Richard Kinard, 72, husband of Janice Thompson Kinard, passed away Monday, April 27, 2020, at his residence in Walterboro.

     Mr. Kinard was born March 1, 1948, in Bamberg, SC, a son of the late George Daniel and Margie Bell Hiott Kinard. He attended Kingstree Schools and was an Army Veteran. Richard retired from Goose Creek Bushy Park plant of Bayer as a Maintenance Mechanic in 1978. He enjoyed hunting and fishing.

     Surviving in addition to his wife, Janice, are: his brothers, Tommy Kinard and Harry Kinard; his sisters, Anna Bell Barwick, Sandra Quick, Carolyn Mixon, and Irene Disher; several nieces and nephews; and 4 brother in laws, Leroy, Junior, Barry and Ernie Thompson; and sister in laws, Alva Dean Carter.  Richard left a special niece Peyton Brinson, whom he had a special bond with since her birth. Mr. Richard was preceded in death by two brothers, George Kinard and Nelson Kinard.

     Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, a private burial service will be held. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Williamsburg Funeral Home for funeral expenses 332 E. Main Street, Kingstree, SC 29556 or to a charity of your choice. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.

Mrs. Sybil Cantey Parrott, 84, widow of Thaddeus T. “Junior” Parrott, Jr., died Saturday, April 18, 2020, at her residence in Kingstree.

     Mrs. Parrott was born January 12, 1936, a daughter of the late Fallie and Lillian Epps Cantey. Sybil was a graduate of East Clarendon High School and was a Farmer’s wife. She was a member of Mouzon Presbyterian Church. Sybil enjoyed gardening, traveling and driving her John Deere gator in Sandy Bay.

     Surviving are: her children, Cindy Parrott; Milton Parrott; and Calvin (Nicki) Parrott; grandchildren, Lee (Nikki) Parrott and Caitlin Parrott; great grandchildren, Eli Parrott and Luke Parrott; and a sister, Catherine Rodgers.

         Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, a private burial service will be held at Sandy Bay Cemetery. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Memorials may be made to Mouzon Presbyterian Church, c/o Jeanette Duke, 2281 Sumter Highway, Kingstree, SC 29556.

James “Jimmy” Lamar Ward, 79, of Saluda, SC, passed away on April 10, 2020, in Greenwood, SC after a long illness.

   Jimmy was born in Florence County, SC, on June 11, 1940, son of the late Haskell Lamar Ward and Lucille Lowder Ward. He attended Kingstree High School and graduated from Clemson University.

He married Patricia Ann Ward (née Joseph) on July 23, 1966, in Charleston, SC.

     Jimmy worked in many positions for Milliken & Company, including as production superintendent; owned The Wardrobe, Inc., a retail clothing store; worked for Diversey Corporation/DuBois Chemical Company as an account executive; and served as Executive Director of the Saluda County Economic Development Board, for which he received the Outstanding Service Award for Economic Development from the South Carolina House of Representatives. He also served as a Lieutenant in the South Carolina Army National Guard.

     He gave generously of his time to numerous professional and civic organizations, including the Piedmont Technical College Board of Visitors, the Clemson Extension Service Advisory Board, Clemson University Palmetto Leadership, the Saluda Arts Council, and Junior Achievement.

     Jimmy was a passionate Clemson Tigers fan, an avid golfer, and always the first person on the dance floor. He was kind, generous, and a poet at heart. He never spent a night away from home unless it was absolutely necessary and loved spending time with his family – especially his grandsons, who brought him so much joy and laughter. 

    In addition to his parents, Jimmy was preceded in death by a brother, Lajoe George Ward, and a sister, Adelle Ward Gamble. 

    Jimmy is survived by his wife, Patricia Joseph Ward; his children, Leslie Ward Fletcher of Greenville, SC and James Lamar (Mason) Ward, Jr. of Mt. Pleasant, SC; his brother, Johnny Hugh Ward of Kingstree, SC; and grandchildren, James Lamar Ward, III and Drury Benjamin Ward of Mt. Pleasant, SC.

    Due to the COVID-19 restrictions, a private burial service will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Greeleyville, SC. Arrangements are by Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree, SC.

     Many thanks to Regina and to Karen and Katherine with Sheppard’s Helping Hands for the exceptional care, kindness, and support they provided Jimmy and his family. Also, special thanks to Katharine Few with the Prisma Health Center for Success in Aging, the doctors and nurses at Self Regional, and the staff at Hospice & Palliative Care of the Piedmont.

