Willard Outz, Sr.

Willard Rhett Outz Sr., 90, of Roebuck, SC, died Thursday, February 7, 2013, at Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home. Born August 5, 1922, in Greenwood County, SC, he was the son of the late Elzie Victor and Allene Lowry Outz. Mr. Outz was the retired owner and operator of W. R. Outz Plumbing Company for 48 years. A U. S. Navy veteran of World War II, he was also retired as fire chief after 30 years of service with the Roebuck Fire Department and was past president of the Spartanburg County Fire Chief Association. He was inducted into the Spartanburg County Fire Chief Association Hall of Fame in 1991. A member and past Master of Roebuck Masonic Lodge #357, Mr. Outz also received the Citizen of the Year Award from Roebuck Improvement Association in 2000. He was a charter member of River Hills Baptist Church serving as deacon emeritus, and a member of the A. D. Moore Sunday School Class. Survivors include his daughter, Betty Jo Stokes and her husband Keith; son, Willard Rhett Outz Jr.; grandchildren, Kim Patty, Dwayne Brown, Steve Brown, Preston Bishop, Amber Outz, Jonathan Rhett Outz, and Makayla Outz; seven great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren; and brother, Elzie Lowry Outz. He was predeceased by his wife of 58 years, Grace Davis Outz; daughter, Saundra Elaine Outz; sister, Mattie Cudd; and brothers, Bruce A. Outz and James L. Outz. Visitation will be 6:00-8:00 PM Saturday, February 9, 2013, at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel. Funeral services will be conducted at 4:00 PM Sunday, February 10, 2013 at Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel by the Rev. Kent Smith, the Rev. Tim Williams, and the Rev. Ondra Black. Burial with military rites by American Legion Post #28 Honor Guard will be in Greenlawn Memorial Gardens. Honorary escort will be members of the Roebuck Fire Department. Memorials may be made to River Hills Baptist Church General Fund, 5762 Reidville Road, Moore, SC 29369; or Spartanburg Regional Hospice Home, 686 Jeff Davis Drive, Spartanburg, SC 29303. The family is at their respective homes. Floyd's Greenlawn Chapel To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Willard Rhett Outz, Sr. please visit our Sympathy Store.