THAMES, Agnes
The relatives and friends of Agnes M. Thames are invited to attend her funeral services Saturday, January 19, 2002 in First Baptist Church of Mount Pleasant at 1:00 o'clock. Burial will follow in Bonneau Cemetery (Hwy.52), Bonneau, S.C. ARRANGEMENTS BY J. HENRY STUHR, INC., MOUNT PLEASANT CHAPEL.
Flowers accepted or memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Mount Pleasant, (Television Ministry or Building Fund) 681 McCants Drive, Mount Pleasant, S.C. 29464 or The Franke Home, 1885 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant, S.C. 29464.
BUNCH, William
Entered into eternal rest on the morning of January 15, 2002, William Bailey Bunch, widower of Oneta Player Bunch and Ethel Infinger Willis Bunch. The relatives and friends are invited to attend his funeral services Saturday at 3 o'clock in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., DOWNTOWN CHAPEL. Interment, Magnolia Cemetery.
Mr. Bunch was born January 17, 1911 in Charleston, South Carolina, the son of Linwood Ernest Bunch and Wilhelmena Patterson Bunch. He was a member of Ashley River Baptist Church. He was a retired Shipfitter with the Charleston Naval Shipyard and a Veteran of the Naval See Bee's. He was a member of the Ashley Lanes Bowling League, the Lineament League and the Golden Oldies Bowling League.
He is survived by two daughters: Jane B. Roberts of Deming, New Mexico and Valerie B. Crawford of Charleston, SC; one son: Frank P. Bunch of Kaiserslautern, Germany; one step-daughter: Faye W. Dandridge of Marietta, Georgia; many nieces and nephews; 12 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Ashley River Baptist Church, 1101 Savannah Hwy., Charleston, S.C. 29407.
MELLICHAMP, Henry
Henry Laurens Mellichamp, Jr., 86, of Mount Pleasant, S.C. died Thursday, January 17, 2002 at his residence. The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Henry Laurens Mellichamp, Jr. are invited to attend the funeral service of the former. Saturday, January 19, 2002 in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., MOUNT PLEASANT CHAPEL at 11:00 o'clock. Interment will follow in Mount Pleasant Memorial Gardens.
Mr. Mellichamp was born September 24, 1915 in Mount Pleasant, S.C. The son of Henry L. Mellichamp, Sr., and Mary Porcher Mellichamp. He was Machinist, Carpenter and Electrician and retired from Mount Pleasant Boatyard. He was a member of First Baptist Church of Mount Pleasant and graduated from Murray Vocational High School.
Surviving are his wife, Mary Elizabeth Deer Mellichamp of Mt. Pleasant, S.C. four sons and daughter-in-laws, Francis and Alice Mellichamp of Awendaw, S.C. Douglas and Susan Mellichamp of Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Larry and Paula Mellichamp of Mt. Pleasant, S.C. and Derald and Kathy Mellichamp of Round Rock, Texas, one sister, Marie Gleaton of Mt. Pleasant S.C. nine grandchildren, Pam Wilson, Penny Fryar, Patty Dennison, Doug Mellichamp, Tim Mellichamp, Shannon M. Ivey, Hank Mellichamp, Sara Mellichamp, and Callie Mellichamp, eleven great-grandchildren, several nieces, nephews and cousins.
DANNER, Lena
Lena Johnson Danner, 75, of Moncks Corner, died Saturday at a North Charleston hospital.
The memorial service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Russell Funeral Chapel. Burial will be private.
Mrs. Danner was born February 1, 1926 at Cochran, Georgia, a daughter of George W. Johnson and Nettie Puckett Johnson. She was an AKC registered judge for 16 years. She was a member of Shenandoah United Methodist Church. She was the widow of Dr. James Danner.
Surviving are two daughters-Dianne D. McKnight of Moncks Corner; Mims C. Rust of Columbia; two sisters-Connie Stubbs of Sumter; Julia Wilson of McColl, brother Jackie Johnson of Bennettsville; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one foster grandchild.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of one's choice.
