Mr. Arthur Belton, 69

Arthur Belton, Sr. went to be with his heavenly Father on April 23, 2017 in Ridgeway, SC at the age 69.

He is survived by Shirley Johnson; Three daughters: Betty (Napoleon Gibson) Belton of Blythewood, SC, KaShun (Jamaris) White of Florence, SC and Ashley Belton of Ridgeway, SC; One son, Arthur Belton, Jr. of Columbia, SC, and Two step-sons: Rapheal Johnson of Cayce, SC and Demitri Johnson of Winnsboro, SC; Eleven brothers: Willie (Daisy) Walker and Aaron Belton both of Seattle, WA, David Walker of Fayetteville, NC, Samson (Patricia) Belton, Ellis (Polly) Belton and Jerry (Mildred) Belton of Columbia, SC, Truman (Bobbie) Belton of Blythewood, SC, Larry (Martha) Belton and Levi Belton, Jr. of Killeen, TX, Ruben Belton of Ridgeway, SC and Dennis Miller of Winnsboro, SC; Seven sisters: Pearl (Olin) Kelly of Columbia, SC, Fanny Mae Belton and Mary Belton both of Ridgeway, SC, Maggie Lee (John) Lawhorn and Shelia Cannon of Blythewood, SC, Debra Belton of Gaston, SC and Mabel Belton of Connecticut; 6 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; 4 sister in-laws: Donna (John) Benson, Maxine (Cleveland) Williams, Diane Goins and Tracy Goins; 1 brother-in-law, Melvin Goins; special friend and honorary brother, Matt Shaw of Santee, SC; and 2 very special friends Ronald Brown and Ernest Jackson.  He is preceded in death by both parents, Levi and Isabell Belton, brother Thomas Walker of Jonesboro, Ga and a host of loving siblings.

He was born on March 16, 1948 in Ridgeway, SC to two loving and devoted parents, Levi Belton and Isabell Walker Belton. As a child, he and his 17 siblings attended Macedonia Baptist Church and was raised to become the honest, respectful and hardworking man he grew up to be. He was educated by the Fairfield County School System and went on to join the United States Army where he served his country for nearly 3 decades.

He was accomplished at carpentry and working on helicopters while in the military with an expertise in The Black Hawks, as well as after retirement. He enjoyed spending time outside, traveling and enjoying life. The love he had for his children was known to be incompatible and one of his greatest accomplishments in life.

“I have traveled the world and done everything I have ever wanted to do in life…not many people can say that"

                                                                               -Arthur Belton, Sr. (January 12, 2017)

“Ain’t no need to be worried…no need to be scared…It’ll be alright.”

                                                                               -Arthur Belton, Sr. (March 2017)

                                                                                                                          

Funeral services will be 11:00 am Friday, April 28, 2017@ Macedonia Baptist Church, Ridgeway, SC: Burial will be 2:00 pm Monday May 1, 2017 at Fort Jackson Cemetery with Military Honors. Visitation will be 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday, April 27, 2017 at Russell-McCutchen Funeral Home 324 S. Vanderhorst St. Winnsboro SC 29180.

Rev. Dr. Lewis A.Myers Jr. 88

Rev. Dr. Lewis A. Myers, Jr. was born November 26, 1928 in Haines City, Florida, son of the late

Lewis A. Myers, Sr. and Marie Blacknell Grimmage Myers. He was raised by Johnny & Eula Myers.

