Kathalyn Anne “Skeeter” Gillespie Baker, 81, of Blackville, SC entered eternal rest on Monday, January 12, 2026.
Born in Jersey City, NJ, and raised in Laurens and Blackville, SC, she was a graduate of Barnwell High School where she mastered the skills of shorthand, typing, and dictation. She worked as a receptionist for the Barnwell People-Sentinel, served many years as a volunteer Emergency Medical Technician of Barnwell Rescue Squad, earning recognition as EMT of the year in 1987, was a full time dispatcher & administrative assistant at the Barnwell Sheriff’s Office, and a served as a home health aide and transportation coordinator for the Lower Savannah Council of Governments in Allendale, County.
Ms. Baker was the daughter of the late James Franklin Gillespie and Anna Margaret Albrecht Gillespie. She was a member of St. Andrews Catholic Church of Barnwell and was a loving mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. Survivors include daughter Bridgitte H. Gunnells (Perry) of Flagler Beach, FL; son, Thomas N. Baker (Anne) of Aiken, SC; brother James V. Gillespie (Mae Jo) of Olar SC; seven grandchildren: Ryan Gunnells of Kincardine, Ontario, Canada; Catherine Gunnells of Nashville, TN; Falcon Baker (Christina) of Pickens, SC; Zoe Baker of Columbia, SC; Skye Baker of Taylors, SC; Travis Edwards and Julia Harper, both of Aiken, SC; and four great grandchildren, Aidan Gunnells, Declan Gunnells, Rylan Gunnells, and Lily Baker. Nephew Danny Gillespie (Geri) of Olar, SC and Grandniece Carlee Creech of Aiken, SC. Her dear friend and fellow quilter Clarice Dyches. Ms. Baker was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Charles Daniel Gillespie and her Niece Cynthia Gillespie Creech.
Her hobbies included genealogy, reading, collecting recipes, cooking, baking, and various crafts including – designing and decorating cakes, making wedding mints, sewing Afghans, blankets, and quilts, and creating ornaments of felt and yarn.
The family thanks the nurses and staff of Advent Health Hospice, Palm Coast Florida for their loving and kind care.
The family has entrusted Dyches Funeral Home of Barnwell with the arrangements for the Celebration of Life Ceremony on March 7th, 2026, 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Barnwell — Virginia Lee Sharpe (Jenny) Walsh, daughter of the late Curtis and Nell Sharpe, passed away December 28, 2025, at the age of 90. Leaving behind a legacy of love, devotion, and quiet strength. Born in the Winnsboro, South Carolina Mill Village, she graduated from Mt. Zion Institute in 1953 and made Barnwell her home in 1954, becoming a cherished part of the community for more than seventy years.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, at Barnwell Memory Gardens, with Rev. Ken Catoe and Rev. Brandon Sadifer officiating.
A faithful member of Hagood Avenue Baptist Church since the mid‑1950s, Virginia’s gentle spirit and steadfast faith enriched the lives of those around her. She worked for State Farm for many years, earning the respect and admiration of colleagues and customers alike.
Virginia was a loving mother and grandmother who found her greatest joy in caring for her family and creating a warm, welcoming home. She cherished family gatherings, homemaking, and the companionship of her many beloved dogs and cats. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.
She is survived by her son, Lon Walsh of Barnwell; her grandson, Harrison Walsh of Barnwell and the University of South Carolina; her nephew, John Hudson Jr. (Lee) of Charleston; her niece, Kim Hudson Shuler of Charleston; and her longtime friends, Carolyn Beck & Bernice Hinson Lawrimore of Barnwell and Geraldine Stanley of Camden. She was predeceased by her husband, Jerry A. Walsh, her daughter, Karen Lisa Walsh and sister Dove Sharpe Hudson.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the fine staff at Pruitt Health in Barnwell, as well as the many friends and church members who faithfully checked on her during her stay. The family has entrusted Dyches Funeral Home and Crematory with the arrangements.
