Home, safe and sound

Saluda Guard company returns from Iraq

October 28, 2006

By MEGAN VARNER
Index-Journal senior staff writer

SALUDA — On Aug. 31, 2005, more than 120 members of the 122nd Engineering Company (CSE) of the South Carolina Army National Guard boarded buses in Saluda County, leaving behind their wives, husbands, children, parents and others to serve overseas in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
And despite dangerous conditions in the Middle East, which have claimed the lives many soldiers, each of those members of the 122nd Engineering Company have returned safely.
On Friday, hundreds of family members and friends packed the gymnasium at Saluda High School to wish the soldiers a warm welcome home.
The troops returned to the United States on Monday and were stationed at Fort Stewart in Georgia until their arrival in Saluda. They served for about a year in Iraq, where their primary mission was to provide route clearance for convoys by searching out and destroying improvised explosive devices.

THE ANTICIPATION OF finally having their loved ones home was too much to bear for some family members, who anxiously awaited the arrival of the troops in the packed gym.
“It’s overwhelming. I’ve been calm until now,” said Lynne Corley, of Saluda, who was waiting to see her husband Shannon, a specialist with the unit, march through the doors.
Her son, Jacob, was only about a year old when Shannon went overseas, she said, and the 14 months apart have been difficult.
“He’s been gone over half of our son’s life,” Corley said of her husband. “It makes you appreciate your family more and it makes you appreciate single parents more. ... We are looking forward to just being together and doing things as a family.”Five-year-old Cassie Berry’s father, Jeff Berry, an Spc. 4 with the C Company of the 122nd, sent his daughter a special present from Iraq, and Cassie made sure she had it with her when her father returned.
The gift was an Army uniform — in a smaller size — that Cassie Berry wore proudly along the sidelines as the troops marched by. It didn’t go unnoticed by her father, who stopped on his way into the gym to hug his little girl.
“She wanted to surprise her daddy,” said Mary Berry, Cassie’s mother. “I’ve been saving it up for the right time, and I think this is it. She had it laid out and ready to put on today. To see her in that uniform is going to make him proud.”
Mary Berry said the wait for her husband — the ceremony was delayed for about an hour because of weather and traffic — left her with “butterflies” in her stomach.
“I just want them to hurry up and get here,” Mary Berry said, clutching her camera.
Many family members brought signs supporting their loved ones, and the walls of the gym were plastered with “We love you,” “Welcome home heroes” and other notes of encouragement.
South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford, who was on hand for the ceremony, took notice of the support shown by the community, commenting on the number of yellow ribbons and signs seen on his drive into Saluda.
“I was shocked by the number of yellow ribbons,” he said, telling the troops they should be proud to see “the number of people standing out in the rain, just for the chance to see you drive by.”
Sanford said the troops’ sacrifice goes beyond Iraq to impact South Carolina.
“Everyone here today is an inspiration to the old-fashioned notion of walking the walk,” he said. “You’ve inspired every one of us South Carolinians on how we should live our lives.”

MAJ. GEN. STANHOPE Spears, the adjutant general for South Carolina, was also among those who spoke to the soldiers, telling the men and women that they had accomplished what he asked of them in their departing ceremony.
“You did exactly what I asked you to do, and that is bring all 122 soldiers home,” Spears said, as the gym erupted in applause.
Engineer Battalion Cmdr. Todd Shealy said that feat was accomplished with help from above.
“God has surely had you and your family in His hands,” Shealy told the audience.
Shealy said the troops’ duties were dangerous, adding that the 122nd Engineering Company had “one of the deadliest missions out there.” Though equipment was damaged during duties, Shealy said none of the troops were seriously injured. Shealy said seeing so many people support their mission was critical for the soldiers.
“It’s great to come home and know the community is behind you and appreciates what you’re doing to make this a free nation,” he said.
Sgt. 1st Class Jay Ashley echoed that sentiment, adding that the ribbons, posters and cheers were a “huge morale booster.”Ashley said Iraq duty is difficult for troops to adjust to, but support from home made all the difference.
“The hardest thing is leaving your family. You’re going from a part-time solider to full time, and that’s a hard adjustment. You’re leaving the States and getting into the desert environment where things aren’t quiet so friendly,” Ashley said. “But we adapted well. ... We kept focused on what our job was.”
Spc. Tory Hammond, of Bamberg, said the environment was one of the most unpleasant parts about the duty overseas. “It’s hot and stressful. Everything that could break a real man down, we came upon it,” Hammond said. “I can’t wait to get back to Bamberg. I’m just glad to be out of Iraq.”
James Porter, an E-5 with the company, said it was difficult to describe the conditions the soldiers saw while in the desert. “It’s a feeling you can’t even express. Nowhere in the U.S. can you go to see poverty that would even come close to what’s over there,” he said. “When you see kids walking around in 130-degree sand, with no shoes and barely clothed, it touches home.”
Porter said he “kissed the ground” when the plane touched down in Georgia earlier this week and other soldiers did the same.
“It was 34 degrees outside, but nobody complained,” he said, laughing. “Everybody went outside, kissed the grass and hugged the trees.”
Spc. Casey Scott-Roberts said she was looking forward to seeing her friends and eating well.
“I missed my animals, my family and real, good food,” she said. “Being away from family was the hardest part, but we talked about every other day and that made it a lot easier. There was never a time when you couldn’t call your family.”Sgt. 1st Class Ashley said e-mail connections, satellite telecommunication and telephone calls with family and friends passed the time, too.
“Any time you stay in touch with home, it helps. You keep them (your family) informed and they don’t have to worry as much,” Ashley said.