Arrangements by RUSSELL FUNERAL CHAPEL, Moncks Corner.
FISHER, Chester
Charleston Rifle Club: The officers and members are invited to attend the funeral services of our late member, Chester Franklin Fisher, Saturday at 10 o'clock in Holy Cross Cemetery.
LUNDY, June
GEORGETOWN - June H. Lundy, wife of C. Nolan Lundy, died Wednesday, January 16, 2002, in a Charleston hospital.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 19, 2002, at 11 a.m., in First Baptist Church of Georgetown. Officiating will be Dr. Ted Sherrill. A Committal Service, directed by GRAHAM FUNERAL HOME, will be held Monday, January 21, 2002, at 11 a.m. in Pine Crest Cemetery in Mobile, Ala.
She was born July 30, 1934, in Mobile County, Ala., a daughter of Idouma Weekly Havard and the late Ernest Herbert Havard.
She was a graduate of Vigor High School and attended Spring Hill College in Mobile. She had been a resident of Georgetown since 1971. Before moving to Georgetown, she was employed as a secretary with the U.S. Army in Texas and later at Brookley Air Force Base in Mobile.
She was a Charter Member of the Belle Isle Garden Club. She was a member of First Baptist Church and the Co-ed Adult H-Lide Williams Sunday School Class. She also was a former Children's Sunday School teacher and a homemaker.
Surviving are, her husband, her mother of Chicasaw, Ala.; one son, Robert N. Lundy and his wife Amy of St. Petersburg, Fla.; one daughter, Claire Lundy-Surratt and her husband William of Georgetown; two grandchildren, Samatha June Lundy and William Nolan Surratt and several nieces and nephews.
She was predeceased by a brother, Larry G. Havard.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Friday, at the Funeral Home and immediately following the service on Saturday at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Building Fund, 219 Cleland St., Georgetown, S.C. 29440.
REAMY, Janie
Janie Mae Fishburne Reamy of Charleston, 94, died January 5, 2002 in Vero Beach, FL after a long illness. A memorial service will be held at St. Peter's Episcopal Church in Charleston, SC, on Tuesday, January 22, 2002 at 3:00 p.m. A private interment will be at a later date.
SANDERS, III, S. Brown
Samuel Brown "Trey" Sanders, III, 31, of Goose Creek, a maintenance engineer with Gregory Poole Co. died Friday, January 18, 2002 at his residence. Funeral arrangements will be announced. Friends may call at the JAMES A. MCALISTER FUNERAL HOME, 1620 SAVANNAH HWY., on Monday evening between 6:00 and 8:00 p.m. Trey was born February 26, 1970, in Charleston, a son of S. Brown Sanders, Jr. and Lisa A. LaRoche. He graduated from Middleton High School and enjoyed outdoor activities such as boating and sailing. Trey is survived by his mother: Lisa A. LaRoche and her husband, J. Philip Tomlinson; his father: S. Brown Sanders, Jr. and his wife: Brenda J. Sanders; a brother: John P. Tomlinson, Jr.; his grandmother: Elizabeth R. LaRoche and his grandparents Mr. and Mrs. S. Brown Sanders. Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER, INC. 766-1365.
