War sacrifice hits home

Greenwood doctor's brother killed in Iraq

September 30, 2005

By GREG DEAL
Index-Journal managing editor

The cost of freedom in Iraq has exacted its first price on Greenwood and the family of a soldier.
But it was a price the sister of Army Spc. Kevin McCray Jones said the young man was willing to pay to protect Americans.
The brother of Dr. Kamlyn Grey Jones, of Greenwood, died last week in a roadside bombing in Iraq.
Kevin, 21, of Washington, N.C., was killed Sept. 22 near Al Taqaddurn, Iraq.
“He believed in what he did,” Kamlyn said Thursday from the family home in Washington. “I’m incredibly proud of my brother.”
Kamlyn found out about the death through a phone call at her Montgomery Center office on the Self Regional Medical Center campus. She is in her final year of residency in family medicine.
Kamlyn said that the last time her brother visited her in Greenwood, she begged him for a picture of himself in uniform.
He agreed to give her two.
She put those pictures on her desk at work, and they were there the day she got the call informing her of the death.
“After his first tour, he came home and talked about how much he liked the Iraqi people,” Kamlyn said. “He knew there were terrorists there, but the people he knew, he said they were good people. They were like Southerners. They were so nice and welcoming.
“He knew there were risks. … He knew what he was doing was what was right.”
In April, Kevin was injured in Iraq and earned a Purple Heart. He lost part of his hearing after a bomb explosion.
A second Purple Heart and Bronze Star will be awarded posthumously.
He was a transportation specialist and a member of the 181st Transportation Battalion, 7th Corps Support Group, 3rd Corps Support Command stationed in Mannheim, Germany.
It’s the first known casualty directly connected to an immediate family member from Greenwood County.
Kimberly Hampton, a Presbyterian College graduate and former tennis standout at the school, was the area’s only other reported Iraq casualty during the past two years. She died in January 2004 when her helicopter came under attack.
Kevin’s funeral service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Second Baptist Church in Washington, N.C. Burial will be with full military honors at Oakdale Cemetery.
Kevin wrote a letter to the editor of the Washington (N.C.) Daily News that was published Oct. 30, 2004. Kevin talked about his mission.
“It greatly concerns me that though many of my fellow Americans support what we are doing in the Middle East, we don’t get to see it because of, what I presume, fear of retribution from persons who may have a better political standing,” he wrote. “I know that it only takes one person to make returning veterans feel as if they have done the ‘wrong thing,’ but it can also be turned around by one person stopping and just telling them, ‘Welcome home, and thank you.’”
Kamlyn told The Index-Journal her favorite part of the letter follows: “All I am asking is that you don’t be afraid of supporting us. We were not forced to serve in the armed forces. We volunteered. We stand ready to protect you and watch over you while we spend many months far from home, training for the worst, that you may rest comfortably in your home and watch your children to grow up to follow their dreams. I thank you, and my fellow service members thank you.”
Kamlyn said, “The best thing about it is that it says, in his own words, he was doing what he believed was right.”
Kevin was the youngest of four children. His father is a semi-retired Navy veteran.
Kamlyn said Kevin wanted to be in the military all his life. He went into the military right after high school and went to Iraq soon after going through training.
Kamlyn visited Kevin in Germany last summer.
“He was still pretty busy,” she said. “We would get together and talk.”
And she never doubted his commitment or his love for his country.

The Washington (N.C.) Daily News and Daily News writer Mike Voss contributed to this story.

Johnny E. Anderson

Johnny Edward Anderson, 62, of 105-B McKellar Court, husband of Julia Ross, died Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2005 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Greenwood County, he was a son of the late Alice Anderson. He was a retired truck driver with Rhodes Furniture Co. and a former employee of Greenwood Mills. He was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include his wife of the home; two sons, Robin Anderson of Greenwood and Johnny Anderson Jr. of California; a daughter, Janice Cheatham of Greenwood; a brother, the Rev. Calvin Anderson of Ware Shoals; six sisters, Grace Calhoun of Greenwood, Dorothy Anderson, Cheryl Jones, Susan Burrell, Margaret Anderson and Bishop Gladys Holloway, all of Charlotte, N.C.
Services are 2 p.m. Saturday at Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. Calvin Anderson, assisted by Bishop Gladys Holloway and the Rev. Randy Holloway. Burial is in The Evening Star.
Pallbearers and flower bearers are friends of the family.
The family is at the home.
Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home is in charge.

