Obituaries July 2, 2025
David Ellery Brayton
CHERAW – David Ellery Brayton, age 85, passed away peacefully on June 26, 2025. He was born on June 8, 1940, in Waterbury, CT, to the late Ellery and Ruth Couch Brayton.
David, affectionately known as “Captain Tacky,” had a passion for boating and the outdoors. A proud veteran, he served in the United States Marine Corps and later owned and operated Cambridge Specialty Machine Shop in Berlin, CT. He had a love for riding motorcycles and was particularly fond of Great Danes, which he often trained as Therapy Dogs for schools, hospice programs, and special engagements at Parris Island for the Marine Corps.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Ellery Brayton and Ruth Couch Brayton.
David leaves behind to cherish his memory, his wife of 35 years, Susan L. Brayton; sons, Derek Brayton of Long Beach, CA, and Lance Brayton of Campton, KY; a step-son, Bryan Murphy (Aletha) of Enfield, CT; step-daughters, Melissa Peters of Gibson, NC and Robin Murphy of Hamden, CT; brothers, Bruce Brayton of Southington, CT, and William Brayton (Leslie) of Clinton, CT; sisters, Delores Griffin and Nancy Heil both of Southington, CT; grandchildren, Lily Brayton, Mya Bayton, Dillan Brayton, Danny Martinez, Tatiana Reeves, Jeff Peters, Greg Peters, Allie Peters, Bryan Murphy, Jr., Kylie Murphy, and Donnie Murphy; and seven great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 3:00 until 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Kiser Funeral Home.
Kiser Funeral Home has been entrusted to serve the Brayton family in their time of grief.
Online condolences may be made at www.kiserfuneralhome.com.
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Lori Dixon Clark
HARTSVILLE – Celebration of Life for Mrs. Lori Dixon Clark age 62 was held at Cedar Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Pastor Marvin Griggs officiated, directed by Norton Funeral Home and Crematory. The family spoke to guests following the graveside services.
Lori passed away in Florence, SC. She was born in Hartsville, SC the daughter of the late Julius and Leola Hall Dixon. She was a loving wife, mother, sister and to everyone that knew her.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband Richard Clark, Hartsville; daughter Alyssa Clark, Hartsville; sisters, Betty Johnson and Melissa Spires, both from Hartsville; brother, Earl Dixon, Hartsville; granddaughter, Katie Lynn Graham; several nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Julius and Leola Hall Dixon; her sweet and beloved daughter, Tonya Denise Clark; five siblings, Ann, Steve, Doris, Thelma, Julius (Jukebox) Dixon; her in-laws, William and Doris Clark; her grandparents on bother parents side.
Norton Funeral Home and Crematory are honored to be of service to the Clark family.
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Richard Dennis Clark
HARTSVILLE – Mr. Richard Dennis Clark, age 68, US Navy Retired, passed away June 3 at Carolina Pines RMC.
Richard was born in Hartsville a son of the late William Charles Clark and Doris Freeman Clark. He retired from the Navy after 20 years of Service. He loved the Clemson Tigers.
Surviving are one daughter, Alyssa (Bernard Livergood) Clark, Hartsville; two grandchildren, Katielynn Graham, Hartsville and Gunnar Livergood, Hartsville; one sister, Gail (Will) Edwards, McBee; two brothers, Leon (Teresa ) Clark, Hartsville and Dale (Barbara) Clark, Hartsville.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Lori Clark, one daughter, Tonya Denise Clark.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service was held Monday June 9 at 4:00 in the Chapel Norton Funeral Home. Rev. Jeff Williams and Rev. Marvin Griggs officiated. Visitation followed the service.
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William Dennis ‘DD’ (Mad Dog) Davis
CHESTERFIELD – Mr. William Dennis “DD” (Mad Dog) Davis, age 66, entered into rest on Wednesday, June 25, 2025 at his home. A Celebration of Life Service will be held at 3:00 PM Monday, July 7, 2025 at Shiloh Methodist Church by Pastor Jeff Gardner, Pastor Glenn Scott White, and Wesley Davis. The family will greet friends immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall.
Born on June 25, 1959, in Chesterfield, SC, Mr. Davis was the son of the late Dennis Faye and Emily Ruth Gaskins Davis. He graduated from Chesterfield High School in 1977 and was a member of Shiloh Methodist Church. For many years, he worked as a heavy machine operator with IBM Construction.
Mr. Davis was known for his adventurous spirit and enjoyed various hobbies, including searching for arrowheads, fishing, making knives, and tinkering.
In addition to his parents, Mr. Davis was also preceded in death by his sister, Barbie Denise Davis.
