COASTAL OBSERVER

Betty W. Joye, 78, led recreation programs

March 14, 2024

Betty Wescott Joye of Murrells Inlet died March 4 after a long battle with leukemia. She was 78.

She was born on July 3, 1945, in Honolulu, the daughter of Charles Wescott and Leatrice Tamanaha Wescott. After graduating from Admiral Radford High School, she attended the University of Hawaii in Honolulu and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in recreational leadership. 

Following graduation she decided to go to stay with relatives in Tokyo. Her plane ticket routed her via Guam, so she decided to lay over there and visit family friends at the Naval Air Station. Having extended her stay another day, she met her future husband, Jerry. After dinner and a show that night, she gave him her mother’s address so he could write and left the next morning for Tokyo. Her mother forwarded his letters to her, and she began to correspond with him saying, “If you’re ever in Tokyo look me up.” 

Two weeks later he did visit. Shortly thereafter, she returned to Guam, and they were married on Christmas Eve 1972. Their son Jerry Jr., known as JJ, was born nine months later. 

Mr. Joye had two children from a previous marriage who were living with their mother in California. About a year after JJ’s birth Jerry was notified of their mother’s passing so he brought them to Guam. Betty welcomed them and helped to raise them as her own. When Mr. Joye retired from the Navy, they returned to his home state of South Carolina and settled in Pawleys Island. 

Over the years Mrs. Joye used her recreational leadership skills in many ways. She was a certified personal trainer, led classes in aerobics, water aerobics, special water aerobics for arthritic patients, served as recreation director at a major hotel in Myrtle Beach and owners’ clubhouse director for a retirement community in Pawleys Island. 

The couple attended All Saints Episcopal Church and were very active in various programs and in the Cursillo movement. Mrs. Joye served on 10 Cursillo weekend retreats, once as the lay rector leading the event. She accompanied Mr. Joye wherever his job took them until he retired in Santa Clarita, Calif. They spent two and a half years working and living in Yellowstone National Park and enjoyed exploring Wyoming, Montana and Idaho. Returning to South Carolina, they became founding members of The Abbey Anglican Church. 

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son Keith (Debbie) of Tabor City, N.C., her daughter Karen of Surfside Beach and her son JJ (Magda) of Sydney, Australia; her  grandchildren, Angela Walls (Jim), Kara Bigham (Mike), Ashley Miller (Eric), Victoria Joye and Rheanna Adams, Cassie, Ian and Luke Joye; and her great-grandchildren, Steven and Madison Bigham, Brantley and Tucker Rorie, Ike, Cloe and Jacoby Blanton, William (Olivia), Ryan, Elizabeth and Amelia Walls. 

Another grandchild, Christa Blanton, died before her.

At her request, no funeral service will be held. A celebration of her life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to The Abbey, 46 Gathering Lane, Pawleys Island, SC 29585 (theabbeypawleysisland.com).

John Haney, 78, Navy veteran was entrepreneur

March 7, 2024

John Daniel Haney III of Georgetown died March 3 at his home. He was 78.

He was born on Feb. 23, 1946, in Charlotte, the son of John D. Haney Jr. and Ada Eunice Philemon Haney.

Mr. Haney served in the Navy before turning his skills as a jack-of-all-trades into a career as a successful entrepreneur who owned several companies. His eye for detail and passion for helping those in need, translated to his everyday tasks.

In his free time, he enjoyed fishing, collecting things and bartering with his friends.

He is survived by his children, John D. Haney IV of North Carolina, Mary Vause (Michael) of Georgetown and J.R Haney (Katherine) of Myrtle Beach; his grandchildren, Damian Boggs, Lisa Renee Rhodes, Anthony Clyde Boggs Jr. and Jesse Cordell Mims; 10 great-grandchildren; his sister, Ann Kiser of North Carolina; his cat, Sierra; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

His brother, Tony Dean Haney, and another sister, Rita Cash Haney, died before him.

A celebration of his life will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Friday at the Georgetown VFW Post.

Memorials may be made to Christ Coastal Church, P.O. Box 11107, Southport, NC 28461.

There is a guest book at burroughsfh.com.

Shawn M. Bergeron, 49, social worker ran counseling service

March 7, 2024

Shawn Michael Bergeron of Murrells Inlet died March 2. He was 49. 

He was born Jan. 20, 1975, in Portsmouth, N.H., the son of Richard and Cathy A. Bergeron. He grew up in Exeter, N.H., graduating from Exeter High School in 1993. He then graduated from Mount Saint Mary’s College in Emmitsburg, Md., in 1997 with a degree in psychology. He earned a master’s degree in social work from the University of New Hampshire, Durham, in 2003 and his independent social worker-clinical practice designation in 2010.  

Mr. Bergeron loved being a social worker, first working with children and adolescents in a residential facility in Hampton, N.H. Once he earned his MSW, he worked with teens in a treatment program until 2004, when he relocated to Murrells Inlet.

Mr. Bergeron opened Bergeron Counseling Services in 2011. After he closed it he worked at the VA Hospital in the clinical department. He also served as the counselor of the Grand Strand Chapter of fairwaysforwarriors.org, an organization that helps combat veterans.

He enjoyed spending time with friends and family and was an avid volunteer. He loved helping to coach his daughters’ soccer and basketball teams.  

After watching the girls’ karate classes, he worked hard and earned his black belt in 2021. 

He is survived by his wife, Eryn; his daughters, Emma and Addyson; his brother, Christopher and his wife, Tia, of Pawleys Island; his niece, Kim, and nephew, Tyle; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. 

A celebration of his life will be held at 6 p.m. today at Burroughs Funeral Home. A funeral Mass will take place at noon on Friday at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church.

Memorials can be made to his children’s education funds at Future Scholar 529, Peabody Wealth Advisors 150A Andover St., Suite 10A Danvers, MA 01923.

Andy Heck, 79, football career cut short by service in Marines

March 7, 2024

Andrew  Wallace Heck of Litchfield Country Club, a football player who became a decorated Marine, died Feb. 29. He was 79. He was remembered for his charm, courage, resilience and compassion.

He was born Aug. 24, 1944, the son of Leroy Cameron Heck and Margaret Anderson Heck. He grew up in Cliffside Park, N.J. Andy excelled in athletics and built cherished lifelong friendships. His early success led to many accolades including an induction into the Cliffside Park High School Hall of Fame. He began his football career at McCook College in Nebraska, where he was named a junior college football All-American. He then played running back at Wake Forest University, exemplifying teamwork and dedication. 

Upon graduation, he went on to play in the Canadian Football League. His time with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats was cut short by service in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War. He earned two Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star.

After his discharge, Mr. Heck had a prosperous career with International Paper, which brought his family to Pawleys Island. He spent the last two years prior to his retirement as the president of Sylvania Lighting US. 

He had a sweet tooth as big as his heart, and his generosity knew no bounds, his family said. Mr. Heck gave back to his community through mentorship, guiding and inspiring countless individuals with his wisdom and compassion. This also extended to his canine companion, Oscar, who was the recipient of morning coffee chats and shared ice cream bars. 

He is survived by his wife of 53 years Marnie Stanley Heck; his sons, Cameron, Dylan and Ryan; his daughters-in-law, Paige and Erin; and his grandchildren, Cullen, Catherine, Andie and Rhodes. 

His brother, Roy Carl Heck, died before him. 

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Michael Croley, 68, retired from chemical firm

March 7, 2024

Michael Croley of Wachesaw Plantation died Feb. 9 with his family by his side after a long battle with cancer.  He was 68.

He was born July 26, 1955, in Williamsburg, Ky., the son Donald Sidney and Louise Bundy Croley. He graduated from Daniel Boone High School and  East Tennessee State University in Johnson City.  He retired as a regional vice president with Ashland Chemical in 2015. 

Mr. Croley loved to golf with his buddies, ride his bike, go to Panthers games and could easily be found hollering obscenities at the TV if his team was losing. 

He was remembered for his charm, quick wit and dry humor, along with his devotion to his family.

He is survived by his wife, Amy Valko Croley; his daughters, Jade Lafreniere (Glen) of Bryson City, N.C., Alex Kessler (Jon) and Sydney Croley, all of Greenville; his grandchildren, Sage, Townes, Reid and Trust; his sisters, Linda Weathers (Bill) of Englewood, Fla., and Sue Croley Brown of Johnson City; his brothers, Steve Croley (Molly) of Gray, Tenn., and Stuart Croley of Greenville; several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews and one great-great niece; his in-laws, Sue and Jim Martin of Murrells Inlet; one aunt and uncle, Jeanne and John Kosartes of Cullowhee, N.C.; a special friend Ruby Massengale (Rick) of Greenville; and his three-legged friend, Harley.

His first wife, Stephanie Hughes Croley, who was the mother of his children, died before him.

A memorial service was held Saturday at Kimbel’s in Wachesaw Plantation.

Memorials may be made to Triune Mercy Center, 222 Rutherford St., Greenville, SC 29609 or All 4 Paws, 708 Petigru Drive, Pawleys Island, SC 29585.

Buck Grim, 94, retired SBA director

February 29, 2024

John H. Grim Jr. of Heritage Plantation died Feb. 19.  He was 94.

Known as Buck, he was born April 7, 1929, in Washington, D.C., the son of John H. and Francis A. Grim. He graduated from Carlisle Military School in Bamberg. He was a man without letters, but awarded himself an honorary degree from the College of Hard Knocks, which he attended for many years. 

Mr. Grim served in the  Air Force during the Korean War. He was a licensed aircraft mechanic and was employed with several airlines in the mid-1950s. He served in Southeast Asia for the Agency for International Development from 1968 to 1972 and retired from federal service as director of procurement for the Small Business Administration in Washington, D.C., in 1991. 

He and his wife then moved to Pawleys Island where they lived the good life. Mr. Grim was an aviation enthusiast and avid golfer at Litchfield Country Club, where he first shot his age in 2005. He had six holes-in-one.

He is survived by two children, Debra Oliveri and Kevin, and  by “honorable mentions” John Rozzelle, Debbie Bennett and Lindy Kerr; his grandchildren, Abbie Achatz, Bobby Oliveri, Rachel Sherman, and Jonathan and Kelli Ann Grim; and his great-grandchildren, Madison, Hayleigh, Aiden and Bristol Sherman, Mackenzie, Isabelle  and Zachary Achatz, and Tinley, Shepard and Cohen Oliveri.

His wife of 68 years, Rebecca, died before him, as did his sons, John III and David, and his older brother, James.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, 2401 Anthuan Maybank Dr., Georgetown, 29440 (salvationarmyusa.org).

Bill Echols, 81, lawyer was active in churches

February 22, 2024

William Richard Echols III of Pawleys Island died Feb. 16 at the Medical University of South Carolina. He was 81.

He was born Dec. 28, 1942, in Atlanta, the son of William R. Echols Jr. and Virginia Burdette Echols. Bill spent the majority of his youth in Charlotte, where he graduated from East Mecklenburg High School in 1960. He attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill as an undergrad and earned his law degree at UNC Law School. He was a lifelong Tarheel fan and rarely missed a game. 

Mr. Echols began practicing law in 1966 and worked for law firms in Winston-Salem and Charlotte before starting his own private practice. Respected and known by his colleagues as a fun-loving practical joker, he could also hold a spontaneous Bible study anywhere.

Mr. Echols had a passion for coaching baseball, which he did for over 18 years. He coached a Babe Ruth Eastern Regional Tournament team that advanced to the World Series. 

He was an active member of Calvary Church in Charlotte, where he used the teaching gift that God gave him to share the word of God for many years with over 100 people in his Sunday school class. He dedicated much of his time to mission work. For over 22 years, he traveled for mission outreach to South Africa, Kenya, Guatemala and Albania.

After a successful career in real estate law, Mr. Echols and his wife retired to Pawleys Island, where they became active members of Pawleys Island Community Church. He helped teach in Sunday school classes and small groups. He also worked on the mission board. 

He is survived by his wife of over 58 years, Elizabeth Echols; his children, Nancy Williams of Burlington, N.C., Clinton Echols (Heather) of Moncks Corner, Elizabeth Hutchins (Brett) of Mount Pleasant and “adopted son” Reggie Clark; his grandchildren, Brooke Williams, Avery Echols (Sarah), Wesley Echols, Carson Ellis, Caroline Echols, Jordan Ellis, Houston Hutchins, Hayden Hutchins  and Harris Hutchins; his great-grandchildren, Parker Williams and Eli William Echols, who is on the way; his sister, Vicki Lynn Bignon (Eddie) of Irmo; and his nephews and cousins.

A celebration of his life will be held Feb. 26 at 10:30 a.m. at Pawleys Island Community Church. Visitation will follow. A celebration will be held March 5 at 3 p.m. in the Calvary Church Chapel in Charlotte.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Building Fund (Make Room) at Pawleys Island Community Church, 10304 Ocean Highway, Pawleys Island, SC 29585 (pawleysisland.church), the Fellowship of Christian Athletes at my.fca.org or Calvary Church (missions), 5801 Pineville Matthews Rd. Charlotte, NC 28226 (calvarychurch.com).

There is a guest book at burroughsfh.com.

Jonathan L. Dieter, 100, Navy veteran started real estate firm

February 15, 2024

Jonathan Lucas Dieter, a World War II veteran who started a real estate and insurance company, died Feb. 10 at his home on Pawleys Island. He was 100.

Mr. Dieter was born into a world recovering from World War I, on July 8, 1923, in Columbia. He was a son of the late George Herman Dieter and the late Caroline Lucas Dieter. 

After graduating from high school, Mr. Dieter studied at the University of South Carolina, joined the KA fraternity and the Naval ROTC. He was at USC when Pearl Harbor was attacked, prompting him to accelerate his studies and graduate early. He graduated in October 1943, was commissioned as an ensign and received orders from the Navy the same day. 

Mr. Dieter was sent to the Pacific and joined the USS Montpelier, a light cruiser, as a gunnery officer. During his 28 months aboard, the ship took part in the Battle of the Philippine Sea and the invasions of Saipan, Tinian and Guam. 

In November 1944, the Montpelier was part of a fleet that faced the first kamikaze attacks from the Japanese, involving 400 suicide pilots over three days. Mr. Dieter said in a 2019 interview that he made sure to go to church every Thanksgiving after that. “To give thanks to the good Lord for blessing us,” he said.

Following his discharge, Mr. Dieter embarked on a new chapter marrying the former Margaret Hardee Tucker in 1946 and founding his own insurance agency in Columbia. In 1974 they moved to Pawleys Island, where he partnered with Pawleys Island Realty and later started the Dieter Company Real Estate/Insurance. 

Mr. Dieter’s unwavering faith remained the cornerstone of his life. He had a great love for his church, The Abbey at Pawleys Island, and his commitment to reading his Bible daily, served as a constant reminder of the goodness and love that abounded in the world. 

Mr. Dieter’s greatest happiness came from the cherished moments spent with his beloved family. He will be remembered for his resilience in the face of adversity, his unwavering dedication to his family and country and his tireless efforts to serve his community, his family said. 

He is survived by his two sons, Dr. Jonathan L. Dieter Jr. (Jan) of Conway and Tucker Dieter (Kimmie) of Pawleys Island; four grandchildren, Lucas Adams (Reid) of Charleston, Caroline Bush (Dan) of Atlanta, Will Dieter (Lauren) of Pawleys Island and Tuck Dieter (Taylor) of Lexington; seven great-grandchildren; his sister-in-law, Marian Dieter of Mount Pleasant; and numerous nieces and nephews. 

Mrs. Dieter died in 2015. Mr. Dieter’s two brothers, Robert Dieter and George Dieter, and his sister, Caroline Simons, died before him.

His family thanked his caregivers: Sharon, Cathy, Deanna, Diane, Dana, Ginger and Rochelle. 

A family graveside service was held Tuesday in the All Saints Church Cemetery. 

Memorials may be made to The Abbey at Pawleys Island, 46 Gathering Lane, Pawleys Island, SC 29585 or the Epworth Children’s Home, 2900 Millwood Ave. Columbia, SC 29202 

Condolences may be sent at ridgewayfh.com.

Brenda P.V. Eckenrode, 78, former city welfare director

February 15, 2024

Brenda Philbrick Vigneault Eckenrode of Pawleys Island died Feb. 5 from complications of diabetes. She was 78.

She was born April 27, 1945,  the daughter of Herbert A. Philbrick and Eva Luscombe Philbrick. She was a longtime resident of Claremont, N.H., and served as the welfare director for the city of Claremont.

She will be remembered for a heart of gold, being generous with her kindness and for a beautiful smile and bright blue eyes, her family said.

She is survived by her siblings, Dale P. Clark of Isle of Palms and Shelter Island, N.Y., and Lesley P. Draper of Pawleys Island; her children, Thomas Davidson of Pembroke, N.H., Patricia Booker of North Hampton, N.H., and Wendy Almstrom of Claremont; and numerous nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Three other siblings, Constance Smith, Sandra Philbrick and Herbert A. Philbrick Jr., died before her.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at St. Paul’s Waccamaw United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association or the ASPCA.

Johnnie Vereen, 79, outdoorsman and storyteller

February 15, 2024

John LeGrande Vereen Jr. died Feb. 6 in Pawleys Island. He was 79. 

Known as Johnnie, he was born Aug. 17, 1944 in Florence, the son of John “Happy” LeGrande Vereen and Mary Margaret “Mullet” McLaughlin Vereen. He graduated from Wampee High School and was drafted into the Army during the Vietnam War. He attended Pembroke State University in North Carolina, where he met and married Phyllis Pittman in 1968.  

He was an avid fisherman, hunter and massive storyteller. 

In addition to his ex-wife, he is survived by their three children, John LeGrande Vereen III, Justin “Scooter” Vereen (Penny Blanton-Vereen) of  Pawleys Island, and Julie C. Vereen (William Watson) of Charleston; and his grandchildren, Bailey, Chandler, Sara Happy, Justin B. Vereen, Jonathon and Elizabeth Vermont.  He is also survived by his long-time caretaker and third wife, Laurie Ritchie Woods and her son, Walker Woods.

In addition to his parents, his sister, Anne Vereen, and his brother, Ralph “Bubby” Vereen, died before him, as did his second wife, Miriam Watson Cline Vereen.

In lieu of flowers , memorials may be made to the charity or animal shelter of your choice. 

Jane K. Sentivan, 77, district leader in Rotary

February 15, 2024

Jane Kathleen Sentivan of the River Club died Feb. 3 at her home. She was 77.

She was born April 7, 1946, in Elizabeth, N.J., the daughter of Cornelius and Ruth Sullivan. She graduated from Cranford (N.J.) High School and the College of St. Elizabeth in Convent Station, N.J. Among her many occupations, she was a teacher, a bookkeeper for the family tire business and a travel agent.

For almost three decades, Mrs. Sentivan was a devoted member of Rotary International, serving as chapter president in both Pawleys Island and Westfield, N.J. She served the organization on the district level as an assistant district governor and chairwoman of the Ambassadorial Scholarship Committee. She also was a Paul Harris Fellow.

Mrs. Sentivan loved to travel, and she saw the world with her husband of 53 years, James.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughter, Jennifer Thompson (Matt); her son, Andrew Sentivan (Heidi); her grandchildren, Sam Sentivan and Maisie Sentivan; her sisters, Judy Spera (Tom) and Eileen Cooke (Rodger); her brother, Neil Sullivan (Sue); and many nieces and nephews. 

Her brother, Jack Sullivan, died before her.

A celebration of life will be held March 30 at 11 a.m. at Pawleys Island Community Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Rotary Foundation (rotary.org) or the Pawleys Island Community Church (pawleysisland.church).

Condolences may be sent at cremationservicesdirect.com.

James Clem, 82, map maker became mayor of Va. town

February 8, 2024

James Elmore Clem of Murrells Inlet died Jan. 26.   He was 82.

He was born Jan. 6, 1942, in Floyd, Va., the son of Willis Covet Clem and Virginia Perrien Cannaday Clem.

A long-time resident of Leesburg, Va., Mr. Clem retired in 1996 after 37 years as a cartographer program manager at the former Defense Mapping Agency in Washington, D.C., and then became the owner of Colonial Funeral Home of Leesburg until 2013.  In 2010, he became  vice president of business development at SCS Safety Health and Security Associates.

Mr. Clem was appointed to the Leesburg Town Council in 1987 and was subsequently elected to a four-year term in 1990.  He was elected as mayor in 1992 and was re-elected to three more two-year terms.  He then served as the Leesburg District representative on the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors from 2003 to 2007.

He was a life member and past president with the Leesburg Volunteer Fire Company, a life member of the Olive Branch Masonic Lodge 114 and a member of the Leesburg Hosts Lion Club.

After moving to Murrells Inlet in 2009, Mr. Clem became active in community and church activities.  He served on the Links Brook community’s architectural review committee and for many years on the board of the property owners association.  

He is survived by his wife of 58 years, Connie Leigh Clem; his daughter, Stacy Lynn Skinner (Douglas) of Leesburg; his granddaughter, Kiley Anne Kirkpatrick (Raymond) of Purcellville, Va.; his great-grandchildren, Savannah Rae Kirkpatrick and Raymond “Mack” Kirkpatrick; his sister, Barbara Ann Miller of Bolivia, N.C.; and his sister-in-law, Roberta Elgin (John) of Conway;

His brother, Richard Clem, and stepbrother, Herman Clem, died before him.

Every Sunday, Mr. Clem would greet people at the side door of the Surfside United Methodist Church. A celebration of his life will be held at the Church at 11 a.m. on Feb. 17. A reception will follow in the Fellowship Hall.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church, 800 13th Ave. N., Surfside Beach, SC 29757 or the Leesburg Volunteer Fire Co., P.O. Box 2577, Leesburg, VA 20177.  

Jim Woodring, 73, retailer found second career in golf

February 8, 2024

James Chauncey Woodring Jr. of Pawleys Island died Feb. 4 at his home with his wife by his side. He was 73.

He was born Jan. 1, 1951, in Akron, Ohio, the son of James Chauncey Woodring and Doris Woodring. 

After attending Kent State University he went on to have a long successful career in retail and a second, even better career in the golf industry in the Lowcountry.

Mr. Woodring believed the Greeks did not write obituaries. When a man died they asked only one question: Did he have passion? Those who knew Mr. Woodring would answer with a resounding, “yes!”

