Deborah Lynne Halter Edgemon, 56, passed away suddenly at her North Carolina home on July 10, 2012. Services were held in Bamberg, SC, on Saturday, July 14, 2012. Born in Orangeburg, she was the daughter of the late Paul von Hindenburg Halter Jr. and the late Frances McKewn Halter, both of Denmark. She graduated as salutatorian from Jefferson Davis Academy in 1973 and earned her diploma from the Orangeburg School of Nursing in 1976, after which she obtained her RN license. She spent her life caring for others, both during her time as a nurse, and afterwards, in various volunteer capacities which allowed her to demonstrate her commitment to bettering the lives of those around her. She was an avid animal lover who was known for providing a home and loving family for abandoned pets.

Funeral services for Alice Edwards, of Denmark, were held Tuesday, July 17, 2012 in Barnwell.

Funeral services for George Folk Sr. of Ehrhardt, were held on Sunday, July 15, 2012 in the Three Mile Creek Christian Church, Ehrhardt. Mr. Folk died Monday, July 10, 2012. Born September 27, 1949, to the late Robert C. and Ruth Loadholt Folk in Bamberg County. He attended the public schools of Bamberg County. He was a dedicated member of Three Mile Creek Christian until his health started to fail. On December 20, 1970, he married the former Margie Williams.

Gerald “Jerry” Cordell Heaton Sr., 73, Reevesville, husband of Lunette C. Heaton, entered into eternal rest on Friday, July 13, 2012, at Trident Medical Center, Charleston. Funeral services were held Monday, July 16, 2012 at Reevesville Baptist Church. Jerry was born on January 4, 1939, in Reevesville, a son of the late John Lewis and Carrie Bell Lucas Heaton. He was a graduate of St. George High School, attended the University of South Carolina and was retired owner of Reevesville Real Estate and Insurance. He was a member of Reevesville Baptist Church, St. George Country Club and the Lake Marion Seniors where he was an avid golfer. He was predeceased by his first wife, Patsy Carr Heaton, and a brother, Douglas F. Heaton.

William Jefferson Hutto, 89, of Cordova, died Tuesday, July 10, 2012, at the Regional Medical Center after an extended illness. The funeral was held Friday, July 13, 2012 in Orangeburg. Mr. Hutto was born November 17, 1922, in Norway, a son of the late James Jacob Hutto and Emma Olivia Steverson Hutto. He was a member of Canaan Baptist Church of Cope. He worked in the Charleston area as a carpenter before entering the Navy. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the United States Navy as a Seabee. His military service took him to the South Pacific, including the island of Midway. While on Midway, he assisted in the construction of an airfield. He received the American Area Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. After his military service, he worked as a carpenter foreman at the Savannah River Site. In 1952, Mr. Hutto founded the business of W. J. Hutto Grocery aka Hutto’s Grocery. Mr. Hutto continued to operate the store until he and his wife retired in 1991. W. J. Hutto Grocery is still in business and is currently operated by his son, William Timothy “Timmy” Hutto, and wife Robin H. Hutto.

Nell Elizabeth Brittain Irick of Elloree, widow of William Green Irick Sr. died Thursday, July 12, 2012 at the home of her daughter and son-in-law in Santee, South Carolina, after a courageous five-year battle with ovarian cancer. Funeral services were held Saturday, July 14, 2012, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Elloree. Mrs. Irick was born in Dillon County in the community of Smithboro on October 20, 1928, the only daughter of Katie Conoly Brittain and James Charlton Brittain, Jr. Throughout her youth she was a devout member of Mullins Presbyterian Church, and was an avid horsewoman owning a chestnut brown Tennessee Walker, who had 20 different gaits. She was graduated from Zion High School in 1945, attended Flora McDonald College and was graduated with a bachelor’s degree in home economics from Elon College in 1949. She began a long career in education at Denmark High School. At the completion of that school year, she accepted a position at Elloree High School. Mrs. Irick met her future husband and love of her life, Will, shortly after moving to Elloree. After a three-month courtship they were married on December 20, 1950, at Mullins Presbyterian Church in Mullins, S.C. After teaching home economics for several years, Mrs. Irick obtained her certification in elementary education. She taught sixth grade in Elloree until 1961, and later taught the third and fifth grades at Ellis Avenue School beginning in 1963. In 1968 she became a pioneer in the field of special education in South Carolina teaching the educable mentally handicapped at Ellis and Sheridan schools in Orangeburg until her retirement in 1989. Mrs. Irick was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Elloree, where she taught youth and adult Sunday School for 58 years, and was a member of the choir for 50 years. She was also a member of the Lottie Felder Circle. In addition to her love for her church Mrs. Irick was a member of numerous organizations including Eutaw Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution, where she served as Regent and as District Director of the South Carolina Daughters of the American Revolution, NSDAR. She was also a past state president of the Children of the American Revolution, and past president of Delta Kappa Gamma Society, as well as state president of Alpha Eta State, Delta Kappa Gamma. Her great love of books led her to the Mentor Book Club in Elloree, which she joined in 1951, and was a past president, vice-president, treasurer and active member until her health prevented her from participating. In keeping with her love of history, Mrs. Irick became a docent at the Elloree Heritage Museum, and served in that position until her health failed. After her retirement, Mrs. Irick was able to indulge her great love of cooking and spending time with her children and grandchildren, for whom she loved to prepare wonderful meals and special desserts.

