February 2007

James E. “Jimmy” Wise February 28, 2007

James E. “Jimmy” Wise, 67, of 25557 US Highway 76, Newberry, died Wednesday, February 28, 2007 at the Newberry County Memorial Hospital.
Mr. Wise was born on August 24, 1939 in Newberry, a son of the late Henry Walter and Gladys Shealy Wise. He was the former co-owner of Wise’s Barbershop in Joanna and was co-owner of Wise’s Bar-B-Q House.
He was a member of St. James Lutheran Church where he was Secretary-Treasurer of the Sunday School, a member of the Church Choir and was a former Congregational Council member.
He was a Life Member S. C. Synod Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary, a member of the Joanna Lions Club and the Bush River Activity Association.
He was very active in Newberry County “Relay for Life”.
He is survived by his wife, Ellie Jane Shealy Wise of Newberry; a daughter, Melinda (Tarry) Long of Pomaria; a two sons, Michael E. Wise of Chapin and Garrick (Haley) Wise of Kinards; three sisters, Narvice (Robert) Harmon of Newberry, Mary Ellen (Harold) Prater of West Columbia, and Nancy (Rick) Richardson of Prosperity; a brother, John W. “Johnny” (Linda) Wise of Newberry; five grandchildren Courtney Wise, Jennifer Wise, Michelle Wise, Taylor Wise and Zachary Wise; and special friends, Barbara, Bartley, and Bethany Cromer. He was predeceased by a brother, Clay S. Wise.
Funeral services were conducted at 11:00 A.M. Saturday at St. James Lutheran Church by the Rev. Rodney Gunter. Interment was in the Church Cemetery.
Visitation was from 6:00 to 8:00 PM Friday at the funeral home. The family was at the residence, 25557 US Highway 76.
Memorials may be made to St. James Lutheran Church, 228 Jalapa Road, Newberry, SC 29108 or American Cancer Society, c/o Helen Beebe, 181 Tailers Trail, Leesville, SC 29070.
Active pallbearers were Billy Harmon, Leon Fulmer, Roger Smith, Charles Moore, Don Richardson, C. J. Bishop, George Amick and Donald Wise. Honorary pallbearers were Dr. Mark Davis, Modene Treanor, Joyce and Legrande Bouknight, Susan and Russell Satterfield, A. J. Dooley and the members of St. James Choir.
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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Reverend R. Hilton Johnson February 20, 2007

Reverend Richard Hilton Johnson, 67, of Pickens, husband of Nancy Smith Johnson, passed away, February 20, 2007 at Cannon Memorial Hospital.
Born in Spartanburg County, he was a son of the late Richard Henry Johnson and Louise Pruitt Johnson. Reverend Johnson was a graduate of James F. Byrnes High School and Wofford College, attended Erskine Theological Seminary and Duke University. During his 37 year ministry he served O’Neal United Methodist Church in Newberry, Lowell Street United Methodist Church in Greenwood, Barnwell-Siloam United Methodist Church in Barnwell, Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens and several other churches in Spartanburg, Laurens and Aiken Counties.
Surviving in addition to his wife are a daughter, Courtney Foster and husband Neal of Columbia; sister, Ruby Bailey of Welford and several nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by two brothers, Robert and Fred Johnson.
Funeral services were held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, February 23, 2007 at Grace United Methodist Church in Pickens. Burial did follow at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens in Spartanburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Parkinson Foundation, Office of Development, 1501 NW 9th Ave., Bob Hope Road, Miami, Florida 33136-1494.
Online condolences may be made by visiting www.dillardfunerals.com.
Dillard Funeral Home is assisting the family of Rev. Johnson.

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Mollie Lee Evans Taylor February 17, 2007

