MILDRED L BEARDEN

May 6, 1928 – May 18, 2012

ANDERSON, SC:Mildred Lawrence Bearden, age 84, of 106 Willow Wood Lane, passed away on Friday, May 18, 2012 at her home.

Born in Clarksville, GA, she was the daughter of the late John Comer Lawrence and the late Amanda Brock Lawrence.  She worked as a bookkeeper for several years and was a member of the Round Dance Club.   Not only did she love her dance, she loved traveling with her husband and her passion for gardening could be seen in her beautiful flowers.      

She is survived by her husband of 38 years, W. Robert Bearden of the residence, son, Eddie Taylor of Anderson; step-daughters, Carlita Turk (Billy) of Demorest, GA, Teresa Ford (Billy) of Cummings, GA and Sonya Easch (David) of Clarksville, GA.  

In addition to her parents she is preceded in death by her brother, Rudolph Lawrence who died at birth.

The Funeral Service to honor the life of Mrs. Bearden will be held on Wednesday, May 23, 2012 at 2:00 pm in the Chapel of The McDougald Funeral Home with the Reverend Dr. Jack Couch         officiating.  Entombment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home Tuesday, May 22, 2012 from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.

The family will be at the residence.  

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

T.C. BURGESS

August 23, 1924 – May 20, 2012

ANDERSON, SC - Thomas Crawford Burgess, age 87, of 1102 Versailles Avenue, passed away on Thursday, May 17, 2012, at his residence.

Born in Abbeville, SC he was the son of the late William “Will” Burgess and the late Rossie Amanda Simpson Burgess.  He proudly served his country in the Army during WWII.  T.C. retired from Guy Motors and Piedmont Honda.

Mr. Burgess is survived by a son, James “Buddy” Burgess of Anderson, SC; a daughter, Teresa Burgess Standridge of Anderson, SC; a brother, Fred Burgess; two sisters, Irene Wilson and Ethel Burton; six grandchildren, Shelley, Jamie, Cortney, CC, Conner and Cody; and three great-grandchildren, Luke, Carson and Katie.

In addition to his parents he is preceded in death by his wife, Frances Bowling Burgess; sisters, Lula Carey, Martha Jane Sanders, Margie Taylor, Vera Godfrey, Doris Ricker and Willie Mae Adams.

The Funeral Service to honor the life of Mr. Burgess will be held on Sunday, May 20, 2012 at 2:00pm in the Chapel of The McDougald Funeral Home with Reverend Mike Bowling officiating.  Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park with military honors provided by Upstate Veterans Honor Guard.

The family will be at the residence and will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, May 19, 2012 from 6:00pm until 8:00pm.

Flowers are optional or memorials 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.

AARON BRIGMAN

December 17, 1928 – May 16, 2012

Aaron Theodore Brigman, Sr., age 83, of 1304 Hanover Road, Anderson, went home to be with his Lord on Wednesday, May 16, 2012.  Born in Marion County, SC, he was a son of the late John Oliver Brigman and the late Eunice Bechtler Brigman.  He was married to the late Sarah Martin Brigman for 42 years.  Subsequently he became the husband of Mildred “Jean” Brigman, with whom he shared the last 15 years of his life.

Mr. Brigman was a veteran of the US Army and served his country in the Korean War.  Following his honorable service to his country, he became associated with the Independent Life and Accident Insurance Company for over 40 years.  He began employment in an entry level position with the Company, and ultimately became District Manager.  He was a member of the Boulevard Baptist Church and was a member of the Open Door Sunday School Class and the Senior Choir.  Mr. Brigman was an avid Clemson Tiger and Atlanta Braves Fan.  He and his beloved wife enjoyed traveling together.  Their travels took them to many exciting places and provided many hours of pleasure.    Aaron also had a very special love and passion for antique cars.

Survivors in addition to his beloved wife, Jean, include a son, Aaron T. “Ted” Brigman, Jr. (Lisa) of Simpsonville; daughter Candy B. Jones (Greg) of Anderson; a stepson, G. Michael Smith (Becky) of Conway, SC; a step-daughter, Kim S. Grumbles (Johnny) of Anderson; and a brother, Alan Brigman (Nancy) of Latta, SC.  Also surviving are 9 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and a special brother-in-law, Clement Olin Epps of Latta.  

In addition to his parents and his first wife, he was preceded in death by a brother, John Oliver Brigman, Jr., a sister, Eloise Brigman Epps and an infant daughter.

A service celebrating the life of Mr. Brigman will be held Saturday, May 19, 2012 at 2 PM at the Boulevard Baptist Church, with Rev. Dr. Johnny McKinney officiating.  Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.  The family will be at the residence, and will receive friends at The McDougald Funeral Home on Friday, May 18, 2012, from 6 PM until 8 PM.

