The J.M. Dunbar Funeral Home & Crematory

10/30/2025

Joseph Lee Sill, Jr.

Joseph Lee "Joe" Sill, Jr. of Spartanburg, SC passed away October 27, 2025 at the age of 85. He was born November 12, 1939 to the late Joseph Lee Sill, Sr. and Louise Lawson Sill.

A proud graduate of Spartanburg High School, Joe went on to own Auto Glass Service in Spartanburg. He faithfully served his community for over 50 years. Joe was a devoted Christian, member of Skylyn Drive ARP Church, and often attended First Baptist Spartanburg.

Joe was an avid golf fan, often playing rounds at his favorite course, Red Fox, in Tryon. He was a wonderful father and husband, always providing for his family. His love extended to Betsy’s family and they will all miss him greatly.

He leaves behind his wife of 43 years, Elizabeth “Betsy” Cecil Sill; children, Tracy Frye, Joseph “Lee” Sill, III (Emily), and Joseph “Joey” Cecil Sill; brother, Rodney Sill (Gloria); sisters, Sylvia McKinney (Gene) and Bethany Cecil; three grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be 1:00-1:45 PM on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 at Skylyn Drive ARP Church, 1801 Skylyn Dr, Spartanburg, SC 29307. Funeral services will follow at 2:00 PM, conducted by Rev. Matt Richardson. Private interment will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens.

In memory of Joe, contributions may be made to Skylyn Drive ARP Church, 1801 Skylyn Dr, Spartanburg, SC 29307 or to First Baptist Spartanburg, 250 E Main St, Spartanburg, SC 29306.

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10/24/2025

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Note: Prepaid arrangements funded by insurance may be transferred at any time. J.M. Dunbar Funeral Home & Crematory will assist families with policy verification and assignment upon request.

10/22/2025

Dekota Joe Rakestraw

Dekota Joe Rakestraw, beloved son and brother, of Spartanburg, SC passed away on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 at the age of 28. He was born on June 16, 1997 to Donnie Rakestraw and the late Margie Joanne Rakestraw.

Along with his father, he is survived by his siblings, Dustin Horace Rakestraw, Cindy Diane, Kristie Nicole, Jennifer Deanne, and Robert Alverson.

Go Rest High on that Mountain

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10/22/2025

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10/20/2025

Paul Duncan Lansberry

Paul Duncan Lansberry, 80, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, entered his eternal home with the Lord on October 11, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

Born April 18, 1945, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Paul was the son of the late Lee Bailey and Frances Carson Lansberry. In 1951, his family moved to Doylestown, PA, where Paul spent his childhood. He attended Perkiomen School in Pennsburg before heading south to Furman University in Greenville, South Carolina, where he studied Business and Political Science. After graduating, Paul made his home in Spartanburg and never left, finding both his own family, career, and his calling there.

Paul worked for many years as a Field Representative with the Social Security Administration, where he met the love of his life, Sue Wilson. They married and have shared 49 years together in a marriage marked by deep love, laughter, faith, and unwavering partnership.

Paul was a man of gentle strength, quiet wisdom, and had a heart for others. He was a devoted husband, parent, and grandfather who never missed a game, performance, or chance to support his family. His presence brought warmth to every gathering, and his ability to make others feel seen and loved was one of his greatest gifts.

A longtime member of Central United Methodist Church, Paul lived out his faith in quiet, consistent ways – through mentoring, volunteering, attending his men’s prayer breakfast, and simply being there for others. His church community was deeply important to him, and he served faithfully throughout his life.

Paul had a lifelong love for sports, particularly Wofford College athletics. He and Sue were a fixture at home basketball games, especially those of the Lady Terriers. A proud Furman alum, Paul wore both teams’ hats on rivalry days and cheered with equal enthusiasm. He had a special heart for supporting women’s sports, often attending games where attendance was lower, simply to show the athletics they were valued.

His sense of humor was one of his defining traits – never loud or boastful, but always sharp, warm, and perfectly timed. Paul had the rare ability to brighten an ordinary moment with a simple comment or a twinkle in his eye. His friendships spanned decades, including his church family, work colleagues, close-knit YMCA group, his Furman classmates, and the “Lunch Bunch: who supported him faithfully during his illness.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife, Sue Lansberry; her daughter, Scotti Killian; and his cherished grandchildren, Lauren and Wales Dixon, along with their parents, Page and Chuck Dixon. He is also remembered fondly by his extended family and cousins – the Warrens, Carsons, and Lansberrys. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lee Bailey and Frances Carson Lansberry, and his brother, Robert Lee Lansberry.

