Man charged with trying to rob hospital employee

August 2, 2005

By SHAVONNE POTTS
Index-Journal staff writer

The Greenwood Police Department has arrested and charged a Greenwood man with trying to rob a Self Regional Medical Center employee.
Avian Keldricous Sheppard, 19, of 307 Davis Ave., was charged with attempted armed robbery, possession of a firearm during the commission of a violent crime and failure to stop on a lawful command.
Police detectives went to Sheppard’s grandmother’s house, where they attempted to interview Sheppard shortly before noon Monday.
Sheppard jumped through a glass window, and officers chased him on foot, Greenwood Police Chief Gerald Brooks said.
Sheppard was caught and taken to the hospital where he was treated and released.
Investigators were able to locate Sheppard through a number of leads and tips they had been pursuing, Brooks said.
Investigators also recovered a T-shirt, a pair of shorts and a weapon, a BB pistol that Brooks said was used during the incident.
“At this time, we don’t really know why he was at the hospital,” he said.
After the attempted robbery Friday, police officers and Greenwood County Sheriff’s deputies searched the hospital’s second-floor lobby for an intruder.
The attempted robbery took place near the administrative offices, located on the same floor as the transitional care unit and women’s center that houses the labor and delivery area and laboratory. Officials said the employee “thwarted” the attack and the assailant fled the hospital.
Brooks said investigators collaborated with the sheriff’s office and the hospital security staff in this case.

Weather a factor in early practices

Doolittle was hoping for higher temperatures

August 2, 2005

By RON COX
Index-Journal sports writer

NINETY SIX — In high school football seasons past, it might have taken until the third practice just to shake off the cobwebs from the off-season.
Today, however, when teams condition all year and participate in summer passing drills, most of the high school football players enter the start of fall practice ready to go.
The Ninety Six High School football team went through its third practice Monday morning, but for them, it was more like the 33rd.
“There’s no difference (between first and third practice),” Ninety Six coach Mike Doolittle said. “Our kids have worked extremely hard all summer. We had them here four days a week, three hours a day since May 28. We had the majority of our offense and the majority of our defense installed before we ever got to Day One.
“It’s almost like we picked up right where we left off.”
But for the players, the first couple of practices still possess some sentimental values, like the ability to strap on shoulder pads and hit their teammates.
“During the summer, all we can really do is condition and get ready, but the first day with pads on we can hit, and that’s what everybody looks forward to,” said senior linebacker Doug Hall. “We look forward to being able to hit again.”
But perhaps the biggest problem facing the Wildcats during these early days of practice is something the majority of non-football playing residents of Greenwood and the Lakelands area are enjoying: the unseasonably cool temperatures.
“I hate it because it’s been too cool,” Doolittle said. “We (the coaches) have had the conversation about how God is playing a joke on us right now, and His sense of humor is going to kick in one day. And when it does, you basically have to bow up and deal with it.”
In three morning practices, the temperatures have barely cracked the 80-degree mark and the team was even rained on Saturday. The coach would rather see his team on the field with temperatures in the 90s.
“Because, you know, that’s what it’s going to be opening night when we go to Abbeville,” said Doolittle, who begins his 12th season at Ninety Six. “It’s going to be cookin’. It always is there, so you might as well get used to it now.”

Murdock appreciates cooler workouts

August 2, 2005

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

WARE SHOALS — It’s a late summer tradition around the Lakelands area for high school football teams to hit the field for the first week of practice in near 100-degree temperatures.
So it was with eagerness and appreciation that the Ware Shoals High School Hornets and coach Jeff Murdock hustled through Monday morning’s practice under overcast skies with highs in the 80s.
“I love this weather,” Murdock said. “A lot of coaches want the insane temperatures. For me, a cooler day like this helps us to be able to teach these young men. The teaching sinks in a lot better when they’re not drained from all the heat.”
Murdock was pleased with the Hornets enthusiasm in the opening days of practice.
“They ran out on the field last Friday ready to hit,” Murdock said. “This bunch loves to hit. I’m anxious to see what they’ll do when they get a chance to hit someone else.”
The Hornets will get that chance when they travel Thursday to Hillcrest High School for a three-team scrimmage with Clover and Hillcrest.
According to Murdock, scrimmaging against larger schools such as Hillcrest and Clover can help Ware Shoals see how they stack up against bigger lineups.
“I’ll put our first 11 up against anybody,” Murdock said. “It’s the depth of bigger schools that can get to you sometimes. I’ll tell you this: We’re gonna find out who are the go-getters and who are the babysitters on this team come Thursday.”
The Hornets’ workout on Monday morning was a spirited affair, with players hitting hard and talking trash throughout.
At one point while the team was working on offensive and defensive sets, a member of the Ware Shoals defensive backfield yelled an amusing barb at running back Tony Lomax, saying he was going to hit Lomax so hard he was “gonna need a haircut.”
It’s excitement like that that has Murdock thinking Ware Shoals could be poised for a good season.
“I like what the boys are showing me so far,” Murdock said. “They’ve been waiting for this all summer. Now, their time has come.”

