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Waters-Powell Funeral Home, 400 S. Dargan Street, Florence, SC (2026)

02/02/2026

*** Due to circumstances beyond our control, the memorial service for Kay Fryman has been rescheduled to Monday, February 9, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at St. John's Church with a reception to follow. ***

The Reverend Kay Kirby Fryman (79) of Florence, South Carolina, went peacefully into the arms of her Savior on January 27, 2026. She was surrounded by her family. She was predeceased by her parents and her beloved son, Michael Lee Ragin Jr., whose memory she carried close to her heart every day. She is survived by her loving husband, Eugene Carl Fryman; her children, Robin Kirby Ragin Hays (David) of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, Mary Kathryn Ragin Hobson (Jamie) of Columbia, South Carolina, Michelle Lea Marks (Jeremy) of Columbus, Ohio, Valerie Lynn Gieser (Doug) of Columbus, Ohio, and Olivia McKenna Fryman of Gastonia, North Carolina; her six beloved grandchildren, William Phillip Hays of Charlotte, North Carolina, Emanuel Blair Ragin of Crested Butte, Colorado, Julian Pierce Hays of Columbia, South Carolina, Shayla Lopez of Denver, Colorado, Walker Patrick Dungan of Columbia, South Carolina, and Emilie Kay Dungan of Columbia, South Carolina; and her adored brother, Dr. Troy Belser Gamble Jr. (“T”) of Suttons, South Carolina; and niece and nephews, Paige Kirby Gamble Whalen (Tyler), Joseph Adam Gamble (Maggie) and Samuel Maxey Gamble (Lawson) all of Columbia, South Carolina.

Kay was born in 1947 in Gastonia, North Carolina, Kay was the daughter of the late Millard Frederick Kirby III and Mary Olive Martin Gamble. After the death of her father at an early age, she moved to Andrews, South Carolia where she was raised. Growing up she loved church and summer camp, but the highlight of her childhood was the summers spent at “My Blue Heaven” the family’s beach house in Litchfield Beach, South Carolina where she had a particular affinity for the ocean. She graduated from Andrews High School in 1964, where she was a member of the National Honor Society and enjoyed working on the school yearbook.

Kay went on to attend Columbia College in Columbia, South Carolina, where she earned her degree in 1968 with a major in Business and a minor in English. She cherished her time at Columbia College, particularly the semester spent studying abroad in London and the treasured lifelong friendships she made there.

She spent many years raising her three children in Columbia, South Carolina. During these years she was a member at St. Martin’s-in-the-Fields Episcopal Church, where she loved singing in the choir and directing the children’s choir. She always had a great love and gift for music and the arts.

As her children grew older, Kay began a new career and found much success over the course of 15 years as a stockbroker and financial planner with Merrill Lynch, Edward Jones Financial and finally First Citizens. She worked diligently to master her profession and serve her clients well, eventually opening the very first Edward Jones office in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, an accomplishment of which she was especially proud.

In 2000, Kay married Eugene Carl Fryman in Pawleys Island, South Carolina where they lived for a few years before settling in Florence, South Carolina. Florence ultimately became their home, where they shared 26 years of abundant marriage, devotion, and happiness with one another.

Though accomplished professionally, in 2007 Kay ultimately answered a lifelong call to ministry when she was ordained as a deacon in the Anglican Church and devoted herself to full-time ministry. For the final 18 years of her life, she served faithfully in ministry at St. John’s Church in Florence, South Carolina. Her ministry included facilitating women’s bible studies, chaplaincy at Southland Nursing Home, prison ministry at Wateree Correctional Institution, bringing Holy Eucharist to homebound parishioners and so much more. Kay was an avid reader, always studying the word of God and learning more about how to apply it in how she lived out her faith. She modeled compassion, humility, and steadfast service.

When she was not serving in ministry, Kay was serving in a different way as a devoted mother and grandmother to her girls and her six cherished grandchildren. She was their precious “KK”, generously celebrating birthdays and important milestones in each of their lives, preparing delicious meals to be shared around her table, playing games, nurturing them and most importantly, teaching them about the love of God. Even in her final days, she continued caring for them and cheering them on in each of their life celebrations, especially delighting in gathering much of her family around her dining room table this past Christmas.

