT — Lettie Bell Hampton, widow of Moses Hampton, died Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005 at Riverside Hospital after a long illness.
Born in Abbeville County, S.C., she was a daughter of the late Arthur Eugene and Addie Searles Turner. She was a member of Greater St. James F.B.H. of God of the Americas for more than 80 years.
Survivors include a sister, Seleda T. “Jean” Mims of Abbeville.
Services will be announced by Cantrell Funeral Home.
Announcement courtesy of Brown and Walker Funeral Home, Abbeville, S.C.

Curtis Clero Maynard

BATESBURG – Curtis Clero Maynard, 88, of Batesburg, formerly of Greenwood, entered into eternal rest Sunday, January 16, 2005. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 19, 2005 at Milton Shealy Funeral Home Chapel with interment in Greenwood Memorial Gardens with the Reverend Barry Butler and his brother-in-law, Reverend Floyd Brewer officiating. Pallbearers will be Claude, Clyde, Perry and Curtis Davis, Larry Stewart and Danny Maynard.
Mr. Maynard was born in Calhoun Falls, SC to the late William Henry and Evielena Jordan Maynard. He was a member of Pine Grove Pentecostal Holiness Church of Edgefield, deacon of the church, musician and choir director. He was an avid harmonica player. He retired from Greenwood Mills. He was an Army Veteran. He was married for 61 years to the late Vela Brewer Maynard.
Surviving is his daughter, Evie Nell Maynard Johnson, son-in-law, Coy Caleb Johnson of Batesburg; sisters, Doris Davis of Lincolnton, OA; Lassie Compton of Greenwood; granddaughter Kendrean (husband Greg) Padgett; great grandson, Logan Padgett; two step-grandchildren, Patsy and Caleb Johnson; preceded in death by sister, Gladys Barfield; stepsister, Mabel Minor; brothers, Paul, Tom, Floyd, Oscar Maynard and William Henry Maynard, Jr.; step-brothers, Joe and Albert Holsenback; stepmother, Fannie Maynard,
Family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, January 18, 2005, at Milton Shealy Funeral Home, other times at the home of his daughter in Batesburg, Memorials can be made to: A & B Wing of Saluda Nursing Center, PO Box 398, Saluda, SC 29138.
Milton Shealy Funeral Home 803-532-6100 is in charge of all arrangements.
PAID OBITUARY

Frances Reid

Memorial services for Lillian Frances Beacham Reid, of 1508 Parkway, 4-C The Gardens Apartments, are at 11 a.m. Saturday at Rock Presbyterian Church, conducted by the Rev. Dr. Bill Quarles.
Blyth Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at blythfuneralhome.com

Rev. David Rodgers

GREENWOOD – Rev. David John Rodgers, 87, of 202 Merriman Avenue, husband of Ruth Louise Parks Rodgers, died Monday, January 17, 2005 at his home,
Born in Worcester, England, he was a son of the late Thomas Alfred and Mary Forbes Hutton Rodgers. He was a World War II U. S. Army Air Force veteran. He pastored Wesleyan churches in Ohio, West Virginia, and Kentucky, and was a member of the Piedmont Wesleyan Church.
In addition to his wife of the home, he is survived by his daughter, Judith Ann Rodgers Link of Greenwood; son, Jon D. Rodgers of Greenville; sister, Agnes Brown of Marietta, OH; and grandchildren, Philip David Rodgers, Benjamin David Link, and Jonathan Andrew Link.
Funeral services will be 2 pm Wednesday at the Piedmont Wesleyan Church with the Rev. Arnold Beard and the Rev. Orvan Link officiating. Burial will follow in the Garden of Memories, Belton, The family members are at their respective homes and will receive friends 6-8 pm Tuesday at Gray Mortuary, Pelzer.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Building Fund of the Piedmont Wesleyan Church, 506 Anderson Street, Piedmont, SC 29673.
PAID OBITUARY

