Richard Shirley

The Honorable Richard A. Shirley, age 68, a life-long resident of Anderson, SC, passed away Thursday, December 8, 2022. 

Born September 8, 1954, he was the son of Fred Spencer Shirley and Judith Knobel Shirley.

Richard was a graduate of T.L. Hanna High School and Presbyterian College. His work ethic began at a young age while working in the family business, Shirley’s Auto Glass and Trim Shop. He then began a 34 year career serving his hometown in banking, beginning at C & S National Bank and ending at Arthur State Bank. He was the youngest person ever elected to the Anderson City Council serving from 1978 until 1998 when he was elected Mayor of Anderson. He would serve as mayor until 2006. In 2010, he was appointed to the position of Clerk of Court for Anderson County and won re-election three consecutive times, the most recent being in 2020. There was no question of his care, dedication and devotion to Anderson. He was a long-time member of Central Presbyterian Church.

Those who knew Richard will remember him as a kind, generous man who could always make you laugh. He will be missed beyond measure. 

In addition to his parents, he is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Rachelle Propp Shirley; daughter, Judith Marie Shirley; sister, Pamela Shirley Hilburn (Don); aunts, Ann Shirley and Sherrill Hall (Tom); uncles, Stuart Knobel (Amanda) and Barry Knobel (Cathy); brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Lee and Beth Propp; nieces, Rebecca Propp and Anna Catherine Carron; nephew, McCallum Propp (Heather); great-niece, Fallon Propp.

The funeral service will be held Sunday, December 11, 2022, at 2:00 pm in the Henderson Auditorium at Anderson University with Rev. Dr. Michael York officiating. The service will be available to view via live streaming at the link below. The family will speak with guests for 30 minutes following the service. A private family committal service will be held at Old Silver Brook Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Calvary Home for Children, 110 Calvary Home Circle, Anderson, SC 29621, and Haven of Rest Ministries, 219 W. Whitner St, Anderson, SC 29624. 

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STREAMING AT TIME OF SERVICE

 https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCASwyrK1uqr8rPKEFwwHENA/live

David Louis Kyle, Sr.

Anderson, SC - David Louis Kyle, Sr., 84, passed away Friday, December 2, 2022.

Born in Birmingham, Alabama, he was the son of the late Ralph Kyle, a Baptist preacher, and Helen Templeton Kyle. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1956-1959. He was a multi-sport competitive athlete including boxing, handball, football, volleyball, and others, some while serving in the Navy.

David was educated at Columbia Bible College (now Columbia International University) in Columbia, SC and served in full time Christian Ministry primarily as a director of Christian education with Blessed ministries at Forest Lake Presbyterian and McGregor Presbyterian churches in the Columbia, SC area among others. He was currently a member of Concord Baptist Church and the church choir. He previously served as a member and Deacon at Oakwood Baptist Church in Anderson.

Survivors include his precious daughter Betsy Dorn (Mark) of Abbeville and his son David Kyle (Beth) of Anderson; grandsons Jonathan Kyle (Megan) of Greenville and Andrew Kyle (Katie) of Sacramento, CA; granddaughter Emily Kyle (Sam) of Greer; great-grandsons Nathan David Kyle of Greenville and Davey Wren Kyle of Sacramento, CA; great-granddaughter Sarah Margaret Kyle of Greenville; and a sister Judy Campbell of Stone Mountain, GA.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 59 years Anne Bradford Kyle; brother Ralph Kyle; and sisters Elaine Black and Cindy Thomas.

Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, December 8, at Concord Baptist Church. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. Burial will be at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Haven of Rest, 219 West Whitner Street, Anderson, SC 29624.

JoAnn McKinney Pace

JoAnn McKinney Pace, age 89, of Pensacola, FL, passed away peacefully at The Blake of Pensacola on Friday, October 21, 2022. JoAnn was born on January 7, 1933, to the late J.W. “Mac” and Muriel Saylors McKinney in Anderson, S.C.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband, Col. Joe B. Pace, Sr. USAF (Ret.) and her daughter, Jan LaMotte.

JoAnn married her childhood sweetheart, Joe B. Pace, Sr. in December 1952, they then moved to Florida. She was an accomplished pianist, she also took joy in painting, writing, flower arranging and was an active member of the Pensacola Garden club. She was an excellent cook and enjoyed cooking for others. She also delighted in serving her Lord and church family at First Baptist Church Pensacola playing piano for her Sunday school class and helping with events. Later in life, Joe and Joann loved to travel and go RVing with friends and family.

