Gray Funeral Home

Ingeborg R. Morris, age 84, wife of John J. Morris, passed away Sunday, March 27, 2022, at the Agape House of Lexington. She was born October 9, 1937 in Berlin, Germany and was a daughter of the late Eduard Friedrich and the late Kaethe Schafe Groesch. Mrs. Morris was a fabulous seamstress, and she loved ceramics and crafting. In addition to her husband of 65 years, Mrs. Morris is survived by her daughters, Beatrice Morris Ray (Ike) of Clinton, Patricia Morris of Columbia; her grandchildren, Zac Ray (Carlee) of Summerville, Tad Ray of Clinton, Wes Ray of Clinton, Taylor Morris of Los Angeles, CA, Aarron Morris (Amanda) of Anchorage, AK, Caleb Morris of Columbia, Raymond Morris...

Judy was welcomed into the loving arms of Jesus early morning Saturday, March 26, 2022. Born in Detroit, MI and raised in Greenville, SC, Judy lived a full, beautiful life glorifying God through love and service to others. Judy spent many faithful years serving as a leader in organizations such as Kairos Prison Ministry, Girl Scouts, church, and civic associations, while impacting countless lives for God's Kingdom. Affectionately referred to as "mom number two" by many, Judy spent her life reading her Bible, listening, giving advice, cooking, and praying for others. Judy never met a stranger and accepted all for who they were. Judy is survived by her devoted husband of 59 years,...

Dateline - Mountville William Steven Baker, age 69, of Mountville, SC, husband of Norma S. Baker passed away Tuesday, March 22, 2022, at Hospice of Laurens County. He was born October 15, 1952 in Johnson City, Tennessee and was a son of the late Howard Eugene and Annie Ruth Johnson Baker. Mr. Baker was an employee of Parkdale and was formerly employed with Inman Mills and Fruit of the loom. He was a US Navy Veteran, having served in Vietnam. Steve loved to fish, especially when he was fishing in his boat. In addition to his wife, Steve is survived by his son, Stephen Baker (Shoshana), of Spartanburg; his daughter, Stephanie Nikkole Baker (Roger) of Roebuck; his...

Lowry M. "Mell" Wilson, Jr., age 82, widower of Ruth Huey Wilson, passed to his heavenly home Sunday, March 13, 2022 at the Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital. He was born May 4, 1939, in Clinton, S.C., and was the son of the late Lowry Wilson, Sr. and Violet Crisp Wilson. He was known as "Mell" for 21 years during his school years, but the Army wanted his first name and middle initial, so he became known as "Lowry". Mr. Wilson was a member of Providence Presbyterian Church in Powdersville, SC. He grew up in Clinton, S.C. where he met his wife who was the love of his life for 55 years. They spent their first two years together at Clemson University, where he graduated in...

Deborah Lynn Burkhalter, age 74, of Gray Court, South Carolina, widow of Eric L. Burkhalter, passed away on February 26, 2022, at Prisma Health Hillcrest Hospital. She was born on May 31, 1947, in Royston, Georgia and grew up in Lavonia, Georgia. She was the daughter of the late Hubert Raleigh Maret and the late Annie Cathryne Maret of Lavonia, Georgia. Deborah was a member of Warrior Creek Baptist Church, but her health kept her from attending during her final years. She worked for Thornwell Home for Children in Clinton, South Carolina for 20 years. The happiest years of her life were working with the young people at Thornwell. Deborah was an avid reader and bird watcher. She enjoyed...

Joe Robinson Giles, Sr., age 89, of S. Adair Street, Clinton, husband of Lou Cornwall Giles, passed away, Sunday, February 6, 2022 at NHC of Clinton. Born July 27, 1932 in Greenwood, SC, he was a son of the late Lewis Franklin and the late Jodie Robinson Giles. He was a graduate of Greenwood High School and a 1970 graduate of Lander College. Joe retired as Lt. Colonel from the US Army Reserve; also retiring as office manager of the Social Security Administration in Laurens, SC; and Sales Associate for Jeff Duncan Realty where he enjoyed showing his clients what our town and county had to offer. Mr. Giles was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Clinton, having served as...

Lois Elisabeth Graf Wilson, 97, a resident of Clinton Presbyterian Community, died there February 1, 2022. Her husband of 58 years, Col. Samuel Mack Wilson PhD, predeceased her in 2002. She was a long-time resident of Abington, PA. She is survived by a son, Samuel Mayhew Wilson M.D. and his wife Dorothy H.B. Wilson of Laurens, S.C., and granddaughters Elisabeth H. Wilson and Mary J. Wilson. Born in West Grove, PA, her parents were Rev. Charles E. and Elisabeth H. M. Graf. A teacher, she had lay leadership roles at her church, in DAR, and was active in PEO. Memorial services in Clinton, S.C. and at Abington Presbyterian Church will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorials...