Survivors include his brothers, Jerry F. (Janet H.) Davis of Mt. Pleasant, NC, Wesley H. (Charity U.) Davis of Cheraw, SC; nieces & nephews, Melissa Davis (Chris) Alan of Rock Hill, SC, Lauren Davis of Badin Lake, NC, Paul (Lisa) Davis of Cheraw, SC, Holly (Nikko) Fuzz of Myrtle Beach, SC, Ethan Gainey of Chesterfield, SC, Lucas (Caragan) Davis of Chesterfield, SC, Addison Davis, Catey Davis, Cara Davis, and Nathan Davis all of Cheraw, SC; and numerous great nieces and great nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Shiloh Methodist Church, 3154 Hwy. 102, Chesterfield, SC 29709, the ALPHA Center of Chesterfield, P.O. Box 838, Chesterfield, SC 29709, or to Abba’s House Ministries, P.O. Box 639, Cheraw, SC 29520.
Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Davis family.
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John Mark Funderburk Sr.
John Mark Funderburk, Sr., age 84, of Pageland, South Carolina, went home to be with the Lord on Saturday afternoon, June 28, 2025, at home surrounded by his loving family.
John was born in Pageland, South Carolina on June 16, 1941, to the late Bon and Lala Jenkins Funderburk. John graduated from Pageland High School and shortly thereafter went on to marry the love of his life, Rachel Owens Funderburk. John was drafted to serve his country in the Vietnam War with the United States Army for two years before receiving an honorable discharge at the rank of sergeant. Prior to his service, John learned construction by building houses with his father-in-law, the late Mr. Robert Owens and the late Mr. Blake Watts.
After his military service, John worked as a drywall contractor for Tomlinson Engineering in Charlotte, NC for approximately twenty-five years. After Tomlinson Engineering was closed, John obtained a job with Strickland Construction at the R.J. Reynolds facility in Winston-Salem, NC as a crew foreman until retiring in 2006.
During his retirement years, John enjoyed spending time with family, serving his church, and traveling with Rachel. He was known for helping others in the community doing odd jobs especially for those less fortunate.
John was a lifelong member of Providence Baptist Church in Pageland where he served various roles to include serving as a deacon, Sunday school teacher, serving on the building and grounds committee, serving on the cemetery committee, and as a greeter until his health declined.
In addition to his dedication to his church, John was also an active member of the Pageland American Legion Smith Graves Post 92 and a member of Mt. Moriah Masonic Lodge #58.
John is survived by his loving wife, Rachel, of 62 years, one son John “Mark” (Tara) Funderburk, Jr. of Pageland, SC, one granddaughter, Autumn Bryant of Rock Hill, SC, two sisters, Rita Lancaster of Luray, Virginia, and Dale Baxter of Duncan, SC, and one brother, Kermit (Shelby) Funderburk of Lancaster, SC, and many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents listed above, John was preceded in death by three sisters, Brenda Bishop, Joanne Rowe, and Helen Evans, and one brother, Austin Funderburk.
A visitation was held Tuesday, July 1, from 6:00pm until 8:00pm in the sanctuary at Providence Baptist Church, located in Pageland, SC.
A celebration of life service will be held Wednesday, July 2, at 3:00pm at Providence Baptist Church, located in Pageland, SC with burial to follow at the church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Providence Baptist Church building fund or parking lot fund, 232 Providence Church Road, Pageland, SC 29728.
Special thanks to Gentiva Hospice of Chesterfield, SC, especially to Erica Greene Johnson for her loving care to John and family.
Miller-Rivers-Caulder Funeral Home (www.mrcfuneralhome.com) of Chesterfield, SC is serving the Funderburk family.
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Tammie Johnson
CHERAW – Tammie Braswell Johnson, aged 65, peacefully passed away on June 27, 2025. Born in Charlotte, NC, she was the beloved daughter of the late Betty Lou Johnson and James Edward Braswell, Sr.
Tammie was a vibrant soul who found joy in the company of her family. She cherished the moments spent cooking for her loved ones and relished watching bluebirds and hummingbirds while tending to her flowers. Known as the “fun aunt,” Tammie had a delightful knack for bringing laughter to those around her, making every family outing, especially go-kart racing, an enjoyable adventure. Her fond memories include numerous trips to Cane Creek Campground with her family.
Tammie’s passion for softball was evident as she took on coaching roles in local recreation leagues while watching her daughter grow. In her quiet moments at home, she found pleasure in exploring a variety of shows on Netflix. Her grandchildren and nephews were the true lights of her life, filling her heart with pride and joy.
Tammie is survived by her daughter, Dana Meyer of Houston, TX; brothers, Jody Braswell (Vickie) of Cheraw, SC, and James “Chuck” Braswell, Jr. (Lynn) of Huntersville, NC; grandchildren, Austin Freeman, Barbara Meyer, and Joey Meyer; nieces, Jodie Braswell (Jamie) and Miracle Braswell; a nephew, Taylor Freeman; great-nephews, Jace Polson, Jax Polson, and Jordan Polson; along with dear friends, Shelly Beaver Lowry and Pam Workman.
She was preceded in death by her parents, a sister, Buffi Braswell, a great-niece, Alaina Lachelle Polson, and her beloved dogs, Susie Q and Roscoe.
The family welcomed visitors on Monday, June 30, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM at Kiser Funeral Home, followed by a memorial service starting at 6:00 PM.
Tammie Braswell Johnson will be fondly remembered for her love, kindness, and the joyful moments she created with her family and friends.
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