The best part about any city is the people. All of those people have stories, but most of those stories don’t get told. The Greenville Journal recently did a series called “The Lives They Led,” which highlights ten different important Greenville community members who all passed away in 2019.

From the first lady of Bob Jones to a Greenville city councilman + state senator, here are some of their stories. 👇

Ralph Anderson | Image from Greenville Journal

Ralph Anderson, born in 1927, grew up during the Great Depression + was described “as a man who fought to keep hope alive for the disenfranchised.” Anderson saw the poorer quality of life of certain Greenville neighborhoods while working for the postal service, and it was this observation that led him to run for Greenville City Council. Read more of his story here.

Richard “Rick” Haskell Sumerel | Image from Greenville Journal

Richard “Rick” Haskell Sumerel, sometimes called “Ready Rick” – as his nickname suggests – was often ready for anything. He became the president + COO of Verdae Development Inc. + was regularly involved with the Boy Scouts of America. Sumerel’s brother describes him as “a person who was quick to volunteer when the community needed something, but never sought credit.” You can read more of his story here.

Neb Cline | Image from Greenville Journal

Born + bred Greenvillian, Neb Cline, was a local businessman who always had a desire to serve his community. Not only that, he also served in the U.S. Army Reserve, was a Mason, Shriner, Clemson IPTAY life donor, and he + his wife, through the Clemson University Foundation, created the Neb Q. Cline, Jr and Joyce White Cline Family Endowed Scholarship. Read more of his story here.

Click here to read on about seven more local legends.