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House blaze kills man

Death from smoke ruled accidental

January 20, 2007

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal staff writer

A Greenwood man died Friday as the result of a fire at his home.
Donald McGrier, 30, of 123-B Willowdale Court in Greenwood, died from carbon monoxide toxicity stemming from smoke inhalation. His house was just off East Cambridge Avenue.
The Greenwood Fire Department received a call at 1:28 a.m. Friday. When firefighters arrived at the residence, they found a fire raging in the kitchen area and McGrier lying on the floor.
“It was basically a one-room fire,” said Deputy Fire Chief Hal Stockman. “We had the blaze controlled fairly quickly, though we were on the scene for a while, conducting our investigation.”
Stockman said it appeared the fire began in the area around the oven.
Stockman said State Law Enforcement Division officials also came and investigated the scene.
McGrier’s body was taken to Anderson Medical Center, where an autopsy helped rule the death as accidental.
Kymberly Briggs, of Plum Branch, was spending the night with her grandmother next door to McGrier’s house and said she received an abrupt awakening during the blaze.
“One of the firemen came banging on my door,” Briggs said, mimicking a banging motion with her fist. “They wanted to make sure I was up and around in case the fire came over here.”
Shirley Briggs, who also was visiting next door, spoke kindly of McGrier, who she said had only been living at the residence for two months.
“He was a kind young man,” Shirley said, softly. “He was very well-mannered. This is just a tragedy.”
Kymberly Briggs said she had seen McGrier out on the porch about midnight. She said it was a shock to see his home in flames a bit more than an hour later.
Stockman offered a piece of advice for anyone concerning kitchen fires.
“Please, don’t leave the stove unattended when cooking,” Stockman said. “People will go answer a phone call or get busy with something else and forget about it.”

Quiet Deloach sinks Vikes

January 20, 2007

By RENALDO STOVER
Index-Journal sports writer

“Trevor Deloach cares about only two numbers,” Tigers coach Jimmy Kinard said following Friday night’s game against the Emerald Vikings. “Saluda had 66 and Emerald had 48.”
Deloach led the Tigers (10-9, 3-1) with a quiet 23 points in the 66-48 victory. Although he only went above the rim once, a two-handed dunk at the end of the first quarter, he had plenty of help against the Vikings (9-8, 2-2) at both ends of the floor.
“The biggest thing for us tonight was I thought we had good defensive intensity. They came out and played a little gimmick defense on Trevor and I was proud of the way he handled that and the way his teammates stepped up,” Kinard said. “Trevor didn’t force the issue and he didn’t have to because his teammates stepped up and made some big plays.”
“The supporting cast, they stepped up. That helped me out big,” Deloach said. “My numbers didn’t show it, but we got that win and that’s all that matters.
Darnell Coleman was one of the Tigers’ players that Kinard and Deloach were referring to. After Deloach went out in the second quarter with two early fouls, Coleman took over for the Tigers’ scoring 10 of their 12 second-quarter points including two shots from behind the arc. His second 3-pointer gave the Tigers a 35-19 lead with less than 3 minutes remaining in the half.
“It was just teamwork man,” Coleman said. “I just took my time and hit my shots.”
The Vikings, who were led by Kadarron Anderson who finished with 14 points, trailed 35-25 at the end of the first half. The trouble began for the Vikings in the second half when they were unable to get anything going offensively.
With 3:01 remaining in the third quarter, Deloach pushed the Tigers’ lead to 20 points (47-27).
Dee Parks ended the Tigers’ 12-0 run with a strong move inside but his shot accounted for only two of the Vikings 6, third quarter points. It also ended a 4:59 scoring drought, but the damage was already done.
“We didn’t get inside in the second half. We were 9-of-14 in the first half from the inside,” Vikings coach Robin Scott said. “We took it in on them, but we couldn’t throw it in the ocean. We just didn’t play well.”