Mollie Lee Evans Taylor, 88, resident of Wesley Commons in Greenwood, and former resident of 2136 Mower Street in Newberry, SC, widow of Carl J. Taylor, went to be with her Lord on Saturday, February 17, 2007.
Born in Newberry, October 8, 1918, she was a daughter of the late John E. and Agnes Dickert Evans. She was a graduate of Newberry High School, worked many years in the Newberry Cotton Mills and later retired from Louis Rich.
A member of Mayer Memorial Lutheran Church, she was also a member of the Adult Sunday School Class as well as the Edith Fulmer Circle. Singing in the church choir was a special joy to her. At her church, she was lovingly known as ‘the kissing lady’.
Survivors include one brother, Herman O. Evans of Cheraw and a sister, Ollie Mae Johnson of Zephryill Hills, Florida. She is also survived by her nieces and nephews, Judy Swygert Kelley of Greenwood, Nita Swygert Gilmer of Abbeville; James E. Evans, Jr. of Greenville; Terri E. Abercrombie, Aggie E. Norris, and Jan E. Tinsley, all of Fountain Inn; Susan E. Johnson of Oak Island, NC, Pamela E. Page of Gray, Tennessee; Risa Taylor Cromer and Mickey Werts of Newberry, and Sammy Taylor of Prosperity. Well loved by ‘Aunt Mollie’ are her 15 Great nieces and nephews and 18 Great-great nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Taylor was predeceased by two brothers, Olin E. Evans of Fountain Inn, and James E. Evans, Sr. of Greenville and a sister, Margaret Swygert of Greenwood, as well as a niece, Cheryl Velez of Fountain Inn.
Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 PM Tuesday at Whitaker Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. James F. Kelley and Rev. Robert Kasting officiating. Burial was in Rosemont Cemetery.
The body was at Whitaker Funeral Home. Visitation was from 12:00 to 1:30 PM Tuesday prior to the service in the Chapel.
Memorials may be made to HospiceCare of the Piedmont, Inc. 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646.
Pallbearers were Ray Abercrombie, Mike Cromer, James Evans, Roy Johnson, Terry Norris, Johnny Page, Sammy Taylor, and Duane Tinsley.
Honorary escorts were the Adult Sunday School Class and Edith Fulmer and Myrtle Derrick Circles of Mayer Memorial Lutheran Church, Myrtle Derrick, Adella Summer, Harriett Burnett, Martha Young, Margaret Sligh, Lloyd Layman, Roy Stutts, H. C. and Ritha Smith, Roselyn Underwood, John and Jackie Kesler, George and Dot Way, Gene and Helen Gillam, Troy and Johnette Bowers, Jack and Lois Taylor.
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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Keith Edward Wagner February 16, 2007

Keith Edward Wagner, Ph.D., 71, of 2315 Evans Circle, Newberry died Friday, February 16, 2007 at his residence.
Dr. Wagner was born in Centre Hall, PA a son of the late Lewis Arthur and Ruth Adams Wagner. He was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.
Dr. Wagner received his undergraduate degree from Thiel College in Greenville, PA and his Master of Arts and Doctoral Degree from Ohio State University. He had taught at California State College, PA, Washington and Lee University, East Carolina University and Newberry College. He retired from Newberry College after 34 years as a Professor of History. During his years at Newberry College, Dr. Wagner served as Chair of the Department of History and Political Science for 17 years. He also served on and chaired numerous committees including the Faculty Council, Tenure and Promotion Committee, Athletics Committee and SACS Self-Study Committees. In addition, he also served as the Parliamentarian for the Faculty. Upon his retirement, the board of Trustees conferred upon Dr. Wagner the distinguished title of Professor Emeritus of History.
Dr. Wagner is survived by his wife Eunice Wagner of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Christine Wagner and Chris Pierson of Columbia; a son and daughter-in-law, K. Stewart and Christy Wagner of Union; a brother Donald Wagner of Spartanburg; and two grandchildren, Katie and Alex Wagner.
Funeral services were conducted at 1:00 pm Monday at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer by the Rev Dr. Wayne Kannaday. Interment was in Rosemont Cemetery.
The family was at the residence, 2315 Evans Circle, and did receive friends there.
The family suggests memorial be made to the American Heart Association, Mid Atlantic Affiliate, PO Box 5216, Glen Allen, PA 23058-5216 or to Wessels Library , c/o 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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Melvin H. Carroll, Sr. February 16, 2007

Melvin H. Carroll, Sr., 79, of 753 Living Inn Road, Prosperity, died Friday, February 16, 2007 at the Dorn VA Hospital.
He was born in Ravenel, SC, a son of the late Herbert and Eula Ferguson Carroll. He was a Navy Veteran of WW II and was a retired employee of Georgia Pacific and a retired Baptist Minister. He was a member of Dreher Island Baptist Church.
Mr. Carroll is survived by his wife, Almena Mixon Carroll of Prosperity; two daughters, Judith West of Atlanta, GA and Lynn Stout of Lehighton, PA; two sons, Melvin H. Carroll, Jr. of Prattville, AL and Troy D. White of Irmo; a sister, Burnette Savage of Round O; two brothers, T. C. Carroll of San Antonio, TX and Paul Carroll of Moncks Corner; seven grandchildren, Tracy Iannuzzi, Melvin Carroll, III, Keiva Seamon, Brian Cowart, Craig Stout, Jenny Carroll, and Tara Carroll; and three great granddaughters, Tori Iannuzzi, Jillian White, and Korie Nicole Seamon.
Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 PM Sunday at the Whitaker Funeral Home, Chapin by the Rev. David Smith. Interment was in Crescent Hill Cemetery in Columbia.
Visitation was from 6:000 to 8:00 PM Saturday at the funeral home in Chapin.
Active pallbeares were Brian Cowart, Craig Stout, Trey Carroll, Arnell Mixon, Jamie Carroll, and Robert Carroll, Jr.
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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Ralph L. Tuten Sr., February 10, 2007

