‘We are all survivors of some sort’

Greenwood man who was struck by lightning: Experience made life fuller

May 10, 2006

By MEGAN VARNER
Index-Journal senior staff writer

Growing up in Missouri, a state in the infamous Tornado Alley, Harold Deal was used to severe thunderstorms with heavy rains and lightning.
As a child, he used to press his face to the window panes during storms to see how far he could see when the lightning struck, he said.
But on July 26, 1969, Deal got a close encounter with lightning that many people don’t live to tell about.
Deal, 68, said he had just gotten home from work as a maintenance electrician with TWA when a summer storm sprang up over his town of Lawson, Mo.
Though the event was nearly 37 years ago, Deal, now a Greenwood resident, said he can remember even the smallest details about what happened next.
“It was about 9:14 (p.m.) when I was struck. I pulled in my driveway in my service truck and jumped out. It was lightning real bad and raining real hard ... It was funny lightning. I never will forget it. It was like a kid playing with a flashlight on the floor,” Deal said. “I jumped out to run into the house, and between the third or fourth step, it hit me.
“It felt like I was on something going real fast. I couldn’t get my head up on my shoulders,” he said, describing the jolt from the sky. “It felt like my head was being sucked down between my shoulder blades. I couldn’t see anything — it was just a soft white, like you had a huge cotton ball and you put your face down in it.”
Hours later, neighbors found Deal about 50 feet away from where he was struck, he said. The bolt had sent him over a 6-foot fence and left holes in the ground — where his feet had been — more than 20 inches deep.
The lightning struck Deal in the head and traveled out his legs, and he said the soles of his work boots and his dental fillings had been blown off his body during the strike. The money in his pocket also melted together.
During the next days, Deal began to experience psychological and physical changes that scared and frustrated him.
“When I pulled into that driveway, I was strong and in good health, and, in the snap of a finger, I was nothing,” he said. “I was not a Christian at that time and I felt like I was being punished for it.”
Deal said his memory was affected and remembering even the simplest of tasks, like how to talk and walk, was difficult at times. The embarrassment the memory loss caused created a fear of being around other people.
“I wasn’t afraid of (the other people), I was afraid of what I would do around them,” he said, adding that during a conversation, his voice might stop working. “I’d have to stop and think, ‘What do I do to get it to make sound again?’
“I had pads and pencils in every room. If I thought of something I might want to remember, I wrote it down,” Deal added. “One day, it took me three hours to get out of a chair. It wasn’t that I couldn’t get up; I had just forgotten what to do.”Deal was also left without the ability to taste, smell, feel cold or experience physical pain. Deal said his body temperature runs about three degrees lower than normal since the strike. He doesn’t own a jacket or a long-sleeved shirt, adding that people have affectionately nicknamed him “No Coat” as a result. He said he overheats easily, and, on warm summer days, it isn’t unusual for him to drop bags of ice in the water while bathing to cool off.
“Today, I can’t drink enough. Most lightning survivors carry liquids with them at all times,” he said.
The oddity of his physical changes has created a media frenzy, he said, and newspapers, radio shows and television crews have contacted him for stories over the past decades.
Though it has made him something of a celebrity, Deal said his strike has also made him feel isolated and alone, and those feelings are not uncommon among other lightning strike and electric shock survivors. He said depression and suicide are frequent among survivors, adding that only seven out of 10 survivors report their experiences, and of that seven, five consider or commit suicide.
“You just feel so alone ... There are a lot of times that I have to fight emotion, even today,” he said. “I felt like an oddball, a weirdo. They (the news media) weren’t interested in me as a lightning survivor. The only thing they were interested in me for was the oddity.”
Deal said his inability to feel pain might sound like a blessing to some people, but for him, it is a very dangerous and scary thing. During an ice storm a few years ago, Deal said he slipped on some ice outside of his home and broke his leg. He didn’t realize the severity of his injuries until he stood up and his leg would not support him.
“I’ll take physical pain any day over psychological pain,” he said. “When I was working as a maintenance electrician, I’d see blood on the floor and I’d have to start looking around to see where I had cut myself.”
And like other survivors, Deal dipped down into severe depression. His lowest point came one night in 1991 when he said he thought about taking his own life.
“I blasted the Lord for this for 18 years and I tore myself down until one night I considered suicide,” Deal said. “That night, the Lord spoke to me ... He said, ‘(Dying) may be your wish, but it isn’t my will.’
Deal continued, “I couldn’t go through with it. Four days later, I gave my life to the Lord and I started praising Him for what I was blasting Him for.”
Deal joined Lightning Strike and Electric Shock Survivors International, a group that provides support and information to survivors. He also began working in prison ministries and donating blood regularly. He said he also talks to church and civic groups, and will talk to any group that is interested in lightning safety.
He said he knows that his life could have been “stamped out” that night in 1969, but he said he thinks the Lord saved him for a reason.
“The Lord supplies our needs, and He was supplying my needs for His will,” Deal said of the strike. “I am very fortunate that I was not killed, and I am more fortunate than a lot of them that live.”
Though some might find it hard to believe, Deal said he is “thankful” that the lightning bolt found him 37 years ago — and changed his life for the better.
“If someone walked up to me right now and said that they could give me back my life and health (I had) before I was struck by lightning, I’d have to say no,” he said. “I feel, looking back on it, that my life has been so much richer and so much fuller.
“Always remember,” he added, “we are all survivors of some sort.”