Kay will be remembered for her unwavering faith, generous spirit, sharp mind, quick wit, and deep love for her family and the Lord. She lived a life of service to others and leaves behind a legacy of grace, devotion, and love that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She was gracious in her care for all people.

A Service of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, February 9, 2026, at St. John’s Church with a reception to follow.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the incredible staff of McLeod Center for Cancer Treatment and Research, Outpatient Infusion Therapy, McLeod Hospice, and the entire St. John’s Church parish for the extraordinary love and support shown during Kay’s final months. There are truly no words to adequately express our appreciation. We have experienced the hands and feet of Jesus through each one of you. Memorials may be made to McLead Center for Cancer Treatment and Research, c/o McLeod Foundation, P.O. Box 100551, Florence, SC 29502; or St. John’s Church, 252 S. Dargan St., Florence, SC 29506.

01/30/2026

Obituary for Thomas L. McMillan

EFFINGHAM – Thomas Leonard McMillan, 89, died Thursday, January 29, 2026, after an illness.
Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at Elim Baptist Church with visitation one hour prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m. in the church Family Life Center. Burial will follow in Mount Hope Cemetery.
Mr. McMillan was born in Mullins, SC, a son of the late Maxie Keith and Madge Tumblin McMillan. He graduated from Mullins High School and attended Presbyterian Junior College. He was employed with Battle Gas Company for 33 years, where he had many titles over his career retiring as manager.
He was a devoted member of Elim Baptist Church. He was also active in the Florence Jaycees for many years and earned many awards for his service.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Maxie K. McMillan, Jr.; his sister, Beth McMillan Fore; and his son, Maxie K. McMillan, III.
Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Gail McCall McMillan; his daughter, Tammy McMillan Price (Brett); his daughter-in-law, Mary L. McMillan; three grandchildren, Lauren Haley McMillan, Dylan T. Price (AnneMarie) and Dalton T. Price (Caroline); four great-grandchildren, Addisyn McMillan, Stetson Price, Hudson Price, and Claussen Price; and a number of nieces and nephews and extended family members.
Memorials may be made to Elim Baptist Church, 1303 Olanta Highway, Effingham, SC 29541.

11/24/2025

Obituary for Jennifer Barfield DeMaggio

Jennifer Barfield DeMaggio, 73, died Wednesday, November 19, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer.
She was most well known for her absolution and generosity. She was a person who believed in the duty to be kind and show up for others even if she did not know how to help, she wanted to deeply. She is the quiet and loyal, the friendly and open, the childlike and the one who laughs loud in order to share it with others. She did not take life seriously and was always steadfast in God that she would be placed in Heaven and be forgiven, and she readily forgave others. Even in death her reason to live was others and not herself. She overcame many hardships and was tough without being cold, and matured without ceasing to be childlike and free, and affectionate. She only wished for others to conquer their dreams, that was her dream, and she want to live simply and appreciate small things in life. She was highly against conflict between people. She enjoyed the simple things with genuine great pleasure. She simply loved people and was devoted to family and friendship more than her own life. She was a very generous and kind person.
She was born in Columbia, South Carolina, a daughter of the late Harold James and Dorothy Gladden Barfield. She graduated from McClenaghan High School in Florence in the Class of 1970. For most of her career, she was an administrative assistant with her parents at P*e Dee Brace & Limb. She also worked for some time at McLeod Health in Business Services.
Jennifer was a devoted member of St. Anthony Catholic Church. She cared deeply for her church and served on numerous committees, including the Women’s Guild. She also sang in the choir for many years.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Dominic Charles DeMaggio; and her brother, Harold James “Jimmy” Barfield, Jr.
Survivors include her son, Phillip Michael DeMaggio, of Florence; a sister, Suzanne Barfield McCall, also of Florence; two nephews, Webb McCall (Shelby) and Matt McCall (Karlin), both of Florence; a niece, Helaina Barfield Williams of Myrtle Beach, SC; mother-in-law, Elaine Brooks of Centre, AL; brother-in-law, Phillip DeMaggio of Detroit, and sister-in-law, Teresa Teal, of Alabama; and a number of great-nieces and -nephews.
Funeral Mass will be said at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 29, 2025, at St. Anthony Catholic Church. Inurnment at the Florence National Cemetery will be at a later date.
Memorials may be made to St. Anthony Catholic Church, 2536 Hoffmeyer Road, Florence, SC 29501.

