Jim Gray Watson

Anderson, SC - James Gray Watson, 87, husband of Julia Anderson Watson, passed away Saturday, January 23, 2016, at AnMed Health Medical Center.

Born in Anderson, he was the son of the late Wade Allen Watson, Sr. and Caroline Elsie Gray Watson. He was a graduate of the University of South Carolina. Mr. Watson retired as President of Perpetual Bank. He had served as President of the Anderson Rotary Club and was a founding member of the Western Carolina Sailing Club. He was a member of Central Presbyterian Church where he had served as a Deacon and Elder. 

Survivors include his wife, Julia A. Watson; three children, Gray Watson and wife, Leigh of Anderson, Ansley Watson Chambers and husband, Brian of Anderson, and Drew Watson and wife, Melanie of Clinton; eight grandchildren, Cole Watson, Anderson Chambers, Cate Watson, Graycen Watson, Anna Watson, Mary Frances Chambers, Olivia Watson and Jake Watson.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Wade Allen Watson, Jr.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Monday at Central Presbyterian Church conducted by Dr. David J. Bailey. The family will receive friends at the church following the service. A private burial will precede the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Central Presbyterian Church, 1404 North Boulevard, Anderson, SC 29621. 

Sullivan-King Mortuary

Travis Denard

Piedmont, SC - Travis Glen Denard, 31, passed away Thursday, January 21, 2016.

Born in Columbia, he was an employee of Gregory’s Trailer Repair and attended New Life Community Church in Fountain Inn. 

Survivors include his father, Terry Glen Denard (Amy Cooke) of Piedmont; mother and stepfather, Charlotte Chavis Cohen (Jimmy) of Greer; sister, Kerrie Denard McClain (Michael) of Greer; niece, Kaysen McClain; grandmother, Jennie L. Denard of West Columbia; uncles, Bobby Denard (Barbara) of Lyman and Gene Denard of West Columbia; aunt, Frances Donathan (Bill) of Dunkirk, Indiana; uncle, David Chavis of West Columbia; and aunt, Gina Connelly (Doug) of Lexington. 

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Sullivan-King Mortuary conducted by Pastor Brandon Gilreath. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday at the mortuary. 

Memorials may be made to Home with a Heart, 220 James Mattison Road, Liberty, SC 29657. 

Sullivan-King Mortuary

Gisela Woodson

Anderson, SC - Gisela Anna Scherz Woodson, 81, widow of Archie Leroy Woodson, passed away on Friday, January 22, 2016 at the Rainey Hospice House.

Born in Kirchheim Teck, Germany, she was the daughter of the late Heinrich Jakob and Anna Emilie Hauff Scherz. She was a homemaker and served as Children’s Christian Education Director at McDuffie Street Church of God for several years. Mrs. Woodson was a lifelong member of River of Life Church of God. 

Survivors include two daughters, Christina Lambert of Anderson and Rebecca Shrable and husband, Rocky of Ocala, Florida; five grandchildren and their spouses; nine great grandchildren; brother, Heinrich Scherz and wife, Lisa of Anderson; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Heiner Woodson; brother, Wiard Scherz; and a son-in-law, Roy Lambert. 

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday at River of Life Church of God conducted by Rev. Dale Dyar. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2:45 p.m. Sunday at the church. The family is at the home of Heiner and Lisa Scherz, 107 Country Garden Lane, Anderson. 

Flowers are optional; memorials may be made to Heinrich Christoph Woodson Memorial Fund, c/o Lee University, 1120 N. Ocoee Street, Cleveland, TN 37311. 

Sullivan-King Mortuary

Mr. James Troy Brown

Mr. James Troy Brown, Jr. 64, died Tuesday, January 12, 2016 at Palmetto Health Baptist Medical Center.  A memorial service will be held  at 2:00 PM Friday, January 15, 2016 at Dantzler-Baker Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Ed Carney officiating .  Interment will follow in Greenlawn Cemetery.   The family will receive friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, January 14, 2016 at the home of Joe and Cassandra Soltish, 324 Sliver Branch Road, West Columbia, SC. 