Emerald finishes third in state tourney

Abbeville places sixth as Bishop England
rolls to title at Greenwood Country Club

May 10, 2006

By JIM JOYCE
Special projects editor

Bishop England High School’s players had a four-hour journey to get to the Greenwood Country Club, but if there was any fatigue, it didn’t show the past two days.
All the team did Tuesday was wrap up its second straight AA golf championship at the Greenwood Country Club, shooting 313 to go with Monday’s 302 for a 36-hole total of 615.
For certain, the magnification of the event didn’t seem to bother them, even though there are no seniors on the Battling Bishops roster.
“We played in some big tournaments this year,” coach Jeff DiBattisto said. “Tournaments such as the Jimmy Self (Invitational) and the Southern Cross , where we played against the best AAAA and AAA teams in the state, and we were the only AA team there.
“We feel confident in a tournament like this because we’ve been in so many of them. They are calm and relaxed, and played really well.”
The course itself was a point to their liking.
“They said it was good and they all liked it,” Di Battisto said.
“The course is in phenomenal shape. It allows you to drive it. You can hit a driver, but you don’t have to. The greens are in great shape and rolling great.”
The newly crowned champions won by 13 shots over Barnwell.
They also finished 14 shots ahead of Lakelands area competitor Emerald High School, with Cheraw two more shots back in fourth place.
Emerald got stellar play from several of its golfers. Wells Ballentine had the team’s low two-day score with a 153.
Austin Hood followed with a 157 and Brandon Trantham had a 159.
Travis Rapp and Trey Fowler also contributed for the Vikings, adding a 160 and 175, respectively.
Abbeville finished sixth in the 16-team event.
The Panthers were led by Jeffrey Moats, who fired a 156. He was followed closely by Thomas Horne with a 160 and Colby Williams with a 164.
Abbeville’s Casey Thomasson shot a 168 and teammate Blake Ricketts posted a 169.
Tuesday closed out a solid season for Abbeville, which won the Region I-AA tournament.
Ninety Six rounded out the slate of local competitors with the participation of Cameron Coffey.
Coffey competed as an individual, and shot a 190 over the span of the two-day event.
In addition to winning the championship, Bishop England had three players on the AA all-state team and one on the coaches all-state team.
Locally, Emerald’s Ballentine made both all-state teams and paced by his 153, shooting 75 the first day and 78 the second.
Only two players, Cheraw’s McCuen Elmore and Barnwell’s Kyle Bearden, managed to shoot par or better the second round. Elmore had 71, Bearden finished with a 72.
For individual play, Elmore’s 141 — 71 the first day and 70 the second — earned him the gold medalist award.
Bearden won the silver medalist award with his 142, and Dustin Pitts, of Bishop England, earned the silver medalist award with a 145.
The coaches all-state team consists of Elmore, Bearden, Pitts, Newberry’s Martin Summer and Eric Davis, Ballentine, Barnwell’s David Lott, Crecent’s Chris Watkins, and Bishop England’s Michael Assey and Wright Blanchard.
Making up the all-state team from the tournament (top 10 players in the field) was Elmore, Lott, Summer, Batesburg-Leesville’s T. J. Asbill, Woodruff’s Kris Bowie, Ballentiine, Chesterfield’s Andrew Stincil, Watkins, Blanchard, and Bearden.
Final team scores were: Bishop England 615, Barnwell 628, Emerald 629, Cheraw 631, Woodruff 643, Abbeville 645, Silver Bluff 656, Central 657, Swansea 675, Palmetto 690, Waccamaw 694, Liberty 702, Aynor 710, Andrews 729, Gilbert 749.

Opinion

Residential speeders pose widespread threat in area

May 10, 2006

Speeders in Greenwood residential areas are creating concern for a lot of people. They fear that if it continues sooner or later a tragedy will occur ..... maybe in the death of a child.
Apparently it’s a widespreaed concern, but the latest area to voice its apprehension is the Creekside community, a subdivision on the north side of the City of Greenwood. Read a portion of a recent article in this newspaper about the problem:
“Family pets frolic through the meticulously groomed lawns, joggers and bikers work their way along the shaded, winding roads, fathers and sons play ball in the front yards and children sit at homemade stands on the street selling goodies for charity to motorists and pedestrians passing by.

