Speaker uses war experience to ‘lift’
audience at local prayer breakfast

November 4, 2005

By MEGAN VARNER
Index-Journal senior staff writer

The Vietnam War took a heavy toll on U.S. Marine Corps veteran Lt. Clebe McClary.
In the early morning hours of March 3, 1968, McClary’s platoon came under an enemy grenade attack. By the time the attack was over, the South Carolina native was left with a mutilated right hand, shrapnel-torn legs and no left arm or left eye.
The following two and a half years of McClary’s life were spent in the hospital, where he underwent more than 30 major surgeries and hours of physical therapy in an attempt to recover from his injuries.
Nearly 40 years after the attack, McClary has overcome many physical obstacles and adversities, using his experience to find spiritual fulfillment in Christ.
On Thursday, more than 600 people filled the Greenwood Family YMCA to hear McClary’s story of tragedy and triumph during the YMCA’s seventh annual Community Prayer Breakfast.
Before his experience, McClary said he only thought he understood God’s presence and role in his life.
“I had it in my head, but not in my heart. Sometimes you’ve got to get your feet knocked out from under you before you look up,” he said. “I think this country really needs to turn back to God. That is really the key.”
Breakfast attendee Jeannie Edens, of Abbeville, said she felt “lifted” after meeting McClary and hearing his story.
“I heard he had an amazing experience, and I wanted to meet him and I wanted to honor him,” she said. “He is a survivor, and he gives God all the credit. That is absolutely fantastic.”
Lt. Col. Frank Rice, with the 111th Signal Battalion, said he has heard McClary speak at other events.
“It gets better every time,” he said of the experience. “I think that people see what Mr. McClary has gone through, and it makes them realize that no matter how big their problems are, they can make it through them.”
YMCA Executive Director Gray Stallworth said the annual breakfast is an opportunity to bring the community together for a Christian mission.
“We wanted to have a few minutes to celebrate the many blessings we’ve received in this community,” he said, adding that recent natural disasters, such as hurricanes, in other cities have highlighted those blessings.
“So many communities have been impacted by these terrible storms,” he said, “and we need to thank God for the blessings we’ve received.”
Greenwood resident Bonnie Vaughn said she comes to the community prayer breakfasts each year, adding that the “love of God and fellow Christians” is her main reason for attending.
“It makes the community a better place to live,” she said.

Preparing for their final run of ’05

Cross country teams from Greenwood and Lakelands
to battle in Saturday’s state meet

November 4, 2005

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

Several area cross country teams and team members will be running all the way to the state championship meet Saturday.
The meet will take place at Sandhills Research Park in Columbia, and teams from all four classifications will be competing for their respective divisions in boys and girls competition.
On the girls’ side, Emerald, Ninety Six and Dixie will be making the trip to Sandhills, along with Greenwood’s Evan McKibben, who will be competing as an individual.
Emerald and Ninety Six will be participating in team competition on the boys’ side, while Dixie’s Andrew Evans and Greenwood’s Brenden Feucht will run as individuals.
The course at Sandhills is known for being a slow and — as the name suggests — sandy course. As such, the teams have been making special preparations for the slippery terrain.
“We’ve been doing some sand work this week,” Dixie coach Libby Folk said. “We’ve gone over to the beach volleyball court over at Erskine and had some practice there. Several of our runners have been (to Sandhills) before, so we’ll know what to expect.”
Ninety Six coach Sandi Zehr said her teams have also been gearing up for the more treacherous course. The Wildcats practice at Star Fort, which offers many rolling hills and several areas that can mimic the Sandhills layout.
For the three runners competing as individuals, the meet offers them a chance to bring home a state title and represent their team in a positive manner.
“Evan and Brenden are really excited about going down to state,” Greenwood coach Hob Chandler said. “These kids really took pride in being able to compete as individuals. Brendan has been before, but this is Evan’s first time. To say she’s excited would be an understatement.”
For Dixie sophomore Evans, competing in the state finals has become old hat.
Evans qualified as an individual when he was in seventh grade, then participated with the rest of the Hornets in 2004.
“Andrew is an experienced runner,” Folk said. “He’s done great all year long.”
Emerald coach Emily Polatty said her squads have worked on running as a team this week. The Vikings are attempting to fine-tune their technique of pairing off in order to move up in races, an application that could come in handy Saturday.
The Ninety Six boys squad is battling a few ailments heading into Saturday’s meet. Bobby Harvley has been hampered with an upper respiratory infection, while All-Lakelands meet winner Michael Rounds has been bothered with hip pains. Nevertheless, Rounds and Harvley, along with John Haley and Alex Trowbridge, all figure to help Ninety Six’s chances at a team title.
“We’ve been watching what some of these other teams have been doing all year,” Zehr said. “We’re aware that we have some tough competition in front of us. I’m a bit of a perfectionist, so I want the best out of these guys. Luckily, they all seem excited and want it badly for themselves.”
Polatty said her teams have been trying to pace themselves, getting in good practices this week, but not going hard enough to be exhausted when Saturday comes.
“We want them to be able to run a solid race this weekend,” Polatty said. “Our girls team was region champs, so they’re hoping for a strong finish. Our guys team, who qualified at upper state last weekend, is thrilled to have qualified for state.”
Folk said the qualification of Dixie girls team is the culmination of a season of hard work and goal setting. The coach said the team has been determined to qualify for the finals all season. “From day one my girls have set their sights on state,” Folk said. “For us it’s just gravy to be going. They have done everything I’ve asked. I’m sure they’ll be eager to run Saturday and try to put up the best time possible.”

