Obituaries

Local Obituaries for Aiken South Carolina & Surrounding Areas.

Brenda Gay Melendez

Brenda Gay Melendez

Jun 13, 2025

BRENDA GAY MELENDEZ, 64, beloved wife of Michael Anthony Melendez, passed away Friday, June 13, 2025 after a long illness.

Funeral plans will be announced.

SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC

Melba Corley

Melba Corley

Jun 9, 2025

Melba Marie Corley, 98; Peacefully passed away at her home Monday, June 9, 2025.

Melba was born September 29, 1926 in Springfield, SC. She was the daughter of the late Sidney & Lina Blackwell. She had been a loyal member of Shaws Fork Baptist Church since 1976.

Melba was preceded in death by her husband Lee Corley and her son Ronnie Corley. She...

Susan Gustavson

Susan Gustavson

Jun 8, 2025

Susan Gustavson, 75, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2025.

Arrangements will be announced by SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC

Dr. Doris I. Hammond

Dr. Doris I. Hammond

Jun 7, 2025

Mrs. Doris Irene Hammond, 92, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2025.

Service arrangements will be announced by SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE  AVE., AIKEN, SC

Kevin Ronald Dill

Kevin Ronald Dill

Jun 7, 2025

Kevin Ronald Dill, 66, unexpectedly passed away at home Saturday, June 7, 2025.

Kevin was born in Rutherford, NJ, son of Frank Ronald Dill, Sr., and Marilyn Corradino Dill who are still with us.

Kevin graduated from Lenape Valley High School. He worked as a Plumber for Frank Dill and Sons, Leo Hecht, WJPost and was the owner of PlumbTech.

Kevin had a...

Toby Lynn Welborn

Toby Lynn Welborn

Jun 6, 2025

Mr. Toby Lynn Welborn, 67, beloved husband of Susan Holcomb Welborn, passed away suddenly, June 6, 2025.

Arrangements will be announced by SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 715 E. PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC

Robert Vern "Bob" Reid, Jr.

Robert Vern "Bob" Reid, Jr.

Jun 5, 2025

AIKEN, SC - Mr. Robert Vern "Bob" Reid, Jr., 78, beloved husband of Nancy Elizabeth Reid, passed away at home on June 5, 2025.

Arrangements will be announced by SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801.

Donald Wayne Donley

Donald Wayne Donley

Jun 4, 2025

Donald Wayne Donley, 89, passed away Wednesday, June 04, 2025.

Donald was born in 1936 to Herman and Martha Donley of Altoona, Pennsylvania. He attended the University of Pittsburgh, PA, graduating with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. He and his wife of 66 years, Donna, moved to Johnstown, PA, where he had a distinguished career with Bethlehem Steel. He was a...

Kenneth "Kenny" Franklin

Kenneth "Kenny" Franklin

Jun 4, 2025

KENNETH ALLEN “KENNY” FRANKLIN, 58, went to meet his Lord Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in his home surrounded by his loving family.

A native and lifelong resident of Aiken County, Kenny was a son of Robert and Helen Key Franklin. He worked as a truck driver and also appliance repairman for his family’s business, Franklin’s Appliance Repair in New Ellenton.

Kenny had...

Carolyn Spradley Hamilton

Carolyn Spradley Hamilton

Jun 3, 2025

Mrs. Carolyn Patricia Spradley Hamilton, 68, passed away Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

Carolyn was a lifelong resident of Aiken, daughter of the late Frank Tony and Blondell Rish Spradley.

Carolyn was the youngest of four siblings, the long-awaited baby girl of three older brothers. After graduating from the University of South Carolina Aiken with a Bachelor’s in Education, she began her teaching...

Patricia Gaul

Patricia Gaul

Jun 2, 2025

Patricia Gaul, aged 87, peacefully entered her heavenly home early Monday morning, surrounded by love in her son’s home. She was joyfully welcomed by her beloved husband, Dave “Pappa”, after a long illness.

A lifelong resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Patricia was the cherished daughter of the late Alfred Thomas and Regina Roberts Berry. Her dedication and service extended to her role...