Those left to cherish her memory include her son, Joseph B. Pace, Jr., and his wife, Deirdre; a son-in-law, Joseph LaMotte; five grandchildren, Gentry P. Jackson, Joseph Pace III, Ashley LaMotte Ehret, Heather LaMotte Weaver, Cameron LaMotte and three great grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 11:00am until a Funeral Service to begin at 12:30pm Tuesday, November 1, 2022, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, with Dr. Eric Hankins, Lead Pastor, officiating. Committal service will follow at Barrancas National Cemetery where she will be reunited with her husband, Col. Joe B. Pace, Sr. USAF (Ret.).

Doris Sanders O’Neal

Anderson, SC - Doris Jane Sanders O’Neal, 95, widow of Tim O’Neal, Jr., passed away Wednesday, March 14, 2018, at her residence.

Born in Anderson, she was the daughter of the late Claud and Mallie Sullivan Sanders. She served as Dr. Ned Camp’s office nurse for 27 years and retired as a rural mail carrier from the U.S. Postal Service. Mrs. O’Neal was a charter member of Beta Sigma Phi and was a member of First Baptist Church and the Gleaners Sunday school class. 

Survivors include her son, Ronald Michael O’Neal and wife Rita; daughter, Jane O. Burgess, all of Anderson; four grandchildren, Michael Patrick O’Neal and wife, Brooke, Allison O. King and husband, Brandon, Tamatha B. Plumley and husband, Shawn, and Thomas Michael Burgess and wife, Kelly; ten great grandchildren; and six great-great grandchildren. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. 

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Smith; brothers, Franklyn, Roy, Nevitte, and Clyde Sanders; son-in-law, Thomas U. “Tommy” Burgess, and a great-great grandson, Kayleb McMahan.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, March 18, at Sullivan-King Mortuary Chapel conducted by Rev. Jerry Hayes. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:45 p.m. Sunday at the mortuary. Family members are at their respective homes. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621, Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 285, Anderson, SC 29622, or the charity of 

Ira P. “Buck” Bolt, Jr.

Anderson, SC - Ira P. Bolt, Jr., 92, husband of the late Lucia Elizabeth King Bolt, passed away Wednesday, August 23, 2017, at his residence.

Born in Anderson, he was the son of the late Ira P. and Neta McClure Bolt. Buck attended Boys High School and Clemson University. He served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a Radioman 2/C in the American and European Theatres. He was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation with the Bronze Star. He was a former member of the American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars. Buck had an illustrious career with Federal Highway Administration for 30 years, retiring as a resident engineer on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Buck was a volunteer for Meals on Wheels for a number of years. He was a member and past president of the Anderson Lions Club where he was a Melvin Jones Award Recipient and was also a member of Hiram Lodge #68 A.F.M., where he was a Life Master Mason and a 32^nd Degree Scottish Rite Mason. He was a member of Midway Presbyterian Church where he served as a Deacon, Elder and church treasurer over the years. 

Survivors include one son, Ira Steven “Steve” Bolt of Anderson; one daughter, Luanne Bolt Thayer of Greenville; two grandchildren, Jason Thayer and Lindsey Thayer; one great grandchild, Christian Thayer. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Katherine Goode, Frances McLeod, Winona Kerchmar, Florence Thompson, and Bettie Parnell; and a brother, Wilson Bolt.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, August 26, at Sullivan-King Mortuary Chapel conducted by Dr. James M. Rice. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 2 until 3 p.m. Saturday at the mortuary. Family members are at their respective homes. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 285, Anderson, SC 29622.

Sullivan-King Mortuary

www.sullivanking.com

Losing Family Members is Something You Don't Get Over

By Greg Wilson/Anderson Observer

Don Wilson, my uncle died this week. My dad, Jim, his brother John, their cousin Bud Kelley, Duck and niece Jane.

My father’s youngest brother, he is strong in all my memories of extended family from my earliest days. We had Sunday lunch at my grandmothers every week throughout my childhood, and when I was young he and my Aunt Pat, who died last year, lived with my grandparents on the farm in the Bishop Branch Community in Anderson County. 

When they moved out, it was to a high hill across the pasture from the family farm, and it was there they raised my cousins Perry, Kathy and Tim, all of whom I spent a lot of time with growing up. Their dad, known only to the family as “Duck” (due to a childhood incident when he was chased from the pond by ducks, not because of the cartoon character), was gentle, kind and shared a wry smile with my dad whenever minor mischief crossed his mind.

He and my dad remained close their entire lives, talking every day on the phone, before my father’s sudden passing last spring only a few short weeks after the long-suffering passing of my Aunt Pat. 