CHEEVER, Donald
HAMMERTON LODGE NO. 332 A.F.M.: A SPECIAL COMMUNICATION will be held at the Masonic Temple Sunday afternoon, January 20, 2002, at 6 o'clock, for the purpose of paying the last tribute of respect to our late brother, Donald Lee Cheever. Memorial services at Stuhr's Greenridge Road Chapel, this Sunday afternoon at 7 o'clock.By order of:Herbert Tom Judy, W.M.W.E. Lancaster, Jr., Secretary
RISHER, Heyward
WALTERBORO - Heyward T. Risher, 82, of 198 Yearling Lane died Friday at Trident Medical Center. Funeral services will be held at 3 p.m., Sunday, at the chapel of the BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOME, with Rev. Walter Doyle officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Christian Church Cemetery.Mr. Risher was born in Colleton County, a son of the late Ira L. Risher and Donnie Langdale Risher. He was a retired Master Sergeant with the U.S. Army, having served in World War II, he had been a member of Evergreen Christian Church since 1935, where he was a Deacon, an Elder, and a teacher for the Senior Men's Sunday School Class. He was a member of the American Legion and was retired from the Naval Supply in Charleston, where he was a supervisor in Dept. 198.Surviving are his wife, Margaret Howard Risher, a step-daughter, Wynema Miles of Bainbridge, Ga., five brothers, Ladson Risher, Leroy Risher, Derrell Risher, Bobby Risher, and Jimmy Risher, all of Walterboro, six sisters, Alice Eads of Moncks Corner, Ruby Deas and Faye Atwood, both of Charleston, Ida Mae Crosby, Rudeli Rivers, and Ethel Hiott, all of Walterboro, and one granddaughter, Tammi Lucas.Memorials may be made to Evergreen Christian Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 1686, Walterboro, S.C. 29488.
GAMBLE, Patricia
Patricia Ann Bunch Gamble, of Bamberg, S.C., wife of John E. Gamble, died the morning of January 19, 2002, at her residence.She was born August 7, 1942, in Bamberg, S.C., the daughter of the late Leroy Bunch and Mozelle Bunch. She was a member of Bamberg Pentecostal Holiness Church. She was a retired homemaker.Funeral services will be January 21, 2002, at COONER FUNERAL HOME, at 3 p.m. Burial in Bamberg Memory gardens, Bamberg, S.C.Survivors include, husband, Johnny Gamble of Bamberg, mother, Mrs. Mozelle Bunch of Bamberg; two daughters, Patricia Lynn Gamble Parker of Bamberg, Elizabeth Ann Gamble Searson of Bamberg; one brother, Kenneth Bunch of Bamberg; four grandchildren, Lauren, John, Zachary, Matthew; two sons-in-law, Allen Parker and Hoyte Boltin. A number of nieces and nephews.Visitation will be Sunday, January 20, 2002, from 6 to 8 p.m., at Cooner Funeral Home.
SIMMONS, Jestine
Jestine Region Simmons of West Ashley died January 16, 2002 in New York City, N.Y. Funeral services for Mrs. Simmons will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at Garden of Prayer Church, Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Interment will follow at Carolina Memorial Gardens. Visitation for Mrs. Simmons will be Tuesday 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The family will also receive friends at 343 Cessna Ave.Mrs. Simmons was born in Charleston to the late Julia and Paul Region. She was a graduate of Burke High School and The McClennan-Banks School of Nursing. A retired Registered Nurse Administrator from the New York State Department of Corrections, she returned to Charleston in 1992. She is survived by her husband, Henry Simmons of Charleston, S.C., one daughter, Denise Simmons, one granddaughter, Kenia Simmons, and one great-grandson, William Bunce all of New York, N.Y.; two sisters, Evelyn Jackson and Wilhelmena Gethers both of Charleston, S.C.; three sisters-in-law, Mary Lee Mitchell and Thelma Region both of Charleston and Shirley Cephus of New York, N.Y.; two brothers-in-law, Julius Mitchell and James Gethers both of Charleston, S.C. and other relatives. Arrangements by DOROTHY'S HOME FOR FUNERALS. (843) 722-0268.
