Fire stole local family’s home, but not years of memories

January 14, 2005

By SHAVONNE POTTS
Index-Journal staff writer

Imagine a home where Sundays are for family dinners and the holidays are a time when the entire family sits around the table sharing memories.
For the Redrick family, there will be no more Sunday dinners with the family.
In November, the family’s more than 100-year-old home was destroyed in an unexplained fire.
“It’s very hard on the grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For them, all of their memories had been given to them through that house,” Kaye Redrick said.
When the house burned, she said, the neighbors who had lived in the area cried.
The house belonged to the parents of Redrick’s ex-husband, Russell.
Dr. Walter R. Redrick and his wife Bertha, who everyone referred to as Nanny, moved to the area from Union by way of Kentucky in 1954.
Dr. Redrick had hopes of using the home as a clinic, but his health became bad, Kaye Redrick said.
Nanny, who was a school dietitian for 27 years, worked and took care of her husband.
She soon retired to take care of him until he died in 1978. She passed away in September 2004.
“All of the children would run next door to go to Nanny’s house and she would give them something,” Redrick said.
As the only granddaughter, Bertha Christine “Tina” Greer, named after her grandmother, was given the house after Nanny died.
She recalled being at the house and sleeping in her grandfather’s bed at his feet.
Greer said as a child she always liked sleeping in her granddaddy’s bed.
Holiday and Sunday dinners were special since the family got to use the “gold silverware,” she said.
“I went to visit my Nanny all of the time. It’s been a real time,” she said of the fire.
Greer was away in Clinton when the house on Pumphouse Road caught fire, but she returned to see it engulfed.
Although she would love to rebuild the home, Greer said she really doesn’t have the financial means to rebuild.
“The Lakeview Baptist Church bought me a mobile home,” she said.
Greer and her sons lost everything in the fire and are now trying to make sense of the loss. She recently lost one of three sons, who died Nov. 6.
“It was a home that everyone in the neighborhood would come and could be themselves,” said Joseph Brooks, Greer’s son.
Brooks, 20, said he always knew that when he went to the house that Nanny would be there to help everyone with their problems.

Shavonne Potts covers general assignments in Greenwood and the Lakelands. She can be reached at 223-1811, ext. 3306, or: spotts@indexjournal.com.

Not so heavy weight issues

Counting calories isn’t at top of priority list for area heavyweight wrestlers

January 14, 2005

By RON COX
Index-Journal sports writer

Sometimes, it’s good to be the big guy. Especially on a high school wrestling team.
Yes, they may have problems finding the right uniform or warm-ups to fit properly, but at least they don’t have to take long runs before a match to make weight like the smaller guys do.
Heavyweights might be the only wrestlers that the coach might ask the student-athlete to eat an extra cheeseburger instead of running an extra mile, as long as his weight doesn’t exceed 275 pounds.
“They (heavyweights) don’t really have to worry too much about what they eat,” said Greenwood High School wrestling coach Greg Brewer, who wrestled as a heavyweight in high school and college.
Brewer doesn’t have to concern himself with the food intake of his two heavyweights, senior Bryan Varner and junior Jamar Crawford, both of whom are competing in the heaviest weight class for the first time.
At 260 pounds, Crawford doesn’t fancy himself a big eater, thanks in some small part to his after-school job.
“I work at Burger King, and since I started working there, it’s hard to pick what food I want to eat,” said Crawford, who was a defensive tackle for the Eagles’ football team. “I see so much food that I kind of get sick of it.”
However, Crawford’s heavyweight-mate has the luxury of eating as much as he likes.
After wrestling at 189 as a sophomore, Varner didn’t wrestle as a junior, using the winter to bulk up for football, where he played on the defensive line for the Eagles. However, he overdid it a little, reaching the 240s.
Now, Varner has to overindulge in order to maintain his 245-pound weight.
“I eat a lot of meat and a lot of potatoes,” Varner said. “It’s a lot of fattening foods. I usually eat three meals, but they’re usually pretty big.”
After the Eagles’ match with Easley Monday, Varner knocked down five chalupas and two burritos at Taco Bell. Then he followed that up the next morning with six Eggo waffles.
In a tournament earlier this season, Varner went to McDonalds and whoofed down three Big Macs and two McRibs, which won him a McFlurry on a bet with the restaurant’s manager.
“A guy cutting weight may not eat that much food in a week,” Brewer said.
Emerald senior Vicenti Wright, unlike Varner and most other heavyweights, has to keep a close eye on the scale.
This is Wright’s first season as a varsity wrestler. He missed out last season because he weighed 340 pounds after football season and couldn’t get down to 275.
But Wright made it a point not to miss his final chance at wrestling. The senior weighed 315 pounds during football season and cut his weight to 270 four weeks after the Vikings’ were knocked out of the playoffs.
“You have to be real disciplined,” Wright said. “But I knew I wanted it enough, because I knew I’d have the potential to have a good season if I could just make weight.
“Instead of eating what I want to eat after practice, I’ll eat fruits or vegetables.”
Despite the weight watching, Wright does allow himself a one-day-a-week food feast. He said this week’s splurge ended with two fried chicken sandwiches and a “whole bunch” of French fries and a two-liter of soft drink (not diet).
But what the big boys don’t have to deal with in weight management, they more than make up for in strength training.
“You have to be strong,” Wright said. “And you have to be sound in your technique. We have to position ourselves differently than the smaller weights do.
“We have to make sure our weight is more balanced. So, that we can take a shot and still stay in position.”
And with the added strength needed for a heavyweight, the larger wrestler also must attack his opponent differently than those in lighter weightclasses.
“You have to use their power against them,” Brewer said. “If they try to bully into you, you have to counter. And you don’t shoot for the legs as much as the smaller weights do, because if you do, you can end up with 260 pounds on your neck.”
Varner, often wrestling opponents that are 25 pounds heavier than he is, has to rely on his stamina and brain instead of just his muscles.
“There are moves I can’t do now that I’m a heavyweight that I did when I was 189,” Varner said. “I think the advantage I have in wrestling heavyweight is my endurance. If it goes into the third round, I’ll have an advantage.”

