Judge: Bixby trial should
take place in Abbeville County

December 20, 2005

By VIC MacDONALD
Index-Journal regional editor

ABBEVILLE — The second judge to preside over the double murder case of Steven Bixby, accused of shooting two Abbeville County lawmen to death in December 2003, said Monday he thinks the trial should be in Abbeville.
Tenth Circuit Judge Alexander Macaulay took over the case in October. S.C. Supreme Court Chief Justice Jean Toal appointed Macaulay after the death of the original judge, Marc Westbrook, in a traffic wreck in September.
Macaulay presided at a hearing at the Abbeville County Courthouse, the first time he has met in open court with prosecution and defense attorneys. The issue of whether the trial would remain in Abbeville County was left unresolved with Westbrook’s death.
“I met with officers in charge of security for the state. We can have the trial here in Abbeville County,” Macaulay said. “The case itself, it would be better drawing the jury from another county and sending them here.”
Westbrook had ruled previously that another county’s jurors would hear Bixby’s case. Where that jury will come from is still undecided.
Eighth Circuit Solicitor Jerry Peace said Chester, Chesterfield and Lancaster counties have similar demographics to Abbeville and are recommended by the state.
Macaulay gave attorneys until Jan. 6 to give the court their views on the jury question and other issues. The attorneys also have to provide the court sample questionnaires to be submitted to potential jurors.
Macaulay also wants from the attorneys dates for 2006 when they definitely will have conflicts that would prevent the scheduling of Bixby’s trial. Peace said because the Eighth Circuit has four counties with court going all the time he was looking for a trial date with the least impact on the rest of the circuit.
“There is no two-week break (in court) until November,” Peace said, “and I want to try this case long before that.”
Macaulay said the trial date possibly could be set for late spring.
“There’s no time the state can’t do it. It depends on Your Honor,” Peace said. “The first part of March there’s court in just one county, or the first of May.”
“Court administration has made these kinds of cases a priority,” Macaulay said. “The court will work around you. The main thing is, I do want to see that this case is addressed.”
Bixby attorney Bill Nettles said there is “a possibility” that the defense will want Steven Bixby’s co-defendants, mother Rita and father Arthur, to attend their son’s capital murder trial. All three Bixbys are charged with crimes in connection with the shooting deaths of Sheriff’s Sgt. Danny Wilson and constable Donnie Ouzts, who were trying to mediate a land dispute.
The Bixbys reportedly were angry that part of the yard at their home at Union Church Road and S.C. 72 was being taken for a road-widening project.
Ouzts’ relative Myrtle Wilson said Macaulay has the correct view in allowing the trial to remain in Abbeville County. “It’s where (the shootings) took place,” said Wilson, whose husband, William, was Donnie Ouzts’ oldest brother.
She said many people think the jury, also, should be made up of Abbeville County residents. “I guess they feel there’s not enough unbiased people here,” she said. “Having the jury come from another county will be better than this (case) just lingering and lingering.”
The two-year anniversary of the shootings passed just two weeks ago, and another Christmas is approaching.
“It’s been a bad, rough two years. It will be better when it’s over with,” Wilson said. “I know what the family is going through … they’re missing one out of the circle.”
Wilson attended Monday’s hearing because her husband is ill and said she was paying tribute to both lawmen. “I’m glad I don’t have any hard feelings toward those Bixbys,” she said. “It’s not my place to judge them. That’s for the judge and jury.”

Wal-Mart greeter not fired, still says
‘Merry Christmas’ to shoppers at local store