“BUT THE RESIDENTS OF THE neighborhood say each of these examples is a reason why they are concerned about speeding on the roads in Creekside ... “
Take this community’s problem with speeders and multiply it several times. It obviously is a problem for other neighborhoods, as well. Those living in a number of areas within the city are at risk, day in, day out ...... especially after dark. So are the residents of neighborhoods like Chinquapin and others around the area.
The danger is real. It is not a “crying wolf” situation. People and pets are in danger of losing their lives any time drivers show no consideration for others. Those drivers apparently won’t learn or stop speeding without an assist from law enforcement ..... or a death, whichever comes first.

SADLY, IT’S NOT VISITORS TO those areas who are the primary concern, although many of them often violate the law and safety. The main culprits, however, are people who live within the communities where the speeding occurs.
It’s not just one age group, either. The lawbreakers range in age from young to old, and everything in between.
It has been noted many times that such disregard of the law and common sense pose serious threats through speeding around the neighborhoods where a lot of people live. Thus far, nothing much has been done to not only stop it, but nothing much has been done to even retard it.
So, once again: It’s a serious situation. It’s a dangerous situation. It’s a foolish situation. It’s a controllable situation. All law enforcement agencies have a stake in it, too. City, county and state authorities should get serious about solving this problem. It appears nothing else will do the job. So far, little has been done, by lawl enforcement or anyone else.

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

Obituaries

Lois Parker Belcher

Lois Parker Belcher, 85, of 101-C Ohio Court, widow of Henry Belcher, died Tuesday, May 9, 2006 at Magnolia Manor.
Born in Abbeville County, she was a daughter of the late Willie and Lillie Patton Parker. She was a retiree of Greenwood County Library. A member of Glovers Chapel Baptist Church, McCormick County, she was a former choir member and a member of the church Missionary and Willing Workers Club.
Survivors include two sons, Robert Henry Belcher of Greenwood and Solomon Belcher of Upper Marlboro, Md.; two sisters, Willie Lee Gray of Greenwood and Annie Lee Ryans of Philadelphia; three grandchildren; four great-grandchildren.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at robson@nctv.com

Gregory L. Harling

Memorial services for Gregory L. Harling are 2 p.m. today at Robinson & Son Mortuary, conducted by the Rev. Johnathan Greene.
Harling died April 22.
Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc. is in charge.

Mattie Ruth Irvine

GREENWOOD — Mattie Ruth Irvine, 90, died Monday, May 8, 2006 at the Saluda Nursing Center.
Born in Greenwood, she was a daughter James Thomas and Nellie Cox Irvine. She was a resident of Whitten Center and the Saluda Nursing Center for a number of years. She was a member of Mathews United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by three sisters, Jennie Ginn, Lindy Webb and Norine Irvine and a brother, Sambo Irvine.
Surviving are three sisters, Mary Frances Creswell and Lib Montjoy, both of Greenwood and Mrs. J. W. (Bill) Land of Ninety Six.
Services will be at 3 p.m. Wednesday at the Harley Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. George Thomas officiating. Burial will be in Edgewood Cemetery.
Honorary escort will be the staff of the Saluda Nursing Center.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2 - 3 p.m.
The family members are at their respective homes.
Memorials may be made to the Saluda Nursing Center, 581 Newberry Highway, Saluda, SC 29138 or to charity of ones choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY

Freddie W. Johnson

CINCINNATI — Freddie W. Johnson, 65, husband of Emma Simms Johnson, died Friday, May 5, 2006 in Cincinnati after a sudden illness.
Born in McCormick, S.C., he was a son of the late Samuel D. Johnson Sr. and Addie L. Smith Johnson. He was a member of Peace Baptist Church and the Deacon Board and a retired employee of Keebler Bakery. A former member of Holy Spring Baptist Church, McCormick, he was a 32nd degree Mason.
Survivors include his wife of the home; three daughters, Ronaldia Tutt of McCormick, Kimberly Williams and Karla Phillips, both of Cincinnati; a son, Kelvin Johnson of Cincinnati; three brothers, Samuel D. Johnson of Detroit, Jesse E. Johnson of McCormick and Claude Johnson of Philadelphia.
Services at Peace Baptist Church and burial are Saturday in Cincinnati.
Hall, Jordan and Jamison Funeral Home is in charge.
Announcement courtesy of Walker Funeral Home, McCormick.