Opinion

State has much to offer; still, image has problems

August 2, 2005

South Carolina is loaded with positives. On one end, it has some of the best beaches to be found anywhere. On the other end is the mountainous splendor that is at once a splash of glorious color and quietude that are fit to calm the savage breast. In between are beautiful lakes, rivers and a cornucopia of natural attractions that add to attractions available in the Palmetto State.
That said, there are problems, too, that detract from the image we all cherish. They have nothing to do with credit ratings or any of the other issues that consume so much legislative time and effort. They are domestic abuse and child abuse.

THOSE TWO THINGS ARE purposely listed separately so that one will not overshadow the other. Both are serious matters, and both, separately, give the state a negative image. Together they paint a disturbing picture of many lives in the Palmetto State.
How we handle these scars on humanity cannot be overly emphasized. The good news, though, is that efforts are being made to find answers ….. permanent answers. Anytime a wife or a husband or a child lives in fear, it diminishes us all.
The first step, of course, is recognizing there is a problem. That we’ve done. That’s a positive coming out of a negative. Now, maybe, we can find those answers ….. if we look together.

Editorial expression in this feature represents our own views.
Opinions are limited to this page.

Obituaries

Lynn D. Cooper

GREENWOOD, SC — Ada Lynn Davis Cooper, 89, of 303 Curl Creek Road, widow of Alvin Boyd Cooper, DDS, died Monday, August 1, 2005 at her home.
Following retirement in Drew, MS, Mrs. Cooper was a resident of Ft. Pierce, FL for 22 years before moving to Greenwood in 2001.
Born in Ora, MS, she was a daughter of the late Dr. Winston Woodard Davis and Susie Fredonia Allred Davis. She attended Belhaven College in Jackson, MS and was a graduate of Mississippi College in Clinton. Mrs. Cooper was a high school business teacher in Drew, MS and was an accomplished photographer. She was a leader in civic and church activities, founding Girl Scout troops in Drew. She was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church, Greenwood, SC, where she was a member of the former Lawton Class and was a former member of Drew Methodist Church, where she served as UMW leader.
Surviving is her daughter, Dr. Mary Lynn C. Polk of the home; a sister, Mrs. John (Susan D.) Roy of Ellicott City, MD; and two grandsons, Dr. Christopher Keith Polk of Chicago, IL and Jonathan Cooper Polk and his wife Anna of Scottsdale, AZ.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Tuesday at Main Street United Methodist Church with the Rev. James D. Dennis, Jr. and the Rev. Paul D. Frey officiating.
Honorary escort will be the members of the Bible Class of Main Street United Methodist Church along with her Stephen Minister Ms. Betty Stockman, Ms. Tina Owens, Ms. Kathy Kinard and Dr. Todd Gallman.
The family will receive friends immediately following the service in the Trinity Classroom at the church. The family is at the home.
It is respectfully requested that flowers be omitted and memorials made to Main Street United Methodist Church, 211 N. Main Street, Greenwood, SC 29646 or to HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY

Pat Foley

WATERLOO — Patricia Sue Callahan Foley, 61, of 513 Bobwhite Drive, died Sunday, July 31, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood.
Born in Indianapolis, Ind., she was a daughter of the late Garrett and Lena Mae Wood Callahan. She was retired from NSO Resins and attended Chestnut Hill Baptist Church in Saluda.
Survivors include a daughter, Kelly Culbreath of Greenwood; a son, Rick Foley of Waterloo; children reared in the home, Myra Culbreath of Greenwood, Ellen Riddle of Indiana, Carol Moore of Waterloo, Mayme Trevino of Michigan, Jim Pollard of Waterloo, Morris Evans of Greenwood and Donny Lush of Indiana; two sisters, Myra Hibbard of Waterloo and Teresa Crenshaw of Greenwood; two brothers, Tim Callahan and Danny Callahan, both of Indiana; 22 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.
Services are 3 p.m. Wednesday at Chestnut Hill Baptist Church, Saluda, conducted by the Rev. Joe Turner. Burial is in Elmwood Cemetery, Ninety Six.
Pallbearers are Norman Holloway, Tim Witt, Johnny Davis, Bobby Culbreath, Eric Scarboro and Keith Shaffner.
Visitation is 7-9 tonight at Harley Funeral Home, Greenwood.
The family is at the home of a daughter, Kelly Culbreath, 112 Bridgepoint Road, Greenwood.
Memorials may be made to the Pat Foley Memorial Fund, c/o Harley Funeral Home, P.O. Box 777, Greenwood, SC 29648.
Harley Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harleyfuneralhome.com

Maberline D. Fortner

GREENWOOD — Maberline DeLoach Fortner, 88, formerly of 220 Kentucky Avenue, widow of Edward James “Ed” Fortner, died Sunday, July 31, 2005 at the Hospice House.
Born in Saluda County, she was the daughter of the late Walter and Sue Turner DeLoach. She was retired from Green-wood Mills, Sloan Plant, where she was a member of the Quarter Century Club. She was a member of South Greenwood Church of God, now Restoration Ministries, where she was a member of the Clara Mae Wells Sunday School Class.
She was preceded in death by a son, Frankie Fortner; six sisters, Mattie Lou D. Horne, Emie D. Bryan, Ina D. Gallimore, Ruby D. Lagrone, Lois D. Shidle Cromer and Sue Mae D. Frady Bowers and four brothers, Elmer DeLoach, Floyd DeLoach, Heber DeLoach and Reginald DeLoach.
She is survived by her beloved cousin and dearest friend, Sybil Ouzts and a number of nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and great great nieces and nephews.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Harley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bobby Davis, her loving nephew, and the Rev. Jason Garner officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Allen Fortner, Robert DeLoach, Burl Shidle, Jimmy Gentry, Leonard Bryan and Chris Gettys.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Tuesday from 10 - 11 a.m.
The family members are at their respective homes.
Memorials may be made to the Hospice House, c/o HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646 or to Restoration Ministries, PO Box 2141, Greenwood, SC 29646.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY

Jean Jay

GREENWOOD — Jean McCleskey Jay, 81, resident of Wesley Commons, widow of William L. Jay, died July 31, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Greenwood County, November 20, 1923, she was a daughter of the late Samuel Linton and Mary Waller McCleskey. She was a graduate of Greenwood High School and received her B.S. degree in Biology from Coker College in Hartsville. Jean’s career was to provide a loving and nurturing home for her beloved husband and four daughters.
A member of the First Baptist Church, the Ruth Bible Class and the Dement-Waldrop Circle of the church, she was also a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Holly Garden Club, the Entre Nous Book Club and the Isaqueena Study Club.
Surviving are her daughters, Mary Ann Jay Wingard of Greenwood, Martha and husband, Hank Barnette of Greenwood, Jeannie and husband, Tim Deering of Alexander, NC and Julie Jay Carter of Boone, NC; her loving grandchildren, Laura Ann Wingard, Mary and husband, Harriss Cottingham, Jennifer and Elizabeth Carter and Beth, Mark and Ryan Deering; her sisters-in-law, Margaret Hope Sims McCleskey, Mary Ella Jay and husband, John Deveney and Eliza Crosby Jay; many nieces and nephews and her many loving friends in Greenwood and at Wesley Commons.
Funeral services will be conducted at 4 pm Wednesday at the First Baptist Church with Dr. Tony Hopkins officiating.
Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
The body is at Blyth Funeral Home and will be placed in the church at 3 pm Wednesday.
The family is at the home at Wesley Commons and will receive friends in the church Narthex immediately following the service.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to the First Baptist Church, 722 Grace Street, Greenwood, SC 29649.
For additional information please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
BLYTH FUNERAL HOME IS ASSISTING THE JAY FAMILY.
PAID OBITUARY

Melvin Lagroon

BRADLEY — Melvin Lagroon, 89, of 2207 Callison Road, husband of Rosa Mae Carter Lagroon, died Monday, Aug. 1, 2005 at Trinity Mission Health and Rehab in Edgefield.
Born in Greenwood County, he was a son of the late Hard and Liza Ann Bowie Lagroon. He was a self-employed farmer and sawmill worker. He was a member of Flint Hill Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife of the home; a sister, Mae Frances Coates of Greenwood; a grandchild; and two great-grandchildren.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home, Greenwood.