10/09/2025

Obituary for Eugene P. "Gene" Walsh, Jr.

On Tuesday morning, October 7, 2025, our beloved Eugene (Gene) Porter Walsh, Jr. passed away after a brief illness. He was 73 years old.
Gene was born in Florence, SC at the old McLeod Infirmary, the son of the late Bonnie Naomi Wise and Eugene Porter Walsh Sr. He graduated from McClenaghan High School and Florence Darlington Technical College with a degree in electrical engineering. After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and retired from the Army Reserves. He began his 44-year career with Carolina Power and Light and retired from Duke Energy in 2013, a beloved colleague to so many.
He was a member of St. Paul Church for nearly 50 years and he loved his church family. His savior was Jesus Christ and the source of his strength. Gene devoted his life to others in his community. He loved being a Scout Leader for Troop 402. He travelled every year to the mountains of southeast Kentucky to build houses for the Red Bird Mission. Ask any kid who grew up in Florence playing ball at Maple Park about Mister Gene, they’d tell you he was their favorite and fairest umpire. If you needed chicken bog for a fundraiser, he was there. If a hurricane came through, he was there. If your lights went out, Gene was there.
He was devoted to God, his family, and his community; a most selfless man.
He met Ellen Gwendolyn Williams in 1974 and they were married 43 loving years. She predeceased him in 2019 and if you asked him, he would tell you she was the light of his life. The truth is, he was the love and light of hers too.
Gene is survived by his children, Mary Alice Faulkenberry (Michael), Quinton Eugene Walsh, and Harriett King Walsh (Hermon). He is also survived by his sister Audrey Mae Babb and his grandchildren, Mary Katherine, Will, Lilah and Porter. His devotion to his grandchildren was the focus of the last years of his life, attending games, birthdays and many trips to the Inlet.
Gene’s legacy will be remembered as an adoring husband, father, grandfather, a loyal friend, a master hunter, a mister fix it, a jack of all trades. If you wanted to feed Dolly the b***o, he’d show you how to love on her and not get bit and then you got a popsicle. But most of all, he was a servant: a servant to anyone who needed a helping hand. He showered God’s love on anyone who needed it.
Funeral arrangements are being handled by Waters-Powell Funeral Home. The family will greet visitors at the funeral home Saturday, October 11, 2025, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. That way he and Ellen can watch the Clemson game afterwards. The funeral service will take place at 2:00 pm, Sunday, October 12, 2025, at St. Paul Church, 1629 West Palmetto Street with burial at Mt Hope Cemetery following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St Paul Church.

09/27/2025

It is with great sadness that we share the obituary of Wallace C. Haynes, who was one of our own for over 25 years.

Wallace Carl Haynes

DARLINGTON – Wallace Carl Haynes, 91, died Thursday, September 25, 2025, after an illness.
Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m., Sunday, September 28, 2025, at Trinity Methodist Church in Darlington with visitation one hour prior to the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Burial will follow in Welsh Neck Baptist Church Cemetery in Society Hill, SC, directed by Waters-Powell Funeral Home of Florence.
Wallace was born in Hurt, Virginia, a son of the late Frank Douglas and Irene Hancock Haynes. He was a proud veteran of the United States Army, where he was stationed in Germany. He was retired from Burlington Industries.
Following his retirement, Wallace enjoyed his work as a funeral assistant at Waters-Powell Funeral Home for close to 25 years. He loved working with people and will be forever missed.
Wallace was an active member of Trinity Methodist Church in Darlington.
He was predeceased by his loving wife, Eleanor Irby Haynes; his son, Scott Haynes, and daughter-in-law, Kim Haynes; a sister, Carolyn Farmer; a brother, Garland Haynes; and sister-in-law, Nora Haynes.
Wallace was devoted to his family and is survived by his daughter, Cindy Haynes Green (Will) of Florence; his granddaughter, Irby Haynes DuBose (Adam) of Hartsville; and his great-grandchildren, who brought so much joy to his life, Wallace, Law and Haynes DuBose, all of Hartsville; two brothers, Bob Haynes and Richard Haynes, both of Hurt, VA; a sister, Martha Brown (Bud), also of Hurt, VA; and a number of nieces and nephews.
Memorials may be made to Trinity Methodist Church, 126 Pearl Street, Darlington, SC 29532.