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Kathy, along with family members, friends and colleagues.

A visitation will held  Feb. 12 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Goldfinch Funeral Home, Beach Chapel, in Murrells Inlet.

There is a guest book at goldfinchfuneralhome.com.

Jacqueline Barney, 81, retired home ec teacher

February 8, 2024

Jacqueline Dee Barney of Murrells Inlet died Jan. 21. She was 81.

She was born in Meadville, Pa., the daughter of Stalter Duval and Gladys Flagg Duval.

Mrs. Barney was a high school home economics teacher who worked most of her career in Cambridge Springs, Pa.  Jacqueline loved poetry, the theater, karaoke, ceramics, upholstering furniture, collecting antiques, cooking for friends and family and alteration sewing.  

She was a member of Elks Lodge 1771. 

She is survived by her son, Justin J. Barney; her daughter, Jary Dee Barney (Michael Hardewig); her grandchildren, Bridgette and Brandon Hardewig; her ex-husband, Joseph H. Barney; her sister, Stalene Easton; and her best friend, Yvonne Mulder Poet, who lives in the Netherlands.

Her brother David and two other sisters, Marie Brookshire and Detta Townsend, died before her.

Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (stjude.org).

Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.

Peggy G. DesChamps, 72, ran law office for 40 years

February 1, 2024

Peggy Gleaton DesChamps, 72, of Murrells Inlet died Jan. 26 surrounded by her family after valiantly fighting metastatic breast cancer for over eight years. She was 72.

She was born Dec. 7, 1951, in Orangeburg, the daughter of Jetter Gleaton and the late Walter Herman Gleaton. Mrs. DesChamps was an accomplished business and community leader who ran a law office in administrative and paralegal capacities for over 40 years.

She always took time for her family and her Lord, spending time each day at the cross on the inlet in thanks and prayer, her family said.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her husband of 44 years, William DesChamps; her children, Leah Paige Sandifer (Scotty) and William “Trey” DesChamps (Sarah); five grandchildren, Courtney Sandifer, Bryan Sandifer, Caroline Sandifer, Rhett DesChamps and Kathleen DesChamps; her great grandchildren, Eden, Emory, Hailyn and Theo; her sisters, Barbara Fanning (Simon), Lynell Fogle (Leon), Wanda White and Jackie Crim (Larry);  and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to her father, her brother, Walter Herman Gleaton Jr., and another sister, Jerene Geiger, died before her.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. today at Belin Memorial United Methodist Church with burial in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church, 4182 Highway 17 Business, Murrells Inlet SC 29576; the Duke Cancer Center, 300 W. Morgan Street, Suite 1000, Durham NC 27701 (gifts.duke.edu) or The Little White Chapel, Murrells Inlet Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 418, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.

Her family thanked the doctors, nurses and staff at Tidelands and Ardent Hospice.

Carol E. Kirby, 70, retired corporate lawyer

February 1, 2024

Carol Eller Kirby, a former Pawleys Island resident, died Jan. 19 at her home in Chamberlain, Maine. She was 70.

She was born Aug. 13, 1953, in Winston-Salem, N.C., the daughter of Gaither E. and Katherine Eller.  She graduated from R.J. Reynolds High School in 1971, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1975 and UNC-Chapel Hill Law School in 1980.  She completed her executive MBA degree at Harvard Business School in 1999. 

After law school, Carol moved to Atlanta, where she practiced labor law and litigation at Ford & Harrison and  Powell Goldstein Frazer & Murphy before joining the legal and corporate departments at AT&T, Lucent Technologies and Alcatel-Lucent.  

In Atlanta, she met and married Jefferson D. Kirby III, who was also a lawyer. They retired to Pawleys Island and later moved to Chamberlain,  where they loved their view of the rocky coast and lobster boats and the friendship of the community. Mr. Kirby died in 2018.

Mrs. Kirby was a talented gardener and cook, a master fire builder and enjoyed the great outdoors in Maine. She was remembered for her generosity, loyalty, compassion, sense of humor, love of adventure and wise counsel.

She is survived by her stepsons Adam Kirby (Lindsey) of Pawleys Island and Davis Kirby (Lee Bryan) of Atlanta; and her grandsons, Abel and Eli Kirby of Pawleys Island.

No service is currently planned, but memorial gatherings will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to K9s on the Front Line, P.O. Box 8823, Portland ME 04104, Coastal Rivers Conservation Trust, 3 Round Top Lane, Damariscotta ME 04543 or the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent at stronghancock.com.

Stephen W. Boggess, 74, started auto glass company

January 25, 2024

Stephen Wayne Boggess of the Tradition Club, died Jan. 18 at his home. He was 74.

He was born Sept. 17, 1949, in Marietta, Ohio. He served in the Army, the FBI  and the Miami Dade Public Safety Department before founding Steve’s Auto Glass in Columbus, Ohio.  

Mr. Boggess was an avid Steelers and Buckeyes fan who also enjoyed tennis, golf, dancing and his golden retrievers.

He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Linda; his sister, Charlotte Phillips; his sons, Steve and Ryan Boggess; his stepsons, Kevin Wenger (Christy) and Jay Wenger (Miyuki); eight grandchildren and his nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.

There is a guest book at goldfinchfuneralhome.com.

Lou Lachicotte, 57, retired CEO of family’s real estate business

January 25, 2024

Martha Louise Lachicotte of Pawleys Island died Jan. 22 at her home. She was 57.

Known at Lou, she was born Feb. 11, 1966, in Georgetown, the daughter of Martha Louise McDonald Lachicotte and the late Arthur Herbert “Doc” Lachicotte Jr. 

She grew up at Pawleys Island, enjoying countless days spent with friends and family enjoying time looking for sea shells, as well as swimming and fishing in Pawleys Creek. She graduated from Winyah High School, where she was a member of the tennis and highstepper teams  as well as the secretary of the National Honor Society. She earned a bachelor’s degree in communications from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College in Lynchburg, Va. 

She returned to Pawleys Island and embarked on a career at Plantation Federal Bank. She later discovered her passion for real estate, and from 2008 to 2018 she worked alongside her father, serving as the president and CEO of The Lachicotte Co. Her relentless work ethic and passion for showing others the splendor of her native area led the company to new heights, and gave countless families the privilege of calling the Pawleys Island community their new home.

Ms. Lachicotte was deeply involved in the community and served on several boards including the Friends of Brookgreen Gardens, Teach My People and the Humanities Advancement Board at Clemson University. She was also a member of the vestry at All Saints Church, Waccamaw. 

She was remembered as bright, beautiful and a devoted friend to many. Her cheerful personality was infectious. She loved life and people, and was always up for an adventure. She loved to travel, dine on delicious food and entertain friends in true Pawleys Island style. She loved openly and honestly, always finding the good in everyone she met. Her friends said that they never heard her say anything bad about anyone. She was grounded in her faith in Jesus Christ.

In addition to her mother, she is survived by her son, Adam R. Lachicotte; and her sisters, Cecile L. Spivey and Virginia L. Aimar. 

A service celebrating her life was held Wednesday at All Saints Church. 

Memorials may be made to Teach My People at teachmypeople.com or P.O. Box 2848, Pawleys Island, SC 29585 .

Condolences may be sent at ridgewayfh.com.

Georgia Walker, 92, longtime Brookgreen volunteer

January 18, 2024

Georgia Bell Brown Walker, a former Murrells Inlet resident, died Dec. 21 at her home in Knoxville, Tenn. She was 92.

She was born Dec. 13, 1931, in Lantz, Md., one of six children of Louis and Edna Deveney Brown. She was a farm girl who at the age of 21 worked for Landis Tool Co. and met and married a city boy, Gordon Huff Walker. They were married for 67 years until his death.

Mrs. Walker worked as a transport manager at Westmoreland Hospital in Greensburg, Pa., and a nurse’s aide at Halet Manor in Chagrin Falls, Ohio.  She was also an Avon representative for many years. 

During her retirement in South Carolina, she volunteered in the café and gift shop at Brookgreen Gardens.

She is survived by her brother, Louis Brown of Sabillasville, Md.; her daughters, Sherry Lee Raabe of Knoxville, Diane Lynn Walker of Sherrodsville, Ohio, and Douglas Merle Walker of McDonough Ga.; her grandchildren Brian Clinton Raabe, Andrew Michael Raabe and Kathryn Ann Raabe; her great-grandchildren, Landry Rachel Raabe and Baker Edison Raabe; and many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her husband, a granddaughter, Rachel Ann Raabe, two brothers, Charles and David, and two sisters, Leatrice Shoemaker and Marlin Wieland, died before her. 

 A visitation will be held Jan. 20 at 10 a.m. at Burroughs Funeral Home, where a brief memorial service will be held at 11 a.m.  Inurnment at Belin Memorial United Methodist Church Cemetery will be later that afternoon.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Brookgreen Gardens, 1931 Brookgreen Dr., Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 (brookgreen.org) or CareCuts of Knoxville, 519 Williams St. Knoxville, TN 37917 (carecutsknox.org). 

Condolences may be sent at rosefuneraltn.com.

Warren Johnston, 77, newsman started Crawfish Festival

January 4, 2024

Warren Johnston, a veteran newsman who got his start in Georgetown and Pawleys Island before tours of duty in six cities over four decades, died Dec. 9 at the Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. He was 77. The cause was complications of cardiac surgery.

In a long and prolific career, Mr. Johnston had stints as a bureau chief at The Tampa Tribune, as an editor at the Las Vegas Sun and as editor, reporter and columnist at the Valley News in New Hampshire. Low key and gentle, but with high standards, he was an unflappable journalist, described by his co-worker, Mark Davis as a “true Southern gentleman” who epitomized the very best traits of the expression – soft spoken and slow to anger. The long-time food writer and restaurant critic at The Tampa Tribune, Mary Scourtes, remembers him as an “authoritative editor who knew how to weigh a situation critically, while helping a reporter craft a story in the best possible light.”

He was born June 23, 1946, in Atlanta, the youngest of four sons of Richard B. and Jane Dillon Johnston. He attended North Fulton High School where he was twice elected class president, served on the student council and, like his brothers, played football and ran track. He earned a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Georgia in 1969. After a start in commercial real estate in Atlanta, he went on to open a restaurant with Louis Osteen, a longtime friend who later became a James Beard recognized chef. Unfulfilled by these early work experiences, Mr. Johnston spent a year in the graduate journalism program at the University of Georgia. There he met Sandy Gaines, a beautiful art student who he married on July 29, 1978. Friends recall that from then on, the couple were regarded as one word, “warrenandsandy” – “you never thought of them separately.”

In the late 1970s, Mr. Johnston worked as a reporter at The Georgetown Times and then at the Pawleys Island Perspective, a monthly magazine. He and Mr. Osteen, who died in 2019, came up with the idea of starting the S.C. Crawfish Festival at Pawleys Island as a way to promote aquaculture in the former ricefields. 

Mr. Johnston was perhaps best known as a mentor and leader who helped shape the careers of numerous young journalists, encouraging them to approach their stories from a personal perspective, and bring humanity to bear in the telling. He was a fearless boss, uncompromising in his commitment to his team and extremely generous to those people he loved. Famous for defending his reporters from imperious editors, he advised them not to be afraid, to stand their ground and cover the story. He made work fun, appreciated the good times, and his staff loved him in return. In doing so, he fostered teams so devoted to him that even 30 years later, remembrances evoked comments like that of Tampa’s Susan Snyder. “We trusted him. I would have walked in front of a bus if he asked me to.” Fellow reporter Geoff Mohan, who went on to a long career at the LA Times, recalled that, “He encouraged me to do new things, to approach a story differently.” Dan Turner, who later served as communications director for Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour, said, “He made us better than we were, better than we could have been without him and dammit, we had a helluva time.”

In every place he lived, Mr. Johnston left behind a trail of good will and affection, of friends enriched by his compassion, his kindnesses and good cooking, of rescued pets and rehabilitated homes. In his legacy, are communities improved through his activism – the rice fields rejuvenated as a result of the Pawleys Island Crawfish festival that he founded with Osteen, producing sustenance and jobs for the community for more than a decade. In Raeford, N.C., and Natchez, Miss., the economic impact that resulted from his founding of the Turkey Festival and the Balloon Festival remains today. Following retirement from his last job at the Valley News and while living in Vermont’s Upper Valley, he was involved with the Upper Valley Trails and importantly worked with the Alliance for Vermont Communities, responsible for stopping the New Vistas project, a planned community that had it succeeded would have desecrated that pristine community. 

Emmy Award winning journalist and Las Vegas colleague Mark Shaffer echoes the sentiments of many: “I learned more about life, journalism, food, wine, and patience from Warren in my short time in Vegas than in all the years prior. His loss is immense.”

In addition to his wife of 45 years, Sandy Gaines Johnston of South Royalton, Vt., his is survived by his brothers, Dr. Richard B. Johnston Jr. of Denver and Charles L. Johnston of Atlanta. 

His other brother, W. Dillon Johnston, died before him.

Memorials may be made to The Vermont Food Bank at vtfoodbank.org.

Dian S. Hammett, 85, teacher became award-winning artist

January 4, 2024

Dian Shaylor Hammett of Spartanburg, an artist and former Georgetown resident, died Dec. 17. She was 85. 

She was born Feb. 11, 1938, in Camden, the daughter of Edward and Sadie Shaylor. She graduated from Camden High School and, in 1960, Columbia College, where she was crowned Miss Columbia College in 1958. After earning her bachelor’s degree, she taught U.S. history and geography at Bamberg, Dorman and Georgetown high schools. 

She was married to the late Lamar G. Hammett.

Mrs. Hammett began to study art as a hobby in the 1970s and began painting full time after 28 years of teaching. She once explained that “painting is what I do for fun. My hope is that you will find pleasure in my paintings as they remind you of something you have seen, a place you have been, or a feeling you have had.” 

Over time, pastel and watercolor realistic paintings had evolved into abstract and non-objective work. She was a member of the Southeastern Pastel Society, S.C. Watercolor Society, Georgetown Watercolor Society, Waccamaw Arts and Crafts Guild, Spartanburg Artists’ Guild, Charleston Art Guild and the International Society of Experimental Artists. Her paintings have been included in dozens of shows and juried exhibitions. She was the recipient of numerous awards including Best in Show at the 1999 Harborwalk Show, the top award at the S.C. State Fair in 2000 and first place in the Charleston Artists’ Guild Show in 2021. 

Mrs. Hammett’s paintings can be found in private and corporate collections throughout the United States, Germany, Switzerland, France  and Singapore.

She is survived by her son, Eddie Hammett (Marcia Baker) and his children, Camille and Gunnar, of Concord, N.C.; her daughter, Leslie Westbrook (Terry) of Cross Hill and their children, Amanda and Thomas of Gilbert, Ariz; her brother, John Shaylor (Linda) of Camden; and many nieces and nephews. 

Funeral services were Dec. 28 at First Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg. 

Memorials may be made to the Amy Whitaker Endowed Scholarship of Columbia College, Attn: Office of Advancement, 1301 Columbia College Dr., Columbia, SC 29203 (columbiasc.edu) or to the charity of your choice.

Nedra H. Malone, 80, Wesleyan grad continued to give back

January 4, 2024

Nedra Helen Martin Malone of Macon, Ga., died Dec. 22.  She was 80.

She was born in Gainesville, Fla., the daughter of Roe Milledge and Helen Virginia Clark Martin. 

She graduated from Wesleyan College in Macon in 1965. She continued to donate her talents in floral arranging by preparing for Wesleyan events, including decorating the Christmas tree in Burden Parlor, multiple Alumnae Weekend celebrations and three presidential inaugurals. She served as the Alumnae Weekend decorations chair since 1988 and served in the decorations committee since 1995. Mrs. Malone often gathered flowers for Wesleyan out of her own yard close to campus. She also hosted students in her home, served as a candle lighter at graduations and promoted Wesleyan in every way she could. In 2011, she was awarded the Alumnae Award for Distinguished Service.

Mrs. Malone also volunteered in numerous organizations including Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, The Exchangette Club –where she was a past president and outstanding volunteer – The Cherry Blossom Festival and The Museum of Arts and Sciences. 

She was remembered for instilling in her children and grandchildren a love for nature, compassion for animals and an appreciation for art.

She is survived by her children, Melissa Helen Malone Constable (Dave Bosky) of Murrells Inlet; Robin Malone (Hutch) Hutchinson of Byron, Ga., and Robert Hardin (Jessica) Malone IV of Macon; her grandchildren, Cassie Marie Constable, Colby Allan Constable, Connor Robert Constable, Skylar Virginia Hutchinson, Sydney Michelle Hutchinson, Sophia Helen Hutchinson, Kristina Lenee Clark, Kathryn Quinn Malone and Robert Hardin Malone V; and her cat, Izzy.

A celebration of her life was held Dec. 29 at Lakeside Memorial Park in Winter Haven, Fla.

Condolences may be sent at snowsmacon.com.

Thomas H. Eubank, 81, started steel and building firms

January 4, 2024

Thomas Harwood Eubank Jr. of Murrells Inlet died Dec. 24 at McLeod Hospice House in Florence. He was 81.

He was born Oct. 16, 1942, in Richmond, Va.,  the son of Thomas Harwood Eubank and Louise Ozment Eubank.

Mr. Eubank started Southern Steel Products with three other partners in 1991 and ran it until 2016, when he started Southern Building Products, which he still owned and operated. He enjoyed spending time traveling and hanging out with his family and friends. 

“I think he only did business because he loved the relationships he was able to maintain,” a friend and business associate recalled. “I know he loved success, but I think he loved the journey even more than the result.”

He also said that Mr. Eubank helped others along their journeys.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Dixie Cox Eubank; his son, Thomas H. Eubank III (Martha) of Memphis, Tenn.; his daughter, Brooke Elizabeth Eubank Anderson (Dan) of Nashville; his brother, Robert Eugene Eubank of Murrells Inlet; his grandchildren, Thomas, Louise, William, Mitchell and Hill; his brother-in-law, Herald Cox (Lynn) of Linville, N.C.; his sisters-in law, Rhonda M. Cox of James Island and Trudy Cox Smith of Murrells Inlet; his nephews, Colton, Justin and Riley; his nieces, Alicia, Cassie and Kristen; and his godson, E.J. “Miles” Servant IV.

Another brother-in-law, Steve Monroe Cox, died before him.

Services will be private.

Memorials may be made to Help Save the Little White Chapel, P.O. Box 418, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576.

Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.

Cheryl L. Eckard, 62, Maryland business woman

January 4, 2024

Cheryl Lynn Eckard of Pawleys Island died Nov. 27 at her home with her fiancé by her side. She was 62.

She was born Oct. 30, 1961, the daughter of Doris Ingle and the late Eugene Stout. She grew up on a farm in Taneytown, Md., then moved to Hagerstown, Md., where she would spend most of her remaining life.  She met her fiancé, Bradley Myers, in 2002 at her friend LuBeth’s Bluesfest Party in Hagerstown.  They retired to Pawleys Island in August 2020.

Ms. Eckard worked many years as a waitress at Nick’s Airport Inn, where she had a long list of regulars who asked for her by name. She was CEO and owner of The Farmer’s Daughter, owner of Cheryl Eckard Environmental Services and CEO and co-owner of Pop Pop’s Kettle Corn. 

She and Mr. Myers could be seen there most weekends for nearly eight years at the Funkstown Fire Hall parking lot. She offered her warmth and exuberance to all her customers and he would always add a joke.  

She loved the beach, looking for seashells, cooking and gardening.  She was a self-described homebody and a life-long cat mom.

She was remembered as a perpetual optimist who saw the good in all people and all things. She was strong in her faith and a model of human kindness.

In addition to her fiancé and her mother, Doris Buccigrossi of Pawleys Island, she is survived by her nieces, Nadine Nelson (John) their children John III, Thomas and Noradine of Colorado Springs, Colo., and Katherina Elliott (Logan) of Hagerstown; and several aunts and cousins. 

In addition to her father, her brother, Eugene Ronald Stout, and her grandmother, Evelyn A. Stout, died before her.

A celebration of her life will be held in Pawleys Island at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Agape Hospice and Palliative Care at hpcfoundation.org or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com or osbornefuneralhome.net.

Len Ashley, 76, sales rep served in National Guard

December 21, 2023

Leonard E. Ashley Jr. of Surfside Beach died Dec. 13 at his home, “Beach Music.” He was 76.

Known as Len, he was born Nov. 19, 1947, in Chester, the son of Leonard E. Ashley and Allie Hathcock Ashley. He was raised by his stepmother, Mossie Ashley, after his mother died young. He graduated from Chester High School, where he played football and was in the band, and the University of South Carolina, where he was a member of the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He joined the S.C. Army National Guard after graduation and served for 25 years, retiring as a major. 

Mr. Ashley worked as a medical sales representative for Johnson & Johnson. He retired from PSS World Medical. Having lived in Columbia, during his working career, he retired to Surfside Beach. He was a member of Belin Memorial United Methodist Church. He enjoyed travel, USC football, being with friends and family around the pool at “Beach Music,” and walking his dog, Cookie, on the beach.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Ashley; his son, Elliott Ashley (Carla) and granddaughter, Cullum Ashley, of Columbia; his stepson, Ed Parler (Elizabeth) and grandchildren, Walker, Emma, Emerson and Eleanor Parler,  of Pawleys Island.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. today at Belin Memorial United Methodist Church with  interment in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Make-A-Wish Foundation or to Tidelands Community Hospice, 259 N. Fraser St., Georgetown, SC 29440

There is a guest book at goldfinchfuneralhome.com.

Robert M. ‘Beaver’ Balding, 88, former LCC golf director

December 21, 2023

   Robert Mathews “Beaver” Balding, 88, of Litchfield passed away on Dec. 15, 2023.  

   Beaver was born Dec. 28, 1934 in New York.  He was the son of Dorothy Davis and Barney Balding.  He grew up in Old Brookville, Long Island, on a family estate where his grandfather, Joe Davis, had racing stables and then his father, Barney, managed them later as boarding and riding stables.  His father Barney and two of his brothers were very well-renowned polo players in England and in the United States.  

