Fleeta Campbell Drake

Anderson - Fleeta Campbell Drake, 99, widow of George W. Drake, died Wednesday, December 25, 2013 at her residence surrounded by her family. 

Born in Anderson, she was the daughter of the late John David and Pallie Gerrard Campbell. She was a homemaker and assisted her husband with the operation of Drake’s Store, which served the Centerville community for 48 years. Mrs. Drake was a life-long member of New Prospect Baptist Church and the Encouragers Sunday School Class. She was a dedicated wife, loving mother, and wonderful grandmother.

Mrs. Drake was preceded in death by her children, G. David Drake and Bonta D. Smith and by her siblings, Mary C. McClure, J.T. Campbell, Bonta C. McGill, Evelyn C. Bolt and George W. Campbell, killed in action in World War II. 

Surviving are her grandchildren, Nancy D. Witt of Charleston, Susan S. Whitfield of Charlotte, G. Andrew Smith of Manila, Philippines, and Jamey D. James of Irmo; great grandchildren, David James of Irmo and Evan and Mariesa Witt of Charleston; daughter-in-law, Marie B. Drake of Irmo; and her son-in-law, Glenn R. Smith of Anderson. 

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, December 27, 2013 at New Prospect Baptist Church conducted by Dr. Tony Smith. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10 until 11 a.m. Friday at the church. The family will be at the residence.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the New Prospect Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, 2503 Whitehall Road, Anderson, SC 29625.

The family would like to express their sincere appreciation to Carolyn Johnson and all of the caregivers who assisted Mrs. Drake with dignity during the final years of her life.

Sullivan-King Mortuary

www.sullivanking.com

Ruby Irene Loftis Clark

Anderson - Ruby Irene Loftis Clark, 88, widow of Ruben T. Clark, died Sunday, December 22, 2013 at the Rainey Hospice House. 

Born August 19, 1925 in Anderson, she was the daughter of the late Grover Gaines and Lola Martin Loftis. She was retired from Equinox Mill and was of the Baptist faith.

Survivors include three sisters, Joyce Gilbert and Ila Vasser of Anderson and Helen Linz of California.

She was preceded in death by a sister, Eunice Simpson and a nephew, Grover G. "Pete" Gilbert, Jr.

Private graveside services will be held at New Silver Brook Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road,  Anderson, SC 29621.

Sullivan-King Mortuary

www.sullivanking.com

Buck Palmer

Sandy Springs, SC - Carl Heyward “Buck” Palmer, 79, husband of Shirley Hill Palmer, died Saturday, December 14, 2013 at AnMed Health Medical Center.

Born September 22, 1934 in Clemson, he was the son of the late Warren Anderson and Martha Viola Cobb Palmer. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran and was owner of Palmer Refrigeration Service.

Mr. Palmer was a member of LaFrance First Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife, Shirley Palmer of the home; daughter, Carla Palmer Heritage and husband, Bob of Anderson; son-in-law, Marty Fowler of Anderson; granddaughters, Becky Fowler of Columbia and Ashley Fowler Anderson and husband, Kyle of Anderson; and two great grandchildren, Scarlett and Mason Anderson. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday at Sullivan-King Mortuary Chapel conducted by Rev. Albert Couch, Rev. Kurt Stutler and Rev. David Cothran. Burial will be at 2 p.m. Monday at Westminster First Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 4 until 6 p.m. Sunday at the mortuary, 3205 North Highway 81, Anderson. The family is at the residence.

Memorials may be made to the Cancer Association of Anderson, 215 East Calhoun Street, Anderson, SC 29621.

Sullivan-King Mortuary

www.sullivanking.com

Arthur C. Rickman

Anderson, SC - Arthur Clayton Rickman, 77, of 605 Sycamore Drive, passed away Friday, December 13, 2013 at AnMed Health Medical Center. 

Born February 15, 1936 in Sweet Grass, MT, he was a retired U. S. Navy Veteran with 20 years of service. After his military career, Arthur was also retired from Singer Industries and was a member of Riverside Baptist Church.  

Surviving are his wife, Rosemarie Brock Rickman of the home, sons, Bobby and Greg Rickman; 3 stepsons, Larry, Micheal and Jimmy Brock and stepdaughter, Janice Tomlinson; 8 grandchildren; 1 great grandson and a sister, Elizabeth Mooney. 

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jean Tomlinson Rickman.

Funeral service will be held at 2p.m. Monday at Sullivan-King Mortuary with Rev. Wayne Adams and Mr. Frank Whitfield officiating. The family will receive friends Monday from 1 until 2p.m. prior to the service at the Mortuary. Burial will follow Tuesday at 10 a.m. at M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery.  

The family is at the home. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Riverside Baptist Church, 504 S. Gossett Street, Anderson, SC 29624.

