'N' Newberry County Obits

South Carolina Genealogy Trails

Roberta Adams Nance
Newberry - Roberta Adams Nance, 91, widow of James Henry Nance, formerly of Columbia, died Thursday, Oct. 24, 2002. Survivors: A son and daughter-in-law, Charles W. and Patricia Nance, of Columbia; sisters, Nina Perdue, Janie Nichols and Frances Waits, all of Newberry, and Margaret Ashford of Union; brothers, Edwin Adams of Newberry and Jacob Adams of Rock Hill; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Service: 1 p.m. today, at St. Mark United Methodist Church. Burial: Elmwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Mark United Methodist Church, 3200 Lyles St., Columbia, SC 29201. — McSwain-Evans Funeral Home.

Allen Nance Jr.
Whitmire - Allen Nance Jr., age 78, of 3ll Horseshoe Circle, widower of Azalea Baker Nance, died Thursday, July 14, 2005, at his son's home. He was born in Whitmire and was a son of the late Allen Nance, Sr. and Ruby Stone Nance. He was retired from the U.S. Forestry Service after 38 years of service and was an Army Veteran of World War II. He was a member of the First Baptist Church and the Goodfellows.

Surviving are his son and daughter-in-law, Martin Lee Nance and Sheila McKee of Whitmire; a brother, Bill Nance of Winnsboro; a nephew, his wife and son, Jim and Donna Nance and Bobby Nance, all of Orlando, Fla.; two nieces, Laura Neely of Orlando, Fla., and Chelle Mansion of France; grandchildren, Laura Duckett of Whitmire, April McKee of Ozark, Ala., and Jason McKee of Whitmire; great-grandchildren, Amanda Lee Dunaway and Gabriel Duckett of Whitmire and Wyatt Sutton of Ozark, Ala.; and a great-great-grandchild, Jay Dunaway of Whitmire. He was predeceased by a brother, James Robert Nance.

A memorial service will be held Sunday, July 17, 2005, at 3 p.m. in Gray Funeral Home Chapel. The family will be at the home of his son, Martin Nance, 4557 Monument Road, Whitmire. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, c/o Shelby Deitz, P.O. Box 481, Clinton, SC 29325. Gray Funeral Home of Whitmire is serving the family.

Dr. Drayton L. Nance, Jr contributed by Cathy Schmidt

Dr. Drayton Luther Nance, Jr., 74, of North, died Wednesday, June 10, at his residence. Dr. Nance was born in Newberry, a son of the late Drayton L. Nance, Sr. and Hulda Longshore Nance. Dr. Nance was a retired medical doctor and a farmer. He was a graduate of Clemson A & M College and the Medical College of South Carolina at Charleston and was a member of the Orangeburg County and South Carolina Medical Associations. He was a veteran of both World War II and the Korean Conflict.

He was a former Eagle Scout and a former member of the Orangebury County School Board. He was a member of North United Methodist Church and the Elks Club.

Dr. Nance is survived by his wife, Catherine Dickert Nance of the home; five sons, James D. Nance of Aiken, Jonathan W. Nance of Los Anglees, Ca., Jess A. Nance of Florence, Joseph R. Nance of North and Jeffrey E. Nance of West Columbia; and six grandchildren. Memorial services were conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at Culler-McAlbany Funeral Home Chapel in North. Graveside services were conducted at 4 p.m. Friday at Rosemont Cemetery in Newberry. Memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice. Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is in charge.

Noami (Mamie) Sease Nance

Mrs. Mamie Nance Died Saturday After Long Illness

Dorothy "Dollie" Rutherford Nance
Newberry, July 30 - Mrs. Dorothy Rutherford Nance died at the home of her son, Jas. D. Nance, in this county yeasterday afternoon, aged between 65 and 70 years, and was buried this afternoon at St. Philip's church. She was a daughter of the late Col. Thos. B. Rutherford and a sister of William Drayton Rutherford, who was killed in battle while colonel of the Third South Carolina regiment, and widow of Jno. K. G. Nance, major of the Third regiment, who died several years ago. She leaves two sons, Jas. D. Nance, of Newberry and Dr. Jack Nance of Lake City, Fla., and four daughters, Mrs. Jack Sease, Mrs. Caldwell Ruff, Mrs. James Dominick and Mrs. John Suber.