‘Mad scientists’ take over McCormick classroom

Program adds jolt of excitement to science lessons

October 28, 2006

By BOBBY HARRELL
Index-Journal staff writer

McCORMICK — Phil and Joyce Allen are a normal retired couple until it’s time for “Mad Science.”
The Allens then become Photon Phil and Joltin’ Joyce, mad scientists ready to recharge kids’ interest in science. The science-based learning program has been going on for about two decades now, according to the Mad Science Web site.
The “power” couple have been coming to McCormick Elementary School once a month during the school year for about two years, said Toye Willis, McCormick science lab teacher.
Mad Science began in Montreal, Canada, with three franchises now in South Carolina, Phil Allen said.
Mad scientists do experiements on many subjects, including chemistry, sound and static electricity.
The Allens on Thursday showed McCormick fourth-graders how magnets work by building an ancient compass using a cork, a large needle and bowl of water. They also gave kids a chance to get involved by playing tug-of-war with a battery-powered electromagnet and created a “floating” magnet set using round magnets that repel each other.
No matter what Phil and Joyce Allen did, children paid attention and wanted to participate. The classroom became a sea of hands whenever Phil Allen asked for a volunteer.
The Allens have experience in science.
Joyce taught chemistry and Phil worked with a breathalyzer in law enforcement for 31 years.
Mad Science’s goal is to get children excited about science again and, hopefully, make it their careers, Phil said. The United States needs more young scientists so it can compete on the global field.
“For some reason, we’re not keeping up with the rest of the world,” Phil said.
The Allens also emphasize that students must work together to accomplish their goals. Being a scientist is the same as being a team player, Phil said.
Mad Science has access to equipment most public schools can’t afford, like Van De Graaff generators, the metal pods that create static electricity and make hair stand on end, Willis said.
The mad scientists conduct experiments that correspond with the lessons teachers are giving.
Willis is also learning along with the students.
“It’s giving me a lot of ideas,” she said.
For example, fourth-graders at McCormick are learning about the scientific method in their regular science class, Willis said.
Phil Allen weaved the scientific method throughout his experiments on magnetism.
Most experiments are hands-on, Willis said.

