Remembering Drake

July 23, 2007

By MIKE ROSIER
Index-Journal staff writer

Chris Floyd didn’t try to hold back.
There was no need to even attempt to keep the tears inside.
And to tell the truth, he didn’t want to.
He wanted to let go and did.
Drake Anderson had given so much of himself to him, to them all, and had asked nothing in return. It wouldn’t be right not to give back now.
So Floyd — and so many others — gave back all they could Sunday evening at Greenwood High’s J.W. Babb Stadium during a candlelight memorial to honor the recent GHS graduate killed in a Saturday morning crash.
Anderson and a group of seven close friends were on their last trip together to Hilton Head Island when his Ford Mustang was hit by a tractor-trailer in Newberry County.
Sunday, they gave back their hugs and their tears.
Their hearts had already been taken long ago by number 65.
The memories they will keep for themselves.
“I don’t even know where to begin,” Floyd said. “He was sick a lot, but he never complained about it. He would make up words just to make you smile. He always picked you up.You were a better person for having known him.”
As he cried and held his candle, Floyd’s only wish was a simple one.
He hopes he gave his friend a piece of the joy he was given.
“I hope I gave as much to him as he gave me,” Floyd said. “We’re all going to miss him. It wasn’t about Drake, because he was always about you.”
Renee Tinsley sang the Lord’s Prayer and songs were played that drew the crowd of around 500 people to their own personal memories. Greenwood High varsity football coach Shell Dula addressed the crowd, saying “we will never forget what he meant to us because Drake Anderson never quit.”
Anderson’s closest friends then stepped forward and talked about the young man who lifted their spirit with his mere presence — and that smile.
They emptied themselves into the microphone and stadium loudspeakers over the next few minutes for their “big guy” — DP, Drakester and Drakey Poo. They honored the love they had shared over weekends, fast food, baseball games, extreme paintball battles and flesh-burning metal.
“Thank you for the great impact you’ve had on my live man,” Eagles lineman Ivey Shingler said.
“You’ve taught me so many of life’s lessons on never giving up. You’re my brother, man, and I love you. I know you’re happy up there, but wait until I get there. We’re going to rule that place!”
“You taught me to live life to the fullest,” Haley Culbertson began.
Anderson often chose to call her “Pookie.”
He did it for reasons that will always and forever remain locked between the two of them — Drake “The Steak” and Haley Pookie.
Those moments are hers to cherish.
Everyone brought different emotions with them Sunday.
But these were hers to have and hold until she finds his arms again.
“Even though I didn’t say it as much as you did, I love you with everything I have,” she said. “I would have been honored to be the girl for you. When I (see you) I’m going to jump into your arms and never let you go.”
A memorial service will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Main Street United Methodist following a private family burial at Mt. Lebanon UMC that morning. Drake Anderson’s family requests flowers be omitted and memorials be made instead to the Greenwood High School Boosters Club, 1816 Cokesbury Road, Greenwood, SC 29649 or to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 10794, Greenville, SC 29603 in Drake’s memory.