Memorial contributions may be made in memory of Mr. Brigman to the Building Fund of Boulevard Baptist Church, 700 Boulevard, Anderson, SC 29621; or to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.

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

CONNIE S. MCKINLEY

BELTON - Constance "Connie" Shaw McKinley, 80, of 238 Center Pointe Road, wife of Doy L. McKinley, passed away Tuesday, May 15, 2012 at AnMed Health Medical Center.

Born in December 1931 in Anderson, she was the daughter of the late Luther and Beatrice Shiflett Shaw. She was a homemaker and later worked and retired from Wal-Mart. She was a member of Neals Creek Baptist Church.

Surviving are her husband, Doy L. McKinley of the home; 4 children, Charles "Chuck" McKinley and his wife, Chris of Belton, Manley McKinley of Anderson, Elaine McKinley Mitchell of Belton and Kevin McKinley and his wife, Annette of Anderson; 11 grandchildren; 16 great grandchildren (plus two on the way) and a brother, Talmadge Shaw and his wife, Ruby of Iva.

Funeral service will be held at 2pm Friday at Neals Creek Baptist Church with Rev. Alex Henderson officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8pm Thursday at Sullivan-King Mortuary, Northeast Chapel. The family is at the residence.

Flowers are optional, memorials may be made to Neals Creek Baptist Church, 3204 Amity Road Ext, Anderson, SC 29621.

SULLIVAN-KING MORTUARY, NORTHEAST CHAPEL www.sullivanking.com

BONNIE LEE MCCURLEY

TOWNVILLE - Bonnie Lee Beatty McCurley, 74, of 535 Farmer Road, widow of the late Roy McCurley, passed away Sunday, May 13, 2012 at Oconee Memorial Hospital.

Born September 17, 1937 in Townville, she was the daughter of the late Guss and Lena Head Beatty. She worked for Kendall Manufacturing and later started her own successful  Daycare business. She was a member of Double Springs Baptist Church.

Surviving are her children, Paul McCurley, Sharron M. Wood both of Fair Play and Rhonda Pierce of Seneca; 5 grandchildren, Becky, Jennifer, Chrissy, Preston and Jason; 7 great grandchildren and a brother, Howard Beatty of Townville.

Funeral service will be held at 2pm Wednesday at Double Springs Baptist Church with Kyle Cordell officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6 until 8pm at Sullivan-King Mortuary, Northeast Chapel, 3205 N. Hwy 81.

The family is at the home of her daughter, Sharron M. Wood, 819 E. Fair Play Blvd., Fair Play.

Flowers are optional, memorials may be made to The Fork or The Pelzer Rescue Squad.

SULLIVAN-KING MORTUARY, NORTHEAST CHAPEL www.sullivanking.com

Ralph J. Allen, Sr.

September 16, 1920 – May 8, 2012

ANDERSON, SC - Ralph J. Allen, Sr., age 91, husband of the late Eleanor Jones Allen, passed away on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at Rainey Hospice House.

Born in Anderson, he was the son of the late Henry A. “Dude” Allen and the late Elsie Mae Ivester Allen.  Mr. Allen retired from Orr Lyons Mill.  He was an avid gardener and sports fan.  He especially enjoyed the New York Yankees.  Ralph was a member at Orrville United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his children, Jan Sutherland and her husband, Jim of Danville, VA, Jean Watkins and her husband, David “Dee” of Anderson and Ralph J. ”Jerry” Allen, Jr. and his wife Bobbi of Anderson; grandchildren, Kim Spencer and her husband Tim of Roanoke, VA, Xandy Owen and her husband Chris of Richmond, VA, Leigh Ann Porch and her husband Anthony of Danville, VA,  David Watkins and his wife, Alicia of Charleston, SC, Julia Stone and her husband Scott of Chevy Chase, MD, Kellye Rainey and her husband, Brandon of Starr, SC, and Chad Allen of Anderson; great-grandchildren, Forrest and Ann-Riley Spencer, Henry and Claude Owen, Amelia and Liza Porch, Avery and Abigail Rainey and Benjamin and Eloise Stone; sisters, Juanita Atkins of Rock Hill, SC, Jeanette Fant of Belton, SC; brother, Reverend Roy Allen of Anderson; sister in laws, Martha J. Lawton of Iva, SC, Frances Jones of Iva, SC and Edith Allen of Anderson.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Reverend Garvin W. Allen, and Marion “Tige” Allen; a sister, Betty Jones; and a great-grandson, Hayden Matthew Rainey.