Lois Elisabeth Graf Wilson, 97, a resident of Clinton Presbyterian Community, died there February 1, 2022. Her husband of 58 years, Col. Samuel Mack Wilson PhD, predeceased her in 2002. She was a long-time resident of Abington, PA. She is survived by a son, Samuel Mayhew Wilson M.D. and his wife Dorothy H.B. Wilson of Laurens, S.C., and granddaughters Elisabeth H. Wilson and Mary J. Wilson. Born in West Grove, PA, her parents were Rev. Charles E. and Elisabeth H. M. Graf. A teacher, she had lay leadership roles at her church, in DAR, and was active in PEO. Memorial services in Clinton, S.C. and at Abington Presbyterian Church will be held at a later time. In lieu of flowers, memorials...

Betty Baughman Spires, age 91 formerly of Laurens and widow of Donald "Don" Spires passed away Tuesday, December 28, 2021 at White Oak Manor of Rock Hill, SC. Mrs. Spires was born in Detroit, MI and was the daughter of the late Roy and Annie Mae Becknell Baughman. Betty and her husband owned the Honda dealership in Laurens for many years and attended Northside Baptist Church. In addition to her husband and parents she was predeceased by her daughter, Donna Spires. A Graveside Service will be conducted Sunday, January 2, 2022 at 2:00 PM at Forest Lawn Cemetery. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to a charity...

Betty Tribble Wills, 96, died November 27, 2021 at Foothills Retirement Community in Easley, SC. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 4, at 12 PM at the Gray Funeral Home Chapel of Clinton with internment at Rosemont Cemetery. Betty was born In Clinton on November 17, 1925, the first child of the late Warren Blakely Tribble and Bessie Quinn Tribble. Her only sister was the late Louise Tribble Cerny of Atlanta, and her only brother was the late Dr. David Edgar Tribble of Columbia. Betty is survived by nine nephews, Curtis Green Tribble, MD, (Megan), Charlottesville, VA, David Edgar Tribble, Jr., (Leta), Clinton, SC, James Benjamin Tribble, MD, (Lynn), Columbia, SC, Reid...

Betty Tribble Wills, 96, died November 27, 2021 at Foothills Retirement Community in Easley, SC. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 4, at 12 PM at the Gray Funeral Home Chapel of Clinton with internment at Rosemont Cemetery. Betty was born In Clinton on November 17, 1925, the first child of the late Warren Blakely Tribble and Bessie Quinn Tribble. Her only sister was the late Louise Tribble Cerny of Atlanta, and her only brother was the late Dr. David Edgar Tribble of Columbia. Betty is survived by nine nephews, Curtis Green Tribble, MD, (Megan), Charlottesville, VA, David Edgar Tribble, Jr., (Leta), Clinton, SC, James Benjamin Tribble, MD, (Lynn), Columbia, SC, John...

Betty Tribble Wills, 96, died November 27, 2021 at Foothills Retirement Community in Easley, SC. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, December 4, at 12 PM at the Gray Funeral Home Chapel of Clinton with internment at Rosemont Cemetery. Betty was born In Clinton on November 17, 1925, the first child of the late Warren Blakely Tribble and Bessie Quinn Tribble. Her only sister was the late Louise Tribble Cerny of Atlanta, and her only brother was the late Dr. David Edgar Tribble of Columbia. Betty is survived by nine nephews, Curtis Green Tribble, MD, (Megan), Charlottesville, VA, David Edgar Tribble, Jr., (Leta), Clinton, SC, James Benjamin Tribble, MD, (Lynn), Columbia, SC,...

Flaudine (Flo) Adams died peacefully at her home in Clinton, SC on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021. She was born a year before the great depression in the hills of Southwestern Virginia as the oldest daughter of 6 children to Roy and Grace Shortt. In high school she met the love of her life, Jim Adams, after he returned from WWII. They married in 1946 and raised two boys. They were married for 59 years until his passing in 2005. Flaudine lived in many places and homes, 6 of which were built by her and Jim. She filled those homes with antiques, card games, Willie Nelson records, chicken & dumplings, and stories of characters she knew growing up in her hometown of Pound, Virginia. She worked hard...

