Obituaries April 30, 2025
Ronnie Dean Chavis
CHERAW – Ronnie Dean Chavis, 73, passed away on Wednesday, April 23, 2025. He was born on June 19, 1951, in Bennettsville, SC, to the late Claude Adam and Mary Pauline Clay Chavis.
Ronnie dedicated 2 years of his life serving in the United States Navy and 22 years serving in the United States Army, retiring with honor. Following his military service, he spent another two decades as a truck driver. In addition to his professional endeavors, Ronnie had a passion for woodworking, spending countless hours in his shop. He was also an avid fan of both the Carolina Tarheels and Clemson sports teams. Above all, Ronnie cherished the time spent with his grandchildren and enjoyed watching preaching. His faith was a central part of his life, and he often spoke about the goodness of the Lord.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Claude Adam Chavis and Mary Pauline Clay Chavis.
Ronnie is survived by his sons, Fred Chavis (Christine) of Cheraw, SC, and Casey Chavis of Westminster, SC; daughters, Ashley Driggers (Joshua) of Bennettsville, SC, and April Bowen (John) of Gastonia, NC; brothers, Paul Smith (Teresa) of Gaffney, SC, Claude Chavis of Bennettsville, SC, Tommy Chavis (Lora) of Cheraw, SC, and JR Chavis (Donna) of Bennettsville, SC; sisters, Betty Hayes of Myrtle Beach, SC, Kathryn Irons of Bennettsville, SC, and Lora Littles (Louis) of Bennettsville, SC; and grandchildren Kailey Driggers, Jacob Driggers, Kelli Chavis, Gabriella Chavis, Jesse Chavis, and Olivia Chavis, along with one great-grandchild, Dawson Rowland.
A funeral service was held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, April 28, 2025, at Victory World Outreach Center in Bennettsville, SC. Burial followed at Chatham Hill Memorial Gardens in Cheraw, SC.
The family receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at Kiser Funeral Home in Cheraw, SC.
Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements for the Chavis family during this difficult time.
Online condolences may be made at www.kiserfuneralhome.com.
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Nancy Fortune Eskridge
MAULDIN – Nancy Fortune Eskridge, 74, of Mauldin, SC, passed away Saturday, March 22, 2025.
Born March 23, 1950 in Greenville, SC, she was a daughter of the late Robert J. and Dorothy H. Fortune. She was a graduate of Parker High School and Gardner Webb University. Nancy was a member of Mauldin First Baptist Church. For over 20 years, she worked with the Greenville County School System as a substitute teacher.
Nancy is survived by her loving husband of 54 years, Randy Eskridge; son, Matthew Eskridge (Andrea) of Baltimore, MD; sister, Rossie Koss (Dave) of Travelers Rest, SC; grandson, Jack Eskridge of Baltimore, MD; sister-in-law, Nancy Scoggins of Columbia, SC; and three nephews.
A memorial service to celebrate Nancy’s life was held at 1:30 p.m. on Monday, April 14, 2025 at Mauldin First Baptist Church with the Rev. Wade Leonard officiating. The family received friends immediately following the service.
Memorials may be made to Mauldin First Baptist Church, 150 S. Main Street, Mauldin, SC 29662.
Favorite memories and condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.thomasmcafee.com.
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Lewis Lincoln Long Jr.
WOODBRIDGE, Va. – Lewis Lincoln Long Jr., 88, of Woodbridge, Virginia, passed away peacefully on April 13, 2025. Born on January 16, 1937, in Charlotte, North Carolina, he was the beloved son of the late Reverend Lewis L. Long Sr. and Ida Buchanan Long. Lewis was a devoted husband to Shirley H. Long, whom he married in 1966. Together, they raised two sons, Lewis L. Long III (Michele) and James Long, and were blessed with three grandsons: Lewis L. Long IV, Corey S. Long, and Amare T. Long, all of Woodbridge, VA. He is survived by his wife, Shirley; his sons, Lewis L. III (Michele) and James; his grandsons, Lewis L. IV, Corey S., and Amare T.; his brothers, George W. Long (Lillian), Clarence W. Long (Theola), and Leroy B. Long; his sister, Maggie P. David; and numerous nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. The family received friends from 5-8:00 p.m. on Sunday, April 27, 2025 at Miller Funeral Home, 3200 Golansky Blvd., Woodbridge, VA 22192. A funeral service took place at Miller Funeral Home on Monday, April 28, 2025 at 11:00 a.m., with interment to follow at Quantico National Cemetery.