Grant offers 3rd District a look at life after textiles

October 28, 2006

By MEGAN VARNER
Senior staff writer

The 10 counties of the Third Congressional District could soon have redevelopment alternatives in the wake of textile industry losses, thanks in part to a large investment grant awarded Friday by the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA).
U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett, along with commerce department officials, toured the Third District — which includes Greenwood, Abbeville, McCormick and Saluda counties — meeting with business, education and community leaders to announce the news of the $280,000-plus investment.
The group made a presentation Friday afternoon at the Upper Savannah Council of Governments office in Uptown Greenwood. Barrett said the money will help the district take a look at the assets it has in order to help bring in new jobs and economic growth.
Barrett and U.S. Deputy Secretary of Commerce David Sampson presented the EDA grant check earlier in the day to to the Economic Development Partnership of Aiken and Edgefield Counties Inc. and the South Carolina Department of Commerce.
Though the grant money’s use will be focused in those areas that were hit hard by the Avondale Mills closing, it also will be used to develop a textile recovery and diversification strategy for the entire district, said Ben Erulkar, assistant secretary for economic development with the U.S. Department of Commerce.
The money will provide for regional evaluations of the textile industry and look for redevelopment alternatives for the Graniteville area specifically. It also will help develop and implement a marketing strategy of principles that can be used throughout the whole district, he said.
“The study will inventory the state of textile industry throughout the region, and it is going to look at comprehensive redevelopment alternatives to textile industries if, and as, they shut down and begin to transform,” Erulkar said.
The Economic Development Partnership of Aiken and Edgefield Counties and the S.C. Department of Commerce will be responsible for undertaking work production, Erulkar said.
The first component of the study will be to “bring the right people around the table” to discuss what the region wants to be, Erulkar said.
The next step is to take a technical look at assets, focusing on what the region has to work with and what needs to be done to reach its goal. Erulkar said the EDA has partnered with Clemson University for a Regional Economic Development Research Lab, which will study effective industry clusters in the state and provide technical assistance and outreach services to community economic organizations, helping workers transition to a knowledge-based economy.
The final steps are to formulate a comprehensive economic development strategy and to begin building.
“Doing all those things right allows you to respond when something falls off track,” such as a textile mill closing or a series of closings, Erulkar said.
Barrett said recent textile closings spurred thought about what the district could do to overcome the losses and move toward other types of industry. His office turned toward the Bush administration and Commerce Department for help, he said.
“When you look at the job description of the Department of Commerce, one of the things it talks about is bringing economic development to depressed areas,” he said, adding that, though the nation is experiencing growing GDP figures and employment rates, South Carolina has been struggling with high unemployment. He said the grant will pull together leaders in business, commerce, education and government fields, along with area residents, to discuss options.
“What we are talking about is a road map, a master plan for the Third Congressional District,” Barrett said. “It’s not a Republican thing or a Democrat thing. It’s not a conservative thing or a liberal thing. It’s the right thing.”
Sampson said the goal of the investment is to not only retain textile jobs, but also look beyond that industry to see what is next for the region.
“This is something that is going to take a long-term commitment,” he said. “This is not a sprint. This is a marathon.”
Barrett called the grant a “tremendous” opportunity for the district.
“Out of every dark cloud comes a silver lining,” he said. “It is a wonderful way we can assess what we have and where we need to go.”

Ninety Six snubs Vikings

October 28, 2006

By RENALDO STOVER
Index-Journal sport writer

NINETY SIX — The Ninety Six Wildcats and the Emerald Vikings might have been better off wearing swimming gear Friday night at Wilson-Campbell Stadium.
Both teams battled through a non-stop downpour and sloppy field conditions as the Wildcats held on for a 12-6 victory. The Wildcats scored twice before halftime and their defense came up with a huge stop on fourth-and-four that sealed the victory with just more than one minute left in the fourth quarter.
“I told our guys at halftime that we needed to win the second half,” said Wildcats coach Mike Doolittle. “We came out, played great defense and won the half.”
Both squads started the game with three-and-outs as their offenses adjusted to the wet conditions of the field and ball. This was evident as both sides also fumbled during their opening drives.
The Wildcats finally received a break on a pass interference call against the Vikings late in the first quarter.
On fourth and long, Doolittle decided to go for a first down rather than try a long field goal.
The penalty moved the ball down to the 12-yard line where the Vikings almost recovered a Ninety Six fumble two plays later. The missed opportunity would cost the Vikings.
On third-and-11, Andy Louden burst through the middle for a 12-yard touchdown with 1 minute, 45 seconds remaining in the opening quarter. Louden finished the game with 13 carries for 50 yards.
Following a Vikings punt, the Wildcats would waste little time finding the end zone again as they marched 80 yards in seven plays to take a 12-0 lead on a Rashad Booker 56-yard run with 6:09 remaining in the half.
Once again, the Wildcats ran directly into the heart of the defense as Booker followed solid blocking up front on his way to paydirt. Booker finished the game with 19 carries for 105 yards.
The Wildcats cut into the lead just before halftime when Joseph Taylor kicked a 35-yard field goal to make it 12-3.
As the rain continued in the second half, both teams struggled to move the ball.
The Vikings added another score at the 9:06 mark in the fourth quarter when Taylor booted a 40-yard field goal to close to within six of the Wildcats.
The Vikings final opportunity to score came with 3:05 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Starting at the 46-yard line, the Vikings started their drive with some trickery. On first down, Kadarron Anderson took a handoff and drew the defense in, on what looked like a run play, but instead passed to an open Dillon Shirley for a 12 yard gain.
That would be the final first down for the Vikings though as the Wildcats’ defense came up with a huge stop on fourth and four. With 1:41 left in the game and only one timeout remaining, the Vikings were forced to watch the game and their season come to an end.
“I’m proud of the way we responded tonight and overall I thought we did a good job,” said Vikings coach Mike Clowney. “We just gave up two big plays early in the game and we couldn’t get in the end zone to give ourselves a chance to win.”