Panthers battle back to get win

January 20, 2007

By RON COX
Index-Journal sports editor

ABBEVILLE — For the first 22 or so minutes, Moffat Memorial Gymnasium was unusually quiet. For the final 10 minutes, Abbeville High School’s crackbox gym reached eardrum-shattering levels.
The undermanned Panthers battled back from a 19-point third-quarter deficit to edge Pendleton, 61-58, behind a frenzied near-capacity crowd, which at game’s end spilled onto mid-court with the equally ecstatic Abbeville players.
“I’m really not trying to sound cocky, but there was really not a time that I thought the game was over. There was not a time that I thought it was out of reach,” Abbeville coach James Herman said. “Yeah, it was 19 points, but there was enough time and we have shown enough explosiveness that we could do it. I never thought it was out of reach. However, it was starting to look pretty bleak.”
The Panthers, who were without two players – including leading scorer Ty Suit – and trailed by 13 at the half after scoring only eight points in the second quarter. Abbeville (11-7 overall, 6-1 Region I-AA) went down by 19, at 42-23, after Pendleton opened the second half with a 9-4 run. That was right around the same time that two Abbeville starters – Jamal Mattison and Derrick Norman – picked up their fourth fouls.
But Mattison, who played the final 13 minutes without picking up foul No. 5, helped lead the Panthers back, keying a 17-2 run. The team had six different players contribute to the run, including the final five coming from Mattison, who finished with a team-high 16 points, all of them coming in the second half.
“I played relaxed and let the game come to me,” Mattison said. “I just wanted to make sure I didn’t pick up that fifth foul.
“It doesn’t get any better than this. This is basketball.”
Mattison’s five unanswered points – a 3-point shot and a pair of free throws – cut the deficit to two, 50-48, with 4:36 remaining.
But the Panthers – and their rockin’ crowd – would have to wait 4 long minutes before they would see the home team take its first and only lead.
After Pendleton pushed its advantage back to seven, 57-50, with 2:34 remaining, Abbeville sprinted for another big run. This one was a 9-1 dash that was capped by junior reserve Tomas Evans, who stepped in front of a Bulldog pass at mid-court and sailed in for the go-ahead layup, 59-58, with 30 ticks on the clock.
“The more we play, the more heart our guys show,” Herman said. “I really hate our slow starts, but I love our second halves. It’s getting to be too common. If we can turn around those first halves and continue those explosive second halves, we’ll be right where we want to be.”
Pendleton had a chance to regain the lead on its next possession, but leading-scorer Chris Patterson, who finished with a game-high 17, missed a close pull-up jumper and the subsequent putback from a falling Drek Turner went out of bounds.
Abbeville’s Marcus Ray sealed the victory with two free throws with 4.8 seconds remaining.

Lady Vikes’ coach gets 200th victory

January 20, 2007

By RENALDO STOVER
Index-Journal sports writer

Lady Vikings’ coach Anarie Duckett picked up career victory No. 200 Friday night when her team knocked off the Saluda Lady Tigers 61-49 at Emerald High School.
“It feels good, but I’m not one to get caught up in the fanfare and that kind of stuff,” Duckett said. “It’s a good thing for our program.”
The Lady Tigers (5-7 overall, 1-3 region) trailed by as many as 21 points in the second half, but refused to go away until the Lady Vikings (9-6, 3-0) were finally able to pull away down the stretch.
“We relaxed a little bit. We took the press off when we had a 20-point lead and that probably was a mistake,” Duckett said. “They went down and hit some 3-pointers and got back in the game, and we kind of lost a little intensity.”
Anicia Dotson scored a career-high 20 points, including 18 in the second half for the Lady Vikings, while Brittany Connor finished with 14.
Ashley Proctor was one of four Lady Tigers to score in double figures. She finished with 13 points.
The Lady Vikings began the game with an 8-0 run over a 2-minute, 4-second span in the first quarter.
Proctor ended the drought at the 4:41 mark by scoring on a lay-up while being fouled. She converted the 3-point play, but the Lady Tigers went scoreless for the remainder of the quarter. Meanwhile, the Lady Vikings went on a 16-0 run en route to building a 16-3 second quarter lead.

The situation was grim for the Lady Tigers with 5:16 remaining in the third quarter. They trailed 34-14 and there seemed to be no answer for Dotson inside. She scored 10 of her 18 second-half points in the quarter.
“We told them to pound it inside. We had a height advantage,” Duckett said. “She had a career high tonight but I told her, ‘You had 20 points, but you only had two in the first half.’”
The Lady Tigers closed out the quarter by outscoring the Lady Vikings 16-9 with one quarter to play. They closed to within four points in the fourth quarter following Maralissa Coleman’s fourth 3-pointer with 2:16 remaining but the Lady Vikings held on for the win.
“They made a big run first on us and got a couple of our people in foul trouble,” Lady Tigers coach Patsy Rhodes said. “I think we made a run at them that they didn’t expect.”