    In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of James Lamar Ward to St. Williams Catholic Church at 1199 Ridge Spring Highway, Ward, SC 29166.

Troy Marshall Gause,60, husband of Sandra Powell Gause, died at McLeod Regional Medical Center on Thursday, April 2, 2020.

     Mr. Gause was born October 3, 1959, in Williamsburg County, a son of the late Troy Melton and Doris Cooper Gause. He was a graduate of Kingstree Senior High School.  Marshall worked at Gause Brother’s Scrap Metal. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, making knives, turkey calls, sling shots and was an avid archer. Marshall was a member of Kingstree First Pentecostal Holiness Church.

     Surviving Mr. Gause, in addition to his wife Sandra, are: sons, Carlton Marshall “Scooter” Gause, of Kingstree, and Joshua Brenton (Ginger) Gause, of Galivants Ferry; grandchildren, Austin Rabon, Sammie Rabon, and granddaughter on the way, Savannah-Faye Huntleigh Gause; brothers, Keith (Missy) Marshall, Ernest Gause, Stanley (Glenda) Gause, and Raymond (Billie Lynn) Gause; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews.

   A private committal service for Mr. Gause’s immediate family will be held in Kingstree First Pentecostal Holiness Church Cemetery. A memorial worship and celebration of his life will be announced at a later date.

   Memorials may be made to the American Kidney Fund, at www.kidneyfund.org or Kingstree First Pentecostal Holiness Church, 37 McCall Road, Kingstree, SC 29556 .  

Don Royal Chandler, 81, went to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Sunday morning, March

22, 2020, passing away most peacefully at the McLeod Hospice House after a long battle with Parkinson’s disease.

      Mr. Chandler was born December 6, 1938, in his hometown of Lane, SC, the youngest son of the late Alvin Laurence and Janie Belle Royal Chandler. He was a 1956 graduate of Kingstree High School. Upon graduation, Mr. Chandler’s career began at Thomas Ford Motor Company of Kingstree as a parts salesman, where he first saw his beloved wife of 56 years, Bertha Ann, when she came in to make her car payment. He left this job to become an auto mechanic and co-owner of Chandler’s Garage for over 37 years where he worked harmoniously with his brother, together serving Lane as well as the surrounding communities. In 1994, Mr. Chandler became a shop mechanic/transporter with the SC Department of Transportation from which he retired after 12 years. Don was a life-long and “All In” Clemson fan who looked forward to every football season for the fun rivalries. Mr. Chandler was an active elder, deacon, and Sunday School superintendent of his hometown Lane Presbyterian Church until it was closed in 1996. He, along with his family, then transferred membership to Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, where he was also a long-time elder. Don was a member of the Berean Sunday School class, the Men’s Morning breakfast group and former chair of the Evangelism & Service committee. Through this committee, he coordinated and helped served the Blessed Angela meals to those less fortunate. Upon his retirement, Don continued his lifelong ministry of service to others through his visits to shut-ins and nursing home residents until he became physically unable. When his Parkinson’s disease progressed, Don became an assisted living resident of The Methodist Manor and later as a skilled care resident of The Heritage Home, both in Florence, SC. In these communities, Don pressed onward with his true life’s calling—being God’s disciple, sharing his light and love to all he encountered even until his last earthly breath.

      Surviving to love and cherish the precious memories of this good, faithful, disciple of God and servant are: his wife, Bertha Ann Ard Chandler of the home; his daughters, Donna Marie C. (Johnny) White, of Kingstree; Elizabeth Ann C. (Brian) Wieber, of Davidson, NC; his two granddaughters, Chandler Louise White and Caroline Elizabeth Wieber; and many nieces and nephews. Don also had special friends he considered family, Anne and Daniel (Danny) Caison of Kingstree, SC. Mr. Chandler was predeceased by his parents and brother, Alvin Laurence Chandler, Jr.

    A private committal service for Mr. Chandler’s immediate family will be held in Kingstree Memorial Gardens. A memorial worship and celebration of his life will be announced at a later date.

      Memorials may be made to the Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, 411 North Academy Street, Kingstree, SC 29556, or McLeod Hospice, PO Box 100551, Florence, SC 29502-0051.