Local nurse back from trip to Canada

July 23, 2007

By MIKE ROSIER
Index-Journal staff writer

ABBEVILLE — April Smith is glad she went to Canada.
She’s even more thrilled that she has moved her cheese as a result.
Talk of the dairy product is a reference to a popular book about change.
But the April Smith who left Abbeville for a school trip to Quebec and Montreal is not the same April Smith who returned home days later. Smith — a nurse at Self Regional Medical Center, wife and mother of four children and former student at USC Upstate in Spartanburg — says she would have been mighty disappointed otherwise.
“We were doing a class on end of life and going over a scenario involving a Muslim family and the death of a child, so we did research on Muslim culture,” Smith said. “From that we answered a lot of cultural questions. There used to be just a black and white world out there, but now there are examples of every culture around us. It’s just not us anymore. I just felt that the trip (to explore cultural diversity) would allow me to be a better nurse.”
Smith came away impressed the laid-back approach in which the Canadian people deal with their lives. Oh yes, and the breathtaking visual images.
“It’s beautiful, one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen,” Smith said. “I definitely think the people in Canada have health figured out. There were a large group of people in a park. Some were probably homeless and some upper class, but they were all just relaxing around each other like nothing was going on.
“The people there are always so relaxed. I was amazed at how few obese people there were. They seemed to have the whole picture put together. They didn’t seem as stressed, that was my first impression.”
Concerned that she didn’t speak French, Smith found most Canadians she met were bilingual, especially those with public professions.
It appeared to her Canadians go out of their way to accept other cultures, which she says is hardly the case further south in America.
“Can you imagine everyone here learning Spanish like that?” Smith asked. “There’s no way that would happen here. All we want to do here is make everyone that comes here learn English. And we have a lot of Spanish-speaking patients here so that’s really disappointing.
“In Canada they speak both languages. Most every person spoke English and French, and all the signs were in French and in English. I just think they put a bigger focus on making sure that everyone is comfortable, no matter the culture.”
The American apathy she speaks of she has experienced herself.
Her own supervisor did not see the benefits of such a trip of cultural expansion, meaning Smith used her own accrued vacation time.
But for her, it’s not about the vacation time lost — it’s about a mind set.
Which is where the whole cheese thing comes back into play.
Understanding another culture requires a certain vulnerability many Americans simply are not willing to entertain — a willingness to change.
“So many people see things simply as black and white issues and are not opening up their eyes to how many cultures we have here in this area,” Smith said. “I think that in order for us to be able to provide adequate care, we have to know more than just how to speak the language.
“If you speak the language, but don’t have a clue as to what their practices are you’re not really providing adequate care for them. The main purpose of the trip was to be able to take what I learned grow professionally and as a mom and I think it did both of those things.
Traveling like that opens your eyes.”
One of Smith’s former instructors at USC-Upstate, Kathryn McLaughlin, said her student was most definitely an important part of the trip.
“April was a great asset to the group,” she said. “As a non-traditional student added a valuable perspective to our collective experience.”
McLaughlin was disappointed to learn of the reception Smith received at work, but says after the learning that took place she is the better for it.
“It seems like many people don’t consider a trip to Canada as much of a learning experience because many Americans assume that it is just like being in the United States,” McLaughlin said. “We, however, learned that visiting Canada has opened our eyes up to a more relaxed, friendly and open way of life. In fact, April was the first in the group to observe how relaxed, healthy and happy people appeared in Canada.
“She often expressed a curiosity about how that impacts the public health system there and whether Canadians suffer from the same diseases of lifestyle that we often see here in the United States, like heart disease and cancer. I believe that April will carry this positive experience back to the work place with her.
“Without a doubt, the experience will also make her more culturally sensitive when she cares for her patients of different cultures.”
April Smith has already returned happily to work, where she continues to put her newfound knowledge into practice with her patients, whatever race and ethnic background they may happen to be. She’s moved her cheese.
“It opens my eyes to see that I can’t be stuck in the same rut,” she said. “I have to open my eyes to other cultures. I was very grateful for the opportunity to grow. It was just a part of me moving my cheese.”

Post 20 banking on arms

July 23, 2007

By MATT ANDERSON
Index-Journal sports writer

In its first round American Legion playoff series, Greenwood Post 20 faced an undermanned Chester squad. Greenwood won the best-of-five series against Chester, which had just 11 players available after Game 1, in four games.
The second round figures to be a little more difficult for Post 20.
Greenwood will face Richland in a best-of-five series starting with Game 1 tonight at 7:30 p.m. at Legion Field in Greenwood. Richland defeated Union 3-1 in its opening round series and should have its full complement of players available against Greenwood.
“Our confidence level is pretty good right now,” Post 20 shortstop Mack Hite said. “The win on Thursday was pretty big for us after we lost on Wednesday. But I think it turned out to be a good thing for us losing on Wednesday. I think we probably would have been pretty big-headed if we had won in three straight, and that loss got us back down to earth.”
After the Game 3 loss, Game 4 in Chester went pretty much according to plan for Greenwood. For the first time all series, Post 20 outhit Chester (10-7). Post 20 also drove in 10 of the 11 runs it scored, and received a strong relief outing from Christian Powell, who picked up the series-clinching win.
The only down note from the Game 4 win was when starting pitcher Cruse Tollison was removed from the game after injuring his knee. Greenwood coach Billy Dean Minor said it has not yet been determined whether Tollison, who starts in left field when not pitching, will be available tonight.
Tollison’s three-inning outing aside, each Post 20 starter made it through at least five innings in the first round. Game 1 starter Brandon Miller threw 6 1/3 innings, Justin Collier pitched five shutout innings in his Game 2 win, and Brad Dorn pitched into the seventh inning of Game 3.
That strong pitching, Minor, said, was due in large part to the staff’s control. Greenwood pitchers combined for just 10 walks in the four game series.
“We didn’t have to throw that many pitches in the series,” Minor said. “I like for our guys to be around the plate, and they were against Chester.”
The solid starting pitching, Hite said, also benefited the offense.
“It makes it a lot easier on you as a hitter knowing that your pitcher is going to be pretty strong out there,” he said. “It helps you knowing if we can score at least five or six runs, we can win.”
Post 20 will likely open the series with Miller on the mound tonight, Minor said. The South Carolina-bound southpaw is 5-1 on the year with a 2.74 ERA, and has held opponents to a .218 batting average. In his Game 1 start against Chester, Miller went 6 1/3 innings, allowing two earned runs on seven hits and two walks, striking out five.

