‘We knew Jason could recover’

Electric-shock victim steadily improving

January 6, 2007

By CHRIS TRAINOR
Index-Journal staff writer

Though it deeply hurts a family when one of its members is seriously injured, it can be a gratifying time when that person begins a positive recovery. Such is the case with Greenwood’s Jason Burden and his family.
Burden was badly injured Dec. 21 when he received severe electric shock while working in his yard. Burden was standing atop a metal ladder attempting to knock pecans out of a tree while his brother-in-law, Josh McGuire, watched from below.
Burden was using a metal pole to swat the nuts and accidentally contacted a nearby power line with the pole.
After nearly a minute of being shocked, McGuire was able to knock Burden loose from the electric current by ramming a push-style lawnmower into the ladder. Burden then suffered a nearly 20-foot fall to the ground.
After being taken to Self Regional Medical Center for a brief period, Burden was transferred to the Augusta Burn Center. There he was treated for third- and fourth-degree burns on his hands and legs. He received a CAT scan and doctors performed an echocardiogram to ensure the stability of his heart.
Burden has been in the Augusta facility ever since, though family members say his condition is steadily improving.
“He’s doing wonderful,” said Burden’s sister-in-law, Angie Hollingsworth. “He has surprised the doctors with how well he is recovering. It really is a blessing.”
Hollingsworth said doctors at the burn center prepared the family for all possible situations regarding Burden’s recovery, including worst-case scenarios. Hollingsworth said the family knew it wouldn’t come to that.
“It’s nothing but God,” Hollingsworth said, referring to Burden’s improvements. “When we heard those worst-case scenarios, we just shook our heads. We knew Jason could recover.”
Burden’s wife, Dana, issued a statement regarding the situation.
“God continues healing Jason every day. We truly missed Jason during Christmas and cannot wait until he comes home,” Dana said. “There has been such an amazing outpouring of love and generosity from the community, and that has meant so much to our families.
“We cannot thank everyone enough who has contributed in some way or another, and please continue to uplift them in your prayers. We are thankful to God for protecting Jason and we know His hand is upon him and he will fully recover.”
Anyone wanting to contribute to Burden’s recovery fund may donate to the Jason Burden Fund at The Palmetto Bank of Ninety Six at 207 Cambridge St. N., Ninety Six. Also, the South Greenwood Pentecostal Holiness Church, at 17 First St. in Greenwood, is taking donations for a Jason Burden Fund.

Eagles outman Westside in win

January 6, 2007

By RENALDO STOVER
Index-Journal sports writer

The Greenwood Eagles and coach Hob Chandler faced off against a Westside Rams team Friday night that was virtually depleted following the suspensions of four players, including three starters.
But it didn’t matter as, with only seven players in uniform, the Rams came out like a team that was used to those circumstances and gave the Eagles all they could handle before falling 66-55 at Greenwood High School.
The Eagles were led by Sam Montgomery’s 17 points in the win. Andre Day and Demarcus Harrison also reached double figures with 12 and 10 points, respectively.
Cameron Terry picked up the slack for the Rams by scoring 23 points. Nigel Speed finished with 11 points in the loss.
“They were lacking some depth and we were trying to get it as up-tempo as much as possible and for whatever reason we just couldn’t pull away,” Chandler said. “We’d get a lead and then they would chip away at it. They did a nice job and their kids played hard.”
The Rams’ suspensions were issued by coach Paul Brown for violation of team rules.
The Rams led 5-1 in the opening minutes of the game before Montgomery hit a short jumper. With four minutes, 26 seconds left in the first quarter, the Rams led 9-7 before calling a timeout.
At the end of the first quarter, the Rams led 14-13, but it would be the last time they led, thanks, in part, to a second quarter in which they only hit two shots from the floor as the Eagles took a 26-20 lead at halftime.
The Rams came out in the second half and continued to come at the Eagles with energy despite most of their team having to play extended minutes.
“We’re still young and I keep reminding myself that we’ve got two freshmen and two sophomores that are playing a lot,” Chandler said. “We made some bad decisions and kept them in the game but the kids played hard and that’s what we look for night in and night out.”
A three-pointer by Day gave the Eagles a 40-30 lead midway through the third quarter and Chandler’s squad went into the final period with a 44-35 lead.
The Rams were able to close to within five points of the lead at 60-55 with 1:05 remaining but the Eagles closed the game with a 6-0 run for the win.
“We played hard and tried to play together. They kept fighting and kept competing and we did everything we could,” Rams coach Paul Brown said. “Hopefully we can build off this.”