Thomas Newton, "Uncle"
WHITESBURG News - The remains of Uncle Thomas Newton were brought to this place by Mr. John S.
Pentecost last Thursday and buried in the cemetery by the side of his wife and two children who died awhile before him. Mr. P. brought the remains by railroad from Cross Plains, Alabama, to Newnan and from Newnan to this place by private conveyance. Rev. W. H. Speer performed the burial service which was largely attended by the people of our town, and also by Rev. Henry Newton, a son of the deceased, of Fairburn, Georgia. Uncle Thomas Newton was born in Newberry district, S.C. on June 30th, 1805 and died in Cherokee county, Alabama on April 24, 1882 in the 77th year of his age. He lived near this place for 40 years and was highly esteemed by all who knew him.

Dempsey Luke Nichols
Newberry: Dempsey Luke Nichols, 91, died Sunday, June 30, 2002.
Born in Newberry, he was a son of the late Luke Matthew and Melissa Viola Schumpert Nichols.
He was predeceased by sisters, Laura M. Nichols, Pauline N. Lester, Erin N. Kunkle, Freddie N. Morris and Ethel N. Hunter and brothers, Ben C. Nichols, James E. Nichols and Frank E. Nichols.
Service: 2 p.m. today at St. Luke's Lutheran Church. Burial: Church cemetery. Memorials: St. Luke's Lutheran Church, New Fellowship Hall Fund, 4056 St. Luke's Church Road, Prosperity, SC 29127. McSwain-Evans Funeral Home.

Evelyn F. Nobles
PROSPERITY - Funeral services for Evelyn F. Nobles, 72, who died January 4, 2004, widow of Ralph L. Nobles, will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday at St. Luke's Lutheran Church with burial to follow in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 6-7:30 p.m. Monday at McSwain- Evans Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to St. Luke's Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall Fund, 40506 St. Luke's Church Road, Prosperity, SC 29127. www.mcswainevans.com.
Born in Newberry, Mrs. Nobles was a daughter of the late Ira V. and Louise Summer Fulmer. She was a member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church.
Mrs. Nobles is survived by a daughter, Mrs. Jeannie Amick Dyar of Marrietta, a brother Carroll Fulmer of Newberry; two grandchildren, Monica Amick Cassidy and Michael Todd Amick.

Sarah Beatrice Nobles
Sarah Beatrice Nobles, age 85, of 311 Springs St., and widow of Herman L. Nobles Sr. died Sunday, Oct. 5, at the Wallace Thomson Hospital in Union. She was born in Georgia and was the daughter of the late Jerry Hamilton and Sally Maude Jackson Gresham. Mrs. Nobles was retired for J.P. Stevens Co., Whitmire Plant and was a member of the First Baptist Church. She is survived by a daughter-in-law, Dorothy Nobles of Whitmire a brother, Elbert Gresham of Newberry a sister, Gussie Lawson of Whitmire seven grandchildren one great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted Tuesday at 3 p.m. in the Gray Funeral Home Chapel of Whitmire with interment in the Whitmire Cemetery. The family will receive friends today from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Gray Funeral Home.
The family will be at the home of her daughter-in-law, Dorothy Nobles, 201 Washington St., Whitmire.
Gray Funeral Home of Whitmire is in charge. 

Mildred Nobles
NEWBERRY - Services for Mildred Shealy Nobles, 83, of 355 Mt. Bethel Garmany Rd., will be held at 1 p.m. today at McSwain-Evans Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. David B. Tholstrup officiating. Burial will follow in Newberry Memorial Gardens. The funeral home is in charge. Mrs. Nobles, widow of Luther H. Nobles, died December 22, 1999. Born in Prosperity, she was a daughter of the late Coker and Aries Shealy. She was a homemaker and a member of St. Peter Lutheran Church. Surviving are her sons, D.L. Nobles, Charles Edward Nobles, Michael Nobles, all of Newberry; sister, Estelle Boland of Little Mountain; brothers, Clifton Shealy of Greenwood, Dewey Shealy of San Leandro, Calif.; four grandchildren; one great-grandchild.

Patrick M. Nichols
Newberry– Patrick Mark Nichols, 70, died Wednesday in a local hospital. Born in Newberry, he was a son the late Joseph Mark and Sabella Elizabeth Blair Nichols. He was a graduate of Clemson University and a retired employee of Duke Power Co. He was a member of the Woodmen of the World. Surviving are his widow, Mrs. Elsie Pitts Nichols; and two sisters, Miss Helen Blair Nichols of Newberry and Mrs. Louise Elizabeth N. Pitts of Denmark. Services will be 4 p.m. today in Silver Street Lutheran Church. Whitaker Funeral Home is in charge.