Obituaries

Drake Anderson

Drake Dowling Anderson, 18, resident of 104 Hampton Road, died July 21, 2007 from injuries sustained in an automobile accident near Silverstreet.
Born in Greenwood, September 7, 1988, he was a son of Geddes D. Anderson, Sr. and Susan Long Anderson. He was a 2007 graduate of Greenwood High School where he was a member of the Eagles State Championship Football Team. Drake was enrolled to attend Tri-County Technical College in the Fall to study Criminal Justice. He was a member of Main Street United Methodist Church.
Surviving in addition to both his parents of Greenwood are a brother, Geddes D. Anderson, Jr. of Jacksonville, FL; his maternal grandmother, June Drake Long of Greenwood; aunts, Nancy Anderson May of Donalds, Ada Anderson Snow of Westport, MA, Kathy Long Ellis of Columbia and Debbie L. LeCroy of Greenwood; and an uncle Charles B. Long, Jr. of Greenwood.
Private family burial will be in Mt. Lebanon United Methodist Church Cemetery Tuesday morning.
Memorial services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Main Street United Methodist Church with the Reverend James D. Dennis, Jr. officiating.
The body is at Blyth Funeral Home where friends may visit from 4-7 p.m. Monday afternoon.
The family is at the home in Idlewood.
The family requests that flowers be omitted and memorials be made to Greenwood High School Boosters Club, 1816 Cokesbury Road, Greenwood, SC 29649 or to the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 10794, Greenville, SC 29603 in memory of Drake.
For additional information and online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com. Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Anderson family.

Loreane Crouch

SALUDA — Loreane Bowers Crouch, 83, died Sunday, July 22, 2007 at her residence.
Born in Newberry County and a daughter of the late Winnins Hunter “Doc” and Eunice Quattlebaum Bowers, she was the wife of the late Richard Coleman Crouch. Mrs. Crouch was a seamstress with the Nantex Company and Knight Industries. She was a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church.
Surviving is a son and two daughters-in-law, Richard Hunter Crouch and Patricia Crouch of Saluda and Judy Malone Crouch of Madison, TN; and four grandchildren, Charlotte Hunter”Lottie” Claytor of Madison, TN, Gabrielle Caroline Randolph Crouch of Saluda, Elena Bowling of Cincinnati, OH, and Joshua Bowling of Greenville, SC.
The family will receive friends from 7 until 9 p.m., Tuesday evening at Ramey Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 3 p.m., Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at St. Paul United Methodist Church with Dr. Tom Norrell and the Rev. Daniel Claytor officiating. Interment will follow in Travis Park Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to St. Paul United Methodist Church, 102 East Butler Ave., Saluda, SC 29138.

Ceree Lee, Jr.

HODGES — Ceree Lee, Jr., 71 of 1515 Shirley Road, Hodges, SC, husband of Priscilla Covington Lee, died Sunday, July 22, 2007, at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood, SC.
The family is at the home and at the home of his daughter, Ethel McCier, 1488 Hwy. 28 South, Abbeville, SC.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Abbeville & White Mortuary, Inc., Abbeville, SC.

Buck Livingston

George E. “Buck” Livingston, 82, of 510 Foundry Road, died Sunday, July 22, 2007 at Hospice House.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Harley Funeral Home & Crematory.