GHS girls hang on to pull off close win

January 6, 2007

By RENALDO STOVER
Index-Journal sports writer

In their first game back since the holiday break, the Greenwood Lady Eagles faced the Westside Lady Rams at Greenwood High School on Friday night.
Following a first half in which Greenwood used a 10-0 second- quarter run to take the lead, the Lady Eagles managed to avoid a late-game collapse while keeping the Lady Rams at arms’ length in the second half on their way to a 57-50 victory.
“Those girls, they practiced hard these three of four days, and they prepared for Westside,” Lady Eagles coach Susan Thompson said. “They did a good job.”
Jacena Thompson led the Lady Eagles with 17 points, while teammate Ashlyn Levins also reached double figures, finishing with 12 points in the win.
Janaye Gillard led Westside with 23 points.
The game was scoreless until Gillard converted two free throws, giving the Lady Rams a 2-0 lead with 6 minutes, 18 seconds remaining in the first half.
Syteria Robinson answered for the Lady Eagles, tying the game, but two quick fouls limited her time in the opening half. She didn’t score again until the third quarter. She finished with nine points, including a big three-pointer to open the fourth quarter.
The score was tied at nine at the end of the first quarter, but the Lady Eagles got things going in the second quarter beginning with a free-throw shot by Vijya Corbett with 5:33 remaining in the first half.
Those were the first points for either team in the quarter. Ashlyn Levins then hit a three-pointer from the corner as the Lady Eagles outscored the Lady Rams 14-5 in the second quarter, taking a 23-14 halftime lead.
The Lady Eagles lead reached double digits in the second half when Thompson hit a free throw, giving them a 25-14 with 6:31 remaining in the third quarter.
That lead grew to 15 points when Thompson made another basket, but the Lady Rams continued to fight back and avoided losing a grip on the game as a shot by Raivyn Chancellar cut the lead to 35-25 with one quarter remaining.
The Lady Eagles turned up the offensive intensity in the final quarter as their lead grew back to 15.
The Lady Rams trimmed the lead down to six points with 1:14 remaining though and were in a position to tie the game late, but the Lady Eagles held on down the stretch while neutralizing the Lady Rams’ big post player, Katrina Goss, who finished with eight points, six of those coming at the free-throw line.
“We didn’t want Goss scoring and I’m not sure if she scored from the floor,” Thompson said. “This was a great performance and I’m excited for them. They did a great job.”

Obituaries

Dorothy Bell

Dorothy Hornig Bell, 95, of Wesley Commons, widow of Herbert Otto Bell, died Jan. 3, 2007 at the Hospice House of Greenwood, SC.
Born Sept. 20, 1911 in New York City, NY, she was a daughter of the late Elmer O. and Norma S. Hornig. She was a 1932 graduate of Simmons College, Boston, MA, with a degree in home economics.
She was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Bell was preceded in death by her husband of 63 years, Herbert O. Bell and a sister, Margery H. Eadie of Hendersonville, NC. She is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law, including Deborah and George Gavaletz of Greenwood, Beverly and Wendell Minnigh of Concord, NH, and Barbara and E. Alexander Hill of Shorewood, WI; three sons and daughters-in-law, including Douglas and Marcia Bell of Aiken, SC, Kenneth and Paula Bell of Pinehurst, NC, and Richard and Bonnie Bell of Calabasas, CA; as well as eight grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren.
A memorial service will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2007 in Asbury Hall at Wesley Commons, with Rev. Carol Peppers-Wray officiating.
Memorials may be made to Wesley Commons Residents’ Assistance Fund, 1110 Marshall Road, Greenwood, SC 29646, or HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 West Alexander, Greenwood, SC 29646 or to the charity of one’s choice in memory of Mrs. Bell.
For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation services is assisting the Bell family.

Thelma Flowe

NINETY SIX — Thelma Partain Flowe, 65, resident of 104 Dogwood Drive, devoted companion of Robert “Bob” Smith, died Jan. 4, 2007 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born Dec. 20, 1941 in McCormick, she was a daughter of Ola Mae Whitten Partain and the late Johnny R. Partain. She was a dear friend to many and will be missed by all her family, friends and acquaintances. Although Thelma suffered with Multiple Sclerosis and numerous other medical problems over the past 5 years, she remained a beautiful, spiritual, loving and giving person. She was an inspiration to everyone around her in that she never complained and was always willing to help others.
Surviving in addition to her loving companion of 24 years and her mother of Greenwood are two sisters, Annette Partain Fuller and husband, Ted, of Cross Hill and Rae Jean Burkett and husband, Sam, of Greenwood; one brother, James “Buddy” Partain and wife, Shirley, of Ninety Six; an adopted brother and sister, Sondra and Don Helker of Greenwood; two stepsons, Richard Flowe and Randy Flowe, both of Greenwood; two nieces, Donna Human of Gray Court and Diane Stewart of Simpsonville.
Funeral services will be conducted 4 p.m. Sunday at the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Milton Hannah and Rev. Brandon Sinclair officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Ronald C. Henderson, Donald L. Henderson, Barry Crowder, Jim Bidlock, Ray Human and Ray Palmer. Honorary escort will be Kenneth Flowe.
The family is at the home of her sister, Annette and Ted Fuller, 9 Law Drive, Cross Hill and will receive friends at Blyth Funeral Home from 5 to 8 Saturday evening.
For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
The family wishes to extend its thanks and appreciation to the doctors and staff who cared for Thelma during the last few weeks at Self Regional Medical Center. They are a credit to their profession.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting Ms. Flowe’s family.