Opinion

Late Jim Self significant for old, new Greenwood

November 4, 2005

Times do change, but so do circumstances. There’s no better place than Greenwood to demonstrate that fact of life.
Greenwood, as everyone knows, once was a booming textile center. There still is textile manufacturing going on, certainly, but it’s nothing like it once was, even only a few years ago.
Industry in the entire area is now more diverse, of course, and that, as is now obvious, has been a blessing in disguise. We’ve been fortunate in the midst of misfortune.
It’s ironic, perhaps, but the late Jim Self, head of Greenwood Mills, the primary textile company here, was a major, if not the main reason that the Greenwood industrial base expanded and created many new jobs. He strongly supported efforts to recruit new industry to Greenwood.
Now we are seeing a new factor in our economy. That’s genetics. It is a growing plus for the community, and, once again, we can thank Jim Self. Had it not been for him, and his support, chances are the Greenwood Genetics Center would not exist.
Now, a new facility will be built on the Genetics Center campus where treatment for people with genetic disorders will be available.
The Lord closes a door, but somehow He always opens a window.

Editorial expression in this feature represents our own views.
Opinions are limited to this page.

Obituaries

John D. Bell

CALHOUN FALLS — Services for John D. Bell, 59, of 203 Washington St., are at 1 Saturday at Springfield Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Johnny Waller. Burial with full military honors is in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, Abbeville. The body will be placed in the church at noon.
Visitation is from 1-9 p.m. today at Abbeville & White Mortuary.
Abbeville & White Mortuary, Abbeville, is in charge.

Kenneth H. Butler

PALATKA, Fla. — Kenneth Harold Butler, 65, formerly of Greenwood, S.C., died Thursday, Nov. 3, 2005 at the Crestwood Nursing Center in Palatka.
Visitation is from 7-9 Saturday at Blyth Funeral Home.
The family is at the home of a niece, Sharon B. Cooke, 510 Milford Springs Road, Greenwood, S.C.
Services will be announced by Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Greenwood, S.C.

Alvin Culbertson

WARE SHOALS — James Alvin Culbertson, 81, of 211 Harmony Road, husband of the late Sybil Belle Martin Culbertson died Wednesday, November 2, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Laurens county he was a son of the late Clinton Roy and Irene Cooper Culbert-son. He was a member of Harmony United Methodist Church, past District Deputy Grand Master of the Brewerton Masonic Lodge #183 and was retired Store Manager of NAPA Auto Parts.
Surviving are two sons; Tony Culbertson of Waterloo and Danny Culbertson of Ware Shoals, one brother; Richard Maron Culbertson of Laurens, two grandchildren; Ryan Cul-bertson of Greenwood and Courtney Culbertson Skinner of Ware Shoals, one great-grand-child; Ellie Culbertson.
Graveside services will be 11 A.M. Saturday at Greenwood Memorial Gardens with Rev. Dr. Marcus Bishop and Rev. Archie Moore officiating.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 P.M. Friday at Parker-White Funeral Home. The family is at the home of a son; Danny Culbertson, 511 Harmony Road.
PAID OBITUARY

Willie D. Dowtin

McCORMICK — Willie D. Dowtin, 95, of 418 Talbert St., died Thursday, Nov. 3, 2005 at Hospice House.
Born in McCormick County, she was a homemaker, a member of Troy Bethel AME and of Women’s Aide Society No. 89.
Survivors include three sons, George Dowtin of Detroit, Mich., Willie Roscoe Dowtin of Maryland, and Joseph Dowtin of Greenwood; two daughters, Mrs. James W. (Ruth D.) Price of McCormick and Mrs. David (Alice D.) Gaskin of Greenwood; a niece reared in the home, Robbie Louis Lyons of Troy; 21 grandchildren, two reared in the home, Mrs. James (Willie Belle) Hill of Greenwood, and Mrs. Solomon (Patricia) Hampton of McCormick; 15 great-grandchildren; and two great-great grandchildren.
Services are at 3 Sunday at Troy Bethel AME Church, conducted by the Rev. David Smith, assisted by Elder G.T. Devlin, the Revs. Mary Johnson, Chuck Smallwood, Norris Turner, Paul Wharton and George Oliver. Burial is in the church cemetery. The body will be placed in the church at 2.
Pallbearers are Ronald Dowtin, Daryl Dowtin, Brian Keith Perrin, Patrick Hampton, Gregory Gaskin and Rendell Hill.
Honorary pallbearers are members of Women’s Aide Society No. 89.
Visitation is Saturday evening at the home of a daughter, Alice Gaskin, 1393 Florida Ave., Greenwood, and at the home of a daughter, Ruth Price, 418 Talbert St., McCormick.
Memorials may be made to Troy Bethel AME Church, P.O. Box 2 Troy, S.C., 29848.
Robinson and Son Mortuary Inc., Greenwood, is in charge.
Online condolences may be made to the family at robson@nctv.com.