Beaver’s family began wintering Aiken in 1940 when he was a young boy and he attended Aiken Prep School, where he excelled in many sports.  During his school years in Aiken, and later, at boarding school at St. Marks, in Southboro, Mass., Beaver participated in horseback riding, golf, baseball, basketball, track, archery, tennis and bicycle polo.  He became most talented at golf though and was a Junior Champion in Long Island at the Creek Club and won a Pro-Am at age 16.   He won many tournaments, several times taking the Mother-Son titles with his mother, Dot, who was also an excellent player.  Beaver was a scratch golfer and had 6 holes in one.  He spent much of his lifetime playing with friends and family.

   Beaver served in the Army after attending the University of Houston.  He was with American Express Company, managed the Georgetown Airport and was the Director of Golf at Litchfield Country Club.

 In 1962, Beaver moved to the coast of South Carolina where he would spend the rest of his life.  For many years, he volunteered with Pawley’s Island-Litchfield Rescue, where he  drove the ambulance, winning the driver of the year award from 1998-2003.  He was also the Assistant Chief in 2004. He served on the Georgetown Hospital Foundation board for several years and was the longest living member of the Litchfield Country Club. He was instrumental in running the Litchfield Labor Day Classic which was a great amateur tournament for many years.

    Beaver always had a twinkle in his eye and such a great sense of humor.  He loved learning new things and  helping people in any way he could.  He loved his family and loved spending time with Sharon, his longtime girlfriend.   

   Beaver is survived by his daughter, Dawn Balding Pate (Fen); his son, Robert Mathews “Matt” Balding Jr. (Eve); a stepson Phillip Vanderbilt Brady;  grandchildren Allston Pate Shore (Royall), Emerson Fennell Pate, Margaret Pringle Balding, Sara Mathews Balding and one great-grandson, Robert Royall Shore. He was predeceased by a brother, Bruce Balding, and a stepson, Kenneth Parsons Brady.  He is also survived by the love of his life, Sharon McCullough,  with whom he shared many wonderful experiences and memories over the past 20 years.

Mayer-Etheridge Funeral Home is handling the arrangements and a memorial service will be announced at a later date.  Donations may be made to St. Francis Animal Center or Midway Fire and Rescue.

Robert E. Brown, 76, former teacher and coach

December 14, 2023

Robert Eugene Brown of Pawleys Island died Dec. 5. He was 76.

He was born March 4, 1947, the son of Harold Eugene and Mae Irene Kerr Brown. He graduated from Shenango High School in New Castle, Pa., in 1965 and attended Clarion University, where he earned a degree in mathematics in 1969. He married Dorothy Anne Irvine on April 25, 1970. 

Mr. Brown’s passion for education and shaping young minds led him to a fulfilling career at Neshannock School District, where he taught from 1969 until his retirement in 1999. Beyond the classroom, he was Neshannock’s head tennis coach, compiling nearly 300 wins, and the assistant cross country coach with well over 100 victories.  During his offseason he took pride in running the scoreboard for football and basketball.  

In retirement, Mr. Brown’s days were filled with rounds of golf, gambling and the combination of gambling while golfing. He kept his golf game sharp by wintering with his wife in South Carolina each year.  Also, he was never one to shy away from new challenges and experimented with various recipes in the kitchen.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Amy Hilton (James) and Lance Brown (Laura); his grandchildren, Riley, Quinn and Tierney Hilton, and Kelvin Brown; his sister, Nancy Borger (Don); his brothers, Richard Brown and Martin Brown (Ginger); and many nieces and nephews.

A funeral service was held Tuesday in New Castle  by Pastor Josh Watts of City Church. 

Memorials may be made to the American Red Cross, for whom he was a regular blood donor.

Condolences may be sent at cunninghamfh.com.

Linda Sandoe, 85, married her junior high sweetheart

December 14, 2023

Linda Lou Knight Sandoe of Georgetown died Monday in Pawleys Island, surrounded by her family. She was 85.

She was born Jan. 3, 1938, in Washington, D.C., the daughter of Audrey Norbury and John E. Knight. 

She worked as a legal secretary before marrying William E. Oberst in 1958 and relocating to Georgetown. Married for 30 years, they raised three children and started and ran a successful business together. 

At age 70, Linda reconnected with her junior high school sweetheart, Paul W. Sandoe, whom she married in 2009 on her 71st birthday. They enjoyed nearly 15 happy years together in Georgetown.

Mrs. Sandoe was of strong Christian faith and she lived and demonstrated it every day. 

Baptized an Episcopalian, she was a member of All Saints Church and Wayne Methodist Church and Victory Christian Fellowship in Georgetown. 

She loved to sing in church, where her beautiful voice could be heard above those around her, and she always sang with a big smile on her face.

Mrs. Sandoe was known for her generosity and thoughtfulness, and she found no greater pleasure than doing for others.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by  her children, Patricia Oberst Whitney of Union, William E. Oberst Jr. of Pawleys Island and Michael Alan Oberst of Georgetown and their spouses; her grandsons, Michael David Oberst of New York and William English Whitney III of Columbia and their spouses; her great-grandson, William English Whitney IV; her sister-in-law, Loretta Knight; her nieces and nephews, John Knight, George Knight and Janet Lee; and her step-daughters, Debbie Bruce and Janet Brown. 

Her brother, John W. Knight, died before her.

Her family will receive visitors from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Saturday at Mayer-Etheridge Funeral Home. 

A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday at the Pawleys Island Chapel, followed by a private family burial service at Pennyroyal Gardens in Georgetown. 

A guest book is available at mayerfuneralhome.com. 

Memorials may be made to Helping Hands of Georgetown (helpinghandsofgeorgetown.org).

Her family thanked her caregivers, Ella Graham and Edith Weaver, and the caregiving staffs of The Landings of Georgetown and Arbor Landing of Pawleys. 

Eddy Cusack, 70, retired from IP after 43 years

December 7, 2023

Charles Edward Cusack Jr. of Murrells Inlet died Dec. 1 at his home. He was 70.

Known as Eddy, he was born Feb. 13, 1953, in Jesup, Ga., the son of  Charles Edward Cusack and Cecile Virginia Cusack. He grew up in Andrews and moved to Garden City in the mid 1970s.  He was employed with International Paper Co. Container Division in Georgetown for 43 years.  

Mr. Cusack enjoyed working in his yard, taking great pride in keeping the lawn well-manicured.  He had a love for cooking and animals. 

He was remembered as a man of few words who had a bigger-than life-heart and was always willing to help others.

He is survived by hi wife of 32 years, Debra Leviner Cusack; his daughter, Dawn Cusack (Jami Lafon) of Myrtle Beach; his son, Chris Cusack (Christina) of Pawleys Island; his grandchildren, Ashlyn Hydrick (Tucker) of Seneca, Tanner Newsome of Myrtle Beach, Christopher Cusack of Conway, Delanie Newsome of Myrtle Beach and Callahan Cusack of Pawleys Island; a step-grandchild, Kai Manning of Murrells Inlet; his great-grandchildren, Elliot Weeks and Brooks Hydrick; his sisters, Virginia McElvaney (Ron) of Victoria, Texas, and Beth Piatt (Monty) of Andrews;  three nieces and his mother-in-law, Shirley Leviner of Myrtle Beach.

In addition to his parents, another  grandson, Chandler Newsome, died before him.

A celebration of his life was held Wednesday. Interment was in Ocean Woods Memorial Cemetery in Myrtle Beach.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 8406892, Dallas, TX  75284-0692, (heart.org) or to All 4 Paws Animal Rescue, 708 Petigru Dr., Pawleys Island, SC 29585, (all4pawssc.org).

Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.

Ted McCracken, 80, worked in the music industry

November 30, 2023

Theodore McCracken of Pawleys Island died Nov. 26 at his home. He was 80. 

Known as Ted, he was born June 7, 1943, in Charleston, W.Va., the son of Arnold Nimrod McCracken and Lenna Macel Breeden McCracken.

Mr. McCracken was an entrepreneur and owned a successful business within the music industry for over 15 years. He was also an avid outdoorsman. He could literally fix anything, and he loved helping others. When not working on his yard, he could be found along the sidelines of his grandchildren’s sporting events with his wife.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Barbara Ann McCracken; son, Russ McCracken of Greenville; a daughter, Tara Joseph (Tim) of Pawleys Island; and four grandchildren, Blake, Lucy, Elizabeth and Matthew.

His sisters, Thelma McCracken and Jerry McCracken Hudson, and his brothers, Dan McCracken, Jim McCracken  and Bill McCracken, died before him.

A prayer service will be held at 6:30 p.m. today at Burroughs Funeral Home. The family will receive friends following the prayer service until 8 p.m.

Inurnment will be Friday at 11 a.m. at the Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church columbarium.

Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.

Betty Ann Finneran, 92, started 9-hole golf group

November 23, 2023

Betty Ann Finneran, a former River Club resident, died Nov. 20 in Hamilton, N.J., surrounded by her family. She was 92 and had been living in Cary, N.C.

She was born on Aug. 19, 1931, in New York City, the daughter of James and Anne Wymbs. She graduated from Cathedral High School and the College of New Rochelle, where she majored in mathematics. She worked as an actuary at Metropolitan Life Insurance Co. She married Peter Finneran on April 24, 1954. 

Betty Ann and Pete retired to Pawleys Island, where they were parishioners of Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church and participated in many social and community events. 

Mrs. Finneran enjoyed her friends and was the founder of the River Club Ladies Nine-Holers golfing group. 

She volunteered at the St. Cyprian’s Outreach Center in Georgetown with one of her closest friends, Rifi Schweder.

Mrs. Finneran was remembered for her commitment to her family, her kindness, compassion, thoughtfulness, patience and devotion to God.

She is survived by her children, Trish Dolan (Jim) and Claire Ferrara (Jimmy);  her grandchildren, Eric Ferrara, Megan Ferrara Harkness, Stephanie Dolan Kingsley and Mackenzie Dolan Valente; her great-grandchildren, Kennedy and Maddox Ferrara, and Cole and Sadie Ferrara Harkness.

In addition to her husband, her son, Stephen, died before her as did her brother, Donald Wymbs, and her sister, Patricia Wymbs Leiper.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church, 1633 Waverly Rd., Pawleys Island, SC 29585 or the cystic fibrosis foundation at cff.org/donate.

Boyd DuMont, 65, co-founder of construction firm

November 16, 2023

Boyd David DuMont of Hagley Estates, co-founder of DuMont Brothers Construction Co., died Nov. 11 surrounded by his family. He was 65.

He was born Jan. 4, 1958, in Malone, N.Y., the second of six children of David and K. Clare DuMont. He grew up in Potsdam, N.Y., and began working at a young age in his father’s construction company. He learned early in life the importance of hard work and the value of a large, loving family. Following graduation from Potsdam High School in 1976, Boyd attended Canton Agricultural and Technical College where he took courses related to the building industry. He soon started working full-time in his father’s business, where he learned the skills of all the different jobs needed to build and remodel homes. 

Mr. DuMont married Suzanne Griffin in 1980. They moved to South Carolina in 1982. He co-founded DuMont Brothers Builders with his father and brother and worked tirelessly to ensure its success. That success was one of his greatest accomplishments. He was also proud of creating, with his wife, a loving and supportive family, all of whom are hard workers and family focused.

In his spare time, he enjoyed being with family and friends, camping in the Adirondacks, boating, playing with his grandkids and completing any and all chores around the house. In addition to his wife and his mother, he is survived by his children, Nathanael DuMont (Angie), Danielle Hodson (David), Griffin DuMont (Brittany), Adham DuMont (Megan), Brigette DuMont, Victoria DuMont, Noah DuMont and Katelynn DuMont; three grandchildren, Nolan Hodson, Harper DuMont and Luke DuMont; and his siblings, Michael DuMont, Stephen DuMont, Gregory DuMont and Jennifer Pankau. 

In addition to his father, his brother Matthew DuMont died before him. 

A visitation will be held Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. at Goldfinch Funeral Home’s Pawleys Island chapel. The family will hold a private service at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Amedisys Hospice, 402 Singleton Ridge Rd. Conway, SC 29526.

There is a guest book at goldfinchfuneralhome.com.

Cathy Tullos, 66, nurse worked with older adults

November 9, 2023

Cathryn Marie Harrell Tullos of Pawleys Island died Aug. 22 at Waccamaw Community Hospital after a brief illness. She was 66.

Known as Cathy, she was born Dec. 1, 1956, in Selma, Ala., to James and Joyce Harrell. 

She was of the Baptist faith. 

A registered nurse, she was employed with Pruitt Health Services of Norcross, Ga., as a senior nursing consultant for nursing homes in South Carolina, North Carolina and Georgia. Most of her 42-year nursing career was spent tending to the needs and well-being of patients under generic care. 

She held a deep conviction that her work was for the betterment and protection of residents in the nursing homes on her watch.

She was previously employed in the intensive care unit of Georgetown Memorial Hospital, before being named director of nursing at Prince George Healthcare in Georgetown and later at Conway Manor, prior to joining Pruitt Health.

Mrs. Tullos received her registered nursing degree in 1991 from the University of South Carolina-Coastal Carolina College, now Coastal Carolina University.  

She also attended college at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, Montevallo University and Auburn University-Montgomery. 

She received her licensed practical nursing degree from George C. Wallace Community College in 1980. She received numerous accolades in the field of nursing, and notably served on the front line during the COVID-19 pandemic.

She was a fan of athletic programs at Auburn and the University of Alabama before meeting her husband, Jesse Carlton Tullos Jr., a University of Georgia graduate. Her allegiances soon changed to cheering for the Red and Black. She was also a long-time Atlanta Braves fan.

Mrs. Tullos loved the outdoors, especially the beaches of Florida and Alabama in her younger years, and Pawleys Island beach after moving to South Carolina in 1988. 

Her greatest joy in life was her family. She was proud of her two children, and was ecstatic to learn two weeks before her death that she would become a grandmother for the first time.

She loved her many friends, both old and new, as well as her fur babies, Ollie and Hampton.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son, Jesse Carlton Tullos III (Margaret) of Atlanta; her daughter, Adrienne Tullos Fontenot (Joshua) of Pawleys Island; two brothers, James Harrell of Enterprise, Ala., and the Rev. Michael Harrell of Perdido Beach, Ala.; her special aunt, Elna Scales, formerly of Selma; and a number of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Nick Papadea, 81, broker was a Brookgreen volunteer

October 26, 2023

A. Nicholas Papadea of Columbia died Oct. 15. He was 81.

Known as Nick, he was born in Columbia, a son of Nicholas Apostolos Papadea and Marina Capilos Papadea. He graduated from Dreher High School and the Georgia Institute of Technology with a bachelor’s degree in textiles. At Georgia Tech, he was a member of the NROTC, the National Society of Scabbard and Blade and the Sigma Chi fraternity. 

After graduation, he was commissioned as an officer in the Navy and stationed in San Diego with his new wife, Mary. He served as a supply officer on the USS Sumner County during the Vietnam War. 

After his service, he returned home and continued his education at the University of South Carolina, earning a MBA. His first job was with Robinson Humphrey in Columbia, and he continued to work as a stock broker until his death. 

Mr. Papadea was a member of Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Columbia and St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church in Myrtle Beach.

He was a passionate volunteer who gave his time to numerous organizations including the Red Cross and Brookgreen Gardens. He loved animals, especially golden retrievers, and could often be found walking in the neighborhood or playing on the beach with one of his beloved dogs.

“Big Nick,” as he was affectionately known, was remembered as a character with a big personality. Everyone who met him undoubtedly has a funny story to tell. He was quick with a smile and a loud greeting, and he was always eager to give a high five.

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Mary Lynn Papadea; his son, Dr. Nicholas A. Papadea (Meredith), and grandchildren, Ella Marina Nicholas Papadea and Apostolos Nicholas Papadea, of Murrells Inlet; his sister, Dr. Christine Papadea of Murrells Inlet; his brother, Jim Papadea of Columbia; his nephew, Dr. N. Jim Papadea (Maggie) of Columbia; his niece, Kate Papadea of Columbia; and his sister-in-law, Claudia Swygert (JB) of West Columbia.

 A graveside service will be held at noon today at Fort Jackson National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Emergency Dental Clinic at Helping Hands of Georgetown, 1813 Highmarket St., Georgetown, SC 29440.

Condolences may be sent at dunbarfunerals.com.

John P. Yaniga, 73, retired from Verizon

October 26, 2023

John Paul Yaniga of Hagley Estates died Oct. 15. He was 73.

He was born Feb. 3, 1950, in Nyack, N.Y., the son of John F. Yaniga and Dorothy Helbig Yaniga. He was a former resident of New City, N.Y. He retired from Verizon and was a member of the Communication Workers of America.

He is survived by his wife, Carol Ann Yaniga; his daughters Jennifer Vaughn  of Williamsville, N.Y., and Stephanie Erickson (Jared) of Holly Springs, N.C.; his twin sister, Ellen Farmer of Congers, N.Y., and his sister, Joann Baskin (Scott) of Pearl River, N.Y.;  his nephews and nieces, Todd Farmer, Richie Bielen, Tanya Farmer, Amy Bielen, Kim O’Brien and Kelly Latka; two great-nieces and three great-nephews.

A funeral mass was held Monday at St. Michael Catholic Church. Burial was at Ocean Woods Cemetery in Myrtle Beach.

Memorials may be made to St. Michael Catholic School. 

Bud Knittel, 80, Cubs draft pick became high school coach

October 26, 2023

Henry Thomas Knittel Jr. of the Tradition Club, a former educator and coach, died Oct. 14 after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 80.

Known as Bud, he was born March 4, 1943, in Astoria, Queens, N.Y., the oldest child of Victoria and Henry Knittel, who was also known as Bud. He grew up in Franklin Square, Long Island. 

Young Bud was an extraordinary athlete and a fierce competitor, and he earned a basketball scholarship to St. John’s Prep. He was named to the 1961 All-New-York-City Basketball Team and accepted a basketball scholarship at Holy Cross, where he also played baseball. While at Holy Cross, he pitched in the famed summer Cape Cod Baseball League, and was reputed to have pitched balls at 95 mph. 

He earned a bachelor’s degree in English from Holy Cross and was drafted by the Chicago Cubs, where he pitched in the minor leagues for one year.

When his oldest child was born, he left the Cubs to start a long career that included his love for sports, coaching, teaching and counseling. 

Mr. Knittel took a job as English teacher and basketball coach at LaSalle Military Academy on Long Island. He and his first wife, Janice, then moved to Fairfield, Conn., where they raised their four children. 

Mr. Knittel worked as a guidance counselor and basketball coach at Bassick High School in Bridgeport, Conn., and led his team to win the MBIAC Basketball Championship in 1976.  He then became a guidance counselor and basketball coach at Andrew Warde / Fairfield Warde High School in Fairfield, Conn., where he finished out his career. 

Mr. Knittel was a thoughtful and empathetic counselor to generations of Warde students and was passionate about helping them find their best fit in college and in life.

Over the course of his career, he also earned master’s degrees in English, counseling and special education.

Mr. Knittel was a scratch golfer for much of his adult life and a two-time club champion at H. Smith Richardson Golf Course in Fairfield. 

He and Kathy Kenny were married in 1996. They retired to Pawleys Island in 2004 and Mr. Knittel got his long-awaited golden retriever, Harvey. They had many long, happy walks together.

Some of his other joys included lingering over long meals with family and friends, lasagna (he made it every week), red wine, chocolate, a good cup of coffee, reading every newspaper he could find, watching golf on television, buying golf clubs on eBay and quoting passages from Shakespeare.

 A life-long Catholic, he found meaning and comfort in his faith.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sister, Jackie (Chuck); his brother, Richard; his children Christie (Charles), Robin (Howard), Marcelle and Gary; his grandchildren, Jack (Ivy), Matthew, Kate, Max, Tucker and Isabella; and his nieces, Kim, Kristen, Casey and Katie.

A funeral mass will be held Nov. 11 at 11 a.m. at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church. 

Memorials may be made to the Parkinson’s Foundation or to Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church.

Sandy Graham, 82, former jewelry company executive

October 26, 2023

Campbell L. Graham of DeBordieu  died Oct. 16 at Georgetown Memorial Hospital following a short illness. He was 82

Known as Sandy, he was born May 18, 1941, the son of John C. “Jack” Graham and Mary Luke “Polly” Graham. He was raised in Bedford, N.Y., and attended the Harvey School in Katonah, N.Y. He graduated from St Paul’s School in Concord, N.H., in 1958. After a year at the Hill School in Pottstown, Pa., he attended Williams College, where he earned a degree in Spanish in 1963.

He then joined the Army, serving in the military police. The highlight of his time in the Army was helping ensure the peace during Martin Luther King’s march from Selma to Montgomery in 1965, where Army MPs dressed as National Guardsman so as not to incite the crowds.

In 1968, he met Christie Krementz in Paget, Bermuda. They married in 1970.

Mr. Campbell found a passion for gemstones, and could recount the history, lore  and origin of practically all types from around the world. He was vice president of both Krementz & Co. and Krementz Gemstones, in Newark, N.J., where he worked for 40 years. Krementz & Co., founded in 1866, was one of the oldest and largest manufacturers of men’s and women’s jewelry in the United States.  

Respected as a gentleman, he loved playing bridge and was an avid golfer, playing at DeBordieu, Somerset Hills C.C., in Bernardsville, N.J., and the Bedford Golf and Tennis Club. At Somerset Hills, he won the President’s Cup tournament in 1974 and 1986, and with his wife won the Jane Goss Memorial Tournament in 1995.

Mr. Campbell also loved to travel. From England to Paris, Scotland, South Africa and Utah he had a gift for connecting and sharing stories, building friendships wherever he went. 

In addition to his wife of 53 years, he is survived by his children, Paget of Georgetown, Ian (Priscilla) of Nantucket, Mass., and Eric (Kris) of Park City, Utah; his brother, John C. Graham Jr. (Sharon Kleckner) of St. Paul, Minn.; his grandchildren, Priscilla, Virginia, Charlotte, Luke and Nicholas Graham; and a step-grandchild, Dougherty. 

His sister, Margot Graham Lord Moncure, died before him.  

A memorial service will be held Nov. 4 at 10 a.m., at Georgetown Presbyterian Church. A reception will follow in the fellowship hall.

Memorials may be made to Special Olympics.