December 20, 2005

By MEGAN VARNER
Index-Journal senior staff writer

Have you heard the one about the Wal-Mart greeter who got fired for wishing customers a “Merry Christmas?”
If you live in the Greenwood area, chances are you have. The story has been passed around homes, businesses and churches in the area with more speed than the proverbial fruitcake, leaving some people outraged that a store would terminate an employee at Christmas for wishing customers a merry one.
Is saying “Merry Christmas” imposing religious beliefs on customers or is the greeter simply exercising his own freedom of speech and religion?
It has the makings of an epic First Amendment court battle or, at least, a tear-jerking movie of the week on a network station.
But the story just isn’t true.
At the center of the rumor is the Rev. Aaron Walker, a Saluda resident whose friendly voice has been bellowing through Wal-Mart’s entrance for about five years — and still does today.
“It’s hard to say what started this rumor. If it were true, I’d be the first one to know,” Walker said Monday as he waved to customers coming into the store. “I wanted to clarify that I am still employed with Wal-Mart, and that we can all go back and cancel the rumor.”
Walker said he was surprised when he heard about the rumor, though it didn’t frighten him into using a different phrase.
“If someone told me that I couldn’t say Merry Christmas, I would quit today,” Walker said. “The will of God is to say Merry Christmas, and we must keep Christ in Christmas. If God is not in it, neither am I.”
Like Walker, Wal-Mart received up to 15 calls a day about the rumor, co-Manager Kevin Roten said. Some people even threatened to return merchandise to the store if the story was true, Walker said.
“It’s completely untrue. Nobody has ever been terminated from this store for (saying Merry Christmas),” Roten said.
In fact, the store even has Merry Christmas banners above one entrance, Roten said.
“As far as we know, there is no reason for this rumor,” Roten said, adding that greeters can welcome customers with whatever greeting they wish, as long as it is not offensive to the customer.
Walker’s booming voice and cheerful spirit have made him one of the more recognizable greeters at the store. It was one of the reasons he was chosen for the position.
“I started out in hardware and paint, and, because of my personality, (my manager) asked me to move to greeter,” Walker, who is a pastor with Fellowship Baptist Church in Columbia, said. “My purpose for being here is to reach everyone who comes through these doors.”
He said most people return his “Merry Christmas” greeting with well wishes of their own or, at the very least, a smile.
“I enjoy seeing the expression on a person’s face when I say ‘Merry Christmas,’” Walker said. “It’s like turning on a light.”
For some customers, such as Brant Bishop, Walker’s greeting is one of the reasons Bishop’s family enjoys shopping at Wal-Mart.
“I had heard the rumor, and it was upsetting, to say the least,” Bishop said. “We look forward to coming in here and hearing ‘Merry Christmas’ or ‘Hello.’”
Bishop manages the Chick-fil-A Drive Thru on Bypass 72, and recent signs in front of the restaurant have read, “We fear God, not the ACLU. Merry Christmas,” and “We bow to God, not to political pressure. Merry Christmas.”
“I think it’s wonderful for (Walker) to say ‘Merry Christmas,’” Bishop said. “It’s not just what he’s saying, but how he says it. The man embodies Christmas.”
Though it has caused some headaches, Walker said he sees a silver lining on this “Christmas” cloud.
“It gives me great pleasure to know we have so many of God’s people in Greenwood and the surrounding counties and that people are willing to stand up for God,” he said. “Behind every storm there is sunshine, and that is the sunshine.”

