Recipe for love

Three Cs help local couple work, live together

February 14, 2005

By MEGAN VARNER
Index-Journal staff writer

Operating a business with your spouse can be a difficult and stressful adventure for any husband and wife.
But one Greenwood couple says they have the recipe for a successful “marriage” of business and family relationships – a little compromise, communication and consideration.
“We actually wrote consideration of each other into our marriage vows,” said The Office Supply Center owner Patricia Rickenbaker, who works alongside her husband Frank Williams in the Greenwood store each day. “Consideration is a very big key in our relationship in marriage and in business.”
Williams and Rickenbaker, who opened the supply store in April 1981, were married in April 1978, after dating for more than a year.
Williams, a Texas native who moved to Greenwood from Laurens in 1977, and Rickenbaker, a Newnan, Ga., native who has lived in Greenwood since 1974, first met through mutual friends. At the time, both Williams and Rickenbaker were going through divorces, and Williams said he waited nearly a year before asking Rickenbaker on a date.
For their first date, the couple decided to go out for an evening of dining and dancing in Greenville, and Rickenbaker said it didn’t take her long to realize she was in love.
“We definitely knew we were in trouble by the first date,” she said, laughing.
Williams said the two were “basically inseparable” after that first date, but he said the idea of marriage made them nervous.
“We were both pretty afraid of getting married again, but when we had dated about six months, we knew we would have to do it again,” he said.
He proposed to Rickenbaker while the two were on a visit to her parents’ house in Newnan.
“Her father came out of a bedroom with a shotgun and asked me when I was going to marry his daughter,” Williams said, laughing. “That was his idea of a joke. We knew marriage was coming, but he probably sped it up a little.”
When they opened The Office Supply Center, Williams operated the business while Rickenbaker worked for Professional Medical Products in Greenwood. After work, Rickenbaker would come home to eat with Williams and their 1-year-old daughter Anna, before the three would return to the office store for a few more hours.
“It was wild when we started the business. I would come home from Professional Medical to eat supper and get the baby and we would come back to the store to stock shelves,” she said. “It was hard.”
In the late 1980s, Rickenbaker left Professional Medical Products and bought the office store for herself. She and Williams have been working together in the store ever since, and although there can be difficult days, they said working with a spouse definitely has benefits.
“You get to share your whole life together,” Rickenbaker said. “And rather than coming home and fussing about your boss to your spouse, who doesn’t really understand what you’re going through, we are able to deeply understand each other.”
Williams added that spending time in the business world with his wife has allowed him to see a different side of her.
“You get to see qualities of your spouse other than just marriage,” he said. “A lot of people don’t get to see how their mates interact in a work environment.”
Rickenbaker said their work life and family life often blend together, and the two can usually be heard discussing business plans and strategies while getting ready for work, driving in the car or even sitting at the dinner table.
“When we started, we thought we would always leave the business at work when we went home, but that has never happened,” she said, laughing. “It’s with you constantly – it’s another child.”
But Williams said the two seldom argue over business – whether at home or at work – because they communicate well and listen to each other’s suggestions.
“There are tough times, but it’s not vindictive, and any major decision gets bounced off the other,” he said. “Even if we do disagree, it’s always a discussion.”

Megan Varner covers general assignments in Greenwood and the Lakelands. She can be reached at 223-1811, ext. 3308, or: mvarner@indexjournal.com

Lander remains perfect

February 14, 2005

By MICHAEL STONE
Index-Journal sports editor

It only took one batter Sunday for the Lander University baseball team to get rolling Sunday.
Leadoff batter Jonathan Myers homered to left to start the bottom of the first, sparking a 10-run inning as the Bearcats improved to 7-0 on the season with a 13-5 victory against visiting Alderson Broadus.
Eight of Lander’s nine starters got hits in the first inning, and two — Myers and James Campo — had two hits in the inning.
The home run was the first extra-base hit of the season for the starting center fielder, more known for his speed than his power.
“I knew I got the barrel of the bat on it, and I started running because I thought it was going to be in the gap,” Myers, an Abbeville High School graduate, said. “I didn’t think it was going to go out.”
Myers was one of four Bearcats to finish with two RBIs as the team continues to pound opposing pitching.
Through seven games, Lander has scored 75 runs while giving up just 22.
Lander coach Mike McGuire said Myers gave the Bearcats a spark, and added that several players have been making sure the offense is producing.
“We hit the ball well all weekend and, as a whole, played great defense,” McGuire said. “Our pitching was sporadic, but David (Wilson) did a good job today.
“This is the deepest team I’ve had here, which you can see by how many players (17) I used.”