William Anthony Buckman obit 
Barnwell –William Anthony Buckmon 37, passed away on October 16, 2025. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 3:00 pm at Dyches Funeral Home Chapel, 11372 Ellenton Street, Barnwell, SC. Burial will follow at Barnwell County memorial cemetery, Barnwell, SC.
William was born in Aiken SC on February 10, 1988. He attended Barnwell High School. He loved sports, Writing and quality time with his friends and family. He will be missed by many.
He is survived by his Father Karl Leonard Howze of Blackville, SC, Mother Cassandra Garcia (SFC Leonard Garcia) of Columbia SC, Stepfather Johnnie Bokknight of Augusta GA, late Grandparents William Perry Buckmon Jr. and Martina Barnes, one sister Ashley Williams of Augusta GA, Four Brothers Nathan Felder of Springfield TN, Stanforin Felder of Athens GA, late Winston Thornton, and late Terrance Mayes, Aunts Tricia Buckmon of Augusta GA, and Nawana Barns of Bronx NY, Uncles William Buckmon lll of Barnwell, Sule Thompson of Bronx NY, and late Anthony (Turk) Buckmon, three nieces A’Niylah Felder, Ghaniyah Williams, and Averi Williams, three nephews Karmello Jamison, Makai Williams, and Raheem Bradley and a number of cousins.
Pall bearers are Nathan Felder, Stanforin Felder, Bryant Buckmon, Andre Buckmon, William Buckmon lll, and Atwan Jones.
The family has entrusted Dyches Funeral Home and Crematory with the arrangements.
Augusta, GA – Ralph Wesley Neitzke, 79, passed away on September 29, 2025. Funeral services will be announced at a later time.
Barnwell – Gerald Vincent (Vince) Padgett, 80 of Barnwell, SC passed away at home surrounded by family on Saturday, September 27, 2025.
Graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, October 2, 2025, at Barnwell County Memorial Cemetery, officiated by Kenneth Padgett.
Born November 14, 1944, in Hampton County, South Carolina, he was the son of the late Lewis and Thelma Padgett. He served his country in the South Carolina Highway Patrol and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division, retiring as area supervisor for the southern portion of South Carolina.
Survivors include one granddaughter, Kirsten Kight, daughter Brianna Phillips, son-in-law Kenneth Kight, ex-wife Bobbie Mole, one brother, Kenneth Padgett, numerous aunts, cousins, and six nieces/nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Susan Kight.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials be sent to THE HAVEN, PO Box 85522, Lexington, SC 29073. THE HAVEN exists to rescue law enforcement from the daily stresses of their profession, restore relationships with their loved ones, and rebuild trust between officers and the communities they serve.
The family has entrusted Dyches Funeral Home and Crematory with the arrangements.
Barnwell – Herman Lea Cook passed away on September 26, 2025.
Funeral services will be held Monday, September 29, 2025, at 3 pm. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to service Officiated with the Rev. Doug Carrol at Dyches funeral chapel. The burial will follow Tuesday September 30, 2025, at 10 am at Beaufort National Cemetery with full military honors.
Mr. Cook was the son of the late Hugh and Jennie Cook. He was a Lt. Col. In the US Army from 1954 to 1989. He loved carpentry, word puzzles, collected miniature car and was a Baptist.
Surviving is his widow Alice L. Cook, 2 surviving sons James Preston Cook (predeceased wife Bonnie ), Russell (Darlene) Cook, of Barnwell, 1 predeceased son Jeff Cook and 2 Stepsons Steven (Amber) All of Allendale and Micheal ( Rebecca) All of Kline, two daughters, Debra Anne (Robert) Grubbs of West Columbia, Janice (Kenneth) Utz of Denmark and one stepdaughter Wendy ( Larry) Birchmore of Lexington. 34 Grandchildren, 50 Great Grandchildren, 3 Great-Great Grandchildren.
Pallbearers are JP Cook, Russell Cook, Shannon Hutto, Robert Hutto, Steven All and Kenneth Utz.
In Lieu of flowers memorials to the Wounded Warrior Project.
The family has entrusted Dyches funeral home with the arrangements.
