Residents ‘roost’ in new Eagles Nest

October 29, 2005

By JOANIE BAKER
Index-Journal staff writer

ABBEVILLE — Dale Buis. Chester Ovnand. Maurice Flournoy. Alfons Bankowski. Frederick Garside.
It took 13 years, several tons of peanut brittle, dancing soap opera stars and a Harley Davidson to become a reality.
Oh, and a little more than a million dollars, too.
But the Eagles Nest apartment complex for young adults who are mentally ill or emotionally disturbed was officially opened Friday, complete with a ribbon cutting and grand tour of the units.
Bob and Darlene Gorham started the Eagles Nest group in 1992 after their son, Walt, was killed in a motorcycle wreck on U.S. Highway 10. After 10 years of raising money by selling peanut brittle and conducting poker runs and bike raffles, the family raised the $150,000 originally estimated for the project. But as the cost of the project kept rising annually, the large sum of money soon became a feather on an eagle’s back.
Meanwhile, the Beckman Center for Mental Health received grant money in 1999 to develop Gateways to Success, a program dedicated to helping the mentally ill or emotionally disturbed make successful transitions into adulthood. But Gateway soon realized that many of its youths were homeless — or near homeless — and needed a sufficient place to live.
Janet Bishop of the Mental Health Association was able to bring the two organizations together. In 2004, the two groups had gone on to partner with the Nehemiah Community Rehabilitation Coordinators, the South Carolina Department of Mental Health, the State Housing Trust Fund, the State Housing Development Cooperation and the Housing Authority of the city of Greenwood.
Together, with the contributions of the V. Kann Rasmussen Foundation and the Self Foundation, the groups were able to make the Gorhams’ dream of honoring their son’s life a reality.
“The main thing, even though this started out in different directions, is that our main thrust was to help young people become useful and productive citizens,” Bob Gorham said. “He (Walt) would be overwhelmed with this whole thing.”
The Gorhams’ dream has now been transferred into making others’ dreams a reality.
Matthew, one of the tenants at Eagles Nest, said it has given him the opportunity to live on his own for the first time. He said it will help him go on to accomplish his career goals of finishing college and getting to travel the country independently (Matthew’s last name is being withheld).
“It feels normal. I feel like now I’m doing what I should be doing at 23 years old. I don’t feel like a child anymore,” Matthew said. “It’s been difficult, but I’m finally adjusting.”
Exactly what the Gorhams said Walt would have wanted.
“It’s a legacy that will be helpful for a long time,” Gorham said. “We’re glad to be a part of this project and his memory will go along with this new project.”

Thrashley L. Bowie

ABBEVILLE, SC — Thrashley L. Bowie, Sr., 86, of 1000 N. Main St. Abbeville died Friday, October 28, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center. He was the husband of Mary Norman Bowie and the late Helen Frances Bowie. Mr. Bowie was born in Abbeville County to the late Allen B. and Mamie Nabors Bowie.
He was the owner and operator of Bowies Body Shop from 1959-1980 where he helped many young people get a start in the work force. Mr. Bowie also enjoyed weekly to go and dance at the Lowndesville Community Dance Hall. He also retired from Abbeville City Fire Department and was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church. Mr. Bowie was a member of the Clinton Masonic Lodge #3. He was a Shriner, member of the Hejaz Temple and former member of the Abbeville Rotary Club.
He was preceded in death by his two brothers, Harvey and Wallace Bowie. Surviving Mr. Bowie is his wife of the home, two daughters, Frankie Cozart of Mountville, SC, and Theresa Ashley of Abbeville, SC; two sons, Thrashley “Rock” Bowie, Jr. and Bob Bowie both of Abbeville; a sister, Katherine Hill of Athens, GA; thirteen grandchildren, twenty-two great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.
The family will receive friends 6:00PM to 8:00PM Saturday, October 29, 2005 at Harris Funeral Home. Graveside services will be 2:00PM Sunday, October 30, 2005 at Gilgal Methodist Church Cemetery.
Memorial contributions in memory of Mr. Bowie may be sent to the Greenville Shriners Hospital 950 West Faris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605 or to a charity of ones choice.
Online condolences can be sent to the Bowie family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.
HARRISFUNERAL HOME, of Abbeville is assisting the Bowie family.
PAID OBITUARY

Ed Garvey

Edmund “Ed” Raphael Garvey, 87, of 1110 Marshall Road, Palmetto Place, Apt. 6106, husband of Ruth Stockbridge Garvey, died Thursday, Oct. 27, 2005 at Wesley Commons.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Harley Funeral Home.