POWELL, Annie
Annie Pearl Driggers Powell, 75, of N. Charleston, died Saturday, January 19, 2002.Funeral services will be held 3 p.m. Monday, January 21, 2002, at Friendship Baptist Church, burial will follow in Riverview Memorial Park. Directed by Carolina Memorial Funeral Home. The casket will be placed in the church one hour prior to service.Born in Charleston County, she was a daughter of the late Arthur and Nancy Caroline Smith Driggers. Mrs. Powell was retired from the Naval Exchange. She was a member of Friendship Baptist Church.She is survived by her husband, Maynard E. Powell; a daughter, Brenda P. Moody of Charleston; a son, R. Edward Powell of Columbia; sisters, Daisey Kelly of Washington State and Frances Miller of Charleston; brothers, Arthur Driggers, Jr. and Ray Douglas "Bobby" Driggers, both of Florida; three grandchildren, Carole Anne Gnade, Billy Moody, and Maggie Powell; four great-grandchildren, Andy Rider, Mikel Rider, William Moody, and Jeremy Moody. The family will be receiving friends Sunday night from 6-8 p.m. at Carolina Memorial Funeral Home.Memorials may be made to Palmetto Health Hospice, 1815 Old Trolley Rd., Summerville, S.C. 29485.
CHEEVER, Donald
Entered into eternal rest on the evening of January 18, 2002, Chief Petty Officer Donald Lee Cheever, United States Navy (Ret.), husband of Betty Ann Bazzle Cheever. Residence: Hanahan, S.C. The relatives and friends of Mr. and Mrs. Donald Lee Cheever are invited to attend the funeral service of the former in J. HENRY STUHR, INC., GREENRIDGE ROAD CHAPEL, Monday afternoon, January 21, 2002 at 2 o'clock with full military honors. Friends may call at Stuhr's Greenridge Road Chapel this (Sunday) evening between 6 and 8 o'clock where a Masonic Memorial Service will be held at 7 o'clock.Mr. Cheever was born on February 4, 1937 in Yates Center, Kansas, a son of the late Harold E. and Lydia Megli Cheever. He was a Vietnam veteran and retired from the United States Navy after a 20 year career. He was also a retired mechanic from Dupont. Mr. Cheever was a member of L. Mendel Rivers Branch 50, Fleet Reserve Association and the Hammerton Masonic Lodge #332 A.F.M.Surviving are his wife of Hanahan, S.C.; two sons, Donald Cheever, Jr. of Moncks Corner, S.C. and Wallace Cambron of Charleston, S.C.; two sisters, Ruth Ann Smith and Connie Sue Elting, both of Phoenix, Az.; and five grandchildren.
FISHER, Addie
Addie Elizabeth Fisher, 92, widow of Walter Thomas Fisher, died Wednesday, January 16, 2002, at a local hospital. Born February 25, 1909, in East Saint Louis, Ill., she was the daughter of William Issac Poston and Stella A. Poston (nee Summers.) She attended schools of E. St. Louis and was retired from Baptist Memorial Hospital in Kansas City, Mo. She was predeceased by her sister Willnora Scheepmaker and is survived by her daughter Fredella (Fritz) Milne of Ladson; one grandson Walter Thomas Milne, granddaughter-in-law, Thelma Elizabeth Milne of Goose Creek; two great-granddaughters, Christina M. Warren, Cathleen M. Milne, two great-grandsons, Phillip Thomas Warren and Alex Xavier Warren, all of Goose Creek. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held in Immaculate Conception Catholic Church at 10 a.m., Monday, January 21, 2002. Entombment will be in Whispering Pines Cemetery, Moncks Corner, S.C. Friends may call between the hours of 6 and 8 p.m., Sunday, at MCALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, GOOSE CREEK CHAPEL, 100 S. Goose Creek Blvd., 553-1511, where the Rosary will be recited at 7 p.m. Flowers gratefully accepted or memorial contributions may be made to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Building Fund, 510 St. James Ave., Goose Creek, S.C. 29445.
