GHS graduate dies in wreck

Teens were on their way to Hilton Head Island

July 22, 2007

By MIKE ROSIER
Index-Journal staff writer

The eight of them are inseparable.
Four rough-and-tumble boys. Four close-knit girls.
In spirit, they always have been.
Now they always will be.
Just out of town, a beach-bound caravan of three vehicles from Greenwood — two with players from Greenwood High School’s 2006 state championship football team inside — was stopped at the Silverstreet community intersection of S.C. 121 and S.C. 34.
For Taylor Jackson, Shannon Lominick, Nick Mountz, Drake Anderson, Sloan Lloyd, Haley Culbertson, Ivey Shingler and Katherine Steifle, this was the last big blowout of the summer before everyone went their separate ways. They waited until the end of summer so they would have some peace.
It would just be the eight of them ... just the way they wanted it.
Hilton Head Island was the eventual destination.
The lead car made it safely across the intersection.
The second — a 2002 Ford Mustang driven by Anderson with his Eagle football teammate Nick Mountz by his side — did not make it. An 18-wheel tractor-trailer driven by Dennis Garr, of Lincolnton, N.C., struck the driver’s side of the Mustang, killing Anderson, 18, and injuring Mountz.
Newberry County Deputy Coroner Tommy Hedgepath said Anderson was pronounced dead at the scene at 9:05 a.m. Mountz was airlifted to Richland Memorial Hospital, where he was treated for minor injuries and later released. Both Anderson and Mountz were wearing seat belts.
Emergency dispatchers received the 911 call at 9:08 a.m. Saturday.
While the wreck is still being investigated, Lance Cpl. Kathy Hiles, of the S.C. Highway Patrol, said Saturday afternoon it appeared Anderson had pulled the Mustang out in front of Garr’s moving tractor-trailer.
Anderson is the son of Greenwood defense attorney Geddes Anderson.
Devastating word of the two-car wreck quickly reached Greenwood.
Many of Anderson’s friends gathered at the Lloyd home in the Creekside subdivision Saturday evening to strengthen and console one another.
Seven of them met in the home’s pool room, a room the eight of them had shared often enough either before or after some weekend adventure or other. They talked of the young man who conquered their fears and brightened their days — the guy who took longer to order his food than eat it.
Drake Anderson made his mark on all of them — some of them much more literally than the others — and his loss will always be felt.
That’s because Anderson was larger than life in so many ways.
“Even though he appeared unemotional on the outside, Drake had such a big heart,” Haley Culbertson said. “I’m going to miss him. I miss him already. He had a way of making everyone in the room be in a good mood. He was a one-of-a-kind guy. He really was. His smile was absolutely contagious.”
“Having a class with Drake was like a comedy,” Mountz said. “We had like every class together in 10th and 11th grade. I’m pretty sure at some point that we got thrown out of every one of those classes for talking too much.”
Anderson also was known to eat a little food and watch a movie every now and then, prompting Lominick to christen her friend “Blockbuster.”
“If you wanted a movie, you just went and saw Drake,” she said. “He had so many movies and just loved movies. It was just like going to Blockbuster.”
The boys would go out for weekends and come back scarred up from some crazy idea one of them had that all four of them would have to do.
“We did some wild things together, that’s for sure,” Lloyd said.
They had each other’s back — really had each other’s back.
And there are some things that will never, ever change.
“He was a hell of a guy,” Shingler said.
“He was the type of friend you could see having for a lifetime,” Haley added. “None of us will ever be able to forget him.”
That’s because Drake Anderson never did anything small.
It just wasn’t his style to do things half-heartedly “He used to always say, ‘go big or go home,’” Shingler said.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later this week by the Blyth Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
Back at the pool house, seven friends drew even closer.
The eight of them are inseparable.
Four rough-and-tumble boys. Four close-knit girls.
In spirit, they always have been.
Now they always will be.