Susan Gibbons, 74, real estate agent

October 19, 2023

Susan Gibbons of Litchfield Country Club died Oct. 16 surrounded by loved ones. She was 74.

She was born Nov. 11, 1948, in Hackensack, N.J., the daughter of Fred and Rhoda Bohrman. She spent her early years in Wilkes Barre, Pa., before her family settled down in Cheltenham, where she completed high school. She studied at Penn State, hitchhiked through Europe and taught special education. 

Mrs. Gibbons lived an adventurous life, sharing most of those adventures with her husband, James “Gibon” Gibbons, whom she met in San Francisco. They moved across the country and made their home in Pawleys Island. She became a highly successful real estate agent who prioritized her relationships with clients. 

Simply being a good person and sharing kindness were her guiding life principles, her family said. When she faced her own health decline,  she did so with bravery and grace. 

She is survived by her nieces, Casey,  Jenny,  Amanda and Rebecca; her nephew, David; her brother and sisters-in-laws, Fred, Lynne and Evalyn; and Mr. Gibbon’s nieces and nephew, Dave Gibbons,  Susan Bachtle and Paul Gibbons. 

Mr. Gibbon died before her, as did her brother, Jeffrey.

A celebration of her life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at her home.

Beatrice P. Baswell, 86, loved the adventurous life

October 19, 2023

Beatrice Phipps Baswell of Murrells Inlet died Oct. 12 at her home. She was 86.

She was born May 8, 1937, in Huntington, W.Va., the daughter of Lillian Howard and Beecher Phipps.

A former resident of Mooresville, N.C., Mrs. Baswell enjoyed spending time painting, gardening, boating and traveling. She and her husband  traveled to every state, many of them by RV. She loved living a life of adventure and exploration.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Kenneth Orville Baswell; her children, Theresa Harrington Gettings of Murrells Inlet, David Jacques Harrington Jr. (Sherry) of Charlotte, Daryl Ryan Harrington (Nimfa) of Milpitas, Calif., Kenneth Wayne Baswell of Matthews, N.C., Bryan Keith Baswell (Gloria) of Coral Springs, Fla., and Shawn Gregory Baswell (Marla) of Mint Hill, N.C.; 13 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

A celebration of her life will be held Oct. 21 at 2 p.m. at Burroughs Funeral Home. The family will receive friends an hour prior to the service. A graveside service will be held Oct. 23 at 1 p.m. at Florence National Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research at michaeljfox.org. 

Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.

Holli H. Fowler, 66, award-winning radio personality

October 19, 2023

Holli Hatchell Fowler of Murrells Inlet died Oct.  3 at her home.  She was 66.

She was born Aug. 16, 1957,  in Spartanburg, the daughter of Ed and Ann Hatchell. She spent her early life in Gold Hill, N.C.

She was a photographer in the Army, an actress, artist, radio personality and lover of all things beautiful.  She directed and acted in many productions at the Florence Little Theater, Main Street Theater in Conway, Murrells Inlet Community Theater, Midtown Theater in Charleston, Unto These Hills in Cherokee, N.C., and “Always Patsy Cline” at The Palace and Savoy theaters in Myrtle Beach.  

In 1996 and 1997, she was named Radio Personality of the year (Holli Heart and the character “Liza Louise”) by the S.C. Music and Entertainment Association and the S.C. Broadcasters Association.  

She was passionate about charity during her time on the air and took advantage of any opportunity to raise money for the American Heart Association, Make-A-Wish Foundation and local families in need.  In 2010, she received an associate’s degree with honors in human services from Horry-Georgetown Technical College.

Whether she was playing the spoons to a favorite blues jam, treasure hunting at yard sales and antique stores, or stopping on the side of the road to dig up wildflowers or take a picture of the sunset, Mrs. Fowler always did her best to appreciate and experience the beauty of life, and freely offered love, wisdom and encouragement to those around her, her family said.

She is survived by her children, Joshua Fowler of Myrtle Beach and David Chastain of Seattle; her grandchildren, Ava Chastain, Henry-David Chastain, Ezekiel Fowler and Ezra Fowler;  her siblings, Susan Averitt of Rock Hill, Trey Morgan of Sumter and Merry Morgan of Darlington.

In addition to her parents, her stepfather, Jack Morgan, died before her

A celebration of her life will be held in Gold Hill and Murrells Inlet at a later date.

There is a guest book at burroughsfh.com.

Betsy Brabson, 69, artist became leader in sea turtle protection

October 19, 2023

A walk on the beach in the summer of 1991 changed Betsy Brabson’s life. She and her family and just moved to DeBordieu from Charlotte. She saw a crowd and went to investigate.

Jeff McClary, co-founder of S.C. United Turtle Enthusiasts, was doing a nest inventory.

“He pulled three sea turtles out of the ground, and it just changed me,” she recalled in a 2005 interview. “It was so amazing. I didn’t know turtles even nested on beaches.”

Over the next 30 years, she became a leading sea turtle monitor and advocate for their protection, earning international recognition along the way.

Besty Brabson died Oct. 7 after a five-year battle with ovarian cancer. She was 69.

Elizabeth Newman Brabson was born May 6, 1954, in Charlotte, the oldest child of Helen and Wallace Newman. She attended Myers Park High School, St. Mary’s School and the University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill, where she graduated with an art degree. She was a member of Pi Phi sorority, and at each of these stops along the way, she forged lifetime friendships. She loved the beach and spent her summers working in Pawleys Island, so it was only natural that she would one day become a permanent resident. 

After moving to DeBordieu, she quickly put her art talents to work with screen printed T-shirts that showcased her personalized Lowcountry scenes and wildlife, and it always brought a smile to her face when she saw people wearing them from Myrtle Beach to Mount Pleasant and beyond.

After encountering McClary, Mrs. Brabson and her husband, Bill, became SCUTE members. She volunteered to walk the undeveloped Hobcaw Beach five days a week. She became the SCUTE coodinator for DeBordieu in 1995, which turned out to be a record year for nests.

“I asked myself what have I gotten into,” she said in a 2014 interview.

She assembled and trained a family of volunteers who were just as passionate as she was.

In 2001, she raised the alarm about the impact an invasive landscape plant, beach vitex, whose dense roots were blocking the ability of nesting turtles to dig in the dunes. 

She took her concerns to state and federal agencies, which formed a beach vitex task force to eradicate the plants. Mrs. Brabson was named the coordinator.

In 2010, she and McClary led a state-sponsored project to reduce the threat of feral hogs to sea turtle nests on North Island. She received an award for her volunteer efforts in 2013 from the International Sea Turtle Society for her contributions to their conservation.

When asked about her credentials, Mrs. Brabson would simply reply, “I’m just an art major from Chapel Hill, trying to make a difference.”

She was remembered as a beautiful soul, as pretty on the inside as she was on the outside, always a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye. 

In addition to her husband of 43 years; she is survived by her son, Wylie, of Mooresville, N.C.; her daughter, Tyler, of Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.; and her two brothers, Wallace (Jo) and Compie (Catherine) of Charlotte.

A funeral service will be held Oct. 28 at 1 p.m. at Prince George Winyah Church with a celebration of her life to follow on the waterfront at the Georgetown Maritime Museum.  The preferred attire is a Betsy Brabson T-shirt.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Sea Turtle Rescue at the S.C. Aquarium, 100 Aquarium Wharf, Charleston SC 29401 or Saint Mary’s School, Class of 1974 Endowed Scholarship Fund, 900 Hillsborough St., Raleigh NC 27603.

William A. Renault, 91, avid golfer took to the stage

October 19, 2023

William Alan Renault of the Tradition Club died Oct. 6 at Embrace Hospice House in Myrtle Beach. He was 91.

He was born June 4, 1932, in Manhattan, the son of William Ambrose Renault and Eileen Patricia Renault.  He grew up in the Bronx and graduated from Mount St. Michael High School. He worked for a brokerage firm while taking college classes at night, but enlisted in the Army at the start of the Korean War.

He trained in tanks at Fort Knox, Ky., and was sent to officer candidate school at Fort Benning, Ga. After his discharge at the end of the war, he stayed in the South and married his wife, Jeanette, in Atlanta in 1955.

Mr. Renault worked in the women’s clothing industry as a product and sales manager for Vanity Fair Mills and national sales manager for Totes.

He moved around the country during his career and completed his education with a master’s degree in business administration from California State University.

Mr. Renault was an avid golfer, which led him to retire to the Tradition Club, where he was secretary of the men’s group for many years and a member of the Gold Tees group.

He was also engaged in the community as a board member of the Waccamaw Neck Civic Association and the Waccamaw Neck Council of POAs, following land use and traffic issues.

Mr. Renault also took up theater, performing with the Murrells Inlet Community Theater and the Swamp Fox Players.

“That was something that was a latent interest,” his wife said. “He loved the theater.”

He had lead roles in “On Golden Pond” and “The Sunshine Boys.”

“You don’t get too many opportunities to play really strong characters at my age,” he said of his role as Norman Thayer in “On Golden Pond” in a 2004 interview.

Mr. Renault was appointed to the Georgetown County Accommodations Tax Advisory Committee, representing arts and cultural interests.

He was also a Sir Knight in the Knights of Columbus and was active in raising funds for the community and for St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Georgetown. 

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his son, PaulKelly Renault (Trina) of Pawleys Island; and his sister-in-law, Judy Good of Manhattan.

His brother, Robert Renault, died before him.

A celebration of his life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Embrace Hospice House, 175 Village Center Blvd., Myrtle Beach, SC  29579.

Thomas M. Molnar, 81, pharmacist for four decades

September 21, 2023

Thomas Michael Molnar of Hopkinton, N.H., and Pawleys Plantation died Aug. 31. He was 81.

He was born Nov. 3, 1941, in Morristown, N.J., the son of Anne and Emil Molnar. 

He graduated from Morristown High School and Fordham University. He then began a 40-year career as a pharmacist at Molnar Pharmacy, which his father started in the 1940s. Tom became the proprietor in the 1970s and retired in 2004.

He was married to the former Mary Sue Howe. In 1971. they moved to Morris Plains, where they raised their two sons and made many life-long friends with whom they played tennis, ping pong, cards or just enjoyed talking on quiet summer evenings. 

They moved to Morris Township in 1986 where Mr. Molnar had a chance to garden and developed a passion for growing roses. 

Mr. Molnar took up golf after retiring to Pawleys Island. He received support from friends in the community and at church during his eight-year struggle with pulmonary fibrosis and a lung transplant nearly six years ago. 

He was happiest around people, his family said, and even when his health was failing his eyes would light up whenever he entered a room full of people. 

He is survived by his children, Tim Molnar (Teri) of Mendham, N.J., and Dennis Molnar (Dr. Beth Mayland) of Hopkinton; seven grandchildren; his brothers, Joseph Molnar of Morristown and Richard Molnar of Santa Fe; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Mrs. Molnar died in 2021. His sister, Anne Marie Molnar, also died before him.

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Abbey on the campus of Delbarton School in Morristown at 12:30 p.m. on Sept. 30. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Slusser Center, 330 Main St., Hopkinton, NH 03229 or the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation (fundraise.givesmart.com/vf/PFFTribute/ThomasMolnar).

Cindy K. Jolliff, 69, funeral home worker was active in church

September 21, 2023

Cindy Kay Jolliff, 69, of Myrtle Beach died unexpectedly on Sept. 11. She was 69.

She was born Nov. 12, 1953, in Huntington, W.Va., the daughter of William J. Walker and Janice Marie Crouch Walker.

Mrs. Jolliff was remembered for her passion for giving back to the community that was shown daily in her work. Over the last nine years, she called the Burroughs Funeral Home family her own. In her free time, she worked at Low Country Community Church in many capacities. Her love for helping and sharing the word of God led her on a journey to Kenya, where God decided to call her home. 

Cindy was a one-of a kind person and will be deeply missed by all who had the honor of knowing her. She will forever be remembered for her passion for sharing God’s love, her bright smile and infectious laugh.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, David Jolliff of Myrtle Beach; her children, Kari Collins (Chris) of Murrells Inlet and Dave Jolliff (Jess) of Surfside Beach; her grandchildren, C.J. Collins, Stella Jolliff and Luke Jolliff and Mackenzie and Shayla Collins; her dog, Oreo; and a large extended family.

In addition to her parents, two brothers, William E. Walker and Fredrick A. Walker, died before her.

A celebration of he life will be held Oct. 7 at 3 p.m. at Low Country Community Church. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Low Country Community Church/Kenya Kids, 4430 Murrells Inlet Rd., Murrells Inlet SC 29576.

Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.

Marlene J. Henke, 81, avid curler became golf champ

September 21, 2023

Marlene Joyce Henke of Heritage Plantation died Aug. 29 at MacLeod Loris Hospital with her husband by her side. She was 81.

She was born March 5, 1942 in Wetaskiwin, Alberta, Canada, the daughter of Robert and Ann Schneck. She received all her education in public schools in that city.

Marlene was married for 64 years to Irvine Henke, who was employed in the banking industry for 39 years. That career took them to 12 locations from Western Canada to Montreal, Toronto, New York and Chicago. Throughout these many moves she became an expert at managing the various issues involved in resettling to houses in unfamiliar locations, then furnishing and decorating those homes while getting the children through schools in two countries.

Mrs. Henke frequently said she always loved being a mom. She was a great cook and always cared about family and friends.

In her early years, she was involved in various music activities and became a good pianist. She enjoyed ice skating and in the middle years became an avid curler. Upon retirement to South Carolina she learned to play golf and became proficient enough to win her club championship several times. She made a hole-in-one three times. 

She enjoyed many travels with her husband. Her all-time favorite was probably Salzburg, Austria, a highlight of a trip to Germany.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her sons, Warren Henke and Cameron Henke of Denver, Colo.; her sister, Karen Hill (Barry) of Kaslo, B.C.; her grandsons, Alexander Kost of Denver and Matthew Kost of Atlanta; and numerous extended family members.

Her daughter, Linda Kost, died before her.

Funeral and memorial services will be held privately.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Habitat for Humanity of Georgetown County or a charity of your choice.

Agnes J. Freed, 91, former federal employee

September 21, 2023

Agnes Janette Freed of Heritage Plantation died Sept. 11. She was 91.

She was born May 27, 1932. She met her future husband, Dick Freed, on the sidewalk going to school in Washington, D.C. They were married for 72 years living in Springfield, Va., St. Petersburg, Fla., and Columbia and Rockville, Md., before retiring to Pawleys Island. Mrs. Freed was a career civil servant who worked for the Department of Defense and the Department of Health and Human Services. 

Mrs. Freed was remembered for her smile, her perseverance and her caring nature.

In addition to her husband, Richard Wayne Freed, she is survived by her son, Richard Allen Freed; her grandchildren, Christopher Richard Freed and Emily Clare Freed; and her daughter in-law, Clare Sullivan Freed.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Amedisys Foundation, 3845 American Way, Suite D, Baton Rouge, LA 70816 or St. Peters Lutheran Church, 65 Crooked Oak Dr., Pawleys Island, SC 29585.

Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.

Robert W. Farmer, 96, held three patents for bearings

September 21, 2023

Robert W. Farmer of Pawleys Island died Sept. 14 at Waccamaw Community Hospital. He was 96.

He was born Feb. 14, 1927, in Newark, N.J., the son of J. Farmer and Hazel Taylor Farmer. He served in the Navy during World War II. He went on to become the chief engineer for the Orange Roller Bearing Co. and the Beriless Bearing Co. in New Jersey for 45 years. He held three patents in the bearing industry. 

Mr. Farmer was a dance caller for over 50 years with the Farmer Boys Band. 

After retirement, he became a volunteer for Patient Care Ambulance Service and for the DAV and VA, transporting cancer patients for treatment. He also volunteered with Neighbor to Neighbor in Pawleys Island. He donated more than 16 gallons of blood in his lifetime. 

He loved traveling with his wife throughout the U.S. and Europe and spending time with family and friends. 

He is survived by his wife, Gertrude Farmer; his daughter, Diane Matthews (Jerry) of Murrells Inlet; his stepdaughter, Shelley Baughman (Dale) of Conway; three grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.

His first wife, Dorothy Cisko Farmer, died before him as did another daughter, Linda Farmer Johnson, and his brother, Jack Farmer.

Mr. Farmer was a member of Pawleys Island Presbyterian Church, where a celebration of his life will be held. Service times will be announced once arrangements are finalized. 

Memorials may be made to Tidelands Community Hospice, 2591 N. Fraser St., Georgetown, SC 29440 or to the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.

Christopher T. Cochran, 71, owned family print business

September 14, 2023

Christopher T. Cochran of North Litchfield died Sept. 11 at his home surrounded by his family.  He was 71.

He was born Feb. 16, 1952, in Burgaw, N.C., the adopted son of Bill and Dolores Cochran and the biological son of Kathryn Geiger. He played football at the University of Bridgeport, coached at Davidson College and later coached his son’s baseball teams.  He was a New York Yankees fan.  

He married Alice Cochran in 1980. The couple started a printing business where they worked together for over 30 years.  

After moving to Pawleys Island, Mr. Cochran spent many evenings with new and old friends and chasing his granddaughter across the beach.

He was an active member at Christ United Methodist Church in Charlotte, where he volunteered for church functions and spent many nights helping shelter the homeless.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, Jonathan Cochran (April) of Lincolnton, N.C., and Matt Cochran (Ashley) of Belmont, N.C.: his granddaughter, Sadie Cochran of Lincolnton;  his siblings, Pete Cochran (Suzanne) of Emerald Isle, N.C., Debby Cochran of Washington, Alfonso Geiger of Tennessee, Beth Olsen (Dan) of Belding, Mich., Lesley Alles (Doug) of Greenville, Mich., and Robert Geiger (Judy) of Belding; and other extended family members.

Another sister, Barbara Geiger, died before him.

A celebration of his life will be held Sept. 30 at 1 p.m. at St. Paul’s Waccamaw United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.

Drew Robertson, 87, native of Scotland

September 14, 2023

Andrew Robertson of Murrells Inlet died Sept. 5 at his home with his wife by his side. He was 87.

Known as Drew, he was born Jan. 11, 1936, in Scotland, the son of Hugh Robertson and Annie Lindsey-Robertson.  

Mr. Roberston was an avid golfer who enjoyed fishing, judo, hunting and coaching swimming. He was a member of Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife, Jean Ann McCormick-Robertson; his sister, Margaret Pattison of England; his nephews, Lindsey Pattison and Murdie Pattison; his brother, John McCormick (June) of Connecticut; his nieces, Joanna McCormick, Laura McCormick and Natalie Johnson; and his sister-in-law, Veronica Mathieson of Scotland.

A funeral mass will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 (stjude.org) or to Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church, 1633 Waverly Rd., Pawleys Island, SC 29585.

Rosemary Wainscott, 84, taught etiquette to MBA students

August 31, 2023

Rosemary Wainscott of Heritage Plantation died Aug. 22 at her home surrounded by her family. She was 84.

She was born Nov. 6, 1938 in Hesler, Ky., the daughter of James A. Rose and Elodia Rose. She married Lloyd Wain-scott Jr. in 1957. 

Mrs. Wainscott was assistant to the dean of the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, where she taught classes on etiquette and preparing for the workplace to MBA students and seniors. She also owned her own fashion business, Color One.

The Wainscotts lived in Kentucky, Ohio, Colorado and Maryland before settling in Pawleys Island in 1999.

Mrs. Wainscott was an active member at St. Paul’s Waccamaw United Methodist Church.  She loved to cook for family and friends, was an excellent hostess and enjoyed beachcombing for seashells.  

She was also was a book club member, a member and past president of the Low Country Herb Society and Red Hat Lady (Crimson Crown) member.

She is survived by her son, Timothy B. Wainscott (Karen) of Murrells Inlet; her granddaughters, Molly Wainscott Jones (Dusty) of Harleyville; Ashley Remmer (Billy) of Galivants Ferry and Carolyn Johnson Michel (Garrett) of Matthews, N.C.; her great-grandchildren, Stuart, Olivia and John; a brother, Gary Alan Rose (Judy) of Corinth, Ky.; a sister-in-law, Rita Webster; and a brother-in-law, Roger Wainscott. 

Mr. Wainscott died in 2018. Her brothers, Jackie Rose and Danny Rose, died before her as did her sister-in-law, Joanette Lee, and brother-in-law, John Webster.

A celebration of her ife will be held Sept. 9 at 10 a.m. at St. Paul’s Waccamaw United Methodist Church.

Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.

Susan H. Bruns, 84, volunteer touched lives

August 31, 2023

Susan Hawkins Bruns of Murrells Inlet died Aug. 24, at her home with her family by her side. She was 84

She was born Feb. 26, 1939, in Timmonsville, the daughter of Joseph and Mary Hawkins. She was remembered as a gentle spirit whose wisdom and love permeated everyone she met and whose love of Jesus radiated from her actions and words. Through her love of travel and meeting people while volunteering, Mrs. Bruns touched lives around the world.  

She is survived by her husband of 62 years, Tom Bruns; her children, Carter Bruns of Columbia, Quantz Bruns-Kyler (Karl) of Highlands Ranch, Colo., Logan Williams (Craig) of Murrells Inlet and Caroline Howard (Sean) of Townville; her grandchildren, Thomas, Caroline, Lisle, Susanna, Carter and  Nicholas; her great-grandchild, Axel; her sister, Caroline Dargan (Tim) of Darlington; her nephews, Timothy and Ellerbe, and other extended family members.

A celebration of her life will be held Sept. 8 at 3 p.m.  at Belin Memorial United Methodist Church.  

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Epworth Children’s Home (epworthchildrenshome.org) or All 4 Paws Animal Rescue (all4pawssc.org).

Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.

Michael A. Horgan, 89, Olympic cyclist

August 31, 2023

Michael A. Horgan of Murrells Inlet, a former Olympic cyclist, died Aug. 20 with his family at his side. He was 89.

He was born July 12, 1934, in England. He represented Ireland in the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome, competing in the sprint and 1,000-meter events.

Mr. Horgan was a mechanical engineer who worked in Manhattan. He raised his children in Rockaway Beach, Queens. He was an avid golfer and member of the Elks Club. He retired to Myrtle Beach in 1998 in pursuit of golf, sandy beaches and meeting up with fellow retirees.

A celebration of his life will be held privately.

Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.