Sullivan-King Mortuary www.sullivanking.com

DOUGLAS C. SWANSON

Douglas Carl Swanson, age 70, of 262-B Shiflet Road, passed away at AnMed Health Medical Center on Thursday, December 12, 2013.  Born in Olean, NY, he was son of the late Carl Swanson and the late Zella Manning Swanson. For 51 years, he was the loving and devoted husband of Patsy McCurley Swanson of the home. 

Following graduation from High School, Mr. Swanson proudly served in the US Navy aboard the USS Saratoga.  He was employed in a management capacity with Union Carbide.   Douglas was an avid outdoorsman who loved hunting and fishing.  The role which meant most to him was that of being a Daddy.   

In addition to his wife, Patsy, Mr. Swanson is survived by two sons, James Swanson (Tracy) of Iva, and Steven Swanson of Anderson; two daughters, Tammy Woodson (Jay) of Pendleton, and Dana Manley of Anderson;  one brother, Jimmy Swanson of Olean, NY; two sisters, Dorothy Farr (Gary) of Eldred, PA, and Nancy Dombeck of Olean, NY.  Also surviving are 13 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.  In addition to his parents, Mr. Swanson was preceded in death by a beloved son, Patrick M. Swanson. 

A funeral service to honor the life of Douglas C. Swanson will be held on Monday, December 16, 2013, at 2 p.m. at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum, with Rev. Sam Duncan officiating.  The family will be at the residence of a granddaughter, Tabatha Eadie, 260 Shiflet Road, and will receive friends following the service at Forest Lawn Mausoleum.

A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com.

Leland Stoddard

Anderson, SC - Leland Crumpton Stoddard, 88, passed away Saturday, December 7, 2013 at his home in Anderson. He was the Patriarch of his family, providing unyielding love and support at all times to everyone around him. Born in Fountain Inn, SC, he was the son of the late Frank and Bertha Stoddard. He was a U.S. Navy Veteran and served during WWII. After the war, he graduated from Clemson University and earned a banking graduate degree from Indiana University. He began his banking career as manager of the Fountain Inn Federal Savings and Loan Association and later became President of Mutual Savings and Loan in Greenwood, SC.  Anderson Savings and Loan Association brought him and his family to Anderson in 1976 where he also served as President, a position he held until his retirement. 

“Pops”, as he was affectionately called by his family, was an active and faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Anderson where he was a lifetime deacon and longtime member of the church choir. He was also an active member and past president of the Baraca Sunday School Class, which he taught on the radio for 17 years. He was always very active in his community and began volunteering for the Atlanta Community Chest in 1951. He went on to volunteer for the Fountain Inn Emergency Relief and became President of both the Greenwood United Way and Western Foothills United Way in Anderson. In 1980, he received Governor Richard Riley’s South Carolina State United Way Volunteer of the Year Award. He was a member of the Anderson Salvation Board for 20 years and a member of the Rotary Club since 1955. In 1984, he served as both Chairman of the Anderson Vocational Rehabilitation Board and President of the Anderson Rotary Club. He served as President to three different Chambers of Commerce – the Fountain Inn Chamber, the Greenwood Chamber and the Anderson Chamber – and was State Director of the SC Chamber of Commerce from 1978 to 1981. He was Chairman of the Board at Piedmont Technical College for 10 years and received its medallion in 1986. The multi-purpose building on campus was named the Leland C. Stoddard building in his honor. In 1971, he was awarded the Order of the Palmetto by Governor John C. West, the highest civilian honor awarded to South Carolinians. 

He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mary Freeman Stoddard of Anderson; five sons and daughters-in-law: Dr. Leland C. Stoddard, Jr. and wife, Karen of Beaufort, Dr. Thomas B. Stoddard and wife, Tara of Greenwood, Mr. David F. Stoddard and wife, Lynn of Anderson, Mr. Keith F. Stoddard and wife, Allison of Anderson, and Mr. Kenneth B. Stoddard and wife, Becky of Anderson; Grandchildren, Leland, Anna Grace, Mary Austen, Andrew, Katie, Thomas (Carolyn), Meg, Courtney, Freeman, Paul, Ashleigh, Bryson and Michael. 

He was predeceased by his siblings Edna Frances Mahaffey, Nita Ingram, and Bryson Stoddard. 

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday at First Baptist Church conducted by Dr. James R. Thomason. Burial will follow in M.J. "Dolly" Cooper Veterans Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday at 7 until 8:30 p.m. at Sullivan-King Mortuary and from 1 until 1:45 p.m. Thursday at the church prior to the service. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Roof Fund, 307  South Manning Street, Anderson, SC 29621. 

Sullivan-King Mortuary www.sullivanking.com

BOBBY JOE JAMES, SR.

BOBBY JOE JAMES, SR.

