December 2005

Doyle S. Gantt December 30, 2005

Doyle S. Gantt, 75, of 1304 First St., Newberry, died Friday, December 30, 2005 at the Palmetto Health Richland.
Mr. Gantt was born on August 20, 1930 in Vaiden, MS, a son of the late Lela Hobson and Aaron L. Gantt. He was an Army veteran of both the Korean War and Vietnam War. He retired from the US Army after 23 years of service with the rank of SFC and received the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal (Fifth Medal Clasp), the National Defense Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Korea Service Medal, the United Nations Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with One Bronze Service Star, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, and Three Overseas Bars. He was retired from the S.C. State guard in 2002. Also, he retired from the Newberry County Detention Center and was currently serving as a bailiff with the Newberry County Courthouse.
He was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, the Men’s Bible Class, the Men in Mission, Amity Masonic Lodge # 87, the Newberry County York Rite Bodies, Hejaz Shrine Temple, and the Newberry Shrine Club. He served as Chaplain for American Legion Post 24 and the 40 & 8.
Mr. Gantt is survived by his wife, Nell West Gantt of Newberry; two daughters and son-in-law, Patty and Randy Leopard of Lexington and Debra and James Southerland of Little Mountain; one sister, Nora Lee Devine of McComb, MS; one brother, Tommy Gantt of Lexington, MS; and three grandchildren, Erika, Katie, and Nicklas. He was predeceased by a son, Stephen Gantt.
Funeral services were conducted at 3:00 P.M. Monday at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer by the Rev. Steven Counts. Interment with Military Honors was in Newberry Memorial Gardens.
Visitation was from 5:00 to 7:00 P.M. Sunday with Masonic Rites at the Whitaker Funeral Home. The family will be at the residence 1304 First St., Newberry.
Memorials may be made to Growing in Grace Fund at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, PO Box 382, Newberry SC 29108 or to the SC Oncology Association, 166 Stoneridge Dr., Columbia SC 29210.
Active pallbearers were Alan Longshore, Dale Eargle, Carl Longshore, Harold Wicker, Leland Gray, Jim Parks, Kenny West, David Longshore, and Charlie Gove. Honorary pallbearers were the members of the Men’s Bible Class, the American Legion Post 24, and the 40 & 8.
Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry is assisting the family.

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Hazel C. Hawkins December 29, 2005

Hazel C. Hawkins, 85, of 2107 Smith Road, Newberry, died Thursday, December 29, 2005 at his residence. Mr. Hawkins was born on April 19, 1920 in the Stoney Hill Section of Newberry County, a son of the late T. Gary and Sula Taylor Hawkins. He was a graduate of Newberry High School and Newberry College and was a member of Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.
Mr. Hawkins is survived by a brother, M. Chester Hawkins of Newberry and a number of nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by four sisters, Marjorie Hawkins Harmon, Helen Hawkins Morris, Gladys Hawkins Hipp, and Mable Hawkins Chapman and two brothers Furman Everette Hawkins and Gary Fred Hawkins.
Funeral services were conducted 3:00 p.m. Sunday at Whitaker Funeral Home by Rev. Steven Counts. Interment was in Newberry Memorial Gardens.
The family was at the residence of Mr. Chester Hawkins, 2013 Forrest Dr., Newberry SC.
Memorials may be made to the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, PO Box 382, Newberry, SC 29108 or Newberry College, 2100 College St., Newberry, SC 29108.
Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry is assisting the family.