Charles Huggins

Charles William Huggins, 63, of 330 Pinehurst Drive, husband of Margaret Hazel Jay Huggins, died Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007 at his home.
Born in Eau Claire, WI, he was a son of the late Ralph W. Huggins and Adell Rebecca Lindsley Waller. He was retired from Solutia as a security guard and was a Staff Sergeant in the US Army during the Vietnam War, serving two tours of duty, and was a recipient of two Bronze Stars, Army Commendation Medal, Paratrooper Jump Badge and Good Conduct Medal. He attended Ninety Six Pentecostal Holiness Church.
In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his stepfather, Carl E. Waller; sisters, Willetta Fern “Bill” Nyseth and her husband, James, and Rose Mary Huggins; brothers, Ralph W. Huggins, Jr. and Gary Allen Huggins; sister-in-law, Mrs. Carl E. (Nancy) Waller and brother-in-law, Ernest Kurth.
Surviving is his wife of the home; three sons, Marvin Scott Bearden, Robert J. Vickery and Thomas Dewayne Vickery, all of Greenwood; three sisters, Loretta Kurth of Greensboro, NC, Mrs. Clarence (Judith Ann “Judy”) Newell of Pilot Grove, MO, and Mrs. Allen (Constance Adire) Goffinet of Texas; three brothers, John A. Huggins of Temple, TX, Terry L. “George” Huggins and Carl Lee Waller, both of Pilot Grove, MO; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Gary (Karen) Huggins of Marshall, MO, and Mrs. Ralph W. (Joyce) Huggins, Jr. of Eau Claire, WI; a granddaughter, Hailey Amanda Bearden; a number of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
Services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at the Harley Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Chris Stansell officiating. Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Richard Jay, Jimmy Jay, Travis Jay, Randall Jay, Billy Brooks and Walter Brewer.
Honorary escort will be John Huggins, Terry Lee Huggins, Carl Lee Waller, John F. Brooks, Leon Jay and Raymond Bryant.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m.
The family is at the home.
Memorials may be made to the charity of one’s choice.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com.

David Lomax Sr.

ABBEVILLE — David Lomax Sr., 67, of 1158 Flatwood Road, husband of Helen Ruth C. Lomax, died Friday, Jan. 5, 2007, at the HospiceCare of the Piedmont. The family is at the home. Services will be announced by Robinson & Son Mortuary Inc.

Maxcy Perry

CHAPPELLS — Maxcy Brooks Perry, 81, of 804 Highway 702, passed away Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007, at his home after an extended illness. Born in Saluda County, Dec. 15, 1925, a son of the late Sealum and Ottaclee Snelgrove Perry, he was the husband of Doris McCary Perry and on July 4th, 2006 they celebrated their 59th wedding anniversary. He was a longtime employee of Caroline Chenille Plant of Saluda and was retired from Greenwood Mills, Ninety Six Plant. He was a World War II Army veteran.
Surviving are his wife, Doris McCary Perry, four daughters, Wanda Perry and Rhonda Cockrell, both of Ninety Six, Joyce Rude and Donna Tarlton, both of Saluda, two sons, Lavern Perry of Saluda and Mike Perry of Ninety Six, ten grandchildren, Scott Bledsoe, Steve Perry, Shawn Perry, Crystal Perry, Jason Tarlton, Amanda Tarlton, Josh Rude, Chad Rude, Michael Perry and Jeremy Cockrell, three great-grandchildren, Brandon, Alex and Kaden Tarlton, two sisters, Sandra Mills of Thompson, Ga., and Linda Smith of Saluda.
He was preceded in death by a daughter, Maxine Bledsoe, two brothers, Jack Perry and Homer Perry and one sister, Laura Mae Nicholson.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m., Saturday evening at Ramey Funeral Home and at other times at the home.
Funeral services will be 3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 7, 2007 at Ramey Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Mike Blue, Rev. William Gillion and Rev. Gordon Parris officiating. Interment will follow in West Travis Park Cemetery.

John F. Riley

HODGES — John Frank Riley, 67, of 5424 Rufe Snow Drive, Fort Worth, Texas, formerly of Hodges, died Tuesday, Dec. 26, 2006 at the Plaza Medical Center in Fort Worth.
He was born in Greenwood County, a son of the late Paul H. and Willie Hunter Riley.
He is survived by a son David Riley of Ware Shoals and was predeceased by a son John Paul Riley.
Graveside services conducted by the Rev. Jim Warren will be 3 p.m. Sunday at Walnut Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Parker-White Funeral Home.