Cornelia Norman Johnson

Services for Cornelia Norman Johnson, of 622 Lorenzo Road, are 1 p.m. Saturday at Mount Zion A.M.E. Church Family Life Center, with the Rev. Joseph Caldwell officiating, the Rev. James Speed presiding and the Rev. Norris Turner assisting. The body will be placed in the church at 12.
Burial is in Cross Road Baptist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Dennis Norman Jr., Steven Pinckney, Edward Pinckney, Terry Pinckney, Maurice Pinckney and Odell Norman Jr.
Flower bearers are church missionaries, Doris J. Calhoun and friends of the family.
Honorary escorts are Mr. and Mrs. Rufus Nash, and members of Women’s Aide Society No. 69.
Viewing is 12-1 Saturday at the church family life center.
The family is at the home.
Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc. is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at robson@nctv.com

Janie R. Nelson

WATERLOO — Janie R. Nelson, 76, of 22 Keeper Drive, widow of Douglas Nelson, died Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2005 at her home.
She was a member of Mount Zion Baptist Church, Coronaca, and Martha Chapter 229-B Order of the Eastern Star.
Survivors include a stepbrother, Lander Lee of Greenwood.
Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Mount Zion Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Herbert Glenn. Burial is in The Evening Star cemetery, Greenwood.
The family is at the home.
Goins Funeral Home, Laurens, is in charge.

Booker T. Pierce Sr.

TUSKEGEE, Ala. — Booker Thomas Pierce Sr., 78, of 2912 Fuller St., husband of Juanita Varnado Pierce, died Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2005 in Tuskegee.
Born in Minter, Ala., he was a son of the late Vince and Elizabeth Swain Pierce. He was a graduate of Street Manual High and a 1952 graduate of Tuskegee Institute. He served in the Army and the Air Force, and was a member of Washington Chapel AME Church, where he was superintendent of the Sunday School, Chairman Pro Tem of the Steward Board and secretary/treasurer for the Official Board. He was a member of the East Alabama Conference Lay Organization and a Lay Delegate to the 2004 General Conference. He taught at Mississippi Valley College, and was retired after 42 years at the Central Alabama Veterans Health Care System as general maintenance foreman.
Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, Booker T. Pierce Jr. of Nashville, Tenn., and Vincent Bryon Pierce of St. Louis, Mo.; a daughter, Lisa P. Grant of Alexandria, Va.; three brothers, Reuben Pierce of Albion, Mich., James V. Pierce of Montgomery, Ala., and Fletcher J. Pierce of McCormick, S.C.; a sister, Cebell Wells Miller of Griffin, Ga.; and two grandchildren.
Services are at 11 Monday at Washington Chapel AME Church in Tuskegee, Ala.
The family is at the home.
People Funeral Home, Tuskegee, is in charge.
Announcement courtesy of Brown and Walker Funeral Home, Abbeville, S.C., and Walker Funeral Home of McCormick, S.C.

Kenneth Turner

Kenneth Jackson Turner, 60, of 815-A Phoenix St., died Friday, Oct. 28, 2005 at his home.
Born in Anderson, he was a son of the late Mozell Jack Turner and Frances Strickland Payton. He was a painter.
Survivors include a daughter, Rena Turner of Ninety Six; a son, Ken “Butch” Turner Jr. of Greenwood; a sister, Shirley McNair of Greenwood; a brother, David Eugene Payton of Chappells; his stepfather, Bill Payton of Ninety Six; five grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.
A memorial service is at 11 today at Harley Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the Kenneth J. Turner account, c/o Harley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 777, Greenwood, S.C., 29648.
Harley Funeral Home is in charge.

Mary Claire Weaver

POLAND, Ohio — Mary Claire Weaver, 75, wife of Melvin E. Weaver Jr., died Wednesday, Nov. 2, 2005.
Born in Youngstown, Ohio, she was a daughter of James S. and Doris J. Cook Cooper. She was a graduate of Poland Seminary High School and attended Miami University of Ohio. She was a member of Poland Presbyterian Church, where she was a deacon and helped with the church choir. She was a volunteer with the Republican party, a volunteer for Meals on Wheels, active in the P.T.A. and a member of Poland Village Garden Club.
Survivors include her husband; a son, Melvin E. Weaver III of Greenwood, S.C.; three daughters, Linda Davison Weaver, Leigh Marsden and Judy Shipsky, all of Poland, Ohio; a sister, Stephanie Sicafuse of Poland, Ohio; 11 grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
Services are at 11 Monday at Poland Presbyterian Church.
Visitation is from 2-5 Sunday at the church.
Memorials may be made to the Doris Day Animal Foundation, 227 Massachusetts Ave. N.E., Suite 100, Washington, D.C., 20002.
Shriver-Allison-Courtley-Weller-King Funeral Home, in Youngstown, Ohio, is in charge.