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Hatcher Funeral Home, 3464 Jefferson Davis Highway, Graniteville, SC (2026)

01/16/2026

Miriam “Darlene” Merkerison Spires, age 78, of Bath, SC, entered into Heaven on January 13, 2026, to meet her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom she graciously served her whole life. She was the loving wife of 40 years to the late Arthur Spires.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Tuesday January 20, 2026, beginning at 2 o’clock at Bath First Baptist Church, 150 School Rd, Bath, South Carolina, with Rev. Herb Sons and Rev. Gene Jennings officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will follow in Vaucluse Cemetery. Honored to serve as pallbearers are George Inglett, Scott Troup, David Vinson, Cabe Vinson, Butch Palmer, and Eric Holtzclaw.

Darlene was born on April 13, 1947, in Augusta, GA, to the late David and Louise Copeland Merkerison. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by brothers Danny and Frank Merkerison and sisters Brenda Inglett, Bertha Whitehead, and Patrica Merkerison.

Mrs. Darlene’s life was a testament to her unwavering devotion to God, family, and church. She will be remembered for her kind spirit and her ability to make everyone she met feel special, appreciated, and welcomed. Her love for children shined through everything she did.

She was a faithful member of Bath First Baptist Church, where she served as a teacher in Children’s Church, AWANA, a member of Bonnie Home Group, and custodian. She also worked for Pine Forest Baptist Church and the Aiken Baptist Association. She retired from Midland Valley High School, where she earned Staff Member of the Year.

Mrs. Darlene believed that “hard work pays off,” and one of her most repeated quotes was, “Can’t never could. Try harder.”

Left to cherish her memory is her son, Detroit Spires of Jackson, SC; daughter, Ar’thea Spires of Burnettown, SC; and daughter-in-love, Tiffany Wall of Burnettown, SC. Also left to cherish her memory are nephews whom she raised as her own, Richard Tracy Merkerison and Scott Merkerison of Bath, SC; grandchildren, Detroit Spires Jr., Justin Spires, and Jennifer Stikeleather; and great-grandchildren Talon, Violet, and Arthur “Gunner” Spires, affectionately known as her Honey Man. She is also survived by her sister, Becky Geddings of Evans, GA.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to her dearest friends: Grace Miller, Bonnie Kyzer, Pat Glazner, Eric Holtzclaw, Gwen and Jamie Corley, James Taylor, and the late JoDonne Reese.

01/13/2026

Mr. Earl B. Chapman, Jr, beloved husband of Mrs. Marsha Ford Hardee Chapman, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, January 7, 2025.

The family will greet friends on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from noon until 2 pm at Warrenville Church of God, 115 Cemetery Road, Warrenville, South Carolina 29851.

He was preceded in death by his first wife, Miriam Goff Chapman, and a sister, Sara Black.

Left to cherish his memory are his beloved children: Lisa Chapman Davis (Jamie), Aiken, SC and Bruce Chapman (Jennifer), Lexington, SC, Mari H. Argo (Tony), Winngate, SC, Chip Hardee (Ashley), Summerville, SC and Eddie Hardee (Carol), Graniteville, SC; sisters, Betty Black, Denmark, SC, Margaret Clark, Clearwater, SC, and Dorothy Kirkland (Billy Ray), of Aiken, SC; grandchildren, Kayce McGahee (Patrick), Hannah Davis, Bryce Davis, Brett Argo (Kayla), Blake Argo (Endy), Sullivan Hardee, Emma Chapman, Rebekah Soto (Bryan), Leah Wilbanks (John), Hannah Mitchell (Isaiah), and Kai Hardee (Grace), and many great-grandchildren.

Mr. Chapman was born in Aiken , South Carolina to the late Earl B. Chapman, Sr. and Allene Wright Chapman. He was a retired machinist for FMC, Aiken, SC, with many years of service. He was a member of the Printers Union.

He was a dedicated member of Warrenville Church of God for many years.