Panthers perfect at 10-0

October 28, 2006

By RON COX
Index-Journal sports editor

ABBEVILLE — The Abbeville High School football program completed a perfect regular season by standing up to an adversity that would make any state champion proud.
The Panthers fought through monsoon-like downpour to knock off a determined West-Oak team, 18-6, Friday night in front of former members of the 1996 state championship Abbeville team on a soggy Dennis Botts Field at Hite Stadium.
The ’96 Panthers, who were the last Abbeville team to go undefeated in the regular season before finishing a perfect 15-0, were honored before the game, with the former players walking the sidelines covered by umbrellas.
“You’d think I’d learn one day not to play these strong mountain boys in the rain,” Abbeville coach Jamie Nickles said, jokingly. “That’s a good football team, especially on a night like this. Our kids were up for the challenge and I congratulate them on a hard-fought victory.”
Nickles put the offense primarily on the shoulders of Toquavius Gilchrist.
The 6-foot-1 junior halfback took 25 handoffs for 129 hard-earned yards and all three Abbeville touchdowns, including two on fourth-and-goal plays.
“To be honest, it was a mess out there. I felt like I had bricks on my shoes,” said Gilchrist, who rushed for 216 yards in one dry half last week. “My shoes were soaking wet, but it’s a good feeling now.
“We knew before we stepped on the field it was going to be raining like this. Our coaches prepared us well for us and we came out and gave a great effort.”
The hard-driving rain, which formed enormous puddles all over the field, neutralized the speed from Gilchrist and the rest of the Panthers’ backs. However, Gilchrist was able to bust loose for a long touchdown run.
After their first two series ended on Mack Hite punts, the Panthers opened their third possession near midfield. After converting a third-and-17, Gilchrist took the first handoff of the second quarter and ran off right tackle.
Picking up a key block on the wing, Gilchrist got outside and slogged his way for a 42-yard score to give Abbeville the 6-0 lead.
“I felt like I was running really slow, but I looked back and I didn’t see anybody,” Gilchrist said. “I felt like I was walking, but I didn’t think anybody was going to catch me.”
The momentum didn’t stay with the Panthers long. West-Oak’s Geof Holbrooks muffed the ensuing kickoff and picked up the loose ball and the 3-yard line. Holbrooks took off up the middle and found a hole, and if not for Abbeville’s Robert Rayford, the West-Oak senior would have been in the end zone.
Instead, Holbrooks was taken down at the 20-yard line. But three plays later, Holbrooks would find the end zone, hitting Adam Kesler on a 15-yard halfback pass to knot the score at 6.
Abbeville regained the lead thanks to a key play by the special teams. A low snap on a West-Oak punt gave Abbeville’s Marquis Tillman a chance to block Noah Watson’s kick attempt. The Panthers’ Jamal Mattison recovered the ball at the West-Oak 8.
“I think we were able to block two punts tonight and special teams are big, especially on nights like this,” Nickles said.
Four plays later, on fourth-and-1, Gilchrist leaped the lines for the score and the 12-6 lead.
It wasn’t until late in the fourth quarter before the Panthers put the game on ice. Gilchrist capped a 13-play, 44-yard drive by taking his seventh handoff of the series around the left end for the 3-yard touchdown.

Opinion

Mean best word to define politics practiced in 2006

October 28, 2006

It’s been said that all’s fair in love and war. You might as well add politics to that. It appears that anything goes these days, especially in campaigns where mean-spiritedness and nasty words have almost become commonplace.
Actually, from all appearances, there is no love in politics, it’s all war ..... a war of words. The words come from every direction, too, even from places where they might be unexpected, like church pulpits in some cases. Television and radio advertisements are among the worst, though.
We’re seeing some political advertisements on South Carolina TV that stretch the truth, particularly some about the governor’s race.