Hoops teams set for Classic action

December 20, 2005

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

Eight Lakelands area high school basketball teams — four boys squads and four girls teams — are hoping 13 is their lucky number this week.
The 13th Annual Bearcat Christmas Classic gets under way Wednesday at Finis Horne Arena on the campus of Lander University.
Boys and girls teams from Greenwood, Emerald, Calhoun Falls and McCormick will be participating in the event.
“I think our kids get a kick out of playing over at Lander,” Emerald boys coach Robin Scott said.
“It’s just a different atmosphere than playing at the high school. The kids feel like its more of a big-time environment.”
Greenwood boys coach Hob Chandler said the Eagles are also looking forward to the annual Christmas get-together.
“The guys like it because it’s local teams we’ll be playing,” Chandler said. “With the local teams, you get that rivalry flavor going on.”
For Calhoun Falls and coach John Mark Scruggs, playing at Lander gives Blue Flashes fans ample opportunity to see their team play.
“Our gym is a cracker box,” Scruggs said. “When we’re (at Lander) none of our fans get shut out of the gym like they do when we’re at home. We’re excited about it.”
Games start at 4 p.m. Wednesday, as the Lady Vikings take on the Lady Eagles in a matchup of crosstown rivals.
The Emerald girls have gotten off to a fast start with a record of 5-2, though they fell, 47-42, to the Lady Eagles (3-3) Dec. 9.
Lady Vikings coach Anarie Duckett is expecting an intense game in Wednesday’s rematch.
“This is the first time I’ve ever really talked to a team about Greenwood,” Duckett said. “But I have been talking to the girls about this one. We felt we could have won that last game. Our girls know this is an important game.”
The Lady Eagles will need to focus on slowing down Emerald’s one-two scoring punch of center Elizabeth Nicholson and guard/forward Brittany Connor. Nicholson got off to a somewhat slow start this season, but has averaged 19.6 points per game over the last three games.
The Greenwood girls will counter with a small but quick line-up highlighted by guards Ashly Chandler and Vijya Corbett, as well as freshman sharp-shooter Syteria Robinson. Robinson has proven to be a nice compliment to Chandler and Corbett on the wing, even pouring in 24 points, including four 3-pointers, against Saluda Dec. 13.
The second girls game Wednesday will feature another pair of rivals in McCormick and Calhoun Falls, and will tip off at approximately 5:30.
“Calhoun Falls will be well prepared I’m sure, because it is a rivalry game,” Lady Chiefs coach George Edwards said. “All of our girls know their players and they know ours.”
The Lady Chiefs have had early season success and hold a record of 4-1. Calhoun Falls will have its hands full slowing down the Lady Chiefs’ quick and physical guards, Dainese Roberts and Whitney Smalls. Roberts and Smalls have proven adept at gathering steals, quickly starting fastbreaks, and finishing on the offensive end.
“Dainese and Whitney are two of the quickest in the state as far as I’m concerned,” Edwards said. “We need some more production from our inside people. Our girls inside are improving, though.”
The Calhoun Falls girls team has been working hard to adjust to the style of new coach Donald Bolton and has shown improvement throughout the young season. Like McCormick, they also have a tandem of spark plug guards to facilitate their offense in Lacey Brown and Brittany Obot. Both players have the ability to get hot from outside the 3-point arc, and could pose a threat to the Lady Chiefs.
The first boys match-up of the tournament Wednesday is between Calhoun Falls and Greenwood. The game is set to get under way at approximately 7 p.m.
The contest between the Eagles and Blue Flashes will be one of athleticism and quickness. Though it is a game between a Class AAAA school and an A school, expect an up-tempo, closely played game.
Greenwood will need to find a way to slow down the Flashes (2-2) inside-out scoring duo of Monterrio Tatum and Theo Tillman. Tillman, last year’s Lakelands Area Player of the Year, has the strength and leaping ability to battle down low with the taller Greenwood players. Meanwhile, Tatum, and swingman D.J. Roundtree will look to create shots off the dribble and slash to the basket.
“We’re just working on getting better at what we do,” Calhoun Falls coach John Mark Scruggs said. “I know Greenwood has kids that love to play basketball. I think our team is looking forward to playing, as well.”
Greenwood will look to counter with perimeter scoring from Armanti Edwards, who returns after missing last week because of his participation in the Shrine Bowl. Edwards and small froward A.J. Lomax, though streaky at times, can score points in bunches when they are on.
“It will help to have Armanti back,” Chandler said. “He can do a little bit of everything.
Scoring, rebounding, he’s a good ball handler. He is a key contributor.”
The nightcap of Day One of the Classic will be a duel featuring the Emerald and McCormick boys teams.
The Vikings have gotten of to a 7-0 start, which surprised Scott.
“It’s been different,” Scott said. “We didn’t have much practice time because of football going so long. I’ll be interested to see how we do when we really start to gel.”
The Vikings will be without key players Demarco and Kadarron Anderson for the tournament. The brothers will be in Colorado spending Christmas with their father. Emerald may also be without starter Dan Wideman, who is still nursing a sprained ankle he sustained in the North-South All-Star football game.
The absence of three key contributors for Emerald gives McCormick (2-3) an even better opportunity to advance to the championship round. The Chiefs are a post-oriented team, and will look to muscular center Jake Letman and power forward Brandon Cisco to produce the bulk of their scoring.
Emerald will seek to counter McCormick’s inside strength with solid defense from forwards William Taylor and Tavares Gilliam, among others.
Thursday’s games will run on the same timetable as Wednesday’s, with girls games at 4 and 5:30 and boys games at 7 and 8:30.