Sallie Nichols
Prosperity, Nov. 18 - Mrs. Sallie Nichols of the St. Luke's section died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. Johnnie Bowers, after an illness of several months.  She was the widow of the late J. D. Nichols.  Mrs. Nichols was a Christian woman and will be missed by a large circle of firends.  Funeral services were held at St. Luke's Lutheran church today, conducted by the Rev. W. H. Roof.  Interment followed in the churchyeard.  Surviving is one son, N. A. Nichols of Ninety-Six; four daughters, Mrs. Clarence Dominick of Plains, Ga., Mrs. Johnnie Bowers, Mrs. Goerge Lester and Mrs. Raymond Lester of Prosperity. 

Funeral services for Gregg E. Nichols will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Saturday at Colony Lutheran Church by the Rev. Jerry Trantham. Interment will be in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 7:30 P.M. Friday at the Whitaker Funeral Home. The family will be at the residence, 5091 Clara Brown Road, Newberry, SC 29108.  Memorials may be made to Colony Lutheran Church, 48 Colony Church Road, Newberry, SC 29108 or to Portsbridge Hospice, 109 West Hospital Drive, West Columbia, SC 29169. Whitaker Funeral Home, 1704 College Street, Newberry, SC is assisting the family.

John Eugene  (Gene) Norris - contributed by Robert Lorick
John Eugene  (Gene) Norris, 72, Educator, Mentor and Friend, of 2430 Main Street, Newberry, and also of Beaufort, died Tuesday, July 6, 2004 at Lexington Medical Center. Mr. Norris was born on Dec. 16, 1931 in Newberry, a Sons of the late Eugene Edward and Reba Lorick Norris. He was a member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Newberry and St. Helena’s Church in Beaufort. He had retired from the Beaufort School System where he taught English and served as a Guidance Counselor. He was graduated from Newberry College, did graduate work at Boston University and received a Master’s Degree from the University of Georgia. He was a leader in the Beaufort County Historical Society and the South Carolina Historical Society. He was a past-president of the S.C. Council of Teachers of English and in 2004 was given the Richard W. Riley Award for his outstanding service to the organization. In 2003, he was named S.C. Ambassador for Economic Development by Gov. Mark Sanford. His most lasting legacy is reflected in the generations of students he taught and counseled. Notably among these is Pat Conroy, who championed Gene Norris in many of his works of fiction as well as non-fiction. Mr. Norris is survived by his cousins: Ruby Norris Morgan (Douglas) MacDonald, David Eugene Lorick, Jr (Linda), Gloria Lorick Pleger (Karl), John Langford Lorick (Cindy), Carroll Jacob Lorick (Susan). Also, Norris Long (Michelle), Elizabeth K. Long, Michael David Lorick, Cynthia Lorick Pace (David), Geneva Lorick, Eleanor Lorick, Timothy Lorick (Dana), David Pleger, and Emily Pleger and one aunt by marriage, Eugenia Calliston Norris. Funeral services for John Eugene Norris will be conducted at 12:00 Noon Saturday, July 10, 2004 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church by the Rev. Michael Jones and the Rev. Liz Dowling. Interment will be in Rosemont Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 10:00 to 11:30 AM at the Whitaker Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to The Gene Norris Educational Scholarship at Beaufort High School, 84 Sea Island Parkway , Beaufort, SC 29902. Active pallbearers will be Norris Long, Michael Lorick, Willie Rivera, Mike Sargent, Elgin Atchinson, and Joe Simpkins.  Whitaker Funeral Home, 1704 College Street, Newberry, SC, is assisting the family.

James C. Nabors
James C. Nabors, 83, of 538 N. Main St., Joanna, formerly of Bush River Road, Newberry, died Monday, December 31, 2007 at the Laurens Medical Center.  He was born in Newberry County, a son of the late J. J. and Marie McKeown Nabors. He was a U.S. Air Force Veteran of the Korean War and a retired employee of the Torrington Co. He was a member of Sharon United Methodist Church and Amity Lodge # 87 A.F.M.  He is survived by his companion of 40 years, Dewel Proffitt of Joanna; her son and his wife, Gary and Ann Proffitt and their children, Brian and Tina Proffitt and Mark Proffitt all of Florence.  Funeral services were conducted at 2:00 PM Thursday at Sharon United Methodist Church by Pastor James H. Counts, Jr. Interment was in Newberry Memorial Gardens.  The family was at the residence of Dewel Proffitt, 538 N. Main St., Joanna and did receive friends from 5:30 to 7:30 PM Wednesday at the Whitaker Funeral Home.  Memorials may be made to the Sharon United Methodist Church, 100 Carlisle Oxner Rd., Kinards, SC 29355.  Active pallbearers were Charlie Avery, Miller Jacobs, Frankie Wilbanks, John Sparkman, Carl Turner, and Ronnie Crouch.  Whitaker Funeral Home, Newberry, is assisting the family.  (contributed by Donna Brummett).