The family wants to thank all those who supported them with food, through their company, and well as their prayers. The family extends a special thanks to Paul’s hospice team for their guidance and unwavering support.

A celebration of life will be held on November 2, 2025, at 3:00 PM at Central United Methodist Church, with Rev. Bryan Pigford officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Paul’s memory to the following organizations that were meaningful to him:

Central United Methodist Church: Checks may be made payable to Central United Methodist Church, 233 N. Church Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303.

Wofford Women’s Basketball: Checks may be made payable to Wofford Women’s Basketball Excellence Fund, 601 Cu***ng Street, Spartanburg, SC 29303.

Furman Paladin Scholarship: Checks may be made payable to Furman Athletics, with the gift designation noted in the memo line and mailed to: Furman University Athletics Development, Attn: Tyler Eckstein, 3300 Poinsett Highway, Greenville, SC 29613.

Though the world feels dimmer without him, Paul’s light continues to shine in those he loved. His life was a beautiful reminder to walk humbly, love deeply, and serve faithfully. Paul’s family takes comfort in knowing that his faith has now become sight, and that he has been welcomed home with the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

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10/17/2025

Kenneth Joseph O'Connor

Kenneth Joseph O’Connor was born September 4, 1948, at Glens Falls Hospital and died at home of leukemia October 15, 2025. He grew up in the Glens Falls area attending St. Alphonsus and then South High, class of 1966. As a young teen Ken was part of the bus ministry of First Baptist Church, South Glens Falls, NY and was born-again after hearing the preaching of Rev. Nevin Korb. He never looked back.

As a pre-med student of UVM Ken majored in Chemistry. He was then qualified to work in the medical device industry improving catheters and developing new devices at CR Bard in Glens Falls, Ny and Billerica, MA. He then worked in the clean room industry with Contec of Spartanburg, SC and finally the sterilization of optical products at Bausch & Lomb, Pelham, SC.

In June 1970 Ken became engaged to Joan Palmer (of West Pawlet, VT) at the tennis courts in Queensbury. The following May they were married at First Baptist, South Glens Falls. Serving the Lord Jesus who was their Savior from sin and the way to eternal life took first place in their lives. They helped with the bus ministry and children’s church together. Ken became a deacon in the churches they joined after moving to other states. He enjoyed teaching adult Sunday school. His favorite joys besides family time were baseball, golf, and tennis. On a mission trip to Haiti in 1988 the Lord opened his eyes to the need to support missions locally and around the world. Joan and he ministered among the Laotians in Fitchburg, MA and Camp Croft, SC.

Ken was predeceased by his mother and stepfather, Roberta (Morse) and Edgar Shaw of S. Glens Falls, his in-laws Reginald and Evelyn (Reeves) Palmer of West Pawlet, VT, and his nephew and niece David and Donna Williams of Granville, NY.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Joan Palmer O’Connor; his children Karen (Scott) Gibson of Gaffney, SC and David O’Connor of Indian Land, SC; granddaughters, Abby and Hannah Gibson; a brother Daniel (Lori) O’Connor of Washington State; sister-in-law, Lois Palmer McKeighan of Granville, NY, her children, Dan (Sue) Williams and Debbie (Eugene) Williams. Other surviving family are sister-in-law Diane O’Connor (Hartford, NY) and her children Heather and Shawn, Dan’s daughters, Gabi (Ryan) Howle, and Caitlin O’Connor; cousins Judy Ovitt (Randy) of Lake George, Howard (Susan) Ryder of Whitehall, and Eva (Michael) Mason of Pawlet, VT.

A visitation for friends and family will take place at Dunbar Funeral Home, 690 Southport Rd, Roebuck, SC on Monday, October 20, 2025, from 6pm-8pm. A graveside service will be Tuesday, October 21, 2025, 2pm held at Greenlawn Memorial Gardens, 1300 Fernwood Glendale Road, Spartanburg, SC led by Robert Emory.