Mr. Chapman enjoyed taking care of his lawn, tinkering in his workshop, watching Gun Smoke and YouTube videos, and especially trips to the Smokie Mountains.

Memorials may be made to Langley Church of God- Missions in Belize, PO Box 797, Langley, South Carolina 29834.

01/12/2026

Mr. Porter Van Galante, 67, beloved husband of forty-eight years to Mrs. Priscilla Booska Galante, of Trenton, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, peacefully in the comfort of his home.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Charles “Chuckie” Galante.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Priscilla Galante; their loving children, Danielle Galante (Meagan) and Sean Galante; his sister, Sara O’Dougherty; his half brother and half sister, Mark Galante and Maryanne Galante (Tim); sister-in-law, Elizabeth Galante; special friend, Eva Blake, and his cherished grandchildren, Shayden Galante, Tiegan Galante (Annika), Logan Galante, and Mason Galante (Sarah). He is also lovingly remembered by his great-grandson, Greyson Galante.

Mr. Galante was born in Patterson, New Jersey, to the late Sean Peter Galante and Jane Walsh Knight. He retired after many years as an over-the-road truck driver, a career that reflected his strong work ethic and dedication to providing for his family.

Porter had a passion for motorcycles and found great enjoyment in tinkering and puttering around his home. He will be remembered for his steady presence, kind heart, and the love he shared with his family.

01/12/2026

Mr. Robert Lee Anderson entered into eternal rest and joyfully celebrated his 90th birthday in heaven on Saturday, January 10, 2026.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 14, 2026, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Mercy Gate Church, 3755 Jefferson Davis Highway, Graniteville, South Carolina 29829. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Bill Branch officiating. Interment will be held afterward at Pine Grove Cemetery in Bath, South Carolina.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be the F.T.O.

Mr. Anderson was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Curtis St. Germaine, Jr.; his brothers, Eugene Anderson, James Anderson, and Carl Anderson; his sisters, Mae Holmes, Sebell Jones, Lizzie Jones, and Carrie Lou Jones; and his sons-in-law, Dwayne Norman and Robby Hoffman.

Left to cherish his memory are his loving children, Deborah Norman, Robert Anderson (Diane), Sheila Hoffman, and Danny Anderson (Kim); his grandchildren, Shawn Anderson, Dana Burke, Jennifer Martin, Robbie Anderson, Carrie Lippiatt, Hope Key, Josh Lollis, John Lollis, Justin Anderson, Jeffery Anderson, Matthew Anderson, Zach Anderson, Maddy Padgett, Nolan Anderson, Brennon Burke, Orren Burke, Chrissy Burke, Tyler Martin, Olivia Martin, Mia Martin, Morgan Anderson, Brayden Anderson, Amelia Lippiatt, Henry Lippiatt, Saylor Seeby, Melissa Pryor, Drew Pryor, Holley Lawless, Hannah Lollis, Laney Lollis, Gabriel Lollis, Annslee Anderson, Claire Anderson, Cole Anderson, Nash Anderson, and Tate Anderson; and his great-grandchildren, Oakley Padgett, Waylon Burke, Cayden Carver, Bryson Carver, and another precious blessing expected in July.

Born in Saluda County, South Carolina, Mr. Anderson was the son of the late Gary Martin Anderson and Betty Preston Anderson. He later made his home in Clearwater, South Carolina, where he built a life rooted in faith, family, and hard work. He retired after many years of dedicated service in the textile industry. A faithful and devoted member of Mercy Gate Church, he was also proud to be part of their F.T.O.

Mr. Anderson loved the outdoors, especially camping and fishing. He also found great joy in taking rides through “The Valley” in his truck, always curious to see what was happening and to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Above all, Mr. Anderson was a loving father and devoted Papa. He cherished time spent with his children and grandchildren, often content to sit nearby and lovingly supervise, simply enjoying their presence. He was deeply loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Gentiva Hospice, especially Brittany and Tamika, for their compassionate care and support.