    The family wishes to express our gratitude for the love and support shown to us by so many. A special thanks to the staff of The Manor, Heritage Home, and McLeod Hospice for the loving care provided to Don throughout this journey. We thank God with every remembrance of you.

Online condolences may be sent to the family on the obituary page at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.

Billy Harrelson, 88, husband of Lila Mae Hucks Harrelson, died at Bethea Retirement Community on Saturday, March 14, 2020.

     Mr. Harrelson was born on August 7, 1931, in Conway, SC, a son of the late Malcom and Mamie Thompkins Harrelson. He attended Horry County Schools and was an Army Veteran where he served in the 1^st Cavalry division in the Korean War. He was quite an entrepreneur, he owned Dr. Pepper and Canada Dry Franchises in Conway and Kingstree, Purina Feed Mill in Rowland, NC, and Harrelson Transfer Lines in Kingstree. Mr. Billy retired from Town of Kingstree as Water Superintendent.  He was a member of Cornerstone Baptist Church and served as a deacon. Mr. Billy enjoyed going to church and spending time with family. He was a hard worker and never expected anyone to do something he wouldn’t do.

     Surviving Mr. Harrelson, in addition to his wife Lila Mae of 68 years, are: his son, Tony (Sybel) Harrelson, of Kingstree; his daughter, Billie Jo (Glenn) Lee, of Lake City; grandchildren, Curtis (Tiffany), Mark, Carrie, and Shane Harrelson; five great grandchildren; and one great-great grandchild.

In addition to his parents, Mr. Harrelson was preceded in death by a sister, Edna Baxley; and two sons, Rex Harrelson and Tommy Harrelson.

    Funeral services will be 1PM Tuesday, March 17, 2020, at Williamsburg Funeral Home Chapel, with burial in Hillcrest Cemetery in Conway. Mr. Harrelson’s family will receive friends one hour prior the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1942.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.

     Helen McGill Shuler Adams passed peacefully into the arms of her loving Lord on March 11, 2020, at McLeod Hospice House in Florence, South Carolina. Born to John Yancey and Pauline Watson McGill in the Cedar Swamp community of Williamsburg County on January 16, 1923, she outlived her ten brothers and sisters. She was also predeceased by two husbands: Molton Ancrum Shuler, a combat casualty of the Korean conflict in 1952, and Guy Dent Adams, who died of cancer in 1974. She is survived by a daughter, Sheryl Shuler McCutchen (Willie) and two sons, Malcolm Duane Shuler (Lawton) and Guy Dent Adams, Jr. (Linda Anne). She also leaves one grandson, Jonathan Shuler (Mandy), and four granddaughters, Elizabeth Shuler Griffin (Keith), Sarah McCutchen Schutte (Craig), Anne Miller Adams Harper (Walt) and Mary Webb Adams, as well as three great-grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

     After graduation from Kingstree High School followed by Winthrop College in 1943, she worked briefly as a government decoding analyst for the Signal Corps in Washington, D.C. In 1944, she began a teaching career focused on early childhood education in Beaufort, South Carolina, before returning to continue in her beloved Williamsburg County. She worked as an elementary school teacher in the public schools and served as a Sunday school teacher for all ages. Her teaching efforts formed an integral part of Christian witness and education throughout the community.

      Despite the premature deaths of both husbands, she reared three children. She instilled in them lessons learned through her faith in Jesus, including the importance of service to others. She taught by example: she devotedly mentored individuals for years until they attained college degrees or became successful business owners; she instigated a furniture ministry to help those in need create a warm home; she worked tirelessly for numerous organizations such as the Kingstree Housing Authority, the Williamsburg County Council on Aging, the Disabilities and Special Needs Board – to name just a few. As an active member of Kingstree First Baptist Church, she opened her home to displaced travelers, hurricane victims, and summer youth workers. She would be the first to say, “To God be the glory” for being able to help meet the needs of others.

      A memorial service will be held at Kingstree First Baptist Church on Sunday, March 15, at 2 PM, followed by visitation in the family life center. Williamsburg Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kingstree First Baptist for the family life center.

     Everette Marion Disher, Jr., “Noody”, 72, husband of Sylvia Baxley Disher, died at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center on Saturday, March 7, 2020.

     Mr. Disher was born January 12, 1948, in Sumter, SC, a son of the late Everette Marion Disher and Anna Turner Disher. He worked at Colonial Rubber and as an SSP chip packing forklift operator at Nan Ya Plastics Corporation for 18 years.  Everette also enjoyed doing auto restoration.