Lady Vikes’ coach gets 200th victory

January 20, 2007

By RENALDO STOVER
Index-Journal sports writer

Lady Panthers fall to Pendleton

January 20, 2007

By RON COX
Index-Journal sports editor

ABBEVILLE — Kayla Plantin scored 10 of her game-high 25 points during a key first-half run to propel the Pendleton High School girls basketball team to a 65-43 win over Abbeville Friday night at Moffat Memorial Gymnasium.
Plantin scored the first eight and the last two points of a 12-3 run midway through the second quarter that turned a one-point deficit into a 25-17 commanding lead, an advantage the Lady Bulldogs (11-7 overall, 6-1 Region I-AA) wouldn’t surrender the rest of the way.
Abbeville, which was playing without two starters — one injured and the other not, got all but five of its points from two players. Seniors Lakia Bailey and Quintella Morton led the way for the Lady Panthers with 21 and 17 points, respectively.
The most telling statistic of the contest was Pendleton’s 22-6.
Pendleton dominated the host Lady Panthers in virtually every statistical category. The Lady Bulldogs won the battle of the boards (50-33), scored more points on fast breaks (22-6) and on second chances (13-6) and also had a 12-2 advantage in assists, while forcing Abbeville into 29 turnovers, with most of those coming against Pendleton’s full-court press.
Bailey and Morton combined to score all of the Lady Panthers’ points on a 7-2 run to start the second quarter, giving Abbeville a 14-13 advantage.
It would be the team’s final lead of the night, as Plantin would score three straight points to kickstart the game-controlling 12-3 run.
Pendleton increased its eight-point halftime lead by opening the third quarter with a 10-2 run to go up 38-22 with 3 minutes, 42 seconds left in the quarter. Plantin and Charlee Earle provided all 10 on the spurt. Earle finished with eight points.
Pendleton stretched the lead to 21 by the close of the third. The Lady Bulldogs outscored Abbeville 20-7 in the third quarter.

Opinion

Let outside politicians leave flag debate alone

January 20, 2007

National politicians once again are jumping on the ban-the-flag bandwagon. That’s unfortunate.
The circumstances surrounding the Confederate flag in this state involves three groups of South Carolinians ..... those who support it, those who oppose it, and those who are in the middle.
That’s sufficient as far as some people are concerned. Actually, though, there probably is a fourth group ..... those who have no interest at all, as hard as that might be for some to fathom.
One thing’s for sure (note letter to the editor today). The flag has received its share of attention - positive and negative - in recent history. That’s understandable, and it’s OK.

WHETHER ANYONE LIKES IT or not, it is an issue that evokes strong emotions and one that’s going to be debated, no matter what. That’s been proved many times.
That debate, though, ought to be by South Carolinians, black and white. What’s been done about the flag thus far may not be satisfactory to many on both sides of the issue. Still, it’s an issue that concerns them and their state ..... and their state is South Carolina. If South Carolinians want to continue the debate, it’s their business.
What they and the state don’t need is for politicians from other sections of the country to come here and turn the debate into an issue in political campaigns.

THAT’S WHAT SENATORS Joe Biden of Delaware and Christopher Dodd of Connecticut did recently. Surely they have better things to do than pandering for votes to exploit something they should know has the potential to create conflict.
Let South Carolinians debate it all they want. Let others, especially outside politicians, leave it to the people here to solve their own problems.
Anyway, South Carolinians usually are more knowledgeable about what they’re talking about. And agree with them or not, they care. Furthermore, they can be excused if some wonder if politicians really care about the flag debate or just votes.

Obituaries

Bobby L. Andrews

Bobby Lewis Andrews, 71, of 129 Strong St., widower of Corine Robinson Andrews, died Friday, Jan. 19, 2007, at Savannah Heights Living Center in McCormick.
The family is at the home.
Services will be announced by Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc.

Thomas Harris

HODGES — Thomas “Brother” Harris, 97, of 121 N. Hodges School Road, died Thursday, Jan. 18, 2007, at Self Regional Medical Center.
The family is at the home of a son, Curtis Harris, 359 Maxwell Ave., Greenwood.
Services will be announced by Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc.

Rev. Stan W. Hileman Sr.

CROSS HILL — Rev. Stan W. Hileman, Sr., age 83, of 301 Julia Island Drive, Cross Hill, SC, died Friday, Jan. 19, 2007.
He was born in Morgantown, West Virginia, and was the son of the late Martin Luther Hileman and Fannie Belle Carroll Hileman.
Rev. Hileman attended the University of West Virginia and was the founder and pastor of Faith Tabernacle in Cross Hill for 28 years. He also served as Past Master of Masonic Lodge No. 159. He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Army in Germany during World War II.
Rev. Hileman is survived by his wife, Lois Evans Hileman of the home; one son, Stan Hileman, Jr. of Warrenville, SC; three daughters, Eileen (James) Williams of North Augusta, SC, Linda Crawford of Augusta, GA, and Kim (J.D.) Wyatt of Cross Hill, SC; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.
He was predeceased by two sons, Wade Hileman and Steve Hileman.
Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, Jan. 21 at 3 p.m. at Faith Tabernacle in Cross Hill, SC, with burial in the Rosemont Cemetery.
The family will receive friends Saturday, Jan. 20 from 6-8 p.m. at the Faith Tabernacle in Cross Hill, SC.
Memorials may be made to the Faith Tabernacle Building Fund, Skippers Lodge Road, Cross Hill, SC, 29332.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.grayfuneralhome.com.
Gray Funeral Home of Clinton is serving the family.