In honor of the love Mr. Anderson had for his church, memorials may be made to Mercy Gate Church.

01/12/2026

Mr. Jack R. Neville, Jr, beloved husband of Mrs. Bobbie Jean Wade Neville, entered into eternal rest on Saturday, January 10, 2026, in the comfort of his home.

The family will greet friends on Tuesday, January 13, 2026, beginning at 1 o’clock at Graniteville Community Church, 208 Bettis Academy Road, Graniteville, South Carolina 29829, followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2 o’clock with Pastor Brandon L. Key officiating. Interment will follow in Eastview Cemetery, Edgefield, South Carolina.

The complete obituary will soon be posted.

01/10/2026

Mr. Richard Preston Abee, 80, beloved husband of thirty-nine years to Mrs. Rose Rooney Abee, of Jackson, South Carolina, entered into eternal rest on Thursday, January 8, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his cherished children, his daughter, Kimberly Gail Holmes, and his son, Richard “Ricky” Earl Abee.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, January 17, 2026, beginning at 1:30 p.m. at Hatcher Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3464 Jefferson Davis Highway, Graniteville, South Carolina 29829. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 3:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Mr. Peter Rooney and Mr. Doug Golightly officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be the American Legion Post #97 Jackson, South Carolina.

Left to cherish his memory are his devoted wife, Rose Abee; his brother and sister, Mike Abee (Lynn) of Columbia, South Carolina, and Sylvia Abernathy of Kamas, Utah; four grandchildren, Michael Glover, Tiffany Holmes, Kayla Mealing, and Christopher Abee; and eight great-grandchildren, who brought him great joy.

Mr. Abee was born in Morganton, North Carolina, to the late Earl and Evelyn Golightly Abee. He proudly and honorably served his country in the United States Air Force and was a member of American Legion Post #97 in Jackson, South Carolina. Preston retired from the Savannah River Site after many years of dedicated service.

A true outdoorsman, Preston found happiness in the great outdoors and enjoyed hunting, fishing, and boating. He was also known for his deep love of dogs, a reflection of his kind and compassionate spirit.

In honoring Preston’s love for animals, memorial contributions may be made to the Aiken County Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 2207, Aiken, South Carolina 29802 or www.fotasaiken.org

01/07/2026

Mr. Patrick E. “Pat” Rowland, 64, of Augusta, GA, husband of the late Donna Kay Boatwright Rowland, entered into rest on Saturday, afternoon, January 3, 2026.

Born and raised in Lincolnton, GA, the son of Mel Coker Rourk and the late Walker Rowland, he relocated to Augusta, GA, over forty years ago.

Pat believed in providing for his family and had a work ethic that was second to none. He was the owner and operator of Rowlands Floor Covering until declining health forced him into early retirement.

Pat enjoyed watching television, NASCAR racing (he was an avid Dale Sr. fan), gardening (he was known for his “green thumb”), and collecting various things.

Along with his mother, Pat is loved and will be missed by his children, Patrick D. Rowland, Lori (Josh) James, and Ali (Michael) Simmons, siblings, Tommy (Christie) Rowland, Lynn Rowland, and Jenny Verner, grandchildren, Lathan Rowland, Stella Kay James, Dawson Simmons, and Rowland Simmons, as well as other family members.

The family will greet friends on Thursday, January 8, 2026, beginning at noon at Hatcher Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3464 Jefferson Davis Highway, Graniteville, SC. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Thursday, January 8, 2026, at 1 o’clock at Hatcher Funeral Home and Cremation Service. The service will be officiated by Greg Gibb. Interment will follow in Langley Cemetery, Langley, SC. Pallbearers will be Josh James, Patrick Rowland, ,Michael Simmons and Dawson Simmons.

Memorials in memory of Pat may be directed to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. (www.stjude.org)

01/07/2026

Mr. Daniel Lee “Danny” Turner, 59, of Windsor, SC, beloved husband of Donna Fulmer Turner, entered into rest on Saturday, evening, January 3, 2026, while in the comfort of his home.