     Surviving Mr. Disher, in addition to his wife Sylvia of the home, are: sons, Jimmy Ray (Dena) Disher; and Phil Disher, both of Kingstree; grandchildren, Kala Disher and Tyler Disher; great grandson, Rivers Keith Lee, affectionately known as “G.W.” and “Big Red”; and a sister, Jenny (Wayne) Corbett, of Kingstree. Mr. Everette was preceded in death by two sisters, Willaree Moates and Anna Faye Disher; and two brothers, Joe Disher and Pee Wee Disher.

     Funeral services will be 1 PM Tuesday, March 10, 2020, at Sandy Bay Pentecostal Holiness Church, with burial in Kingstree Memorial Gardens. Mr. Disher’s family will receive friends on Monday, March 9, 2020 from 6PM to 8PM at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, 44-A Markfield Drive, Charleston, SC 29407 or at www.lung.org.  

Mrs. Norma Grizzard Baylor, 77, widow of Lonnie Paul Baylor, Sr., died Monday, March 2, 2020, at her Grandson’s Home in Kingstree.
Mrs. Baylor was born August 11, 1942, in Augusta, GA, a daughter of the late Robert Norman “Bud” and Madge Knight Grizzard. Norma was a waitress at the Huddle House in Kingstree and she was a member of Kingstree Second Baptist Church.
Surviving are: her daughter, Tammy (Gary Timmons) Justice, of Manning; her son, Bobby (Diane) Baylor, of Kingstree; 5 grandchildren, Josh (Shana) Baylor, Heather (John) Timmons, Hannah (Wyatt Driggers) Justice, Tyler Baylor and Holdon Baylor; 1 step granddaughter, Jennifer (Nikkei) Timmons; 12 great grandchildren, Morgan Lane, Allie Baylor, JT Baylor, Addison Timmons, McKinley Timmons, Carter Timmons, Hampton Timmons, Paisley Eaddy, Gannon Driggers, Grace Timmons, Marlei Timmons, and Mason Timmons. In addition to her parents and her husband Lonnie P. Baylor, Sr., Norma was preceded in death by two sons, Edward Lewis Baylor and Lonnie Paul “Pretty Paul” Baylor, Jr.
Funeral services will be 11 A.M. Wednesday, March 4, 2020, in Williamsburg Funeral Home Chapel, with burial in Second Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends an hour before the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

Charles Larry Player, 76, husband of Sharon Johnson Player, died at home in Salters Friday, February 28, 2020.

     Mr. Player was born July 3, 1943, in Mount Pleasant, SC, a son of the late Daniel Early Player and Sarah Elizabeth McConnell Player. He was a graduate of Williamsburg High School in Andrews, SC, and was a US Navy veteran. Charles retired from Georgia Pacific, where he was the Purchasing Agent. He was a faithful member of Spring Gulley Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon. Charles loved fishing and was devoted to caring for all animals, especially his fur babies at home.  

     Surviving Mr. Player, in addition to his wife Sharon of the home, are: daughters, Laurie (Tim) Campbell of St Stephen, Pam (Seth) Overton of Salters, and Shannon (John) Caison of Moncks Corner; sons, Larry (Tricia) Player of Moncks Corner and Shane (Michelle) Green of Summerville; 16 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; a brother, Ronald (Nancy) Player of Russellville; a sister, Christine (Tony) Strickland of Goose Creek; and a brother-in-law, Karl Robinson. In addition to his parents, Mr. Player was preceded in death by a son, Leonard Charles Player; 3 brothers, Dan, Leonard and Perry Player; 2 sisters-in-law, Victoria and Jane Player; 3 sisters, Lelia Robinson, Joann Howard, and Orene Player; and 2 brothers-in-law, Heyward Howard and Tony Strickland.

     A memorial service will be 1 PM Monday, March 2, 2020, at Spring Gulley Baptist Church. Mr. Player’s family will receive friends at the church beginning at 11:30 AM until time for the service. Memorials may be made to Spring Gulley Baptist Church, 2107 US Hwy 521, Andrews, SC 29510 or Alzheimers Association, PO Box 96011, Washington, DC 20090-6011.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.

