February 2009

William Fitzgerald "Gerry" Rutherford, Jr. February 21, 2009

William Fitzgerald “Gerry” Rutherford, Jr., died Saturday, February 21, 2009. Born in Newberry on November 20, 1932, he had a strong will and a big heart which helped him overcome polio as a child and become competitive in athletics. He was an eagle scout in Troop 66 in Newberry.
Gerry was the only son of the late William Fitzgerald Rutherford and the late Frances Houseal Rutherford. He attended public schools in Newberry and was a 1954 graduate of Clemson University of which he was a long-time supporter of IPTAY and supporter of the university.
Gerry was married 51 years to his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Peggy Ann Stutts.
He will be fondly remembered by the young men he coached in Little League and the close friends he made at the Tuller Chapter of the National Wine Society, a passion he found later in life. Wines he made placed or won in numerous competitions.
Surviving are his wife; sons, William Fitzgerald “Fitz” Rutherford, III of Columbia, Robert Drayton “Colonel” Rutherford of Mount Pleasant, and John Houseal “E” Rutherford and wife, London of Chapin; five grandchildren, William Fitzgerald “Will” Rutherford, IV, Brannon Rutherford Lewis and husband, John, Robert “Drayton” Rutherford, Jr., Reece Ashton Rutherford and Gavin Nance Rutherford; and a great grandson, John Keagan Lewis. He was predeceased by his infant daughter Ann Rutherford and his sister Kate Rutherford Lomasny
Visitation was Thursday evening from 6 to 8 P.M. at Whitaker Funeral Home, Chapin.
Graveside funeral services were held on Friday at 1 P.M. at Rosemont Cemetery on College Street in Newberry.
Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, Palmetto Chapter, 4124 Clemson Blvd., Suite L, Clemson, SC 29621.
Pallbearers were Lawrence Savage, Phil Savage, Kerry Savage, Steve Kane, Kevin Warner, and Wesley McMullen.
Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com
Whitaker Funeral Home, Chapin, is assisting the family.

Top of Page

Sadie Estelle Lindler Dominick February 20, 2009

Sadie Estelle Lindler Dominick, 95, of 1803 Reid School Road, Taylors, died Friday morning, February 20, 2009 at her residence.
She was born on January 2, 1914 in Lexington, a daughter of the late Charlie Burdell and Corra Lindler.
Mrs. Dominick was a member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Greenville. She was a lover of music who enjoyed playing the piano and singing.
Surviving are a daughter Carol Lee Wells of Taylors; three grandchildren; 8 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. She was predeceased by her husband Reeder Simpson Dominick and her siblings, Bill, Maggie, Millie, Robert and J.P.
Graveside funeral services were conducted at 2:00 P.M. Monday in Newberry Memorial Gardens by the Rev. Gerald W. Smith.
The family suggest memorials be made to Our Savior Lutheran Church, 2600 Wade Hampton Blvd, Greenville, SC 29615.
Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.

Top of Page

John R. “Bobby” Beach, Jr. February 4, 2009

John R. “Bobby” Beach, Jr. died in Youngstown OH.
He was born on June 24, 1951 in Concord, NC, a son of the late John R. and Mildred Gray Beach. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was an auto mechanic.
He is survived by his son Randy Beach of Newberry; 3 sisters, Sue Goff, Mrs. Bobby (Becky) Greene, and Cindy Trammell all of Newberry; a brother, Jimmy Beach of Joanna; and grandchildren, Alex Beach, Jonathon Beach, and Nicholas Beach. He was predeceased by 2 brothers, Kenneth Beach and Richard Beach.
A private family services were held.
Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.

Top of Page

Terry Allen Garner February 17, 2009

Terry Allen Garner, 22, of West Columbia died Tuesday, February 17, 2009 in West Columbia.
He was born on January 28, 1987 a son of the late Katherine Sanders Garner and of James Rubin Garner. He was a member of Wightman United Methodist Church.
Terry is survived by two brothers, Christopher David Garner of Newberry and Jamie Lee Garner of Pomaria; maternal grandparents, Bryant and Patricia Jennings of Prosperity and Carroll and Beth Sanders of Prosperity and step-great grandparents, Bobby and Bernette Goff of Batesburg. He was predeceased by his mother; and his paternal grandparents, Fred and Elizabeth Garner.
Graveside funeral services were conducted at 2:00 P.M. Friday at Newberry Memorial Gardens by the Rev. Michael Turner and the Rev. Eddie Taylor.
The family was at the residence of Kenneth W. Sanders, 4939 Jolly St. Road, Newberry. Visitation was from 7:00 to 8:30 P.M. Thursday at Whitaker Funeral Home.
Active pallbearers were Alex Dowd, Chris Arial, Johnny Owens, Ethan Hancock, Brandon Shealy, and Craig Livingston.
Memorials may be made to Wightman United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 376, Prosperity, SC 29127
Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.

