Obituaries Oct. 11, 2023
Lance ‘Buddy’ Cole Jr.
WALLACE – Lance “Buddy” Cole, Jr., 78, passed away on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. Born in Bennettsville, SC, he was the son of the late Lance Cole, Sr. and Ethel Barrington Cole. He was a faithful member of Forest Pines Church. Buddy, was a past Captain of Wallace Rescue Squad, a lifetime member with over 25 years of service to the community. He retired from Carolina Canners, Inc., where he was employed for close to 20 years. Buddy was also an avid NASCAR fan, his favorite driver over the years was Bill Elliott. He enjoyed football, and was a diehard South Carolina Gamecock fan, and Pittsburgh Steelers fan. He loved to watch The Voice and Blue Bloods. He loved his children and grandchildren dearly and had a desire that they know the Lord.
He is survived by his sons, Buddy Allan Cole of Wallace, SC, and Ray Cole (Sharlene) of Bennettsville, SC, grandchildren, Brandon Ray Cole (Angel), of Fort Belvoir, VA, Zachary Austin Cole, of Bennettsville, SC, and Meghan Elizabeth Cole, of Wilmington, NC, and great-grandchildren, Morgan Rae Hawk Cole, Robert James “Robbie” Cole, of Richmond, VA, and Leighton Rae Cole, of Cheraw, SC.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Clara Cole, his parents, Lance, Sr., and Ethel Cole, a granddaughter, Candice Brooke Cole, and sisters, Sadie Cole Davis, Doris Dixon, Betty Cole Starling, Nezzie Griggs, and Diane Cole Freeman.
The family received friends from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Thursday, October 5, 2023 at Kiser Funeral Home.
A memorial service was held at 4:00 PM on Friday, October 6, 2023 at Forest Pines Church, 9353 Teal’s Mill Road, Cheraw, SC.
Memorials may be made to Wallace Rescue Squad, PO Box 245, Wallace, SC 29596 or Forest Pines Church, 7761 Teal’s Mill Road, Cheraw, SC.
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Atha Lou Freeman Gibson
CHERAW – A Worship Service celebrating the life of Mrs. Atha Lou Freeman Gibson was held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, October 10, 2023 at First Presbyterian Church of Cheraw by the Reverend Dr. Dan Sansbury with the eulogy being delivered by her daughter, Susan G. Snow. A private family committal service will follow in the White Oak Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
Mrs. Gibson was born September 16, 1932 in the White Oak Community of Ruby, SC and entered into rest on Friday, October 6, 2023 at the age of 91. She was a daughter of the late Atha Louis (Teen) and Bessie Sutton Freeman. She was a graduate of Ruby High School and attended Winthrop College for Women. Mrs. Gibson was a member of White Oak Presbyterian Church from birth until her husband’s work relocated her family to Sanford, NC in 1961. While at White Oak she served as Organist, Church School Teacher, Bible School Coordinator, and Presbyterian Women Leader. After relocating to Sanford, NC, she became a member of Edgewood Presbyterian Church serving in every capacity available to women including, Substitute Organist, Church School Teacher, Youth Leader, Bible School Coordinator, Circle Chairman, and Presbyterian Women Bible Study Leader. She was a Lifetime Membership Recipient in Presbyterian Women, their highest honor, and was also a Ruling Elder.
After her husband’s death in 2000, she moved to Cheraw to be closer to her daughter and son-in-law having retired from the position of Secretary in the NC Elementary School System. She returned to White Oak Presbyterian, her home church, where she served in a variety of positions including Clerk of Session.
Because of declining health in her later years, Mrs. Gibson became a member of Cheraw First Presbyterian Church where she enjoyed playing an active role in Presbyterian Woman and Sunday School.
In addition to her parents, Mrs. Gibson was also preceded in death by her husband, Billy G. Gibson; infant brother, Jack Freeman; son, William Mark Gibson; son-in-law, Dr. Lawrence P. Snow; brother, Jimmy C. Freeman; sister-in-law, Julieth (Teenie) Freeman.
Survivors include her daughter, Susan G. Snow of Cheraw, SC; doting nephew and niece, Dr. Michael and Phyllis Freeman of Fayetteville, NC; great niece, Molly F. (Joseph) Miller of Alexandria, VA; niece, Ann F. (Dean) Chapman of Hartsville, SC; great niece, Kendall C. (John) Perrow of Cameron, SC; great nephew, Jay (Sarah) Chapman of Hartsville, SC; nephew, Greg Freeman of Chesterfield, SC; great niece, Bessie Freeman of Tifton, GA; many cousins and White Oak friends who enjoyed sharing childhood memories. Her Cheraw First Presbyterian Church (USA) and Edgewood Presbyterian Church (USA) of Sanford, NC families. Her caregivers and friends, JoAnn Teal, Homar and Enedian Araujo; caring, helpful neighbors, Ginny and Roger Chrisley, and Ellen and Barry Hurst.
The family wishes to express heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Cheraw Healthcare who, during her stay, provided her with the utmost care and loving kindness.
She considered herself fortunate to have made lasting friendships with so many people, in every walk of life, during her 91 years.
Memorials may be made to the McArn Food Bank, c/o First Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 552, Cheraw, SC 29520; or to the Thornwell Home for Children, P.O. Box 60, Clinton, SC 29325
Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Gibson family.