Constance “Connie” Elizabeth Smith Benton, 88, widow of George Ansel Benton, Sr., died Tuesday, February 25, 2020, at Carlyle Senior Care of Kingstree.

     Mrs. Benton was born December 28, 1931, in Charleston, a daughter of the late Fritz and Blanche Miller Smith. She was a graduate of Greeleyville High School and Rice Business College of Charleston. Connie worked at Carolina Tobacco Warehouse in Kingstree and other tobacco warehouses in Lake City and Hemingway as a book keeper. She also arranged and led bus tours for groups from Kingstree and surrounding areas.

     Surviving are: her son, George A. “Boog” Benton, Jr. and his wife Carla, of Myrtle Beach; 2 grandchildren, Emily B. (Cobi) Christiansen, and Hugh Benton, both of Myrtle Beach; and 2 brothers, Fritz (Margaret) Smith and Ronnie (Ann) Smith, both of Kingstree.

      Funeral services will be held at 2PM Saturday, February 29, 2020, in the Williamsburg Funeral Home Chapel, with burial in Kingstree Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends an hour before the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to Kingstree First Baptist Church, 400 N. Academy Street, Kingstree, SC 29556.

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Daniel Leroy Duke, 80, husband of Jeannette Osborne Duke, passed away peacefully at home Thursday, February 20, 2020.

     Mr. Duke was born March 12, 1939, in Kingstree, a son of the late William Fulton Duke and Clarice Maudolyne Buddin Duke. He was a graduate of Kingstree High School, Class of 1957, and was a US Air Force veteran. Dan retired after 33 years with Baxter and DSM as an industrial electrician and instrumental engineer. Born and raised on Black River, Dan was an avid fisherman. He served as a youth counselor for Woodmen of the World for many years, helping kids of this area by taking them to summer camp each year. A self trained carpenter, Dan enjoyed woodworking too. Mr. Duke was a faithful member of Mouzon Presbyterian Church, where he served as a Deacon and the Superintendent of Sunday School.

     Surviving Mr. Duke, in addition to his wife Jeannette, are: a son, Gary Duke of Plano, TX; a daughter, Linda (Sam) Horton of Kingstree; a daughter-in-law, Mary Beth Young (Mike’s widow) of Rock Hill, SC; 5 grandchildren, Sam Horton, IV of Kingstree, Theresa Horton of Rock Hill, Mason (Josh) Horton of Kingstree, Michelle (J.J.) Fowler of Simpsonville, and Meredith Thompson of Virginia Beach, VA; 6 great grandchildren, Anna, Briar, and Charlotte Horton, Kaiser, Link, and Vesper Fowler; and several special nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, Dan was preceded in death by 3 sisters, Maudolyne, Mary Nell, and Betty, and a brother Bill; and 2 sons, Daniel Duke, Jr. and Mike Duke.

     Funeral services will be 4 PM Sunday, February 23, 2020, at Mouzon Presbyterian Church with burial in the church cemetery. Mr. Duke’s family will receive friends beginning at 3 PM at the church. Memorials may be made to Mouzon Presbyterian Church, c/o Louise Mouzon, 2620 Sumter Highway, Kingstree, SC 29556.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.

     Margaret Helen Lee McCollough, 89, widow of Wilmot Salters McCollough, Jr., passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2020, at her home in Salters.

     Mrs. McCollough was born September 11, 1930, in Kingstree, SC, a daughter of the late Joe Douglas Lee and Edna Camilla Thornhill Lee. She was a graduate of Kingstree High School and was the longtime bookkeeper at W.S. McCollough and Sons, Inc. in Salters. “Miss Helen” was a former member of The Kingstree Garden Club and was a volunteer at Williamsburg Memorial Hospital for many years. She was a dedicated member of Union Presbyterian Church where she served in The Leila Salters Circle.

     Surviving Mrs. McCollough are: a daughter, Mary Elizabeth “Betsy” (John) Yager of Mobile, Alabama; a son, Wilmot S.  “Mot” (Paula) McCollough, III of Sumter, SC; a granddaughter, Margaret Maree (Jeremy) Schottler of Vienna, VA; 2 great grandchildren, Molly Schottler and Mitchell Schottler; a dear sister-in-law, Faye Petrovitz; and a number of beloved nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents and her husband of 42 years Wilmot, Helen was preceded in death by her grandson, Jonathan McCollough, 2 sisters, Lucille Ballentine McElveen and Magdalene Wilder Bushardt, and 3 brothers, W.D. Lee, Clinton Lee, and Colin Lee.