Elizabeth Leaman

GREENWOOD — Elizabeth McKinney “Buff” Leaman, 92, resident of 624 Grace Street, widow of Marshall A. Leaman, died October 28, 2005 at her home.
Born in Greenwood, she was a daughter of the late Henry E. and Orrie Lee Shirley McKinney. A graduate of Greenwood High School and Lander College, she taught in the public schools of Oconee, Spartanburg and Greenwood counties.
A lifelong member of Main Street United Methodist Church, she was also a member of United Methodist Women and a former Sunday school teacher of the church. Mrs. Leaman was also a member of the Afternoon Lander Club, Violet Garden Club, Greenwood Woman’s Club, As You Like It Book Club and the American Legion Auxiliary.
Surviving are a daughter, Nancy Leaman Buchanan and her husband Bob of Columbia; son, Marshall A. Leaman, Jr. of Charleston; and two sisters, Miriam Lee Rogers of Columbia and Doris McKinney of Greenwood. A brother, Henry E. McKinney predeceases her.
Services will be Sunday at 3:00 PM at Main Street United Methodist Church, Greenwood, conducted by Reverend James D. Dennis, Jr. followed by entombment in Edgewood Cemetery Mausoleum.
Pallbearers will be Earl D. Caldwell, III, E. Dawson Caldwell, Henry E. McKinney, III, James T. Rogers, Timothy M. Rogers and James Moneyhun.
The family asks that memorials be made to the Bell Tower Restoration Fund of Main Street United Methodist Church, 211 North Main St., Greenwood South Carolina 29646 or Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 West Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, South Carolina 29646.
The family is at the home at 624 Grace Street, Greenwood.
For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com
BLYTH FUNERAL HOME IS IN CHARGE
PAID OBITUARY

Martha Reed

CALHOUN FALLS — Services for Martha Reed, of 621 Anderson St., are 2 p.m. Sunday at New Friendship Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Harold Johnson. The body will be placed in the church at 1.
Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers are Lewis Agnew, Charles Tillman, Terry Reed, Willie Tillman and Willie Murray.
Flower bearers are Laura Walker, Collette Reed, Dinnia McCoy, Shannon Jones and Mackie Agnew.
Visitation is 6:30-7:15 tonight at Brown and Walker Funeral home.
The family is at the home and at the home of a brother Willie Reed, 119 Bell Road, Iva.
Brown and Walker Funeral Home, Abbeville, is in charge.

Claudia Seawright

DONALDS — Claudia Gambrell Seawright, 91, of 347 Highway 178 N., widow of William A. “Gus” Seawright, died Thursday, Oct. 27, 2005 at the Hospice House in Anderson.
Born in Anderson County, she was a daughter of the late Edd and Bessie Lusk Gambrell. She was retired from Oxford Industries and Honea Path Shirtmakers. Formerly of Country Heritage in Anderson she was a member of Greenville Presbyterian Church.
Survivors include a daughter, Mrs. Kenneth (Jane S.) Locke of Anderson; two sisters, Odell Smith and Catherine Ashley, both of Donalds; two grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.
Services are 3 p.m. Sunday at Greenville Presbyterian Church, Donalds, conducted by Dr. George Wilson and the Rev. Webster Curry. The body will be placed in the church at 2. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Visitation is 6-8 tonight at Pruitt Funeral Home.
The family is at the home of her daughter, Jane Locke, 2511 Broadway Lake Road, Anderson.
Memorials may be made to the Hospice of the Upstate, 1835 Rogers Road, Anderson, SC 29621 or Greenville Presbyterian Church, PO Box 157, Donalds, SC 29638.
Pruitt Funeral Home, Honea Path, is in charge.

Ny-ashia S. Timpson

Graveside services for Ny-ashia Shyteria Timpson are 10 a.m. today at Mount Olive Baptist Church Cemetery, The family is at the home of her mother, Lisa Ann Lewis Timpson, 109 Columbia Ave.
Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home is in charge.

