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

Jo Ann Stone, 78, of Little River died on Saturday, June 27, 2020, at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center in Myrtle Beach.Born on June 11, 1942, in Washington, D.C., she was the daughter of the late William T. and Mabel Lou Barbee Beavers.Mrs. Stone is survived by her children, John F. Stone Jr. (Sandy Davis Stone) and Julie Ann Stone Page (Richard Page); sisters-in-law, Lottie Beavers and Joyce Cross; five grandchildren, Jeffrey Page, Ashley Page, John Stone Jr., Matthew Stone (Jessie Belch Stone) and Amanda Stone; one great-granddaughter “on the way”, Olivia Regan Stone; her partner, James Parks; and her …

Carmen J. DiLabio, 89, of Little River died on Sunday, June 21, 2020, at Embrace Hospice House in Myrtle Beach.Born on July 16, 1930, in Bridgeton, N.J., he was the son of the late Camillo and Concetta Rodi DiLabio.Mr. DiLabio served his country proudly in the United States Army. He was a member of Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church in North Myrtle Beach.Survivors include two daughters, Lisa Hale (Kelly) of Loris and Lori Dame (Wayne Adams) of Little River; and two grandchildren, Nicholas Dame and Covington Carmen DiLabio. He is also survived by his sister, Jackie DiLabio …

Billy L. Jones, 89, of North Myrtle Beach passed away on Saturday, June 20, 2020. He was born on Dec. 21, 1930, in Stedman, N.C., to Stacey and Ora Mae Jones. Billy attended Stedman High School. In 1953 he married Barbara Jean Whitaker. Together they raised two sons and a daughter. Billy proudly served in the U.S. Army for 30 years as a Green Beret. After three tours in Vietnam, he retired in 1979 as a Command Sergeant Major. Billy was a decorated veteran including a Purple Heart, Bronze Star with Valor and the Army Commendation Medal with Valor. After …

Billie Livingston Todd, a mother, sister, grandmother and friend took her final breath surrounded by loved ones at her home in Little River singing one of her favorite hymns, “Amazing Grace,” on Wednesday, June 24, 2020.Her weak body immediately became strong as she saw her Lord and Savior and surely she is dancing on those streets of gold. We believe she was greeted by her husband, the love of her life, and her daughter, Tammy Drew Todd, who died at the age of seven in 1965 in Little River. That day by far was the saddest day of her life …

Barrie Lee Harrelson, 79, of Loris passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2020, at McLeod Hospice House in Florence. Born on June 21, 1941, in Mullins, he was the son of the late David Henry Harrelson and the late Elizabeth Drew Harrelson. Mr. Harrelson served his country with courage, honor and distinction in the United States Marine Corps for eight years. After his service he was the owner and operator of Harrelson’s Seafood in Murrells Inlet until his retirement. Mr. Harrelson was a loving husband and father with many interests outside of his work. He and his wife raised Appaloosa …

By Annie Rigby Kenya Wright, owner of Cotton Pickin’ Cute Boutique, has moved two doors down to 4160 Main Street She opened on Wednesday, July 1, at 10 a.m. Wright said, “The move is mainly due to issues with the air conditioning unit in the original store at the corner of Main and Broad Street.” She said her landlord was accommodating to her making the move into the new shop and understanding the issues they experienced with the air not working properly; she stated he was more than happy to work with her. The new store’s amazing plus is the …

By Annie Rigby The Loris City Council met on Monday, June 29, at 5:30 p.m. in the council chambers at city hall. Due to COVID-19 pandemic the Special Council Meeting is open to the public and press via Zoom, the social media outlet through the App or dial in to attend the meeting. Mayor Todd Harrelson stated in last week’s meeting that social distancing was a priority, only council members and city staff are able to meet in person. Present at the meeting were council members Joan Gause, Lewis Hardee, Terrence Hardee, Carroll D. Padgett, Jr., Mike Suggs, Jan Vescovi …

By Annie Rigby Many activities were planned for high school graduates for the class of 2020, the biggest first milestone marked in many diaries, yearbooks and memories. However, there are two other milestones in the Loris community that were almost overlooked; the 5th grade graduation at Loris Elementary School (LES) and Daisy Elementary School (DES), and the 8th grade graduation at Loris Middle School (LMS). Loris Elementary and Daisy Elementary fifth graders were affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, they missed the end of the year activities, the Field Day was cancelled, PTO activities and their recognition with their peers to …

By RUBEN LOWMAN North Myrtle Beach City Council unanimously approved the first reading of a $89 million amended budget on Tuesday that raises property taxes within city limits. The proposed budget would cut a little over $30 million in major projects and carry a tax increase of 7.9 mils, bringing the city’s rate to 45 mils. At a workshop last week Councilman-at-large Hank Thomas was the only member to voice opposition to the proposed increase, saying he was concerned about the impact it would have on businesses and second homeowners. After deliberating with the rest of the council this week, …

By Ruben Lowman The primary elections for Horry County Council District 9 and Horry County Auditor were close enough last week to necessitate a runoff between the top two candidates in each race. Mark Causey and Terry Fowler will compete for the District 9 council seat, while R.A. Johnson and Beth Calhoun will vie to be the next county auditor. Both individuals who currently hold these seats are retiring after long and illustrious careers serving the public from these positions. Paul Prince is retiring after nearly two decades as the district’s councilman and hoped to pass the baton to his …