Sally Ann Serago

Sally Ann Serago

Jun 1, 2025

SALLY ANN SERAGO, 75, beloved wife of John A. Serago, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, June 1, 2025, in her home.

A native of Haverhill, MA, Sally was a daughter of the late Leroy and Anna Cunningham Smith. She graduated from high school in Bedford, PA, and moved to Washington, DC the next day to begin a job at the FBI taking...

James Herbert Thacker

James Herbert Thacker

May 31, 2025

JAMES HERBERT THACKER, 58, passed away Saturday morning, May 31, 2025, in Lexington Medical Center, Lexington, SC.

A native and lifelong resident of Aiken, Jimmy was a son of Patricia Saunders Schumpert and the late Coke Thacker, Jr. He graduated from South Aiken High School and worked as a finish carpenter. One of Jimmy’s favorite pastimes was boating and fishing on...

Joseph William Simitz

Joseph William Simitz

May 30, 2025

JOSEPH WILLIAM SIMITZ, 90, beloved husband of Mary Lou Ennis Simits, passed away Friday, May 30, 2025, in his home surrounded by his loving family.

A native of McKees Rocks, PA, Joe was a son of the late Joseph and Josephine Nickles Simitz. He graduated from Duquesne University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He enlisted in the Army just after...

Bobby Ann Widener

Bobby Ann Widener

May 30, 2025

BOBBY ANN WIDENER, 86, widow of Larry Widener, passed away Friday, May 30, 2025, in Aiken Regional Medical Centers.

Bobby Ann Widener (Brown) was born on October 7th, 1938 to the Tolene and Loyd Brown in Dumas, Texas. She was the younger sister to Drucilla Hager (Brown). Bobby and her widowed mother, Tolene, moved to Aiken, South Carolina in the mid...

Ronald Wesley DeLorey

Ronald Wesley DeLorey

May 29, 2025

RONALD WESLEY DeLOREY, 71, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2025 in his home.

A native of Sumter, SC, Ron was a son of the late William and Emmie Lee Hudson DeLorey. He grew up in Sumter and Orangeburg. He moved to Aiken in 1995 and worked at the Savannah River Site until he retired in 2023.

Ron was known for his infectious...

Dr. Anthony "Tony" E. Harris

Dr. Anthony "Tony" E. Harris

May 29, 2025

Dr Anthony Edwin (“Tony”) Harris passed away peacefully having lost his brief battle with brain cancer. He was devoted to his family and is survived by his wife Sandra Mayhew Harris; daughters, Elizabeth “Lisa” Harris (Paul) Schunter, Surrey, England, and Michelle Harris (Patrick) Dennis, Columbia, SC; grandchildren, Abigail Elizabeth Schunter, Andrew Harris Schunter, and Anna Margaret Dennis; sister, Cynthia Harris...

Dorothy Scott

Dorothy Scott

May 28, 2025

Surrounded by her loved ones, Dorothy “Dottie” Scott was welcomed into the arms of her Savior on May 28, 2025. A life defined by service, Dottie was a devoted wife, loving mother, adoring grandmother, faithful friend, and a dedicated member of her church family at Talatha Baptist Church. She studied the Bible daily and lived in steadfast devotion to the...

William Madison McGhee, Jr.

William Madison McGhee, Jr.

May 27, 2025

William Madison McGhee Jr., affectionately known as Bill to his family and friends, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, at the age of 88. A proud native of Aiken, South Carolina, Bill was the embodiment of a legacy rooted in community contribution and dedication to social betterment. He was the son of William Madison McGhee and Cecilia Johnson McGhee,...

Elden Russell Kirkland

Elden Russell Kirkland

May 26, 2025

Remembered with love Mr. Elden Russell Kirkland, 79, passed from this life on Monday, May 26, 2025.

Born in Yankton, SD, Russell was the son of the late Lex W. and Erlene Johns Kirkland of Muscle Shoals, AL. He grew up in Sheffield, AL and was a 1963 graduate of Sheffield High School. Russell served in the U.S. Navy aboard many...

Local Obituaries for Aiken South Carolina & Surrounding Areas.