Richard Neel
Richard Clark "R.C." Neel, V, of Newberry, departed this life September 26, 2010, in Columbia. R.C was born on July 29, 1988, son of Phyllis Piersol and Clark Neel, IV.  He was employed with Rockin N Farm and was a member of Silverstreet Lutheran Church.  R.C. was a former member of the Friendly Fire Department. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and a serious Clemson University supporter. Some of his fondest moments were tailgating at Clemson.  In addition to his parents, he is survived by his sister, Emily Neel of Clemson; grandparents, Anne and Dick Neel of Silverstreet and Mary Lu Piersol of Charleston; great-grandmother, Ruth S. Bowers of Newberry; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.  He was predeceased by his grandfather, Harold G. Piersol, Sr.  Interment: Newberry Memorial Gardens. (contributed by Donna Brummett).

William C. Norris
Newberry – William Calhoun Norris, 90, of Route No. 2, Newberry, died Friday night at the Newberry County Memorial Hospital after a long illness.  Mr. Norris was born and reared at Anderson, son of the late Dr. John T. Norris and Elizabeth Halfacre Norris.   He spent most of his life in the Johnston section where he operated a farm and was a member of Aveleigh Presbyterian Church.   He was married three times. His first wife was Mary Jane Long Norris, and his second wife was Annie Blanch Rish Norris, both deceased, His third marriage was to Mrs. Rhoda Della Rish Norris who survives.   He is also survived by five sons, George, William C. Jr., Claude, Earl, and Jackson Norris, all of Newberry; two daughters, Mrs. Zack Kinard of Pomaria and Mrs. Thurell Kinard of Hampton; one sister, Mrs. O.A. Sewers of Clinton, and four grandchildren.   Funeral services will be conducted at 2 pm Sunday from the McSwain Funeral Home by Dr. Neil E. Truesdell and the Rev. John P. Griffith,. Interment will be in Rosemont Cemetery in Newberry...contributed by Randy Butler

Robert Norris
Former Newberry Man Dies in Fla.
Newberry, March 23. Robert Norris  well known executive of Lake City, Fla., dies at a Veterans hospital today. He was a Spanish American war veteran and a graduate of Newberry College. He was born and reared in Newberry and was connected with the insurance business in Newberry for a number of years. Funeral services will be at 4 o’clock at the Leavell Funeral Home with the Rev. J. W. Jackson of the First Presbyterian Church in Columbia in charge, assisting Rev. C.A. Calcoter of Newberry. Interment will follow in the Rosemont  cemetery. He is survived by a brother and two sisters. William Norris of Newberry, Mrs. Robley Bruce of Palatka, Fla., and Mrs. O.A. Sowers of Clinton...contributed by Randy Butler

Wilson A. Norris
Newberry, May 28 – Wilson A. Norris, 66, died Thursday at the home of his daughter, Mrs. G.W. Chandler, at West End. After a two months illness. The funeral services will be held Friday afternoon at 3:30 o’clock at the James B. Leavell Funeral Home, conducted by the Rev. J.W. Carson, and the Rev. M. M. Brooks. Interment will follow in Rosemont Cemetery.
Besides his widow he is survived by the following children; Mrs. Blanche Hollis, Robert Norris, Mrs. Lucy Brownlee, Frank Norris, Mrs. Edith Butler, Mrs. Pearl Smith. Mrs. C.W. Chandler; one sister Mrs. Claudia Hunter, two half sisters, Mrs. Kittie Sowers, and Mrs. Robley Bruce; two half brothers, Robert and William Norris...contributed by Randy Butler

Mrs. W.A. Norris
Silverstreet- Mrs. Sarah Butler Norris, 85, widow of W.A. Norris, died Saturday at Newberry County Memorial Hospital.  Mrs. Norris was born in Newberry County, daughter of the late John and Lucretia Longshore Butler.  Surviving are a daughter, Mrs. Zula Brewington, Mrs. Nell Mills, Clinton; two brothers John Butler, Silverstreet, and James C. Butler, Newberry; six grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.  Services will be at 5 PM Sunday at the Whitaker Funeral Home..contributed by Randy Butler