Flaudine (Flo) Adams died peacefully at her home in Clinton, SC on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021. She was born a year before the great depression in the hills of Southwestern Virginia as the oldest daughter of 6 children to Roy and Grace Shortt. In high school she met the love of her life, Jim Adams, after he returned from WWII. They married in 1946 and raised two boys. They were married for 59 years until his passing in 2005. Flaudine lived in many places and homes, 6 of which were built by her and Jim. She filled those homes with antiques, card games, Willie Nelson records, chicken & dumplings, and stories of characters she knew growing up in her hometown of Pound, Virginia. She worked hard...

Flaudine (Flo) Adams died peacefully at her home in Clinton, SC on Sunday, Nov. 21, 2021. She was born a year before the great depression in the hills of Southwestern Virginia as the oldest daughter of 6 children to Roy and Grace Shortt. In high school she met the love of her life, Jim Adams, after he returned from WWII. They married in 1946 and raised two boys. They were married for 59 years until his passing in 2005. Flaudine lived in many places and homes, 6 of which were built by her and Jim. She filled those homes with antiques, card games, Willie Nelson records, chicken & dumplings, and stories of characters she knew growing up in her hometown of Pound, Virginia. She worked hard...

Janice Bowers Dunkin, 68, of Joanna, passed away peacefully Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at the Hospice House of Laurens County. Born April 1, 1953 in Joanna, SC, she was a daughter of the late C.D. and Agnes Tinsley Bowers. She was a dedicated member of First Baptist Church Newberry. Jan was a graduate of Clinton High School and Spartanburg Methodist College. She had a long and successful career as a Court Reporter running her own business until her retirement in 2012. Jan enjoyed traveling and cooking. She had a love for camping, fishing, and anything Christmas. She had the best sense of humor and a smile that would light up a room. She was a loving and devoted Daughter,...

William Marcus Cook, 89, of Gray Court, SC, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, November 8, 2021, surrounded by his family. For 69 years, he was the beloved husband of Joan Willis Cook. He was the son of the late William Rapley "Dutch" Cook and Louise Cheek Cook. He was also predeceased by his younger brother, Edward Cheek Cook. Marcus was born in Laurens County and was a lifelong resident of Gray Court. After graduating from Gray Court-Owings High School, he was drafted by the US Army and served at Fort Jackson. After service he began farming with his father, and they formed W.R. Cook & Son. They owned and operated a cotton gin in Owings, SC. Later, Marcus was known for growing...

Dennis Gerald Dease, Sr, age 76, passed away Monday, October 18, 2021, at the McCall Hospice House in Simpsonville. He was born March 24, 1945 in Spartanburg, SC, to Lewis Hunter Dease and Francis Nadine Dease. On July 14, 1992, he married Harriett Dease, his partner and love of his life. Dennis loved the outdoors, fishing and duck hunting and was an avid walker with his beloved dogs. For many years he hiked with his Boykin Spaniel, Maggie, and hiked and camped in the SC and NC mountains for many years with his close friend, Jack Waters. Dennis worked in the knitting business for many years in Spartanburg and Moore, SC, for his mentor, Sandor Teszler. He retired from Fiber Web...

Marion "Butch" Starnes, Jr., age 70, passed away Saturday, October 9, 2021 at his home. He was born July 14, 1951 and was the son of the late Marion Loyd Starnes, Sr. and Carrie McMurtury Malone. He was retired from Cone Mills after 41 years of service, a Veteran of the South Carolina National Guard, a former member of the Whitmire Rescue Squad, a member of the Whitmire Masonic Lodge #195, he attended Pine Ridge Baptist Church. Butch was an avid wood carver and enjoyed making crank baits, hunting, fishing, his children, grandchildren, and nephews. Mr. Starnes is survived by his wife, Esther Reardon Starnes of the home; his children, Michelle Knight (Jason) of Newberry and Travis...

Tony Curtis Wyatt, age 68, passed away Thursday, October 7, 2021 at Self Regional Healthcare. Mr. Wyatt was born in Abbeville, SC and was a son of the late James Melvin Wyatt and Helen Wyatt Fleming. Tony worked at Clinton Mills, was a Veteran of the United States Marines Corp and attended the First Assembly Church. He loved his fur-babies Cocoa and Spike. Tony enjoyed spending quiet time at home listening to all genres of music. Some of his favorites he enjoyed were by Shania Twain, Carrie Underwood and many good old gospel songs but Tony was known to like a little "Boogie Shoes" for in his younger days he was known to cut a rug. Music was truly healing to his soul. He is...