Recent Obituaries

Jun 28, 2025

Mrs. Louise Bampfield Fritz passed away peacefully at her residence on Saturday, June 28, 2925 just shy of her 100th birthday. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced by The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803) 649-6234.

Jun 28, 2025

Emily Melinda Winnie Trapp, 70, of Leesville, SC, passed away on June 28, 2025, surrounded by her family. Born in Poughkeepsie, NY, on December 2, 1954, she was a daughter of the late George Theodore and Irene Ellis Volick Winnie. On June 28th, the world lost one of its brightest lights when Emily Melinda Winnie Trapp passed away at home...

Jun 28, 2025

Michael "Mike" Anthony Howell, Sr., 64, of Lexington, passed away on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Born in Miami, FL, he was the son of Mary Wooten Howell and the late Frank Howell. Mike worked as an operator with Southern Plastics until the company’s closing. He was a proud South Carolina Gamecock fan and loved NASCAR, fishing, and rock music. Known...

Jun 23, 2025

Darrell Stan “Homer” Rodgers, 71, of Saluda, SC, peacefully passed away after a courageous battle with his health. Born in Edgefield, SC, he was the son of the late James Stanmore Rodgers, Jr. and Lila Bledsoe Rodgers.

Darrell will be greatly missed and leaves his family and friends with unforgettable, fond memories of his life on this earth. If you ever...

Jun 23, 2025

Nancy Kinard, 54, of Saluda, SC, passed away on June 23, 2025, at Saluda Nursing Home. Born on March 4, 1971, in Saluda, SC, she was the daughter of the late Junior Kinard and Mary Lou Floyd Barnes. Ms. Kinard had a deep love for horses.

She is survived by her stepfather, William H. “Billy” Barnes; and three stepsiblings, Phyllis Gunter,...

Jun 23, 2025

Charles Michael “Mike” Umbarger, 73, of Gilbert, SC, passed away on Monday, June 23, 2025, surrounded by his loving family. Mike was born on March 1, 1952, in Leesville, SC, a son of the late Lee Umbarger and Irma Matthews Umbarger. On November 6, 1971, Mike married Patricia Sampson at Oak Grove Baptist Church. They were married for 53 years...

Jun 22, 2025

Maria Elana Shull, 58, of Gilbert, passed away peacefully on June 22, 2025, just one week shy of her 59th birthday. Maria was born on June 29, 1966, in Columbia, SC, to Elaine Cornicelli Smith and James Woody Shull. With a profound dedication to her work, Maria excelled in her career as a data entry specialist with the SC Department...

Jun 20, 2025

John Anthony Denoma, 74, of Pelion, South Carolina, passed away on June 20, 2025. Born on December 30, 1950, in Saginaw, Michigan, he was a son of the late Morley "Jack" Denoma and Evelyn Ruth Head Denoma. John proudly served his country in the United States Army for over six years, including deployments to Vietnam and Korea, where he served...

Jun 19, 2025

Roy Chamberlain Wright, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, passed away peacefully on June 19, 2025, at the age of 91, in Aiken, South Carolina. Roy's journey began on March 8, 1934, in Brooklyn, New York, where he was born to his late parents, Ephraim and Nettie Wright. A dedicated serviceman, Roy proudly served his nation in the...

Jun 18, 2025

Kevin Edward Kilelee, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, June 18th, 2025, at the age of 84. Born on Thursday, December 12th, 1940, in Brooklyn, New York, Kevin's life was a testament to dedication, care, and service. Kevin was the cherished husband of Linda D. Kilelee, his loving wife for 20 years. He is survived by...

Jun 16, 2025

Betty Irean Balder, 87, of Leesville, passed away on Monday, June 16, 2025. Born in New Philadelphia, Ohio, she was a daughter of the late Clarence Elmer and Jennie Harper Hisler. She enjoyed going to the Flea Markets and birds. Surviving are her devoted husband of 71 years, Dean Lowell Balder, Sr.; children, Dean Lowell Balder, Jr., Brenda Sue Tylke...

Jun 15, 2025

Ruth Wingard White, 98, of Hendersonville, NC, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 15, 2025. Born on February 18, 1927, in Lexington County, SC, she was a daughter of the late Neely B and Bessie Keisler Wingard. Ms. White was a member of First Baptist Church in Hendersonville, NC, and the Patience Sunday School Class. She enjoyed...

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...