Chief Petty Officer Joel Joshua Linder, Sr., United States Coast Guard (Ret.), age 73, of Smoaks, entered into his eternal rest Monday morning, July 9, 2012, at The Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg. He was the husband of the late Mrs. Ann Graham Linder. Funeral services were conducted Friday morning, July 13, 2012, from Berea Advent Christian Church in Smoaks. Mr. Linder was born February 14, 1939 and was a son of the late James Westbury Linder and the late Lisa Stevens Linder. A native of Smoaks, South Carolina, he enlisted in the United States Coast Guard where he served honorably and faithfully until reaching eligibility for retirement from active duty. During his twenty plus years in active service, he saw action in the Vietnam Era and reached the distinguished rank of Commander of the 7th Coast Guard District. Following his military career, he resided in California where he was a boiler maker having retired from Orange County Boiler in Anaheim, California. He was a member of Berea Advent Christian Church where he was active in many aspects of the church’s work. He enjoyed hunting and fishing local fresh water creeks, and always enjoyed the company and friendship of others.

Ms. Nona Irene Martin, 76, died July 15, 2012 in Bamberg. Cooner Funeral Home is in charge of the service.

Riley Leon Maxwell of Bamberg died Tuesday, July 10, 2012, at home, surrounded by his loving wife, sons and daughter. Funeral services took place Friday, July 13, 2012 at First Baptist Church of Bamberg. Coach Maxwell lived a life of loving service to his family, friends and the students he taught and coached. Leon was born on August 29, 1930, in Athens, Ga., and grew up in North Charleston. He attended Newberry College on an athletic scholarship where he played basketball and baseball. The 1952 Newberry baseball team went undefeated, defeating teams such as Furman, Duke, Georgia, the University of South Carolina, North Carolina State and Wake Forest. Prior to beginning his coaching career, he played in the Pittsburgh Pirates Farm System. Leon coached high school football at Latta High School (1952 to 1960), St. Stephen High School (1960 to 1970) and Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School (1970 to 1992). Over his 40-year head-coaching career, he won two state championships, eight lower state championships, nine state quarter finals and 27 conference or region championships. He was inducted into the S.C. Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 1995 with a compiled record of 297-121-4. He was selected to coach as an assistant and head coach for the Pee Dee Tobacco Bowl, the SCHSL North-South All-Star Game and the Shrine Bowl of the Carolinas. His individual honors include National Coach of the Year, third place; S.C. Coach of the Year; and numerous region coach of the year awards. He won state championships in football, baseball and golf. He also coached track and basketball teams to state runner-up finishes. He was a lifetime member, deacon and Sunday school teacher at the Baptist churches in Latta, St. Stephen and Bamberg.

Francis Mitchell Ott Jr., 63, of Rowesville, died Monday, July 9, 2012. Funeral services were conducted on Thursday, July 12, 2012 at Branchville Baptist Church. Mr. Ott was born in Orangeburg, a son of the late Francis Mitchell Ott and Dorothy Funchess Ott. He was a Sunday school teacher at Branchville Baptist Church. Francis had many interests and hobbies in his life, but his greatest love was spending time with his family and friends.

Guy St. Claire Sanders, Jr. 85, New Port Richey, Fla., passed away July 8, 2012. The Funeral service was held at the First Baptist Church New Port Richey, Thursday, July 12, 2012. He was an architect & building contractor for Sanders Supply Co., a U.S. Navy veteran of WW II, member of the First Baptist Church, New Port Richey, past president of Gideons International, member of Lions Club, SC.

Elizabeth Chandler Sheetz, 91, of Orangeburg, died Wednesday, July 11, 2012. Graveside funeral services were held Saturday, July 14, 2012, at Crestlawn Memorial Gardens. Mrs. Sheetz was born in Columbia, a daughter of the late John Thurman and Lurline Kennerly Chandler. She was a graduate of Columbia High School and Draughons Business College. She was retired from Orangeburg School District 5. She was a member of St. Andrews United Methodist Church, Ladies Auxiliary VFW #2779, and Jeremiah Jones D.A.R. Chapter.

Howell E. Smoak, 90, of Orangeburg, died Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at the Laurel Baye Health Care Center. Funeral services were held Saturday, July 14, 2012 in Orangeburg. Mr. Smoak was born September 20, 1921, in Orangeburg, a son of the late Hydrick Smoak and the late Elizabeth Berry Smoak. He was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy. He was known around Orangeburg as the Peanut Man, He sold peanuts for many years on Russell Street.

A memorial service for Bettylou Richmond Terry of Denmark was held Sunday, July 22, 2012, at First Baptist Church in Denmark. Mrs. Terry died Sunday, July 1, 2012. Born January 24, 1929, in Middlebury, Vt., she was a daughter of the late Hollis Joseph and Jennie Florence Martin Richmond of Brandon, Vt. She was a correspondent for The Times and Democrat from the inception of the newspaper’s system of recruiting local independent writers in the 1990s. She wrote columns, reported news and offered readers a look at the history of Denmark.