Local businessman loses battle with cancer

TRAVELERS REST, S.C. -- On Monday, June 25, Alvin Posey, a well-known, local business owner, passed away at the age of 81.

"Alvin fought the great fight due to cancer," family members said. "He lost his battle, but never gave up."

In 2011, Travelers Rest Mayor Wayne McCall proclaimed August 19 to be "Alvin Posey Day", heralding Posey for being instrumental in the revitalization of Main Street and for his help in the creation of the Greenville Hospital System Swamp Rabbit Trail.

Born in Pickens County, Posey was the son of the late Ben and Mae Lockaby Posey. He was retired from Duke Energy, and he owned his own painting business painting water tanks and houses before starting Posey’s Small Engine Repair Service.

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Joyce Maxine Dale Posey; his children, Jo Ellen Posey (Paul) Turner, Tommy (Beth) McCreary and Joyce Ann (Edward) Hardin; daughter-in-law, GiGi (Pete) Davis; 12 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild.

Funeral services will be Friday at 10:30 a.m. at The Howze Mortuary Chapel, with burial to follow at Coleman Memorial Cemetery.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.thehowzemortuary.com.

Read Alvin Posey's complete obituary here.

(Pictured: Alvin Posey giving one of many free buggy rides on the Swamp Rabbit Trail, Tribune staff photo.)