Brenda Gay Melendez

Brenda Gay Melendez

Jun 13, 2025

BRENDA GAY MELENDEZ, 64, beloved wife of Michael Anthony Melendez, passed away Friday, June 13, 2025 after a long illness.

Funeral plans will be announced.

SHELLHOUSE - RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC

Melba Corley

Melba Corley

Jun 9, 2025

Melba Marie Corley, 98; Peacefully passed away at her home Monday, June 9, 2025.

Melba was born September 29, 1926 in Springfield, SC. She was the daughter of the late Sidney & Lina Blackwell. She had been a loyal member of Shaws Fork Baptist Church since 1976.

Melba was preceded in death by her husband Lee Corley and her son Ronnie Corley. She...

Susan Gustavson

Susan Gustavson

Jun 8, 2025

Susan Gustavson, 75, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2025.

Arrangements will be announced by SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC

Dr. Doris I. Hammond

Dr. Doris I. Hammond

Jun 7, 2025

Mrs. Doris Irene Hammond, 92, passed away Saturday, June 7, 2025.

Service arrangements will be announced by SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE  AVE., AIKEN, SC

Kevin Ronald Dill

Kevin Ronald Dill

Jun 7, 2025

Kevin Ronald Dill, 66, unexpectedly passed away at home Saturday, June 7, 2025.

Kevin was born in Rutherford, NJ, son of Frank Ronald Dill, Sr., and Marilyn Corradino Dill who are still with us.

Kevin graduated from Lenape Valley High School. He worked as a Plumber for Frank Dill and Sons, Leo Hecht, WJPost and was the owner of PlumbTech.

Kevin had a...

Toby Lynn Welborn

Toby Lynn Welborn

Jun 6, 2025

Mr. Toby Lynn Welborn, 67, beloved husband of Susan Holcomb Welborn, passed away suddenly, June 6, 2025.

Arrangements will be announced by SHELLHOUSE-RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, INC., 715 E. PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC

Robert Vern "Bob" Reid, Jr.

Robert Vern "Bob" Reid, Jr.

Jun 5, 2025

AIKEN, SC - Mr. Robert Vern "Bob" Reid, Jr., 78, beloved husband of Nancy Elizabeth Reid, passed away at home on June 5, 2025.

Arrangements will be announced by SHELLHOUSE FUNERAL HOME, INC., 924 HAYNE AVE., AIKEN, SC 29801.

Donald Wayne Donley

Donald Wayne Donley

Jun 4, 2025

Donald Wayne Donley, 89, passed away Wednesday, June 04, 2025.

Donald was born in 1936 to Herman and Martha Donley of Altoona, Pennsylvania. He attended the University of Pittsburgh, PA, graduating with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering. He and his wife of 66 years, Donna, moved to Johnstown, PA, where he had a distinguished career with Bethlehem Steel. He was a...

Kenneth "Kenny" Franklin

Kenneth "Kenny" Franklin

Jun 4, 2025

KENNETH ALLEN “KENNY” FRANKLIN, 58, went to meet his Lord Wednesday, June 4, 2025, in his home surrounded by his loving family.

A native and lifelong resident of Aiken County, Kenny was a son of Robert and Helen Key Franklin. He worked as a truck driver and also appliance repairman for his family’s business, Franklin’s Appliance Repair in New Ellenton.

Kenny had...

Carolyn Spradley Hamilton

Carolyn Spradley Hamilton

Jun 3, 2025

Mrs. Carolyn Patricia Spradley Hamilton, 68, passed away Tuesday, June 3, 2025.

Carolyn was a lifelong resident of Aiken, daughter of the late Frank Tony and Blondell Rish Spradley.

Carolyn was the youngest of four siblings, the long-awaited baby girl of three older brothers. After graduating from the University of South Carolina Aiken with a Bachelor’s in Education, she began her teaching...

Patricia Gaul

Patricia Gaul

Jun 2, 2025

Patricia Gaul, aged 87, peacefully entered her heavenly home early Monday morning, surrounded by love in her son’s home. She was joyfully welcomed by her beloved husband, Dave “Pappa”, after a long illness.

A lifelong resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Patricia was the cherished daughter of the late Alfred Thomas and Regina Roberts Berry. Her dedication and service extended to her role...

