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

By John Smithson North Myrtle Beach’s Jacob Koontz was the top finisher in the boys varsity race in the Horry County Cross Country Championships held last Wednesday at the North Myrtle Beach Sports Complex. Koontz’s time of 16:01.56 beat second place finisher Kaden Buchler(16:13.69), whose team finished in five of the top seven positions to win the boys varsity event. Carolina Forest was first with an average time of 17:13.52, followed by St James (17:32.52), Myrtle Beach (18:32.88), Socastee, Aynor and Green Sea Floyds. Besides Koontz, three other Chiefs boys ran in the race. David Webber was 35th in (21:15.41), …

By Annie Rigby The Loris Chamber of Commerce yearly festival celebrated its 41st year on Saturday, Oct. 17, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This year’s festival was smaller in vendors with a limitation of 7,000 attendees to visit; tickets were sold this year to be able to keep a count of visitors and to follow the South Carolina Department of Commerce, CDC and DHEC guidelines. A total count of 4,000 visited the festival; gate-keepers kept a count of visitors paying cash or showing their ticket providing a pink wristband to wear as they walk around the festival. Yellow face …

By Annie Rigby Loris Police Department Chief Gary Buley accepted the award from the South Carolina of Public Safety for excelling in Driving Under the Influence (DUI), DUI victim services and anti-underage drinking programs in South Carolina. Buley said, “This is an honor to receive the award for an agency our size.” He stated the LPD will continue to make the department better each day. He said, “This hard work could not have been done without the officer’s giving it their all every day that they come in.” Buley stated he appreciates the support from all of the citizens of …

Darin A. Uptagrafft, 58, of Little River passed away on Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2020. Born in Sumter to Doyle C. and Thelma Clayton Uptagrafft, Darin enjoyed spending his time fishing and watching NASCAR.  He worked as the assistant produce manager at Kroger Grocery for 25 years. Darin is survived by his life partner of 18 years, Theresa Elliott; wife, Annette Coker Uptagrafft; son, Eric M. Uptagrafft; daughters, Ashley M. Uptagrafft, Katie Elliott and Julie Wyatt; his brothers, Greg Uptagrafft, Keven Uptagrafft and John Marcotte; sisters Dena Marcotte and Donna Uptagrafft; and his four grandchildren, Gracie M. Uptagrafft, Darin E. Rutter, …

Brenda “Sissie” Butner Clark, 79, of North Myrtle Beach passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, Oct. 8, 2020, surrounded by her loving family. Born on Dec. 12, 1940, in Rowan County, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Ernest and Louise Bowling Butner. She was awarded the Wall Street Journal Business Student of the Year at Cal State in Fullerton, where she graduated. Mrs. Clark is survived by her husband of 57 years, James E. “Ed” Clark; nephews, Dennis C. Lloyd and H. Wayne Lloyd; nieces, Beverly Lloyd, Katie Kaiser and Sarah K. Brogden; great-nephews, Jacob Lloyd and …

Richard Lee Howell, 84, of Longs passed away quietly at home on Wednesday, Oct. 14, 2020, with his wife Jill, at his side. Born in Meridian, Miss., he led a wonderful, full life and was a true Southern gentleman, the second son of L.M. and Minnie Brooks Howell. He was predeceased by his brother Lew. Dick lived a full life, tried everything he wanted to and never found any sport he didn’t excel in while playing.  He loved tennis (famous for his “bullet” serve), water skiing, downhill and cross-country skiing, scuba diving, and of course, golf.  He loved golfing and …

Jeptha Joseph “Jeppy” McDowell of North Myrtle Beach died on Saturday, Oct. 17, 2020, at Seacoast Medical Center in Little River COVID-19 coronavirus.  He was 76 years old. A native of Burlington, N.C., he was the son of the late Charles Lamar and Golda Perry McDowell.  He is survived by his brothers, Perry McDowell of Germany and Tim McDowell of Burlington, N.C. and several nieces and nephews. Jeppy graduated from Walter Williams High School and soon moved to his beloved North Myrtle Beach, where he was an active member of the shag dance community.  He taught shagging for 40 years …

Marcus Young of Longs was born on Nov. 2, 1940, in Warren County, Kentucky.  He went to be with the Lord on Monday, Oct. 19, 2020, while resting at home.  He was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer in August.  He was an amazing, kind, thankful, loving and spiritual man and continued to be until his last breath.  He graduated from Valley High School in 1958 and served in the United States Air Force from 1958-1962.  He graduated from Draughon’s Business College, where he met Judy, in 1963.  He worked for C. Lee Cook from 1963-2005, where he retired as …

Monique Hensley, 82, of North Myrtle Beach died on Oct. 15, 2020 at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center in Myrtle Beach. Born on May 31, 1938, in France, she was the daughter of the late Marcel and Simone Galopin Mollier. Mrs. Hensley is survived by her daughter, Catherine A. Hensley, and grandson, Derek Hensley. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Our Lady Star of the Sea Catholic Church, 1100 8th Ave. N., North Myrtle Beach, S.C. 29582. A guest book is available at www.leefhandcrematory.com. Lee Funeral Home & Crematory of Little River/North Myrtle Beach is serving the …

By Annie Rigby The Loris High School Lions hosted the Georgetown Bulldogs on Friday, Oct. 9, at Heniford Field. Prior to kick-off the LHS seniors who are football players, cheerleaders or band members were recognized on the field accompanied by their parents or family members. This is a priviledge for the seniors to shine for their accomplishments from kindergarten to 12th grade. Senior Nigh also recognizes the parents of the seniors who have pushed their students to pursue their dreams. The Lions won the coin toss and deferred it to the second half of the game. The Bulldogs received the ball …