Robert F. DelSolia, 79, truck driver who coached baseball

August 31, 2023

Robert F. DelSolia of the Tradition Club died Aug. 23 at his home with his family by his side. He was 79.

He was born Sept. 10, 1943, in Woburn, Mass., the son of Peter and Belinda DeVito DelSolia. He served in the Marine Corps before going to work as a truck driver for Teamsters Local 25 in Boston. 

Mr. DelSolia was a Little League baseball coach for over 10 years and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He served as grand knight for the Billerica, Mass., council and was a past district warden for Massachusetts. 

In retirement, he enjoyed time on the golf course and was a member of the Tradition golf league. He was also a member of the Murrells Inlet Elks Lodge.

He is survived by his wife, Eileen D. DelSolia; his children, Brian DelSolia (Deborah) of Methuen, Mass., Gena Mitchell of Haverhill, Mass., and Karen Mendieta (Norman) of Moncks Corner; his grandchildren, Kourtney, Amanda, Alyssa, Nicholas, Kayla, Robbie, Jessica and Anthony; his great-grandchildren, Mia, Hannah, Haley, Reece and Macy; his sister, Joanne Emmett of New York; and several nieces and nephews.

His brothers, Peter DelSolia and Paul DelSolia, died before him.

A funeral mass will be held Sept. 16 at 11 a.m. at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church. Inurnment with military honors will follow in the church columbarium.

The family will greet friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 15 at Burroughs Funeral Home. A prayer service will be held at 7 p.m.

There is a guest book at burroughsfh.com.

Robert W. Doggette, 84, workef for International Paper

August 17, 2023

Robert Winston Doggette, a former Georgetown resident, died Aug. 11 in Augusta, Ga., surrounded by his family. He was 84.

He was born July 9, 1939, in Silas, Ala., a son of Clyde and Catherine Doggette. He served in the Navy and worked for International Paper Co., from which he retired.

Mr. Doggette enjoyed bowling, golf and cooking for friends and family.

He is survived by his sons, Wynn Doggette (Rebecca Cunningham) of Augusta and Stephen Doggette (Courtney) of Georgetown; his grandchildren, Abigail Doggette, Trey Doggette, Jamison Doggette, Landon Doggette and Riker Doggette; and a number of extended family.

His brother, Claytis Doggette, and sister-in-law, Judy Doggette, died before him.

 The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Saturday at Graham Funeral Home. A graveside service will take place shortly after visitation in Pennyroyal Memorial Gardens.

Condolences may be sent at grahamfuneralhome.org.

Joseph L. Conlon, 85, worked on lunar lander

August 17, 2023

Joseph Leo Conlon of Murrells Inlet, who worked on the Apollo lunar lander, died Aug. 1.  He was 85.

He was born Jan. 2, 1938, in Flushing, N.Y., the son of Raymond Conlon and Mary Cooper Conlon. He attended the Flushing, Queens, school district and Wilson Vocational School before moving to Babylon, Long Island, at age 15 and graduating from Babylon High School in 1956.  He served four years in the Navy. He married the former Anna Marie Vesce on Aug. 25, 1963. 

Mr. Conlon spent his professional career at Grumman Aerospace Corp. and was hand selected among a small group of people to work on the Apollo program at NASA. Grumman was the chief contractor on the lunar module, building 13. Mr. Conlon was chief manager in his department and contributed to projects that continue to contribute to global security and human discovery. 

He retired in 1994 after 36 years and moved to Little River. In 2006, he moved to Seasons at Prince Creek.

He was a parishioner at St. Michael Catholic Church. 

Mr. Conlon  was remembered as a man of principles and integrity, high morals and strong work ethic. He was adventurous and funny. He enjoyed golf, the beach, casino trips, parties, riding his bike, walking  and being with his family.  He loved helping people in need.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his daughters, Mary Conlon Agapito (Dennis) of Port Jefferson Station, N.Y., and Laura Conlon Kosturi (Tony) of Chapel Hill, N.C.; his grandchildren, Andrew Kosturi and Mira Kosturi; his sister, Barbara Conlon Forbes of Chandler, Ariz.; his sisters-in-law, Madeline Sallop of Sunrise, Fla., and Dorothy Dolce of St. John’s, Fla.; as well as several nieces, nephews and extended family members.

His brothers, Roger Conlon and Ronald Conlon, died before him.

Funeral services will be private.

Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.

John O’Boyle, 86, mail carrier was a born storyteller

August 10, 2023

John J. O’Boyle of Pawleys Island, a retired postal worker who had a passion for writing, died July 19. He was 86.

He was born March 28, 1937, in Cleveland, the son of John and Mary O’Boyle. After graduating high school, John served in the Marine Corps before starting a career with the U.S. Postal Service. 

He married his wife Nancy in 1959. They were married for 62 years until her death in 2021.

They raised their four children in Parma, Ohio. While working and raising a family, Mr. O’Boyle went on to complete his bachelor’s degree from Cleveland State University. After retirement, the couple built their dream house in Pawleys Island. 

In addition to sitting on the porch with his wife (and a cigar) and golfing, Mr. O’Boyle dedicated time in retirement to his true passion: writing. 

His first book, “Thorns in Acadia,” emerged from his degree work at Cleveland State. 

After moving to Pawleys Island, he expanded some short story ideas he had 15 to 20 years earlier into a novel, “Linking Verbs,” that followed the lives of five women from the Vietnam era to the mid-1980s when they return to Pawleys Island for a reunion. He published it in 2000.

He wrote another novel, “No Stones for the Poet,” that was set in Ireland. Mr. O’Boyle also wrote plays. He was remembered as a born storyteller. 

He  was known for passing on many words of wisdom to those he loved, a favorite among them, “You gotta pull your own wagon.” 

He is survived by his children John O’Boyle (Michelle), James O’Boyle (Robin), Catherine Bartl and Karen O’Boyle; seven grandchildren Kristen (Dennis), Brian (Adrien), Tori (Andy), Anna, Maya, Amber (Nick) and Kyle; and six great-grandchildren Nolan, Reagan, Colton, Riley, Otto and Scott. 

In addition to his wife, his sisters Mary, Nora and Trudy died before him, as did a son-in-law, David Bartl.

His family will honor him with a Mass at 11 a.m. Saturday at Precious Blood of Christ Church. 

In lieu of flowers, the family asked you to treat a loved one to dinner and leave a generous tip. That was the John O’Boyle way.

Amelia Muffolett, 86, aspiring doctor became a nurse

August 10, 2023

Amelia Muffolett, a retired nurse, died July 30 at her home at the Lakes at Litchfield. She was 86.  

She was born and grew up in New Bedford, Mass. Her father had immigrated from Graz, Austria, and served in the Army before working as a janitor in the post office.  Her mother was a textile worker who was widowed at a young age with two young daughters to raise. 

Life was difficult for them and Amelia recognized at a young age the value of education. 

After graduating from Sacred Heart Academy in Fairhaven, Mass., she moved to Baltimore and entered the St. Agnes Hospital School of Nursing. She had wanted to become a physician but did not have adequate resources to do so.  

She became a nurse specializing in geriatric care. She met her husband, Joseph Muffolett, at a dance while he was in law school.  They married and moved to Monkton, Md., where they built a home on 14 acres and maintained it as a farm. 

Mrs. Muffolett wanted her daughters to be educated so that they could always support themselves financially. She remembered how difficult it was for her uneducated mother to survive and support a family. She worked nights at a local nursing home so she could be home when her children came home from school. 

Two graduated from the Johns Hopkins University and one from the Parson’s School of Design. One daughter became a physician, one a lawyer and the other a fashion designer.  

When Mr. Muffolett retired from the Social Security Administration, the couple moved to Pawleys Island and enjoyed their retirement traveling to Europe, cruising in the Caribbean, skiing and visiting the grandkids.  As their health declined, they moved to the Lakes at Litchfield. Mr. Muffolett died in June. 

She is survived by her daughters, Lynda Prince, Amy Hoehn-Saric (Ted) and Nicole Franklin (John); eight grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

A memorial service will be scheduled. 

There is a guest book at burroughsfh.com.

Kay Floyd, 89, major donor to institutions

July 20, 2023

Kay Baker Floyd of Florence and Pawleys Island, a businesswoman who was a benefactor of institutions around the state, died July 16 in Florence surrounded by her family.  She was 89.

She was born Feb. 17, 1934, in Timmonsville, the daughter of Hazel Coleman Baker and Andrew William Baker. 

She graduated from Saint Mary’s College in Raleigh and the University of South Carolina. 

Mrs. Floyd ran one of the largest farming operations in the state  and was business manager for one of the first vascular laboratories in South Carolina. 

She also made great contributions to Florence as well as the state, which led to the naming of the Floyd Conference Center in Florence and the Kay and Eddie Floyd Football Building at Williams-Brice Stadium in Columbia. 

She was a founding member of Arts Alive at Francis Marion University.

She took pride in being able to host many important figures in her home including Presidents George H.W. Bush and George W. Bush, former first lady Laura Bush, Senators Strom Thurmond, John McCain, Lindsay Graham, Jim DeMint and Bill Frisk, Governors Nikki Haley and Henry McMaster, and UN Ambassadors John Bolton, Andrew Card and Andrew Young.

Mrs. Floyd was involved and was a member of many organizations including USC’s Delta Delta Delta sorority, the C&S Bank Advisory Board, the Tarantella, Bay Blossom Garden Club, Meals on Wheels, and St. John’s Church in Florence.

She will be remembered for her great admiration of her family, the University of South Carolina Gamecocks and her travels around the world with her husband, her family said. 

She set an example to those around her to see the good in everything and everyone with whom she crossed paths.

She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Cecil Edward Floyd; her children, Coleman Floyd Buckhouse (Keith), Cecil Edward “Bubby” Floyd Jr. and Emory Kay “Sissy” Floyd; her grandchildren, Joseph Edward “Mac” Getz (Melissa), Paul Baker Getz (Brenna), Edward Joseph Buckhouse, George Derrick Floyd, Martha Floyd Thompson (Hunter), Margaret Riley “Daisy” Buckhouse, Katherine Kay “Kay Kay” Getz and Emery Anne Buckhouse; her brother, Hugh Baker (Ellen); and her sister-in-law, Emaline Baker.

Her brother, William Andrew Baker Jr., died before her as did two grandsons, Cecil Edward “Trey” Floyd III and Keith William “Billy” Buckhouse Jr.

Due to construction at St. John’s, the funeral service today at 11:30 a.m. will be held at the Francis Marion University Performing Arts Center. 

Visitation will be held at 10 a.m. at St. John’s Church Parish Hall. A private burial will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels of Florence, c/o The Senior Citizens Association, 600 Senior Way, Florence, SC 29505; Saint Mary’s School, 900 Hillsborough St., Raleigh, NC 27603; St. John’s Church, 252 South Dargan St., Florence, SC 29501; or charity of one’s choice.

Jamey Duffey, 66, fighter pilot became a doctor

July 20, 2023

Benjamin Morrison Duffey of Murrells Inlet, a retired primary care physician, died July 15 with his wife by his side. He was 66.

Known as Jamey, he was born May 13, 1957, in Richmond, Va., the son of Benjamin R. and the late Margaret S. Duffey. He spent his early years enjoying the great outdoors, fly-fishing with his father and free ranging with his brother. 

Upon graduating Old Dominion University with a degree in sociology, he served in the Air Force as a fighter pilot. He received a medical discharge and developed a lifelong fascination with medicine. He went on to attain his medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School and complete his residency in emergency medicine at Johns Hopkins Shock Trauma Hospital in Baltimore.

Dr. Duffey moved to Myrtle Beach to start his career as an ER doctor at Grand Strand Hospital. He established himself as a permanent member of the community after opening Litchfield Medical Center in 1999. 

He and his wife, DeAna, married in 2009 and raised her children, Savannah and Dylan, instilling in them his love of medicine and aviation.

He retired after 20 years as a primary care doctor. He loved to be free, with his favorite places being the sky and the open water. He spent his time off boating, flying, watching movies, fixing anything he saw that was broken and being attentive to his family.

While Dr. Duffey knew he was the smartest man in the room, his family said, he delighted in both sharing knowledge and gaining it from others. He had a personality outmatched in size only by his enormous heart, and he never left a creature in need whether it was human or animal. 

In addition to his father, his wife and his stepchildren, he is survived by his stepmother, Suzanne Duffey; his  brother, Peter Duffey; his sister, Mary Kerr; and his grandchildren Lily, Abraham, and Blair.

A celebration of his life will be held at 1:30 p.m. at Belin Memorial United Methodist Church.  The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Burroughs Funeral Home.

Bill Anderson, 91, Navy vet worked for Bell Labs

July 20, 2023

Wilhelm Anderson of the River Club died July 3 at his home.  He was 91.

Known as Bill, he was born March 9, 1932, in Summit, N.J., the son of Nils August Anderson and Thyra Malmborg.  He also lived in Berkeley Heights and Forked River, N.J. 

He was an avid equestrian and enjoyed training, jumping and grooming horses.  He served in the Navy aboard the destroyer USS Robert K. Huntington. 

Following his discharge, Mr. Anderson followed his passion of helping those in need. 

He volunteered for over 17 years at Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, N.J. He worked for over 30 years for Bell Labs. 

In his spare time, he enjoyed working on cars, fixing things and going camping. He was a passionate member of the Tin Can Sailors and the AT&T Labs Pioneers. 

He is survived by his wife, Helen L. Stahl Anderson; his sons, William F. Anderson (Pam) of Gulfport, Fla., and Ronald G. Anderson of Los Angeles; his daughter, Carolyn A. Simcsak (Jack) of Pawleys Island; his grandchildren, Jaqueline, Jessica, Azadeh and Armon; his great-grandchildren, Joshua, Daniel and Elizabeth; and his daughter-in-law, Mahlegha Anderson. 

Three brothers, Nils August Anderson Jr., Robert Anderson and William Anderson, died before him as did his three sisters, Esther A. Stanahan, Sylvia A. Dahl and June A. Kuhrt. 

A graveside service will be held Aug. 2 at 11:30 a.m.  at BG William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Wrightstown, N.J.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Deborah Heart & Lung Center, 200 Trenton Rd., Browns Mills, NJ 08015 (deborahfoundation.org) or Tidelands Community Hospice, 2591 N. Fraser St., Georgetown, SC 29440 (tidelandshospice.org). 

There is a guest book at burroughsfh.com. 

Robert A. Lomicky, 89, former N.Y. insurance official

June 15, 2023

Robert Arthur Lomicky of Murrells Inlet died Monday at his home. He was 89.

He was born Dec. 5, 1933, in Little Ferry, N.J., the son of Arthur and Emma Lomicky. He served in the Army and graduated from Fairleigh Dickinson University with a bachelor’s degree in physics. 

Mr. Lomicky worked in the insurance industry for his entire career. He retired in 1994 after 25 years as chief actuary of the Life Bureau of the New York State Insurance Department. 

Mr. Lomicky was a former resident of Middletown, N.J. He enjoyed tennis, crossword puzzles, boxing and baseball. He was a dedicated baseball manager and enjoyed traveling to tennis tournaments to watch his son David play. A cat lover, he was devoted to his “best friend” Charlie.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, June Sondermann Lomicky; his daughter, Camryn Anderson (Lydia); his sons, Craig Lomicky (Beth) of York, Pa., Jeffrey Lomicky of Murrells Inlet, David Lomicky (Jenn) of Old Bridge, N.J., and Wayne Lomicky of Murrells Inlet; his grandchildren, Brett Lomicky, Emma Lomicky, Ben and Owen Lomicky,  and Aidan, Cooper and Skylar Bodeo-Lomicky.

His brother, Richard Lomicky, died before him.

Funeral services will be private. A public celebration of his life will be scheduled.

Memorials may be made to the Waccamaw Animal Rescue Mission, P.O. Box 1764, Conway, SC 29528 (warmfarms.org).      

Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.

Thomas W. Bowen, 85, phone company executive

June 15, 2023

Thomas Warren Bowen of Murrells Inlet died June 8 at his home. He was 85.

He was born in Baltimore, the son of Jesse W. Bowen and Bessie Mills Bowen. He worked for the phone company for 44 years as an executive overseeing the many changes in the telecommunications industry.  

Mr. Bowen was a member of the Lions Club and both Randallstown and Freedom Jaycees in Maryland. He also was very active in the Republican Party, heading the party’s central committee in Carroll County.  He loved to golf and continued to play throughout his retirement.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Mary Patricia “Pat” Bowen; his daughters, Debbie Bowen and Linda Henson (Eric),  both of Huntersville, N.C.; his grandson, Alexander Thomas; his sister- and brother-in-law, Carol and Emil Milcarek; and many cousins.

A Mass of the Christian Burial will be prayed June 30 at 1 p.m. at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church.  

A memorial service will be held in Sykesville, Md., where he will be buried at a later date.

Joseph Muffolett, 89, Social Security official

June 8, 2023

Joseph Robert Muffolett of Pawleys Island died June 2 at Waccamaw Community Hospital. He was 89.

He was born in Baltimore and graduated from Loyola College. He continued his education and received his law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law. He worked many years for the Social Security Administration and eventually became the director of the Office of Disability and International Operations. 

Mr. Muffolett retired in 1995 and moved to Pawleys Island, where he enjoyed playing golf and taking cruises to Europe and the Caribbean with his wife. 

In his spare time, he was a fundraiser for various charities and served as president of his homeowner’s association. He was also a loyal member of the Knights of Columbus.

He is survived by his wife, Amelia Muffolett; three daughters, Lynda Prince, Amy Hoehn-Saric (Ted) and Nicole Franklin (John); eight grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

A celebration of his life will be held later.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Christopher’s Children, 14323 Ocean Highway, Unit 4143, Pawleys Island, SC 29585.

There is a guest book at burroughsfh.com.

Wayne Byrd, 76, lawyer of the ‘old school’

June 8, 2023

Robert Wayne Byrd of North Litchfield, a retired lawyer, died May 29 surrounded by his family following a brief illness. He was 76. It was 5 p.m. on Memorial Day, his favorite time of the day on one of his favorite days of the year, his family said. 

Known as Wayne, he was born Feb. 11, 1947, in Charleston, the first-born child of Robert Newton Byrd and Wilma Gwendolyn Byrd. As the oldest of five children, he was the family’s anchor and always made sure his siblings felt special, included and loved. Wayne’s drive to succeed and tireless work ethic was unmatched. He excelled on the football field at McClenaghan High School in Florence and then as a four-year starting offensive lineman at the University of Georgia. He played for Vince Dooley and helped the Bulldogs secure two visits to the SEC championship, bringing home the title in 1968. 

Exerting the same effort academically, Wayne graduated magna cum laude with a bachelor’s degree in business personnel management in 1969. After obtaining a masters of accountancy degree from UGA in 1972, he attended law school at the University of South Carolina, where he graduated with honors in 1975. While working on his postgraduate degrees, Wayne served as an officer in the Army Reserves after going through basic training and serving as a platoon leader at Fort Polk in Louisiana.

Upon graduating from law school, Mr. Byrd managed an active transactional and tax planning law practice in Greenville. In 1988, he returned to his hometown of Florence and joined the law firm of Turner Padget Graham and Laney, where he focused his practice on complex business litigation. During his 35 years with Turner Padget, he held numerous leadership roles, culminating as chief executive officer from 2015 to 2018. 

In 2005, Mr. Byrd and his wife, the former Georganne Baroody, relocated to their home in North Litchfield, and he founded the law firm’s Myrtle Beach office. While a ferocious advocate in the courtroom, he was remembered for his professionalism and respect for the judicial system; a true lawyer of the “old school.” 

He received numerous awards for his work as a litigator and served the legal profession through his leadership in the American Bar Association Section of Litigation as a member of the Trial Attorney Advisory Board, a member of council, a director of three different divisions, a chair of the Business Torts Committee and managing director. 

Mr. Byrd was inducted into the National Football Hall of Fame’s University of Georgia Chapter in 2016, an honor reserved for those who have excelled in their chosen professions. 

Although Wayne was a revered (and often feared) attorney in the courtroom, his heart belonged at home with his family. As a self-trained gourmet chef, Mr. Byrd loved preparing amazing meals for the family and friends that regularly filled their home. 

In addition to his wife of 31 years, he is survived by his children, Nikole Mariencheck (Bobby), Rod Byrd, Christopher Byrd (Audra)  and Wallace Mullinax (Kristen); his grandchildren, Caid Byrd, Parker Mariencheck, Victoria Byrd, Hannah Grace Mariencheck, Kinley Byrd, Gray Mariencheck and Aiken Mullinax; his siblings, Greg Byrd, Timmy Byrd, Terry Byrd Amaral and Larry Byrd, and several nieces and nephews; his brother-in-law, Murray Baroody (Marley) and four nieces and nephews.

A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Friday at Holy Cross Faith-Memorial Episcopal Church. 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorials be made to the Baskervill Food Pantry or the Smith Medical Clinic, at 99 Baskervill Dr., Paweys Island, SC 29585; Grace Based Grief Resources For Children, Holy Cross-Faith Memorial Church, 113 Baskervill Dr., Pawleys Island, SC 29585; All4Paws, 708 Petigru Dr., Pawleys Island, SC 29585; or Saint Frances Animal Rescue, 125 Ridge St., Georgetown, SC 29440.

Susan Keenan, 67, aided bishop in Anglican Mission

June 1, 2023

Susan deGraffenried Keenan of Charleston, a former Pawleys Island resident, died May 21 after battling brain cancer.  She was 67.

She was born July 26, 1955, in Columbia, the daughter of Lally and Shiney Keenan. A graduate of the University of South Carolina, Susan joined the family business, Keenan Oil Co., where she began her career. She later moved to Pawleys Island, where she raised her two children.

Ms. Keenan’s life’s calling emerged when she connected with the Rev. Charles H. Murphy III, a visionary and trailblazer in the Anglican Church, while working with his wife, Margaret, at the All Saints School. Upon Murphy being consecrated a bishop, she became his executive assistant and played an important role in growing the Anglican Mission in America as his chief of staff. 

Their final joint endeavor was the establishment of The Abbey in Pawleys Island. 

Beyond her professional contributions, Ms. Keenan was active in the Pawleys Island community, playing a role in helping to establish the Lowcountry Day School.