I am not sure my uncle ever got over the grief of losing his wife, whose graveside he was still visiting often until his recent illness. They were very close, and her extended health struggles were hard on him and their children who helped out constantly during those days. They could not have wished for better.  

Then, on the heels of that loss, the death of my father - his closest sibling and last living brother - was another hard hit. He has already lost two brothers and a sister.

Don was also extraordinarily proud of his three children. He talked about them all the time throughout their adult years in a way that many parents reserve for their pride during the childhod years.

A series of unresolved health issues ensued in the year that followed, as his children - especially his daughter Kathy - took him to a seemingly endless series of medical appointments. tests and followups. The medical professionals never really resolved his dizzy spells, and other ailments. So, he passed away at home during the early morning hours this past Sunday. 

He will be missed and remembered by all of us in the family and by the many friends he made over his eight decades. The youngest of six, he is survived by only one sister, Hilda, who turned 92 this week.

Many have shown up to pay tribute to Don and their respects to the family, and that is appreciated and continues to be welcome.

But once the platitudes are over and well wishers have gone home, the real grieving begins. Loss of this kind is not something any of us ever really gets over. So please pray for the Wilson family in the days ahead. Losing so many members of the family does not mean we will forget them, but it does mean we have lost something in our lives.

And if you still are among the fortunate who still has one or both parents alive and in your life, take a little time of gratitude for that as well this week.

Suzette Robison Palmer

Anderson, SC - Suzette Robison Palmer, 57, wife of Dale M. Palmer, passed away Tuesday, January 10, 2017, at her home.

Born in Anderson, she was the daughter of Mildred Parnell Robison of Anderson and the late Gilbert “Robbie” Robison. Suzette was the reimbursement coordinator at Patrick B. Harris Psychiatric Hospital. She was a member of Unity Baptist Church where she served as church pianist for 18 years.

Survivors include her husband, Dale; daughter, Cathryn S. Dickson and husband, Preston of Townville; mother, Mildred P. Robison; and four nieces.

In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by a brother, Gilbert “Rusty” Robison. 

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Sullivan-King Mortuary Chapel conducted by Rev. Lloyd Robison and Rev. Roger Kendrick. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5:30 until 8 p.m. Thursday at the mortuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gideons International, P.O. Box 1911, Anderson, SC 29622, Cancer Association of Anderson, 215 East Calhoun Street, Anderson, SC 29621, or Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621. 

Susan Stiles Walker

Anderson, SC - Susan Marie Stiles Walker, wife of Danny Walker, moved to her Heavenly Home on Thursday, December 8, 2016. 

Born January 28, 1956 in Atlanta, GA, she was the daughter of the late George and Carolyn (Billie) Stiles. Susan graduated from Tucker High School in 1974 and Bob Jones University in 1978. She was an owner and manager in her family business, Stiles Heating & Cooling, for 35 years. She was one of the founders of Anderson Christian School where she served as a board member and active volunteer. Susan was very active and involved at GraceView Church with women’s programs and the children’s ministry. She was a volunteer and leader with Women’s Life Fellowship in Anderson. Susan was a prayer warrior for family and friends. She rejoiced with those who were rejoicing and wept with those who were weeping. She walked slowly but you had to run to keep up with her. She loved her family and friends and was always there to celebrate others accomplishments and victories.

Survivors include her husband, Danny Walker; children, Clarke, Amanda and husband, Austin, Allie, and Cameron Walker; grandchildren, Lyle and Shirley Kay Walker; mother-in-law, Betty Walker of Anderson; brothers, Mark Stiles and wife, Sylvia, Doug Stiles and wife, Lynne, and Garrick Stiles and wife, Carey, all of Athens, GA; brother-in-law, David Walker and wife, Jackie of Anderson; sister-in-law, Susan Timmerman and husband, Keith of Greenwood; thirteen nephews, nine nieces, one great niece and three great nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Mickey Walker.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, December 11, at First Baptist Church of Anderson conducted by Rev. Jeff Bartlett. The family will receive friends at the church following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to GraceView Church, 122 Centerville Road, Anderson, SC 29625; Women’s Life Fellowship, P.O. Box 698, Anderson, SC 29622; Haven of Rest, P.O. Box 466, Anderson, SC 29622; or Anderson Christian School, Walker Scholarship Fund, 3903 Liberty Highway, Anderson, SC 29621.

The family is at the residence, 2208 Willow Place, Anderson. 

Sullivan-King Mortuary

www.sullivanking.com

Linda P. Bryant

Anderson, SC - Linda Louise Poore Bryant, 77, wife of Raymond Wilson Bryant, passed away Sunday, December 4, 2016, at Ellenburg Nursing Center.