ELLIOTT, Linda
GEORGETOWN - Linda G. Elliott, 54, wife of John Henry Elliott, Sr. died Thursday, January 17, 2002 in a Charleston hospital.Funeral services will be held Sunday, January 20, 2002 at 3:00 p.m. in Rock Pentecostal Holiness Church. Officiating will be Rev. James A. McElveen and Rev. Velma Hodges. Burial, directed by GRAHAM FUNERAL HOME, will follow in Elmwood Cemetery Annex.She was born October 5, 1947 in Georgetown County, a daughter of the late Joseph Madrick Goings and Eva Small Goings.She was a retired school food service employee with Kensington Elementary School. She was a member of Georgetown Lighthouse Holiness Church and also served as Sunday school secretary.Surviving are her husband; three sons, John Henry Elliott, Jr. and his wife, Zeta Kathryn of Myrtle Beach, Randy Earl Elliott and his wife Polly of Georgetown and Brian Keith Elliott and his wife Melissa also of Georgetown; three grandchildren, Jessica Renee Elliott, Randy Otis Elliott and Emma Caroline Elliott; two brothers, L.C. Goings and Linwood Goings both of Georgetown; three sisters, Susan Turner of Andrews, Doris (Frog) Poston and Jennifer (Peanut) Harrelson both of Georgetown, and Agnes McCall of Suffolk, Va. Also surviving are a number of nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by a daughter, Sheryl Ann Elliott.The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
DODGINS, Arthur
Chief Master Sergeant Arthur James Dodgins, USAF Ret., 75, died Wednesday, January 16, 2002 at a local hospital. Born January 22, 1927 in Pheobus, Virginia he was the son of William Leo and Corinne Dodgins (nee Powell). He served in the US Navy and US Air Force Reserve and retired as a loadmaster with civil service. He was a Baptist. Mr. Dodgins was an avid fan of the Stingrays Hockey team. He is survived by his wife Nancy P. Dodgins, Goose Creek; son, Dennis Dale Dodgins, Summerville; three daughters: Donna Noles and Michelle Wilson, both of Summerville and Sharon Hill, Ridgeland; brother, Jack Powell, Richmond, Va.; sister, Billie Mason, Newport News, Va.; eight grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held in the chapel of MCALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, 100 S. Goose Creek Blvd., Goose Creek, Sunday, January 20, 2002, at 2 p.m. Interment will follow at Dorchester Memory Gardens with Military Honors.
TAYLOR, Mary
Mary Lorene Phillips Taylor, 81, wife of Jesse Sanford Taylor of Summerville, S.C., died January 17, 2002 at Life Care Center of Charleston.Funeral services will be held at Parks Funeral Home Chapel on Sunday afternoon, January 20, 2002, at 2 o'clock. Burial will be in Carolina Memorial Gardens.Arrangements by PARKS FUNERAL HOME, SUMMERVILLE, S.C.
JOYCE, Cessel
Cessel Joyce, 93, of Moncks Corner, S.C. died January 18, 2002.Graveside services will be held Sunday, January 20, 2002, at 3 o'clock at Shiloh United Methodist Church, Lumber City, Ga.Arrangements by PARKS FUNERAL HOME, SUMMERVILLE, S.C.
LOCKE, JR., Lynwood
Lynwood "Bud" Locke, Jr. husband of Jane B. Locke, of Mt. Pleasant died Friday, January 18th at a local hospital. Born in Clearwater, Fla. to Mamie Hogan Locke and the late Lynwood D. Locke, Sr. Mr. Locke was retired from the U.S. Air Force where he served 20 years and had a tour in Vietnam. He was a graduate of Chicora High School and earned his associate degree from Trident Technical College. Mr. Locke was a former employee with the Medical University of South Carolina in the Anatomy Department. After working in the Anatomy Department at MUSC Bud then worked for McAlister-Smith Funeral Homes and Carolina Funeral Services. He was a member of the Preservation Society of Charleston, Carolina Children's Charity and the Girl Scouts of the USA. He is survived by his mother, Mamie H. Locke of Charleston, his wife, Jane Bledsoe Locke of Mt. Pleasant, a son, Lynwood D. Locke III and wife, Rhonda of Charleston, a daughter, Theresa Locke Watts and husband Joseph of Columbia, two stepdaughters, Tonya B. Bernard and husband Sean of Mt. Pleasant, Tasha K. Belcher of Colorado, three sisters, Norma L. Dukes of Bamberg, Sharon L. Sneed of Charlotte, N.C., Jean L. Phillips of Summerville, two grandchildren, Lynwood D. "Lenny" Locke IV, and Ashley Noel Locke. A beloved friend, William P. Chrisanthis of Charleston, also survived him. Funeral services with full military honors will be Sunday, January 20 at 3 p.m. at the funeral home chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Preservation Society of Charleston, 147 King St., Charleston, S.C. 29401, Carolina Children's Charity, 811 St. Andrews Blvd., Charleston, S.C. 29407, and or the Girl Scouts of the USA, 7257 Cross County Rd., Charleston, S.C. 29418.MCALISTER-SMITH FUNERAL HOME, DOWNTOWN CHAPEL, is serving the Locke family.