In remembrance of Kenneth donations may be sent to United Baptist Church. PO BOX 160402, Boiling Springs, SC 29316 or to The Tim Tebow Foundation, 2220 Country Rd, 210 W Ste 108 PMB 317, Jacksonville, FL 32259 US (a form may be found online). If even one child is set free from the horrible child slavery business in America by Tim’s efforts it would be very comforting to the O’Connor-Gibson family,

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10/17/2025

Kuon Kebun

Mr. Kuon Kebun, 81 of Boiling Springs, SC entered his eternal rest on October 14th, 2025 . He was born on August 15th, 1944. He was the late son of Yan Neth and Sim Kebun of Cambodia.

Mr. Kuon was the second of seven siblings. He predeceased by his older brother Sok Soeurn. Mr. Kuon was the second, following by Sok Chea, Sok Phal, Sok Pak, Sok Pech, Sok Touch. Kuon was predeceased by his wife and leaves behind his 5 children Soem Navy, Soem Sokun, Soem Tevy, Soem Saroeub, Soem Srey Ruos. He is survived by 10 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. Their presence was very pleasant to him.

Mr. Kuon was kind, gentle, generous, and warm. He never failed to say what he thought, and was very humble. His sense of adventure led him on many travels. He frequented Cambodia often to visit his families and friends back in the homeland.

The family will receive families and friends for a Buddhist ritual ceremony on Friday at 5:30 pm at Wat Vipassanaram Preah Ang Thom on 770 Bryant Rd. Spartanburg, SC 29303 and Saturday October 18th, 2025 at 2:00 pm at The J.M. Dunbar Funeral Home, 690 Southport Rd. Roebuck, SC 29376.

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10/16/2025

Lee Sanborn Caston

Lee Sanborn Caston of Spartanburg, SC passed away on Wednesday, October 15, 2025 at the age of 73. She was born in Salem, MA on December 31, 1951 to the late Philip Asa Sanborn and Katherine Mayo Sanborn.

Lee was a graduate of Spartanburg High School (Class of 1969) and graduated from Clemson University (Class of 1971), where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in Nursing. She began her career as Head Nurse of Neurosurgery at Spartanburg Regional Hospital and later continued her lifelong dedication to caring for others as a nurse with Upstate Psychiatric Associates, where she worked for the remainder of her career.

She enjoyed gardening, especially tending to her roses. Lee also loved cooking, collecting china, and spending time at the beach. But above all, she cherished time spent with her family and friends.

Lee is survived by her husband of 48 years, Dr. J. Christopher Caston; children, Phillip Caston (Holly) of Charleston, SC and Dr. Lindsey Cecil (Christopher) of Greenville, SC; grandchildren, James Christopher Cecil and Avery Louise Cecil; brother, Richard Sanborn (Virginia) of Atlanta, GA; and many beloved nieces and nephews. Along with her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Connie Sanborn.

The family would like to say a special thanks to Lee’s caregiver, Jo Anne, and the wonderful staff from Comfort Keepers, especially Alla and Olga.

Visitation will be 3:00-5:00 PM on Sunday, October 26, 2025 at J. M. Dunbar Funeral Home & Crematory, 690 Southport Road, Roebuck, SC 29376. Funeral services will be private.

In memory of Lee, contributions may be made to Huntington’s Disease Society of America.

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10/15/2025

Linda Jeffords Gilden

Linda Jeffords Gilden, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, went home to be with her Lord and Savior on October 12th, 2025.

Born December 30th, 1950, in Albemarle, North Carolina, and raised in Spartanburg, South Carolina, Linda’s life was a testament to creativity, service, and deep devotion. She was an Air Force wife who journeyed with her husband to New Jersey and the Azores. She embraced each new place with grace and joy, including helping start a mission in the Azores.

A gifted and passionate communicator, Linda authored more than 30 books and over a thousand articles sharing wisdom, encouragement, and humor with readers around the world. She was also a speaker, editor, and writing coach, who poured her time and talent into helping others find and strengthen their own voices.

Linda held two Bachelor of Arts degrees in French and Religion from Columbia College and earned an additional degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary. She was a graduate of the Institute of Children’s Literature and a respected member of numerous writers’ and speakers’ associations, receiving multiple awards for her outstanding work.

A natural teacher and encourager, Linda taught kindergarten, served as Children’s Director at First Baptist Spartanburg, and later became a personality consultant, developing her acclaimed Linked series to help others understand themselves and one another.

