SPORTS
THE SUMTER ITEM
DUALS FROM PAGE B1 at 4 p.m. Trophy presentations will follow. Williams is hoping the increased competition will play in the Gamecocks’ favor. The are a number of ranked teams involved from all classifications across the state, including the defending 2A state champ in Marion. Keenan is also ranked in 3A and Dutch Fork, Goose Creek and Stratford are all in the top 15 in 5A,
Williams said. “There’s only two or three teams that aren’t ranked, so it’s going to be really good competition,” Williams said. “I know the 2A and 3A teams are looking forward to competing against the 5As. Marion’s got some really good kids.” Williams is also looking for the Duals to continue to bring his squad together. SHS earned its first region victory this week after suffering through a bit of a team-victory drought for most of January.
OBITUARIES WILLIAM H. SORY SALISBURY, North Carolina — William “Bill” Hodges Sory passed away peacefully on Monday, Jan. 9, 2017. Bill was born on June 8, 1922, in Atlanta, to the late Eugene Gilbert Sory and Aline Reynolds Sory. After high school graduaSORY tion, Bill attended Presbyterian College in Clinton, prior to serving in the U.S. Army during World War II. Bill was a sergeant and served in radio communications in Normandy, Northern France, Rhineland and Central Europe. Upon leaving the service, he resided in Washington, D.C., and was employed by Phillips Television Co. as a television technician. The company threw a thank you banquet for all their employees and at that party Bill met Marie Blair. Bill started his own television repair company and invited Marie to be his receptionist. Bill and Marie married in July of 1968. Bill is survived by one nephew, Everett Anderson Jr.; three nieces, Julia Grundmeier, Phyllis Nash and Linda Luth; and stepdaughters, Dorothy Bostian and Joan Ripley. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his wife, Marie; one sister and brother-in-law, Jean Sory Anderson and Everett G. Anderson; stepdaughter, Barbara Lauderdale; and stepson, Theodore Walker. Of interest, Bill made the front page of The Charlotte News on July 18, 1937. The header was “Boy Is Saved From Death In Sand,” “Bill Sory Well Again After Being Taken From Six Feet of Sand At Cherry Grove, Near Myrtle Beach – Result of Digging Cave.” He was saved by his 75-year-old grandfather, W.S. Reynolds Sr. and Uncle W.S. Reynolds Jr. after his 11-yearold cousin, Edwin Wilson, ran for help. A special thanks to all the caregivers at North Carolina Veteran’s Nursing Home in Salisbury. Carolina Cremation of Salisbury is serving the family. Bill’s remains will be returned to join his parents in Sumter.
JAMES KENDRICK A memorial service for James Kendrick, husband of Darnella Mcknight Kendrick, will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at High Hills Missionary Baptist Church, 6750 Meetinghouse Road, Dalzell, with the Rev. Donald Amis officiating. KENDRICK Mr. Kendrick transitioned on Sunday, Dec. 11, 2016, at Cottonwood Villa in Bishopville. Born in Sumter County, he was a son of the late Henry and Janie Osborne Kendrick. Condolences may be made on his tribute page found at www.PalmerMemorialChapel. com.
RUBY W. MCQUILLAR BISHOPVILLE — Ruby Wilson McQuillar, 79, transitioned from her earthly home to her heavenly home on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017, at Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center, Hartsville. Born in Lee County, she was a daughter of Charlie Sr. and Hattie Porter Wilson. Funeral services will be held at noon at Barnettsville Baptist Church, 106 ManvilleSt. Charles Road, Bishopville, with the Rev. Wayne Mont-
gomery, pastor/eulogist. Interment will follow at the Barnettsville Baptist Church Cemetery. Visitation will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. today at the Square Deal Funeral Home Chapel. Online condolences can be sent to the family at esquaredealfun@sc.rr.com. These services have been entrusted to Square Deal Funeral Home, 106 McIntosh St., Bishopville.