SIRISKY, JR., Lawrence
The relatives and friends of Lawrence M. Sirisky, Jr., are invited to attend his funeral Liturgy at 11 a.m., Monday, January 21, 2002, in the JAMES A. MCALISTER CHAPEL, 1620 SAVANNAH HWY. Burial, with military honors, will be at Live Oak Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at the funeral home on Sunday evening between 5 and 7 p.m.Mr. Sirisky was born March 11, 1927, in Charleston, a son of Lawrence M. Sirisky, Sr., and Laura Bouronich Sirisky. He graduated from Charleston High School and served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He was awarded the Purple Heart. Mr. Sirisky was a retired Merchant Marine and a member of the American Legion Post #147. Surviving are two daughters, Susie C. Goethe of James Island and Sherry Manuel of Summerville; two sons, Lawrence A. Kennemer of Tampa, Fla., and Gary L. Baize of Charleston; one aunt, Mrs. Ernest Holtslander of Charleston; six grandchildren and a hose of nieces and nephews. Arrangements by JAMES A. MCALISTER, INC., 766-1365.
YOUNG, Betty
RHEMS, S.C. - Betty Lowry Young, 84, widow of Herman Earl Young, left this life on Friday, January 18, 2002, in a Georgetown hospital.Mrs. Young was born in Robinson County, N.C., a daughter of the late Wesley Lower and the late Mary Ransom Lowery. She was a homemaker, and was member of the Rhems Pentecostal Holiness Church.Surviving are four daughters, Toni Hodge of Mims, Fla., Ruth Y. Springs, Curleen Tisdale and Linda A. Jordan all of Georgetown, S.C.; two sons, Billy Young of Georgetown and Bobby Young of Mims, Fla.; brother, Mace Lowery of Richmond, Va.; three sisters, Barbara Hammonds of High Point, N.C., Gertrude Sampson and Redell Hunt both of Lumberton, N.C.; 14 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.Mrs. Young was pre-deceased by two sons, Charles Young and Benny Young; grand son, Brian Young.Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, in the Rhems Pentecostal Holiness Church. Burial, directed by MORRIS FUNERAL HOME of Hemingway, will be in the Antioch Cemetery.Memorials may be made to the Rhems Pentecostal Holiness Church, 14229 Brown Ferry Road, Georgetown, S.C. 29440.The family will receive friends at the home of Curleen Tisdale, 14205 Browns Ferry Road, Georgetown, S.C.
ULMER, Inez
RUFFIN - Mrs. Inez Jones Ulmer, 80, of 1917 Pine Grove Road died Friday at a Walterboro hospital. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, at Tabor United Methodist Church. Interment will follow in the church Cemetery, directed by the BRICE W. HERNDON AND SONS FUNERAL HOME.Mrs. Ulmer was born in Colleton County, a daughter of the late Dove T. Jones and Carrie Crosby Jones. She was a member of Tabor United Methodist Church. She was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in North Charleston for 35 years, where she was a former member of the U.M.W., a former church librarian, a former choir member, and a former Sunday school teacher.Surviving are her husband of 62 years, Dennis B. Ulmer, a daughter and son-in-law, Jean and Geno Berardi of Ruffin, three grandchildren, Allen Hickman, Terry Hickman, and Melanie Winingham, two great-grandchildren, Amanda Hickman and Lauren Hickman, and several nieces and nephews.The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m., Sunday, at the Brice W. Herndon and Sons Funeral Home.Memorials may be made to Tabor United Methodist Church, 8743 Bells Highway, Ruffin, S.C. 29475.