Linda’s leadership and vision shaped the Christian writing community in lasting ways. She was the Director of the Carolina Christian Writers Conference for 14 years, the Founder of the Writing 4 Him writer’s group, and served as Editor of The Encourager magazine. She also judged national writing competitions, including for Writer’s Digest and other Christian writers’ conferences.

Her heart for ministry extended far beyond the written word. She was part of the inaugural Kentucky Mission Trip more than 50 years ago and joyfully returned year after year as one of the beloved Mountain Mamas. She also helped found Ladies First Thursday, a ministry to encourage women in faith and fellowship.

Linda was endlessly creative—organizing Cousin’s Camp for her children, nieces, nephews, and, later, grandchildren—a cherished tradition filled with love, laughter, and learning.

Her greatest joy, however, was her relationship with Jesus Christ. Every word she wrote, every lesson she taught, and every life she touched reflected her desire to glorify Him.

Linda is survived by her devoted husband John Gilden; her children Kristi (Jim) Bowen, Ginger (Sean) Nichols, and Jeff (Delaine) Gilden; her beloved grandchildren Carson, Trey, Addi, Jeff, Kinley Grace, and Baylor who will forever cherish her example of steadfast faith, grace, and joy. She is also survived by her father, Bill Jeffords, her sister, Paula (Baxter) Wynn, her brother Loy (Susan) Jeffords, 5 nieces and nephews and many dear friends who will miss her dearly.

A celebration of Linda’s life will be held Saturday, October 18th, at 10:00 am at First Baptist Church Spartanburg as family and friends gather to honor her extraordinary legacy of faith, creativity, and love. For those sweet friends that are unable to attend due to conflict or distance, the service will be available via the First Baptist website at FBS.org.

Visitation will immediately follow the service after which the family will attend a private graveside service. For further visitation, the family will gather at home.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorials be made to the Linda Gilden Memorial Fund #2424 c/o the Spartanburg County Foundation, 424 E. Kennedy Street, Spartanburg, SC 29302, to continue Linda’s lifelong mission of encouraging writers and sharing the hope of Christ with others.

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10/11/2025

Jo Ann Gwinn Gowan

Jo Ann Gwinn Gowan, 87, widow of Harold Martin Gowan, passed away peacefully on October 10, 2025. She was born on December 23, 1937, to the late Mary McGuffin Gwinn and James Ladson Gwinn. She was pre-deceased by her sister, Carolyn Jarrett, and her late husband, Harold Martin Gowan, after nearly 70 years of marriage.

Jo Ann was a graduate of Roebuck High School where she played basketball. She had a varied and successful professional career focused primarily in the financial and accounting services disciplines. Jo Ann loved the Lord and was a faithful member of First Baptist Church of Spartanburg. She cherished her volunteer work in the after- school Good News Club at Roebuck Elementary School, helping children hear Bible stories and learn Bible verses. Jo Ann also enjoyed Saturday afternoons in the fall watching college football and cheering on her favorite teams.

Jo Ann is survived by her son, Dennis Gowan (Susan) of Spartanburg, and her cherished grandchildren Allison Baucom (Joe) and Nathan Gowan (Jordan).

She is also survived by her great-grandchildren, Ellie, Sawyer, Margot, Bo and Rosamund. Jo Ann is survived by numerous other family members. Her family would like to especially recognize family members Donald and Brenda Bishop for their faithful friendship and help over the many years.

Visitation will be 1:00-1:45 PM on Friday, October 17, 2025 at the J.M. Dunbar Funeral Home, 690 Southport Road, Roebuck, SC 29376. Funeral services will follow in the chapel at 2:00 PM, conducted by Rev. Brian Redding.

A private family burial will be held at the Dolly Cooper Military Cemetery in Anderson, South Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to First Baptist Church, Spartanburg, South Carolina.

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10/08/2025

Elizabeth Taylor McCullough

Elizabeth “Libba” Taylor McCullough, 73, passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025. In the days just before her death, she was surrounded by family and friends who love her very much.

Libba was born December 11, 1951, to the late Rebecca Bullington Taylor Cromer and William Francis Mize, and was later adopted by Jack Carlisle Taylor. She graduated from Spartanburg High School in 1970 and earned her nursing degree from USC Spartanburg. A natural caregiver, Libba touched countless lives over her 42 years as a nurse. She worked in nuclear medicine, served as head nurse of the oncology floor, and retired from Spartanburg Regional Clinical Research. Libba was caring and compassionate with her patients, a role model for her peers, and a mentor to many.

