Monday, January 13, 2025
Union, SC
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Mark Timothy Austin​​​
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Mr. Mark Timothy Austin, age 62, husband of Kathy Ross Austin, of 306 West Hillcrest Ave, Union, SC, died Friday, January 3, 2025, at Spartanburg Medical Center.
Mr. Austin was born on July 1, 1962, in Union, the son of the late Marion and Ann Smith Austin. He was employed as an auto body repair man prior to his illness. He had previously worked with Lee’s Body Shop and Total Collision Repair. Mr. Austin enjoyed turkey shoots and cutting grass, as well as being around children. He will be missed by
his family, friends, and neighbors. He was a graduate of the Union High School Class of 1982. The family is expecting Mark’s first grandchild in April of 2025, which will be a boy.
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Mr. Austin is survived by his wife, Kathy Ross Austin; a daughter, Jordan Diann Austin; and a son, Tyler Chance Austin, all of the home. His extended family members that brought Mark joy when they visited him include Paul Williams, Cassie Williams, Gavin Williams, Gabriel Cajamarca, Brooklyn Jeter, and Dillon Williams.
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A memorial service will be held at 6:00 PM today in the Holcombe Funeral Chapel, conducted by Rev. Robert Scott, with visitation to follow until 7:30 PM.
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Honorary pallbearers will be Kenny Scott, John Harris, Jeff Richardson, Robert Adams, Paul Wiliams, Johnny Hagan, and Ricky Hutcherson.
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The family is at the home, 306 West Hillcrest Ave., Union, SC.
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​​​The S.R Holcombe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.holcombefuneralhomes.com)
Union, SC
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Dennis Harold Farr​​​
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Mr. Dennis Harold Farr, husband of Alice “Vicki” Farr, of 664 Philippi Church Road, Union, passed away on January 8, 2025, at his home.
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Mr. Farr was born in Lockhart, SC, on October 11, 1954, the son of the late Harold S. Farr and Eunice Taylor Farr. He was a graduate of Lockhart High School, where he loved to play football. Mr. Farr was a graduate of Lander University, where he received his B.S. degree. He spent his career in law enforcement, beginning with Alcoholic
Beverage Control Division and then with the State Law Enforcement Division (SLED) for a total of 26 years prior to his retirement.
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Mr. Farr is survived by his wife of 47 years, Alice “Vicki” Farr; and a son, Ricky Eugene Farr, and his wife, Lauren. He is also survived by the joy of his life, granddaughter Mackenzie; a brother, Bobby Farr and his wife Angela; and a brother-in-law, James Ross. Surviving nieces are Tara Schaefer and Melody Farr, and nephews are J.R. Ross and Stevie Ross.
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Funeral services will be held at 3:00 PM today at the S.R. Holcombe Funeral Chapel, conducted by Rev. Dale Welch and Rev. Robert Scott. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 2:45 PM prior to the service. A private burial will follow at Union Memorial Gardens.
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The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to Spartanburg Rehabilitation Institution, Centerwell Home Health, and MSA Hospice for the care provided to Mr. Farr.
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In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Philippi Baptist Church Playground Fund, 327 Philippi Church Road, Union, SC 29379.​
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​​​The S.R Holcombe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.holcombefuneralhomes.com)
Prosperity, SC
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George Everett Crafts, III​​​
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In loving memory of George Everett Crafts, III: Everett was a kindhearted and honorable man who passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving family on January 9, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on June 4, 1940, in Savannah, GA, he was the epitome of decency, loyalty, and selflessness.
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A devoted husband to Glenda for 64 years, Everett was a nurturing father, a doting grandfather, and a steadfast friend to many. His life was a testament to the values of faith, humility, and compassion. Everett graduated from
Savannah High School and went on to attend the University of SC, where he was a 3-year letterman in football. He also received his MBA degree. After graduation, Everett worked tirelessly as the Director of Education at Milliken and Co. for 38 years and was admired for his unwavering integrity, dedication, and resilience.
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He was a former Rotarian, served on the Blue Ridge Council on leadership, and was on the Board of United Way and Union Country Club.
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He was a man of great faith and member of Grace Lutheran Church, where he served on church council.
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He had a gentle spirit and an enduring love for Gamecock football, where he was a member the USC Alumni Association and lifelong Gamecock Club Member. He was also inducted into the Greater Savannah Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013. Whether offering a helping hand or sharing his wisdom, Everett touched countless lives with his thoughtfulness, patience, and generosity.
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The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Carolyn Wessinger, Karrie Ann Hill, and Vanessa Gambino for their compassionate and dedicated care, which brought comfort and dignity to Everett’s final years.