Final chapter of Harry Potter reaches local fans

July 22, 2007

By MIKE ROSIER
Index-Journal staff writer

For about two hours or so late Friday and early Saturday, Scott Sherard was Harry Potter.
He walked the halls of Greenwood Mall as the main man himself.
Everywhere he went, people stared and pointed — and for good reason.
The Abbeville resident bears an uncanny resemblance to the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry hero, so for as long as he was willing, he had an opportunity most Harry Potter fans only dream of.
He was his hero, if only for a little while.
Sherard’s crowning late Friday at Waldenbooks as the official “His Harry-ness” — or the most Potter of all the Harry Potters in attendance at the sales party for the release of “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows” — was a mere formality. The part was his to play.
“This is pretty cool,” he said. “It’s just an interesting thing to read.”
Apparently, there are more than a few people who agree with him.
When the doors to Greenwood Mall were flung open at 11 p.m. people rushed in to grab a prime waiting spot, and eventually, about 400 fans crammed their way near the bookstore entrance.
They were all waiting for the exact same thing — 12:01 a.m., when “Deathly Hallows” officially went on sale. Waldenbooks Manager Lynn Simmons — who helped hand out the 800 or so copies of the book the store had been sent — and staff had their hands full. It was going to take a while to satiate such a large crowd, so only 15 people were allowed under the store’s metal gate at a time. People would have to be patient.
So while they waited, fans compared costumes, described their favorite characters and talked about what they liked most — and least — about the series that would supposedly end with their very next book purchase.
Julie McLaughlin, of Greenwood, like so many adults, became caught up in the Potter books alongside her kids. As a former reading teacher, she couldn’t help but appreciate what the books were doing for children.
“These books were getting kids to read and that’s big,” McLaughlin said. “These are fun books.
It’s something the kids and I can do together.
For Aidan Feith, as soon as Harry caught the Golden Snitch, he was hooked.
“That was cool, I wanted to go to Hogwarts right then and there,” he said.
Mia Mason, of Ninety Six, was dressed as Harry’s faithful companion, Hermione Jane Granger, complete with hat and book of spells. The 12-year-old also won the female side of the Potter costume contest.
“My favorite part was when Voldemort and Dumbledore dueled in ‘Order of the Phoenix’,” she said. “I’m definitely ready. This is all so exciting.”
When asked what they wanted most from the new book, most fans cited two items — bring back Dumbledore and please don’t let Harry die.
The answer to that question would have to wait.
But not for much longer.
Most of the crowd — hardcore Potter fans who had reserved a copy of the book - were given armbands to identify them as having already ordered a copy. But Simmons has a surprise in store for everyone.
They also were given a ticket. The person whose ticket was drawn got to go inside and be the first person in Greenwood to buy a copy.
The prize sent a tremor of excitement through the crowd.
Simmons had a bystanding child draw the first number. She yelled it out and waited for everyone to check their tickets.
“The last three numbers are zero, four, seven!” Simmons screamed.
Tyler Deitz was the luckiest — and most envied — person in the building.
He doesn’t say much as he crawled under the metal gate and made his way to the counter. Simmons pulled out a copy of “Deathly Hallows” — his copy.
Then he took it and sat in front of the gate for just a moment to read a paragraph. Kids on the outside of the wire yelled questions inside and craned their necks for a look. They just wanted to see anything they can.
“What’s the first chapter, what’s the first chapter?” one kid asked.
Deitz didn’t say anything — he was too busy reading and smiling.
It’s now about 12:12 and the crowd is nearly gasping. Eventually, the line begins to stream inside (15 at a time) and more wishes are granted. A moment ago, Robert Lee Storey, 11, of Plum Branch, was on the outside, but now he finally has his copy in hand and can’t wait to get it home and open his book. He’s not waiting. He’s reading it tonight.
“The suspense is killing me,” he said. “I’m going to start reading it tonight. Why not just stay up and read it? You’ve waited all this time. Why not?”

Reaching a new Hite

Post 20 shortstop finally focuses on one sport — baseball

July 22, 2007

By MATT ANDERSON
Index-Journal sports writer

For two years, Mack Hite was in the Greenwood Post 20 American Legion baseball dugout. Then, when it would have been time to get back on bench, he passed on the opportunity in consecutive seasons.
This summer, nine years after serving as the Post 20 batboy when his brother played for the team, Hite is playing shortstop for Greenwood.
He elected not to play Legion baseball in 2005 and 2006, so he could concentrate on readying himself to start at quarterback for Abbeville High School.
“I probably could have talked the (Abbeville football) coaches into letting me play, but I didn’t want to leave the team for anything and miss out on that,” Hite said. “That’s the kind of guy I am. If I’m doing something, I’m doing it 100 percent.”
This summer has been 100 percent baseball for Hite. He admitted there was a slight adjustment period to the American Legion game, but he said playing baseball at Abbeville helped the transition.
“Playing for coach (Mark) Smith in Abbeville, it’s serious there, too,” Hite said. “There wasn’t too big a difference going from that to Legion ball. It took a couple of games to get used to, but it wasn’t that big a difference from playing at Abbeville.”
While his season batting numbers for the season have been solid (.291 batting average, 21 RBIs, 25 runs scored and a team-high nine stolen bases in 117 at-bats), his bat has gotten hot at the perfect moment for Post 20.
Embroiled in a mini-slump down the regular-season stretch (2-for-17 in Greenwood’s last four regular season games), he broke out in the team’s first round playoff series against Chester. In the four-game series victory against Chester, Hite was 6-for-17, had a team high six RBIs, and tied for the team lead with five runs scored.
Even with that offensive production, it might be his good glove work on the left side of the infield that has been most critical for Post 20.
“I’d probably say defense is the most important part of my game,” Hite said. “With all the right-handed batters, you get a lot of balls hit to you at short. It’s probably the toughest position to play, and I think playing good defense is really important.”
Greenwood coach Billy Dean Minor agreed.
“Your shortstop is usually the captain of your infield,” Minor said. “Mack does a good job of letting everyone know where they should be. He’s a hustler and he’s always in the right position.”
With the last name Hite, expectations would dictate that he should be in the right position.
Quarterbacking Abbeville for two season, he played in Thomas Hite Stadium — named for his grandfather, the legendary Abbeville football coach. But Hite said that legacy did not put any undue pressure on him.
“Going into my junior year I had some pressure, mostly because I hadn’t proven myself,” Hite said. “But I gave everything I had for the community and when people see that, they do have respect for you. My brother and my dad set high standards, and my brother was a great example for me — if you go out and do things right, there won’t be many problems.”
He will continue following his brother’s example next year, when he will attend Presbyterian College to play baseball, where Tombo Hite played from 2000-2003. It’s also another place where Mack Hite served as batboy.
This time, he’ll start playing baseball as soon as he’s eligible.

