Minister says King’s dream biblical truth, 2006 reality

January 16, 2006

By JOANIE BAKER
Index-Journal staff writer

With her ebony heels temporarily planted in the thick scarlet carpet that blankets the floor at Morris Chapel Baptist Church, guest speaker the Rev. Alice Ridgill told a full congregation Sunday that only a few weeks ago, a young black woman visited her favorite restaurant. The manager told the woman that she could only enter through the back door.
“Now I know what you all are thinking,” Ridgill said. “You’re thinking, ‘I’m glad that wasn’t me.’ You’re thinking, ‘That couldn’t happen. How could that happen today?’
“Well it never happened because of the efforts of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.”
During the Coalition of Concerned Organization’s Martin Luther King Jr. birthday celebration titled “Remember! Celebrate! Act! A Day On, Not a Day Off,” Ridgill told everyone that it is not the number of years you are on earth, as King was only 39 when he died, but what you do with the time you are given.
Ridgill, who graduated from Presbyterian College in Clinton and received her Master of Divinity Degree from Erskine Theological Seminary at 25, compared King’s unselfish work and undying love for his fellow man to that of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:30-35.
The Good Samaritan stopped his travels (probably without thought of a detour Ridgill pointed out) to help an injured man who had twice been passed by others on the road. And like King, who did not want to be remembered for his Nobel Peace Prize but for his love of others, the Samaritan mended the man’s wounds, carried him to the inn and paid for him to stay there without thought of any honor.
“He was not thinking that the mayor would give him a key to the city of Jericoh,” Ridgill said. “There were no cameras there from Channel 7 or a reporter from The Index-Journal to write a big story. He has the opportunity to pass and not do anything. He decided to not let the moment pass by. He could have turned his head and acted like he sees nothing. He did not let the moment pass by.”
Ridgill pointed out that, like the Samaritan, King saw opportunities to improve racial inequalities and social injustice and did not let the opportunity go by to seize the moment because he was motivated by love.
“If we are going to make a difference in the community, we cannot afford to let a moment pass by,” she said. “We must take action because opportunities are here today and gone tomorrow. We cannot afford to let them go by. If not you, then who?”
Several of the members of the congregation said they received a blessing out of Ridgill’s sermon.
“It’s great to try to keep Martin Luther King’s dream alive,” said a woman who did not want to be identified. “We shall overcome obstacles.”

Finding a common interest

Running club gives area runners a chance to improve together

January 16, 2006

By RON COX
Index-Journal sports writer

A couple of months ago, Trent Humphreys and Travis Harris were at work wondering if there were other people in Greenwood that shared a similar passion for running.
Humphreys, the general manager of the Greenwood Athletic Club, and Harris, the GAC’s sales manager, had seen runners scattered here and there across town.
However, it wasn’t until they saw several GAC members participating in a recent Greenwood YMCA sponsored 5K run that they thought they just might have found their answer.
The two former collegiate cross country runners — Humphreys at Erskine College and Harris at Lander University — knew the Greenwood YMCA had a running club, but they were looking for something more.
And with that, the P.R. Striders running club was born.
“We kind of got the word of mouth spread in the area to see what the interest level was,” said Humphreys, who has qualified for April’s Boston Marathon. “Basically, what we wanted to do is have something a little different than what the YMCA’s running club is doing.
“They’re basically for beginners and newbies, and we wanted to take it to the next level. For people who are serious about running and have been for years. Those who may want to be able to p.r. (personal record) every race.
“This is for people who might have an interest in running but don’t know how to get started or don’t know the right way to go about it. We want to educate them in the right way and keep them excited by sharing our passion for the sport.”
Harris, a former state-championship winning cross country coach at Emerald High School, agreed.
“We wanted it to be an elite running club,” Harris said. “Not to discourage beginners, but our mindset is to be the best you can possibly be. We don’t push everybody the way we push each other. You can’t because they might not be ready. You might push them away. But we want them to become the best they can be.”
For the past few months, Humphreys, Harris and the other 14 to 18 members of the Striders have gathered at the GAC three times a week for three different running sessions.
“It’s founded on three workouts a week: a tempo run, an interval run and a long run,” Humphreys said.
Those sessions usually start and end at the fitness club and send the club members all over the Piedmont Plaza’s vast parking lot and into the surrounding community.
While the intent was for elite runners, the two don’t want to put any sort of limit on the club.
“We have everybody from 15-minute 5K runners to 30-minute 5K runners,” Humphreys said. “We have people of all ages. “Everybody is going to be doing it at their own level.”
Humphreys doesn’t view the wide range of abilities as a detriment.
In fact, both he and Harris see that as an advantage for the current and quite possibly future Striders.
“There’s always going to be somebody out there who’s a little faster than you are, but that kind of competition can take you to the next level,” Humphreys said. “That’s something they’re not going to get running on their own.”
But the club founders, even though they might be highly experienced runners, have also seen plenty of extra benefits from the experience.
First of all, being the leaders has given them even more reason to get out and run on a consistent basis.
“It’s another way to hold you accountable,” Harris said. “If you have a group of people counting on you to run, you’re more likely to be there.
“You have people to answer to.”
That’s a benefit Harris said was crucial for him. During his time at Emerald, where he coached virtually all year long (cross country, wrestling and track), Harris said it was hard to find time for his own running.
“The unfortunate thing about running is that you start all over again,” Harris said. “It’s discouraging because you go from running in the 15-minute range for a 5K to you’re not even breaking 20 minutes.
“It’s going to take time.”
The club has also provided a bridge for new friendships.
“I’ve enjoyed the camaraderie we’ve had with those that have shown an interest,” Humphreys said. “We had a Christmas party. We’re planning a retreat. We all plan to do the Cooper River Bridge run together.”
Now that the group has had a couple of months to solidify, Humphreys and Harris are again looking for a way to take the next step. The two want to provide runners across Greenwood a place to turn to for all of their running needs, everything from specially fitted shoes to energy bars and gels.
“We are trying to start up a running specialty shop here (GAC),” Harris said. “We’re trying to make running a little more prevalent in Greenwood.”