Ron Cox covers prep sports for The Index-Journal. He can be reached at: ronc@indexjournal.com

Opinion

Observations ... on world events

January 14, 2005

Violence is nothing new to Iraq. That country has been a part of a centuries-old conflict in the Middle East where Arabs and Muslims have focused on eliminating the nation of Israel since it was established in the 1940s. Actually, the conflict goes back to biblical days and the hatred in the region is rampant. Now the world seeks peace there. It won’t happen, ever, unless there is a worldwide unified approach to solving the problem that has defied solutions. Iraq is a start. A stable Iraq could be the catalyst needed for Middle East peace ….. finally.
Meanwhile, the opportunity slips further away with every day of inaction by countries that say they want peace but do nothing to bring it about.

* * * * *

U. S. foreign aid is a repugnant issue for many Americans, including a lot of people in South Carolina. They don’t object to sending aid where it is needed. In fact, they are always ready to help people who are starving or hurting or facing some other kind of setback such as the recent tidal wave that killed thousands in Southern and Southeastern Asia.
Many do object, though, to sending millions of dollars, military equipment and expertise to nations that snub their noses at anything American. When we see American aid turned into attacks on America, they draw the line.
They are right, too.

* * * * *

Russia’s President Vladimir Putin has gone backwards in his nation’s move toward a more open society. In fact, Freedom House, a human rights advisory group, has changed its listing on Russia, downgrading its status from “partly free” to “unfree.”
Why? For starters, it cites the “flawed nature of the country’s parliamentary elections in December 2003 and presidential elections in 2004, the further consolidation of state control of the media, and the imposition of official curbs on opposition political parties and groups.”
Putin hasn’t proved his dedication to a free society. He has, however, shown a remarkable tendency to tighten the screws on his own people and to consolidate his own power.
It’s a good example of what’s old is new again. It’s also a lesson for the rest of the world. That is, if we don’t learn from history we are doomed to repeat it. Russia is beginning to look a lot like its old self, the one dominated by secret police.

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

Obituaries

Ashber Anderson Sr.

HODGES — Ashber Anderson Sr., 99, widower of Blanche Jones Anderson, of National Healthcare, Laurens, died Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005.
Born in Greenwood, he was a son of the late Walter and Maggie Aaron Anderson. He was a machine operator in textiles and a member of Good Hope Baptist Church.
Survivors include three sons, Ashber Anderson Jr. of Hodges, Milton Edward Anderson of Abbeville and Barron Tallie Anderson of Detroit; two daughters, Telitha Etoid Morgan of Hodges and Lillie Ree Wright of Hodges; and 17 grandchildren.
The family is at 4316 Cokesbury Road.
Services will be announced by Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home.

Samuel E. Ferguson, Jr.

ABBEVILLE – Samuel E. Ferguson, Jr., 83, of 212 Ellis Ave. husband of the late Annie Louise Ferguson, of Abbeville died Wednesday, January 12, 2005 at the Richard E. Campbell Nursing Home. Mr. Ferguson was born in Abbeville to the late Samuel E. and Susan Elizabeth Bonds Ferguson, Sr.
He was a retired textile worker and security guard. Mr. Ferguson served in the United States Navy in WWII and was of the Baptist faith.
Mr. Ferguson was preceded in death by two sons, James Allen Davis and Harold D. Ferguson, and a daughter, Sandra Seawright Phillips.
Surviving Mr, Ferguson is his son, Carold L. Ferguson and his wife Janice of Abbeville, a sister, Susan E. Stockman of Greenwood, nine grandchildren, and six great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 6:00PM to 8:00PM, Friday, January 14, 2005 (TONIGHT) at Harris Funeral Home. Funeral Services conducted by Rev. James Long will be 11:00AM Saturday, January 15, 2005 in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in Melrose Cemetery. The family is at the home of Carold and Janice Ferguson 3988 Hwy 28N Abbeville.
Online condolences may be sent to the Ferguson family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com
HARRIS FUNERAL HOME, of Abbeville is assisting the Ferguson family.
PAID OBITUARY

James Wilson Gray Sr.