JOYCE FRAZIER Joyce Frazier, 69, of 6770 Fish Road, Dalzell, died on Jan. 17, 2017, at Palmetto Health Tuomey, following a brief illness. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Pine Grove Baptist Church, Cordova, with the Rev. FRAZIER H.L. Prince, pastor, officiating. The casket will be placed in church at noon. Burial will be in Belleville Memorial Gardens. Viewing will be held from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. today at Glover’s Funeral Home.
JULIETTE W. JOHNS Juliette Williams Johns, known affectionately to family members as “Baba,” was surrounded by hearts overflowing with love as she transitioned to be with our Lord on Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017, at Palmetto Health Tuomey. Born on Oct. JOHNS 13, 1955, in Hagood, she was a daughter of Lillian Williams Reynolds and the late Julius Williams Sr. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of Rafting Creek Baptist Church, Rembert, where she attended services. She attended school in Rembert and Sumter and graduated from Sumter High School Class of 1975. After high school, Juliette married and had four children. She worked full time in industrial plants of Sumter. In the early 1990’s, she attended and graduated from Chris Logan Career College in Sumter, after which she began a lifelong career as a cosmetologist. She attended classes during the day or evening, all while working 12-hour morning or night shifts at different plants and caring for her husband and children. Juliette loved her family very dearly and it showed in all she sacrificed for her children and in the close bond she had with her mother, siblings and family throughout her 61 years on this Earth. She participated in several outreach groups and activities for breast cancer survivors in Sumter and was an associate member of the National Federation of the Blind Sumter Chapter. She leaves to cherish her beautiful spirit: her husband, Lucious Johns (Sonny Hill) of Sumter; four children, Dwayne Williams (Tihara) and Durod Williams of Atlanta, Donica Johns (Dera) of Capitol Heights, Maryland, and DeAndrea Johns (Tiffany) of Greenville; two grandchildren, Wesley White and Devin Williams; her mother, the Rev. Lillian Williams Reynolds of Sumter; three sisters, Dianne W. Herrington (Stan) and Marian W. Brown (Neicy) of Sumter, and Connie E. Turner of Greenville; two brothers, Horace Williams (Roy) of Atlanta and Julius Williams Jr. (Junnie) of Charlotte, North Carolina; two uncles; five aunts; two brothers-in-law; five sisters-in-law; nieces
FRIDAY, JANUARY 20, 2017
“Hopefully we’ll be able to continue to gel,” Williams said. “If we can earn a spot in the top five our six, that would be a big victory for us.” The Gamecocks are a mostly young squad this year with some highly-ranked upperclassmen as well. Seniors Alex Perales and Michael Spurling are ranked third and fifth at heavyweight and the 220pound weight class in 5A, respectively, and Perales is a state qualifier each of the last two seasons. He
and nephews that were like her own children; a special friend, Laura Colclough James; and a host of grandnieces, grandnephews, cousins, friends and a very large extended family. Homegoing services will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Rafting Creek Baptist Church, 3860 S.C. 261 North, Rembert, with the Rev. Melvin Mack, pastor, eulogist. The family is receiving relatives and friends at the home, 4 Brand St., Sumter. The remains will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. The procession will leave at 10:20 a.m. from the home. Floral bearers will be family and friends. Pallbearers will be nephews and friends. Burial will be in Rafting Creek Baptist Churchyard cemetery. These services have been entrusted to the management and staff of Williams Funeral Home Inc., 821 N. Main St., Sumter. Online memorial messages may be sent to the family at williamsfuneralhome@sc.rr. com. Visit us on the web at www. williamsfuneralhomeinc.com.