Opinion

Middle school essayists learn, teach good lesson

December 20, 2005

It’s characteristic for humans to accentuate the negative and eliminate the positive ….. or at least ignore the positive. So, then, when something positive occurs a pat on the back is in order.
Therefore, give a hand to Westview Middle School and Heritage Community Services for sponsoring an essay on sexual abstinence before marriage.
Give the students there a thumbs up, too, for taking it all seriously. Through the effort they’ve learned – or should have learned – a valuable lesson for life ….. one that can save lives. They have learned that premarital sex has consequences and most of the time it’s negative.

STUDENTS WROTE ABOUT not becoming a statistic where sexually transmitted diseases are concerned. Seventh and eighth grade winners were Denzel Anderson and Dustyn Attaway.
Westview Principal Cyndi Storer said, “A lot of students don’t have the courage to stand up and discuss the issues these students brought out in their essays. It takes a lot and it makes a difference when other teens hear their peers take a stand.”
In today’s follow-the-leader world that’s more pertinent than ever. She told the students she was proud of them. So should the rest of Greenwood ….. especially parents.
It’s encouraging to see youngsters learn what can happen to them and others.
Oh, yeah! There’s one other thing. Abstinence is important, too, because it’s the right thing to do. That, too, should be part of the lesson.

Obituaries

Geraldine (Gerri) Ashley Beauford

ABBEVILLE, SC — Geraldine (Gerri) Ashley Beauford, 76, of 293 Edgewood Dr. Abbeville, wife of the late John Beauford, died Monday, December 19, 2005 at her residence. Mrs. Beauford was born in Abbeville County to the late Jason and Addie McClain Ashley. She was an active member of South Side Baptist Church where she was a member of the Friendship Sunday School Class. Mrs. Beauford retired from Fovil Manufacturing Plant and later retired from the Strawberry Patch gift shop.
She was preceded in death by her brother Bug Ashley. Mrs. Beauford was a loving mother, grandmother and friend to all.
Surviving Mrs. Beauford is her son, Johnny Beauford and his wife Susan of Abbeville, a brother, James F. Ashley of Level Land, a sister, Caroline A. Ellis of Antreville, and two grandsons, John Robert Beau-ford and Blake Beauford.
The family will receive friends from 6:00PM to 8:00PM Tuesday (TONIGHT) December 20, 2005 at Harris Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be 2:00PM Wednesday, December 21, 2005 in South Side Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.
Memorial Contributions in memory of Mrs. Beauford may be sent to HospiceCare of the Piedmont 408 W. Alexander St. Greenwood, SC 29646.
Online condolences may be sent to the Beauford family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com
HARRIS FUNERAL HOME, of Abbeville is assisting the Beauford family.
PAID OBITUARY

Joe Brewer

STARR — Joseph Dwayne Brewer, 29, of Opry House Road, died Saturday, Dec. 17, 2005 at his home.
Born in Greenwood, he was a son of Mr. and Mrs. Tim Brooks Brewer Sr. and Gloria Gonzalez. He attended Westside High School and was employed at Orian Rugs of Anderson.
Survivors include his father and stepmother, Vickie of Anderson; his mother of Indianapolis; a son, William Jacob Joseph Brewer of the home; a daughter, Hannah Shai Brewer of Anderson; a brother, Tim Brooks Brewer Jr. of Anderson; two sisters, Chrissy Brewer of Anderson and Nita Brewer of Indianapolis; stepfather, Jack Brady of Anderson; and grandmother, Mattie Brewer of Greenwood.
Services are 11 a.m. Wednesday at McDougald Funeral Home, Anderson, conducted by the Rev. Bobby Smith. Burial is in Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Anderson.
Visitation is 6-8 tonight at the funeral home.
The family is at the home of a brother, Tim Brewer, 111 Springhill Drive, Anderson.
The McDougald Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com

Bud Crawford

SALUDA, SC — Ernest Barron “Bud” Crawford, 75, of 124 W. Wheeler Circle, died Sunday, December 18, 2005, at Saluda Nursing Center.
A native of Saluda, and a son of the late Gary Coleman and Allie Adams Crawford, he was the husband of the late Rosa Mae Rushton Crawford. Mr. Crawford retired from the Saluda County Tax Assessor Office. He was a member of Red Bank Baptist Church and an avid outdoorsman.
Surviving is a daughter and son in-law, Bonnie C. and Paul S. Bartley of Saluda and two grandchildren, James Barron Kesler and Melynda Rose Kesler.
Funeral services will be 2PM, Tuesday, December 20, 2005 at Red Bank Baptist Church with the Rev. Gary Romines offi-ciating. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2PM in the church social hall. Interment will follow at Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery.
Memorial may be made to Red Bank Baptist Church, 309 E. Church St., Saluda, SC 29138 or to Saluda Nursing Center, P.O. Box 398, Saluda, SC 29138.
PAID OBITUARY