The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 2:00pm in the Chapel of The McDougald Funeral Home with Reverend J. Floyd Stansell, Jr. officiating.  Entombment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum in Anderson.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, May 12, 2012 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

The family will be at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Jean and David Watkins, 1204 E. Greenville Street, Anderson, SC.

Flowers are optional.  Memorials may be made to Orrville United Methodist Church, 135 Riley Street, Anderson, SC 29624, or Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.

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

KITTY SMITH

ANDERSON - Kathleen Ayers Smith, 89, formerly of Hobson Road, widow of Frank Alexander Smith, died Thursday, May 10, 2012 at AnMed Health Medical Center.

Born November 2, 1922 in Hartwell, GA, she was the daughter of the late Elon Jefferson and Cora Bailey Ayers. She was retired from Duke Power Company and was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church.

Surviving are her daughter, Linda Smith Foster and her husband, Eddie of Georgetown, SC ; 2 grandchildren, Lindi Brooks and her husband, Glenn of Abbeville and Will Foster and his wife, Merrylee of Anderson; 3 great grandchildren, Jasper Brooks, Sawyer Brooks and Ellison Foster; 2 sisters, Geraldine Michael Patton of Athens and Sue Cleveland of Hartwell and 2 brothers, Alton Ayers of Hartwell and Larry Ayers of Lilburn. She was preceded in death by a brother, Elon Ayers, Jr.

A memorial service will be held at 4pm Saturday at Sullivan-King Mortuary, Northeast Chapel with Pastor J. Chris Fischer officiating. The family will receive friends from 3 until 4pm prior to the service at the Northeast Chapel, 3205 N. Hwy 81. The family is at their respective homes.

In lieu of flowers and food, memorials may be made to Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 209 Broad Street, Anderson, SC 29621.

SULLIVAN-KING MORTUARY, NORTHEAST CHAPEL www.sullivanking.com

Martha Derrick

May 28, 1930 - May 9, 2012

TAYLORS, SC - Mrs. Martha Ann Harris “Marty” Derrick, age 81, wife of the late Jack Derrick, of Taylors, SC, passed away on Wednesday, May 9, 2012.

Born in Anderson, Martha is the daughter of the late Drew Harris and the late Jewel Holland Harris. She attended Girls High.  Mrs. Derrick worked as a food demonstrator at Bi-Lo, she also worked at Revco and Cato.  She was an avid Bingo player and loved to shop.  Martha was a member of Bethel United Methodist Church in Anderson.

She is survived by her son, Bruce Derrick and his wife, Sharon Foster-Derrick; her daughter, Holly Durham and her husband Mike Durham of Westminster; grandchildren, Trace Nix, Jacob Nix, and Tabitha Durham.  

In addition to her parents and her husband she is preceded in death by a son, Charles Derrick; brothers, Tom and Jr., sisters; Drew and Clara.

The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 3:30 pm at the Chapel of The McDougald Funeral Home Chapel with the Reverend James Sears and Reverend Scottie Bramlett officiating.  Interment will follow at New Silver Brook Cemetery.

The family will be at their respective homes and will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 until 3:00 pm on Saturday, May 12, 2012.

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

Ralph J. Allen, Sr.

September 16, 1920 – May 8, 2012

ANDERSON, SC - Ralph J. Allen, Sr., age 91, husband of the late Eleanor Jones Allen, passed away on Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at Rainey Hospice House.

Born in Anderson, he was the son of the late Henry A. “Dude” Allen and the late Elsie Mae Ivester Allen.  Mr. Allen retired from Orr Lyons Mill.  He was an avid gardener and sports fan.  He especially enjoyed the New York Yankees.  Ralph was a member at Orrville United Methodist Church.

Survivors include his children, Jan Sutherland and her husband, Jim of Danville, VA, Jean Watkins and her husband, David “Dee” of Anderson and Ralph J. ”Jerry” Allen, Jr. and his wife Bobbi of Anderson; grandchildren, Kim Spencer and her husband Tim of Roanoke, VA, Xandy Owen and her husband Chris of Richmond, VA, Leigh Ann Porch and her husband Anthony of Danville, VA,  David Watkins and his wife, Alicia of Charleston, SC, Julia Stone and her husband Scott of Chevy Chase, MD, Kellye Rainey and her husband, Brandon of Starr, SC, and Chad Allen of Anderson; great-grandchildren, Forrest and Ann-Riley Spencer, Henry and Claude Owen, Amelia and Liza Porch, Avery and Abigail Rainey and Benjamin and Eloise Stone; sisters, Juanita Atkins of Rock Hill, SC, Jeanette Fant of Belton, SC; brother, Reverend Roy Allen of Anderson; sister in laws, Martha J. Lawton of Iva, SC, Frances Jones of Iva, SC and Edith Allen of Anderson.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he is preceded in death by his brothers, Reverend Garvin W. Allen, and Marion “Tige” Allen; a sister, Betty Jones; and a great-grandson, Hayden Matthew Rainey.

The Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, May 12, 2012 at 2:00pm in the Chapel of The McDougald Funeral Home with Reverend J. Floyd Stansell, Jr. officiating.  Entombment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum in Anderson.

The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, May 12, 2012 from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.

The family will be at the home of his daughter and son-in-law, Jean and David Watkins, 1204 E. Greenville Street, Anderson, SC.

Flowers are optional.  Memorials may be made to Orrville United Methodist Church, 135 Riley Street, Anderson, SC 29624, or Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.

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

CONNIE LEONE

ANDERSON- Carolyn Mays Bethune Leone departed her earthly life on May 3, 2012. Connie was predeceased by her husband of 29 years, Salvator Louis Leone.

She was born on July 5, 1927 in Bethune, SC to the late John Paschal and Katherine Eugenia Bethune. Having been the last surviving sibling of six, she was predeceased by her sisters, Frances McCaskill, Mary Hoffman, Jean Huey, Johnsie Watts and her brother, John Bethune.

She is survived by her children, James W. Leone, Rosilyn Lett and her husband, Tony and Louanna Burt and her husband, Dwayne, six grandchildren: Nicholas, Jonathan and Matthew Lett, Angelina Vendlinski, Mary Carolyn and William Burt and the newest light of her life, her great grandson, Kash Joseph Lett. Her grandchildren and many friends, old and young caller her Nonnie.

Connie was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church since 1953. Her husband, Sal, was one of the original building committee members for the current church and school.

The vast majority of her life was dedicated to serving others in many capacities. Two of her favorite organizations were the American Legion Auxiliary and the National Cosmetology Association. While being a wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, she served on every committee imaginable that her family and numerous friends were involved in.

She will be sorely missed by her loved ones but her influence will sustain and perpetuate itself for a very long time.

Funeral mass will be held at 12 Noon, Saturday at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father Paul Williams, OFM. Interment will be private. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 PM Friday at Sullivan-King Mortuary, Northeast Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Charity of One's Choice.

SULLIVAN-KING MORTUARY & CREMATORY, 3205 Hwy 81 North, www.sullivanking.com

BILL MELVIN

January 23, 1935 – May 2, 2012

William L. “Bill” Melvin, age 77, of 701 Swaney Lane, Pendleton, died May 2, 2012 at his residence.  Born in LaFarge, WI, he was a son of the late William Powell Melvin and the late Lydia Holte Melvin.  For 38 years he was married to the love of his life, Iona Swaney Melvin who died in October, 1997.

Bill was retired following a 21 year career in the US Air Force, having achieved the rank of Tech Sergeant.  During his career in the Air Force, he was a participant in the Korean War.  He was a proud veteran devoted to the nation he loved.   His hobbies included raising beagle puppies.  He was a member of the Pendleton Beagle Club.  He also enjoyed deer hunting and most other activities, such as gardening which allowed him to be outdoors.

Left to carry on Bill’s legacy are two sons, Pete Melvin of the residence, and Bobby Melvin (Teresa) of Pendleton; two daughters, Anita G. Melvin of Pendleton, and Tina M. Perry of Central; a sister, Shelby Bjerke (Tilford) of New Lisbon, WI; seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren also survive.  Mr. Melvin was preceded in death by his parents, his beloved wife, Iona, and a sister, Bernadine Glick.

A Memorial Service Celebrating the life of Bill Melvin will be held at the Graveside at Fant’s Grove Baptist Church Cemetery on Monday, May 7, 2012 at 2:00pm with Rev. Sam Duncan officiating.  The family will be at the home of Tina M. Perry, 721 Bishops Branch Road, Central, and will receive friends at The McDougald Funeral Home on Sunday, May 6, 2012 from 6 PM until 8 PM.  

Donations may be made in memory of Bill Melvin to Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621.

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

Don Lindsey

Mr. Donald Lindsey, 64, of Ellenboro, NC died Monday, April 30, 2012 at his residence.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Lynn Porter Lindsey; a daughter, Patricia Stephens, two sons, Donnie Lindsey and Anthony Joyce, his mother, Katherine Cantrell Clinton. 

Services will be held at 11 AM, Thursday at Washburn & Dorsey Funeral Home, Bostic, NC, www.washburndorsey.com.

SULLIVAN-KING MORTUARY & CREMATORY