Eva ‘Vinie’ Mae Baker

DUE WEST — Eva “Vinie” Mae Baker, 65, of 411 Harkness Lane, died Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2005 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Abbeville & White Mortuary.

Perlean Evans

APOPKA, Fla. — Perlean Hilton Evans, 95, widow of Clifford Evans, died Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2005 at the home of a niece Bonnie Hilliard, in Greenwood.
Born in Bolt, W.Va., she was a daughter of the late Henry Owen and Roxie Olivia Adkins Snuffer. She was twice married, first to the late James Hilton.
Services and burial are Saturday in Apopka.
Memorials may be made to HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC 29646.
Loomis Funeral Home of Apopka is in charge.
Harley Funeral Home, Greenwood, is in charge of local arrangements.

Waymon Gibson

GREENWOOD — Waymon Deering Gibson, 66, husband of Joyce Parkman Gibson, died September 29, 2005.
Born in Denmark, SC, he was a son of James Harold and Thelma Bates Gibson of Norway, SC. He served in the US Army Reserves for 6 1/2 years and was called to active duty during the Berlin Crisis in 1960. Mr. Gibson retired from a career in the textile industry as Vice President of Cotton Procurement for Greenwood Mills in December 2001.
A member of St. Mark United Methodist Church, he was also a member of the Chancel Choir, the United Methodist Men and the Pair and Spares Sunday School Class.
Mr. Gibson was twice married, first to the late Gloria K. Gibson.
Surviving in addition to his wife of the home are three sons and daughters-in-law, James and Charlene Gibson of King, NC, Drew and Stephanie Gibson of Orlando, FL and David and Sarah Gibson of Tucson, AZ; three step-daughters and sons-in-law, Amy and Rick Landrith of Greenwood, Leigh and Jack Croyle of Moultrie, GA and Rachel Haddon of the home; five grandchildren; a brother, Tommy Gibson of Norway, SC; two sisters, Sherry Warner of Atlanta, GA and Linda Tong of Houston, TX.
He was a loving son, husband, father and servant of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
A Service of Worship to celebrate Mr. Gibson’s life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 1st at St. Mark United Methodist Church with Rev. Jim Johnston and Rev. Steve Watson officiating. The family will receive friends in the Social Hall immediately following the service.
Mr. Gibson asked that flowers be omitted and memorials be made to St. Mark United Methodist Church Building Fund, 550 Bypass 72 NW, Greenwood, SC 29649, North Side Baptist Church Youth Program, 409 W. Northside Drive, Greenwood, SC 29649 or to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646.
For additional information or online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com
BLYTH FUNERAL HOME IS ASSISTING THE GIBSON FAMILY.
PAID OBITUARY

Spc. Kevin M. Jones

WASHINGTON, N.C. — Army Spc. Kevin McCray Jones, 21, died Thursday, Sept. 22, 2005 while serving in Iraq near Al Taqaddum.
Born in Beaufort County, he was a son of Kenneth Morris Jones and Rebecca Parsons Jones. He was a 2002 graduate of Washington High School, where he was a member of the JROTC program. He attended Beaufort County Community College, receiving machinist certification. Enlisting in the Army, he was a transportation specialist stationed in Mannheim, Germany and was serving in Iraq with his unit. He was injured in April, receiving the Purple Heart and a second Purple Heart and a Bronze Star will be awarded posthumously. He was a member of Second Baptist Church and Old Ford Volunteer Fire Department and a certified emergency medical technician.
Survivors include his parents of Washington; a sister, Kamlyn Grey Jones, MD, of Greenwood, S.C.; a brother, Kenneth Michael Jones of Chocowinity; maternal grandmother, Eugenia “Gene” Parsons of Maysville; and paternal grandmother, Doris Jones of Washington.
Services are 11 a.m. Saturday at Second Baptist Church of Washington, conducted by Pastor Phil Hayes and Army Chaplain Grady Gentry. Burial with full military honors is in Oakdale Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers are members of Old Ford Volunteer Fire Department and Old Ford Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary.
Visitation is 6:30-8:30 tonight at the church.
The family is at the home of his parents, 116 Marsh Road.
Flowers are accepted or memorials may be made to the Fire Department or Emergency Medical Service of one’s choice.
Paul Funeral Home is in charge.