09/18/2025

Obituary for Ryan L. Powell

Ryan Lockwood Powell, 85, of Columbia, SC, passed away peacefully on August 29, 2025. Born September 29, 1939, in Florence County, he was a son of the late Carl Taft Powell and Annie Poston Powell and grew up in Hannah. Ryan graduated from McClenaghan High School in 1958, and attended and played football at Wofford College.
He lived most of his adult life in Columbia, SC and spent his career working in various capacities for the state, from Educational Television to the State Board of Technical Education in Economic Development.
He is survived by his devoted wife, Anne Armfield Purvis Powell; his daughter, Kimberly Powell Fretz; his son, Ryan Bradley Powell; and three grandchildren, Ryon Walker Powell, Ella Louise Powell, and Andrew Myers Powell.
Graveside services will be held at Evergreen Baptist Church, Effingham, at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 19, 2025.

09/11/2025

Pray for America

09/11/2025

Obituary for Robert E. Crosswell

FLORENCE – Robert Edward Crosswell, age 74, died Tuesday, September 9, 2025. He was born in Anderson, South Carolina, a son of the late Dr. William Marion and Essie Virginia Blick Crosswell.
A memorial service will be held at 1:00 p.m., Friday, September 12, 2025, at Highland Park Methodist Church in Florence. The family will greet friends following the service.
He was an engineer with CSX and SC Central Railroads until his retirement. He was a member of Highland Park Methodist Church.
Robert was a wonderful coach, teammate, friend and leader. He was an avid golfer and a loyal golfing buddy. He was fiercely loyal to his family; as a stellar dad and the ultimate friend, he mentored and guided his children with kindness, humor and love. He and Cindy met in 1969 in school and their love grew deeper and more committed through their 55 years of marriage.
Robert is survived by his wife Cindy, his three children (his pride and joy): Laurie Crosswell, Will Crosswell (Lindsay), and Jenna Wallace. He said the "feather in his cap" are his three precious grandchildren: Kash Wallace, Geneva Crosswell and Thaddeus Crosswell.

09/04/2025

Obituary for John Charles Anderson

FLORENCE – John Charles Anderson, age 36, died Monday, September 1, 2025, after a brief illness.
He was born in Burlington, North Carolina, and was the son of James Lloyd “Jim” Anderson and Elizabeth Chase “Diddy” Anderson. He was also the grandson of the late Bert Lloyd Anderson and Mavis Lawrence Anderson, and John Paul Busch and Mary Alice Ingram Busch.
John graduated from Bachman Academy and was valedictorian of his graduating class. He served as the manager of the P*e Dee Gun Club, where he was happiest with the dogs or on a tractor. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, country music, Cajun food and all things L.S.U.
John’s favorite time of year was Thanksgiving – he treasured the time with his “Turkey” cousins at the Feast and the s***t shoot. The family would like to extend special thanks to the Charles Ingram Lumber family and especially the men in the Forestry Department, who were so supportive of John’s efforts.
John had a kind spirit and he wanted to reach out to others. He will be missed.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, September 5, 2025, at St. John’s Church in Florence with a reception following in the church fellowship hall. Burial in Lawrence Memorial Cemetery, Effingham, will be private.
Memorials may be made to St. John’s Church, 252 S. Dargan St., Florence, SC 29506.