After a brief period working with Morgan Stanley in Columbia, she retired and moved to Charleston to be closer to her family and coastal friends. She was a member of the Charleston chapter of the Colonial Dames and worshiped at St. Phillips Episcopal Church. 

Her devotion to family, friends, the communities in South Carolina where she lived and the many communities throughout the world through the Anglican Mission, was a testament to her extraordinary legacy of caring. Throughout her recent illness, the outpouring of love and support from those who knew and cherished her reflect the profound impact she had on their lives.

She is survived by her children, Keenan Harn and Wilson deGraffenried Grayson; her granddaughters, Mary Alice, Loyal Anne and Susan Grace Harn; and her sisters, Elmira Weston, Lucia Keenan and Julia Norwood.

A celebration of her life was held Saturday at The Abbey.

Tom Satterfield, 87, veteran became hospital administrator

June 1, 2023

Glenn Thomas Satterfield of Myrtle Beach died May 22 with his family by his side. He was 87. 

Known as Tom, he was born May 21, 1936, in Raleigh, N.C., a son of Boston Jeffreys and Virginia Honeycutt Jeffreys. He served in the Air Force. Following his retirement with the rank of major, he obtained a master’s degree in business from the University of Hawaii. He later earned a master’s in health care from Trinity University. He went on to become a skilled and dedicated administrator for several hospitals before joining the Tidelands Healthcare Network. 

Mr. Satterfield was director of patient financial services at Georgetown Memorial Hospital until his second retirement. 

In his free time, he could be found golfing, camping, and fishing. When the weather didn’t cooperate, he enjoyed cheering on the football team at his alma mater, the University of Alabama, and the Myrtle Beach Pelicans.

He often could be found sneaking off with his grandchildren to retrieve ice cream. 

He is survived by his wife of more then 59 years, Sylvia B. Satterfield; his children, Ronda Fielding (Todd) of Forney, Texas, Glenn T. “Buddy” Satterfield Jr. (Traci) of Murrells Inlet and Sheryl S. Kearns (Robert) of Myrtle Beach; his granddaughters, Amanda, Savannah, Alli, Sydney and Alexis;  his dog, Maggie Lou; as well as a large extended family.

His brother, Dr. William C. Satterfield, and a grandson, Robert D. Kearns III, died before him.

A celebration of his life will be held June 6 at 2 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach.  Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers,  memorials may be made to the Wounded Warriors Project, 4899 Belfort Rd. Suite 300, Jacksonville, FL 32256  (woundedwarriorproject.org). 

There is a guest book at burroughsfh.com.

Elaine K. Stallworth, 86, former elementary teacher

May 25, 2023

Elaine K. Stallworth of Heritage Plantation, a retired elementary school teacher, died April 29 surrounded by her family. She was 86.

From humble beginnings, she learned the value of honest work and the beauty of sharing. After earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Connecticut, she threw herself into her 31-year career as an elementary school teacher. Her love of learning and many talents made her curious about everything. An avid reader, she could often be found in the local library. She was a gourmet chef and baker, herbalist, native gardener and a multi-talented artist.

Mrs. Stallworth found time to golf, swim, practice yoga, play bridge and more. She was friendly with everyone and had many good and loyal friends.  In her younger, retired years, she found time to lend a hand and volunteer, whether it be at a public garden pulling weeds, offering to tutor small children, assisting various charities or stabilizing a feral cat colony.

Among her adventures, she went camping in Alaska to see nature up close, traveled all over the United States, kissed icebergs in Iceland, rode a camel in Jerusalem, touched the rain forest in Panama and witnessed the movement of the animals in Kenya.  Wherever she went, she could be found in museums or talking to everyone she could, just to learn more about that country and the people. For many years, she had a pen pal in China.

She is survived by her daughters, Deirdre, an attorney, and Michelle, a psychologist; and her grandchildren, Anthony and Angela.

Her  husband, Lewis, died before her.

She was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church in Pawleys Island. 

Services will be private. In lieu of memorials, it was her wish that others do something in her memory to give back and pay forward the gift of life, her family said.

Alfredo Torsiello, 93, worked in supermarkets

May 18, 2023

Alfredo Torsiello of Murrells Inlet died Saturday at his home. He was 93.

Known as Fred, he worked in the supermarket industry throughout his life. 

He was married for 72 years to the late Helen R. Torsiello. They lived in Fairfield, N.J., before moving to Murrells Inlet 20 years ago. 

Mr. Torsiello was remembered for his love for his family. He was kind and friendly to all he knew. He loved gardening in his yard and music. He was also an avid bowler well into his 80s. 

He is survived by his children, Joyce Quimby (Dennis), Robert Torsiello and Gina  Pezza; his daughter-in-law, Donna Torsiello; his grandchildren, Jennifer Dyches (Chris), Nicholas Torsiello (Laura), Lauren Quimby (fiancé Dennis Preztos), Christina Pezza and Anthony Pezza; and his great-grandchildren, Dominic, Patrick, Stella, Lucia, Mason and Jacob.

Another son, Alfredo Jr., died before him.

Services will be private.

Deborah Elmendorf, 73, active at Precious Blood

May 18, 2023

Deborah Ann Elmendorf of Pawleys Island died May 6 at Waccamaw Community Hospital. She was 73.

She was born Nov. 28, 1949, in Ottumwa, Iowa, a daughter of Robert and Alma Carr. She married Royal E. Elmendorf on Dec. 26, 1974. Upon retirement, they moved to Pawleys Island to enjoy their life together and travel the world. 

Mrs. Elmendorf was an active parishioner at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church.

In addition to her husband of 48 years, she is survived by her brother, Douglas Carr of Arizona.

Memorial Mass will be held May 24 at 11 a.m. at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church. Inurnment to follow at the church columbarium.

There is a guest book at goldfinchfuneralhome.com.

Dorothy Hanna, 93, painter of coastal scenes

May 18, 2023

Dorothy Charles Hanna of Murrells Inlet died May 14. She was 93.

She was born Sept. 2, 1929, the daughter of Nannie and Dr. Broadus Jones of Wake Forest, N.C.  After graduating magna cum laude from Wake Forest College in 1949, she married and moved to Florence.  

For several decades she helped run a fuel business owned by her and her first husband, before later joining the financial aid department of Francis Marion College.  

After retirement, and after moving to North Litchfield, Mrs. Hanna worked part time at Belin Memorial United Methodist Church before meeting her second husband, Rollie Hanna.  

After a lifetime enjoying crafts and hobbies, including throwing pottery, she began painting in 2002. Her works include dozens of oil paintings primarily of coastal scenes from the area.

She is survived by her daughter Elizabeth Ross (Bill); her son, John Charles (Libby); her grandchildren Sara Hawks (Ben), Will Ross, Rusty Charles (Jenny) and Jennifer Charles; and her great-grandchildren, Ellie and Eli Imerman, Lily and Georgie Hawks, and Beth and Erin Charles.

Mr. Hanna died before her.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Friday at Belin Memorial United Methodist Church.

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

There is a guest book at goldfinchfuneralhome.com.

Theodore R. White, 80, made second career in real estate

May 11, 2023

Theodore Raymond White of Murrells Inlet died May 6 after a courageous battle with cancer. He was 80.

Known as Teddy, he  was born Nov. 9, 1942, in Kingstree, the son of Dr. Russell William White and Lucille Lausch White. He and his five siblings were raised in Lake City and spent a lot of time in Surfside Beach. 

He served in the Army. He was honored to serve in the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment (The Old Guard). 

Mr. White worked at John Umstead Hospital in Butner, N.C., for many years and retired as the business manager. He also worked as a real estate agent for Tidewater Properties for approximately 16 years.

He loved spending time with his family and friends and always had many (outrageous) jokes to share.  He loved all sports, but most importantly those at his alma mater, the University of South Carolina. He enjoyed  dancing (shagging).

He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Diane White; his siblings, Susie Visor (Joe) of Houston, Sandra Hardin of Murrells Inlet and Dennis White of Murrells Inlet; and many nieces and nephews.

A celebration of his life will be held May 20 at 2 p.m. at Burroughs Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home starting at 1 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Grand Strand Humane Society, 4635 Factory Stores Blvd., Suite N 210, Myrtle Beach, SC 29579 (grandstrandhumanesociety.com) or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 6704, Hagerstown, MD 21741 (cancer.org).

Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.

Richard A. Torbik, 86, former transportation planner

May 11, 2023

Richard Alan Torbik of the River Club, a former transportation planner for the federal and state government, died May 3. He was 86.

He was born Aug. 19, 1936, in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., the son of Alexander and Wanda Torbik. He grew up in Scotch Plains, N.J. He earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Clemson University in 1958 and a master’s in civil engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology in 1964. He met his future wife, Nancy Wooten, on a blind date while she was attending Winthrop College and their first date was a Clemson football game. They were married July 2, 1960.

Mr. Torbik had a distinguished career as a civil engineer and expert in transportation planning with the Federal Highway Administration. During his career he moved frequently with his family, living in eight states and an overseas assignment. After 32 years, he retired from FHWA in Washington, D.C., as a member of the senior executive service, the highest civilian rank in federal civil service.  

The Torbiks built a home and moved to Pawleys Island in 1994. They would also frequently visit their house on Lake Murray.

Two years after federal retirement, Mr. Torbik accepted a position with the state Department of Transportation where he worked for another six years.  

In retirement, he and his wife enjoyed traveling abroad, visiting their children and grandchildren, and attending Clemson football games.

Mr. Torbik was an active member of Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church, where he was a member of the Knights of Columbus and his small Christian Community group, and a Eucharist minister. He was also an active member and former president of the local Lions Club.

Mrs. Torbik died in 2015. He is survived by his children and their families, Richard Torbik Jr. (Emily), Sally Torbik Hoekstra (Douglas) and Jane Torbik Stricklin (David); his sister, Sandy Cieslarczyk; and his grandchildren, Alex Stricklin, Daniel Stricklin and Shane Hoekstra. 

A visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Goldfinch Litchfield-Pawleys Chapel. A funeral mass will be held at 10 a.m. Friday at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church. 

Flowers may be sent to Goldfinch Litchfield-Pawleys Chapel or donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Disease Research at brightfocus.org/adr.

John E. Church, 97, Navy vet made career in insurance

May 11, 2023

John Edward Church of Pawleys Island died April 2 at the Arbors. He was 97.

He was born Dec. 1, 1925, in Middletown, Conn., the son of Charles H. and Lulu Ekberg Church. He was an Eagle Scout and served in the Navy during World War II. One of his greatest accomplishments was flying planes off aircraft carriers. He was a lifelong member of the American Legion.

After the war, Mr. Church worked for Pratt and Whitney in East Hartford, Conn., before finding his true profession in insurance and financial planning. 

He graduated from what is now Hillyer University Hartford with a business degree. He received his master’s degree from American University in Bryn Mawr, Pa., and became a certified life underwriter.

He was married for 61 years to the late Dorothy Baldwin Church of Wethersfield, Conn., whom he met at a church social in Hartford after the war.

Mr. Church enjoyed the outdoors and his family, and loved God. He also was an animal lover who rescued many cats and dogs.

He was a regular at All Saints Church until he had to move into the Lakes at Litchfield. 

He is survived by his son, David B. Church of Glastonbury, Conn., and his daughter Susan Church Gasque (Mark) of Pawleys Island; and by 10 nephews and nieces and their children in New England, the Carolinas and Florida.

His brother, Charles Church, died before him.

His family thanked the staff at The Lakes, The Arbors and Tidelands Hospice for their care of Mr. Church.

A memorial service will be held June 10 at 2 p.m. at the First Church of Christ in Wethersfield, where he was a life-long member.

Memorials may be made to St. Frances Animal Center in Georgetown or to a veteran’s group.

Marjorie B. Watson active in VFW Auxiliary

April 13, 2023

Marjorie B. Watson of Georgetown died April 5 at The Landings of Georgetown.  She was 87.

She was born Sept. 12, 1935, in St. Petersburg, Fla., the daughter of William Roy Beegle and Ruby Celeste Brewer Beegle. She was married twice; to the late Dennet Withington  and then the late Larry Watson. 

Mrs. Watson enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She was very active in the VFW Ladies Auxiliary at Post 6444 in Georgetown.

She is survived by two daughters, Myla Cameron (Jesse) of Pawleys Island and Crys Berg of Georgetown; two sons, Tucker Withington (Mackenzie) of Goldston, N.C., and Scott Clary (Heather) of Lincoln, Mass.; her brother, Mike Beegle (Diane) of Pennsylvania; her grandchildren, Jake, Zach, Jordan, Caleb, Billy, Katie, Tommy, Micah, Sydney, Marni, Dennet, Lilly, Meadow, Rye, Porter, Zach, Miller and Rand; four great-grandchildren and numerous extended family members.

Two other daughters, Julie Scutt and Pamela Collins, died before her, as did a grandson, Tucker.

Memorials may be made to the VFW Auxiliary Post 6444, 711 Church St., Georgetown, SC 29440.

A private family service will be scheduled.

Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.

D.J. Shultz, 32, ‘gentle giant’ who enjoyed sports

April 6, 2023

Douglas Joseph Shultz of Murrells Inlet died March 23 at his home. He was 32.

Known as D.J., he was born Sept. 2, 1990,  in London, Ohio, the son of Jamie Jones and the stepson of the late Robert Jones. He was very athletic and enjoyed a variety of sports.  D.J. was known to most people as a “gentle giant” with a heart bigger than himself.

In addition to his mother, of Murrells Inlet, he is survived by his brother, Zachery Henegar (Bre) of Arizona; his niece, Leslie Ray Henegar; his siblings, Brittany, Shirley Jo and Brian Jr., all of Ohio; his grandparents, Doug and Carol Shultz of Ohio; uncle and aunt, Joe and Dina Shultz of Ohio; his cousin, Melina Jo Shultz of Ohio; his special cousin, Danny Blevins; several aunts and uncles in Ohio and his best friend, Doty Rainer of Pawleys Island.

A celebration of his life was held March 29 at the family’s home.

Memorials may be made to Coastal Recovery Center, 1113 44th Ave. North, Suite 100, Myrtle Beach, SC 29577 (coastalrecoverycenter.com).

Brian Robards, 51, loved time spent outdoors

April 6, 2023

Brian Clark Robards of Pawleys Island died March 25 at Waccamaw Community Hospital. He was 51.

He was born Dec. 13, 1971, in Jacksonville, N.C., the oldest son of Nancy S. Robards and the late James Urey Robards Jr.  He was a former resident of Siler City, N.C.

Mr. Robards loved spending time outdoors, the North Carolina Tar Heels, the Dallas Cowboys, listening to music and watching movies.

In addition to his mother, he is survived by his brother, James Bennett Robards.

A private service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to Defenders of Wildlife (defenders.org) or to the wildlife and nature organization of your choice.

His family thanked the staff at Waccamaw Community Hospital for their care and support.

Ruby W. Reichert, 97, worked at Dixie Stampede

April 6, 2023

Ruby Wessinger Reichert of Georgetown died Sunday following an extended battle with dementia.  She was 97.

She was born Dec. 19, 1925, in Prosperity, the daughter Henry and Janie Wessinger. A staunch supporter of the United States military, several of Ruby’s five ex-husbands served in the armed forces, and she donated her time and efforts in support of the VFW Women’s Auxiliary.  

Late in life, Ms. Reichert spent several years working at the Myrtle Beach Dixie Stampede. In retirement, she spent most of her time at home with her beloved dog, Boo. 

She is survived by her granddaughter, Lisa Dian Akers of Shelby, N.C.; her great-grandson, Brandon Scott “Randy” Akers (Jacquelyn) of Georgetown; and her great-great-granddaughter, Adelaide Grace Akers of Georgetown.

Her daughter, Faye Akers, died before her.

Services will be private.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the animal welfare charity of your choice.

Lee Edwards, 76, commanded nuclear submarines

March 30, 2023

Arthur Lee Edwards of Pawleys Island, a retired Navy captain who commanded three nuclear submarines, died March 8 in Charleston with his wife by his side. He was 76.

Known as Lee, he was born July 16, 1946, in Hammond, Ind., the oldest of four children of Arthur and Nina Edwards.  He graduated from high school in Chicago and entered the U.S. Naval Academy in the summer of 1964.  He distinguished himself academically, was a member of the Drum and Bugle Corps and played 150-pound football. After graduation, he was accepted into William and Mary’s law school, but chose to remain in the Navy.

Although he initially wanted to be a Marine pilot, Admiral  Hyman Rickover convinced Capt. Edwards to join the submarine force after a long day of interviews at Naval Reactors. Following graduation and completion of Nuclear Power Training and Submarine School, he served on several submarines including the Sand Lance (SSN 660) and Simon Bolivar (SSBN 641). He then spent nearly a decade in command of three nuclear submarines: Nathan Hale (SSBN 623), Trepang (SSN 674) and Pennsylvania (SSBN 735).  

Capt. Edwards completed his 30-year career working in the Pentagon in the OP-02 SSBN (submersible ship ballistic missile) program.

After retiring from the Navy, he worked as a program manager with Lockheed Martin, Department of Energy’s nuclear weapons production site remediation, eight years on the professional staff at the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab as well as a senior consultant in the office of the chief engineer at NASA headquarters. 

He earned a second master’s degree and taught algebra at Springfield High School in Virginia from a desire to give back to his community. 

Locally, Capt. Edwards served on the boards for the S.C. Maritime Museum and the Boys and Girls Schools in Georgetown. In his spare time, he acted as the secretary/treasurer and dockmaster for his neighborhood.

Capt. Edwards was an accomplished pilot and avid fisherman who had a deep love of the outdoors. He loved to go hiking and skiing and his many fishing trips took him to Alaska, Minnesota, Wisconsin and Idaho, as well as his beloved Waccamaw River by his home.  

He and his wife traveled extensively in Europe, Mexico and the Caribbean.  He was a die-hard Bears and Cubs fan, and attended the Little League World Series.

He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Judie Chestnut Edwards; his sister, Julie Holms; and his brother, Brian Edwards.

A memorial service will be held April 16 at 2 p.m. at Georgetown Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project (woundedwarriorproject.org).

There is a guest book at burroughsfh.com. 

Nancy Van Buren, 95, designer became artist

March 30, 2023

Nancy Brooks Van Buren of Litchfield Country Club, a fashion designer who had a second career as an artist, died March 6. She was 95.

She was born Aug. 23, 1927, in Patchogue, N.Y., the daughter of Eva Smith and Winfield George Brooks. Nancy grew up outside Philadelphia with her widowed mother, who was a sixth-grade teacher, and her younger sister, Bobbie. She graduated from Moore College of Art with a bachelor’s degree in fashion design, which served her well throughout her career as a children’s clothing designer for Cinderella, Her Majesty and, later, Hamricks.

A single parent from age 25, Mrs. Van Buren’s professional training enabled her to provide for her two young daughters. She appreciated the value of education and supported her daughters’ college goals, as her mother had done for her.

She was able to retire early in 1991 and fulfilled a lifelong dream of living near the beach. 

In Pawleys Island, she began taking numerous art workshops, creating a multitude of drawings and paintings, showing her art at the Rice Museum, Georgetown Art Gallery, Gray Man Gallery and Island Art Gallery, and winning awards. Along the way, Mrs. Van Buren walked the beach for sea turtles with SCUTE for 18 years, volunteered at Brookgreen Gardens for 22 years and was president of the Friends of the Waccamaw Library, where she ushered in a popular classic French film series. In her 90s, she became a children’s book illustrator with the “Flash and Fancy” series.

Mrs. Van Buren dreamed of Africa and traveled there four times, as well as to other countries on all seven continents. Her travels were a constant inspiration for the art she made. Nancy lived a full life, always grateful for loving family, dear friends, and her unfailing energy and creativity expressed in a lifetime of art.

She is survived by her daughter, Rebecca Van Buren (Steve Blatt); her sister, Barbara Ermentrout; her grandsons, Daniel Baer (Brian Walsh), Peter Baer (Natalia) and Lyle Baer; her  granddaughter, Merritt Baer (Landon Paik); and three great-granddaughters, Sasha, Ines and Denver.

Another daughter, Amy Van Buren, died in 2019.

A private celebration of life will be held in April. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to All 4 Paws Animal Rescue (all4pawssc.org) or Guiding Eyes for the Blind (guidingeyes.org).

Wink Arsenault, 84, active in First Baptist Church

March 30, 2023

Ida Ann “Wink” Arsenault of Litchfield died March 20 at home surrounded by her family. She was 84.

She was born Oct. 3, 1938, in Cornwall, N.Y., the daughter of Harold Virginus and Jettie Lena Satterfield Hudgins. She spent her formative years in Fairmont, W.Va., then moved  to Highland Falls, N.Y., where she graduated from James I. O’Neill High School.

She worked at West Point in the post engineer’s office, where she met the love of her life, Raymond Arsenault, who was an Army MP. They married on May 5, 1958 in Highland Falls. They lived and raised their two daughters in Fort Montgomery and Clinton Corners, N.Y. 

Mrs. Arsenault continued her career at Wassaic Development Center where she was the business office manager before retiring to South Carolina. 

She was a member of First Baptist Church of Georgetown, where she served as treasurer and secretary of her Bible study class, treasurer of the Young as Ever group, a member of the visitation team and was a singer in the Living Christmas Tree. 

Mrs. Arsenault was a talented artist who painted the beauty God surrounded her with.   

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her daughters, Janine Arsenault and Nadine Conklin (David); her grandsons, Sean, Steve  and Andrew (Courtney); and her great granddaughters, Christina, MaryJane, Charlotte and Marissa.

Her sister, June Harris, died before her, as did her brother, Don Hudgins, her brothers-in-law, Sam Arsenault and Bill Cowles, and her niece, Nancy Scandell.

A celebration of life will be scheduled at First Baptist Church.  

Patsy Schooler, 93, optometrist worked in family business

March 23, 2023

Patsy V. Schooler of Georgetown died March 17 at Palmettos Memory Care of Garden City. She was 93.

She was born Feb. 24, 1930, in Tampa, Fla, the first of three daughters of James Alexander Vaughn and Annie Ruth Gregory Vaughn. She graduated from Hillsborough High School, attended the University of Alabama and earned her doctor of optometry degree at the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis. It was here she met Charles Bernard Schooler, her husband of 70 years. She worked as a bank teller, a teacher and as the bookkeeper for Charlie’s optometric practice.