Born in Anderson, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Cecil Jones Poore. She was a 1958 graduate of Girls High School and was a graduate of Anderson College. She was a teacher and social worker in Anderson public schools for 30 years. Mrs. Bryant was a member of Gethsemane Baptist Temple.

Survivors include her husband, Raymond W. Bryant; one son, David Bryant; grandson, Josh Bryant; and a great grandson, Grayson Bryant.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Bradley Bryant and two sisters,
JoAnne Woodward Moore and Barbara Burden Forshee.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, December 8, at Gethsemane Baptist Temple conducted by Rev. Sam Duncan and Rev. Bob Marcaurelle. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 12:30 until 1:45 p.m. Thursday at the church.

Sullivan-King Mortuary
www.sullivanking.com

William A. “Bo” Kelly

Anderson, SC - William Alvin Kelly, 75, husband of Joyce Glenn Kelly, passed away Saturday, November 12, 2016, at the Rainey Hospice House. 

Born in McCormick, he was the son of the late James Edward and Martha Fowler Kelly. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard. Mr. Kelly was retired from Owens-Corning Fiberglas with 38 years service and later worked with Anderson County Solid Waste Department. He was a member of Starr Baptist Church where he served as a Deacon and was a member of the Men’s Sunday School Class. 

Survivors include his wife, Joyce G. Kelly of the home; son, Edward Glenn Kelly of the home; two grandchildren, John Jacob “J.J.” Kelly and Thomas Lloyd Roberts, both of Pendleton; two brothers, James Edward Kelly, Jr. and wife, Shelby of Anderson and Marion Cecil “Buddy” Kelly and wife, Angie of Fair Play; and one sister, Linda Ann Bailey and husband, Kenneth of Anderson. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Amy Michelle Kelly and an infant sister, Brenda Gail Kelly.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Starr Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Tony Howell. Burial will follow in South Lawn Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday at Sullivan-King Mortuary. The family is at the residence.

Flowers are optional; memorials may be made to Starr Baptist Church Van Fund, P.O. Box 137, Starr, SC 29684 or Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.

Sullivan-King Mortuary

www.sullivanking.com

Anne Poore McAlister

Anderson, SC - Helen Anne Poore McAlister, 63, wife of Joe McAlister, passed away Sunday, October 23, 2016.

Born in Anderson, she was the daughter of the late Haskell and Helen Corbin Poore. She was a graduate of Anderson College and Lander University. Anne was an employee of Lowe’s. She enjoyed working in her yard and her yard was known for its beauty. She was of the Baptist faith. 

Survivors include her husband, Joe McAlister of the home; three daughters, Marti McAlister Perry and husband, Bryan of Marshville, NC, Amanda McAlister Styles and husband, Joey of Williamston, and Leigh McAlister Blakey and husband, Justin of Anderson; seven grandchildren, Bethany Williams, Will Perry, Jenna Perry, Ashlyn, Cady, and Ben Styles, and Elijah Blakey; and two brothers, James H. Poore of Savannah, GA and Richard Terry Poore of Beaufort.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at New Silver Brook Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the cemetery following the service.

Sullivan-King Mortuary

www.sullivanking.com

William Gerald Haynie

Anderson, SC - William Gerald Haynie, 84, husband of the late Inez Whitfield Edmonds Haynie, passed away Wednesday, October 12, 2016.

Born in Greer, he was the son of the late William Prue and Fannie Sue Harris Haynie. He was a graduate of the Carolina School of Commerce and Forrest College. Mr. Haynie worked on the first ambulance service in Anderson. He retired from Fluor Daniel and later worked for Torrington Company. He was a member of Hiram Lodge #68, AFM and was a member of Calvary Baptist Church.\ 

Survivors include two daughters, Jeannine Bailey and husband, Kerry, of Anderson and Cynthia McCullough and husband, Dennis of Belton; four grandchildren, David Blackwell and wife, Melissa, Shyloh McCullough, Jessica Bailey Green and husband, Austin, and Jared Bailey; four great grandchildren; three brothers, Malcolm Haynie and Melvin Haynie of Anderson, and Earle D. Haynie of Easley; and two sisters, Frances H. Schlock of Anderson and Doris H. Clinkscales of Belton. 

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Denny McCullough and a brother, Carlton Haynie.

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, October 14, at Sullivan-King Mortuary Chapel conducted by Rev. Terry Bailey. Burial will follow in New Silver Brook Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:45 p.m. Friday at the mortuary. The family is at the residence. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Knight Templar Eye Foundation, c/o Hiram Lodge #68, 118 East Benson Street, Anderson, SC 29624-1615. 

Sullivan-King Mortuary

www.sullivanking.com