     Funeral services will be 2 PM Sunday, February 23, 2020, at Union Presbyterian Church with burial in the church cemetery. Mrs. McCollough’s family will receive friends following the service in the Martin Building at the church. Memorials may be made to Union Presbyterian Church, c/o Diane Boyd, 114 E. Brooks Street, Kingstree, SC 29556.

Melvin Wayne “Monkey” Tisdale, 63, husband of Katherene “Kat” Warren Tisdale, passed away peacefully Tuesday morning, February 18, 2020, surrounded by family at home in Kingstree.

Monkey was born December 26, 1956, in Williamsburg County, a son of the late Elton and Anna Belle Locklear Tisdale. He was a graduate of Kingstree Senior High School and attended Williamsburg Technical College. Monkey worked at Colonial Rubber and Firestone and was a farmer. He was an avid hunter, outdoorsman and a NASCAR enthusiast.

Survivors, in addition to his wife Kat, are: a son, Ryan (Ashton) Tisdale; a daughter, Meagan (Pressley) Best, both of Columbia; his beloved dog Blanche; and his brother, Neil Tisdale, of Kingstree.

Funeral services will be held at 11AM on Friday, February 21, 2020, in the chapel at Williamsburg Funeral Home, with a burial in Tisdale Cemetery. Monkey’s family will receive friends from 5 to 7 PM Thursday, February 20, 2020, at Williamsburg Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to Guiding Eyes for the Blind, 611 Granite Springs Road, Yorktown Heights, NY 10598 or American Cancer Society, PO Box 22718, Oklahoma City, OK 73123-1718.

James Edward Adams, Jr., 55, died Thursday, January 30, 2020, at Williamsburg Regional Hospital.

     Mr. Adams was born July 20, 1964, in Kingstree, a son of the late James Edward Adams, Sr. and Joan Price Adams. He was a graduate of Kingstree Senior High and was a certified paramedic. Mr. Adams was the manager of the Railroad Auction Company in Kingstree and the owner of Carolina Trading Post of Florence.

    Surviving Edward are: his sisters, Vivian (Eddie) Moore, of Kingstree, and Alger (Barry) Holloman, of Florence; brother, Matt (Nicole) Adams, of Kingstree; nieces and nephews, Sierra (Justin) Gainey, Ashlyn Adams, Lauryn Adams, Adam Moore, and James Allen Moore; Fiancé, Jessica Ludwig and her children, Samuel, Cesar, and Robin.

     Funeral services will be held at 2PM Saturday, February 1, 2020, at Williamsburg Funeral Home Chapel, with a burial in Kingstree Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8PM Friday, January 31, 2020 at Williamsburg Funeral Home.

    In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Kingstree Presbyterian Church, PO Box 904, Kingstree, SC 29556 or to the Spinal Bifida Association, 1600 Wilson Blvd, Suite 800, Arlington, VA 22209 or to the Edward Adams Fund, C/o Vivian Moore, 21 Designer Street, Kingstree, SC 29556.

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Charles LaVern “Vern” Shaffer, 91, widower of Catherine T. Shaffer, died on January 28, 2020, at Commander Nursing Center in Florence.

Mr. Shaffer was born April 5, 1928, in Redfork, OK, a son of the late Lynford and Lena Lucille Roach Shaffer.  He was a 1949 graduate of John Brown University, and was a Navy Veteran of the Korean War, and served the first two years on the USS Worcester, a light cruiser and flag ship, then having shore duty his last two years, stationed in Norfolk, VA. Mr. Shaffer taught Sunday school, and served as a deacon for many years at various Baptist churches.  He worked at the Smithsonian Institution as a Series Design and Production Manager that produced “Serial publications” for the various museums until he retired in 1978.  He served two four-year terms on the Board of Trustees for the SC Baptist Courier, serving in 1982-1986, and 1990-1994.  He was a member of Williamsburg Baptist Church. He was also an artist and a master wood worker.  Through the years Vern and his wife, Catherine took great joy in opening and sharing their home with both the adults and youth of their church family.  The Easter egg hunts they hosted continue to be one of the favorite memories shared by many who attended.

