Recent Obituaries

Jun 14, 2025

Michael Brent Smith, of Aiken, South Carolina, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 14th, 2025, at the age of 74. Born in Morganton, North Carolina, on September 18th, 1950, Michael lived a life full of compassion, dedicated to the care and welfare of animals. Michael spent his career as an esteemed animal care giver, a role in which he was...

Jun 14, 2025

Barbara Barham Watson, 73, of Batesburg, South Carolina, was called home by her Heavenly Father on June 14, 2025. Born in Big Spring, Texas, on April 9, 1952, she was a daughter of the late J W and Vounzell Nichols Barham. Barbara dedicated over 40 years of her life to the medical field, serving many years as an administrator for...

Jun 13, 2025

Melissa Marie Chavis, born on Friday, June 12th, 1970, in West Palm Beach, Florida, peacefully passed away on Friday, June 13th, 2025, at the age of 55. She was a resident of Salley, South Carolina, where she made her home filled with love and warmth. Melissa is survived by her children: her son, Michael Anthony Chavis of Salley, SC, and...

Jun 13, 2025

Helen Lucille Robertson Player, 94, of Saluda, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 13, 2025. Born in Saluda County, Helen was the daughter of the late Johnie and Ella Pauline Edwards Robertson. She retired from DuPont, where she was a lab technician. A devoted member of Richland Springs Baptist Church, Helen served faithfully as a GA teacher and sang in...

Jun 13, 2025

Sandra Whitman Hartley, 82, of Batesburg, passed away peacefully on June 13th, 2025. Born in Lexington County, she was a daughter of the late George L. and Gertye Padgett Whitman. Sandra's life was a testament to love, dedication, and the nurturing of family, friends, and her community. Throughout her life, Sandra was dedicated to her work as a Cafeteria Manager...

Jun 11, 2025

John Costa Rita, Jr., 83, of Saluda, lovingly known as “Pineapple” or “Mr. Pineapple,” passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025. Born in Koloa, Kauai, Hawaii, he was the son of the late John Costa Rita, Sr. and Otilla Figueroa Rita.

After the unexpected passing of his father when John was only four, he and his sisters were raised by their...

Jun 9, 2025

George Bruce Amick, 86, of Leesville, passed away on Monday, June 9, 2025. Born in Gilbert, SC, he was the son of the late Clayburn and Eva Rosabell Frick Amick. He was the devoted husband of the late Barbara Ann Oxner Amick, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage filled with love, patience, and unwavering dedication.

Bruce loved God, his...

Jun 8, 2025

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Richard O. Garcia, Aiken, SC, who departed this life on Sunday, June 8th, 2025, at the age of 80.

Born on July 30th, 1944, in Durham, North Carolina, Richard was the son of the late Orlando Garcia and Vera Alise Pollard Garcia.

Richard dedicated his professional life...

Jun 8, 2025

Hordric Havird Jr., 68, of Batesburg, passed away on Sunday, June 8th, 2025. Born on August 14th, 1956, Hordric lived a life characterized by quiet strength and resilience. Hordric was preceded in death by his beloved spouse, Bridgett Havird, with whom he shared a life filled with love, companionship, and many cherished memories. Bridgett's passing left a void that was...

Jun 6, 2025

Marilyn Jean Corder, 79, of Batesburg, passed away on Friday, June 6, 2025. Born in Batesburg, South Carolina, she is a daughter of the late M.C. “Amos” and Jewell Senterfeit Heyward. She was the devoted wife of the late Carlisle Vance “C.V.” Corder.

Marilyn was a member of Providence Baptist Church of Gaston, where she was recently baptized by her pastor,...

Jun 5, 2025

Elizabeth Hatcher Harding passed away peacefully on Thursday, June 5th, 2025, at the age of 82. A beloved resident of Aiken, South Carolina, Elizabeth was born on October 27th, 1942, in San Francisco, California. Elizabeth was a dedicated supervisor at the ABBE Regional Library, where she devoted her career to nurturing a love of learning and reading within her...

Jun 4, 2025

James "Ronald" Corder, 83, of Lexington, passed away peacefully on June 4, 2025. Born on April 1, 1942, he was the son of the late Jack and Virginia Whitlock Corder. Ronald was a devoted member of Ebenezer Southern Methodist Church and previously served as a deacon at Sunnyside Baptist Church, where he dedicated much of his time and energy to...

May 31, 2025

Linelle Sue Hite, 72, of Batesburg, passed away Saturday, May 31, 2025. Born on January 7, 1953, in Columbia, South Carolina, she was a daughter of the late Jacob Ravenelle Gantt and Gwendolyn Hall Lucas. Her passion for life was evident in her love for over-road truck driving, a career she embraced wholeheartedly. Known for her adventurous spirit, she was...

May 30, 2025

Gwendolin "Earline" McCary Ricard, 79, of Leesville, SC, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 30, 2025. A beloved mother, grandmother, and devoted community member, Earline lived a life marked by compassion, faith, and service to others. Born in Edgefield, South Carolina, Earline was a proud graduate of Strom Thurmond High School. She enjoyed a successful 30-year career with Honeywell, where...

May 29, 2025

The world became dimmer on May 29, 2025, with the passing of Waitus “Dean” Bedenbaugh, Sr. Born on January 23, 1955, in Columbia, South Carolina, to Wilbur and Margarete Bedenbaugh, Dean was truly larger than life. With his charismatic personality, exciting—sometimes exaggerated—stories, and magnanimous spirit, he left a lasting impression on everyone he met.

Though a proud longtime resident of Leesville,...

May 28, 2025

Dorise Norris-Thomas, age 78, passed away into Eternal Rest peacefully on May 28th, 2025, in Graniteville, SC. She was born in New York, New York to the late Albert and Annie Myers. She lived a life in service to others. She served her family, church and community well. She was a woman of God that lived a full life. She...

May 26, 2025

Callie Rose Gantt, 82, of Batesburg-Leesville, passed away peacefully at his home on Monday, May 26, 2025. Born on December 25, 1942, he was a son of the late Levi and Minnie Lee Quattlebaum Gantt of Batesburg-Leesville. Callie dedicated many years of his life to Sears Roebuck and Company, where he worked as a skilled and trusted service technician until...

May 26, 2025

Steven Carl Gratzer, 76, of Columbia, passed away on Monday, May 26, 2025. Born on July 19, 1948, in Butte, Montana, he was a son of the late George and Dolly Heelstone Gratzer.

A proud U.S. Army veteran, Steve dedicated his life to service, first to his country and later to his community as a teacher and librarian. He attended Western...

May 25, 2025

David Ralph Mason, a beloved husband, father, brother, grandfather, and friend, passed away peacefully on Saturday, May 24th, 2025, in Aiken, South Carolina. Born on July 10th, 1938, in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, David lived a life filled with love, dedication, and numerous accomplishments. David's journey began in Pittsburgh, where he spent his early years and obtained his Mechanical Engineering Degree...

May 22, 2025

With deep sorrow and immeasurable love, we announce the passing of Nicholas Robert Bottini, who left us far too soon on May 22, 2025. Born in Colorado Springs, Colorado, on September 25, 1986, Nick was a beacon of light, warmth, and unwavering kindness in the lives of all who knew him.

Nick made his home in Swansea, South Carolina, where he...