James Sprouse

James William Sprouse, 75, resident of 2623 Montague Avenue Ext., formerly of Greenville, husband of Janie Frances Dukes Sprouse died Saturday July 21, 2007 at his residence.
Born in Greenwood October 28, 1931 to the late Miller Armstrong and Elise Harberson Sprouse, Mr. Sprouse was a combat veteran, assigned to the 32nd Infantry Regiment of the US Army during the Korean War. He was wounded in action and was a recipient of the Purple Heart. He then joined the US Navy and retired as 1st Class Photographer’s Mate and was assigned to the Fleet Reserve Association. A retired employee of Celanese in Greenville where he worked for 15 years until the plant closed, Mr. Sprouse later worked as a security officer for Union Bleachery for five years. A mason, he attended the Hyde Park Baptist Church where he attended the Mens Bible Sunday School Class and the Joy Luck Club. He and his wife celebrated their 55th year of marriage on June 30, 2007.
Surviving in addition to his wife of the home is a son, James W. “Jim” Sprouse, Jr. and his wife Linda of Simpsonville; two grandchildren, Kristina Anne Sprouse and fiancee Brandon New of Greer and Andrew Wayne Sprouse of Mauldin; and a sister, Lois Jones of Greenwood.
Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Hyde Park Baptist Church with the Reverend Tommy Thurston and the Reverend James Rogers officiating. Interment will follow in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
The body is at Blyth Funeral Home and will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. Tuesday.
Pallbearers will be Roger Hembree, Paul Jones, Lee Jones, Bobby Bolt, Terry Latham and Tommy Dukes.
Honorary escort will be the Mens Bible Sunday School Class of Hyde Park Baptist Church and great-nephews.
The family is at the home 2623 Montague Avenue Ext. and will receive friends Monday evening from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.
Those desiring may make memorials to Hyde Park Baptist Church Building Fund, 330 Deadfall Road West, Greenwood, SC 29649 in memory of Mr. Sprouse.
For additional information and online condolences please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com. Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Sprouse family.

Dr. Allen Wise

SALUDA — Dr. Allen Carson Wise, 88, died Saturday July 21, 2007 at Saluda Nursing Center. Dr. Wise was a family physician in Saluda for nearly forty years and was active in many community projects. He was a founder of the Saluda County Historical Society and was a long time member of the Saluda Coffee Club.
Surviving are his wife, Carolyn L. Wise of Saluda; three daughters, Suzanne Wise of Boone, NC, Allie Goudy of Cuba, IL and Martha Wise of Renick, WV; and four grandsons.
The family will receive friends from 7 until 8:30 Tuesday evening at the W. N. Padget home, 472 Greenwood Highway, in Saluda.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 25, 2007 at Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church with Pastor E. C. Miller, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow in Travis Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully suggest that memorials be made to Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church, 101 N. Calhoun Street, Saluda, SC 29138 or to the Saluda County Historical Society, 109 AA Law Range, Saluda, SC 29138.
Ramey Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Opinion

Racism, like it or not, influences our elections

July 23, 2007

Racism has always been a part of the human experience. Whether it’s related to work, education, politics, society in general or even religion, it has existed among the people of the earth right on up through biblical days.
There are, without doubt, areas where racism still is obvious among South Carolinians. We don’t like to admit that, of course, but it’s true. Something else we don’t like to admit that also is true. Racism comes in many colors and cultures, and that, too, is obvious as we all go about our public and private lives.
Consider politics and the current campaign for presidential nominations, for example.

THERE IS CONSIDERABLE racism that appears to be represented there. However, you can be sure those involved will deny it. However, perception is sometimes more revealing than reality. The old saying that how it looks speaks so loudly no one can hear what’s said comes to mind.
It’s not a white, black, male, female, old, young, religious or any other kind of thing, either. Still, it’s sure to raise a few eyebrows in this politically correct and extreme partisanship era where nobody trusts anybody and everybody questions anything and everything they don’t understand.
Still, the way it looks sometimes, it would be hard to argue that racism and other forms of prejudice aren’t at work.

IT WOULD BE EASY FOR the skeptics to wonder, for example, if some females are working for Hillary Clinton because she is a female, or some black Americans, like Oprah Winfrey, are supporting Senator Barak Obama because he’s black. Or, maybe some males are behind other males because they are male .... and for no other reason.
There are, certainly, some “legitimate” issues that create support for some candidates. After all, the election is all about the future security and prosperity of this nation. It would also be a pretty good bet that a lot of votes will be decided on color, religion, gender, cultural, and other purely biased reasoning.
Racism lives. Politicking makes that obvious ..... even if we don’t want to admit it.