Top of Page

Edna Tyler Johnson February 17, 2009

Edna Tyler Johnson, 88, of 1606 Emory St., Whitmire, died Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at the Newberry County Memorial Hospital.
She was born on March 11, 1920 in Fairview, VA to the late L. D. and Estella Horton Tyler. She was married to the late Coy C. Johnson.
Mrs. Johnson retired from the J.P. Stevens Company and was a charter member of Friendship Baptist Church.
She is survived by her sister, Cleo England of Williamston, SC and a number of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by one sister, Pauline Tyler Brock and three brothers, Edgar Tyler, Robert (Bob) Tyler and Audney Tyler.
Funeral services were conducted at 3:00 P.M. Saturday at Friendship Baptist Church by the Rev. Ray Belue and Rev. Brice Castle. The body was placed in the church at 10:00 A.M. Saturday for viewing. The family did receive friends and relatives at the church from 1:00 to 2:00 P.M. and again at the cemetery following the interment service. Interment was in Whitmire Cemetery.
The family suggest memorials be made to Friendship Baptist Church, 503 Duckett St., Whitmire, SC 29178.
Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.

Top of Page

Grady H. Bowers February 15, 2009

Grady H. Bowers, 68, of 650 Houston Road, Prosperity, died February 15, 2009 at his residence.
He was born on October 30, 1940, the son of the late George Houston and Vera Garrett Bowers.
He was retired from Whitaker Floor Covering after 42 years of service and was a member of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church.
He is survived by his wife, Beverly Lake Bowers of Prosperity; two sons and a daughter in law, Gregg Bowers of Newberry and Mickey and Angela Bowers of Prosperity, a sister, Narvice Painter of Sumter; three grandchildren, Shane Bowers, Bridgett B. Derrick and Jennifer B. Ward; two step-grandchildren, Clayton Epting and C.C. Epting and three great-grandchildren, Taylor Derrick, Bailey Derrick and Landen Ward. He was predeceased by his son, Grady Michael “Mike” Bowers.
Funeral services were conducted at 3:00 PM Tuesday at St. Luke’s Lutheran Church by the Rev. Ronald Smith. Interment was in Newberry Memorial Gardens.
The family did receive friends from 7:00 to 8:00 P.M. Monday at Whitaker Funeral Home in Newberry.
Active pallbearers were Rhett Fellers, John Paul Whitaker, Edward Boozer, Ralph Bedenbaugh, Tony Boozer, Scott Thomas and Danny Yarborough.
The family suggests memorials be made to the Fellowship Fund of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, 4056 St. Luke’s Church Road, Prosperity, SC 29127 or a charity of one’s choice.
Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.

Top of Page

Byron T. "Toby" Smith February 14, 2009

Byron T. “Toby” Smith, 60, of 14328 S.C. Highway 121, Newberry died Saturday, February, 14, 2009 at Regency Hospital in Greenville.
He was born on July 31, 1948 in Newberry a son of the late Floyd M. Smith, Sr. and Edna Tobais Smith Altman. He was a retired employee of American Fiber and Finishing Co. He was a member of the N.R.A.
He is survived by two brothers, W. Reyburn Smith of Union and Maxie L. Smith of Landrum; 4 nieces, Mary Louise Berry of Pomaria, Tammy Day of Texas, and Theresa Smith and Karen Smith both of Nashville; and a nephew, Lavon Smith. He was predeceased by his wife, Sherry Kay Smith, Step-mother, Bessie Waldrop Smith and a brother, Floyd M. Smith, Jr.
Funeral services were conducted at 11:00 AM Tuesday at the Whitaker Funeral Home by the Rev. Dr. Donald West and Mr. Howard Smith. Interment was in the Springdale Section of Rosemont Cemetery.
Visitation was from 6:00 to 7:00 PM Monday at the Whitaker Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Helen Beebe, 181 Trailers Trail, Leesville, SC 29070.
Active pallbearers were Rodney Berry, Steve Johnson, Lynn Waller, Jimmy Morris, Lavon Smith, Buddy Goff, and Doug Goff.
Messages to the family may be sent via email at notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com.
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry is assisting the family.