Mrs. Schooler was a member of Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church, the Francis Asbury Sunday School class and the Loula Ford circle. Her love for history and learning led her to be a proud member of the Winyah Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, a district representative for the Confederation of South Carolina Local Historical Societies and member of the Georgetown Historical Society. 

She served for many years on the Foster Care Review Board for the Georgetown County Department of Social Services and volunteered in countless local organizations. She had a passion for lifting up those in need, especially children.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her son, Chip Schooler of Highland Falls, N.Y.; her daughters, Ruth Leonard (John) of Kingsport, Tenn., and Jo Kriikku (Eric) of Augusta, Ga.; her grandchildren, Paul Kriikku, Gwynivere Schooler and Giselle Schooler; her sisters, Jo Tharp (Sonny) of Mount Pleasant and Jackie McCants of Tampa; and many nieces and nephews

Her family thanked the caregivers in her home, at Palmettos and from Caris Healthcare.

A memorial service will be held at Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church at 1 p.m. Saturday March 25 by the Revs. Ross Chellis and Dora Gafford. Her family will receive friends from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday at the Georgetown Chapel of Mayer-Ethridge Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the church, 901 Highmarket St., Georgetown, SC, 29440.

There is a guest book at mayerfuneralhome.com.

Ronnie Murrell, 78, outdoorsman loved to cook

March 23, 2023

Ronald Lee Murrell of Pawleys Island died March 16 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 78.

Known as Ronnie, he was born Oct. 16, 1944, in Charleston, a son of Kirt Thomas Murrell and Lona Mae Player Murrell. 

His family  relocated to Pawleys Island when he was 3. He celebrated the rest of his life in Georgetown County as an avid hunter, fisherman and lover of the outdoors. He met many friends and wore many hats at Caledonia and True Blue Golf Club and thoroughly enjoyed serving the community. He enjoyed cooking for others.

Mr. Murrell was a founding member of the Black Powder Club. He spent many hours coaching baseball and football as well as advocating for his church. He started the men’s club raising money for Christ the King Church where he was a member for many years. He was also a member of Masonic Lodge 409.

Mr. Murrell was a storyteller and had many to share every Thanksgiving with family and friends. 

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Sheila Cusick Murrell; his son, Christopher William Murrell (Nancy); his daughter, Daphne Elizabeth Murrell Morris (Kenny); his brothers-in-law, Phillip David Cusick (Peggy) and John Charles Cusick (Barbra); his grandchildren, Ronald William Murrell (Will), Bailey Elizabeth Ellison, Julia K. Murrell (Katie) and Emily Florence Ellison; his great-grandchild, Kinsley E. Murrell; and his nieces and nephews.  

Another daughter, Robin Denise Murrell, died before him as did his sister, Patricia Ann Murdock, and his brother, Thomas K. Murrell.

Funeral services were Sunday at Christ the King Church. Burial was in All Saints Cemetery. 

There is a guest book at mayerfuneralhome.com. 

Brian Blouin, 41, diesel mechanic

February 23, 2023

Brian “Blue” Blouin of Pawleys Island died Feb. 18, two years to the day he was diagnosed with ALS. He was 41.

He was born Dec. 25, 1981, in Newington, Ct., the son of Andre and Linda Blouin. Brian’s childhood was filled with explosive adventures, including summers boating, winters skiing, yearly trips to the family farm in Canada and time surrounded by family and friends. He graduated from Avon High School in Avon, Ct. He had a passion and curiosity for the way things worked and went on to study at Universal Technical Institute. He became a talented mechanic and eventually founded and operated Diesel Blue Services in Murrells Inlet.

He was remembered as an adventurous and daring man who loved life, friends – including furry ones – and family. He welcomed the world with open arms. He loved his Harley and the thrill of the open road – though he never rode too far from those he loved. 

In addition to his parents, of Pawleys Island, he is survived by his Irish twin sister, Natalie, of Connecticut and dozens of aunts, uncles and cousins.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church. His family will greet friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Friday at Burroughs Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the ALS Association at als.org or to the charity of your choice.

There is a guestbook at burroughsfh.com.

William L. Kinney Jr., 89, journalist and historian

February 23, 2023

William Light Kinney Jr. of Bennettsville and Pawleys Island, a veteran journalist, historian, and civic leader, died Feb. 19 at his antebellum home, Magnolia, under his daughter’s care. He was 89.

The lifelong resident of Bennettsville was editor and publisher emeritus of the Marlboro Herald-Advocate, McColl Messenger and The Marlboro Shopper, and former president of Marlboro Publishing Co. Inc. He was a longtime contributor to the S.C. Press Association, was a past president of that organization and president of the SCPA Foundation. He was a founder of the SCPA Hall of Fame. He also authored several historical books and won state and national journalistic awards. 

He was born Oct. 26, 1933, the only child of William Light Kinney and Annie Laurie Mayer Kinney. He was born in the home of his paternal grandparents, Dr. and Mrs. John Frank Kinney, as was his father. 

He was a 1951 honor graduate of Bennettsville High School and editor of the school newspaper. 

He attended Wofford College, as did his father and grandfather, majoring in biology, chemistry, physics and math and graduating in 1954. He was inducted into the Phi Beta Kappa Society, Senior Order of Gnomes and Blue Key Honor Society; edited the college handbook and yearbook; served as student body president; was a member of the Army Reserve Officer Training Corps; sang in the Men’s Glee Club; and was a vice president of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He earned his most cherished distinction, an honorary doctorate of humane letters, in 1999.  

Mr. Kinney attended the University of South Carolina College of Journalism from 1954 to 1955. He edited the college’s laboratory newspaper and later graduated with a degree in journalism in 1977. He served in the Army at Fort Jackson from 1954 to 1958. He then joined his parents in the operation of Marlboro Publishing Co. and in 1972 bought the business. 

While traveling cross-country with a good friend, they stopped in Atlanta to visit friends. There he was introduced to his future wife, Margaret René Pegues. After an 18-month courtship, they married on March 21, 1964. 

Since 1979, Mr. Kinney relished hosting family and friends at the family summer cottage in Pawleys Island. It was named “-30-”, the symbol journalists traditionally used to indicate the end of a story. 

He loved to travel and his highlights included a 1960 trip to the Soviet Union, a summer in England with the Experiment in International Living  in 1963 and a United Methodist medical mission trip to Haiti in 1976.

For over 65 years, Mr. Kinney spearheaded and led community, state and national improvement efforts through his newspaper and personal service. 

He was a lifelong member of First United Methodist Church, where he served as lay leader and had numerous administrative roles. He sang bass in its Chancel Choir for 75 years.

He worked to better his hometown and greater Marlboro County. He served as a Bennettsville city councilman and mayor pro-tempore, as well as a leader and board member of the Kinney Foundation, Whipple Marlboro Fund, county Economic Development Board, Lakeside Residential Development, United Fund, Chamber of Commerce and Jaycees. He was instrumental in the formation of the Marlboro Civic Center Foundation and the restoration of the 1917 opera house and was chairman at the time of his death.

He was a member of the Rotary Club since 1958, served two terms as president, maintained 65 years of perfect attendance, and was twice named a Paul Harris Fellow. 

His passion for history and historic preservation began at a young age. He served as president of the Marlborough Historical Society and chairman of the Marlboro County Historic Preservation Commission and Bennettsville Board of Architectural Review/Tree Committee. He chaired the restoration of several historic buildings including an 1831 home once used as the county courthouse, two schoolhouses and his 1853 home and 1902 former office building.

Mr. Kinney was an advocate of preserving South Carolina’s history. He secured 25 state historical markers within his home county and led major improvement efforts as vice chairman of the Bennettsville Downtown Development Association. He helped secure National Register status for two municipal historic districts. He served as county chairman of the S.C. Tricentennial in 1970 and the U.S. Bicentennial in 1976.

He was also active at the state level in numerous capacities including serving as chairman of the S.C. Archives and History Commission for 36 years and was vice chairman at the time of his death. He also remained chairman of the S.C. Review Board for National Register Nominations. He was past president of the S.C. Historical Society, S.C. Confederation of Local Historical Societies, Friends of Brookgreen Gardens and S.C. Methodist Conference Commission on Archives and History. He also served as vice chairman of the South Carolina Hall of Fame.  He was a board member of the Palmetto Trust for Historic Preservation, S.C. State Development Board, Brookgreen Gardens, McLeod Regional Medical Center Foundation, Pawleys Island Civic Association and University South Caroliniana Society.

For 30 years, Mr. Kinney served as a congressional appointee to the board of the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress and was chairman for three terms. He was a member of the National Board of Advisors of the National Trust for Historic Preservation and chairman of its Southern Region Board of Advisors for four years. He also served as a director of the Wofford College National Alumni Association and the U.S. Jaycees.

He received the Order of the Palmetto in 2015 from Gov. Nikki Haley. At the same time, Bennettsville City Council named the two entrances of  the municipal parking lot as Bill Kinney Jr. Way.

Other recognitions include being listed in Who’s Who in America since 1982, the USC College of Journalism’s McKissick Award in 1955, being named to the USC College of Journalism’s Diamond Circle in 1998, the National Newspaper Association’s Amos Award for longstanding community service in 2016, S.C. Jaycees Young Man of the Year in 1961, two S.C. Governor’s Awards for Lifetime Achievement in Historic Preservation, being named a Hometown Hero by the S.C. Downtown Development Association, the S.C. Arts Commission’s Elizabeth O’Neill Verner State Arts Advocacy Award, the General Assembly’s Jean Laney Harris Folk Heritage Award and being named Marlboro County Economic Development Ambassador. In 2022, the Marlboro Chamber of Commerce named its annual Community Leader Award in his honor.

He retired from day-to-day operations of the publishing company in 2014, turning over the business to his daughter and her husband. He remained active in religious, civic, advocacy and volunteer efforts until just recently.  He continued to enjoy serving as an enthusiastic walking tour guide for any visitor to Bennettsville, his office or home.

For the past few months, he struggled valiantly with a diagnosis of Parkinsonism and its related complications, all the while demonstrating his strong faith in Jesus Christ, genteel Southern nature and good humor to family and friends.

He is survived by his daughter, Elisabeth Mayer Kinney McNiel (Daniel) of Bennettsville; three grandchildren, Robert Leland McNiel III (Emma) of Chattanooga, Tenn., Margaret Jane McNiel of Knoxville, Tenn., and William Light Kinney McNiel of Wofford College; his great-grandchildren, Robert Leland McNiel IV and Rose Catherine McNiel; his sister-in-law, Frances Elisabeth Pegues Burroughs of Conway; a nephew, Henry Buck Burroughs III (Julie) of Brandon, Fla.; a niece, Victoria McNeill Burroughs of North Charleston; a great-nephew, Henry Buck Burroughs IV; and numerous cousins. 

His wife died in 2021. His son, William Light Kinney III, died in 1989. 

A celebration of his life was held Wednesday at First United Methodist Church. Burial was at Sunset Memorial Park. 

Memorials may be made to the William Light Kinney III ’91 Endowed Scholarship Fund at Wofford College, Office of Advancement, 429 North Church St., Spartanburg, SC 29303.

Condolences may be sent at bfhbennettsville.com.

Pudgy Forrester, 98, extolled vitures of fun

February 16, 2023

Flora Anne “Pudgy” Hughes Forrester of Pawleys Island lived a long and joyful life in the belief that one must dance, exercise and have fun every single day. She died Feb. 8 at the age of 98.

She was born Feb. 2, 1925, in Florence, the daughter of John James and Elizabeth Gregg Clemmons. A graduate of Limestone College, she worked for a time as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines.

 She was a member of the Assembly, the Debutante Club, the Junior League of Greenville, the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America and All Saints Church, where she served on the Altar Guild for 35 years. In addition, she was an avid bridge player, golfer and tennis player.

She loved her God, her life and her family. She was remembered for her dynamic personality, her love of fun, and the “peach fluffs” she made each Fourth of July.

She is survived by three children from her marriage to George Jackson Hughes:  Laura Hughes Graves, George Jackson Hughes Jr. (Velda) and Rita Hughes Waloszczyk (Michael); and two stepchildren she shared with Harrison Smith Forrester: Harrison Smith Forrester Jr. (Stacy) and Jamie Self Forrester; nine grandchildren, Patricia McCrae (Alasdair), Jackson Hughes III (Tara), Harrison Hughes, Anne Carter Hughes MacNabb (Mike), Wyn Kittredge IV (Kari), Jim Lee (Alyson), Chase Forrester, Harrison Forrester III and Shep Forrester; and nine great-grandchildren: Anne Miller MacNabb, London Hughes, Carter MacNabb, Jack Hughes IV, Wyn Kittredge V, Addie Lauren Kittredge, Carter Kittredge, Anders Kittredge, and Wade Lee.

Another stepdaughter, Marsha Forrester, died before her.

Graveside services will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at Springwood Cemetery in Greenville. A reception will follow at Avenue, 110 E. Court Street, Suite 600, Greenville.

A celebration of life will be held Sunday from 3 to 5 p.m. at the DeBordieu Clubhouse.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to All Saints Church, 3560 Kings River Rd., Pawleys Island, S.C. 29585.

Her family thanked Monica Walker, Juanita Walker-Cooper, Keisha “Nikki” Walker and Lucinda Davis for their loving care of Mrs. Forrester over the last year.

Noreene Sneed, 78, former Pawleys Plantation resident

February 9, 2023

Noreene Flynn Sneed of Virginia Beach, Va., a former Pawleys Plantation resident, died Jan. 15. She was  78.  

She was born Sept. 11, 1944, in New York, the daughter of Anne Macedo Flynn and Arthur Flynn. After attending Notre Dame School of Manhattan and Cushing Academy, Noreene joined her father’s public relations firm.  Her work including representing the New York fire and police departments, White Castle and clients at the New York World’s Fair.  

After her marriage to William Sneed, she worked as a paralegal and later in real estate offices as a private property manager. They moved to Flanders, N.J., to a house built in the 1700s.  Mrs. Sneed spent hours doing restoration and planting and caring for her gardens.  She became president of the township historical society, using her love of antiques and history to add several area homes, and even trees, to historic registries. She was a representative on the Governors’ Bicentennial Celebration. 

After the couple moved to Pawleys Island, Mrs. Sneed studied local history, flora and fauna, and built a Charleston-style garden for their home. Her knowledge of the Lowcountry led to a job at the Chamber of Commerce.

Mrs. Sneed later moved to Texas to be closer to family, and moved with them to Virginia Beach, where she enjoyed being back on the coast, looking out over the water and watching the boats and the birds.

She is survived by her daughter, Suzanne Long (William); her stepdaughter, Kathleen Lukens (Mark); and her grandchildren.

Her husband died before her.

Memorials may be made to Father Pat’s Kitchen at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church (pbocchurch.com).

Nancy Watts, 64, teacher had a knack for decorating

February 9, 2023

Nancy Newkirk Watts of Pawleys Island died Jan. 26 at her home. She was 64.

She was born March 4, 1958, in Highland, Ill., the daughter of Josephine Swift and Charles Newkirk. Nancy had a passion for helping those in need that led her to become a skilled and dedicated teacher for many years. 

In her free time, she enjoyed entertaining and creating memories with friends and family.  She had an eye for beauty, a knack for decorating and enjoyed time spent in her garden.

In addition to her mother, of Pawleys Island, she is survived by her companion, Ken Watts; two daughters, Ashley Van Loon (Dean Copeland) of Grasonville, Md., and Emily Watts of Blacksburg, Va; her son, Chris Van Loon (Laura) of Maryland; her grandson, Cole Copeland of Grasonville; her brothers, Charles Newkirk Jr. (Jody) of Broken Arrow, Okla., Phillip Newkirk (Allison) of Wilmington, N.C. and John Newkirk of Pawleys Island; her sister, Sally Monaghan of Mount Pleasant; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

A celebration of her life was held Sunday at Burroughs Funeral Home. 

A graveside service will be held privately.

Memorials may be made to the Montessori School of Pawleys Island, P.O. Box 3059 Pawleys Island, SC 29585.

Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.

Shirley W. Dickert, 87, citizen of the year in W.Va.

February 9, 2023

Shirley Waites Dickert of Pawleys Plantation died Feb. 1 at her home surrounded by her family. She was 87.

She was born in Columbia, the daughter of Guy and Frances Waites. She graduated from Dreher High School in 1953, attended the University of South Carolina, and married Bacil Dickert on Oct. 20, 1954. They lived for 35 years in South Charleston, W.Va., where Mrs. Dickert was an active member of the Woman’s’ Club.  She loved playing bridge, bowling, and knitting, donating countless quilts, baby blankets, slippers and toboggans to friends and the South Charleston Heart and Hand charity.

Mrs. Dickert was named the 1991-92 Citizen of the Year by the South Charleston Lions Club.  She was also active in the South Charleston Western Little League and coached girls softball.  She impressed the kids, parents, and coaches when she hit a center field home run during the Little League Mothers game.

After retiring to Pawleys Island, she continued her knitting, quilting and bridge groups, and enjoyed escapades with her YaYa sisters. She was nicknamed the “Professor of Good Times” by one of her daughter’s classmates.  She loved taking pictures and was the photographer at many events at the Pawleys Plantation clubhouse.

Although kept housebound by COVID, she never lost her quick wit and sense of humor.

In addition to her husband of 68 years, she is survived by her children, Deborah (Raymond), Bacil Jr. and Laura Ann (Jim); six grandchildren, Chris (Kobi), Lindsay (Lee) Sarah (Jameson), Jennifer, Brittany and Tom; four great-grandchildren, Lucas, Layne, Brooks and Lyla; and a brother, Julius Durham Waites.

Another brother, Robert Waites, died before her.

A celebration of her life will be held April 8 at Pawleys Plantation Clubhouse.

Memorials may be made to Agape Hospice, 2320 Highway 378, Conway, SC 29527.

There is a guest book at goldfinchfuneralhome.com.

Margaret F.Q. Moran, 84, nurse was Lander Univ. first lady

January 26, 2023

Margaret Frances Queen Moran died Dec. 30 at the Lakes of Litchfield. She was 84.

She was born June 14, 1938, at her parents’ home in Ramage, W.Va., the the eldest child of William Elbert Queen and Ernie Faye Stollings Queen. She graduated in 1956 from Gauley Bridge (W.Va.) High School. In June 1959, Margaret graduated from St. Mary’s School of Nursing in Huntington, W.Va. While attending St. Mary’s, she met William Charles Moran, who was an undergraduate at Marshall University. They fell deeply in love and married on Aug. 24, 1959. In their early married life, Margaret and Bill moved quite often in an effort to advance Bill’s career in academia while simultaneously raising their two sons. 

Margaret was a radiology nurse and a surgical nurse in Baltimore and an OB/GYN nurse in Huntington and Knoxville, Tenn. She later became the director of McClenaghan Place Retirement Center in Florence in the 1980s. Of all her professional roles, she most enjoyed her term as the first lady to the president of Lander University in Greenwood from 1992 to 2000. While at Lander, Margaret served on the board of several civic organizations that served the town of Greenwood and Lander. She also lived in the United Arab Emirates for several years while Mr. Moran worked with the ruling family to establish the UAE higher education accreditation system. 

But more than anything else, Margaret was an extraordinary caregiver, especially to Bill and Kevin, to whom she administered love and care all of their lives, but especially when they needed it most. 

She enjoyed gardening, cooking, playing bridge and spending time with her family. She loved babies, especially her grandchildren, whom she would visit at least once a month even when she lived in the Middle East.

She is survived by her son, Tom Moran (Liz) of Murrells Inlet, who cared for Margaret when her health began to fail; her grandchildren, Wesley Tyler Moran (Beth Ann) of Pawleys Island, Michael Paxton Moran of Greenville and Sarah Elizabeth Moran of Atlanta; her great-grandchildren Henry Hutchinson “Hutch” Moran and Elizabeth Gray “Birdie” Moran, both of Pawleys Island; her siblings: Peggy Queen Andrews, J.D. (Bernie) of Naples, Fla., Brenda Queen Thorn (Bill) of Brandywine, W.Va., and Dr. William Frederick Queen (Pat) of Martinsburg, W.Va.; her nieces and nephews, Jaye Christopher Andrews (Andrea), Anne Andrews Hill (Steve), Jeffrey David Rhodes (Victoria), Timothy Allen Rhodes, Wesley Queen (Sarah), Dr. Whitney Queen Spry (Mike), James Moran, Andrew Laird Robinson, Neal Moran Robinson, and 17 grand-nieces and nephews.

Her husband died in 2009. Her other son, Kevin Patrick Moran, died in 2010.

A funeral mass will be held Jan. 28 at 11 a.m. at Precious Blood of Christ Catholic Church, with a burial service thereafter. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the William C. and Margaret F. Moran Scholarship in care of the Lander University Foundation in Greenwood or to the William C. Moran and Margaret F. Moran Scholarship in care of the Francis Marion University Foundation in Florence.

There is a guestbook at goldfinchfuneralhome.com.

John Henry Whitmire, 71, jeweler whose work celebrated local icons

January 26, 2023

When a restaurant closed at the Hammock Shops, several years ago, John Henry Whitmire thought about what had gone wrong. “I think they missed the idea that Pawleys Island is a very casual place; that we like our fun and we don’t like to get dressed up to have it,” he said.

A jeweler who spent most of his 51 years in business at Pawleys Island, John Henry embodied the stylish and the casual in pieces that combined artistry with coastal themes.

He died Jan. 18 at his home on the river at Hagley. He was 71.

John Henry, as he was known to everyone, was an adventurous, gregarious and charming unofficial world ambassador for the community where he lived and worked.

He was born Dec. 28, 1951, in Greenville, the son of Woodrow and Arla Mae Piephoff Whitmire. He grew up in Easley, and attended and played football at Easley High School before entering the University of South Carolina and majoring in English. 

At USC, John Henry took a class in jewelry making. After leaving Columbia, he worked for a jewelry shop inside the Gay Dolphin gift shop in Myrtle Beach.

He was asked to open a new location in North Myrtle Beach, where he was joined by his childhood friend, John White.