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He was preceded in death by his parents, George Everett Crafts, Jr. and Ruth Struck Crafts; as well as his son, George Everett “Rett” Crafts, IV. He is survived by the love of his life, Glenda, whom he cherished for 64 years; a sister, Ruthie Nurnberger (Stan); a daughter, Connie Sample (Thomas) of Saluda; and 5 grandchildren: Ashley Cribbs (Peter), Thom Sample (Kelly), Claire Jones (Garrett), Abbie Crafts (Wesley), and Everett Crafts (Kiley). He was also blessed with 11 great-grandchildren who will forever cherish his memory and strive to carry forward his legacy of kindness and decency.
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A celebration of Everett’s life will be held today at 2 pm at Grace Lutheran Church in Prosperity, SC, preceded by visitation in the church social hall at 1 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Grace Lutheran Church, reflecting his commitment to giving back to others.
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Everett will be deeply missed, but his legacy of love, honor, and integrity will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
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​​​The S.R Holcombe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.holcombefuneralhomes.com)
Spanish Fort, AL
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Carolyn Rose Howard​​​
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Mrs. Carolyn Rose B. Howard, widow of Roger Hugh Howard, of Spanish Fort, AL, passed away Tuesday, January 7, 2025.
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Mrs. Howard was born in Albemarle, NC, on March 4, 1948, the daughter of the late Loomis Barbee and Mary Azilee Barbee Ashe. She was retired from Milliken Co where she worked in the textile industry.
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Surviving is a son, Frank Howard of Spanish Fort, AL; a granddaughter, Olivia Howard of Huntsville, AL; and sisters--Mary Yon of Lexington, SC and Karen Ashe of Collegeville, PA. Mrs. Howard was predeceased by a brother, Frank Leroy Barbee; and a sister, Donna Sue Hancock.
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Funeral services will be held graveside on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, at 11:00 AM at the Lockhart Cemetery, conducted by Layperson Todd Palmer. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, in the S.R. Holcombe Funeral Chapel from 6:00 till 8:00 PM.
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​​​The S.R Holcombe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.holcombefuneralhomes.com)
Ahoskie, NC
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Donald Ryan Caldwell​​​
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Mr. Donald Ryan Caldwell, widower of Bobbie F. Caldwell, of Ahoskie, NC, passed away Tuesday, December 31, 2024, at his home.
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Mr. Caldwell was born in Buffalo, SC, on July 2, 1931, the son of the late David and Florence Caldwell. He was a graduate of Union High School, where he loved to play football and baseball. After high school, he attended North Greenville College and Wofford College on a football and baseball scholarship. Upon
graduation from college, he was drafted into the army, where he served two years overseas in Austria. Once his tour of duty was complete, Mr. Caldwell returned home to marry the love of his life, Bobbie, with whom he was married for over 62 years and had two daughters. Mr. Caldwell spent many years working in the textile industry for Milliken and later transitioned into the chemical industry with Monsanto, where he retired as their head purchasing agent.
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Mr. Caldwell was the epitome of a true Southern gentleman who lived by faith and love in the Lord and was devoted to his family and friends. He served as an active member of the United Methodist Church in each community he lived over the years. He was the Sunday School Superintendent for many decades, a member of the United Methodist Men, and a beloved member of the church choir.
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Mr. Caldwell was a caring husband, father, papa, and great-papa. He had a wonderful life of adventure centered around his loving wife and family. He will be dearly missed by all who knew and loved him.
Surviving are his daughter, Donna Caldwell Rodriguez (David), and daughter Elizabeth Caldwell Nelson (William). Surviving grandchildren are Carol Rodriquez Hernandez (JC), Margaret Nelson, William Ryan Caldwell Nelson (Cheyenne), Christopher Nelson, Thomas Nelson, and Ava Grace Nelson. Surviving great-grandchildren are Alexi Moises Hernandez, Gabriel Michael Hernandez, Magnolia Ryan Caldwell Nelson, and William Rhodes Caldwell Nelson. He is also survived by his beloved sister, Ruth Caldwell Lancaster; Mickey Fisher who was more a beloved brother than a cousin; one sister-in-law, Grace Floyd; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Mr. Caldwell was preceded in death by his wife, Bobbie F. Caldwell; father and mother, David and Florence Caldwell; his beloved brother, Glenn Caldwell; sister-in-law, Hazel Caldwell; and brothers-in-law, Dale Floyd and Otzel Lancaster.
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A celebration of life service will be held at 3:00 PM Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Buffalo Methodist Church, conducted by Rev. Jeff Farmer and Rev. Mickey Fisher. Burial will follow at Union Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church from 1:45 to 2:45 Saturday prior to the service.