Richard Rouse

DONALDS — Richard Rouse, 59, died Wednesday, Jan. 3, 2007 at the home of his son.
Born in Abbeville County, he was the son of the late Elliott and Almeta Rouse.
Survivors: wife, Betty Hill Rouse, Donalds; son, Richard K. Rouse, Donalds; daughter, D’Jaris A. Mosley, Chicago, IL; brothers, Robert Rouse, Hodges, Glenn and Jackie Rouse, both of Ware Shoals, Thomas Rouse, Anderson; sister, JoAnn Hicks, Donalds; 2 grandsons.
Funeral services are 3 p.m. Saturday in the Wilbur Robinson Memorial Chapel, Robinson-Walker Funeral Service. Burial is in Dunn Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home Saturday from 2 p.m. until the hour of service.
The family is at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Richard (Shameka) Rouse, 40 Heritage Circle, Donalds, SC.

Abraham Wideman

SALUDA — Abraham Wideman, 87, widower of the Rev. Millie Ann Wideman, died at Saluda Nursing Center Thursday, Jan. 4, 2007.
The family is at the home of a daughter Brenda Jennings, 101 Vintage Court, Greenwood.
Services will be announced by Walker Funeral Home, McCormick.

Lou Youngblood

HODGES — Louise “Lou” Loveless Youngblood, 87, resident of 5206 Emerson Street, widow of Sam Manley Youngblood, Jr., died Jan. 4, 2007 at Hospice House.
Born in McCormick County, Nov. 19, 1919, she was a daughter of the late James Wilson and Eula Mae McMahan Loveless. She was a graduate of McCormick High School and was the owner and operator of Somebody’s House and Catering Services in Hodges. Mrs. Youngblood was a member of Hodges United Methodist Church.
Surviving are three daughters, Marty Youngblood of the home, Sara Y. Vanlerberghe and husband, Gary of Clayton, GA, and Marie Y. Wofford and husband, “Chuck” of Swainsboro, GA; two sons, Sam “Chip” Youngblood and wife, Denise and Art Youngblood, all of Greenwood; three brothers, Lawrence M. Loveless of Columbia, James J. Loveless of Joanna and H. Harold Loveless of Greenwood; five sisters, Audrey L. Jenkins of California, MD, Lena L. Ball of W. Columbia, Billie L. Alexander of Orangeburg, Nellie L. Clayton of Florence and Jimmie Anne L. Campbell of Ward; grandchildren, Van Youngblood, Mary Beth Vanlerberghe, Evan Vanlerberghe, Lee Youngblood and Drayson Youngblood; great-grandchildren, Austin Youngblood, Kaylee Youngblood and Mackenzie Vanlerberghe; many nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Youngblood was predeceased by a stepmother, Eula M. Hendrix Loveless.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday from the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Herbert Franklin and Rev. Chris Arries officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Bruce Loveless, Robert Inabinette, Scott Palmer, Scott Shirley, Billy Baer, Abney Coleman, James “J.J.” Jackson, Frank Hill and Jerry Kirkland.
The family is at the home of Art Youngblood, 137 Carlton Street in Hyde Park and will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 8 Saturday evening.
Memorials may be made to Hodges United Methodist Church, 106 Robertson Street, Hodges, SC 29653, Buffalo Baptist Church, Rt. 1, McCormick, SC 29835 or Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646. For online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Youngblood family.

CORRECTION

For the obituary of Vinetta Moss Kelly in Friday’s paper, a survivor was omitted from the information provided to The Index-Journal. Survivors include sister-in-law Louise Williams Morse, of Greenwood.

Opinion

Tit-for-tat power revenge not in interest of people

January 6, 2007

There has been a lot of weepin’ and wailin’ and gnashin’ of teeth since congressional Democrats reclaimed the power on Capitol Hill. Some critics, mostly Republicans who no longer are in control, complain they are being shut out by new Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and her cohorts.
They charge that Pelosi isn’t keeping her promises to build an atmosphere of cooperation between the parties where they can work together for the good of the American people.
So what else is new? There always seems to be a revenge motive at play whenever power changes hands in Congress. This time it just happens to be Democrats in charge. The same thing happened when Republicans took over the last time.
That, of course, is indicative of why voters have shown their ire at the ballot box and decided it was time for a change. It’s also a lesson for all public servants who profess to have their constiuents’ well-being at heart.
Until lawmakers in Washington and Columbia change their rancorous ways, get back to civil discourse and become a little more harmonious when power does change, nothing will improve. That, to be sure, is not in the best interests of the people.