Michael Jones

BRONX, N.Y. — Michael Jones, 40, died Monday, Aug. 8, 2005 in Bronx.
Born in Greenwood, S.C., he was a son of Alvin Wideman and Arma Jean Mayes. He was educated in Bronx and Manhattan public schools and was of the Methodist faith.
Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Eddie and Arma Jean Mayes of Greenwood; grandmother, Rebecca Mayes of Greenwood; a daughter, Michele Jones of Bronx; six sisters, Sophia Mayes of Atlanta, Alfinie Mayes of Norristown, Pa., Crystal Mayes, Denise “Dee Dee” Greene, Montez Greene and Celeste Peterson, all of Greenwood; and a brother, Kenny Greene of Greenwood.
Memorial services are 4 p.m. Saturday at Dunham Temple C.M.E. Church, Greenwood, conducted by the Rev. James E. McKee Sr., pastor.
Announcement courtesy of Parks Funeral Home, Greenwood.

Daisy Watkins

CHAPPELLS — Daisy Gibson Watkins, 88, resident of 94 Watkins Circle, widow of Luther Earl Watkins, died September 28, 2005 at Spartanburg Re-gional Healthcare.
Born in Edgefield County, June 3, 1917, she was a daughter of the late William Lee and Maggie Powell Gibson. She was a 1935 graduate of Edgefield High School and a 1939 graduate of Winthrop College. Mrs. Watkins retired from the Ninety Six School District #52 at Ninety Six High School.
A longtime member of Chappells Baptist Church, she was also a member of the Adult Sunday School Class and formerly served as church treasurer for many years.
Surviving are two nephews, E. Wendell Clamp, Jr. of Covington, GA and Douglas C. Clamp of Pickens; a niece, Mary Clamp Minus of Aiken; a number of great-nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Watkins was prede-ceased by a son, William Robert Watkins.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 pm Saturday at the Chappells Baptist Church with Rev. James Rodgers and Rev. Joe Dempsey officiating.
Burial will be in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Kevin Black, Dee Clamp, Dr. Richard Christian, Jr., Davey Hiott, Robert Hill, Jr., Jake Mont-gomery, Milton Senn, Phillip Tinsley and Walt Sammons.
Honorary escort will be the Deacons of Chappells Baptist Church.
The body is at Blyth Funeral Home in Greenwood and will be placed in the church at 1 pm Saturday.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 Friday evening.
Memorials may be made to Chappells Baptist Church, PO Box 6026, Chappells, SC 29037 or to Chappells Volunteer Fire Dept., c/o Chief Tony Johnson, 310 Holloway Cove Road, Chappells, SC 29037.
For additional information or online condolence please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
BLYTH FUNERAL HOME & CREMATION SERVICES IS ASSISTING THE WATKINS FAMILY.
PAID OBITUARY