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Active pallbearers will be William Ryan Nelson, Christopher Nelson, Thomas Nelson, Alexi Hernandez, JC Hernandez, and William Nelson. Honorary pallbearers are David Rodriguez and Gabby Hernandez.
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The family would like to express their sincere thanks and appreciation to his caregivers while he was at home: Angela Powell, Teria Thompson, Casey Michael, and Linda Hall. The family would also like to thank Home Life Care and owner Donna Chamblee for their work to provide help to Mr. Caldwell, allowing him to remain home during the final years of his life.
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Memorials may be made to Buffalo Methodist Church, PO Box 176, Buffalo, SC 29321.
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​​​The S.R Holcombe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.holcombefuneralhomes.com)
Prosperity, SC
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Robert J. Ivey​​​
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Robert J. Ivey, 86, of Prosperity, SC, died on January 5, 2025. He was born in Union, SC, the son of Joe Ivey and Sallie Mae Stribling Ivey. Bob graduated from Union High School, where he played football; the University of SC; the FBI National Academy; and the United Kingdom Police Staff College Senior Command Course.
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Bob began his professional career in 1960 as a uniform police officer with the City of Columbia and USC’s Campus Police. He then joined the FBI in 1964, where, following assignments throughout the US, he was appointed Special Agent in Charge of SC in 1983. After retiring from the FBI, he then served as an agent with SLED, as a commissioner with the ABC Commission, and as Principal Deputy Director of the SC Department of Public Safety. Bob also served as chairman of the Governor’s Committee on Criminal Justice and was awarded the Order of the Palmetto by Governor Campbell in 1994.
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In addition to his service in the FBI, Bob was especially proud that he was able to finish his career working with the many officers of SC. He was a member of the Society of Former Agents of the FBI, the FBI National Academy Graduates, and the SC Law Enforcement Officer’s Association. He was also a member of the Union Lodge of BPOE, the Union County Historical Society, and Wightman Methodist Church of Prosperity.
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Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Judith Parks Ivey, and daughter, Relda Saress Ivey. He is survived by his son, Robert J. Ivey, Jr., Lynn Geist Ivey, and grandsons Scott, Steven (Jessica), and Sean.
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In his early retirement years, Bob was an avid tennis player and loved meeting up with friends and fishing with his grandsons. In later years, he especially loved watching the Braves with his son, visits from his grandsons, riding his Harley with Rock’s Riders, an afternoon cigar, and playing cards with David’s Tuesday Night Game.
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A celebration of life service will be held at the S.R. Holcombe Funeral Home Chapel in Union on Saturday, January 18th, at 2:00 p.m.. The family will receive friends at 1:00 p.m. prior to the service.
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In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shriner’s Hospitals for Children, 950 W. Faris Rd., Greenville, SC 29605; J.F. Hawkins Nursing Home, 1330 Kinard St., Newberry, SC 29108; or to Three Oaks Hospice, 101 Westpark Blvd. Suite B, Columbia, SC 29210.
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​​​The S.R Holcombe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.holcombefuneralhomes.com)
Union, SC
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Linda Smith Kelly​​​
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Mrs. Linda Smith Kelly, beloved wife of Jack Kelly, III, passed away December 4, 2024.
She was the only daughter of the late Fred Houston Smith and Cecil Maness Smith. She was born on April 10, 1943, in Buffalo, SC, and she is the last surviving member of her immediate family.
Linda received a degree from Cecil’s Business College and an Associate’s Degree from USC-Union. She began working at Roger Milliken and Company, where she completed 40 years of service and retired as an industrial engineer.
Linda was an active member of the Episcopal Church of The Nativity. In church, she held positions of leadership and service. Linda was a gracious hostess who, along with her husband, opened their home to friends and family.
In addition to her husband, she is survived by Paulius Vaina, Nazar Kharivskyy, Sorato Ijichi, Afgan Mehtikhanov, and Marvin Sorgenicht. She is also survived by numerous cousins, including Cindy Langley and her family.
Memorial services have been rescheduled and will be held on Saturday, April 12, 2025, at the Episcopal Church of the Nativity, 320 South Church Street, Union, SC.
Memorials may be made to the Episcopal Church of The Nativity, c/o John Baarcke, PO Box 456, Union, SC 29379.
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​​​The S.R Holcombe Funeral Home, Inc. (www.holcombefuneralhomes.com)
Monday, January 13, 2025
Union, SC
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No local obituaries to report
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​Lewis Funeral Home and Crematory (www.lewisfuneralhomeofunion.com)