GRAY, April
MYRTLE BEACH - April Storm Buffkin Gray, age 54, of 47th Ave. North, died Thursday, January 17, 2002, at a Myrtle Beach hospital.Born April 11, 1947, in Tabor City, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Jamison and Lucille Strickland Buffkin. She graduated from Tabor City High School in 1965 and attended Southeastern Community College. She was a graduate of the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce "Leadership Grand Strand" program. Mrs. Gray gave to her community through the many volunteer events in which she participated. For the Chamber of Commerce she was the "Executive Membership Council" sales leader in 1991 and worked on the many chamber committees. She enjoyed organizing the hospitality at the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony of the City of Myrtle Beach for many years in which her husband plays the role of Santa Claus. She was the "Sun-News Volunteer of the Year 1997," nominated by the American Cancer Society. She was the Chairperson of the American Cancer Society, Myrtle Beach Area, "Relay for Life," 1998. She was a "Kentucky Colonel of the Commonwealth-of-Kentucky." She was president of the Myrtle Beach Shrine Club Ladies Auxiliary in 1994. She was a member of the Omar Shrine Chiefs Unit Ladies Auxiliary, and the Waccamaw Shrine Club Ladies Auxiliary. She was a key staff person on the many South Atlantic Shrine Conventions held in Myrtle Beach. She was a princess of the "Daughters of the Nile," Milcah #77, Mt. Pleasant, S.C. Mrs. Gray was a member of the Shriners "One-Hundred Million Club." She was the current First Lady of Omar Shrine Center as the wife of it Potentate, (President). She worked tirelessly for "The Shriners Hospitals For Children." Mrs. Gray was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church, Myrtle Beach. She worked where she was needed whether as a leader or servant. She served for many years as the Director of the Nursery Department. April loved to feed other, she worked in the church kitchen as part of the special hostess committee and specialized with very little resources in feeding the multitude. She organized the food mission of the "Grand Strand Passion Play," and provided food for the choir. She served as a member on many varied church committees, and loved working with the youth. Mrs. Gray moved to Myrtle Beach in 1965. In the 1970's she worked for the Genco Janitorial Supply. She was office manager for 16 years with Hazel Hatchell State Farm Insurance Agency until Hazel's retirement, and then worked with Wade Davis State Farm Insurance Agency until her illness in December 2001. She served many years as secretary of the Grand Strand Area Life Underwriters Assoc. She and her husband, Bob own Sunco Pool Co.Surviving are her husband, Bob Gray; son, Philip Gray of Conway; daughters, Charlene Hewitt of Danville, Va., Abigail Buffkin Brown and Rachel Gray, both of Myrtle Beach; grandchildren, Brittany, Erica, Chelsea, Tonya, Jasmine, Stephen and Tabitha; brothers, Terry Buffkin of Mt. Vernon, S.C., Lane Buffkin of Whiteville, N.C., and Kenny Buffkin of Bayboro and sisters, Mary O'Brian of Cameron Park, Calif., Linda Garland of Southport, N.C., and Donna Shelley of Green Sea; her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Phillip and Esther Gray; brother-in-law, Dan Gray; sister-in-law, Ellen Chapman all of Myrtle Beach and sisters-in-law, Nelda Ball and Julia Gray, both of Greenville and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and many, many friends.Funeral services will be 3:30 p.m., Sunday, at First Baptist Church of Myrtle Beach. Burial will follow in Ocean Woods Cemetery.The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m., Saturday, at GOLDFINCH FUNERAL HOME, BEACH CHAPEL.Memorials may be made to Shriners Hospital, 950 West Farris, Greenville, S.C. 29605, First Baptist of Myrtle Beach, Kitchen Fund, 401 N. Kings Hwy., Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29577, or American Cancer Society, 950 48th Ave., North, Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29577.
