News Summary
The Gaffney community is in mourning following the passing of three esteemed individuals, Timothy ‘Tim’ Mark Martin, Joe T. Moore Jr., and Evelyn Waters Owens. Tributes are pouring in, highlighting their significant contributions to the community and the lasting memories they created with their families and friends. Each of them is remembered for their dedication to family, work, and local engagement, showcasing the impact they had on those who knew them. Memorial services for these beloved figures are being organized to celebrate their lives.
Gaffney, SC – The community is mourning the loss of three prominent figures, Timothy “Tim” Mark Martin, Joe T. Moore Jr., and Evelyn Waters Owens, who passed away recently, with tributes reflecting their contributions and the cherished memories they created with their families and friends.
Timothy “Tim” Mark Martin, 62
Timothy “Tim” Mark Martin, age 62, died peacefully at his home on August 20, 2025. Born in Gaffney, SC, Tim was the son of Martin T. Martin and Sarah Kathleen Walker Greene. He was well-known for his entrepreneurial spirit as the owner/operator of Riveraholic Hand Paddles, retiring after successfully running the business. Before venturing into the paddle manufacturing industry, he dedicated over 20 years of his life as a phlebotomist at Martin Insurance Exams.
Tim was a graduate of Spartanburg High School and furthered his education at Spartanburg Technical College. He was a devoted member of Love Springs Baptist Church, where he actively participated in community activities. His outdoor passions included activities such as kayaking, camping, woodworking, and carpentry. A proud father, Tim is survived by his two sons, Mark Anthony Martin and Mitchell Timothy Martin, both residents of Cowpens. He also left behind two brothers, Jerry Martin and Craig Martin, along with two sisters, Cynthia Frady and Patty Sill. Tim’s beloved parrot, Lola, often accompanied him on outdoor adventures.
Tim’s legacy extends to his grandchildren, Jessika Bowers, Harley McDaniel, and Austin McDaniel. He was preceded in death by his stepmother, Delores Robbins Martin, and his stepfather, O’dell Brown. Friends and family will gather to honor Tim’s life on August 25, 2025, from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Love Springs Baptist Church, followed by memorial services. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions be made to Shriner Children’s Hospital or St. Jude Children’s Hospital.
Joe T. Moore Jr., 95
Joe T. Moore Jr., 95, passed away on August 23, 2025, at the Palmetto Patriots Home. A native of Charlotte, NC, he was well-respected within his community and was the widower of Jean Johnson Moore. Joe’s remarkable life included distinguished service in the United States Army and a successful career as a Project Manager at Duke Energy. He also owned and operated Cherokee Contracting, making significant contributions to construction projects in the area.
A longstanding member of First Baptist Church, Joe cherished his relationships with family. He is survived by his two sons, Joe T. Moore III and George W. Moore, and his daughter, Margaret Moore Hester. Additionally, Joe was a proud grandfather of six and enjoyed the company of five great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his sister, Dora Ellen McGinnis. Friends are invited to pay their respects on August 27, 2025, at Blakely Funeral Home, with a service to follow later in the day.
Evelyn Waters Owens, 75
Evelyn Waters Owens passed away at her home on August 22, 2025, at the age of 75. Evelyn was born in Gaffney, SC, and was the cherished wife of Wallace Lamar “Dickie” Owens. She graduated from Gaffney High School and had a fulfilling career as a beautician before retiring to focus on her family as a homemaker.
A dedicated member of The Salvation Army Church, Evelyn was known for her warmth and spirit. She leaves behind two sons, Kevin Owens and Wallace Owens Jr., and two daughters, Jacqueline Senter and Teresa McAbee. Her family also includes four brothers and four sisters, alongside five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her brother Mike Waters and sister Kay Waters. Services for Evelyn will remain private for family, with entombment occurring at Frederick Memorial Gardens Mausoleum.
The collective loss of Timothy “Tim” Mark Martin, Joe T. Moore Jr., and Evelyn Waters Owens highlights the deep connections within the Gaffney community, as family and friends remember their contributions and the impact each had on those around them.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
David Keith Mixon Sentenced for Sexual Offenses Against Minor
Bob Prevatte’s Statue to Be Relocated to Gaffney High School
Free Back-to-School Haircuts for Local Children
Tragic Incident Claims Life on Interstate 85
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Issued for Western Carolinas
Pacolet, South Carolina Welcomes The Local Eatery
Gaffney’s Drug Scene Shaken By Major Guilty Plea
Cowpens, SC Bids Farewell to Myrtle ‘Mert’ Ruppe McGinnis
Protests Erupt at Cowpens National Battlefield Over Layoffs
Yokohama TWS North America Closes Spartanburg Tire Plant
Additional Resources
- Legacy: Timothy Martin Obituary
- Gaffney Ledger: Joe Moore Jr. Obituary
- Gaffney Ledger: Evelyn Owens Obituary
- Legacy: Christina Martin Obituary
- Gaffney Ledger: Timothy Ruppe Obituary
- Wikipedia: Gaffney, South Carolina
- Google Search: Timothy Martin
- Google Scholar: Timothy Martin
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Gaffney
- Google News: Joe Moore Jr.
Author: STAFF HERE SPARTANBURG
The SPARTANBURG STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESpartanburg.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Spartanburg, Spartanburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Spartanburg International Festival, Spartanburg ArtWalk, and motorsport events at Spartanburg Speedway. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Spartanburg Area Chamber of Commerce and the Spartanburg Regional Healthcare System Foundation, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and textiles that power the local economy such as BMW Manufacturing and Milliken & Company. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