Howard Earl ‘Bubba’ Logan

NINETY SIX — Services for Howard Earl “Bubba” Logan, of 118 Panther Drive, are 1 p.m. Friday at Mount Zion Baptist Church, Coronaca, conducted by the Rev. Bernard White, assisted by the Revs. Joseph Caldwell and Shawn Goodwin. The body will be placed in the church at 12. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers are Frank Caldwell, Joe Glover, Melvin Holloway, Leon Smith, Larry West and Chris Alexander.
Flower bearers are Roline Carroll, Belinda Grey, Barbara Monroe, Sheika Robinson, Louise Smith, Linda Taylor and Kaye Wideman.
Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Thursday at the home.
Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc., Greenwood, is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at robson@nctv.com

Sybil Price

HODGES, SC — Sybil Inez Price, 96, of 1011 E. Grumling Rd., died Tuesday, May 9, 2006 at National Healthcare in Laurens, SC. She was born in Shoals Junction, a daughter of the late John Green and Rachel Ida Lorena O’Dell Price. She was a member of Hodges United Methodist Church where she was Sunday School Super-intendent from 1975 through 2002.
Miss Price graduated from Ware Shoals High School in 1929 and from Spartanburg Junior College in 1944. During these years, she also worked at Ware Shoals Manufacturing Company in the Handkerchief Department from 1929-1937. She graduated from Lander College Cum Laude in 1946 with a Bachelor of Arts Degree and from Emory University in 1949 with Bachelor of Arts in Library Science Degree. From 1947 through 1954 she was the County Librarian and started the Bookmobile program in Augusta, Ga.
In Spartanburg County, she was Bookmobile Librarian from 1954 to 1958 when she became Librarian at Spartanburg Junior College and retired from there in 1975.
After retirement, she worked at Park Seed Company and part-time at Lander College, Piedmont Technical College and volunteered at the Erskine College in the Library. Her life’s work was in the Library field. She was a member of the American Library Assn. and the South Eastern Library Assn.
Surviving is one sister, Mrs. Nell Price Hodges, Hodges, S.C., and numerous nieces and nephews.
She was pre-deceased by brothers, Clyde Price, Rufus Price and Henry G. Price and a sister, Laura P. Luker
Funeral services will be conducted Thursday at 2 PM at Hodges United Methodist Church with Rev. Nena Reynolds officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenville Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
Nephews will serve as active pallbearers.
Honorary escort will be great nieces and nephews and great-great nieces and nephews.
The family will be at the home of Phillip and Shirley Hodges, 1207 E. Grumling Rd. and will receive friends Wednesday, 6-8 PM at Parker-White Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Hodges United Methodist Church.
PAID OBITUARY

Bessie Lee Schuler

ABBEVILLE — Services for Bessie Lee Schuler are 3 p.m. Friday at Spring Grove Baptist Church, conducted by the Revs. Roy Andrews, Robert Belcher, Fred Armfield and Evangelist Annie Brown. Burial is in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers are Masonic Lodge No. 566C and friends of the family.
Flower bearers are Women Home Aide Society No. 86, Eastern Star Chapter No. 566C and friends of the family.
Visitation is 7-8 Thursday at Brown and Walker Funeral Home.
The family is at the home of a daughter, Linda and Samuel Lyons, Lyons Road, Mount Carmel.
Brown and Walker Funeral Home is in charge.

Joe Walker

ELBERTON, Ga. — Services for Joe Walker are 2 p.m. Friday at Bethany Baptist Church, McCormick, S.C., conducted by the Revs. Robert J. Haskell and R.C. Holloway. The body will be placed in the church at 1. Burial with full military honors is in the church cemetery.
Flower bearers are members of McCormick High School Class of 1973.
Visitation is 7-8 p.m. Thursday at Walker Funeral Home.
The family is at the home of a brother Harry Walker, Oak Hill Drive, McCormick.
Walker Funeral Home, McCormick, is in charge.

Sarah Wilson

Sarah Chastain Wilson, 85, of 1013 Coleman Drive, wife of Curtis A. Wilson, died Tuesday, May 9, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Elbert County, Ga., she was a daughter of the late Thomas Newton and Jessie Maude Burden Chastain. She was a graduate of Ninety Six High School, retired from Greenwood Mills, Durst Plant and a member of Greenwood Mill Quarter Century Club and New Life Baptist Church.
Survivors include her husband of the home; a daughter, Mrs. David (Brenda) Burdette of Greenwood; a stepson, Jimmy Wilson of Belton; a brother, Curtis Chastain of Greenwood; two granddaughters.
Graveside services are 2 p.m. Thursday in Garden of Memories, Belton, conducted by the Rev. R.L. “Bud” Tumblin and Chaplain Amy Winstead.
Visitation is 6:30-8:30 tonight at Blyth Funeral Home.
Family members are at their respective homes.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blythfuneralhome.com