Born April 3, 1951  in Ashville, NC, Mr. Brown was a son of the late Mr. James Troy Brown, Sr. and Hester Sue Grant Brown.  He was a graduate of T. L. Hanna High School in Anderson, SC and Midlands Technical College and served in the U. S. Navy as a Seabee during the Vietnam era.  He was retired from the SC Dept. of Mental Health and was formerly employed by Wang Laboratories and  IBM.  Mr. Brown was a member of Riverland Hills Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife of thirty-three years, Delia Pendergrass Brown; two sons, Grant Brown and Stuart Brown both of Columbia, SC; and one sister, Gladys Brown Crawford  of Anderson, SC.  He was preceded in death by a sister, Glenda Brown Knox and two brothers,  J. Edward Brown and infant brother Charles Brown.

Memorials may be made to Riverland Hills Baptist Church, 201 Lake Murray Blvd., Irmo, SC 29063.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.dantzlerbakerfuneralhome.com.

Harold Douglas “Buddy” Hale

H. D. “Buddy” Hale

Anderson, SC - Harold Douglas “Buddy” Hale, 78, passed away on Tuesday, December 29, 2015 at his residence.

Born July 11, 1937 in Anderson, he was the son of the late Clifford W. and Allene Hickman Hale. Mr. Hale served in the U.S. Navy and was retired from Owens-Corning Fiberglass with 34 years service. He was a member of the Pastyme Bluegrass Band and enjoyed playing for events and local nursing homes. He was a classic car enthusiast and showed several cars in local shows. He was a member of Salem Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Gayle Alexander Hale of the home; son, Don Hale; daughter, Dawn LaBauve; stepson, Howell N. “Alex” Alexander, all of Anderson; two grandchildren, Robbie Hale and Robyn Lynn Hale; great granddaughter, Madison Rae Hale; and a sister, Carol Jean Palmer.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Nicole Lollis and a sister, Ann Register.

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, January 4, 2016 at M.J. “Dolly” Cooper Veterans Cemetery conducted by Dr. Jack Couch. Military honors will be provided by Campbell Patriots Honor Guard. The family is at the residence and will receive friends at the cemetery following the service.

The family would like to express their appreciation to Health Related Home Care of Abbeville, Gentiva Hospice and Bluegrass friends at Breazeale’s Store.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Gentiva Hospice, 15 Brendan Way, Suite 100, Greenville, SC 29615.

Sullivan-King Mortuary

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Ardith Louise Murdock Oakes

(April 14, 1938 – December 24, 2015)

Wheatland, CA - Ardith Louise Murdock Oakes, 77, went home to be with the Lord on Christmas Eve, December 24, 2015 at her daughter’s home in Wheatland, CA.  She was surrounded by her loving family, the soft glow of the Christmas tree and music playing gently in the background – a beautiful and peaceful sight.

Born in Anderson County, SC, she was the daughter of the late James Aiken and Fleta Elrod Murdock. She was a graduate of Belton High School, Class of 1956. She then worked as a customer service representative for Duke Power Company in Belton for 42 years, retiring in 1998. She was a long-time member of Second Baptist Church Belton, where she faithfully served the Lord for many years. In recent years, she has been a regular attendee of Southcliff Baptist Church in Fort Worth, TX and Bible Baptist Church in Marysville, CA, as she split her time between her two daughters’ homes. 

She is survived by daughters Toni Bibb Akin of Fort Worth, TX and Charell Bibb (John) Franklin of Wheatland, CAand stepsons Phil (Gail) Oakes of Homosassa, FL, Tim (Cindy) Oakes and Matt (Cheryl) Oakes, both of Iva, SC; grandchildren Angie (Jeremy) Alewine, Joshua (Amanda) Oakes, Galvin Oakes, Andrew Oakes, Collin Akin, Jayden Oakes, Jarrett Oakes, Celie Franklin and Anna Franklin; great-grandchildren Elizabeth, Christopher, Breanna, and Chloe Alewine, Easton Oakes and Cohen Norton.  She is also survived by a brother, James Aiken (Bernie Lee) Murdock of Smyrna, GA and a sister, Andrea Murdock Shaw of Simpsonville, SC.

In addition to her parents, she was also pre-deceased by brothers Mac and Gerald Murdock and grandchildren Jon-Micah and Cortney Oakes.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, January 9, 2016 at Second Baptist Church Belton, officiated by Dr. C. Mitchell Brooks. Burial will follow at Belton City Cemetery. Family members are at their respective homes. 