Julia Ann Hill

Julia Ann Hill, 91, of 116 White Hall Road, widow of Bobby T. Hill, died Sunday, Dec. 18, 2005 at her home.
Born in McCormick County, she was a daughter of the late Gus and Martha Nobles Quarles. She was a member of Springfield Baptist Church, Edgefield County, Springfield Burial Aid Society, Mount Pisgah Order of the Eastern Star No. 418, Heroines of Jericho Mount Moriah No. 31 and a former member of Bailey Bethel A.M.E. Senior Choir.
Survivors include four sons, Jasper Hill and Thomas Hill, both of Promised Land, Clifford Hill of Greenwood and David Hill of Baltimore; four daughters, Mamie Lue Gilchrist of McCormick, Julia Mae Holiday of Manning, Bertha Culver and Bettie Hill, both of Philadelphia; a stepdaughter, Louise Tolbert of Greenwood; a brother, Otis Newson of Philadelphia; two sisters, Martha Edwards of Troy and Bertha Mathis of Philadelphia; 12 grandchildren; four step-grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; seven step-great-grandchildren; and eight step-great-great-grandchildren.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home.

John Henry Morgan

NEW YORK CITY — John Henry “Jack” Morgan, 96, died Wednesday, Dec. 14, 2005 at St. Luke Roosevelt Hospital.
Born in Chase City, Va., he was a son of the late George and Viola Lieyel Morgan. He was a retired employee of the Brooklyn Navy Yard.
Survivors include his wife, Willie Mae Coleman Morgan of the home; a grandson reared in the home, Prince Nyheim Morgan of Albany; eight grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and four great-great-grandchildren.
Services are 1 p.m. Wednesday at Butler & Sons Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Johnny C. Gantt. Burial is in Mount Enon Baptist Church Cemetery, Saluda.
Butler & Sons Funeral Home, Saluda, S.C., is in charge.

Marcella Mundy

GREENWOOD — Marcella Anderson Cox Mundy, 79, resident of 118 Woodhaven Court, widow of Albert Carroll Mundy, went to celebrate her first Christmas with her Lord and Savior December 18, 2005.
Born in Greenwood County, December 20, 1925, she was a daughter of the late George H. Anderson, Sr. and Mary Stockman Anderson Jamros. She was reared in the home of her grandmother, Lila W. Anderson. A 1943 graduate of Greenwood High School, she attended the Greenwood College of Commerce and was retired from Parke-Davis and Professional Medical Products.
A member of West Side Baptist Church and the Fidelis Sunday School Class, she was also a member of the Callie Self Chapter #199 of the Order of the Eastern Star. She was a former member of the V.F.W. and the Self Regional Medical Center Auxiliary. Marcella was a loving and caring mother, grandmother and great-grandmother and was loved by all who knew her. She was twice married, first to the late Roy E. Cox, Sr.
Surviving are a son, Roy E. “Sonny” Jr. and wife Louise Cox of Greenwood and two daughters, Debra Cox Bagwell and Virginia C. and husband Jimmy Cobb, all of Greenwood. A brother, Joey Jamros of Greenwood. Eight grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. A special friend, Meredith Driggers of Greenwood. She was predeceased by brothers, George H. Anderson and Jack Anderson and a sister, Barbara A. Burnett.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM Wednesday at West Side Baptist Church with Rev. Hal Lane, Michael A. Butler and Merlin Beiler officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Josh Brooks, Adam Vinson, Ricky Tucker, Jason Bagwell, Robbie Sweezy, Jimmy Cobb, Jr. and Travis Cox.
Honorary escort will be Deacons of West Side Baptist Church and members of the Fidelis Sunday School Class along with George Massey, L.D. “Shorty” Adams, Boyce “Butch” Banks, Bobby Burdette, Bobby Bell, Troy Davis, Jack Latham, Stan Elrod, Tom Gentry and Steve and Linda Rhodes.
The body is at Blyth Funeral Home and will be placed in the church at 1:00 PM Wednesday.
The family is at the home of a granddaughter, Kellie and husband Robbie Sweezy, 116 Pine Circle in Lakewood Heights and will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 to 8:00 Tuesday evening.
Memorials may be made to West Side Baptist Church, PO Box 216, Greenwood, SC 29648.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Mundy family.
PAID OBITUARY