Mr. Shaffer is survived by his sister, Clarissa D. (Richard) Dempsey, of Fredericksburg, VA; nieces and nephews, Patricia (Kevin) Hollowell, Andrew Dempsey, Leigh Ann S. Dunigan, Rebecca Fields, Dena (Fredis) McKnight, Jeffery Tisdale, Chuck (Amary) Tisdale, Kevin Tisdale, and Larry (Jeanne) Tisdale; and many great nieces and nephews.

In addition to his wife Catherine Tisdale Shaffer, he was preceded in death by his brother Glenn Shaffer, and his sister, Darlene Shaffer.

Funeral services will be held 3:00PM, Wednesday, February 12, 2020, in Williamsburg Baptist Church, 8378 Hemingway Hwy, Kingstree, SC.  Visitation will be from 2:00 to 3:00PM in the church.  Burial will follow in Cedar Grove Baptist Church Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Williamsburg Baptist Church, c/o Merianne Cowley, 2111 Thurgood Marshall Hwy, Kingstree, South Carolina, 29556. Online condolences may be sent to the family on the obituaries page at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.

Mrs. Sandra Gayle Hindman Strong, 68, of Kingstree, was surrounded by her family and entered into eternal rest on Wednesday January 22, 2020, at MUSC Florence Medical Center following a brief illness.

     Gayle was preceded in death by her parents, Chester Eugene and Catherine Merle Folk Hindman; her brother, Allen Hindman, and her nephew Christopher Hindman all from Bamberg, SC.  She was also predeceased by her loving mother in law Mrs. Era Flowers Strong of Kingstree, SC.

     Gayle was born August 12, 1951, in Colleton County, SC. She was a graduate of Bamberg High School and the South Carolina School of Banking. To have known Gayle is to have known love. She loved spending time with her husband John, sitting in her swing at home, watching her birds gather around the feeder, and working in her yard. On Friday nights she loved visiting her mother in Bamberg as they tuned into the Bamberg-Ehrhardt Red Raider football games to cheer them on. Gayle loved spending time working on crossword puzzles and Sudoku puzzles. She loved large family gatherings in Bamberg and sitting on the wrap around porch.  She looked forward to the family trips to Edisto Beach each summer.  She was a loyal and dedicated employee that enjoyed working for many years at Kingstree Federal Savings & Loan.  Above all, she loved her grandchildren. You could find her at every sporting event, play production, school function, and awards ceremony cheering them on, proudly telling anyone and everyone that those were her grandbabies. Gayle was made to love. Her warm hugs, her little waves from her spot on the back steps, and the way she cared about and loved each and every one of her family members, close friends, and strangers alike came together to create the beautiful soul that was Gayle Strong.

     Gayle is survived by her loving husband, John E. Strong of Kingstree, SC, her daughter Angela (Scott) Feagin of Salters, SC and by her adored grandchildren, Hannah (Shae) Lane of Salters, SC, Mara Louise Feagin and Luke Malloy Feagin of Salters, SC.

     Also surviving are her siblings: Donna (David) Sumler of Moncks Corner SC, Cheryl (Buddy) Evans of Bamberg SC, Greg (Karrene) Hindman of Williston SC, and Gina (Gene) Williams of Bamberg SC.

     Her nieces and nephews are numerous and greatly loved their Aunt Gayle. Gayle was a part of a large family and was loved by many cousins and extended family and friends. Anyone that knew Gayle knew that humble, kind, and giving are words that describe her perfectly.

     The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, January 25, 2020, at Williamsburg Funeral Home in Kingstree, SC. Visitation with the family will also be at the funeral home starting at 10 a.m. prior to the service.  Interment at Kingstree Memorial Gardens following.

     Memorials may be made to Williamsburg Academy Development Board, 1000 Sandy Bay Road, Kingstree, SC 29556 or Kingstree United Methodist Church, 510 N. Longstreet Street, Kingstree, SC 29556. Flowers are also accepted.

Mr. Brown was born February 27, 1935, in Kingstree, SC, a son of the late Willie E. and Mabel McCutchen Brown.  Mauldin was a true sportsman who loved the outdoors and everything in nature. He was an active farmer for over 50 years and was still on his tractor 2 months ago. His love of farming was infectious! He also loved his time working at the two plantations in later years. He found it a very rewarding experience and made great lifetime friends. He loved his family and delighted in sharing special times such as vacations with his family. His love for horses began when he was a child and he passed that love on to his children and grandchildren. Papa had many, many dear friends, some of which checked on him daily like Allen Foster and Dr. Ray Dominici, Sr.. When he was your friend you knew you were blessed.