Following his dream

Lander grad Jeff Whitfield heading west to play pro baseball

January 17, 2005

By BRIAN HOWARD
Assistant sports editor

Jeff Whitfield always had big dreams.
That’s why the former Lander University catcher and T.L. Hanna High School standout never let them go.
Whitfield became the second Bearcats player to sign a professional baseball contract when he agreed to terms with the yet-to-be-named Golden Baseball League, which is considered Class A, team in Yuma, Ariz.
Patrick Hakey, who was a pitcher for Lander, signed last May with the New York Mets’ minor league team — the St. Lucie Mets — in St. Lucie, Fla.
Whitfield batted .270 with nine doubles and one home run his senior year. During his four seasons at Lander, Whitfield hit .254 with 22 doubles and 10 homers.
For Whitfield, signing with a pro team was a dream come true and the completion of a long process to get a chance to show his skills.
“After the season, I talked with a few scouts and had tryouts with the Braves and Reds,” Whitfield said.
“From there, I got recommended to go through an independent agency. I got several e-mails about tryouts from across the United States, but the one that really stood out was for a new league in California.”
Whitfield, living on the East Coast, knew he would have a hard time getting to the West Coast for the tryout. In fact, he kept the tryout a secret from his parents.
For a couple weeks, Whitfield e-mailed Benny Castillo, who was going to manage one of the teams in the new league.
Castillo spent the past two seasons managing the short-season Single A affiliate for the Florida Marlins and has five years of managerial experience. In 2000, he won the Northern League Championship and was named the league’s manager of the year.
After the personal phone call from Castillo, Whitfield told his parents about the tryout.
“After I told them about it, they said, ‘we’ll find a way to get you there,’” Whitfield said.
Whitfield got to California by going with a few players from the state who were also heading to the tryout.
The tryouts were at Cal State Fullerton, the team that won the 2004 Division I national championship.
Whitfield was one of 45 catchers among the 350 players, some former major- and minor-leaguers, taking part at the tryout.
“The best of it was that catchers didn’t have to run the sixties,” Whitfield said.
The first day ran from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and Whitfield went next to last in the final event for catchers, which was throwing to second base. He had six throws and was told to sit down after the fourth one by Ozzie Virgil Jr., a former major league player.
“Virgil said I had nice throws and good accuracy,” Whitfield said.
The first cut came in the opening day, with the catchers trimmed from 45 to 20. Around 5 p.m., the tryout shifted to a game situation, and this time Whitfield had to bat.
Whitfield had three at-bats during the two days and went 2-for-3, which was a double and a single. After a long first day, Whitfield went back out on the second day. The routine was the same, but around 3 p.m., the coaches broke to go to their draft.
“We were down on the field for about two hours after the tryout,” Whitfield said. “Coach Castillo wasn’t even down there (on the field) when the first selections were made. Everybody had selected except Yuma. I said I was glad that Yuma’s the only team left, but at the same time, I said that this is my only chance.”
Then the announcement came that Whitfield had made the team.
“I was so shocked,” Whitfield said. “It was funny in a way, because the guys that had bonded when the managers were making their decisions, were the ones that were going to play for Yuma.”
When it came time for Whitfield to sign on the dotted line, he didn’t wait long to do it. Instead of reading the contract, Whitfield just signed.
But the best part came before he signed, when his parents phoned to find out if he made it.
“My dad was very confident that I would be selected,” Whitfield said. “He couldn’t sleep and he was so excited about it.”
Whitfield will report to spring training May 1, and will consist of two weeks of practice before the start of the league’s 90-game schedule.
“Coach Castillo loves the game and loves winning,” Whitfield said. “He wants me to compete for the job against a veteran catcher, with the opportunity for me to come in a start on a regular basis.”

Vietnam War changed us, but not as much as drugs

January 18, 2005

Even all these years later, the Vietnam War is still being exploited for one thing or another. One thing it gets credit for (or blame, depending on who is talking), are the changes that have occurred to the nation and the American people.
The Vietnam experience was indeed a catalyst for a lot of things. Many of those things are seen by some as detrimental to a way of life that was drastically and forever altered in a war that still has many people, including many South Carolinians who served in Vietnam, asking why and what it was all for.
It’s likely, to be sure, that some of the changes in society were brought about by various factors associated with the Vietnam War, including everything from politics to health. It did, in fact, doom the presidency of Lyndon Johnson and the career of General William C. Westmoreland, the South Carolinian who was in charge.

THERE’S NO QUESTION, EITHER, that when Saigon fell and American forces moved out, it left a bitter taste and bitter feelings among many in the military, government, and civilian life. That war could, no doubt, be argued for the rest of time without a satisfactory answer being found for so many who cannot forget anything about it. So, then, in many respects it did play a part in changing our culture and our lives.
There was something else during that time, though, that may well have been the number one cause of societal problems that had their beginning in the 1960s. It still bedevils not only this country, but countries all over the world. That was the advent of illegal drugs ….. drugs used for so-called recreational purposes.

DRUGS HAVE HAD A DEVASTATING effect on the American culture and now are used increasingly by even younger children. They have caused so much mental and physical pain that it cannot be quantified to any extent. They have been the reason for just about every kind of crime imaginable. Sometimes it’s for money to buy drugs, sometimes it is the distribution of drugs. Much of the time, though, it’s because of the effects the drugs have on the human brain and body.
The illegal drug traffic is, if anything, getting worse, not better, as drug lords make millions and petty dealers make anything they can ….. and apparently they don’t care who they hurt, how they hurt them, or how much.
Yes, the Vietnam War has had a negative effect on the U. S. It doesn’t, however, hold a candle to the social debilitation caused by drugs.