“At the end of the season, the shop got robbed,” White said. “We lost a bunch of cash and lost most of the jewelry inventory. It really set us back. It was a hungry fall and winter.”

In a demonstration of his resourcefulness, John Henry took his craft on the road, doing enough jewelry shows to get through the winter.

“What I saw from that was his resilience and generosity during those times,” White said. “Even though we had very little stuff, if we met someone who had less, he would take them in. He made sure they had something to eat on the way out.” 

He then opened his own business, October Silver, at Pawleys Island in a former chapel at the corner of Highway 17 and Waverly Road. He later moved to the Hammock Shops and renamed the business Whitmire Fine Jewelry.

“I felt like John Henry was a mentor for me in so many ways,” White says. “Nice and naughty and adventurous. He repeatedly taught me how to live life to the fullest, recover from the hard knocks and love people unconditionally. He was a true character in the Southern sense. He was a living legend.”

If charisma was a form of legal tender, John Henry was loaded. He rarely entered a building on Pawleys Island where he wasn’t approached by old friends. He never left without trying to make a new one.

A world traveler, who’d made his way through Europe, Australia, Asia, South America and many places in between, he had a talent for spinning tales.

Louis Osteen, the renowned chef,  once joked  that John Henry believed “it’s more important to have a good story, than for it to be absolutely, totally true.”

When Osteen and Warren Johnston started the Pawleys Island Crawfish Festival, John Henry became its first director. It grew to become a state-sponsored event to promote aquaculture.

John Henry saw life as a series of adventures; stories to be told, to be shared and told all over again. The more dramatic, the better, even if he needed to use a bit of poetic license honed during his years as a creative writing student at USC.

There was the tale about him riding in a carriage at Buckingham Palace, where he had friends, past the startled queen’s window. Or, the time he and a traveling companion were mistaken for terrorists in Ireland. He talked of being at Woodstock.

The late journalist and author Christopher Dickey recalled John Henry offering to teach him to play the harmonica. Dickey was skeptical. He discovered a YouTube video of a riff by John Henry with 30,000 hits.

Through his travel both in this country and abroad, he made thousands of true friends. A lifelong bachelor, he showed extraordinary dedication to his brothers, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. He enmeshed himself in the Pawleys Island community, adding to its lore and allure. He skied some of the world’s premier slopes and sailed in the ocean. 

He had a long-time interest in politics, worked on several campaigns and once ran for Congress.

His generosity was legendary. He would complain of being broke, but then buy dinner for an entire table. He always was ready to repair someone’s treasured necklace, or throw an impromptu meal for dozens of friends or relatives. John Henry paid faithful attention over many decades to his oldest brother, Woodrow Wilson “Whit” Whitmire, who lived in a group home for most of his adult life.

He is survived by his brother Ralph Clayton “Clay” Whitmire (Lynn) of Indianapolis; his nephews, Andrew Whitmire (Leah) and Matthew Whitmire (Daphne); his great-nieces, Kate and Kendall Whitmire, and great-nephew, Will Whitmire; and four godchildren, many cousins, children of cousins and grandchildren of cousins. 

In addition to his parents, his step-mother, Elizabeth Jones “Lib” Whitmire, and his brother Whit died before him. 

A memorial service will be held Feb. 1 at 11 a.m. at Holy Cross-Faith Memorial Episcopal Church, followed by a celebration of his life at Frank’s Restaurant. 

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice or or to the next person who crosses your path.

Philip W. Comfort, 72, scholar led New Testament translation

January 19, 2023

Philip Wesley Comfort of Hagley Estates, a Bible scholar, author and surfer, died Dec. 31. He was 72.

He was born Oct. 28, 1950, in Sewickly, Pa., the son of Richard and Dorothy Comfort. He grew up in Ohio and attended Kent State University. He earned a doctorate in literary interpretation from the University of South Africa.

Mr. Comfort worked for Tyndale House Publishers in Chicago as senior editor for 33 years. He was coordinating editor/translator of the New Testament of the New Living Translation of the Bible. The project took seven years, he recalled in a 1999 interview. It was his job to review the work of other scholars and come up with a translation on which they could agree.

“The Bible didn’t come with a handbook on how to interpret it,” he said. “The basic message of the Bible that Jesus was the son of God and died for our sins, all the basics. Millions of Bible readers agree on these certain things. But on other issues, there are thousands of interpretations.”

He was married for 50 years to Georgia Comfort, a pianist and music teacher. They raised their family in Chicago before moving to Pawleys Island in 1997.

Mr. Comfort authored more than 15 academic books and six books of poetry. One of his books was nominated for a Pushcart Prize.

He took up surfing at age 47. That led to his first novel, “Rescued Retriever,” inspired by the dog he and his wife found abandoned along Highway 17 in Francis Marion National Forest.

“Everyone knew Charlie,” Mr. Comfort said after the novel was published in 2005. “He would follow me into the ocean and watch me surf, and then he would get on the board himself and ride in.” 

The couple saw God move many times in their lives. In 1989, Mrs. Comfort was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. She was given a year to live. 

“I’m a walking miracle,” she said in an interview 25 years later. She wrote about her faith in God and her battle with cancer in a book, “Dying to Live.”

Mr. Comfort continued to work for Tyndale from home after moving to Pawleys Island, traveling to Chicago for meetings. Known in New Testament circles as a Bible scholar’s scholar, he also taught English, the New Testament and Greek at several colleges including Trinity Seminary and Wheaton College and Coastal Carolina University. He taught a bible class at Pawleys Island Community Church for 20 years. 

“I love teaching. I love the interaction,” he said. “I even love the arguments.”

His writing and teaching made an untold impact on the Christian community world-wide.

In addition to surfing, he was an avid soccer fan and coached the JV boys team at Waccamaw High for many years.

While he had an amazing intellect, it was his heart that set him apart. He would spend each morning on the beach in worship of God’s creation and talking to Jesus.

He is survived by his sons Jeremy Comfort, John Comfort (Angela) and Peter Comfort; his grandsons, Sage Cross, Jonah Comfort, Reid Comfort and Drake Comfort; his brothers, Richard Comfort Jr. (Carolyn) and Gregory Comfort (Maureen); his mother-in-law, Joan Algeo Riser; a sister-in-law, Sally Nachamkin; his brothers-in-law Bob Riser and Ted Riser; as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Georgia Comfort died in December 2021. Along with his parents, his father-in-law, George Riser, and another sister-in-law, Robin Comfort, died before him.

A memorial service will be held Jan. 30 at 11 a.m. at Pawleys Island Community Church.

Condolences and memorials can be sent to the church, P.O. Box 777, Pawleys Island, SC 29585.

Bob Ackerman, 82, musician who transcended genres

January 5, 2023

Robert Jacob George “Big Daddy” Ackerman, a  musician, composer and music educator, died Dec. 27 at his home surrounded by his family. He was 82.

He was born March 16, 1940, in Irvington, N.J., the son of Jacob and Gertrude Ackerman. Incubated in the Golden Age of Jazz, Bob began playing music at the age of 5. In fifth grade, he chose the alto saxophone as his instrument of study, later adding piano, clarinet and flute to his repertoire. He attended concerts by some of the greatest jazz musicians of the time, as well as classical and Broadway performances. 

He entered Montclair State College at 17 and joined the musicians union, playing with orchestras, combos and big bands in the Catskill Mountains and around New York and New Jersey. He received his master’s degree at Columbia University while working as a full-time musician. 

Mr. Ackerman began teaching music and became the high school band director in Highland Park, N.J. Improvising and composing became a passion during these years. He also worked at the Paper Mill Theater and played at jazz clubs at night.

In the mid-1970s, he met and married vocalist Pam Purvis and they embarked on a musical journey that took them around the world performing as a duo and with other noted musicians. Landing in Dallas in 1978, he was in the National Endowment Program of the Arts as a composer and artist-in-residence at the Dallas Arts Magnet High School.

Mr. Ackerman and his wife became well known in the area, playing in a jazz quintet, which led to European performances, all the while continuing to compose and write charts.

In the 1980s, Mr. Ackerman began to buy and sell vintage saxophones, growing his Progressive Winds into an international business. He developed expertise in mouthpiece refacing and was known as the “Mouthpiece Doctor.” 

It was during this time that he realized the value of vintage saxophones and became a pioneer in vintage horn restoration. His relentless pursuit of excellence earned him the moniker “King of Saxophones” and he relocated to the New York area. A larger than life character, his legendary antics and top notch collection of musical instruments drew people from around the world to his home in Irvington.

Mr. Ackerman’s love of young musicians and his kind and giving spirit led him to mentor many students. He would match their style of playing with a custom horn and mouthpiece. He leaves a multitude of recordings in genres from classical to jazz and avant-garde, including his own classical and jazz compositions. 

In the notes to a CD of his symphonic works that he conducted,  Tristan Willems – a musician, composer and publisher who was with the family at his side – called Mr. Ackerman “a rarity among musicians in our day and age: more than a performer who composes or a composer who performs, he transcends musical genres and styles.”

Mr. Ackerman retired to Pawleys Island in 2017, playing local gigs and concerts. He would rather play music than eat when he was hungry and rarely went a day in life without playing. He lived a life of music and left a legacy of passion and excellence.

In addition to his wife of 47 years, he is survived by his daughter, Tanya Ackerman; his granddaughter, Lauren Ropp; his brother, Russell Ackerman (Fran); and his  niece, Jennifer Kahl.

His sister, Lois Kahl, died before him.

Condolences may be sent at ridgewayfh.com.

Marilyn E. Riehl, 80, former Pawleys resident

January 5, 2023

Marilyn Elizabeth Riehl of Worthington, Ohio, a former Pawleys Island area resident, died Dec. 15. She was 80.

She was born on April 9, 1942, in Cleveland, the daughter of William A. Riehl and Talitha H. Riehl. She graduated from Hoover High School in North Canton, Ohio, and earned a master’s degree from the University of Akron in historic clothing and textiles. 

She was a member of the Church of the Master, Westerville, Ohio, where she sang in the choir. 

Mrs. Riehl was remembered as an advocate for caring for people and animals who could not care for themselves. She also took great pride and satisfaction in teaching others to quilt, bake and sing.

She is survived by her children, Carolyn Eberly of New Albany, Ohio, Scott Lemmon of Canton, Ohio,  and Stephen Lemmon of North Canton; her grandchildren, Casey Harmon (Drew) of Sunbury, Ohio, and Lauren Eberly of Westerville; her sister, Carol Coate (Barrie) of Fairfield, Calif.,; her  brother, John Riehl (Beverly) of Strongsville, Ohio; two nieces and three nephews. 

Another brother, William L. Riehl, died before her.

A celebration of her life was held Dec. 21 at Schoedinger Worthington Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to the Kenney Family Foundation or the Alzheimer’s Association.

James R. Lewis, 87, retired from Cincinnati schools

January 5, 2023

James Roger Lewis of Heritage Plantation died Dec. 21 at his home. He was 87.

He was born  Feb. 10, 1935, in Covington, Ky., the son of Joseph and Buena Daniels Lewis.

He served in the Army and went on to graduate from Eastern Kentucky University with a degree in teaching. He earned a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati and retired from the Cincinnati Public School System. 

In his free time, Mr. Lewis enjoyed the finer things in life and relished time spent with family and making memories with friends.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marilyn; his sons, John Lewis of Erlanger, Ky., and Matt Lewis of Burlington, Ky.; his daughter, Karen Luick (Albrecht) of Esslingen, Germany; and  his brother, Albert Lewis (Bunni) of Miami. 

Another brother, Ike Lewis, died before him.

A celebration of his life will be held privately.

Memorials be made to the American Legion of Pawleys Island.

Condolences may be sent at burroughsfh.com.

Connie Britton, 85, columnist was active in community service

January 5, 2023

Mary Cornelia Beck Britton of Sumter and Pawleys Island died at her home Dec. 21. She was 85.

Known as Connie, she was born Jan. 31, 1937, in Sumter, the daughter of Kenneth Emmitt Beck and Rosalie Neyle Beck. Her aunt, Mary Ella Neyle, also had a role in raising her. Connie graduated from Edmunds High School, where she was a cheerleader, played the piano for the chorus and was chosen for the May Court. 

She met John James “J.J.” Britton and they began a seven-year courtship which led to 64 years of marriage. 

While completing a two-year business program at Limestone College, Connie was often visiting J.J. down the road at Clemson, where she was selected as a TAPS Beauty and was the Central Dance Association Sweetheart. 

During her later years at Clemson, she cherished friendships with many wives of the trustees.

The couple married in Sumter on June 13, 1958, and started their family in Charleston, where Mrs. Britton’s support of Dr. Britton’s medical training began. They returned to Shaw Air Force Base in 1967 after living in Miami, Fayetteville, N.C., and Portsmouth, Va.

Her heart overflowed with the love of Jesus, and she encouraged her children to “keep love in your heart.” 

At the Church of the Holy Comforter, she taught Sunday School, hosted Alpha gatherings and served on the wedding guild and vestry. She sprinkled God’s goodness wherever she went, including her beloved Pawleys Island. She was known as “Goose” to her grandchildren because because she gathered and nurtured them like the fabled Mother Goose.

Mrs. Britton had a penchant for writing and penned the Panorama column in the Sumter Item as well as the newsletter for the Tuomey Hospital Canteen. She and her friend, Sister Wimberly, were co-creators of the May Day Celebration at Wilson Hall School. 

She was also an avid bridge and tennis player and often entertained in her home. 

Mrs. Britton enjoyed community service, that included the Sumter Junior Welfare League (president), Sumter Medical Auxiliary, Shepherd’s Center, Stateburg Literary Society, Friends of Swan Lake Iris Gardens (a founder) and Friends of Brookgreen Gardens. She was the first female elected to the board at Black River Electric Cooperative and served for 30 years.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by her brother, George Austin Beck (Connie); her children, Beth Britton Stuckey, Babs Britton Wilson (Tim), Becky Britton Funderburk (Bevan) and Dr. John James Britton Jr. (Helen); her grandchildren, Mary Frances Stuckey, James Stuckey, Britton Troxler (Finch), Charles Noyes, Neyle Noyes, Myers Noyes, Becka Noyes, Betsy Noyes, Jack Britton, Heyward Britton; and her great-grandchildren, Grayson Noyes and Annie Troxler.

Another brother, Kenneth Emmitt Beck, died before her.

A celebration of her life was held Dec. 27 at the Church of the Holy Comforter. A graveside service was held Dec. 28 at Woodland Cemetery at Clemson University.

Memorials may be made to Church of the Holy Comforter.

Condolences may be sent at sumterfunerals.com.

Doc Baldwin, 82, businessman who championed high school

January 5, 2023

Maurice Dargan Baldwin II of Hagley Estates, a Pawleys Island business owner for nearly 50 years, died Dec. 23 with his sons by his side. He was 82. 

Known as Doc, he was born Aug. 23, 1940, in Whiteville, N.C., the son of Maurice Baldwin and Elizabeth Dargan Martin. He grew up there and in Spartanburg. He served in the Air Force, which is where he received his nickname. There were three Baldwins in his unit during basic training. Since he was  listed as “Baldwin, M.D.,” he became Doc.

He attended the University of South Carolina, the University of Maryland, Horry-Georgetown Technical College and South Carolina State University. He held a teaching certificate with  master’s degree equivalency.  

He was married for 50 years to the late Bess Baker Baldwin. The couple moved to Pawleys Island from Jacksonville, Fla., in 1974 and started the 3-Way Exxon on Highway 17 at the South Causeway. It was a service station, liquor store and, in the beginning, a restaurant that became a small bar.

Mr. Baldwin then worked in sales before becoming an auto mechanics teacher at the Georgetown Career Center at the Howard School.

In 1985, the couple opened a video rental shop that soon became a Radio Shack franchise under the name Electronics Etc. It had the area’s first fax machine and was its first cellphone dealer.

The business evolved as electronics became disposable. In 2001, they got a contract from the U.S. Postal Service to open a service center in the store during a time when the local post office was struggling with turnover and growing complaints from customers. It started as a six-month contract and has continued to operate ever since. The business later expanded into office supplies.

Mr. Baldwin also had an interest in politics. He ran for Georgetown County Council in 1979 and 1994, both times as a Republican. In between, he served on the executive committee of the county Democratic Party, which he said was the only way to get things done.

He was also one of the early advocates for building Waccamaw High School. The campaign to convince the school board to fund the school, which opened in 1990, was one he remembered with pride, his family said.

Mr. Baldwin was a member of the Pawleys Island Moose Lodge,  Elks Lodge and the local VFW. He was frequent organizer of benefits for community causes, and was remembered as someone who was always willing to help people in need.

He is survived by his sons, Maurice Dargan Baldwin III and Oliver Gore Baldwin, both of Pawleys Island; and his grandchildren, Elizabeth Baldwin and Maurice Dargan Baldwin IV.

Condolences may be sent at grahamfuneralhome.org.

Robert A. Moses, 101, helped build family’s island home

December 1, 2022

Robert Altamont Moses of Sumter, a long-time Pawleys Island property owner, died Nov. 26 at his home.  He was 101.

He was born in Sumter, a son of Henry Phillips Moses and Charlotte Virginia Emmanuel Moses. He was a member of the Class of 1942 at The Citadel. Upon graduation, he joined the Army as a second lieutenant in the infantry. He subsequently served in the Army Air Corps as a pilot, and completed 20 years of military service as a reservist. He then retired from the Air Force Reserves as a major.

Mr. Moses was a member of Temple Sinai and was a former Realtor and real estate appraiser with Henry P. Moses Company. He was a past president or chair of the S.C. Association of Realtors, the Sumter Rotary Club, the Fortnightly Club, the Sumter County Historical Society and Sumter County Master Gardeners, among others. He was also a scoutmaster for Boy Scouts of America. 

In addition to community service, he had many interests, including birdwatching, baking, fishing, gardening, hiking and traveling  with friends and family. He spoke fondly of his childhood trips to Saluda, N.C., and helping build his family’s beach house at Pawleys Island in 1939.

Mr. Moses was remembered as a man of honesty, integrity, curiosity, humor and kindness who loved his family and the natural world. He taught by example and was a friend and mentor to many.

He is survived by his wife, Clara Gayness Moses; his daughters, Natalie Moses (Douglas Klaucke) and children, Benjamin, Julien and Robert Pougnier; Carol Moses (David Vasconcelos) and children, Alice Moses, Aldo Pena-Moses; Katherine Moses Royer (Brad) and children, Brendan and Aaron; and Laura Moses; nine great-grandchildren; his brother, Herbert A. Moses; numerous nieces and nephews; and his wife’s family, Frances Gowen (Brent), Sarah Sanford (Bryan) and their children.

His first wife, Harriett Pace Moses, died before him as did his daughter, Elizabeth Moses; a sister, Octavia Moses Mahon and two brothers, Richard Phillips Moses and Vivian Moses.

Memorial services were held Tuesday at Temple Sinai. Private burial will be in the Sumter Jewish Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to Temple Sinai General Fund, 13 Church St., Sumter, SC 29150;  the Southern Poverty Law Center, 400 Washington Ave., Montgomery, AL 36104; the Sumter County Museum, P. O. Box 1456, Sumter, SC 29151; or the charity of your choice.

Condolences may be sent at sumterfunerals.com.

Joyce Martenies, 72, senior secretary at Waccamaw Elementary

December 1, 2022

Joyce Ann Martenies of Pawleys Island, a fixture in the front office at Waccamaw Elementary School, died Nov. 21 at her home. She was 72.

She was born April 4, 1950, in Kokomo, Ind., a daughter of William Ashenfelter and Doris Self Ashenfelter.  Ms. Martenies worked for the Georgetown County School District for 32 years. She spent most of her career at Waccamaw Elementary, where she served as senior secretary and bookkeeper. 

She was remembered for her excellent work ethic, knowing every rule in the book and following those rules “to a T.” She was known for her efficiency, attention to detail and dedication. 

In the later years of her career, she began allowing students to affectionately refer to her as Ms. Joyce instead of Ms. Martenies. She loved nothing more than watching the students learn and grow and took great pride in remembering them when they crossed her path as young adults. Ms. Joyce will forever be known for her allegiance to her job and the district as a whole.  

She is survived by two children, Kelly Craig (Phil) and Frank Martenies (Chandra); three grandchildren, Reed Craig, Olivia Craig and Claire Martenies; two sisters, Sally Rutledge and Kim Ashenfelter; a brother, Gary Ashenfelter (Connie); and her stepmother, Rebecca Ashenfelter.  

In addition to her parents, another sister, Cheryl Schmidt, died before her.

Memorial services will be announced at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Waccamaw Elementary School PTO, 1364 Waverly Rd., Pawleys Island, SC 29585 or to Friends of the Waccamaw Library, 41 St. Paul Place, Pawleys Island, SC 29585.

Condolences may be send at ridgewayfh.com.

Tommy Huguenin, 80, builder was avid outdoorsman

December 1, 2022

Thomas Barksdale Huguenin  of Litchfield Beach died Nov. 23 at home with his family by his side. He was 80.

He was born Feb. 4, 1942, in Greenville, the son of Thomas Francis Huguenin and Sallie Brown Clark. Tommy graduated from high school at Darlington School in Rome, Ga., and from The Citadel in the class of 1964. He married Martha Dove in 1986. 

Over the years, Mr. Huguenin was a banker, Realtor and, most recently, owner of Huguenin Home Builders. He was a member of Christ the King Grace Church, where he served as both a junior and senior warden. 

He was happiest at his farm, hunt club and watching birds on his back porch with Martha. He was an avid outdoorsman and loved to hunt and fish his whole life. 

He was remembered for his memorable smile and contagious laugh that made so many people feel good.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his children, Sallie Houston (Gary) of Davis, Calif., Tommy Huguenin Jr. of Murrells Inlet, Millie Staggs (Leighton) of Atlanta, Aaron Dark of Rock Hill and Donna Huguenin of Murrells Inlet; his brother, T. Frank Huguenin Jr. (Libba) of Greenville; 11 grandchildren, two great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews. 

A memorial service was held Tuesday at Christ the King Grace Waccamaw.

Memorials may be made to the Class of 1964 Scholarship Fund in care of The Citadel Foundation, 171 Moultrie St., Charleston, SC, 29409.

There is a guest book at

Tommy Huguenin, 80,

builder was avid outdoorsman

.