EHS takes 1st region title

Vikings top Wildcats to claim Region III-AA for first time

October 29, 2005

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

Emerald High School football coach Mac Bryan’s first tour of Region III-AA was a smashing success.
Bryan’s Vikings defeated Ninety Six, 41-34, Friday night at Frank Hill Stadium to clinch the first-ever region championship in school history and seal home-field advantage for the first two games of the Class AA playoffs.
With the loss, Ninety Six slipped to third in the region and will be faced with a first-round road game next Friday at Swansea.
“It is a good feeling to be region champs,” Bryan said.
“It was one of our goals starting the year, and it’s a testament to our coaches and these great kids for us to get it done this year. I’m extremely proud of them.”
The game had been billed as a matchup between high-powered offenses with stellar quarterbacks, and in that aspect, it did not disappoint.
Ninety Six quarterback Stan Doolittle, recently named to the Shrine Bowl, was 23 of 43 passing for 256 yards and three touchdowns, though he did toss three interceptions.
Meanwhile, Emerald senior quarterback Dan Wideman, who came into the contest leading the Lakeland area in passing yardage, connected on 22 of 36 passes for 367 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for two scores. Wideman admitted after the game that he wanted to make a statement with his performance.
“I don’t mean any disrespect, and I am truly not trying to be cocky,” Wideman said.
“But I wanted to come out and show that I deserved a spot in the Shrine Bowl. I think I proved that this season, and I think I definitely proved it out here tonight.”
The offensive showcase by the squads delighted the large crowd, announced as the biggest ever at Frank Hill stadium, on a chilly October night.
“I would say without a doubt it’s the biggest crowd that’s ever been here,” Bryan said. “It certainly was a tremendous atmosphere.”
Emerald took advantage of a Ninety Six turnover to gain the early advantage in the game.
After an Emerald punt, Ninety Six took possession of the ball at its own 45-yard line early in the first quarter.
The Wildcats drove inside the Emerald 10-yard line, but Doolittle was intercepted by Vikings’ Terrance Rapley for his first pick of the night.
Emerald was quick to light up the scoreboard.
Working from the shotgun at his own 47-yard line, Wideman found Demarco Anderson slanting toward the middle of the field. Wideman fired a pass to Anderson, who cut back to his left and raced for a touchdown. The long strike capped a 72-yard drive that lasted only 1 minute, 27 seconds and put Emerald up 7-0 with 8:40 remaining in the opening quarter.
On the ensuing possession, Doolittle was again intercepted, this time by Emerald cornerback Emmanuel Smith. Bryan spoke about the first quarter turnovers.
“Those two picks we huge,” Bryan said. “It really helped us establish ourselves early on.”
Three minutes later, Emerald again turned a turnover into points.
Wideman capped a 64-yard drive with a 20-yard touchdown pass to Peferio Strong, who he found loping wide open near the goal line. The scoring pass gave Emerald the 14-0 lead with 4:00 left in the first quarter.
Ninety Six struck back on its next possession.
The Wildcats embarked on a 3:20, 67-yard drive, and seemed to begin to find a comfort zone offensively. Doolittle capped the drive with a 5-yard touchdown run that cut the Emerald lead in half at 14-7 with just 32 seconds remaining in the first.
Emerald continued its offensive fireworks midway through the second quarter.
After forcing the Wildcats into a punt, the Vikings took control of the football on the Wildcat 17-yard line. On the first play of the possession, Wideman took the snap and darted to his right. He met a wall of defenders, so he took a step towards the middle, but was again cut off. He then began to sprint to his left, and appeared ready to tuck the ball and run.
Luckily for the Vikings, he thought better of it.
Wideman looked deep in the middle of the middle of the field and heaved the ball to a wide-open Tony Rapley.
Rapley gathered the ball in and took off, breaking one tackle on his way to an 83-yard touchdown that put Emerald up 21-7 with 5:58 remaining in the half.
It was a lead the Vikings never relinquished, despite a determined effort from Ninety Six until the final horn sounded.
“We knew Ninety Six would keep on coming,” Bryan said. “That’s why it was so important to get the lead in the first half.”
Wideman said the Vikings are ready for the playoffs.
“We’ll have a good week of practice, hopefully,” Widemand said. “We just have to go out in the playoffs and keep pounding some heads.”