John T. Norris
Newberry, May 30 - In the passing of John Thompson Norris, 67, Friday night, May 24, Newberry County lost one of its ablest citizens and finest Christian characters.   The son of Dr. J.T. Norris and Elizabeth Halacre Norris of Anderson and Newberry, John T. Norris made a name for himself as one of the most sucessful farmers and well informed business men of the county. He was a member of Amity Masonic lodge.   His popularity was attested b the large number present at the funeral services held Sunday afternoon at his country home. The Rev. A. E. Holler was assisted by the Rev. J.F. Lupo in conducting the services.   Besides many friends he leaves to mourn his loss, three sons and four daughters, Eugene Norris, business man of Newberry; John Norris of the South Carolina State Bank of Newberry; Misses Carrie Lee and Ola Norris of Newberry; Houseal Norris, graduate of law at the University of South Carolina, June 1935; Miss Ruby Norris, teaching at Whitmire. Also three brothers and three sisters survive, Robert Norris of columbia, William and A.W. Norris of Newberry, Mrs. Caludia Hunter and Mrs. O.A. Sowers of Clinton, and Mrs. Robley Bruce of Palatka, Florida. He leaves one grandson, John Eugene Norris...contributed by Randy Butler

George Elton Norris
George Elton Norris, age 43, died at the home of his father in Newberry at 7:30 o’clock Friday, after a week’s illness. Funeral services were held at O’Neall Street Methodist Church Saturday, October 15, at 2:30 o’clock. Rev J.E. Merchant officiating assisted by Rev. E.E. Hite.   He leaves three small children; three half brothers, Frank Norris of Greenwood. Robert Norris of Charleston and W.A. Norris of Lexington county; two whole sisters, Mrs. Doc Smith of Newberry county, and Mrs., Pink Butler of Saluda county; four half sisters, Mrs. Blanche Hollis of Charleston, Mrs. Lucy Brown Lee of Wilmington, N.C , Mrs. Dewey Mills of Clinton and Miss Zula Norris of Newberry.   The pallbearers were members of the Sunday school class...contributed by Randy Butler

Wilbur A. Nichols
Newberry - CSM Wilbur A. Nichols, Sr. (Ret.), 80, of 2112 Mower St, Newberry, died Sunday, August 29, 2010 in the Newberry County Memorial Hospital. Mr. Nichols was born in Prosperity, a son of the late John S. and Sara Kinard Nichols. He was a member of the South Carolina Army National Guard where he served as the 218th Brigade Command Sergeant Major for many years earning numerous awards to include the Legion of Merit and induction into the Enlisted Hall of Fame. He was also a full time National Guard Operations, Training, and Readiness Specialist; a life member of the National Guard Association of the United States; The South Carolina National Guard Association; and the Enlisted Association of the United States. He owned and operated Round The Clock Laundromats in Newberry and Whitmire for many years. He was an Alumnus of Newberry College, a member of Bachman Chapel Lutheran Church, a Life member of Amity Masonic Lodge # 87, and a member of the Woodmen of the World. He was a State Constable and a member of both the Newberry County and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Officers Associations. Mr. Nichols is survived by his wife of 57 years, Harriette Slice Nichols; 2 sons, Wilbur A. "Billy" (Penney) Nichols, Jr. and John Alan (Tammy) Nichols both of Newberry; a daughter, Ann N. (Jeff) Spotts of Chapin; 5 grandchildren; 2 stepgrandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday at Bachman Chapel Lutheran Church, Prosperity, S.C. by the Rev. Floyd Sides. Interment with full Military Honors will be in Newberry Memorial Gardens, Newberry, S.C. Visitation will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Monday at the Whitaker Funeral Home in Newberry. Memorials may be made to Bachman Chapel Lutheran Church, 3124 Bachman Chapel Road, Prosperity, SC 29127 and or the Newberry County Rescue Squad, 2327 Adelaide St., Newberry, SC 29108. Thank you to the staff of Newberry County Memorial Hospital for their professionalism, kindness and care shown to Mr. Nichols and his family during this time. Also, the family would like to thank Newberry EMS and Rescue Squad and many others for their assistance. Whitaker Funeral Home of Newberry is assisting the family...contributed by Donna Brummett