Opinion

Dr. Bill Klauber: example of the best of Greenwood

January 16, 2006

During the last half century we became a mobile society, more than anytime in history ….. even including the pioneering days when people moved westward.
Greenwood, of course, is like other communities. Many people have moved here for numerous reasons ….. business/industry transfers, retirement, college, establishing various practices and other influences.
We have new neighbors coming in all the time, so it’s normal for some not to have any familiarity with “pioneers” in various walks of life. It’s informative and helpful, then, when the Greenwood Area Chamber of Commerce inducts new members into the Greenwood County Hall of Fame.

EVERY INDUCTEE HAS MORE than earned the recognition with his contributions toward improving the community in many ways.
As with most of the people named to the Hall of Fame, Dr. William A (Bill) Klauber Jr., who was given that honor at the Chamber’s annual meeting last week, has accomplished things in Greenwood that new people may not know. In fact, there probably are long-time residents who don’t know, for example, that Dr. Klauber established the first radiology department when Self Memorial Hospital was built. The value that has been to residents of this area is obvious.
Furthermore, Dr. Klauber has been a very significant supporter of Piedmont Technical College and technical education in general through the years.

HIS LIST OF CONTRIBUTIONS to Greenwood could go on and on. The fact that he was respected enough to be named to the Hall of Fame, though, pretty much says it all. Above and beyond all the above, however, is one thing in particular: Bill Klauber is a good man in every respect: family, church, medicine, civic affairs and more. In short, he is a good citizen. It’s good that everyone knows that, old-timers and newcomers alike.
Bill Klauber is a good example of what makes Greenwood a great place to live and work. He has shown us what good citizenship is. But, then, he heads the list of many who do that every day. How fortunate we all are. Sometimes it’s good to be reminded.

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

Obituaries

Jack Bass

James B. “Jack” Bass, of 117 Young St., husband of Irene Rogers Bass, died Sunday, Jan. 15, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Clarks Hill, he was an Army veteran of WWII. He retired with the City of Greenwood and was a member of the Mathews Masonic Lodge No. 358 A.F.M. and the First Mount Moriah Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife of the home and a brother, Arlie M. Bass of Augusta.
Services with Masonic rites are 2 p.m. Tuesday at First Mount Moriah Baptist Church, conducted by the Revs. Bryant Sims and Fred Smith. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers are Keith Salters, Billie Coursey, Bill Rushton, C. Brown, Danny Polatty, Rick Sprouse, Ellis Arnold and Bailey Hastings.
Honorary escorts are James Dorn, Clyde Taylor and the Men’s Sunday School Class.
Visitation is 1-2 Tuesday at First Mount Moriah Baptist Church.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be may be to First Mount Moriah Baptist Church, 2107 Mount Moriah Road, Greenwood, S.C. 29646.
Harley Funeral Home & Crematory is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harleyfuneralhome.com

James G. Bowling

LAURENS, SC — James G. Bowling, age 90 of Wesley Commons in Greenwood and a long time resident of Laurens died Saturday, January 14th at the Self Regional Medical Center.
He was born in Pickens County and was a son of the late Claude and Lettie Kelly Bowling.
Mr. Bowling and his wife were the founders of The Bootery Inc. in Laurens and of Bowling’s Bootery in Greenwood which they operated for over 55 years. He was a long time member of the Laurens Exchange Club and Laurens County Fair Association, member of the Palmetto Masonic Lodge and the Hejaz Shrine Temple and the Royal Order of Jesters Court 158. He was an emeritus member of the Shriner’s Children Hospital Board in Greenville, and a member of the First Baptist Church of Laurens.
Surviving are his wife of 70 years, Nell Evans Bowling; two daughters, Jymmie Nell and Gerald Pitts, Jerrie Lynn Bowling all of Greenwood; five grandchildren, Traci and Chris Pratt of Germantown, MD, Jim and Sherri Pitts of Simpsonville, Anna Grace Brabham of Atlanta, GA, Gerald and Jennifer Pitts of Spartanburg, Evan and Tracy Pitts of Gainesville, FL; seven great grandchildren; a brother, Harold Bowling and a sister, Julia Hill both of NC.
Funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, Jan. 17th at 2:00 p.m. in the Gray Funeral Home Chapel with burial in the Westview Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends Tuesday from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Shriner’s Children Hospital, 950 West Faris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.grayfuneralhome.com
Gray Funeral Home of Laurens
PAID OBITUARY