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L. Paul Kays, Jr. December 25, 2005

L. Paul Kays, Jr., LTC (Retired), 84, of 121 Lazy Cove Lane, Chapin, widow of Barbara Ann McLaughlin Kays, died Sunday, December 25, 2005 at the Lexington Medical Center.
Mr. Kays was born on September 11, 1921 in Netcong, NJ, a son of the late Leon P. and Martha Coppersmith Kays. He received his BS degree in mechanical engineering from Rutgers University in 1943. He was an Army Air Corp. Veteran of WW II having been stationed in England and Scotland. He retired from the Air Force as Lieutenant Colonel.
He retired from Westinghouse with over 40 years of service. While working with Westinghouse, he was assigned to military contracts, which included designing Navy fighter jets and designing the Navy’s first nuclear reactors. He was a member of the Air Force Association, the Irmo-Chapin Recreation Commission and the Shepherd’s Center.
Mr. Kays is survived by four daughters, Martha Ann Hruska of Gainesville FL, Karen Ann Kays of Columbia, SC, Barbara “Barbie” Carde’ of Columbia, and Susanne May Copeland of Irmo, SC; two sons, Gregory Paul Kays of Santa Rosa, CA and Mark Paul Kays of Gadsden SC; one sister, Joan M. Kays of Mariposa, CA; 15 grandchildren, Emily Hruska, Anne Hruska, Matthew Hruska, Cassandra Kays, Leon Paul Kays, III, Nicholas Scofield, Michael Scofield, Aaron Carde’, Hallie Carde’, Leif Kays, Seth Kays, Michelle Copeland, Magen Copeland, Luke Copeland, and Jenna Copeland; and one great grandchildren, August Scofield.
A mass for the family were held t 9:00 A.M. at Our Lady of Hills Catholic Church in Columbia by Father Anthony Droze and Memorial services were conducted at 1:00 P.M. Wednesday at Whitaker Funeral Home, Chapin by the Rev. Clarence Stucke. Mr. Kays donated his body to the Medical University of S.C.
The family was at the his residence, 121 Lazy Cove Lane, Chapin
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to a charity of one’s choice.
Honorary pallbearers were Noel McLaughlin, Col. Clyde (Cy) Strain (Ret), Dr. Harold Cole, Edward Layden, Dr. Harold Park, Wayne Gunter, and Bill Bowen.
Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Chapin is assisting the family.

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Theresa Robins “Robbie” Stone December 24, 2005

Theresa Robins “Robbie” Stone, 87, of Springfield Place, Newberry, widow of E. Maxcy Stone, died Saturday, December 24, 2005.
Mrs. Stone was born on July 25, 1918 in Nauvoo, AL, a daughter of the late J. Mann and Maggie Nix Robins. She was an Army Nurse Corp. veteran of WW II having seven years of service and attaining the rank of Captain. She was a nurse with the 91st Evacuation Hospital and landed at Normandy three days after the 1944 D-Day invasion. She was presented the French Jubilee of Liberty Commemorative Medal. She was a homemaker and a member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.
Mrs. Stone is survived by a daughter, and son-in-law, Karen Stone and David L. Robertson of Blowing Rock, NC; a son and daughter-in-law, Danny and Jenny Stone of Pomaria; one sister, Ruby Hill of Nauvoo, AL; eight grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and a number of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a daughter, Mary Robins Stone Nazarovitch and a brother, Ira Robins.
Funeral services were conducted at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer by the Rev. Steven Counts. Interment was in Rosemont Cemetery.
Visitation was from 5:30 –7:00 P.M. Monday at the Whitaker Funeral Home.
Active pallbearers were grandsons and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Growing in Grace Fund at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, PO Box 382, Newberry SC 29108.
Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry is assisting the family.

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Peggy Dickert Forbis December 15, 2005

Peggy Dickert Forbis, 65, of 1121 Leita St., Newberry, wife of Robert L. “Bobby” Forbis, died Thursday, December 15, 2005 at the Newberry County Memorial Hospital.
Mrs. Forbis was born on August 31, 1940 in Newberry, a daughter of Dan C. and Lera Duncan Dickert. She was an employee of Carter and Holmes Orchids for 31 years and she was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.
Mrs. Forbis is survived by her husband of the home; her parents of Newberry; a daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Mark Kesler of Newberry; a sister, Susan D. Thomas of Columbia; two brothers, Ronald C. Dickert, Sr. of Newberry and Daniel C. Dickert, Jr. of Prosperity; and two grandchildren, Lexie Ann Kesler and Adam Forbis Kesler.
Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 P.M. Sunday at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer by the Rev. Steve Counts and the Rev. Kathy Harris. Interment was in Newberry Memorial Gardens.
Visitation was from 5:30 to 7:00 P.M. Saturday at the Whitaker Funeral Home. The family was at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Kesler, 84 Harold Bowers Rd., Newberry SC.
Active pallbearers were Ronnie Dickert, Jr., Shannon Pollard, Ryan Dickert, Earl Leitzsey, Carlton Hite, Gene Crocker, Mack Holmes and Randy Forbis. Honorary pallbearers were the employees of Carter and Holmes Orchids.
Memorials may be sent to the Carolinas A.L.S. Center, PO Box 32861, Charlotte NC 28232.
Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.

