Young Funeral Home, 210 E George Street, Hemingway, SC (2026)

01/08/2026

Almey “Junior” Wilkes, 90, widower of Lessie “Leona” Wilkes, passed away peacefully Tuesday January 6, 2026, surrounded by family.

Born on October 13, 1935, in Hartsville, South Carolina. He is the son of the late Curtis Almey Wilkes and the late Velma Chapman Wilkes. He grew up in Darlington County and attended Antioch High School. He is an honorable veteran of the United States Air Force. He retired from International Paper in Georgetown after many years of dedicated service. He was a member of Owens Chapel Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Junior had a great love for the outdoors. In retirement, he spent the majority of his time doing yard work, farming, fishing, tinkering under his sheds, or riding his golf cart. He could fix (or “rig”) almost anything to his liking. For many years alongside his late wife, he grew an impressively abundant garden and loved sharing produce with everyone in the community. He will perhaps most likely be remembered for his annual Thanksgiving weekend barbecue which has been hosted for friends and family for over 40 years. More than anything, he enjoyed spending time with his family- especially grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His humble, generous, playful spirit will be sorely missed.

Survivors include his three children, Danny Wilkes of Garden City, Rodney Wilkes (Marla) of Johnsonville, and Joyce “Gail” Lilly (Ritch) of Myrtle Beach; two sisters, Sue Auman (Henry) and Sarah Bartel (Michael); two brothers, Curtis Wilkes and Raymond Wilkes (Pat); six grandchildren, Matthew Wilkes (Jamie), Emily Grier (Patrick), Jared Shelley (Melinda), Eric Wilkes (Jessica), Allison Fowler (Brad), and Carson Wilkes (Kelsie). He is survived by nine beloved great- grandchildren, numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews.

The family extends sincerest gratitude to three special caregivers- Jackie Barkers, Bernette Moyd and Jamie Owens, who loved and cared for him as family.

Funeral services will be at 3:15 PM, Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Young Funeral Home, 210 East George Street, Hemingway, SC 29554. Officiating will be Rev. Aldon Johnson. Burial will follow at Garden of Devotion, 800 South Georgetown Highway, Johnsonville, SC 29555.

A visitation for family and friends will be prior to the service, Saturday, January 10, 2026, from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Young Funeral Home.

Online condolences may be left at www.young-fh.com.

Young Funeral Home of Hemingway is in charge of the arrangements. (843) 933-4262

01/07/2026

Mary Elise Williams Scott Nations, known affectionately as Elise to her friends and family, passed away peacefully at her home on January 5, 2026, at the age of 98. Born on April 5, 1927, in Georgetown County, SC, Elise was a beacon of light and love to all who knew her. Her life was a testament to the strength and beauty of the human spirit.

Elise was the cherished matriarch of a large and loving family. She is survived by her devoted daughter, Gloria Scott Young; her sons, Rev. Robert "Bob" Scott, Rev. Theron Scott (Camille), Jerry Nations (Tara Tisdale), Glenn Nations (Tracy), Pam Bryant, Stephen Nations, and her “favorite son”, George Cribb (Sharon). Her legacy continues through her grandchildren, Benjamin Derek Young (Marie), Rebecca Barlish (Brad), Debra Lyne Kassaw (Jon), Robin Elise Robertson (Gale), Kimberlee Camille Turnbough (Jonathan), Jeffrey Nations (Stacy), Chais Whiteside, Austin Elvis, Cody Nations, Kacie Nations, Ashtin Elvis (Lauren), Brandy Howard (Sean), Shane Armstrong (Ashlynn), Samantha Zirnheld (Alex), Amber Hipps (Trevor), Steven Bryant (Krystal), Chad Nations (Emily), and Katie Pace (Kevin). Elise was also blessed with numerous great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and a special classmate, Mary Howard, who will carry her memory forward.

Predeceased by her parents, James Moody Williams and Mamie Edith Martin Williams; her spouses, Walter "Scotty" Scott and Elbert Nations; her sons, Randall Scott and Dennis Nations; daughter, Judy Armstrong; daughter-in-law, Dian Nations Scott; son-in-law, Frank Young; grandchildren, Mary Francine Young and Eric Nations; siblings, Horace Williams, Winfred Williams, and Edythe Hughes, Elise's spirit is reunited with her loved ones in eternal peace.

Elise's professional life as an accountant and bookkeeper began at International Paper Container Division in Georgetown and later extended to Conway Curtain Factory. Her meticulous nature and strong work ethic later, was instrumental in hiring many people at Warners in Hemingway. Before retiring, Elise served as an accountant in the steel industry at Georgetown Steel. It was her role as a member and pianist at Williams Hill Free Will Baptist Church, though, that truly captured her passion and dedication. She taught countless children to sing, sharing her love of music and worship with the next generation. Her servant heart belonged most to planning Vacation Bible School and teaching Sunday School.