09/04/2025

Obituary for Kristi Leigh Anderson

FLORENCE – Kristi Leigh Anderson, 58, died Wednesday, September 3, 2025, after a brief illness.
Kristi was born in Florence, SC, a daughter of Mary Lee Griffin Anderson and the late John Monroe Anderson, Jr. She graduated from South Florence High School in 1985, where she was an outstanding athlete in softball, basketball and volleyball. While a student at Francis Marion University, she was a four-year All American in women’s softball from 1986 to 1989, and also served as a student assistant coach and graduated in 1990. She was inducted into the Francis Marion Athletic Hall of Fame in 1995 and also into the Florence Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010. She earned her Masters degree in Education Administration and Supervision from the University of South Carolina.
Kristi dedicated her life to education. She worked in schools in Florence District 3 as a teacher, coach, Athletic Director, Assistant Principal and Principal for 38 years. She was currently a vice-principal at J.C. Lynch Elementary School in Scranton.
She was a member of Greenwood Baptist Church. and was an avid fan of the USC Gamecocks.
In addition to her mother, Mary Lee Anderson, of Florence, she is survived by a brother, Brian D. Anderson (Heather) of Richmond, VA; a niece, Sarah Whitney Abernathy (Kameron) of Chattanooga, TN; a nephew, Douglas Anderson (Abby) of Dalton, GA; four aunts, Judy Boone of Myrtle Beach, SC, June Bremer of Baton Rouge, LA, Pawnee Kenimer, Diane Bramlett and Peggie Anderson, all of Florence; and numerous cousins in SC and LA.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Greenwood Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Friday, at Waters-Powell Funeral Home.
Memorials may be made to Greenwood Baptist Church, 2401 Claussen Road, Florence, SC 29505; or to the Florence Area Humane Society, P.O. Box 4808, Florence, SC 29502.

08/21/2025

Obituary for Linda F. Barfield

FLORENCE – Linda Frazier Barfield, 77, died Wednesday, August 20, 2025, after an illness.
Funeral services will be 3:00 p.m., Saturday, August 23, 2025, in Waters-Powell Funeral Home Chapel with burial following in Mount Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., Friday, at the funeral home.
She was born in Florence, SC, a daughter of the late Calvin Coolidge and Bessie Mae Christopher Frazier (White). She graduated from Southside High School in 1968.
Linda was a devoted wife and mother, and loving grandmother. She was also an avid reader.
She was a member of Indiantown Presbyterian Church.
She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Richard M. Barfield, of the home; a daughter, Geri Barfield Aun, and a son, Jefferson Calvin “Jeff” Barfield (Karen), both of Florence; two brothers, Calvin Wayne Frazier (Debbie) of Lexington, SC, and James Carl Frazier of Effingham, SC; three grandchildren, Anthony Aun, Alaina Barfield, and Grainger Barfield, all of Florence; and a number of extended family members.
Linda was predeceased by a brother, Christopher Allen Frazier.
The family would like to express gratitude for the compassionate care she received at Medford Nursing Center in Darlington and Honorage Nursing Center in Florence; and special appreciation to Dr. Vinay Jagadeesha and Dr. Hayley McCullough.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Florence Area Humane Society, P.O. Box 4808, Florence, SC 29502.

08/18/2025

Obituary for Reine S. Lantz

FLORENCE - Reine Sullivan Lantz was born to the late Edward James Sullivan and Carolyn Sullivan on March 30, 1952. She was the oldest of four daughters, the others being Mary, Patricia, and Jane. Ms. Lantz passed away on Saturday, August 16, 2025.
Ms. Lantz was the loving mother of three children, Brittany, Erin, and Rob.
Ms. Lantz was a staunch advocate for special needs children and worked for a private company she adored. She was widowed by her late husband of 20 years, James A. Lantz. She was a parishioner of St. Ann Catholic Church, where she taught Religious Education.
Ma, you will be dearly missed and prayed for every day. All that knew you and experienced your heart love you!
A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m., Thursday, August 28, 2025, at St. Ann Catholic Church, Ftr. JohnBosco Duraisamy, Celebrant. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial may be made to "Tunnel to Towers," or, The Knights of Columbus "Columbus H.O.P.E. Campaign" in her name.

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