Ralph L. Tuten Sr., 75, died Saturday, February 10, 2007 at his home in Ridgeland, SC.
He was born in Ridgeland, SC on August 16, 1931. He was the son of the late Leonard Wilson Tuten and Pearl Langford Tuten. He was retired from the SC Department of Vocational Rehabilitation; a Clemson graduate; a member of Ridgeland Baptist Church and served as Mayor of Ridgeland since 1998. He was on the Board of Directors for the Low Country Council of Governments and Board of Directors for SC Municipal Association.
He is survived by his two sons, Ralph L. (Caroline) Tuten Jr. of Montgomery, AL and Lorrin Tuten of Ridgeland, SC; one daughter, Betsy (Darryl) Hentz of Pomaria, SC; one brother, Thomas (Mary Francis) Tuten of Greenville, SC; and seven grandchildren, Savanna, Abigail and Kalub Tuten and Nicholas, Courtney, Zachary and Sarah Hentz.
Funeral services were held at 3:00 pm, Tuesday, February 13, 2007 in the Ridgeland Baptist Church, Ridgeland, SC with burial in the Beaver Dam Cemetery, Grays, SC. The family did receive friends beginning at 1:00 pm until the hour of the service on Tuesday at Ridgeland Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers the family request memorial gifts be made to the charity of choice.
Sauls Funeral Home of Ridgeland, SC (843-815-5535) is assisting the family with their arrangements.

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Louis F. Mazza February, 11, 2007

Louis F. Mazza, 86, formerly of 2708 Collinswood Dr., Newberry, died Sunday, February, 11, 2007 at Springfield Place.
Mr. Mazza was born in Reading, PA, a son of the late Antonio Peter and Sarah Borrello Mazza. He was a Navy veteran of WW II and retired from the US Postal Service. He was a member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, the Couples Sunday School Class, NARFE, AARP and he was an avid golfer.
He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Kenneth L. and Mary Susan Mazza of Newberry and Larry F. and Carol Mazza of Prosperity; a sister, Theresa Siclave of Rye, NY; a brother, Carmen Mazza of Greenwich, CN; and four grandchildren, Jennifer Mazza, Michael (Hailey) Mazza, Jeff Mazza and Jesse Mazza. He was predeceased by his wife, Alifair Weatherford Mazza.
Graveside funeral services were conducted at 11:00 AM Tuesday in Newberry Memorial Gardens by the Rev. Kathy Harris.
Visitation was be from 6:30 to 7:30 PM Monday at the Whitaker Funeral Home. The family was at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Mazza, 1909 Ebenezer Road, Newberry.
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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Louise Cromer Dominick February 3, 2007

Louise Cromer Dominick, 84, 228 Bill Dominick Road, Newberry, widow of William M. Dominick, died Saturday, February 3, 2007, at Newberry County Memorial Hospital.
Mrs. Dominick was born on July 31, 1922, in Lexington County, a daughter of the late Forrest and Minnie Fulmer Cromer. She was a retired employee from the Kendall Company, Oakland Mill and was a member of Mayer Memorial Lutheran Church, the Adult Sunday School Class where she was Secretary for over 30 years, Past President of West End Seniors, sang with the R. S. V. P. Singers and was an avid Bingo Player.
She is survived by a daughter, Jeanette Harmon of Newberry; a son, Curtis L. (Patti) Dominick of Newberry; a sister, Ruby C. Lee of Newberry; four grandchildren, Travis (Cynthia) Harmon of Greenville, Trudy (Brock) Longshore of Newberry, Jason Dominick of Seoul, South Korea, and Jodi Dominick of Columbia; two great-grandchildren, Michael Harmon and Rachel Harmon of Greenville. She was predeceased by a son-in-law, Terry Harmon and her step-mother, Edy Adams Cromer.
Funeral services were conducted at 3:00 PM Tuesday in Mayer Memorial Lutheran Church by the Rev. Dr. Robert E. McCollum. Interment was in Newberry Memorial Gardens.
Visitation was from 6:00 to 7:30 PM Monday at the Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry.
Memorials maybe made to Mayer Memorial Lutheran Church, 1307 Drayton St. Newberry SC 29108.
Pallbearers were Alan Lee, Randall Lee, Keith Dominick, Jimmy Dominick, James Fulmer, Wayne Fulmer, Eddie Fulmer and Randall Fulmer. Honorary pallbearers were the Adult Sunday School Class of Mayer Memorial Lutheran Church, the West End Seniors, Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Fulmer, Mr. and Mrs. Elbert Finney, Mr. and Mrs. Heyward Fulmer, Vonnie Fulmer, Diane Vining, Brain and Erica Lee and Mr. and Mrs. Ray Franklin.
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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