In lieu of flowers, Ardith requested that memorials be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation at cff.org in honor of her precious granddaughter Anna, in hopes that a cure may be found in Anna’s lifetime.

Ardith lived and died believing the words of Jesus in John 17:16, “ They are not of the world, just as I am not of the world.” That is why she chose her epitaph to read simply, “Gone Home.” 

Sullivan-King Mortuary

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Jimmy Bolt

Anderson, SC - James Edward “Jimmy” Bolt, Jr., 69, passed away Saturday, January 2, 2016. 

Born in Anderson, he was the son of the late James Edward Bolt, Sr. and Emma Lou Hayes Bolt. He was a U.S. Army Veteran of the Vietnam War. Mr. Bolt was an employee of Techtronic Industries North America (formerly Singer/Ryobi) for 50 years. He was an avid Clemson Football fan and was a member of New Prospect Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Susan Smith Bolt of the home; daughter, Crystal Bolt of Anderson; son, Jay Bolt and wife, Miranda of Honea Path; grandson, Rawlings Bolt; sister, Frances Hartlage and husband, Steve of Anderson; and several nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Linda Bolt.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Sullivan-King Mortuary Chapel conducted by Pastor Tony Walker. Burial will follow in New Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday at the mortuary. The family is at the residence. 

Sullivan-King Mortuary

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Louise M. McAlister

Anderson, SC - Louise Moore McAlister, 86, widow of Calvin McAlister, passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at NHC of Anderson.

Born in Anderson, she was the daughter of the late William B. and Jennie Williams Moore. She attended Carolina School of Commerce and retired from McAlister Builders of Anderson. Mrs. McAlister was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and Zion United Methodist Church. 

Survivors include her daughter, Judy Whitfield and husband, Vic of Bradenton, FL; son, Joe McAlister and wife, Anne of Anderson; four grandchildren and seven 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 daughter, Janice Reynolds; brothers, Alphaeus and Ralph P. Moore and sisters, Beulah Clarke and Jennie Smith.

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

The family is at the home of Joe and Anne McAlister, Concord Road, Anderson. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 or Shriners Hospital for Children, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605. 

Sullivan-King Mortuary

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Elizabeth M. Garrett

Anderson, SC - Elizabeth Mattison Garrett, 99, widow of Rev. Preston T. Garrett, passed away on Tuesday, December 15, 2015. 

Born in Anderson, she was the daughter of the late Clifton Alexander and Mae McClain Mattison. She grew up in Seneca and attended Seneca schools and Limestone College. Mrs. Garrett taught music for 62 years and served as a musician in numerous churches. She performed on radio and television stations and served as a musician in the Baraca Class of Anderson First Baptist Church for over 50 years. She was a member of Pope Drive Baptist Church.

Survivors include two sons, Paul M. Garrett of Charlotte, NC and P.T. “Tom” Garrett, Jr. of Greenville; six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren. 

The family would like to give special recognition to our close friend, Mrs. Clemie Anderson, who was her special caregiver during her illness. 

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, James Christopher Mattison. 

Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at Old Silver Brook Cemetery conducted by Rev. Bill Rigsby and Dr. Matthew Danuser. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Baraca Class Radio Fund at First Baptist Church, 307 South Manning Street, Anderson, SC 29624 or Pope Drive Baptist Church, 2510 Pope Drive, Anderson, SC 29625. 

Sullivan-King Mortuary

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Dr. Ralph Lackey Hardin III

Anderson, SC - Dr. Ralph Lackey Hardin III, 59, of Anderson, SC returned to his heavenly home on December 5th, 2015 after a valiant battle with a long illness. His devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and gave him peace until the end. 

Dr. Hardin was the valedictorian graduate of T.L.Hanna class of 1974. He was a 1978 honor graduate of Clemson University. He was a 1981 Graduate of Emory University College of Dental Medicine, and a 1984 Graduate of Saint Louis University Center for Advanced Education in Orthodontics. He practiced in the community as an orthodontist for over 30 years and was immensely loved by all of his patients. 

He was a member and former president of The Tri County Dental Society. He was also a member of the American Dental Association, the South Carolina Dental Association, the Southern Association of Orthodontists, and the American Association of Orthodontists. 

Dr. Hardin was an avid sports fan. He loved the Atlanta Braves, Clemson Tigers, and Saint Louis Billikens. He was a member of IPTAY and enjoyed fighting his Tigers to a win at every home game for over 30 years. He was proud of his son for attending his alma mater Clemson and his daughters for attending his alma mater Saint Louis University. 