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Clara Hodge Sweatt
BENNETTSVILLE – Clara Hodge Sweatt, age 86 of Bennettsville, went home to be with the Lord on Friday, April 25, 2025.
Clara was born June 16, 1938, in Bennettsville. She was a daughter of the late Herbert and Emma Mumford Hodge. Clara worked many years at Galey and Lord, followed by jobs as a Mary Kay consultant, certified nursing assistant, and at Walmart. Clara had many friends that she met over the years. She enjoyed baking and crafting. Clara also enjoyed working in the yard and tending to her flower beds. Clara loved the Lord. She attended church regularly until her health declined. Most of all, Clara loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, and sister. Clara will be missed deeply by her family and friends.
In addition to her parents, Clara was preceded in death by her husband of fifty five years, John Henry Sweatt; brothers, Jimmy Hodge, John Elbert Hodge, Billy Hodge, and Alexander Hodge.
Clara is survived by her children, Brenda Hunt of Bennettsville, Danny (Jody) Sweatt of Sylvania, GA, and Jeffrey Sweatt (Sharon) of Chesterfield; a brother, Rufus Hodge of Bennettsville; sisters, Alma Quick of Bennettsville, Linda Grace Ainsworth of Greenville, NC, and Betty Lou Locklear of Laurinburg, NC; five grandchildren; several great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, and other extended family members also survive.
A funeral service will be held on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at 1:00 p.m. at Burroughs Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow the service at Sunset Memorial Park.
A time of visitation will be held on Wednesday, just prior to the service, beginning at 12:00, at Burroughs Funeral Home Chapel.
The family would like to thank Oakhaven Nursing Center and Wilson Senior Care for their loving and compassionate care shown to Clara.
Online condolences can be made to the family at www.bfhbennettsville.com.
Burroughs Funeral Home is honored to assist the Sweatt Family.
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Alex Steve Turner
WADESBORO, N.C. – Alex Steve Turner, age 77, passed away on Friday, April 25, 2025. He was born on September 5, 1947, in Marlboro County, SC, to the late Alex Boot and Grace Driggers Turner.
Steve was a devoted family man who cherished the time spent with his loved ones, particularly enjoying ice cream outings with his grandchildren. He had a passion for watching television, with a particular fondness for wrestling and drag racing. Known for his exceptional culinary skills, especially his famous BBQ, he brought joy to many through his cooking.
In addition to his parents, Steve was preceded in death by his brothers: James, Wayne, Frankie, Mike, Ray, and Edward Turner.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Cynthia Haire, of the home; his three sons, Mark Turner of Statesville, NC, Timmy Turner (Jennifer) of Statesville, NC, and Chad Haire (Alesha) of Chesterfield, SC; his daughters, Jennifer McLendon (Peter) of Wadesboro, NC, and Alexa Turner of Statesville, NC; as well as his brother, Leonard Turner (Terry) of Charleston, SC, and sister, Mary Ella Edwards of Holly Ridge, NC. Steve’s legacy continues through his grandchildren: Nacole Turner (Adam), Chevy Rollings (Layne), Taylor Cesta (Dom), Lenzie Turner, Kadence Haire, Kylie Haire, Alexis McLendon, PJ McLendon, Cody Powell, and Corey Powell; and great-grandchildren: Novalee Turner, Turner Rollings, Jaci Powell, Emma Powell, Elijah Powell, Isaiah Powell, CJ Powell, and Elly Powell.
The family will host a gathering in Steve’s honor on Saturday, May 17, 2025, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at his residence located at 599 McRae Ave, Wadesboro, NC 28170.
Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements to support the Turner family during this time of mourning.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.kiserfuneralhome.com.