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Olin D ‘Doc’ Johnson
CHERAW – Mr. Olin D “Doc” Johnson, age 81, entered into rest on Thursday, October 5, 2023 with his family by his side. Funeral services were held at 3:00 PM Monday, October 9, 2023 from the Chapel of Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home. The burial followed with military honors and Masonic rites in the Brock’s Mill Baptist Church Cemetery. The family received friends from 5:00 – 7:00 PM Sunday, October 8, 2023 at Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home.
Mr. Johnson was born July 9, 1942 in Cheraw, SC a son of the late Oscar Daniel and Clarine Alice Gainey Johnson. He served his country as a U.S. Army Veteran and later found fulfillment as a foreman at Central Carolina Sprinkler Company. Additionally, he was the former owner and operator of Johnson Brothers Construction Company. Throughout his life, Mr. Johnson was actively involved in various organizations. He held memberships in the Cheraw Masonic Lodge #15 and the Marlboro Shrine Club. In addition, he served as a board member of the Brock’s Mill Fire Department.
An avid outdoorsman, Mr. Johnson found great joy in hunting and fishing, often sharing his memorable stories with others. Known as a mentor and educator to many, he touched numerous lives through his willingness to lend a helping hand and share his knowledge. Doc embraced life’s adventures with enthusiasm and lived every moment to its fullest. His kind heart and genuine interest in others ensured that he always made time for those around him.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Johnson was also preceded in death by his wife, Celia Brock Johnson; brothers, Raymond “Red” Johnson, and Daniel “Danny” Johnson; sister, Shirley Steen; and granddaughter, Nicole Elaine Shaw Berry.
Survivors include his daughters, Amy Shaw of Pageland, SC, Tracy Johnson (Kenneth) Teal of Cheraw, SC, and Candace (Shane) Sellers of Chesterfield, SC; grandchildren, Lindsey (Andrew) Elvington, Brandon Teal (Jordan Melton), Ethan Morton (Cheyenne Douglas), Olivia Teal, and Hannah Sellers (Conner Harvey); great grandchildren, Anderson Elvington, Emily Berry, and Malena Berry; siblings, Evelyn (Lee) Fulton of Chesterfield, SC, Jimmy (Wanda Holland) Johnson of McBee, SC, and Alice (Larry) Kuhns of Darlington, SC; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to the Marlboro Shrine Club, 15-401 Bypass, Bennettsville, SC 29512.
Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Johnson family.
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Irvin B. Williams
CHESTERFIELD – Mr. Irvin B. Williams, age 74, entered into rest on Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at his home surrounded by his loving family. A Celebration of Life Service was held at 6:00 PM Friday, October 6, 2023 from the Chapel of Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home by Pastor Fred McDaniel and Brent Taylor. The family greeted friends from 4:00 – 6:00 PM Friday, prior to the service at the funeral home. A private family committal will be held at a later date in the Shiloh United Methodist Church Cemetery.
In remembrance of Mr. Williams’ dedication and commitment to Sandhill Telephone Company, all current and former employees are cordially invited to serve as honorary pallbearers for the service.
Mr. Williams was born on September 18, 1949, in North, SC, to the late Basil and Mildred Lawson Williams. He received his education from North High School and Northeastern Technical College. He proudly served his country as a U.S. Army Veteran during the Vietnam War. As a mark of his dedication, he was a member of the V.F.W. Post # 11251. His professional career was noteworthy, having been employed by Sandhill Telephone Cooperative for over 34 years. During his tenure, Mr. Williams held various positions including engineer and assistant manager, ultimately retiring as general manager / CEO. His commitment to the telecommunications field led him to become a member of the South Carolina Telecommunications and Broadband Association, where he was honored with induction into their Hall of Fame in 2016. Additionally, he actively participated in the National Telephone Communication Association and served on numerous committees and boards throughout his career.
Outside of work, Mr. Williams had a variety of hobbies which brought him joy. He enjoyed shooting pool, playing cards, and cherishing moments spent with his friends. Above all else, he will be remembered as a devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandad to his grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Williams was also preceded in death by his nephew, Jody Sturkie; and brothers-in-law, Heyward Livingston, Wildon Martin, Charlie Beckham, Jon Nance, and Dewitt Livingston. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Debra Williams; son Jason (Lori) Williams of Chesterfield; daughter, Allison (Jamie) Blizzard of Chapin; grandchildren, Cara (Zac) Hall of Chesterfield, Tanner (Carmen Rogers) Williams of Chesterfield, Kirkland Blizzard of Chapin, Lawson Blizzard of Chapin; one great grandchild, Lennon Hall; step grandchildren, Will Lear, Kyle (Taylor) Lear of Ruby; step-great grandchildren, Grady Spencer, Cade Lear, Hayes Lear, Beck Lear, Boone Lear, Beau Lear; siblings, Gwen (Harold) Williams of Cayce , Angie Beckham of Lexington, Deborah (Doug) Salley of Cayce, Donna Nance of Cayce, Keith Williams of North; sisters-in-law, Joann Martin of Livingston, Renee Livingston of North, and Jane Livingston of North; and numerous nieces and nephews.
The family would like to express a very special Thank You to Kristen Sellers of Gentiva Hospice of Chesterfield for her extraordinary care, compassion, and friendship during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105; Shriners Hospitals for Children, 2900 Rocky Point Drive, Tampa, FL 33607; or to Shiloh United Methodist Church, “Media Project,” 3154 Hwy. 102, Chesterfield, SC 29709.
Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Williams family.