North Myrtle Beach Times Serving our Community and the Grand Strand for over 50 years

Cornelia Ussery Blackwell, 96, of Albemarle, N.C., passed away on Monday, Jan. 28, 2019, in CHS-Stanly. Born on Aug. 25, 1922, in Richmond County, N.C., she was the daughter of the late William Thomas Ussery and Cornia Smith Ussery and was a retired employee of the American Efird Mill Company. She attended Immanuel Baptist Church. Mrs. Blackwell enjoyed her flower garden and enjoyed walking on the beach but her favorite thing to do was spend time with her family, especially her grandchildren. Mrs. Blackwell was preceded in death by her husband, J. D. Blackwell; son, John Daniel Blackwell; and grandson, …

Major John Robert Shea, USMC (Ret.) 99 and one-half years old, has gone to join his Lord and his wife, Lorena Smith Shea, of 54 years. “The Major,” as he was respectfully known by all who knew him, passed on Friday, Jan. 18, 2019. He spent his last days being comforted by a caring staff at Embrace Hospice House in Myrtle Beach. “The Major” was born in Pittsburgh, Pa., on June 16, 1919, to James A. Shea and Marie Agusta Masalsky. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers, William, USAF; James and Francis, Army; and Joseph, Navy; …

Michael Floyd Campbell, 66, of North Myrtle Beach passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2019. He was a lifelong resident of Horry County. He was born in Loris on Aug. 4, 1952, to the late Donald Ray Campbell and Pauline Floyd Campbell. He was a graduate of Loris High School. He worked in the food service industry all of his life, most recently as the assistant deli manager of Boulineau’s in Cherry Grove. He worked there for many years until his retirement a few years ago. He was lovingly referred to as the “king of all breakfast cooks” by his …

Grace Bowers Spainhour, 87, of North Myrtle Beach died on Friday, Jan. 25, 2019, at home with her daughter at her side. Born on July 29, 1931, in Thomasville, N.C., she was the daughter of the late George D. and Alice Bowers Miller. She was a charter member of King of Glory Lutheran Church, a member of the CSRA Board of Realtors and a charter member of the North Myrtle Beach Chamber of Commerce. Mrs. Spainhour is survived by her daughter, Donna Spainhour Shealy; grandchildren, Erin Shealy Coleman and grandson-in-law, Ryan Coleman; the Rev. Trey Shealy and granddaughter-in-law, Allie Shealy; …

It was a night of celebration and memories as nine members were added to the North Myrtle Beach High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame. The fourth Hall of Fame class since 2015 was introduced during the break between the North Myrtle Beach-Myrtle Beach basketball games on Friday night. Saturday evening at 6:30 they were brought to the stage, given their Hall of Fame plaques and listened while Milton Gore introduced each new member and read their list of accomplishments. Selection to the Hall was based on each person’s devotion to the school’s athletic teams or program over the years, and …

On Sunday, Jan. 27, the men and women of VFW Post 10804 and its Auxiliary honored “The Best of the Best” in Horry County for the 27th year in a row at a luncheon and awards ceremony held at Post 10804 in Little River. The event was attended by 110 people that included the award winners, family, guests and VFW and Auxiliary members. Everyone was treated to a free lunch provided by Post 10804. After a welcome by Post Commander Nick Camera, an invocation by Post Chaplain Bob Wasden and everyone repeating the Pledge of Allegiance, master of ceremonies Frank …

The Loris Chamber of Commerce held its annual awards banquet on Thursday, Jan. 24, honoring and acknowledging residents of Loris for their contributions to the community. The banquet began with a social hour and dinner from 6 to 7 p.m. with Banana Jack Murphy as emcee welcoming everyone to the banquet.  He introduced and welcomed the local politicians in attendance, Senator Greg Hembree, Loris City Councilmen Mike Suggs and Todd Harrelson and House of Representatives Kevin Hardee.  “Thank you for your service day in and day out,” said Murphy, “thanks for all you do to represent us at the various …

Members of the Loris Garden Club were warmly welcomed to the home of Laura Hardee, co-hostess with Gloria Kinney, for the January meeting. Laura’s home was lovely with Christmas decorations and vases of camellias throughout the meeting area. Delicious refreshments were served. Gardening gloves were given as favors. Laura’s beautiful arrangement, A Fresh Beginning, was in an elegant antique blue and white vase using Acuba, Yew, Spirea and Tea Olive with a variety of camellias. President David Stoudenmire welcomed members, thanked the hostesses and led the club collect. Roll call and minutes were presented by secretary Ruth Ann Jones, and …

Shirley Strickland Rhodes, 74, of Loris passed away on Tuesday, Jan. 15, 2019. Mrs. Rhodes was born in Horry County, a daughter of the late J. D. and Mertie H. Strickland. She was a loving and devoted mother and Nana. She was a member of Liberty Baptist Church and loved roses and enjoyed nature. Mrs. Rhodes was predeceased by her husband, George W. “Bill” Rhodes; one brother, John D. “Jay” Strickland; and one sister, Hazel Strickland Duncan. Survivors include two sons, Wendell Wayne Rhodes and John W. Rhodes (Gail), all of Loris; one daughter, Nicole Renee Rhodes of Loris; six …

Barbara Ann Godfrey Nixon, 74, of Loris passed away on Friday, Jan. 18, 2019, at McLeod Loris Hospital in Loris following an illness. Mrs. Nixon was born on July 30, 1944, in Maxton, N.C., to the late Allen Godfrey and the late Gailya Barton Godfrey. She was a homemaker and a longtime member of New Home Baptist Church. Survivors include her two sons, Michael Nixon and wife Tami of Loris and Mark Nixon of Charlotte, N.C.; three grandchildren, Joshua William Nixon, Matthew Nixon and Michael Altman; two granddaughters-in-law, Jenna Nixon and Patty Vannoy; three great-grandchildren, Noah Nixon, Mikala Altman and …