Obituaries

Drake Anderson

Drake Dowling Anderson, resident of 104 Hampton Road, died July 21, 2007, from injuries sustained in an automobile accident.
The family is at the home in Idlewood.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Brenda Ayers

Brenda Huskey Ayers, 58, resident of 2211 Montague Avenue Ext., wife of P. David Ayers, died July 21, 2007, at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Spartanburg, September 29, 1948, she was a daughter of Farrell L. and Dorothy Faye Thomas Huskey. She attended Dorman High School and was a 1966 graduate of Greenwood High School and was also a graduate of Forrest Business College of Anderson. She was formerly employed by Atlantic Coast Life Insurance Co.
Mrs. Ayers was a member of Rice Memorial Baptist Church and the Open Door Sunday School Class of the church.
Surviving in addition to her husband of the home and parents of Greenwood are a daughter, Angie Ayers of Hodges, and a son, Shane Ayers and wife Mandy of Greenwood; a sister, Sandra H. Hill of Roebuck and a brother, Marshall Huskey of Roebuck; three grandchildren, Adam and Caleb Wright and Brayden Ayers.
Memorial services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday at Rice Memorial Baptist Church with the Rev. Alvin Hodges, the Rev. Hal Lane, and the Rev. Jimmy Tucker officiating.
The family is at the home of Sandra H. Hill, 215 Chinquapin Road in Greenwood and will receive friends in the church social hall immediately following the service.
The family requests that flowers be omitted and memorials be made to Rice Memorial Baptist Church, 1975 Highway 72 West, Greenwood, SC 29649.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.blythfuneralhome.com. Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Ayers family.

James Walter Gilchrist

McCORMICK — James Walter Gilchrist, son of the late Walter and Nancy Chamberlain Gilchrist, was born on May 30, 1943. He departed this life at Hospice Care of the Piedmont in Greenwood, SC on July 18, 2007.
Survivors include a daughter, Lenora Moore (Roosevelt) Davis and a son, Matthew (LaShandgra) Searles, both of McCormick, SC; six sisters, Willie Lee Franklin and Cora V. Roberts, both of McCormick, SC, Lillie Holmes of Greenwood, SC, Sarah (Tony) Ware of Asheville, NC, Annie Ruth (Curtis) Collymeon and Stella Martin, both of Silver Springs, Maryland; two brothers, Johnny Lee Barker of Silver Springs, Maryland and Wiley Barker of McCormick, SC; and seven grandchildren.
Funeral services are Monday at 1 p.m. at Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, Parksville, SC with the Rev. Jasper Chamberlain officiating. Interment will be in the church cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Tyrid Ross, Larry McCray, Jr., Samuel Wilson, Jr., Jerel Franklin, Henry “Junior” Heath, Walter H. Gardner, and Ralph Pickens.
Nieces will be floral bearers.
Friends may call at his home at Willow Creek Apartments, No. B-3, or Walker Funeral Home until noon Monday and then at the church.
Walker Funeral Home directors are assisting the family.