He was a member of Young Memorial ARP church. He served the community as a leader for Crossways Ministries for several years and attended a men's bible study every Wednesday. 

He had a passion for history, family genealogy and traveling. He and his family traveled all over the world. His favorite destination was St. Thomas, and his final resting place will be along the beaches he loved the most. 

In addition to his wife, Karen Phillips Hardin, of the residence, Dr. Hardin is survived by two daughters - Ashley Hardin Rocci and husband Chris; Amanda Hardin Stewart and husband William; his son Adam Hardin and wife Mary Alice; one sister Kelli Hardin Linebaugh, husband Jeff and their daughter Lindy; one brother Jeff Hardin, his wife Marie and their children Anna and Martin; his parents Ralph and Gwen Hardin; his mother in law Eloise Phillips and is preceded in death by his father in law, Ray Phillips. Dr. Hardin will be deeply missed by his beloved family and all who knew and loved him. 

A celebration of his life will be held on Tuesday, December 8, 2015, at 3 p.m., at the Young Memorial Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Dr. L. Thomas Richie and Rev. Drew Martin officiating. The family will receive friends following the Service in the Rainey Room at Young Memorial Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. 

The family would like to thank the nurses of AnMed's ICU and 7 south for their compassionate and excellent care. 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the AnMed Health Foundation for the Dr. Ralph Hardin Nursing Pallative Care Education Fund. Checks can be made to the AnMed Health Foundation with the Ralph Hardin Palliative Fund in memo. 

Anmed Health 

800 N. Fant Street

Anderson, SC 29621

Sullivan-King Mortuary

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Fran Bass

Anderson, SC - Frances “Fran” Varn Bass went to be with her Heavenly Father on November 16, 2015.

She was born in Beaufort, SC on February 7, 1929 to Rivers Lawton and Eleanor Hook Varn. Fran returned to Anderson 3 years ago, residing at The Garden House after living the previous 25 years in the low country. 

She could tell wonderful stories of growing up in Beaufort with her brother, Rivers and her sister, Anne. She loved her family, friends, the low country and mostly her dog, Charlie. She was a classy, Southern lady.

She was predeceased by her parents; husband, Jerome Edward Bass; and her sister, Anne Thompson of Atlanta. She is survived by her four children, Clarke, Scott (Mary Lee), Lawton (Jessie Wilson) and Jane McIntosh; her brother, Rivers Lawton Varn of Beckley, WV; her grandchildren, Constance (Ollie) Smith, Clarke, Costner, Leslie, Marshall and Lora McIntosh, Carlson McRoy and Kathryn Bradburn; and great grandson, Thaddeus Smith.

A memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday at Sullivan-King Mortuary Chapel. Burial will be at 1 p.m. Saturday at St. Helena’s Episcopal Church in Beaufort. The family will be at the home of Lawton and Jessie McIntosh.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to St. Helena’s Church.

The family would like to thank The Garden House staff for their loving care of Fran.

Sullivan-King Mortuary

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Ann K. Keeney

Anderson, SC - Ann Kelsey Keeney, 92, widow of Lewis H. Keeney, died Wednesday, November 4, 2015.

Born in Springfield, MA, she was the daughter of the late Anna and J. Raymond Kelsey. She was a resident of Enfield, CT until she and her family moved to Anderson, SC in 1959. In 1994, she and her husband moved to Pendleton and in 2012 she moved to the Foothills Retirement Community in Easley. She was a member of the AnMed Hospital Auxiliary for over 39 years and served as president of the local hospital Auxiliary as well as the president of the SC Association of Hospital Auxiliaries. She was a member of the Clemson Woman’s Club and the Pendleton Presbyterian Church. 

Survivors include two sons, Mark W. Keeney (Debra) of Anderson and Ward R. Keeney (Laura) of Greenville; daughter-in-law, Phyllis C. Keeney of Simpsonville; four grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. 

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Dr. Bradford L. Keeney and a sister, Kathleen Kelsey Colton. 

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, November 8, 2015 at Foothills Retirement Community Chapel conducted by Rev. Julie Schaaf and Rev. Morton White. The family will receive friends following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army.

Sullivan-King Mortuary

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