William Leaman

William Miller Leaman, 98, former resident of Main Street, died Monday, Jan. 2, 2006, at Self Regional Medical Center in Greenwood after a short illness.

Born in Cross Hill on Aug. 31, 1907, Mr. Leaman was a son of the late James Edwin and Aileene Miller Leaman. He was educated in the public schools in Cross Hill and was a lifelong member of Liberty Springs Presbyterian Church. He served as deacon and elder of the church, where members of the Leaman family have worshiped for more than 200 years.

Mr. Leaman was the proprietor of Leaman Brothers Dry Goods and Groceries, established in 1912 by his father. He left the family business to serve in World War II and was stationed in England and France. After the war, he returned to Cross Hill to resume the ownership and management of the store, which was known throughout the Southeast for its unique offerings.

In recent years, Mr. Leaman lived at Wesley Commons in Greenwood. A quiet philanthropist, he contributed to many causes related to his Presbyterian faith.

He was the last surviving member of his immediate family and, in addition to his parents, was predeceased by four brothers, James Edwin Leaman, Charles Henry Leaman, Samuel Madden Leaman and James Marshall Leaman.

Mr. Leaman is survived by nieces, Helen Leaman Petit and her husband, Dr. Edward L. Petit, of Greenwood and Josephine Leaman DeBruhl of Lexington; a nephew, Samuel M. Leaman, Jr. of Greenwood. A sister-in-law, Margie Young Leaman of Whitmire; and several great-nieces and nephews.

The body is at Blyth Funeral Home in Greenwood and will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. Thursday.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at Liberty Springs Presbyterian Church, with Rev. Robert L. Slimp officiating. Burial will be in the church cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Sam Leaman, III, Louis DeBruhl, Jack DeBruhl, Paul Koon, Michael Williams, Robert Hollingsworth and Robert Whiteford.

Honorary escort will be Deacons and Elders of Liberty Springs Presbyterian Church.

The family is at their respective homes and will receive friends in the Liberty Springs Presbyterian Church Family Life Center immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Liberty Springs Presbyterian Church, 200 West Liberty Springs Street, Cross Hill, SC 29332.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.blythfuneralhome.com.

Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Leaman family.