While we will miss him greatly, we rejoice in his full life and that he is dancing with Moma in Heaven now.

A special thank you to his granddaughter Carla for such good care these last couple of months and to Amedisys Hospice nurses, Sonya and Winona for your excellent care.

Surviving Mr. Brown are: his children, Thomas M. Brown, Jr., of Kingstree, Eunice B. (Steve) Beard, of Columbia, Mary Alice Brown, of Mt. Pleasant, and Michael D. (Abigail) Brown, of Cordesville; 11 grandchildren, Thomas M. (Angie) Brown, III, Carla B. (Robbie) Smith, Christopher D. (Mandy) Brown, Nicole Beard, Rachel Beard, Stephanie B. (Jamie) Tindle, Jennifer Knight, Katie Knight, Jillian Leigh (Josh) Long, Michael David (Cassidy) Brown, Jr., and William Samuel (Kayli) Brown; and 18 great grandchildren. In addition to his parents and his wife Azalee, Mr. Brown was preceded in death by four sisters, Thelma Haddock, Dorothy McCullough, Helen Foxworth, and Madeline McElveen, and three brothers, Edwin Brown, Alton Brown, and Bobby Brown.

Funeral services celebrating Mr. Mauldin’s life will be 2 PM Saturday, January 25, 2020, at Williamsburg Funeral Home, with burial in Kingstree Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 to 2 PM before the service and following the service at Brown’s Barbecue.  Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Kingstree First Baptist Church, 400 N. Academy Street, Kingstree, SC 29556. Online condolences may be sent to the family on the obituaries page at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.

Margaret Tanner Epps, 89, widow of C.W. Epps, died Sunday, January 19, 2020, in Trident Hospital in Charleston.

     Mrs. Epps was born May 17, 1930, in Williamsburg County, a daughter of the late Jasper and Ettie Hanna Tanner. She was a graduate of Indiantown High School and was a home maker. Mrs. Epps was a member of Kingstree First Baptist Church.

     Surviving Mrs. Epps, are: a daughter, Donna (Terry) Love, of Kingstree; a son, Charles Epps, of Walterboro; a special daughter, Lisa Tarte, of Prosperity; sisters, Iona Prow, of Thompson, GA, and Jean Ozee, of Montgomery, AL; 7 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; and 4 great-great grandchildren. In addition to her husband, Margaret was preceded in death by her daughters, Frances Tisdale and Peggy Boatwright; brothers, Levon Tanner, Raymond Tanner, and Jerriell Tanner; sisters, Lydia Hughes, Lola Patrick, and Beverly Dunn.

     A graveside service celebrating Margaret’s life will be held at 2PM on Wednesday, January 22, 2020 in Kingstree Memorial Gardens. The family will greet friends after the service and other times at the home of Donna Love. Memorials may be made to Veteran’s Victory House, 2461 Sidney’s Road, Walterboro, SC 29488.

Blanche Elizabeth “Beth” Epps Phillips, 71, passed away Saturday, January 18, 2020, at Sumter East, HR in Sumter, SC.

Beth was born February, 7, 1948, in Kingstree, SC, a daughter of the late Thomas Olin Epps, Jr. and Melba Hendrix Epps. She was a graduate of Kingstree High School and Betty Stevens Cosmetology Institute. Beth was a talented pianist who played “by ear”, never using a sheet of music. Her friends and family enjoyed listening and sometimes singing along. Beth was a member of Kingstree United Methodist Church.

Survivors are: two sons, Bobby (Sandi) Turner of Cades and Daniel Turner of Sumter; one brother, Michael (Sandra) Epps of Kingstree; four grandchildren, Emily Turner, Wesley Turner, Abbie Turner and Kate Turner; and two great grandchildren, Morgan Turner and Colton Turner. In addition to her parents, Beth was preceded in death by a sister Claire Epps Morris, a brother, Thomas Olin Epps, III, and a son, Robby Turner.

Graveside funeral services for Ms. Phillips will be 2 PM Tuesday, January 21, 2020, in Williamsburg Cemetery. Beth’s family will receive friends following the service in the cemetery, weather permitting or at Williamsburg Funeral Home, if not.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.WilliamsburgFuneralHome.com.