ANDERSON, SC - Bobby Joe James, Sr., age 76, husband of Deborah D. James, passed away on Saturday, December 7, 2013 at AnMed Health Medical Center. 

Born in Anderson, on May 18, 1937, he was the son of the late Joseph Rufus James and the late Myrtie Herring James.  Mr. James served in the United States Army during the Vietnam Conflict War.  He was retired from Springs Industries after forty years and Quality Foods after twelve years.   Mr. James was a member of the Homeland Park Baptist Church.

He is survived by his wife; daughter, Tammy Cleveland McGhee (Wilson) of Pensacola, FL; sons, Reverend Bobby J. James, Jr.,(Stephanie) of Kershaw, SC, Timothy James ( Ashley) of Belton, SC and Michael James (Brenda) of Easley, SC; brothers, Jack James of Abbeville, SC, Joe James of Honea Path, SC, Bill James of Holden Beach, NC and Jimmy James of Williamston, SC; sister, Nellie Aiken, of Belton, SC;  thirteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret Haynes and Shirley James.

The Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, December 10, 2013 at 3:00 pm at Homeland Park Baptist Church, with the Reverend James Strickland and Reverend Bobby J. James, Jr. officiating.  Interment will follow in the Forest Lawn Memorial Park.

The family will be at the home of Timothy James and will receive friends at the funeral home on Monday, December 9, 2013 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Homeland Park Baptist Church, 3010 Abbeville Highway, Anderson, SC 29621. 

A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com

Charles William Fant, Jr.

Anderson, SC - Charles William Fant, Jr. left this life to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ Saturday, December 7, 2013.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years Betty Byrd Fant, a sister Dorothy Buice, a daughter, Betsy Jones (Greg) and a son, Charles (Jill), their grandchildren Chase Jones (Colleen), Sara Whitfield (Adam), Chas Fant (Amy),  Bethany Moore (Nate)  and two great grandchildren Callan Jones and Stafford Whitfield.  He is predeceased by his brother, Reese.

Mr. Fant was born in Anderson January 19, 1926, the son of Charles and Dorothy Bell Fant.  He graduated from Anderson Boys High School in 1943, served in the US Navy during WW II, and then completed Clemson College with a degree in Architecture in 1949.  He joined his father’s architecture firm, Casey & Fant, which later became Fant & Sons when Charlie’s brother Reese joined them in practice.  Upon their father’s death in 1955, the firm became Fant & Fant and was the oldest family owned architecture firm in South Carolina.

Mr. Fant was very active in the Anderson community.  He was a member of the Anderson Rotary Club and served as its President in 1962-63 and was named an Honorary Paul Harris Fellow.  He also served as a member of the board of directors of  the Anderson Hospital, the Anderson YMCA , the Anderson Chamber of Commerce, the Anderson United Way, the Salvation Army and the Anderson Library. 

Mr. Fant had a special place in his heart for the Connie Maxwell Children’s Home and served on its board for many years.   Anderson College was also a special place for the Fant family, probably because his mother, Dorothy Bell Fant taught there when she first came to Anderson.  Mr. Fant’s uncle Joe Casey was the architect of the original buildings on the campus and Fant & Fant subsequently designed many of the buildings on campus . Mr. Fant was a member of the Anderson College Advisory Board, serving as President in 1978.

Mr. Fant was a member of the Board of Directors of Perpetual Federal beginning in 1970 and served as Board Chairman from 1990 to 1995. 

A life-long member of First Baptist Church, he served as a Deacon and Sunday School teacher, but probably his most notable achievement was the refurbishment of the old Wilmary Apartment Building and his work in establishing  the Church’s ministry of low cost housing for the less fortunate.

Even after he retired from his architecture practice, he was a volunteer for Anderson Meals-On-Wheels and served as a tutor for the Anderson Literacy Association.

The family will receive friends at the home at 2702 Bellview Road on Monday evening from 4 PM to 6 PM.  A Memorial Service will be held at First Baptist Church Tuesday at noon.  Internment will be private.

The family requests no flowers.  Memorials can be made to The Wilmary Housing Ministry, Anderson University, or New Life Ministries at Concord Baptist Church.

Sullivan-King Mortuary & Crematory

www.sullivanking.com

Sally Hall Cromer

Anderson - Sally Hall Cromer, 83, of 211 Asaville Church Road, widow of the late Benjamin Adam Cromer, Jr., died Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at AnMed Health Medical Center. 

Born April 16, 1930 in Anderson, she was the daughter of the late Jackson Z. and India Saxon Hall. She was a graduate of Anderson College. Mrs. Cromer was a retired school teacher and also worked at Rocky River Carpet Plant in Calhoun Falls and was a custom interior designer and drapery maker. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, the White Shrine and Asaville Baptist Church. 