Born in Muscogee County, GA, he is the son of Mary Sybil Kirkland Turner and the late Bobby Lee Turner. Danny grew up in the Metro Atlanta area and Columbus, GA. He had made Aiken County, SC, his home for the past forty years.

Danny was “jack of all trades, master of none.” He was incredibly talented in glass repair, installation, and carpentry, just to name a few.

He enjoyed trip to the beach, fishing, crabbing and of course aggravating Donna. According to Danny, he was the absolute best mechanic and auto body man around.

However, he enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, Joseph, Braylon, Marley and Mia.

Along with his wife, mother, and grandchildren, surviving Danny are his children, Daniel Lee Turner, Jr., David Fulmer, Samantha (Adam) Seigler and Lori Turner, siblings, Sondra Turner and Steven Turner, as well as other relatives and friends.

In accordance with his wishes, Danny was cremated and no service will be held.

01/06/2026

Mr. Charles Andrew Sims, 71, of North Augusta, SC, entered into rest on Sunday, January 4, 2026.

A lifelong area resident and 1972 graduate of LBC High School, he is the son of Ola Boyd Sims and the late Thomas Sims, Sr. He retired from SRS after 25+ of service, during which he served in Quality Assurance.

Charles was a member of TrueNorth Church and was active in Celebrate Recovery. He was an avid Gamecock fan and enjoyed bowling, gardening, and fishing. He treasured time spent with his family, especially his grandson, Rylen Webb, who was his pride and joy.

Charles took pride in maintaining his trademark red 1988 Chevy Cheyenne, which he bought new from Pendarvis Chevrolet.

Along with his mother and grandson, Charles is loved and missed by his daughter, Valene (MSgt Josh), Webb, siblings, Tommy (Brenda) Sims, and Mike (Diana) Sims, nieces and nephews, great-nieces and nephews, as well as other family members.

Also preceding Charles in death were siblings, Dennis Sims and Beverly Sims.

The family will greet friends on Friday, January 9, 2026, beginning at 1 o’clock at Hatcher Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3464 Jefferson Davis Highway, Graniteville, SC. A Celebration of Life Service will follow at 2 o’clock in the chapel of Hatcher Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Pastor Travis Brown will officiate. Interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens, Graniteville, SC.

Memorials in memory of Charles may be given to the Celebrate Recovery Program at TrueNorth Church

01/06/2026

Mr. Ronnie Larry Cason, 65, of Langley, SC, entered into rest on Monday, January 5, 2026, while in the comfort of his home.

The family will greet friends on Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 6 until 8 o’clock at Hatcher Funeral Home and Cremation Service, 3464 Jefferson Davis Highway, Graniteville, SC. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at 2 o’clock in the chapel of Hatcher Funeral Home and Cremation Service. Brother Chris Lowe will officiate. Interment will follow in the Langley Cemetery, Langley, SC. Pallbearers will be Roy Eubanks, Philip Miller, Conner Moxley, Nolan Moxley, Matthew Abercrombie and Anthony Medlock.

A complete obituary is forthcoming.

01/06/2026

Mrs. Phyllis Proctor Hadden Halter, 76, peacefully entered into rest on Monday, January 5, 2026. She was preceded in death by her beloved parents, Leroy and Mayo Barden Proctor, and her brothers, Phillip Proctor, Jackie Proctor, Tommy Proctor, and Jerry Proctor.

The family will greet friends on Saturday, January 10, 2026, beginning at 1:00 p.m. at Hatcher Funeral Home and Cremation, 3464 Jefferson Davis Highway, Graniteville, South Carolina 29829. A Celebration of Life service will follow at 2:00 p.m. in the funeral home chapel. Interment will follow in the Historic Graniteville Cemetery, Graniteville, South Carolina.