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Lera Dominick Kinard December 12, 2005

Lera Dominick Kinard, 88, of 4498 Jollystreet Rd., Prosperity, widow of A. Hayne Kinard, died Monday, December 12, 2005 at the Newberry County Memorial Hospital.
Mrs. Kinard was born on June 4, 1917 in Prosperity, a daughter of the late C. “Ed” and Carrie Wicker Dominick. She was a retired employee of Prosperity Manufacturing and was a member of Colony Lutheran Church, the Adult Sunday School Class, W.E.L.C.A., and the Colony Friendship Group.
Mrs. Kinard is survived her daughter, Shelby Jean Gilliam of Prosperity and a special friend Thomas Hartle. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family and was also predeceased by her granddaughter, Kathy Jean Gilliam- Bergen and her son-in-law, D. O’Merle Gilliam.
Funeral services were conducted at 3:00 P.M. Thursday at Colony Lutheran Church by the Rev. Jerry Trantham. Interment was in Newberry Memorial Gardens.
The family did receive friends from to 5:30 to 7:00 P.M. Wednesday at the Whitaker Funeral Home. The family was at the residence of her daughter, Shelby Jean Gilliam, 4298 Jollystreet Rd, Prosperity.
Memorials may be made to Colony Lutheran Church, 48 Colony Church Road, Newberry, SC 29108
Active pallbearers were Emery Lester, Jerry Nichols, Lewis Black, Charles Dominick, George Black, Steve Kinard, and Jimmy Dominick. Honorary pallbearers were Eldred and Evelyn Amick and all of Mrs. Kinards nieces and nephews.
Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.

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Elisha C. Sease December 11, 2005

Elisha C. Sease, 93 of 4425 Bush River Road, Newberry, died Sunday, December 11, 2005 at the Newberry County Memorial Hospital.
Mr. Sease was born May 14, 1912 in Newberry County, a son of the late Daniel Bennie and Rosa Reagin Sease. Mr. Sease was a Company Commander of 25th Division of U.S. Army in the Pacific Theatre. Mr. Sease was a retired employee of the USDA and was a member of St. James Lutheran Church and the Bush River Young Farmers. He was first married to the late Mary Tigrett Sease.
Mr. Sease is survived by wife, Emma Julia Ballentine Irons Sease of the home; a son,Daniel T. Sease of home; a step-daughter, Ada and Lee Griffith of Magnolia, TX, and two-stepsons, William B. Irons, Sr. and Cynthia Irons of Cross Hill and Charles W. and Joye Irons of Newberry; six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a brother, Burton R. Sease and a sister, Elizabeth Sease.
Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 P. M. Thursday at St. James Lutheran Church. Interment was in Rosemont Cemetery.
Visitation was 5:00 to 6:30 P. M. Wednesday at the Whitaker Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Alzheimer’s Association, P. O. Box 7044, Columbia, SC 29202-7044 or to the St. James Lutheran Church, 228 Jalapa Road, Newberry, SC 29108.
Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry is assisting the family.