ESTHER BLACKMON MANNING — Esther Yvonne Shaw Blackmon, 79, wife of Harry M. Blackmon, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 18, 2017, at her residence. Born on Dec. 25, 1937, in Rembert, she was a daughter of the late Willie BLACKMON Dwight Shaw and Mamie Baker Shaw. She was a member of Clarendon Baptist Church and she was retired from Campbell Foods. She is survived by her husband of 35 years; two sons, Steve Blackmon (Sherry) of Manning and John L. Payne (Patty) of Alcolu; six daughters, Lynn Walton of Nashville, Sherry York (Kerry) of Franklin, Kentucky, Jerrie Payne of Sumter, Teresa Rowland of Florence, Liz Touchberry of St. Petersburg, Florida, and Robin Floyd (Rocky) of Manning; 18 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Jehua A. “Joey” Payne. A funeral service will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday at the chapel of Stephens Funeral Home with the Rev. Mike DeCosta officiating. Burial will follow in St. John United Methodist Church Cemetery, Rembert. Visitation will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Stephens Funeral Home and other times at the residence, 6193 U.S. 301, Alcolu. Memorials may be made to St. John United Methodist Church, 3480 Leach Drive, Sumter, SC 29154. Stephens Funeral Home & Crematory, 304 N. Church St., Manning, is in charge of arrangements, (803) 435-2179. www.stephensfuneralhome.org
GLADYS SCARBOROUGH & BLANCHE MAY WILLIAMS On Thursday, Jan. 12, 2017, sisters Gladys Mildred P. Gilmore Scarborough and Blanche May Williams were called to be with the Lord. Gladys Gilmore-Scarborough was born on Jan. 14, 1928, in Sumter, a daughter of the late John Henry Patterson Sr. and Margaret L. Williams. Blanche M. Williams was born on Oct. 4, 1934, in Sumter, a daughter of the late Malachi and Margaret L. Williams. Gladys Gilmore-Scarborough attended Lincoln High School and did further studies at the University of South Carolina before entering the
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placed fourth overall at state a year ago. Steven Little is the other senior, wrestling at 132 pounds. “We’ve got two juniors, who are first-year wrestlers, and a lot of younger guys who have been gaining experience,” Williams said. “Hopefully they can put it all together this weekend. For a lot of them, it will be their first home matches, but we’ve got other guys who have been through it before and can lead the way.”
United States Army. She retired after 24 years of service as a sergeant first class. Gladys was united in marriage to the late Mr. Gilmore and later married the late Claude Scarborough. Gladys and Blanche were members of Mt. Pisgah AME Church, where they served faithfully until their passing. Blanche was a member of the elite birthday club, lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary and a DAV Auxiliary Diva. Gladys was a member of the sanctuary choir, women’s missionary society, new horizon ministry and the lay organization. She was class leader number 11 and president of the Daughters of Allen. She was post commander and lifetime member of the VFW, Sumter Post 10813, and also the DAV Association and the elite birthday club. They leave to cherish their memories: two brothers, Dr. John Henry Patterson Jr. (Alice) of Springfield, Massachusetts, and retired Sgt. 1st Class Ollie C. Patterson Sr. of El Paso, Texas; her best friend of 55 years, Dorothy Spencer of Thornburg, Virginia; caregiver and friend, Mae Bell Farmer; her driver and helper, Charles Washington; helpers, Randy Bass and Ervin Major; and a host of relatives and friends. Funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday at Mt. Pisgah AME Church with the pastor, the Rev. Laddie Howard, officiating. Interment will follow in Hillside Memorial Park. The funeral cortege will leave at 12:20 p.m. from the chapel of Sumter Funeral Service Inc. Sumter Funeral Service Inc. is in charge of arrangements.
