The Greenville News from Greenville, South Carolina • Page 9

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2011 THE GREENVILLE NEWS OBITUARIES Ben Rutledge Blackwell Greenville Ben Rutledge Blackwell of Greenville and ports between, born in San Jose California November 22, 1960 transcended this world on February 22. Beloved son of Marguerite Rutledge Blackwell, formerly of Sumter, and the late Joseph D. Blackwell of Columbia, weakened by time and fate, Ben succumbed to illness endured for most of his adult life. His unique character, demeanor, bountiful love, genius, wit, and a fierce fight, failed to move earth and heaven. Greatly did he suffer, both with those who loved him and alone.

Ben was part of all that he met; a heroic hungry heart, mind, and spirit. His abilities, talents, and vast compassion for others were formidable and profound. He was deeply moved by the misfortunes of man and beast. Equality was his abiding stance. Ben is also survived and was cherished by his brothers, Leslie Blackwell and his wife Allison of Columbia, Stuart Blackwell and his wife Shay of Houston, TX; his special "Uncle Bip," Bill Rutledge, and his felines.

He also leaves uncles Ben Rutledge, Jr. and his wife Rachel of Fayetteville, IN; Edward Rutledge of Sumter; and Lester Blackwell the second and his wife Loretta of Columbia; and many cousins. Ben considered himself lucky to have the love and care of Brenda and Harriett when he needed them most. Home will never be the same without musical masterpieces permeating the air, a den inundated with books, his political commentary on the nightly news, and roars of abandon during sports events. Among Ben's devotions and idols: "King "Archie and creatures of all species; "Ring of the underdogs; Beethoven and Mozart; Mandela; films of Ingmar Bergman; nature; Martin Luther King, and jazz.

Billie Holiday, of course. That which we are, we are. Ben was educated at the University of South Carolina Honors College and Princeton University, where he Astrophysics and Literature. A memorial will be held at his home in Greenville on Sunday, February 27 at 3 pm. Donations in Ben's memory may be made to the Greenville Humane Society, 328 Furman Hall Greenville, SC 29609.

Palmetto Mortuary 864-233-7334 Pryor McGinnis Jr. Dept. of Greenville He was Pryor McGinnis beloved husband of Erma McGinnis and resident of Greenville, SC, died February 22, 2011 following a brief battle with lung cancer. He was born Dec. 4, 1929 in Blaine, Tennessee to Pryor McGinnis Sr.

and Ova Vineyard McGinnis. Following service in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean conflict, he became a professional engineer after graduation from Tri State University in Indiana in 1957. His career included lunar experiments mis- for the NASA Apollo sions and subsequent Earth Resources Technlogy Satellite program. He later worked for NCR and his own laboratory, as well as a lab assessor for the NVLAP division of the Harold Albert Larson Greenville Harold Albert Larson, 83, husband of Patricia Merrell Larson, died Thursday, February 24, 2011 at Rolling Green Village Healthcare.

Born in Burlington, IA, he was the son of the late Lester John and Nellie Gatts Larson. Mr. Larson was retired from Phillips Petroleum and was a member of Mauldin United Methodist Church. Surviving, in addition 1 to his wife, are three sons, Robert L. Larson and wife, Carol, of Simpsonville, Richard C.

Larson and wife, Bonnie, of Summerville and Jay T. Larson and wife, Fran, of Greer; seven grandchildren; two great grandchildren; a stepdaughter, Leslie Carson and Every Life is Unique. Every Farewell should be. too. We are the oldest and most trusted cremation service only provider in the upstate.

(864) 878-6661 Palmetto Complete cremation services start at 8695. CREMATION SERVICES STEI011 greenvilleonline.com 9A GREENVILLE Rutledge Blackwell James William Gambrell Sr. Esther Lorena Heape Harold Albert Larson Lizzie Ruth Mangle Pryor McGinnis Jr. ATLANTA, GA. Franklin Romer Seymore CAMPOBELLO Pam S.

Gosnell CLEMSON Doris Betts Dove Henry Pate Sr. EASLEY Grady C. Green Bernice Moore Holbrooks Sybil R. Smith FLORENCE Mary Anne Garrett Taylor FOUNTAIN INN McCarter Shell GREER Shadie Hill Mable "Tot" Meredith Ruth W. Sexton LAURENS Robert Lee Smith MONTCLAIR, NJ.

