First responders honored in ceremony at courthouse

September 13, 2005

By SHAVONNE POTTS
Index-Journal staff writer

County employees Bell Kennett, left, and Lillie Sayles bow their heads in prayer Monday during a ceremony to honor those who died four years ago on Sept. 11.

The sun shone brightly and the wind whipped through the flags that stood straight on a flagpole as people gathered in front of the Greenwood County Courthouse to pay tribute to those who lost their lives four years ago on Sept. 11.
People in the community attended the Monday morning ceremony in support of the people who also work each day to keep people safe, brethren of the first responders who died saving others in the nation’s worst terrorist attack.
A representative from the Veterans Affairs Office, Emergency Communications, Greenwood County Sheriff Dan Wideman and Greenwood Police Chief Gerald Brooks shared reflections on the importance of remembering.
“The ones who are in place to keep us safe are there during storms, hurricanes, flooding, crimes, parades and at football games,” said Tina Stone, director of 911 communications.
Maj. Clarence Bowser, executive officer of the 111th Signal Battalion, spoke about how the events of Sept. 11 changed the military. “It’s a time for reflection. The military and the world has changed,” he said.
Wideman spoke about where he was when planes crashed into the World Trade Center.
“Like every other American, I watched on that Tuesday as EMS, disaster preparedness, firefighters and police officers were giving their lives for others,” he said.
Wideman said people need to continue praying for the heroes who risk their lives.
Brooks spoke about how emergency responders can work in the occupations they do.
“Nobody understands a mortar like a soldier. Nobody understands fire like a firefighter, and nobody understands law enforcement like a police officer,” Brooks said.
He said the career that these responders choose are chosen because, to them, it’s their calling.
“God has given us a mission,” Brooks said. “Today we honor those others who’ve answered God’s call. They are ordinary people with extraordinary jobs.”
Greenwood County Council also presented the American Red Cross with $1,600 that they had collected for the victims of Hurricane Katrina.
The ceremony was sponsored by the County Council Veteran Affairs Committee.

Foster reflects on history

Former sports editor speaks at Greenwood Touchdown Club

September 13, 2005

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

Dan Foster, right, talks with Greenwood Touchdown Club member Wade Caldwell, left, Monday at the Greenwood Country Club, with former Touchdown Club president Eddie Siegler.

One of the Palmetto State’s most experienced sports writers visited Greenwood Monday night.
Dan Foster, who was a sports writer and editor at The Greenville News for 52 years, entertained members of the Greenwood Touchdown Club at the Greenwood Country Club.
Foster became famous in the Upstate in the 1960s and ’70s for his coverage of the Clemson Tigers. He also covered numerous Super Bowls, World Series, NBA Finals, Masters golf tournaments and Muhammad Ali’s famed heavyweight title fight against “Smokin” Joe Frazier.
The club also used Monday night to honor the Lakelands’ Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week for the first two weeks of the high school football season.
Abbeville High School monopolized week one’s awards, with halfback Toquavius Gilchrist receiving the offensive award and linebacker Marquarius Tillman scooping up the defensive honor for their performance against Ninety Six.
Emerald swept the Week 2 honors. Quarterback Dan Wideman garnered the offensive award for his performance against Chapman, while teammate Josh Dean won the defensive prize.
When Foster came to the podium he commended the athletes, and offered them a bit of advice.
“There is one thing I want to impart to these player of the week winners,” said Foster, who is a graduate of Furman University. “And that is you always have to remember how much one persons performance can effect a whole team.”
Foster used former New York Knick Willis Reed’s dramatic entrance in the 1970 NBA Finals as an example of his point.
The sight of an injured Reed hobbling out of the tunnel in Madison Square Garden to take on the Lakers to the roar of the crowd has become an indelible image in NBA history. Foster was in the Garden that night.
“I was over on press row and got word that Reed was going in,” Foster said. “I though I should go check it out. I was standing right there when he came limping out of that locker room. When I saw the look on the Lakers faces and I thought ‘This game is over.’ And it was. That proves that man can lift a team. You guys should always remember that.”
Foster provided one other example of his advice to the players from a game he covered: Los Angeles Dodger Kirk Gibson’s dramatic ninth-inning home run against the Oakland A’s in Game One of the 1988 World Series.
“When he hit that, I turned to Jim Murray of the Los Angeles Times and told him ‘The Dodgers just won this series.’ And they did just that, in five games.”
Foster shared several stories regarding legendary Clemson football coach Frank Howard.
Foster recalled onetime when Howard told him he hoped he would be reincarnated as a preacher, that way he would only have to use his brain one day a week.
“Then Frank looked at me,” Foster said. “And he said ‘On second thought, maybe I’ll be a sports writer, then I’ll never have to use my brain.’”
The large contingent at the country club roared with laughter.
Foster was able to get back at Howard however, when the two ran into each other year’s later at the Kentucky Derby.
“Frank asked me what I was doing there,” Foster said. “I told him that after covering him for so many years I wanted to go somewhere where I could cover a whole horse.”
Foster commended the Greenwood Touchdown Club on its continued strong attendance and member participation. Foster said that touchdown club attendance has fallen by the wayside in recent years, partly because many college coaches choose to no longer attend the events.
“Some of these coaches make so much more money to speak other places on Monday nights, rather than be at the touchdown clubs,” Foster said. “I know the Greenville club has suffered in attendance because of it. That’s why the attendance in Greenwood remains so impressive to me.”