JOHN KENNEDY John “Kent” Kennedy was born on March 27, 1927, in Sumter to the late Hayward Kennedy Sr. and Levicey Brown Kennedy. He passed away peacefully on Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2017, at Sumter Health and Rehab, after an extended illness. At an early age, he accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior. His Christian life began at Bethel AME Church and, after being married, he joined and was an active member of Goodwill Presbyterian Church. At Goodwill, he served faithfully with the Presbyterian Men, sang with the men’s choir and served as a member of the trustee board. Affectionately known as Kent, he was educated in the public schools of Sumter County and had fond memories of his school days at Lincoln High School. As a youngster, he developed a strong work ethic and would often share stories of working at the local black movie theater near his family home. As a young adult, he worked at Tuomey hospital as an attendant and was later employed by the City of Sumter with the maintenance department, where he worked for more than 20 years. A professional concrete finisher, he was often tasked with helping to pour grave tops for those in the community, a job he enjoyed and did well. A sports fan throughout his entire life, he was the first black baseball team manager to integrate Riley Ball Park in the 1940s with a local team, the North Main Runners. He also enjoyed watching football and was a fan of the South Carolina Gamecocks. He loved gospel music and would often hum or sing his favorite tunes from the Mighty Clouds of Joy, the Five Blind Boys of Alabama, and the Dixie Hummingbirds. Perhaps the only thing he loved more than his work,
watching sports and old westerns, and listening to gospel music was his family. He was a devoted husband and sonin-law, faithfully and lovingly caring for both his mother-inlaw and his wife, even as he aged himself. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife of 54 years, Mary Elizabeth Benjamin Kennedy of Sumter; six children, three daughters and three sons, Alberta Benjamin of Woodbridge, Virginia, Glendora Benjamin of Gable, Miranda (Morris) Sparks of Sumter, Eddie (Eliza) Benjamin of Alcolu, Robert Kennedy of Sumter and Lorenzo (Denise) Kennedy of Sumter; 15 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Carrie Kennedy of Jefferson and Anna L. Kennedy of Atlanta; one brother-in-law, Leo Benjamin of Hyattsville, Maryland; a special cousin he loved like a daughter, Annette Benjamin Wheeler of Gable; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hayward and Levicey Kennedy; his brothers, Hayward, Andrew, Abraham and Lucius; and his sisters, Wilamena Hampton and Lillie Mae Kennedy. Public viewing will be held from 2 to 6 p.m. today at Job’s Mortuary. Mr. Kennedy will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. on Saturday for viewing until the hour of service. Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday at Goodwill Presbyterian Church, 295 N. Brick Church Road, Mayesville, with the Rev. Dr. Richard Dozier and the Rev. Dr. Ella Busby officiating. Interment will follow in Goodwill Presbyterian Church cemetery. The family will be receiving friends at 1750 Canberra Drive, Sumter. Job’s Mortuary Inc., 312 S. Main St., Sumter, is in charge of arrangements. Online memorials may be sent to the family at jobsmortuary@sc.rr.com or visit us on the web at www.jobsmortuary.net.
RONALD L. MCELVEEN THOMSON, Georgia — Ronald L. McElveen, 71, entered into rest on Jan. 19, 2017. Mr. McElveen was born in Florence and lived in Sumter for many years before moving to Thomson 29 years ago. He was a son of the late Jesse David McElveen and Meredith Hatchell McElveen. He worked for CSX Railroad for 42 years and retired as a road master. Mr. McElveen was Baptist by faith and attended Sweetwater Baptist Church. Survivors include his beloved wife of 48 years, Theresa Nunnery McElveen; son, Ron McElveen Jr. (Stacey) of Fate, Texas; daughters, Rhonda Alexander (Jimmy) of Greenville and Nikki Smith (Jamie) of Harlem, Georgia; brother, Frank McElveen of Palm Harbor, Florida; sisters, Marty Nebel of Hay Market, Virginia, Ann Matthews of Florence and Linda Ruffin of Columbia; and five grandchildren, Jacob Smith, Carson Smith, Jamison Alexander, Bennett Alexander and Riley McElveen. A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday at Evergreen Memorial Park, 802 N. Guignard Drive, Sumter, SC 29150. Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 1725, Augusta, GA 30903-1725. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Beggs Funeral Home, 799 Cobbham Road, Thomson, is in charge of arrangements.