Nettie M. Martin PICKENS Verlin P. Connelly Diane C. Robinson PIEDMONT Travis Nay Caldwell Gordon Nichols TAYLORS Frances B. Harrison Linda Stevens Jackson TRAVELERS REST Grace Southern WILLIAMSTON M.

Coleman WOODRUFF Peggy T. Richards incomplete OTHER DEATHS GEORGIA Williams, Mary Jean 81, of Covington Kennedy Mortuary LAURENS Cox, Joe .83, of Laurens Kennedy Mortuary Obituary guidelines All obituaries are prepared and billed through the funeral homes, which review content and charges with the family prior to publication. Obituaries cost $5 per line and photos are $25. Obituaries may be published a second day at a 35 percent discount and a third day is free. All obituaries are posted at GreenvilleOnline.com.

Obituaries include a $25 charge for posting at Legacy.com, the largest source for online obituaries nationally. There is no charge for a three-line death notice or for American flags for veterans. Obituaries and photographs submitted to The Greenville News may be published, distributed, repurposed and otherwise used in print, electronic and other media platforms. Frances I B. Harrison with whom she Taylors these last several Frances Burnett Harrison, widow of James Wilson Harrison, died Wednesday, February 23, 2011 at McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville.

A Christian, Frances was a member of Liberty Hill United Methodist Church most of her life, later attending Springwell Church in Taylors until health issues led her to First Baptist Spartanburg and Taylors First Baptist Church television ministries. She was faithful and most appreciative of all television ministries. Frances graduated from Duncan High School and was a homemaker. She was a devoted caregiver to her husband, Wilson, during his lengthy illness with Multiple Sclerosis. Frances always took pride in making her yard a neat, beautiful place for all to enjoy.

Planting seasonal flowers and even cutting grass were an enjoyment up until the time her health began to fail. She is survived by her daughter, Patricia (Pat) Harrison Allen and son-in-law, Billy J. (BJ.) Allen of Taylors, She is also survived by a sister, Lois B. Anders of Simpsonville; three sisters-in-law, Lottie H. Waddell of Columbia, Elaine H.

Compton of Savannah, Georgia, and Bertha W. Harrison of Salisbury, North Carolina, along with many nieces, nephews, and long-time friends. In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by her parents, Jerry Marvin and Minnie Compton Burnett; three brothers, Harvey, Samuel, and Harold Burnett and two sisters, Fannie B. Wood and Anna Ruth McClimon as well as brothers -inlaw, Jerome Harrison, Mack Compton, and Eddie Waddell. Graveside services will be held 11:00 a.m.

Saturday at Wood Memorial Park with Dr. Jimmie Harley officiating. The family will greet friends at the gravesite. Because she loved them so, flowers accepted or memorials may be made to Taylors First Baptist Church, Television Ministry, 200 West Main Street, Taylors, SC 29687. Online condolences may be made at www.

thewoodmortuary.com lived years. Verlin P. Connelly Jones of Liberty. Pickens In addition 1 to her Verlin Ann Patterson Connelly, 72, went home to be with her Lord and Savior and beloved husband (Rev. C.E.

Connelly Jr), daughter (Wanda), son (Carl) and grandson (Brandon) on February 23, 2011. Born in Pickens County, she was the daughter of the late Rev. and Mrs. Tete Patterson. She was a member of Wayside Baptist Church.

She is survived by her daughter, Debbie Anders and husband Avery of Pickens; sisters, Bonnie Lowery and husband Glenn of Belton; Nancy Sons of Easley; 7 grandchildren: Donna Petersen and husband Jim of Brevard, NC, Shannon Mann and husband Adam of Six Mile, Al anna Alexander and husband Steven of Pickens, Kerry Wimpey and husband Chris of Pickens, and Shawn Grace Southern Travelers Rest Grace Sentell Southern, 96, widow of Bert F. Southern of Travelers Rest, went to her heavenly home to be with her Lord and Savior on February 24, 2011. She was the daughter of the late Nan and Luther Sentell. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother who loved her family deeply. It gave her great joy to root azalea plants and give them to family and friends.