THESE ADDS ARE BAD ENOUGH, to be sure, but they pale when held up to some in the western North Carolina congressional campaign. South Carolinians see those adds because the signals of the TV stations that run them overlap both states. Some of the claims are so malicious they almost embarrass the viewer.
But, then, even some letters to newspaper editors cite “facts” that not only stretch the truth, they are blatantly misleading and even false in some cases.
Politics has become so vicious it seems that people will say anything at anytime about anybody. Truth apparently is sometime not a consideration.
Character assassination of political opponents is the objective and if outrageous and/or deceitful rhetoric is what it takes to accomplish that, then do it.

HOW HAVE WE GOTTEN to this point? Does politics reflect the evils of society, or does society react to the excesses and corruptness of politics, something that has almost been turned into an art form.
Whatever it is, it’s a blight on all of us. Misleading political rhetoric has created another problem. It has introduced a degree of anger that hurts everyone, and it’s something all of us must change. We can’t do it unless we make a conscious effort to do it together.
We can start, of course, by insisting that civility be put back in politics and that we and our political parties and candidates act accordingly. If they continue down that road they’re on, where can it lead? If politicians won’t clean up their acts, voters must. The alternative is unacceptable for both.

Obituaries

Dollie Bernice Anderson

Funeral services for Dollie B. Anderson will be conducted on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2006 at 2 p.m. at Durham Temple C.M.E. Church with Rev. James McKee officiating, assisted by Rev. Robert Knox, Jr., Minister John P. Norman, Minister Lucille Owens, and Minister S. Rice. Burial will follow at the Evening Star Cemetery.
Pallbearers and flower bearers will be friends of the family.
The body will be placed in the church at 1 p.m.
The family will receive friends at home and is being assisted by Parks Funeral Home.

Estelle Mauldin

Mrs. Estelle Murray Mauldin, of Greenwood, widow of William Furman Mauldin, died Oct. 27 at the age of 90. Services will be conducted in the sanctuary at First Baptist Church on Sunday, Oct. 29 at 2 p.m. with Dr. Tony Hopkins officiating. The family visitation will immediately follow the service in the church fellowship hall.
Mrs. Mauldin was the daughter of the late Alexander Galphin and Kellah Walker Murray of Beech Island, SC. She was educated at the Downer Institute, Aiken County schools and graduated from Lander College in 1937.
Surviving are three children, Sarah Mauldin Blackmon and husband, Jay, Furman Mauldin and wife, Carol of Greenwood and Dr. Kellah Mauldin Edens-Hult and husband, Bud of Columbia; nine grandchildren, Bill Blackmon, John Blackmon (Tuula), Sarah Blackmon Malloch (Chris), John Edens (Tamara), Dr. Burgess Mauldin, Dr. Mary Mauldin (Gary), Elizabeth and Marie Robinson and Alan Caldwell; twelve great-grandchildren, Rebekah, Will, Matthew and Jacob Blackmon, Tia, Tanya, and Tess Blackmon, Christopher, Asher, and Steven Malloch; John-John Edens and Chloey Bickley; two sisters, Elizabeth Murray Glenn of Asheville, NC, and Kellah Murray Allgood of Memphis, TN and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Mauldin was a gracious, optimistic, and loving lady, serving as a mentor and counselor to many. Her compassion during early years of her life left an uplifting mark on not only friends and family, but also on persons of walks of life. Her caring and strength during her latter years demonstrated her resilience and capacity to overcome adversity.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church, serving as a Deacon and was the organizer and teacher for more than forty-five years of a Young Couples Sunday School class, named the Mauldin Bible Class in her honor. Active in all phases of church work, she served as president of the Women’s Missionary Union as well as president of the Council of Church Women. She has been a supporter of the Bowers-Rodgers Home for Abused Children and many other church projects.
Her contributions to the Greenwood community are many and varied. She was a tireless, dedicated and selfless worker who has given her time toward the betterment of Greenwood County. An active leader in community affairs, Mrs. Mauldin served two six year terms as a member of the Lander Foundation. She is a former member of the Lander Board of Visitors and served as area director of the Greenwood County Lander Alumni Association, and served as secretary, vice-president and president of the Lander Study Club. The recipient of the Lander Alumnus of the Year Award in 1966, she was presented the Medallion of Honor in 1984 in recognition of her outstanding service to Lander. Mrs. Mauldin was appointed by Governor McNair to the Lander Study Committee whose purpose was to study and secure state support for Lander. She was elected in 1988 by the S.C. Legislature to the Lander University Board of Trustees, and served her beloved Lander for many years.
During her presidency of the Greenwood Woman’s Club, Mrs. Mauldin helped pioneer efforts to raise money for the purchase of the present clubhouse on Calhoun Road, which has contributed to the social life of hundreds of area women and their families. She was a charter member of the Danse de Noel Assembly. She was a charter member and served as president of the Azalea Garden Club and vice-president of the McKissick Study Club and was instrumental in forming a daughter group, Cambridge Study Club.
She was an active member of the Star Fort Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution and was a member and past officer of Generostee Chapter of the Colonial Danes of the 17th Century.
Mrs. Mauldin served on the Boards of Trustees of the Museum in Greenwood and served as President of the Council of Literacy Clubs, Director of the State Board of the American Lung Association, Director and volunteer of the Greenwood and Laurens Branch of the S.C. Tuberculosis Association. She served as a volunteer American Red Cross Gray Lady at Self Memorial Hospital for many years. In addition, she served as education and legislative chairman of the Home Demonstration Council of Greenwood County. During her term as president, the long-range work of the legislative committee resulted in the formation of the Family Court system in Greenwood County.
Mrs. Mauldin also displayed dedication and leadership in working with the Cokesbury Foundation, United Way, YMCA, Edgewood Cemetery Association, Greenwood Methodist Home, Salvation Army and Hospice Care of the Piedmont. She has traveled widely and generously shared her experiences through talks before local clubs, church and social groups. In 1995, Mrs. Mauldin was awarded the prestigious Service to Mankind Award.
Memorials should be made to the Estelle Murray Mauldin Scholarship Fund at Lander University, 320 Stanley Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29649 and First Baptist Church of Greenwood, 722 Grace Street, Greenwood, SC 29649.
For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Mauldin family.