Jennie Skelton

GREENWOOD — Jennie Campbell Skelton, 78, resident of Morningside and 214 Bowles Ave., widow of Ira Gordon Skelton, died December 19, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Greer, August 24, 1927, she was a daughter of the late Morris Connelly and Janie Louise Simmons Campbell. She was a graduate of Parker High School and was retired from Greenwood Commissioners of Public Works. She was also employed part-time by the Vogue.
A member of South Main Street Baptist Church and the Augusta Nichols Sunday School Class, she was a former choir member, nursery worker and kitchen volunteer of the church. She was a member and past president of Pilot International, Greenwood Chapter and was a former member of the Jayceettes.
Surviving are two sons, Ira Steven Skelton of Columbia and Morris Daniel Skelton of Piedmont; a daughter, Jeannie Anne and husband Overton Tucker Chambers of Highlands, NC; a sister, Joyce C. and husband Joe Bearden of Greenville; three brothers, Morris C. and wife Margie Campbell and Marion “Doc” Campbell, all of Greenville, John Michael and wife Lois Campbell of Norfolk, VA; four grandchildren, Erin F. and husband Travis Britt of Hodges, Susan Melanie Floyd of Cullowhee, NC, Royce and Adam Chambers of Yorktown, VA; two great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn and Lydia Britt.
Funeral services will be conducted at 3:30 Wednesday afternoon at South Main Street Baptist Church with Rev. Ryan Eklund and Rev. Richard McWhite officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Dan Wideman, Joe Bearden, Travis Britt, Christopher Bloomingbird, John Campbell, Dan Hembree and Tom Jordan.
Honorary escort will be members of the Augusta Nichols Sunday School Class along with Dr. Russell Hall, Thomas Jordan, Tanner Jordan, Taylor Jordan and Tony Chambers.
The body is at Blyth Funeral Home and will be placed in the church at 1:30 Wednesday afternoon.
The family is at the home on Bowles Avenue and will receive friends at the church from 2 to 3:30 Wednesday afternoon.
Memorials may be made to South Main Street Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 1093, Greenwood, SC 29648 or to Pilot International, c/o Becky Sumerel, 156 Effie Drive, Greenwood, SC 29649.
For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
BLYTH FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES IS IN CHARGE OF ARRANGEMENTS.
PAID OBITUARY

David Walker

HODGES — David Walker, 75, of Lot 4, Nation Road, died Sunday, Dec. 18, 2005 at his home.
Born in Greenwood County, he was a son of the late Isaac Walker Sr. and Elizabeth Posey Walker. He was a former employee of Riegel Mill and later worked as a carpenter.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley Anty Walker of Ware Shoals; two sons, Bobby Ray Walker of Anderson and David Timothy Walker of Ware Shoals; a daughter, Crystal Walker of Ware Shoals; a brother, Isaac Walker Jr. of Ware Shoals; three sisters, Elizabeth Walker and Ida Mae Walker, both of Ware Shoals and Bessie Lee Mays of Hodges; and seven grandchildren.
Services are at noon Wednesday at Robinson-Walker Funeral Service, conducted by the Rev. James F. Davis III. Burial is in Dunn Creek Baptist Church Cemetery, Ware Shoals.
Viewing starts at noon today at the funeral home.
Visitation is 11-12 Wednesday at the funeral home.
The family is home of his wife, Shirley Walker, 5-D Shoals Pointe Apartments, Ware Shoals.
Robinson-Walker Funeral Service, Ware Shoals, is in charge.

Earle Whitlock

Colie Earle Whitlock, of 108 Orchard Park Drive, husband of Helen Whitlock and widower of Mildred Snelling Whitlock, died Monday, Dec. 19, 2005 at Richard M. Campbell Veterans Nursing Home in Anderson.
Visitation is 6-8 tonight at Harley Funeral Home.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Harley Funeral Home.