Opinion

Blaming teachers unfair in debate over improving

February 14, 2005

In the continuous finger pointing that has come to define the debate over the Put Parents in Charge school proposal made by Gov. Mark Sanford, some South Carolinians may wonder which side is telling the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth. In one word, there’s a lot of “obfuscation” going on.
No doubt there are other questions, too, about the proposal that would have the state give tax credits to parents that send their children to private or religious schools. Some home schooling also would qualify.
By and large, the education establishment opposes the idea, as do others.
That includes the S. C. Education Association, the S. C. School Board Association, and the S. C. Association of School Administrators. Many lawmakers and parents also oppose it.

THOSE FAVORING THE proposal include, of course, the Sanford Administration, much of the Legislative leadership, other lawmakers and many parents.
Quite often, when the quality of education is discussed, some people are quick to blame teachers for the problems. However, looking at new ways of educating is not an indictment of teachers. It does, though, allow exploring new ideas for better tools to help them make their jobs more satisfying and rewarding.
For some people, it’s easy to blame teachers. That’s totally unfair, though. Most teachers are inundated with paperwork, babysitting and rules and regulations cranked out by bureaucrats.

THAT’S PARTICULARLY true with the mandates coming out of Washington. Bureaucrats who form them often appear to have no clue about what works and doesn’t work, what’s needed and what’s not. Disciplining unruly students? Teachers’ hands are all but tied. It’s amazing we have as many good teachers as we do. Unless things change, it will be surprising if we keep them, considering what we pile on their plates.
It would be refreshing if those who disagree over provisions of Put Parents in Charge would, once in a while, ask what’s best for our children. Considering possible improvements in education and being willing to consider if improvements can be made should be routine.
Put Parents in Charge arguments, though, aren’t encouraging. It seems too many people want to talk and too few want to listen.

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

Obituaries

Claude ‘Ray’ Butler

McCORMICK — Claude “Ray” Butler, 54, of Highway 28, husband of Kathryne “Kitty” Percival Butler, died Saturday, Feb. 12, 2005 at the Medical College of Georgia.
Born in McCormick, he was a son of Claude Jennes and Jacqueline Norman Butler. He was a lifelong resident of McCormick and a member of Buffalo Baptist Church and the Cattleman’s Assoc.
Survivors include his wife and son, Claude Byron Butler of the home.
Services are 3 p.m. Tuesday at Buffalo Baptist Church, conducted by the Revs. Ryan Eklund and Bruce Codey.
Burial is in the McCormick City Cemetery.
Pallbearers are Roger Edwards, Sammy Butler, Ricky Butler, David Brewer, Billy Lothridge and Kevin Bentley.
Honorary escorts are Joe Willis, Wesley Quarles, Stanley Wheatley and Jimmy Smith.
Visitation is 1-3 Tuesday at Buffalo Baptist Church.
The family is at the home and the home of his parents on Highway 10.
Memorials may be made to the Buffalo Baptist Church Land Fund or to the Cattleman’s Assoc. Youth Education.
Strom Funeral Home is in charge.

William E. Hughes Jr.

Entered into eternal rest on the evening of February 12, 2005, William (Bill) E. Hughes Jr., husband of Holli Hoffman Hughes, of Mt. Pleasant, SC. The Relatives and Friends of Mr. and Mrs. Bill Hughes are invited to attend the Funeral Services of the former Wednesday morning, February 16, 2005 in St. Andrews Episcopal Church at 10:30 o’clock. Interment will follow in Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens. Friends may call Tuesday evening at J. HENRY STUHR, INC., MOUNT PLEASANT CHAPEL from 6:00 TO 8:00.
Mr. Hughes was born on May 12, 1962, in Hinesville, GA, son of William E. Hughes and Sarah Sanders Hughes Daley. He worked at the Wando Ports Authority as a stevedore supervisor with APM Terminals. Bill was a member of St. Andrews Episcopal Church. He was a graduate of Porter-Gaud and attended USC. Bill was a member of NRA, Ducks Unlimited, Quail Unlimited and East Cooper Out-board Motor Club.
Surviving are his wife, Holli Hoffman Hughes of Mt. Pleasant, SC; a son, William E. Hughes, III, 11 years old, of Mt. Pleasant, SC; a daughter, Riley Grace Hughes, 4 years old, of Mt. Pleasant, SC; his father, William E. Hughes and wife Hazel of Greenwood, SC; his mother, Sarah Sanders Hughes Daley and husband Bill of Mt. Pleasant, SC; two brothers, Dr. Thomas Sanders Hughes and wife Lisa of Mt. Pleasant, SC and Rev. Allen Chaplin Hughes and wife Louise Asbury Seminary, Wilmore, Ky.; his maternal grandfather, Thomas D. “Tommy” Sanders of Mt. Pleasant, SC; cousins, nieces and nephews and several step siblings.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 440 Whilden Street, Mt. Pleasant, SC 29464.
A memorial message may be sent to the family by visiting the Stuhr website at www.jhenrystuhr.com PAID OBITUARY

Ernest L. Myers Jr.