She leaves behind her husband of 39 years, Tim McCullough; her children, Daniel (Heidi) Hysong and Julie (Josh) Lonon; grandsons, Alex Lonon, Charlie Lonon, and Zachary Hysong; and granddaughter, Carlisle Hysong. She is also survived by her brothers, Bill (Rene’) Taylor, Ben (Christine) Taylor, Sammy (Alma) Mize, and Mark (Martina) Alexander; her aunt, Kathy (Bob) Cigala; as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, special extended family, devoted friends who were like family, and her sweet puppy, Gabby.

She was predeceased by her brothers Paul Taylor, Ricky Mize, Randy Mize, and Chuckie Mize, and by her stepfather, Daniel Cromer.

Libba was feisty, generous, and warm. She never failed to say what she thought, and she was usually right. Her sense of adventure led her on many travels, including a few years living in Hawaii with her first husband, winter trips to Aruba and other warm climates, and summers spent on the South Carolina coast at Cherry Grove and Saint Helena Island. Perhaps her favorite place in the world was her home on Lake Murray, where she made countless PB&Js for the grandboys before heading out for a day on the boat.

Libba loved a good book, a fun party (with dancing!), and live concerts — Paul McCartney, Eric Clapton, and Billy Joel were a few favorites. Her family and friends will deeply miss her mischievous smile, her care and advice, and her delicious cooking.

The family will receive friends on Saturday, October 25th at 1:00 p.m. at Dunbar Funeral Home, followed by a service at 2:00 p.m., with the Rev. Ginger Shuler officiating.

Libba loved feeding people. In lieu of flowers, her family would appreciate donations to World Central Kitchen (wck.org), an organization that provides meals during times of disaster, or a charity of one’s choice.

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10/07/2025

Catherine Bagwell Wingo

Mrs. Catherine Bagwell Wingo, 82, of Spartanburg, South Carolina, entered her eternal rest on October 6, 2025. Born on June 12, 1943, in Spartanburg, she was the daughter of the late Leroy & Julia Bagwell and the devoted wife of the late Johnny V. Wingo.

Cathy lived a life marked by unwavering faith, hard work, and a deep love for her family. She was a faithful member of Bethlehem Baptist Church, where she served joyfully and selflessly. Cathy led the church’s meal ministry and was instrumental in starting the food pantry, dedicating countless hours to feeding those in need. Her ladies’ Sunday School class was a source of great friendship and fellowship, and she cherished each of them dearly.

She and her husband farmed for many years, reflecting the steady work ethic that shaped her life. Later, Cathy became the proud owner of C & J Family Restaurant, which she successfully operated for 33 years. More than a business, it became a place of warmth, comfort, and community — a reflection of her generous spirit and kind heart.

Her faith in God was the foundation of her life. Cathy loved the Lord deeply and lived as His servant in both word and deed. She was strong in character, compassionate in heart, and steadfast in prayer. Her life was a testimony of faith, perseverance, and unconditional love.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Johnny V. Wingo; her son, Timothy V. Wingo; her grandson, Caleb Tillotson; and her brothers, James (Jimmy) Bagwell and David Bagwell.

She is survived by her children: Karen Hollifield (Randy), James Kenneth Wingo, and Mark Stephen Wingo; her grandchildren: Kristy W. Lowery, Katy W. Self, Joshua Hollifield, Jordan H. Gardin, Zachary Wingo, Jericha H. Pearson, Jon Marc Wingo, Daniel Wingo, and Josie W. Ruppe; and her great-grandchildren: Cameron, Gabriel, Jaylynn, Jaxson, Sadie, Harper, Lexie, Trevor, Thor, Titus, Hunter, Declan, Delilah, and Gunner, and her brother; Frank Bagwell (Ruth).

Cathy also leaves behind her former daughter-in-law and dear friend, Jennifer Wingo, who became a very special part of her life and family.

Cathy’s faith, love, and servant’s heart will be remembered and carried on through her family and all who were blessed to know her.

Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Friday, October 10, 2025, at Bethlehem Baptist Church, with burial to follow in the church cemetery with family and friends. The family will receive friends at the church prior to the service from 1:30 p.m. until 2:30 p.m.

“Well done, good and faithful servant… enter into the joy of your Lord.” — Matthew 25:23

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