Top of Page

G. Perry Caughman, III February 11, 2009

G. Perry Caughman, III, 67, of Ravenel, SC died Wednesday February 11, 2009 in Charleston.
Mr. Caughman was born December 17, 1941, in Columbia, a son of the late G. P. and Eleanor Fowler Caughman. He was a graduate of Dreher High School and served in the U. S. Navy. He retired from BellSouth.
He is survived by his wife Rebecca Cobb Caughman; son Joseph Perry Caughman of Atlanta, GA; sister, Helen C. Campbell of Columbia; brothers Robert Caughman of Burke, SD and Huger Caughman of Newberry; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were conducted 2:00 P.M. Sunday at the First Baptist Church of Ravenel with interment to follow in the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Ravenel, P. O. Box 129, 5987 Highway 165, Ravenel, SC 29470.
James A Dyal Funeral Home of Summerville is in charge.

Top of Page

Elizabeth "Betty" Townsend Wessinger February 10, 2009

Elizabeth “Betty” Hale Townsend Wessinger, 82, of 1205 Reid St., Newberry, died Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at her residence.
She was born on August 2, 1926 in Ninety Six, SC a daughter of the late Francis Asbury and Ella Lee Sherard Townsend. She was a 1947 graduate of Converse College and a member of the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer.
Mrs. Wessinger is survived by her three sons and their wives, Hugh E. Wessinger, Jr. and Debora of Asheville, NC, F. Townsend Wessinger and Claire of Newberry and B. Lee Wessinger and Gretchen of Simpsonville; grandchildren, Matthew and Zoe Wessinger, Conner and Addison Wessinger, Forrest and Quinten Gulledge, and Matthew and Will Mature; a sister, Amelia Townsend Alexander of Anderson and a brother, Francis Asbury Townsend, Jr. of Aiken. She was predeceased by her husband, Hugh Elliott Wessinger.
Graveside funeral services were conducted at 2:00 P.M. Friday in Newberry Memorial Gardens by the Rev. Floyd Sides.
Visitation was Thursday from 6:30 P.M. to 7:30 P.M. at Whitaker Funeral Home in Newberry.
Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.

Top of Page

Wynona "Nonie" Layton Terrell Ballentine February 9, 2009

Wynona “Nonie” Layton Terrell Ballentine, 82, of Newberry, died Monday, February 9, 2009 at White Oak Manor.
She was born on Jan. 16, 1927 in Newberry, the daughter of the late Isaac C. “Doc” and Gladys Richey Layton. A graduate of Newberry College, she was a retired bookkeeper with South Carolina National Bank. She was a member of Glenn St. Baptist Church where she had taught Sunday School in the Children’s Department. She was a former volunteer at the Newberry County Memorial Hospital and a past member of the Newberry Chapter of the B & PW.
Nonie was twice married, first to the late Noble Terrell and second to the late William “Bill” Ballentine. She is survived by her brother, Donald Layton and his wife Betty Lou Layton of Newberry; a number of nieces and nephews including Beth (Wayne) Wicker, Donald A. (Darlene) Layton, Kent (Jill) Layton, Russell “Rusty” (Donna) Layton, and Michael R. Layton; and a number of great nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by 2 brothers, Allen “Little Doc” C. Layton and Ray C. Layton.
Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 PM Thursday at Glenn St. Baptist Church by the Rev. Michael Whitesides, Rev. Kevin Carter, Rev. Rodney Gunter, and Mr. Kent Layton. Interment was in St. James Lutheran Church cemetery. The body was placed in the church at 1:30 PM.
The family was at the residence of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Layton, 866 Mud Creek Road, Newberry. Visitation was held on Wednesday from 6:30 to 7:30 P.M. at Whitaker Funeral Home.
The family suggests memorials be made to Glenn St. Baptist Church, 300 Glenn St., Newberry, SC 29108 or to St. James Lutheran Church, 228 Jalapa Road, Newberry, SC 29108.
Active pallbearers were Donald A. Layton, Kent Layton, Russell Layton, Wayne Wicker, Layton Wicker, John Long, Paul B. Long, Charles Irons, William Irons, Clyde Reeves, and George Reeves.
Messages to the family may be sent via email to notes@whitakerfuneralhome.com
Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.

Top of Page