Florence Harrison Joynes

NEW YORK — Florence Harrison Joynes of the Bronx, NY died July 17, 2007 after an extended illness. She was the daughter of the late John and Mary Palmore Harrison. She was born August 8, 1938 in Greenwood, SC.
She is survived by her loving children; two daughters, Brenda and Juana Joynes; two sons, Anthony and Keith Joynes, all of New York. She also leaves behind two heartbroken brothers, John Bennie Harrison and Grady P. Harrison, both of Greenwood, SC; five grandchildren, one great-grandchild, and a host of devoted nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
The family will receive friends Monday, July 23, 2007 from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. at Unity Funeral Chapels, Inc., New York. Funeral will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the funeral chapel. Interment will be at Mt. Holiness Memorial Park, Butler, New Jersey.
Obituary courtesy of Robinson and Son Mortuary of Greenwood.

James Sprouse

James William Sprouse, 75, resident of 2623 Montague Avenue Ext., husband of Janie Frances Dukes Sprouse died Saturday, July 21, 2007, at his residence.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services.

Hazel Stone

WARE SHOALS — Hazel Crawford Stone, 90, widow of Lawrence Herbert Stone died July 20, 2007 at Hospice Care of the Piedmont. She was born in Greenville County, a daughter of the late Robert L. and Loni Brooks Crawford. She was retired from Honea Path Shirt Plant after many years of devoted service. Her church membership was Calvary Baptist Church.
Surviving are one daughter, Joyce Anderson and husband Ray, Ware Shoals; three granddaughters, Kimberly A. Watson, Pelzer, Andrea A. Lorentz, Laurens, and Shae A. Campbell, Ware Shoals; and five great-grandchildren, Heather Blackburn, Heath Lee, Kela Davis, Kaitlin Davis and Brianna Campbell; also sisters, Margie C. Giesel, Travelers Rest, Dorothy C. Armstrong, Belton; sister-in-law, Doris T. Crawford, Fork Shoals; and several nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Stone was pre-deceased by a sister, Vera C. Brooks and two brothers, Herbert Crawford and R.L. Crawford, Jr.
Funeral services will be conducted Monday at 2 p.m. at Parker-White Funeral Home with the Rev. Leon Jones, the Rev. Mac Jones and the Rev. Hans Wunch officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Active pallbearers will be T. Kim Watson, Tony Lorentz, Dan Campbell, Heath Lee, Jimmy Lollis, Kenneth Coleman and John Coleman, Jr.
Honorary pallbearers will be Dewayne Clark, Jake Davis, Sonny Dean, Johnny Davis, Sammy Davis and Bobby Johnson.
The family requests in lieu of flowers, memorials be made to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave., Greenwood, S.C. 29646.
The family is at the home of Joyce and Ray Anderson, 15 Pineview Drive, Ware Shoals and will receive friends Sunday, 7-9 p.m. at Parker-White Funeral Home.

James Watson

James Watson, 87, of 731 Lorenzo Road, Promised Land, passed away Saturday, July 21, 2007 at Palmetto Health Richland.
Funeral arrangements will be announce later by Percival-Tompkins Funeral Home.

Opinion

Use of eminent domain should get another look

July 22, 2007

Eminent domain. What is it? A dictionary definition is: “A right of a government to take private property for public use by virtue of the superior dominion of the sovereign power over all lands within its jurisdiction.”
That doctrine has been in the news for a couple of years, starting when a New England city used it to condemn private property for use by and for private interests.
That, of course, raised a ruckus all over the nation, so much so that laws were passed to make sure that eminent domain would be used only for its original purpose. One of the laws was approved in South Carolina.
Now comes the controversy over what is to be done with the old water plant property on Grace Street that is owned by the CPW.

THAT PROPERTY WAS ACQUIRED years ago through the use of eminent domain. The property was used for a public purpose, of course ..... a water processing plant to serve the public.
Now, though, that water plant is out of commission and unused. So, after years of debate over what to do with the property the plant is on, a decision has been made to sell that property for private use. Whether that decision is changed depends on the CPW, the City and County of Greenwood, the Parks Commission and the people who, in the final analysis, own all of those entities and everything they have. Discussions apparently will continue, but as of now, who knows?
Still, the experience opens the door for another thought. The law dictates that private property obtained through the use of eminent domain must be used for a public purpose. There is, however, a “what if” consideration.

WHAT IF A GOVERNMENT entity condemns private property, ostensibly for a public use, and then decides it would not be feasible for such use. However, the government entity then owns the property it recently took. The question, then, is: Can that property then be sold by that government body for private use? Can it be used for a totally different public use that was not included in eminent domain proceedings? Or, should the ownership go back to the original owner?
What’s the possibility of a government body using eminent domain to gain private property for a public purpose, then changing its mind and selling the property for private use? That, unfortunately, is a worrisome consideration.
These are sticky questions, to be sure, but they are not beyond possibilities. Maybe it’s something the Legislature should revisit. Without clarification, by the Legislature or courts, the potential misuse that exists almost mandates a further look.