When no longer able to do this, she loved to walk around the yard and look at her azaleas and flowers and enjoy their beauty. It also gave her great pleasure to quilt potholders and give them to family and friends. She loved her church and was a faithful member of Mush Creek Baptist Church (Living Grace) where she taught Sunday School for many years until her health prevented her from attending. She is survived by her daughters, Jean and Joan Southern of the home; sons, Richard P. Southern (Louise) and Bert F.

Southern Dove Henry Pate, Sr. Clemson, SC Dove Henry (DH) Pate died at home Wednesday, February 23rd, with his wife Marian and son Henry at his side. Born to Dr. Charles and Penelope Pate on January 20, 1919, DH grew up in Scranton, SC, and graduated from the University of South Carolina in 1939. After graduation DH moved to Charleston, SC, where he worked at Cameron and Barkley until he joined the US Army Air Corps in 1942.

When he received orders for the Pacific Theater, his fiance Marian met him in Wyoming, and they married ten days before he left for Pearl Harbor. After the war DH returned to Charleston, living there until his move to Clemson, South Carolina, in 2006. He was the of Gas Engine and Electric Company from 1945 until 1983. In the Air Force Reserve for more than 30 years, he retired as a colonel. He was a member of Strict Observance Lodge and was a 32nd degree Mason.

After retirement he had an active vol- Gordon Nichols Piedmont Gordon Nichols, 90, of 23 Liberty Street, widower of Agnes Frances King Nichols, died Thursday, February 24, 2011, at Riverside Living Center in Piedmont. Born in Anderson County, he was the son of the late Manning and Alice Belcher Nichols. A World War II veteran of the U. S. Army, he served in Germany and France and was a Purple Heart recipient.

He retired from J. Stevens, Estes Plant, after fifty years, was a member of Life Church (Pentecostal Holiness), and served as the greeter at Riverside Living Center. He is survived by his sons, Jerry L. "Butch" Nichols and Terry D. Nichols (Debbie), both of Piedmont, and F.

G. of the home; a sister, Hettie Lister of Inman; 2 grandsons, Richard D. Southern (Robin) and Michael Eddie Southern (Tracy); 4 great grandchildren, Christopher Southern, Michael Eddie Southern, Jennifer Grove and Kyle Southern and 2 great great grandchildren, Ryleigh and Jordan Southern. The family will receive friends Saturday afternoon from 12 noon until 1:30 PM at The Howze Mortuary. a Graveside services will be held Saturday afternoon at 2 o'clock at Mush Creek Cemetery adjacent to Living Grace Baptist Church with Rev.

Rod Wilton and Rev. Carroll Davis officiating. The family will be at 2335 and 2341 N. Hwy. 25, Travelers Rest, SC.

Flowers appreciated or memorials may be made to Open Arms Hospice, 1836 W. Georgia Road, Simpsonville, SC 29680. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.thehowzemortuary.com. The Howze Mortuary, Travelers Rest is in charge of arrangements. (864) 834-8051.

unteer life, serving as Sunday School teacher and deacon at Ashley River Baptist Church in Charleston, helping with Meals on Wheels, and guiding tours at Middleton Plantation and Charleston's historic homes. Predeceased by his parents, three brothers, and a sister, he is survived by his wife Marian of more than 68 years; his sons, Henry (Nancy) and Charles (Nell); two grandchildren, David Pate (Tanisha) and Dana Pate Pickens (Charles); and five great dren. Funeral services will be held at Clemson First Baptist Church at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 27, with interment at the family Cemetery in Scranton, SC. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the building fund at Clemson First Baptist Church.

The family gives special thanks to Tee Grate who lovingly cared for DH in his last two months as well as to Hospice of the Foothills. Condolences may be expressed online at www.robinsonfuneralhomes.com or at Duckett-Robinson Funeral Home, Central, SC. "Nick" Nichols (Myra), of Clinton; grandchildren, Nicky, Arty, Terry, Luke and Hope Nichols; and greatgrandchildren, Ann, Hunter, Haley, Tristan, Bailey and Rylee. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Visitation will be p.m.

on Saturday, February 26, 2011, at Life Church, Hwy. 20, Piedmont. Funeral services will follow at 3 p.m. Saturday at the church with the Rev. David Larke, the Rev.