Caroline Whitener

Caroline Grady McAlister Whitener, 91, resident of 119 Carmel Circle, wife of Newell R. Whitener, died Oct. 26, 2006 at Hospice House.
Born in Eatonton, GA, Sept. 18, 1915, she was a daughter of the late John David and Daisy Dean Owen McAlister. She was a high school and commerce college graduate and was formerly co-owner of Arnold Building and Plastering Contractors. Mrs. Whitener was a talented china painting artist and avid landscaper, which was obvious from her homes on Janeway, North Street, Blyth Avenue and on Carmel Circle.
A longtime member of Main Street United Methodist Church, she had served on the Altar Guild, the Administrative Board, the Finance Committee and the Staff-Parish Relations Committee. Mrs. Whitener also served as the membership chairperson and the nominating committee chairperson for the United Methodist Women and served fourteen consecutive years as a Circle leader. She was a longtime active member of the Driftwood Garden Club.
Mrs. Whitener was a former member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, where she taught the four and five year olds for twenty years.
She was thrice married, formerly to the late E.L. “Pat” Livingston and William M. “Bob” Arnold.
Surviving in addition to her husband of the home are nieces and nephews. She is the last member of her immediate family.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday at Main Street United Methodist Church with Rev. James Dennis, Jr. and Rev. Steve Silvey officiating.
Burial will be in Edgewood Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Michael T. Walker, T. Philip Arnold, Reid B. Arnold, Charles W. Sim, II, Charles W. Sim, III, H. Dave Whitener, III, Jefferson J. May and Basil L. Whitener, Jr.
Honorary escort will be Richard K. and Joyce Hall, Clyde and Frances Garren, Chester A. Williams, Ernest T. Livingston, William A. McDaniel, Jr., Kathleen Everett, Elizabeth Clark, Emmett Brooks, Dr. and Mrs. Larry Jackson, Eleanor Teal, and Weldon Cloud.
The body is at Blyth Funeral Home and will be placed in the church at 1 p.m. Sunday.
The family is at the home in Wesley Commons and will receive friends in the Trinity Classroom from 1 to 2 Sunday afternoon.
Memorials may be made to Main Street United Methodist Church Fallow Children’s Scholarship Fund, 211 N. Main Street, Greenwood, SC 29646 or to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646.
For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Whitener family.

Louise Williams

ABBEVILLE — Louise Williams, 85, of 104 Wingfield St., widow of Eddie “E.S.” Williams Sr., died Friday, Oct. 27, 2006, at Abbeville Area Medical Center.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Brown and Walker Funeral Home.