ROCK HILL — Ernest L. Byers Jr., 74, of 127 Murrah Drive, died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2005 at his home.
Born in Rock Hill, he was a son of the late Mamie Marquard Byers Dailey and Ernest L. Byers Sr. and was a graduate of Calhoun Falls High School. He was formerly employed as an insurance salesman with Liberty Life Insurance Co. and United Life and was later self-employed in the cleaning services industry.
Survivors include two sons, Barry D. Byers and Bradley D. Byers, both of Rock Hill; two daughters, Gayla Williams and Kim B. Smith, both of Rock Hill; a brother, C. Eugene Byars of Columbia; eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.
A memorial service is 1 p.m. Tuesday at Greene Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. William Shytle.
Visitation is 7-8:30 tonight at Greene Funeral Home and other times at the home of Bud and Kim Smith, 2885 Lake Wylie Drive, Rock Hill.
Memorials may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1131, Fairfax, Va. 22038 or to the charity of one’s choice.
Greene Funeral Home is in charge.

Don ‘Pete’ Porter

HONEA PATH — Don Bruce “Pete” Porter, 56, of 116 Porter Road, died Sunday, Feb. 13, 2005 at his home.
Born in Laurens County, he was a son of the late Henry Jacob Porter and Nettie Brooks Porter. He was a member of Ware Shoals Full Gospel Tabernacle and a former employee of Riegel Textile Corp.
Survivors include four sons, Jacob Bruce Porter of Hickory Tavern, Don Bruce Porter Jr. of Princeton, Derick Cole Porter of Honea Path and Daniel Austin Porter of Cross Anchor; a daughter, Nikki Maranda Porter of Cross Anchor; two brothers, James M. Porter of Honea Path and Cecil M. Porter of Easley; six sisters, Lois Ridgeway of Piedmont, Frances Clark and Margaret Crane, both of Honea Path, Ethel Banks of Ninety Six, Nancy Bryant of Hickory Tavern and Betty Davenport of Ware Shoals; and three grandchildren. He was formerly married to Tammy Porter of Honea Path.
Services are 2 p.m. Tuesday at Ware Shoals Full Gospel Tabernacle, conducted by the Revs. Calvin Branch, Terry Wilson and Mr. Charles ManWaring. The body will be placed in the church at 1. Burial is in Ware Shoals Cemetery.
Visitation is 6-8 tonight at Parker-White Funeral Home.
The family is at the home.
Parker-White Funeral Home, Ware Shoals, is in charge.

Robert Templin

Robert LeRoy Templin, 86, resident of 229 Autumn Trace, husband of Lalla Green Templin, died February 13, 2005 at the Anderson Area Medical Center. Born in Muncie, Indiana, March 23, 1918, he was a son of the late LeRoy Edgar and Sarah Davisson Templin.
Mr. Templin was educated in the Muncie public schools and attended Ball State Teacher’s College. He proudly served his country and was wounded in action in September of 1944 at Mont Toulon, France while serving as a captain in the 80th Infantry Division of the U.S. Army. He was an insurance agent for many years after becoming a resident of Camden and later became general manager of the Camden Y.M.C.A.
Mr. Templin served his community and church in numerous capacities throughout the majority of his adult life in Camden and later in Columbia and Greenwood. While in Camden he served as President of the Camden Jaycees and as Chairman of the Camden Civil Defense Council. He was also a member and served on the Board of Directors of the Camden Kiwanis Club and also served on the Board of Directors of the Camden Y.M.C.A. He was a member of Lyttleton Street United Methodist Church where he served as Sunday school teacher, Chairman of the Permanent Building Committee and as Vice Chairman of the Board of Stewards. After becoming a resident of Columbia he was a member of Shandon United Methodist Church where he continued to teach in the Sunday school department. After moving to Greenwood in 2000, he became a member of Greenwood First Presbyterian Church.
Surviving in addition to his beloved wife are a daughter, Mary Anne T. Wilson and son-in-law, Richard W. Wilson of Greenwood; a son, Robert Davisson Templin and daughter-in-law, Harriett W. Templin of Westminster; four grandchildren, Dr. Ben T. Rigby and wife Jennifer Rigby, Betsey Blimline and husband, Richard Blimline, Dave Templin and Meg Templin and several nieces and nephews who were very dear to him and his honorary adopted children, Frank and Dorothy Heckendorn.
Cryptside services will be conducted at Greenlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum in Columbia at 3:00 p.m. Tuesday with Rev. George Wilson officiating.
Pallbearers will be Dave Watson, Frank Heckendorn, Robert Davisson Templin, Jr., Ben Rigby, Richard W. Wilson, Jr. and Richard Blimline. The body is at Blyth Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 Monday evening.
The family is at the home of Mary Anne and Richard Wilson, 226 Deer Run Lane in Lodge Grounds.
In lieu of flowers the family request that memorials be made to a Y.M.C.A. of one’s choice.
For additional information please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
BLYTH FUNERAL HOME, GREENWOOD, IS ASSISTING THE TEMPLIN FAMILY.
PAID OBITUARY