Sally Ann Serago

Sally Ann Serago

Jun 1, 2025

SALLY ANN SERAGO, 75, beloved wife of John A. Serago, passed away unexpectedly Sunday, June 1, 2025, in her home.

A native of Haverhill, MA, Sally was a daughter of the late Leroy and Anna Cunningham Smith. She graduated from high school in Bedford, PA, and moved to Washington, DC the next day to begin a job at the FBI taking...

James Herbert Thacker

James Herbert Thacker

May 31, 2025

JAMES HERBERT THACKER, 58, passed away Saturday morning, May 31, 2025, in Lexington Medical Center, Lexington, SC.

A native and lifelong resident of Aiken, Jimmy was a son of Patricia Saunders Schumpert and the late Coke Thacker, Jr. He graduated from South Aiken High School and worked as a finish carpenter. One of Jimmy’s favorite pastimes was boating and fishing on...

Joseph William Simitz

Joseph William Simitz

May 30, 2025

JOSEPH WILLIAM SIMITZ, 90, beloved husband of Mary Lou Ennis Simits, passed away Friday, May 30, 2025, in his home surrounded by his loving family.

A native of McKees Rocks, PA, Joe was a son of the late Joseph and Josephine Nickles Simitz. He graduated from Duquesne University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He enlisted in the Army just after...

Bobby Ann Widener

Bobby Ann Widener

May 30, 2025

BOBBY ANN WIDENER, 86, widow of Larry Widener, passed away Friday, May 30, 2025, in Aiken Regional Medical Centers.

Bobby Ann Widener (Brown) was born on October 7th, 1938 to the Tolene and Loyd Brown in Dumas, Texas. She was the younger sister to Drucilla Hager (Brown). Bobby and her widowed mother, Tolene, moved to Aiken, South Carolina in the mid...

Ronald Wesley DeLorey

Ronald Wesley DeLorey

May 29, 2025

RONALD WESLEY DeLOREY, 71, passed away Thursday, May 29, 2025 in his home.

A native of Sumter, SC, Ron was a son of the late William and Emmie Lee Hudson DeLorey. He grew up in Sumter and Orangeburg. He moved to Aiken in 1995 and worked at the Savannah River Site until he retired in 2023.

Ron was known for his infectious...

Dr. Anthony "Tony" E. Harris

Dr. Anthony "Tony" E. Harris

May 29, 2025

Dr Anthony Edwin (“Tony”) Harris passed away peacefully having lost his brief battle with brain cancer. He was devoted to his family and is survived by his wife Sandra Mayhew Harris; daughters, Elizabeth “Lisa” Harris (Paul) Schunter, Surrey, England, and Michelle Harris (Patrick) Dennis, Columbia, SC; grandchildren, Abigail Elizabeth Schunter, Andrew Harris Schunter, and Anna Margaret Dennis; sister, Cynthia Harris...

Dorothy Scott

Dorothy Scott

May 28, 2025

Surrounded by her loved ones, Dorothy “Dottie” Scott was welcomed into the arms of her Savior on May 28, 2025. A life defined by service, Dottie was a devoted wife, loving mother, adoring grandmother, faithful friend, and a dedicated member of her church family at Talatha Baptist Church. She studied the Bible daily and lived in steadfast devotion to the...

William Madison McGhee, Jr.

William Madison McGhee, Jr.

May 27, 2025

William Madison McGhee Jr., affectionately known as Bill to his family and friends, passed away peacefully on May 27, 2025, at the age of 88. A proud native of Aiken, South Carolina, Bill was the embodiment of a legacy rooted in community contribution and dedication to social betterment. He was the son of William Madison McGhee and Cecilia Johnson McGhee,...

Elden Russell Kirkland

Elden Russell Kirkland

May 26, 2025

Remembered with love Mr. Elden Russell Kirkland, 79, passed from this life on Monday, May 26, 2025.

Born in Yankton, SD, Russell was the son of the late Lex W. and Erlene Johns Kirkland of Muscle Shoals, AL. He grew up in Sheffield, AL and was a 1963 graduate of Sheffield High School. Russell served in the U.S. Navy aboard many...