He graduated from Roosevelt Elementary/High School in Lake Wale, Florida. During high school, he was known as a prize winner champion in boxing.  He was called Butch Myers. He boxed as a lightweight in Golden Gloves and got a record of 7-1.  He held his first job as a presser at his father’s first African American own business “Myers Dry Cleaners” in Lake Wales, Florida. He started college in 1957 where he earned his undergraduate degrees from Allen University, Columbia SC and International Bible Institute and Seminary, Orlando, Florida. His graduate studies were undertaken at Billy Graham School of Evangelism where he earned his Doctorate in Divinity. During the 1960s, he took part in sit-ins at lunch counters in South Carolina which helped bring about integration.  Rev. Myers’ first church assignment was Bethel AME, Lake Placid, Florida and he served as pastor at St. James AME, Pehokee, Florida. He was called to pastor at several churches in South Carolina: Jeter Chapel AME, Carlisle, SC; New Hope AME, Pinewood SC; St. Peter AME, North Charleston; SC and Shady Grove AME, Winnsboro SC. He returned to Florida in 1976, pastoring at Mt. Zion AME, Homestead, Florida, Mt. Zion AME, Belle Glade, Florida, St. Paul AME in Del Ray Beach, Florida and served as the 3^rd generation pastor for Mt. Hermon AME, Fort Lauderdale, Florida from 1984 to 1992. With his strong dedication a choir was formed and named “L.A. Myers Choir”. In 1996, Rev. Myers became the first African American Chaplain for the City of Hollywood, Florida Police Department. He received Outstanding Community Service Award from National Council of Negro Women and Service to Mankind Award from Sickle Cell Disease Foundation of Broward. After 52 years of ministry, he retired from Mt. Pleasant AME, Hollywood, Florida in 2004. Although retired, Mt. Hermon AME accepted him as an associate pastor and member. He touched the lives of many sons and daughters throughout their ministry. In 2013, he returned to his favorite vacation spot, Winnsboro, SC.  Rev. Myers quoted, “It's got pine trees, jaybirds chirping, rabbits hopping, deer crossing the street. Oh, man, I like that!  I'm gonna retire there someday.”  Rev. Myers favorite scriptures are Ephesians 6:11-13.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters; Mary Blacknell Miller, Rosemary Myers (Boone also deceased) Darden and Mary Lee Burch, brother; Nathaniel (Daisy) Myers; son, Johnny Myers and daughter, Dr. Sharon Joyce (Rev. Wayne also deceased) Joseph; son-in-law, Benjamin Means; brother-in-law;

Jake McCray

He leaves special memories with his loving wife, Easter Young Myers, Winnsboro, SC; daughters, Mirian Myers of Dundee,  Florida; Charlotte Drucilla Means of Spartanburg SC, Evelyn Young (Rex) Jenkins of Columbia SC, Tangee (Garry) Woodard of Winnsboro SC, Cheryl (Lewis) Johnson of Columbia SC and Valencia Myers (Marcus) Pettaway of Winnsboro SC; two sisters, Bertha Myers McCray of Dania Beach, Florida and Juanita Myers of Connelly, Minnesota; one brother, Herbert Lee Myers; one God-son, Quentin JaVarus Seibles; 18 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives and friends.

Funeral services will be 1:00 pm Saturday April 29, 2017 @ County Grove Baptist Church with burial in the Church Cemetery. Visitation will be Friday April 28, 2017 from 1:00 pm to 7:00 pm @ Russell-McCutchen Funeral Home, 324 S. Vanderhorst St. Winnsboro SC 29180.

Mr. Robert Harts Jr. 92,

Robert Harts, Jr., blessed with earthly life on July 23, 1924, is the 3^rd of four children born to the late Robert Harts, Sr. and Hattie Friday Harts.  “Bob,” as he is affectionately called, was faithfully married to the late Willie Mae Ginyard Harts for over 48 years until her heavenly transition in 1994.  To their union, 12 children were born.  Because of God’s divine wisdom, three of Bob’s children are now amongst His host of angels: Robert Sylvester Harts – the 7^th child (1975); Herman Fritzgerald Harts – the baby boy (1999); and, Toni Elaine Harts – the baby girl (2012).  Despite the pain of such significant and tragic losses, Bob never questioned God’s plan.  His faith remains as strong as ever because he knows they will all meet again.

As a young boy with a fifth grade education, Bob learned a lot about hard work at an early age.  His career began in the pulpwood industry.  As times got better, he accepted a position with Richtex Brick Company where he worked for over 28 years as both a Fireman and Truck Driver.  Thereafter, he worked for Estes Trucking Company and ultimately retired in 1993 after nearly 15 years.  Bob labored tirelessly to make certain his family’s needs were met.  With a roof over their heads and clothes on their backs, he raised a big garden every year and tended to chickens and hogs to keep food on the table.  He didn’t just do this for his family, but shared his abundance with other family members and neighbors.  There were many days when the sacrifices Bob made for his family were evident by either the wire used to keep his shoes intact or his extended shift-work of 24 hours or more.