Family gatherings were among Elise's most treasured moments. Her love for her family was immeasurable, and she found great joy in the simple pleasure of being surrounded by her children and their families. Elise's garden was a reflection of her soul, full of vibrant flowers, fruits, and vegetables. One of her favorite hobbies was canning what her garden produced and sharing with others. She loved to fish. She was a kind and gentle soul, known for her wisdom and her innate ability to connect with people. Elise never met a stranger, and her expansive knowledge of the community and extended family members was nothing short of remarkable.

Elise was a woman who lived by example, always ready to lend a helping hand and eager to share her life lessons on how things "ought" to be done.

Funeral services will be 3:00 PM, Friday, January 9, 2026, at Williams Hill Free Will Baptist Church, 86 Williams Hill Road, Hemingway, SC 29554. Officiating will be Rev. Doug Mathis, Rev. Robert Scott, and Rev. Theron Scott. Burial will follow in the church cemetery.

A visitation for family and friends will be on Thursday, January 8, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Young Funeral Home, 210 East George Street, Hemingway, SC 29554.

Online condolences may be left at www.young-fh.com.

Young Funeral Home of Hemingway is in charge of the arrangements. (843) 933-4262.

01/06/2026

Please keep the family of Mr. Almey "Junior" Wilkes in your thoughts and prayers. Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

01/06/2026

Please keep the family of Mrs. Mary Elise Nations in your thoughts and prayers. Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

01/04/2026

Billy Joe Miller, known as Billy Joe to his friends and family, passed away peacefully at MUSC Health Florence Medical Center on December 31, 2025, at the age of 71. Born in Georgetown County on August 7, 1954, Billy Joe's journey in life was marked by dedication to his family, a robust work ethic, and a love for the simple joys.

He shared a devoted marriage of 35 years with his beloved spouse, Darlene Miller, and was a loving father to his daughters, Angela Miller Knight (Mike), Carla Hopkins, and Alanni Shea Miller. Billy Joe's legacy also includes his cherished 12 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren, who brought immense joy and vibrance to his life.

Billy Joe was a brother to Catherine Cameron (Kenny), Burrell Miller, and Crystal Tisdale (Don). He held a special place in the hearts of his many nieces and nephews. Billy Joe was predeceased by his parents, Walter Olin Miller and Frances Woodberry Miller; his sister, Frankie Miller; his infant brother, Patrick Miller; his son, Joseph Oniel Miller; brother-in-law, Chuck Gaskins, and sister-in-law, Paula Miller.

Before his retirement, Billy Joe dedicated over 30 years of service to Palmetto Paper Tubing, and later established BM Lawn Care, where he invested more than 10 years tending to his community's landscaping needs with attentiveness and skill.

Described by his family as a "go-getter" Billy Joe was a good ole country boy, known for his hardworking nature. His work ethic mirrored the slogan he often shared with family and friends, “A poor man is a good man”. In addition, Billy Joe cherished his family deeply, enjoyed spending his free time camping and fishing, or simply ensuring his yard was well manicured. One of his
favorite pastimes was traveling the open roads on his Harley Davidson motorcycle.

A Memorial Service will be at 3:15 PM, Thursday, January 8, 2026, at Williams Hill Free Will Baptist Church, 86 Williams Hill Road, Hemingway, SC 29554. Officiating will be Rev. Doug Mathis and Rev. Steve Feagin.

A visitation for family and friends will be prior to the service in the Williams Hill Free Will Baptist Church Sanctuary from 2:00-3:00 PM.

Memorials may be made to Young Funeral Home, 210 E. George Street, Hemingway, S.C. 29554.

Online condolences may be left at www.young-fh.com

Young Funeral Home of Hemingway is in charge of the arrangements, (843) 933-4262

01/01/2026

Please keep the family of Mr. Billy Joe Miller in your thoughts and prayers. Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

12/29/2025

Please keep the family of Mrs. Juana Davis Gamble in your thoughts and prayers. Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

12/26/2025

Mary Lee Elliott Phillips passed away on December 19, 2025, at MUSC Hospital. She was born on March 17, 1944, in Hemingway, SC.

Mary Lee grew up in Carter’s Crossroads just outside of Hemingway, SC. She lived in Athens, GA and Chester, SC, before moving to Conway, SC in 1969, where she resided until 1982, when she returned to Carter’s Crossroads.

Mary Lee began her working life as a surgical scrub nurse at Georgetown Hospital and then found her way to the records department at the Horry Department of Education, but her true passion was decorating. Whether it was for friends, neighbors, or family, no matter the occasion or season, she always knew how to bring the “wow factor” with her many different arrangements or putting one of her signature bows on anything. She was also a very accomplished wedding planner and organizer. She loved making that special day just a bit more memorable by putting her personal touch on every little detail.

She also loved the color purple and was never seen without having something on that was purple. Whether it be her clothes, scarf, handbag, luggage, or jewelry, she always had something on that was purple.