Area swimming a family affair

More than half of local high school swimmers have sibling as teammate

September 30, 2005

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal sports writer

Some athletes say their teams become like families as the season wears on.
In the case of the swimming squads at Cambridge Academy and Greenwood and Emerald high schools, the teams are families.
There are eight sets of brothers and sisters spread across the three programs.
The squads have 31 members on their rosters. Over half — 17 — have a brother or sister as a teammate.
On the Eagles are the Cobbs (Graham, Coursey and Grace) and the Adamses (Nick and Corey).
The Vikings’ roster contains the Brandons (Spencer and Douglas), the McDonalds (Brian and Kelly), the Uptons (Courtney and Nicole) and the Wills (Tyler and Lindsey).
The Cougars have the Bartzs (Katalin and Walker) and the Isenhowers (Jason and John).
Emerald coach Mark Bartz said it is not uncommon to see occurrences such as these in competitive swimming.
“Swimming is similar to cross country in this regard,” the coach said. “These kids start young. The younger ones will come to these all-day meets that go on and want to do what big brother or sister is doing. As soon as they’re able, they’ll join a team.”
Bartz is the father of Cambridge’s Walker and Katalin Bartz, further deepening the family ties of scholastic swimming in the Emerald City. Another paternal bond in the nautical community is with Greenwood assistant coach Ken Spruill. His son Henry, swims for the Eagles.
“Having siblings on the team with me makes it more fun,” said Grace Cobb, who is a junior at Greenwood. “It gets really competitive.”
Her older brother, Graham, agrees.
“I always want to beat my sisters,” Graham said. “When you have not one, but two sisters on the team, it makes you want to show off.”
A similar competition exists between the Bartzs.
Walker, who is in the fifth grade, said he makes it his personal mission to beat his sister’s times. Though he hasn’t done it yet, he said he knows the time is coming.
“She knows I’m going to catch her sometime,” said the 10-year old. “I love to compete.”
Another Cambridge duo — Jason and John Isenhower — whose coach is their mother Lynn, were all smiles when asked whether or not having a sibling as a teammate makes things more competitive.
“Of course,” said Jason, a freshman, is older than sixth-grader John. “I know there’s one person I have to beat, and that’s John. In all seriousness, though, it really depends on what the race is. We work well as teammates.”
With swimmers competing as middle school students and even elementary school students, swimming offers young athletes a chance to compete on the varsity level with their brothers and sisters. It’s an opportunity they certainly would not get in sports such as football or basketball.
“I think that’s part of it,” Mark Bartz said. “Having a broad age range allows them to compete in a way that other sports wouldn’t feasibly allow.
Though there are so many familial combinations on the three squads, according to Mark Bartz, most of the siblings on the Emerald squad do not swim together in practice. He said they tend to break off into separate friend groups for their workouts.
With large meets looming on the horizon, Cambridge will be heading to the SCISA State meet this weekend while the Vikings and Eagles will participate in the Upper State meet on Saturday, the swimming families hope to help their squads bring home team and individual titles.
“Our team, brothers, sisters and everybody, really helps each other out at these big meets,” Graham Cobb said. “We yell so loud for each other that we’ve usually lost our voice by the end of the day.
“We’ll need to stick together like that if we want to send people to State.” Stick together. Kind of like family.

Could anyone really grasp what storms would bring?

September 30, 2005

It didn’t take long for the finger-pointing to start after Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast of the United States. Everybody sought to blame everybody else, it seems, and that exercise in frustration and ridiculousness continues.
It’s hard, in fact, to find anybody in South Carolina even now that doesn’t agree that preparation, rescue and recovery efforts should have been handled much better than they were.
Still, it’s always easier to criticize when we’re not involved or targeted.
There’s no question that Katrina, and Hurricane Rita on its heels, presented unprecedented challenges to local, state and federal authorities.

SOME STRUGGLED MORE THAN others, but when the magnitude of the situation is looked at honestly and objectively, wasn’t it so overwhelming that it defied imaginations and reason? No mere mortal can be expected to have superhuman powers to enable them to cope with the worst nature has to offer. Nevertheless, that has not hindered the finger-pointing or stopped the slings and arrows that come so quickly and easily.
The effects of both storms have victimized millions of people, to be sure. Some have understandably wilted from the pressures. The New Orleans Superintendent of Police finally could take it no longer and resigned. He described the whole thing as well as anyone, and he did it simply and succinctly. He put it in perspective so that we all should be able to grasp, and comprehend, the enormity of the problem.

IN THE MIDST OF COMPLAINT after complaint that someone failed, or the system collapsed under the strain, Police Superintendent Eddie Compass repeatedly emphasized there was no way his department would have been able to handle Katrina. Elaborating, Compass said, “There wasn’t a breakdown in the (evacuation) plan. It was a terrific catastrophic event. It defied human reality. We kept this city together under the worst of conditions with limited resources for six days.’
Regardless of any other factor, he was right on this one. No one could have foreseen or expected what occurred. Maybe after a while, critics can look back and believe that Compass was right. It was that much of a catastrophe.