Ray Buchanan and the Rev. Sherrill Green officiating. Burial will be in Rose Hill Cemetery. Family members are at their respective homes. Flowers will be accepted, or memorials may be made to Life Church, P.

O. Box 371, Piedmont, SC 29673. Condolences: www. graymortuary.com Diane C. Robinson Pickens Diane Carol Austin Robinson, 55, of 122 Tall Oaks Lane, passed away Tuesday, February 22, 2011 at her home.

Born in New York, she was the daughter of the late Ivison and Elizabeth Hurley Austin. Mrs. Robinson was a Certified Nursing Assistant with Rosemond Living Center in Pickens. Surviving is her husband, Ricky Ray Robinson, of the home; a daughter, Crystal Townsend of Pickens. She will be missed by her loving brothers, sisters, family and friends.

Graveside services will be held on Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 1:00 PM at Hillcrest Memorial Park. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 11:30 AM until 12:30 PM at Dillard Funeral Home. Flowers appreciated or memorials may be made to Piedmont Hospice, 1865 E. Main Suite Duncan, SC 29334. Online condolences may be expressed by visiting DillardFunerals.com The family will be at the home.

DILLARD FUNERAL HOME Commerce. a member of Mitchell Road Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his wife, Erma McGinnis, a brother, James McGinnis, stepdaughters, Susan DuPlessis and Carol Burnette, stepgrandchildren, Robert Shabkie, Leah McCleskey and James DuPlessis, and four nieces and two nephews. Visitation for friends and family will be Saturday, February 26, 2011 at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown from 11 am to 1:15 pm, followed by funeral service at 1:30 pm, with Rev. Curtis Dubose officiating.

Burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Park at 2:30 pm. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, 154 Milestone Way, Greenville, SC 29615 or charity of choice. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com. husband, Jeffrey, of Fayetteville, GA; two stepsons, William Merrell and Michael Merrell and wife, Bobbi, all of Greenville; and four step grandchildren. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Jacqueline Dawchinski Larson.

Memorials may be made to Meals on Wheels, 15 Oregon Street, Greenville, SC 29605 or to the charity of one's choice. A memorial service will be held Saturday, February 26, 2011 at 3:00 p.m. in the chapel of Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, Downtown. A reception and celebration of Mr. Larwill follow the service at the residence.

Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com. Pam S. Gosnell Campobello Pam Smith Gosnell, 28, of 471 Bradley Dill Road, died February 22, 2011 at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center. A native of Spartanburg County, daughter of Louis Mattox and Vicki Bradley Smith of the home, she was a member of Motlow Creek Baptist Church. Also surviving are her husband, Joshua Dwayne Gosnell of the home; a sister, Valerie Smith Cauthen (Ricky) of Campobello; and a niece, Abby Cauthen.

Funeral services will be held 2:00 p.m. Saturday at Holly Springs Baptist Church, conducted by Dr. Tim Clark and Rev. Henry Stanford. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

Visitation will be held p.m. Friday at The Wood Mortuary. Memorials may be made to Interim Hospice, 155 Deacon Tiller Court, Duncan, SC 29334. Online condolences may be made at www. thewoodmortuary.com husband, daughter and son, she was predeceased by 3 brothers: Odell Patterson, Ray Patterson and Donald Patterson and 4 sisters: Leola Leslie, Velma Stubbs, Lucille Stewart and Dot Messer.

Funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m. Saturday, February 26, 2011 at Wayside Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Hillcrest Memo rial Park, Garden of Prayer. The family will receive friends from 6 until 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 25, 2011 at The Howze Mortuary.

The family will be at the home of Debbie and Avery Anders, 566 Connelly Road, Pickens, SC. Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.the howzemortuary.com. The Howze Mortuary, Travelers Rest is in charge of arrangements. (864) 834-8051. Mable "Tot" Meredith Greer Mable "Tot" Meredith, age 77, of 2773 Road, died Monday, February 21, 2011, in the Magnolia Place Nursing Home, Greenville.

Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, February 26, 2011, at the Lower Shady Grove Baptist Church with Rev. Fred L. Sweeney officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

The family is at the home. Beasley Funeral Home, Fountain Inn..