Hours of affection and happiness were shared in the Harts’ home; yet, an equal portion of discipline was served daily.  Both the children and grandchildren of Bob and Willie Mae are all too familiar with the application of Proverbs 13:24, which teaches “He who spares his rod hates his son; But he who loves him disciplines him promptly.”  Bob would always advise his children that one of them would soon have a “hot bottom,” especially since Willie Mae regularly delivered the heat!

A devoted member of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Jenkinsville, South Carolina, Bob has displayed his love for God and respect for His word in numerous ways.  He served compassionately as a Deacon regularly visiting and praying for all of God’s children, whether they were his friend, a stranger, or a foe, and despite them being near or far.  He demonstrated responsible care of financial assets as the Church Treasurer.  He labored diligently as a Sexton cleaning the sanctuary on a weekly basis.  And for many years, he lovingly maintained the church grounds and cemetery with assistance from his sons.

Whether you are inside or on the property around his house, you can regularly hear Bob singing or humming a hymn that acknowledges the bountiful blessings he’s received from God.  Because of his relationship with “The Master,” many have witnessed his nuggets of wisdom spoken to us over the years.  He says that besides our praise, we can give God but three things – our Tithes, our Talent, and our Time.  Also, he has reminded his family and friends to treat your fellow sisters and brothers right in God’s sight and in the manner that He wants you to.  “Otherwise, He don’t need anything from us because He’s already got what He needs.”

Bob retired from Estes Trucking Company, not because of age or health, but to ensure the best care for the love of his life during her illness and final days.  After she passed, he told his church family that although he had lost his wife, he still had six more.  His daughters were going to try and boss him around and make sure he was alright.

Bob is an honest man with much integrity.  His wisdom exceeds that of any formally educated PhD – in ALL disciplines.  Never without an opinion and fearless when he shares it with others, Bob has always been a man with much conviction who stands by his beliefs despite the status quo.  If he feels something or someone is wrong, and there’s no changing his mind.  He may not like the results of a decision, and you can count on him letting you know both his position and that he wants no part of it.  Bob raised his children with that same philosophy, continually reminding them that (1) two wrongs will never make a right and (2) there are only two ways to live in this world: the right way or the wrong way – the choice is yours to make and the consequences are yours to deal with!

With all of his faith and trust in God, today Bob is blessed to have the following children celebrating this significant milestone in his life: Barbara Jean Harts-Brown, Ruth Evelyn (Robert) Pinkney, Shirley Williams, Gwendolyn Etheredge, Diane (Jesse) McClurkin, James Raymond (Cheryl) Harts, Wayne Cedric (Vivian) Harts, Larry Donnell (Faye) Harts, and Fredrick Dwight (Valarie) Harts.  Rounding out three generations of Bob’s lineage are grandchildren born of and blessed into the family along with their children, “the great-grands,” all of which honor and respect our patriarch.

  Funeral services will be 2:00 pm (1:00 pm viewing) Friday April 7, 2017 @ Mt. Moriah Baptist Church with burial in the Church Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday April 6, 2017 from 2 pm to 7 pm at Russell-McCutchen Funeral Home, 324 S. Vanderhorst St. Winnsboro SC 29180. Condolences can be made to russellmccutchen.net.

Mrs. Dorothy Lee Davis "Cookie" Sims, 41

Mrs. Dorothy D. “Cookie” Sims 41, passed away on Apr. 1, 2017. She leaves behind her husband: Ruben Sims, one son: Kevin Sims,her father: Jerry Davis, two adopted nephews:  Michael Davis, Harry Davis, three adopted nieces: Jessica Davis, Jazmine Bouknight, Precious Herbert. One brother: Donald Brown, four sisters: Sharon Davis, Emily Brown, Fuzzy Brown, Devon Williams and a host of other relatives and friends all whom will miss her dearly . Funeral services will be 2:00 pm (1:00 pm viewing) Thurs. Apr. 6, 2017 @ Little River Pres. Church in Blair SC, with burial in the Church Cemetery. Russell-McCutchen Funeral Home, 324 S. Vanderhorst  Street Winnsboro, SC 29180 is serving the Sims Family.