Opinion

Meals on Wheels offers food for body and soul

September 13, 2005

Meals on Wheels. Those three words mean the world to a lot of people in the Greenwood and Abbeville areas. Were it not for the Meals on Wheels program those people would have a bigger hole in their lives than most of us can even imagine.
Thanks to Meals on Wheels and the organization’s volunteers, though, homebound senior citizens have a bit of sunshine brought into their lives every day.
Not only are the meals prepared for them answers to prayers, the volunteers who bring those meals may be the only persons those seniors see during the whole day. In effect, those volunteers are not only bringing sustenance for the bodies, they’re also providing emotional and social sustenance that can have more of an impact than the food. They signify something we all need. That’s hope ….. something to look forward to.

WHILE THE BENEFITS OF the meals and visits to those on the receiving end may be obvious, there’s another side to it. The volunteers often get more of a lift from the visits than anyone else.
More volunteers are always welcome. These days, though, more are not only welcome, they are needed. Anyone who has a little time to devote to helping others – and themselves – could be a blessing to older people who wait for someone to help make their day. A phone call is all that is necessary to be one of those Good Samaritans on wheels. Call Kari Womack at Piedmont Agency on Aging, at 223-0164, for information. There’s really no better way to put stars in your crown and a smile on a lot of faces.

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

Obituaries

Mary Frances Strom Byrd

LAURENS, SC — Mary Frances Strom Byrd, age 85, formerly of 113 B Maplebrook and widow of Douglas C. Byrd, Sr. died Monday, September 12, 2005 in the Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Center. She was born in Greenwood County and was the daughter of the late Samuel T. and Frances J. Strom.
Mrs. Byrd retired from the Laurens County Library after 20 years of service and was a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the V.F.W Club, was a Lioness in the Lions Club and a member in three bridge clubs. She was also a member of First Presbyterian Church, the church circle and a long time volunteer.
She is survived by a son, Douglas C. Byrd, Jr. of Simpsonville and a daughter, Carolyn Dickens of Lake Junaluska, NC; six grand-children, Jason Nash, Sheree Rose, Loree Lam, Greg Dickens, Wade Dickens and Mary Anne Dickens; 16 great grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be conducted Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. in Forest Lawn Cemetery followed by a memorial service at 11:00 a.m. in the First Presbyterian Church.
The family will receive friends Tuesday from 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. at the Gray Funeral Home of Laurens.
The family will be at the residence.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Martha Franks Baptist Retirement Center or to First Presbyterian Church.
Gray Funeral Home of Laurens.
PAID OBITUARY

Cathy Delaney

NINETY SIX — Catherine Michelle “Cathy” Delaney, 35, of 308 Sirrine St., died Monday, Sept. 12, 2005.
Born in Du Page, Ill., she was a daughter of Dr. John M. and Isabel “Sissy” Gwynette Tennis. She was a graduate of Greenwood High School, attended the University of South Carolina and graduated from Piedmont Technical College. She was employed as the receptionist for Carolina Medical Weight Management of Greenwood.
Survivors include her parents of Greenwood; two brothers, Thomas Edward Delaney of Charleston and Michael McLeod Delaney of West Columbia.
Services are 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, conducted by the Revs. Peter W. Hawes and Tim Ervolina. The body will be placed in the church at 11:30. Burial is in Oakbrook Memorial Park.
Visitation is 11:30-1 Wednesday at the church.
The family is at the home of her parents, 724 Fairway Lakes Road, Hunter’s Creek.
Memorials may be made to the Greenwood Cancer Fund, P.O. Box 612, Greenwood, SC 29646 or the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection, P.O. Box 3283, Greenwood, SC 29648.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blythfuneralhome.com