Flapjack Cromer

SALUDA — George Ralph “Flapjack” Cromer, 82, of 162 High Point Road, died Saturday, Jan. 14, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Saluda County, he was a son of the late James W. and Dollie Victoria Miller Cromer. He was an Army veteran of WW II and a retired heavy equipment operator with Champion International Paper Company.
Survivors include four brothers, William P. Cromer of Leesville, James D. Cromer of Columbia, Kenneth Cromer of Bath and Shelton Cromer of Ninety Six; three sisters, Elvira Lewis of Columbia, Ella Hook of Leesville and Margie Perry of Pelion.
Services are 2 p.m. Tuesday at West Travis Park Cemetery.
Visitation is 6-8 tonight at Ramey Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association.
Ramey Funeral Home is in charge.

Reba Landreth

WARE SHOALS — Reba Godfrey Landreth, 80, wife of Lester Landreth of 2 Woodlawn Dr. died Sunday, January 15, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center. She was born in Greenwood County, a daughter of the late Mamie Whitman and Roy Young Godfrey. She was employed by Riegel Textile Corp. as a Cost Accountant for 39 years and was a member of Ware Shoals First Baptist Church, where she had been active in ADY and Past President of WMU.
Surviving besides her husband of the home are three sons, Roy Landreth, Lexington, S.C., Kenneth Eugene Landreth, Ware Shoals, S.C., and Gerald Keith Landreth, Anthony, New Mexico; one brother, Ansel Godfrey, Ware Shoals; and two sisters, Jane Johnston, Cartersville, Ga. and Evelyn Holiday, Belton; three grandsons, Blake Landreth, Myrtle Beach, S.C., Matthew Landreth, Columbia, S.C., and Eachan Landreth, Anthony, New Mexico.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 3:30 P.M. at Ware Shoals First Baptist Church with Rev. Leon Jones and Rev. Dr. Floyd Parker officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Deacons of the church will serve as active pallbearers and members of the ADY and Mary Martha Sunday School Class will sit at the honorary escort.
The family is at the home and will receive friends at Parker-White Funeral Home, Monday from 1 to 3 P.M. Memorials may be made to ADY, First Baptist Church, Box 449, Ware Shoals, S.C. 29692.
PAID OBITUARY

Eric Patterson

Memorial services for Eric Patterson are 3 p.m. Tuesday at Walker Funeral Home, conducted by the Revs. James Louden III, Michael Butler and Elder Paul Jennings.
Walker Funeral Home, McCormick, is in charge. Jimmy Ray Rhodes WARE SHOALS — Jimmy Ray Rhodes, 51, formerly of Ware Shoals, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006 in Miami. Born in Abbeville County, he was a son of the late J.B. Rhodes and Ethel Bagwell Rhodes. He was employed in maintenance with various hotels in Florida. Survivors include three brothers, Dink Rhodes, Charles Rhodes and David Rhodes, all of Donalds; three sisters, Frances Kernells of Hodges, Mildred Brock and Linda Weathers, both of Ware Shoals. Graveside services are 11 a.m. Tuesday at Ware Shoals Cemetery, conducted by the Rev. Paul Cooper. The family is at their respective homes. Parker-White Funeral Home is in charge.

Jimmy Ray Rhodes

WARE SHOALS — Jimmy Ray Rhodes, 51, formerly of Ware Shoals, died Wednesday, Jan. 11, 2006 in Miami.
Born in Abbeville County, he was a son of the late J.B. Rhodes and Ethel Bagwell Rhodes. He was employed in maintenance with various hotels in Florida.
Survivors include three brothers, Dink Rhodes, Charles Rhodes and David Rhodes, all of Donalds; three sisters, Frances Kernells of Hodges, Mildred Brock and Linda Weathers, both of Ware Shoals.
Graveside services are 11 a.m. Tuesday at Ware Shoals Cemetery, conducted by the Rev. Paul Cooper.
The family is at their respective homes.
Parker-White Funeral Home is in charge.

John Henry Williams

Services for John Henry Williams of 514 Hall Ave., are 2 p.m. Tuesday at Tabernacle Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. William Moore, assisted by the Rev. Bernard Newsom, Bishop Emanuel Spearman, the Rev. Jerry Brown and Minister Julia Golden. The body will be placed in the church at 1.
Burial is in Evening Star Cemetery.
Pallbearers are James Reynolds, Darryl Scott, Michael Jones, Leonard Syrkett, Charlie Partlow and Michael Jackson. Flower bearers are Terry Stewart, Cokeythy Harrison, Eliza Moton, Thelma Carter, Julia Mae Jackson, Linda Johnson, Shamika Dunlap and Lakrystal Coats.
The family is at the home.
Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home is in charge.

CORRECTION

For the obituary of Bobby Allen “Bob” Goodin in Friday’s paper, survivors were omitted from the information provided to The Index-Journal. Survivors include six grandchildren and two great-grandsons.