Around 7:30 a.m. Saturday the Whitmire, Consolidated and Carlise fire departments responded to 285 Hunter Road in the Whitmire section of Union County.
A neighbor and relative, on her way to work, saw smoke coming from the house's kitchen window. The neighbor tried to enter the house, could not get in and went to another neighbor's to call 911.
The body of George McClurkin, 56, was found by firefighters in a bedroom next to a window.
An autopsy conducted Saturday at Newberry County Memorial Hospital determined the victim died of smoke inhalation and thermal burns.
McClurkin, a Delta Woodyard employee, lived alone and was the only one at the brick house when the fire occurred.
“The whole family is shocked. He was such a fine fellow,” said first cousin Roy McClurkin.
Services for McClurkin are being held this afternoon.
On Sunday the departments responded to a fire at 22232 S.C. Highway 121 in Whitmire.
Firefighter Michael Thomas said the house was built in 1883 and was a large frame house.
The old home was destroyed by the fire, which is believed to have been caused by an electrical problem. The house was owned by Patricia Fulmer.
On Monday the Whitmire Fire Department was called to a woods fire off of Colonial Drive.
The fire burned 10 to 15 acres and was started by someone burning brush.
Anna Brown with The Union Daily Times contributed to this story.
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