Eagles keep pace in I-AAAA race

Edwards leads offense with five TDs as Greenwood pounds Wren

October 29, 2005

By KENNY MAPLE
Special to The Index-Jouranal

Ahead by 24 points, the Greenwood High School football team looked to be in good position to get the win against Wren Friday night at J.W. Babb Stadium.
Unfortunately for the Hurricanes, there were still three quarters to play.
The Eagles’ offense continued their high-scoring ways as they knocked off Wren, 51-13, in a Region I-AAAA contest. The win kept Greenwood (7-3, 3-1) in contention for the region title.
“We told our football team that it was very vital to come out, get off to a good start and make them (decide) whether they could win the ballgame or not,” Greenwood coach Shell Dula said. “And we were able to do that.
“We took the first drive, came straight down and scored, and then (our defense) kicked off 3 and out. We set the tone early and that’s what we needed to do.
“I kid, but we got up 24-0 and, at that point in time, the game was over for all practical purposes.”
Greenwood wasted no time getting on the board as it scored the first touchdown on a 4-yard pass from Armanti Edwards to Anthony Chalmers. On the extra point, Wren was called for a personal foul and capitalizing on the shorter field, Greenwood recovered an onside kick.
With only a minute gone by since the Eagles’ last score, Zachary Norman ran the ball in from the 2 for a 14-0 lead.
Wren was unable to do anything with its possession and punted. Robert Robinson fielded the kick and then dodged the Hurricane punt team down to the 20-yard line.
Greenwood didn’t find the end zone on this drive, but kicker Clay Baldwin found his way in between the uprights with a 34-yard field goal for a 17-0 lead.
Wren’s Mychal Graham tossed an interception right into the arms of defensive back Andre Saxson.
The interception gave Greenwood favorable field position again, leading to a 3-yard touchdown run by Robinson.
After Greenwood kicked off, the Hurricanes finally had their chance to retaliate as they drove 80 yards for their first score.
Unfortunately, Wren would still manage to give up three more Greenwood touchdowns before the conclusion of the first half, putting the score at 45-7.
The second half proved to be much calmer than the first as each team scored just six points on 1-yard touchdown runs. Each team also missed on extra points as well.
The 51-13 win for Greenwood pushed them to 7-3, while Wren fell to 3-7.
Greenwood quarterback Amanti Edwards played well and attributed his success to his coach.
“We kept working hard and Coach said to just keep doing the things we have been doing all along.”
Edwards also commented that Greenwood “had to come out here, do well and score every time we got the ball to get ready for the playoffs.”
Before the playoffs, Greenwood still has one more regular season game against Laurens next week.
With the division in a three-way tie, Greenwood still does not know who they will play to start the playoffs.
“It depends on what happens,” Dula said. “All we have to do is take care of Greenwood, do what we do, and everything else will take care of itself.”

Miers never had a chance right from the beginning

October 29, 2005

It’s hard for the average South Carolinian to figure out the current political knock-down-drag-out cannibalistic battle in the nation’s capital. The question is, has the Harriet Miers Supreme Court rigmarole influenced the investigation of who did what to whom in the ‘outing” of an employee of the CIA, or has it been the other way ‘round.
At any rate, Harriet Miers had no chance from the gitgo. Her immediate endorsement by Sen. Harry Reid, D-NV, Senate Minority leader, could have been the kiss of death, which stirred suspicions that she may have had liberal leanings. That suspicion, whether correct or not, took on new life when Republican conservatives lined up against her.
It was a shame that Miers had to undergo the vilest kind of criticism before she withdrew her nomination.

EVERYTHING ABOUT HER, IT seems, was fair game to opponents but unfair to her. Even her religion became an issue, and that is a poor reflection on all Americans. In fact, the entire nomination/advise and consent process has become so patently absurd, not to mention underhanded, that it is now a vicious demonstration of ideologically manipulated exercises in character assassination.
Miers may or may not have been a first-rate Supreme Court justice. We’ll never know, though, thanks to politics at its worse.
In the nation’s best interests, President Bush’s next nominee ought to be the best person available, and neither race, gender, ethnicity or any other “litmus” test should be the lone determining factor. At the same time, though, none of those factors should be used to rule out any potential nominee.

BEYOND ALL THIS, THERE IS at least one puzzling question. Why would anyone want to be a nominee for the Supreme Court ….. or any other government appointment for that matter? Miers isn’t the only nominee to be burned at the political stake. She’s just the latest victim of take-no-prisoners politics that dominates and wastes valuable time and money while working to destroy good and honorable reputations for politics and nothing more.
In effect, the mortal political confrontations are also helping destroy the public trust that is the very foundation of republican government. Politicians and officeholders who cannot or simply do not see that should be held accountable by voters as soon as possible.