Mildred Eargle Haile

Mildred Rose Eargle Haile, 87, of Newberry, widow of J.G. “Buck” Haile, died Sunday, August 25, 2024 at White Oak Manor. 

Born on March 30, 1937 in Leesville, she was a daughter of the late Odis Elmer and Annie Mae Derrick Eargle. Mrs. Haile worked for the Kendall Company for many years, first at the Mollohon plant then later at the Oakland plant where she retired. She was a member of Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church and enjoyed attending the Newberry County Council on Aging. She loved going fishing, especially for catfish, and picking up pecans so she could make her famous pecan pies, which were enjoyed by many. Mildred loved carrying her grandchildren to wherever they needed to go. The grandchildren enjoyed this as well, because they would almost always stop for ice cream afterwards. She loved supporting and cheering on her great-grands as well, and was always up for shopping or a lunch date! She was truly a light in the eyes of many, and the life of the party wherever she went. There was nothing she wouldn’t give of herself to help another soul.  

Later in life, while a resident at White Oak, she was known as the “Peppermint Lady” for sharing peppermint candy with all of the residents and staff. She wanted to make sure that no one was left out. 

She is survived by a son, Guy E. (Wanda) Coats of Newberry; a daughter, Lynn (Rick) Dowd of Newberry; a sister, Jean E. Ruff of Leesville; grandchildren, Brandi D. (Dan) Graham, Lauren D. (T.J.) Senn, Kayla Coats, Guy “Bud” (Melissa) Coats, Jr., and Elizabeth Coats; great-grandchildren, Cole Graham, Luke Graham, Ryan Graham, Shelby Senn, Presley Senn, Wanda Nicole Coats, Patrick Livingston, Madison Coats, Chloe Simon, Aliannah Taylor, Amber Coats, and Ezra Coats; one great-great-grandchild, Ke'Andre Higgins; and several nieces and nephews. 

She was predeceased by brothers, Guy Eargle and Jim Eargle; and sisters, Carolyn Bouknight, Lula Mae Wicker, and Betty Rodgers. 

Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 PM Thursday, August 29, 2024 at Lewis Memorial United Methodist Church by the Rev. Jimmy Counts. Burial will follow in Baxter Cemetery. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6:00 until 7:30 PM at the McSwain-Evans Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to Newberry County Animal Shelter, 240 Public Works Drive, Newberry, SC 29108 or to the Newberry County Council on Aging 1300 Hunt Street, Newberry, SC 29108. 

Active pall bearers will be Wayne Eargle, Charles Eargle, Joey Ruff, Travis Smith, Robert Rodgers, Dan Graham, and TJ Senn. 

Honorary pall bearers will be the Staff of White Oak Manor, Newberry County Council on Aging, and a special friend Tina Hair.

The family would like to thank Dr. Rodney Rhinehart, Dr. Michael Bernardo, Mrs. Laura Odom, Mrs. Kim Miller, CNA, Mrs. Makia Cole, CNA, and the rest of the staff at White Oak Manor for their love and care.