Mary Alice Mathis

Mary Alice Mathis, 73, of 111 Bintage Road, widow of Robert Mathis, died Friday, Jan. 19, 2007, at her home.
The family is at the home of a daughter, Mrs. Virginia Ann (James) Brown, 231 Wheatfield Drive.
Services will be announced by Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc.

Donald T. McGrier

Donald Toneto McGrier, 30, of 123-B Willowdale Court, died Friday, Jan. 19, 2007, at his home.
The family is at the home of his parents, Donald and Janice McGrier, 912 Spring St.
Services will be announced by Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc.

Lamar Gilliam ‘Gill’ Nickles Sr.

ABBEVILLE — Lamar Gilliam “Gill” Nickles, Sr., 57, of 1007 N. Main St., husband of Yvonne Funderburk Nickles, died Thursday, Jan. 18, 2007 at Self Regional Medical Center. He was the son of the late Charles Julius and Ovelle Gilliam Nickles, Sr.
Gill was a lifelong member of Main Street Methodist Church and attended Rice Memorial Baptist Church, where he was a member of the Outreach Sunday School Class. He was owner of Nickles Construction Company and a member of the Clinton Masonic Lodge No. 3 and a Shriner.
He is survived by his wife of the home; a daughter, Heather Nickles Price and her husband, Ronald V. “Ronnie” Price, Sr. of Abbeville; a son, Lamar Gilliam “Nook” Nickles, Jr., and his wife, Amanda Horne Nickles of Abbeville; a brother, Charles Julius Nickles, Jr. of Fort Mill, SC; two sisters, Frances Nickles Ware and her husband, W.J. “Billy” Ware, Sr. of Appling, GA., and Anne Nickles Allen of Fripp Island, SC; two grandsons, Ronald V. “Ron” Price, Jr. and Lohen Lamar Nickles, both of Abbeville; also Mrs. Ruth Howland of Abbeville, who helped raise Gill during his childhood.
The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 20, 2007 at Harris Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 21, 2007 at Rice Memorial Baptist Church, conducted by the Rev. Alvin Hodges and the Rev. Jimmy Tucker. Burial will follow in Long Cane Cemetery. Gentlemen serving as active pallbearers will be: David “Pee-Wee” Smith, Rick Barnes, Ronnie Barnes, Tony Simpson, Tim Simpson, Laverne McConnell, and Darris Wiley. Honorary pallbearers will be Samuel “Scurry” Horne, Sr., Otis Wiley, William B. Sawyer, James A. McCarley, and members of the Outreach Sunday School Class of Rice Memorial Baptist Church.
Memorial contributions may be sent in memory of Gill to Rice Memorial Baptist Church Building Fund, 1975 Hwy. 72 W., Greenwood, SC 29649 or to the American Lung Association, 1817 Gadsden St., Columbia, SC 29201.
The family is at the residence.
Online condolences may be sent to the Nickles family by visiting www.harrisfuneral.com.
Harris Funeral Home of Abbeville is assisting the Nickles family.

Stuart Rousey

Earl Stuart Rousey, 46, of 724 Holloway Street, died Friday, Jan. 19, 2007 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Ft. Benning, GA, he was a son of the late Jack Steward and Elizabeth Clark Rousey. He was a graduate of Piedmont Technical College, where he received his degree in accounting and business and was a member of Phi Theta Kappa. He was formerly employed by Piedmont Technical College as a tutor coordinator.
He was preceded in death by a brother, Kenneth Ray Rousey.
Surviving are two sisters, Nancy Cates of Greenwood and Jenny Montjoy of Laurens and a brother, Edward Rousey of Ware Shoals.
A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. Monday at Providence Pentecostal Holiness Church, with the Rev. John Abrams, Jr. officiating.
Honorary escort will be employees of the Piedmont Technical College Tutoring Center and staff of Davita of Greenwood.
The family will receive friends at the church on Monday from 2 to 3 p.m.
The family is at the home of his sister, Nancy Cates, 20 First Street.
Memorials may be made to Harley Funeral Home and Crematory, Stuart Rousey, PO Box 777, Greenwood, SC 29648.
Arrangements by Harley Funeral Home and Crematory.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com.

Willie R. Smith

ABBEVILLE — Willie R. Smith, 71, of 63 Rosedale Drive, husband of Martha S. Smith, died Friday, Jan. 19, 2007, at his home.
Services will be announced by Harris Funeral Home.