James Wilson Gray Sr., 74, husband of Julia Edwards Gray, of 132 Watson St., died Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Abbeville County, he was a son of the late Willie Pat and Rosa Bell Brown Gray. He was a retiree of Parke-Davis and a self-employed contractor. A member of Dunham Temple C.M.E. Church, he was formerly of the Gospel Jubilee and the Gray Family Singers.
Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, James Gray Jr. of Columbia and Calvin Gray of Kershaw; six daughters, Juliette Williams of Ninety Six, Juliana Patten, Vickie Lynn Callaham, Linda G. Reid, Renee Williams and Doris Burton, all of Greenwood; a brother, James Henry Williams of Atlanta; a sister, Annie Laura Statom of Abbeville; 18 grandchildren, four reared in the home, Crystal N. Callaham, Diandra D. Reid, Courtenay D. Reid and Cory D. Reid; and 13 great-grandchildren.
The family is at the home of a daughter Juliana Patten, 130 Watson St.
Services will be announced by Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home.

David Mazzie

David Richard Mazzie, 48, of 203 Willowbrook Drive, husband of Lorraine DeDalis Mazzie, died Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Detroit, he was a son of Carmen Mazzie Jr. and Lorelei Cook Mazzie. He was an employee of Sanders Electric Co.
Survivors include his wife of the home; his parents of Orlando, Fla.; four sons, Brian DeDalis, Mark Mazzie, Michael Mazzie and David J. Mazzie, all of Greenwood; two sisters, Debbie Mazzie and Daralynn Mazzie, both of Orlando; and four grandchildren.
There will be no service.
Harley Funeral Home is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harleyfuneralhome.com

Daniel J. Miller

HONEA PATH — Daniel J. Miller, 82, of 104 W. Greer St., husband of Ruby Mast Miller, died Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005 at his home.
Born in Holmes County, Ohio, he was a son of the late Joe and Mary Wengard Miller. He was a retired carpenter and farmer and a member of Whispering Pines Mennonite Church.
Survivors include his wife of the home; four sons, Clarence Miller and Joseph Miller, both of Belton, Howard Miller of Cannelburg, Ind., and Marlin Miller of Fairbanks, Alaska; a brother, William Abner Miller of Vero Beach, Fla.; three sisters, Malinda Miller of Geneva, Penn., Susanne Schrock of Prattsburg, N.Y., and Mary Miller of Orwell, Ohio; 10 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren.
Services are 10 a.m. Monday at Whispering Pines Mennonite Church, conducted by the Revs. Reuben Miller, Samuel Mast, Myron Mullet and Joe Hershberger. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Visitation is 6-8 Saturday at Pruitt Funeral Home and 6-8 Sunday at the church.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to Rio Grande Gospel Mission, c/o Whispering Pines Mennonite Church, 7085 Highway 20, Honea Path, SC 29654.
Pruitt Funeral Home is in charge.

Thelma Young Robinson

Services for Thelma Young Robinson, of 312 N. Hospital St., are 2 p.m. Sunday at Old Mount Zion Baptist Church, Epworth, conducted by the Rev. Clyde Cannon, assisted by the Rev. William K. Smith. The body will be placed in the church at 1. Burial is in The Evening Star cemetery.
Pallbearers are church deacons and trustees.
Flower bearers are members of the Missionary Society and Usher Board.
Visitation is 6-7 Saturday Robinson & Son Mortuary.
The family is at the home of a sister, Lalie Mae Smith and nephew, Ronnie Smith, 316 Greenbriar Drive, Willows Subdivision.
Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc. is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at robson@emeraldis.com

Mary Ella Nichols White

LEESVILLE — Mary Ella Nichols White, 98, widow of Leonard W. White, died Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005.
Born in Saluda County, she was a daughter of the late Andrew David Fredrick and Mary Alice Derrick Nichols.
She was the last survivor of her immediate family.
Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Barr-Price Funeral Home, Batesburg-Leesville chapel, conducted by the Rev. Bill Ebner. Burial is 2 p.m. in Long Cane Cemetery, Abbeville.
Memorials may be made to St. Mark Lutheran Church, 3178 Denny Highway, Prosperity, SC 29127.
Barr-Price Funeral Home is in charge.
Announcement courtesy of Harris Funeral Home, Abbeville.