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Florence Elizabeth Wicker December 7, 2005

Florence Elizabeth Wicker of Greenville died Wednesday, December 7, 2005.
Born on December 6, 1921, in Newberry, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Paysinger and Elizabeth Young Wicker. She graduated from Newberry College in 1947 and worked for Southern Sash and Door Company. She was a member of Buncombe Street United Methodist Church.
Surviving relatives include cousins and a niece, Susan Wicker Clayborne, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee. She was predeceased by a brother, Thomas P. Wicker, Jr.
A committal service was held at 1:30 p.m. Friday at Rosemont Cemetery, Newberry; a worship service was held at 4:00 p.m. Friday at Memorial Chapel, Buncombe Street UMC. The Reverend Grover Putnam did celebrate both services.
Memorials may be made to The Children’s Fund; Buncombe Street UMC; P.O. Drawer 1988; Greenville, SC 29602.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.

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Lillie Mae Grogan Williams December 06, 2005

Lillie Mae Grogan Williams, 80, 5316 Deadfall Road, Silverstreet, widow of W. Elliott Williams, died Tuesday, December 06, 2005 at the Newberry Memorial Hospital.
Mrs. Williams was born in Spartanburg, a daughter of the late John P. and Rosie Smith Grogan. She was of the Baptist Faith.
Mrs. Williams is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, H.E. “Sonny” and Janice Swanson, Jr. of Savannah; one sister, Myrtle Jones of Greenville; six grandchildren, Mickey Grogan, Duane Grogan, Robert Grogan, Kevin Swanson, Rhonda Ballard, and Susan Henry; and four great grandchildren. She was predeceased by a son, John L. Grogan and a brother, Clarence Williams.
Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 P.M. Thursday at the Whitaker Funeral Home by the Rev. Walter Green. Interment will be in Newberry Memorial Gardens.
Visitation was from 5:30 to 7:00 P. M. Wednesday at Whitaker Funeral Home.
Active pallbearers were Randy Bradley, Joe Jones, Jimmy Clary, Jim Strange, Harry Longshore, and Jerry Havird.
Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry is assisting the family.

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Peggy J. Sinclair December 4, 2005

Peggy J. Sinclair, 77, 608 SC Highway 56, Spartanburg, died Sunday, December 4, 2005 at Spartanburg Regional Health Care.
Ms. Sinclair was born July 25, 1928 in Union County, a daughter of the late W. R. and Lillian Daugherty Sinclair. She was a retired nurse.
Ms. Sinclair is survived by two sisters, Mary Stevens of Pauline, and Jane Fowler of Union; three brothers, William (Bill) Sinclair of Spartanburg, Stanley Sinclair of Columbia, and Steve Sinclair of Jonesville; and a special niece, Diane Gresham Smith of Newberry. She was predeceased by a sister, Clara Lunsford and a brother, Robert Sinclair.
Graveside funeral services were conducted at 11:00 A.M. Tuesday in Newberry Memorial Gardens by Rev. Walter Green and Robert P. Smith.
Memorials may be made to Mobile Meals, P. O. Box 461, Spartanburg, SC 29304 or Lewis United Methodist Church, 1105 First St., Newberry, SC 29108.
Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry is assisting the family.

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Foster Lockhart December 3, 2005

Foster Lockhart, 88, of 1410 Magnolia Terrace, Newberry, died Saturday, December 3, 2005 at the J.F. Hawkins Nursing Home.
Mr. Lockhart was born on January 8, 1917 in Charleston, WV. He was a member of Aveleigh Presbyterian Church, Neil Trusedale Sunday School class, and a former member and elder of Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charleston, WV. He was an employee of Union Carbide in Charleston, WV for 36 years. After retirement he moved to Newberry, SC.
Mr. Lockhart is survived by his wife, Justina C. Lockhart of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Ruth Ann and Bill Witherell of Charleston, WV; son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Patti Lockhart of Jasper, GA; four grandchildren, five great grandchildren, and was predeceased by a grandson, Brett Witherell.
Funeral services were conducted in Charleston, WV.
Visitation was from 7:00 to 8:30 P. M. Sunday at the Whitaker Funeral Home. The family was at the residence.
Memorials may be made to Aveleigh Presbyterian Church, 1211 Calhoun St., Newberry, SC 29108 or J.F. Hawkins Nursing Home, 1330 Kinard St., Newberry, SC 29108.
Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry is assisting the family.

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