Left to cherish her memory are her devoted children, Elizabeth “Beth” Verant (Joseph), of Alpharetta, Georgia, and Oliver J. Hadden, III (Jennifer), of Aiken, South Carolina; her sister, Sylvia Raborn (Jerry), of Aiken, South Carolina; her cherished grandchildren, Liam Joseph Verant and Jenna Elizabeth Verant; a dear great-niece, Ashlyn Cooper; and a loving host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Phyllis was born in Aiken, South Carolina, and throughout her life exemplified service, dedication, and compassion. She volunteered with the USO from 1969 to 1972 and retired after eighteen years of faithful service as an administrative secretary in the Cardiology Department at the Medical College of Georgia. She was a devoted member of Shiloh Baptist Church in Aiken.

Above all, Phyllis will be remembered as a loving, caring, and generous mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose kindness and warmth touched all who knew her.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Shiloh Baptist Church.

12/29/2025

Mrs. Mary Ann Scott Reece, 87, peacefully entered into eternal rest on Saturday, December 27, 2025, surrounded by her four devoted children and the love of her family. Her life was one defined by faith, family, tradition, and a quiet strength that shaped generations.

Mrs. Mary Ann was preceded in death by her first husband of forty-five years, Willie A. Scott, Sr.; her second husband of eight years, James Reece; her parents, Robert T. and Mary Jeffers Washington; her sister and brother-in-law, Jean and Donnie New; and a cherished great-grandson, Decker Hydrick.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Wednesday, December 31, 2025, at St. John Methodist Church, 18 Gregg Street, Graniteville, South Carolina, beginning at 1:00 p.m., followed by a Celebration of Life service at 2:00 p.m. Officiating will be Charles Goodman, Jr., Rev. Austin Scott, and Rev. Justin Hydrick. Interment will follow in The Historic Graniteville Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Bobby Scott, Bill Scott, Thomas Scott, Cecil Scott, Gene Herron, Rusty Scott, Bradley Scott, Thomas Gray, Damian Scott, Spencer Willis, and Paul Williams.
Honorary pallbearers will be Donnie Turner, John Herrin, Clifton Chapman, Alan Hayes, Donnie Hudson, Terry Hickman, Peyton Northington, Greg West, Mike Spires, and Eldon Koch.

Left to cherish her memory are her beloved children, JoAnn Scott, Bobby Scott (Lurlene), Bill Scott (Laurie), and Thomas Scott (Debra); her stepchildren, Mike Reece (Lorie), Regina Oliver (Lee), and Debbie Steele (Roger); her sister-in-law, Betty White (Marvin); her brother-in-law, B.R. Reece (Mildred); her cherished grandchildren, Aaron (Tristin), Lisa (JP) Tiffany (Paul), Megan (Thomas),Trenton (Michelle), Sheree, Blakeley (Justin), and Austin (Taylor); along with a loving legacy of great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

A lifelong resident of Graniteville, Mrs. Mary Ann was a faithful member of St. John Methodist Church, where she attended from infancy. Her love for her church was unwavering, and she believed firmly in showing up—promptly and faithfully—whenever the doors were open.

She retired from the Graniteville Company’s Swint Division after twenty-three years of dedicated service. At home, Mrs. Mary Ann was known as a gifted baker and cook, finding her greatest joy in gathering her family around the table. Holidays were especially dear to her, with Christmas holding a special place in her heart. This year, she shared with her family that she had asked God for one more Christmas with them—and her prayer was answered.

Mrs. Mary Ann enjoyed watching Dale Earnhardt race, dirt track racing, Gamecock football, Wheel of Fortune, and Entertainment Tonight. In her younger years, she found peace and happiness fishing. Always poised and polished, she took pride in her appearance, with weekly hair and nail appointments being a cherished routine.

Above all else, Mrs. Mary Ann was the true matriarch of her family. She taught those she loved the importance of gathering together, celebrating life, and holding family close—lessons that will continue to guide them. Though she is no longer physically present, her love, faith, and spirit will forever remain in the hearts of those she so dearly loved.

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