Survivors include her son, Benjamin J. Cromer and wife, Lisa Jones Cromer and a grandson, Matthew Lee Cromer, all of Anderson.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Lee Cromer.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at Asaville Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Drew Martin. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1:30 until 2 p.m. Sunday at the church. The family is at the residence. 

Memorials may be made to Asaville Baptist Church, 201 Asaville Church Road, Anderson, SC 29621.

Sullivan-King Mortuary

www.sullivanking.com

Guynelle Williamson Caldwell

Belton - Guynelle Williamson Caldwell, 82, widow of Joe Earl “Cobby” Caldwell, died Wednesday, December 4, 2013 at Ellenburg Nursing Center.

Born August 7, 1931 in Anderson, she was the daughter of the late Guy Williamson and Nettie Irene Pace Williamson Shirley. She was a retired textile employee and was of the Holiness faith. 

Survivors include her daughter, Linda Gail Caldwell Campbell and husband, Roger L. Campbell of Belton; grandson, Joel L. Campbell and wife, LeAnna of Anderson; two great grandchildren, Cameron and Nevaeh Campbell; brother, Calvin E. Williamson and wife, Laura of Pendleton; and two nephews, Eddie Williamson of Fort Worth, Texas and Marty Williamson of Suwanee, Ga. 

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy Chitwood and Thelma Mauldin. 

Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Garden of Memories in Belton. The family will receive friends at the cemetery following the service. 

Sullivan-King Mortuary

www.sullivanking.com

Louise Durham Burnette

Anderson - Louise Durham Burnette, 82, formerly of Concord Avenue, widow of Richard Lewis Burnette, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, December 3, 2013 at NHC of Anderson.

Born May 10, 1931 in Oconee County, she was the daughter of the late William Herbert “Hub” and Grace McDonald Durham. Mrs. Burnette was an employee of the Anderson Independent and Anderson Memorial Hospital before operating Burnette’s Health Care Service until her retirement. She touched the lives of so many people throughout her life. She was a member of Pleasant View Baptist Church and was a devoted mother, grandmother and prayer warrior for her family.  

Survivors include her daughter, Sandra Burnette Fortner and husband, Roger; two grandchildren, Justin Richard Fortner and wife, Tricia and Juleah Rose Fortner; and two great grandchildren, Elizabeth Grace Fortner and Thomas Justin Fortner. She is also survived by her sister-in-law, Joeanne Rollison Durham; two nieces, Patricia Anne Childs and her husband, William Ricky Childs and Vickie Lynne Barbee; great nephew, Brantley Clayton Barbee; and two cousins, Franklin Delano Crooks and his wife, Gail and Earl McDonald and his wife, Margaret, all of Anderson. 

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by a brother, Franklin David Durham. 

Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday at Sullivan-King Mortuary Chapel conducted by Dr. Glenn Taylor and Rev. Bob Marcaurelle. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 3 until 5 p.m. Friday and 1 until 2:45 p.m. Saturday at the mortuary, 3205 North Highway 81, Anderson. The family is at the home of  Roger and Sandra Fortner, 522 Stagecoach Drive, Anderson.

Flowers are optional; memorials may be made to the charity of choice.

Sullivan-King Mortuary

www.sullivanking.com

JOHN CLARK GAINES

John Clark Gaines, age 96, a resident of Richard Campbell Veteran’s Home, formerly of Iva, passed away on Monday, December 2, 2013.  Born in Elbert County, Georgia, he was son of the late Zan Gaines and the late Bessie Cordele Gaines.  For sixty-six years, he was the loving and faithful husband of the late Etta Angeline Gaines.

Mr. Gaines was a loom fixer at Jackson Mill in Iva until his retirement.  He also was a cattle farmer.  John Clark proudly served his country in the US Army during WWII where he earned the Purple Heart in Germany, as well as the Good Conduct Metal.  He was a member of the Iva American Legion Post and a former Trustee of Iva Rescue Squad.  Mr.  Gaines was a member of New Bethel Methodist Church in Elbert County, GA, where he served as treasurer.   

Survivors include one brother, Leon Gaines and his wife, Pauline of Elbert County, GA; one sister, Jennie Thompson of Iva, and a long time caregiver, Renea Hanks.  Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews who were like his children.   

In addition to his parents and his wife, Etta, John was preceded in death by brothers Swift, Charles, Elmer, and George Tom Gaines; and a sister, Sara Wyatt. 

The funeral service celebrating the life of John Clark Gaines will be held Friday, December 6, 2013, at 3:00 p.m. at New Bethel Methodist Church, 3223, GA Hwy. 368, Elberton, GA, with Rev. Kathy Howard officiating.  Interment will follow at the Iva City Cemetery with military honors.  The family will receive friends at New Bethel Methodist Church on Friday, December 6, 2013, from1 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. 

The family suggests contributions in memory of Mr. Gaines may be made to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.

A message of condolence may be sent by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com.