Aileen Johnson

NINETY SIX — Aileen B. Johnson, 83, of 301 Petit Drive, widow of William Lukus Johnson, died Sunday, September 11, 2005 at Hospice House.
Born in Anderson, she was a daughter of the late William Lloyd Browning and Inez Stewart Spence. She retired from Greenwood Mills, Plant #5, was employed by Nantex for 17 years and was a patient sitter for Mrs. Katherine Sorrow. She was a member of Augusta Highway Baptist Church for 34 years, where she was a member of the Senior Ladies Sunday School Class and was a former Sunday School teacher.
She was twice married, first to the late Paul Hampton Timms and was preceded in death by two of the Timms children, Gene Paul Timms and Ellen Inez Timms.
Surviving are two Timms children, Roger Dale Timms of Hodges and Norma Anita Belliveau of Greenwood; three Johnson children, William Henry Johnson and Danny Lukus Johnson, both of Greenwood and Mrs. Randy (Helen) Calvert of Ninety Six; a half sister, Bessie Ruth Cox of Whitmire; a brother, the Rev. Lloyd Browning of Ninety Six, 15 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and close friends, Billie Diane Moss, Norma Rice and Frances Edwards.
Services will be at 4 p.m. Wednesday at Augusta Highway Baptist Church with the Rev. Craig Hughes, the Rev. Charles Caldwell and the Rev. Chris Garrison officiating. Burial will be in Elmwood Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Gerald Martin,Johnny Rodgers, Venoy Chrisley, Teddy Jordan, Jimmy Parsons and Russell Brewer.
Honorary escort will be the members of the Ladies Auxiliary and the Senior Ladies Sunday School Class of Augusta Highway Baptist Church.
The family will receive friends at Harley Funeral Home on Tuesday from 7 to 9 p.m.. The body will be placed in the church at 3 p.m. on Wednesday.
The family is at the home of her daughter, Helen Calvert, 108 Millionaire Road, Ninety Six.
Memorials may be made to Hospice House, c/o Hospice-Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Green-wood, SC 29646.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY

Amos Pinson

ABBEVILLE — Amos Pinson, 90, of 105 Pettigrew St., husband of Mamie Rapley Pinson, died Monday, Sept. 12, 2005 at his home.
Born in Abbeville County, he was a son of the late Joseph and Mary Hughey Pinson. He was a retired employee of Seaboard Railroad Co. and was of the Methodist faith.
Survivors include his wife of the home; a son, Amos Pinson Jr. of Abbeville; three stepdaughters, Mamie Waller of Columbia, Patricia Stinson of Athens, Ga., and Linda Craig of Clayton, Ga.; four stepsons, James Thomas Hill of Atlanta, Joseph Rapley and Michael Rapley, both of Abbeville and Carl Ray Rapley of Greenville; a grandchild; two great-grandchildren; and several step-grandchildren.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Brown and Walker Funeral Home.

Carrie Lee Sibert

McCORMICK — Carrie Lee Wardlaw Sibert, 55, wife of James Edward Sibert, died Sunday, Sept. 11, 2005 at the Medical College of Georgia Hospital in Augusta after a short illness.
Born in McCormick, she was a daughter of Johnnie L. McCullah Wardlaw and the late Jesse Wardlaw. She was a homemaker and was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include her husband of the home; her mother of McCormick; two daughters, Mrs. Kendrick (Margarita S.) Blair of McCormick and Sabrina Sibert of the home; six sisters, Mrs. Robert (Jessie) Stidom, Mrs. Bobby (Pearly) Gresham and Mrs. Willie (Virginia) Garrett, all of McCormick, Mrs. Robert (Queen) Gaskin of Greenwood, Mary Brown of Bradley, Mrs. Gary (Cynthia) Clark of Travelers Rest; four brothers, James E. Wardlaw of Atlanta, Walter Wardlaw and Lawrence Wardlaw, both of McCormick and Anthony Wardlaw of Greenwood; and a grandchild of the home, Seykeena Sibert.
Graveside services are 4 p.m. Wednesday at Overbrook Cemetery, conducted by the Rev. Albert Bell.
The family is at the home, Christian Road, Box 129.
Walker Funeral Home is in charge.

Nellie Lee Trull

CLOVER — Nellie Lee Funderburke Trull, 92, widow of Cecil Trull, formerly of Clover, died Saturday, Sept. 10, 2005 at Magnolia Manor in Rock Hill.
Born in Belmont, N.C., she was a daughter of the late George J. and Bessie McGee Funderburke.
Survivors include five daughters, Betty Griggs of Hickory Grove, Ann Bandy of Myrtle Beach, Shirley Thomason of York, Nancy Schultz of Clover and Martha Herring of Gastonia, N.C.; two sons, Tommy Trull of Greenwood and William Trull of Clover; two sisters, Georgia Mae Calvert and Margie F. Simmons, both of Belmont; 30 grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren. Graveside services are 11 a.m. today at Woodside Cemetery, Clover.
M.L. Ford & Sons Funeral Home is in charge.