Howard Lee

POLKVILLE, N.C. — Howard C. Lee, 84, of 3423 Old Lincolnton Road, husband of Lillian McSwain Lee, brother of Bobby Lee of Greenwood, S.C., died Friday, July 29, 2005 at Hospice of Wendover.
Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home, Shelby, was in charge.

William Robert Powell

GREENWOOD — William Robert Powell, 78, of 107 Kuchta Rd., died at Hospice Care of the Piedmont on Saturday, July 30, 2005.
Mr. Powell was born in Tampa, FL, a son of the late James Holt and Elizabeth Taylor Powell. He was retired from marble masonry, and was most recently employed with North American Expediting, Pittsburgh, PA. He served in the US Navy, was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, and was a member of the Marble Union and Masonic Lodge in Florida. Following his beloved Marilyn, his grandchildren meant the world to him. His friends and family will remember Mr. Powell most for his love of trains.
Surviving are a son, William Scot Powell of Scotch Plains, NJ; a step daughter, Laura Carter Mann of North Carolina; a stepson, Frank Kuchta; five grandchildren, William Michael Powell, Matthew Scot Powell, Nicole Smith and Amber Carter, and Joseph Kuchta; a brother, James Powell of Saluda; and a sister, Ruth Elvery of Talla-hassee, FL. Predeceased was a daughter, Lisa Josephine Powell Stearman.
A memorial mass will be held Tuesday, Aug. 2, at 10 AM at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church.
Cremation Society of South Carolina.
PAID OBITUARY

Charles O. Prince Sr.

McCORMICK — Charles Odell Prince Sr., 60, of Route 2, Box 102, died Friday, July 29, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood.
Survivors include his wife, Hazel Prince of the home; two daughters, Janice Prince and Shelia Holmes, both of McCormick; three sons, Charlie Prince Jr. of Asheville, N.C., John Prince of McCormick and George Prince of Greenwood; a granddaughter reared in the home, Wileisha Stevens; his father, James C. Prince of McCormick; three brothers, Clarence Prince of Spartanburg, Jesse Prince of Washington, D.C., and Moses Prince of McCormick; two sisters, Mary Ann Sibert of New York and Louise Duncan of McCormick; and five grandchildren.
Services are 2 p.m. Wednesday at Shiloh A.M.E. Church, conducted by the Rev. James Louden III. Burial is in the church cemetery.
No wake is planned.
The family is at the home.
Wright & Jones Funeral Home, Lincolnton, Ga., is in charge.

Annie B. Rucker

Annie B. Rucker, widow of T.L. Rucker, of 403 Milwee Ave., died Monday, Aug. 1, 2005 at University Hospital in Augusta, Ga.
The family is at the home and at the home of Amanda Tompkins, Highway 139, Roy Lane Road, McCormick.
Services will be announced by Parks Funeral Home.

Willie ‘Bill’ Saxon

BROOKLYN, N.Y. — Willie Jessie “Bill” Saxon, 60, died Monday, July 25, 2005 at his home. Born in Greenwood, S.C., he was a son of the late Cornelia and Alexander Saxon. He was employed by the U.S. Postal Service.
Survivors include a daughter, Sophie Kennedy Culbreath and a son, Michael, both of Brooklyn; a grandson; two brothers, Alexander Saxon Jr. of Washington, D.C., and Larnell Saxon of Greenwood; and six sisters, Carrie Newsome of Gilmer, Texas, Annie McCray of Dawson, Ga., Cora, Dorothy, Martha and Mary Saxon, all of Brooklyn.
Services were Monday in Brooklyn.
Announcement courtesy of Parks Funeral Home, Greenwood.