She was a member of several organizations throughout the years, but her Garden Club and Bridge Club in Conway were always extra special to her. This is where she formed lifelong friendships that
she cherished deeply and enjoyed for many decades.

Mary Lee was a member of Good Hope Methodist Church.

She is survived by her only child, Elliott H. Phillips (Elizabeth), and her two granddaughters, Adelia and Olivia Phillips, who affectionately called her “Mia-Mia”. She is survived by her siblings, Betty Sue McAlister and Wendell Elliott, as well as her sisters-in-law, Gale Elliott and Linda Elliott. She was lovingly known as “Minee” to all of her nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her loving parents, Robert Lee and Mary C. Elliott, along with her brothers, Charles, Bobby Leonard, and Larry Elliott, as well as, her sister-in-law, Mary Ellen Elliott, and her very special brother-in-law, Ray McAlister.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm, with an informal viewing at 1:00 pm, Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Good Hope Methodist Church, 7547 Pleasant Hill Drive, Hemingway, SC 29554. Burial will follow in Good Hope Methodist Church Cemetery.

A visitation for family and friends will take place immediately after the services in Good Hope Methodist Church Fellowship Hall.

Memorials may be made to Good Hope Methodist Church, Post Office Box 841, Hemingway, SC 29554.

Online condolences may be left at www.young-fh.com

Young Funeral Home of Hemingway is in charge of the arrangements, (843) 933-4262.

12/25/2025

On behalf of our staff and family, we wish you and your family a peaceful and Merry Christmas. As we celebrate this season, we hold close the memories of those who are no longer with us, finding comfort in their lasting presence in our hearts.

12/21/2025

Mae Williams Ray, affectionately known as Mae to her loved ones, passed away peacefully on December 20, 2025, at the tender age of 87, in the warm and loving embrace of her daughter's home. Born on March 29, 1938, in Horry County, Mae's life was a testament to her unwavering faith and the deep love she held for her family and friends.

Mae was preceded in death by her devoted parents, Dennis Williams and Jessie Cook Williams, her cherished spouse, James “Shine” Milton Ray, her beloved son, Rev. Denny Ray, and her sons-in-law, Charles Cagle, Joey Owens, and WC Marsh. She was also the sister to Foye Dew, Cassie West, Lela Maude Cannon, Arthur Williams, and Rev. John Gibbons, all of whom had passed before her, leaving a legacy of family unity and love.

Left to honor Mae's memory are her daughters, Regina Ray Cagle, Thel Ray Marsh-Williams (Darry) and daughter-in-law, Daphne Ray. Mae's life was further enriched by her grandchildren, Ken Cagle (Maranda), Cal Marsh (Beth), Leslie Marsh Cox (Rustin), Erica Ray Hutchinson (Eric), and Heath Ray (Kasey). Her joy was multiplied with the arrival of each great-grandchild, Brooklyn King, Colbyn Cox, Bryson Bo Cox, Braiden Hutchinson, Brandon Hutchinson, and the recent blessing of her great-great-grandchild, Will Hannon. Mae's nieces, Phyllis, Cynthia, and Nancy, also share in the family's loss, as do her special friends, Johnny Douglas (Noriene) and Donna Cribb, who were like extended family to her.

Mae's life was a reflection of her Christian faith, which was the cornerstone of her existence. She was a lifelong and faithful member of Owens Chapel, where she served as a true prayer warrior. Her belief was simple yet profound, known to others in the community as "If she didn't make it to Heaven, no one would." This statement was not born of pride but of a genuine and humble walk with God, where she always put Him first, followed closely by her family. Mae's selfless nature and her ability to see the good in people were her defining traits, leaving a legacy of a faith-filled life.

Special thanks to all her caregivers; Your Care Hospice nurse Lily Tanner Martin and Chaplain Denis.

Funeral services will be 12:15 pm, Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Owens Chapel PH Church, 14387 Pleasant Hill Drive, Hemingway, SC 29554. Officiating will be Rev. Aldon Johnson, Rev. Jack Todd, and Al Johnson. Burial to follow at Old Field Cemetery, 19761 Choppee Road, Hemingway, SC 29554.

A visitation for family and friends will be prior to the service, Tuesday, December 23, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Owens Chapel PH Church, 14387 Pleasant Hill Drive, Hemingway, SC 29554.

Memorials may be made to Owens Chapel PH Church, 14387 Pleasant Hill Drive, Hemingway, SC 29554.

Online condolences may be left at www.young-fh.com

Young Funeral Home of Hemingway is in charge of the arrangements. (843) 933-4262

12/21/2025

Please keep the family of Mrs. Mae Ray in your thoughts and prayers. Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

12/20/2025

Please keep the family of Mrs. Mary Lee Elliott Phillips in your thoughts and prayers. Arrangements are incomplete at this time.

Young Funeral Home

01/08/2026

01/07/2026

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01/04/2026

01/01/2026

12/29/2025

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12/21/2025

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12/20/2025

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