Pike County Obituaries taken from Appalachian News-Express, Pikeville, Ky ********************************************************************** USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit or presentation by any other organization or persons. Persons or organizations desiring to use this material, must obtain the written consent of the contributor, or the legal representative of the submitter, and contact the listed USGenWeb archivist with proof of this consent. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net Transcribed by: Gloria R. gloriag@iwaynet.net Date: Aug 1999 *********************************************************************** August 19, 1998 Issue Pebble B. Thornbury, 78, of Benning, Calif., died Thursday, Aug 13 1998, at San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital, Benning. She was born at Belcher, Oct., 1 1919. She was an elementary school teacher for 41 years, a lifetime member of the teachers association and an active member of the Delta Kappa Gamma Society by Zeta Sigma, Chapter of delta Kappa Gamma Society. She was preceded in death by her husband, James F. Thornbury, who died Aug 13 1982. She is survived by two sons, Frederick M. Thornbury of Norco, Calif, and James F. Thornbury, Jr. of Glendora, Calif; one foster son, Richard Gallegher of Azusa, Calif; one foster daughter, Barbara James Rowe of Walnut, Calif; one brother, Ronkieth Belcher of Oildale, Calif; seven grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Graveside services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug. 18, at Mountian View Cemetery, Beaumont, Calif. Arrangements were under the direction of Weaver Mortuary of Beaumont. Memorials may be made to Mountian Mission School, 1 Hurricane, Grundy, Va. 24614-9400. Emma Lee (Coleman) Whitt, 49, Big Rock, Va., died Thursday, Aug 13 1998, at the Clinch Valley Medical Center in Richlands, Va. She was born in Buchanan County, Va, Nov 23 1948, a daughter of Isaac Coleman of Big Rock, Va, and the late Georgie (Stacy) Coleman. She was a home interior displayer and a member of the Jesus Outreach Church. Besides her father, she is survived by her stepmother, Vera Mae Coleman, her husband, Danny Ray Whitt of Big Rock; one stepson, Cecil Ryan Whitt of Mouthcard; one step-daughter, Sheila Ann Whitt of Richlands; two brothers, Roy Lee Coleman of Big Rock and James Ray Coleman of Hickory, NC; three sisters, Mrs. Woodrow (Janice) Lester and Mrs. Danny (Linda) Clevinger of Conaway, Va; and one grandchild. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug 18, in the Shortridge- Ramey Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Freddie Rife, Rev. James Smith, Evg. Bob Smith and Elder Harvey Ceery, Elder paul McClanahan officiating. Burial followed in the Mountain Valley Memorial Park at Big Rock. Arrangements were under the direction of Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home of Grundy, Va. Pallbears were Don Baldwin, Tim Clevinger, Arron Clevinger, Thurl Chafins, Kenney Coleman, and Lloyd Yates. Marcie Mae (Maynard) Frazier, 63, of River Street, Pikeville, died Saturday, Aug 15 1998, at Pikeville Methodist Hospital. She was born in Chattaroy, W.Va, March 11 1935, a daughter of the late Jerry and Dixie (Bowens) Maynard. She was a homemaker and a member of the Church of God. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jackson Frazier; and one daughter, Minday Nicole Frazier. She is survived by one son, Terry Frazier of Pikeville; one daughter, Sharon Hall of Pikeville; three brothers, Jeffrey and Eddie Maynard both of Chattaroy, Louis of Circleville, Ohio; three sisters, Della Helmick and Freda Workman, both of Columbus, OH; Carol Lowe of Mounds- ville, WVa; and one grandchild. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug 18, in the Lucas & Hall Funeral Home Chapel with Eles Case and others officiating. Burial followed in the Maynard Cemetery at Chattaroy. Arrangements under the direction of Lucas & Hall Funeral Home of Pikeville. James "Buzz" Epling, Jr., 75, of Pikeville, formerly of Marrowbone, died Sunday, Aug. 16 1998, at Pikeville Methodist Hospital. He was born at Venters, April 21 1923, a son of the late James Epling and Lea Coleman Compton. He was a retired coal miner and a member of the Penny Road Community Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Emily Geraldine Epling. He is survived by five sons, Gwen Edwin of Chicago, IL; James Clyde of Marrowbone, Richard of Pikeville, Terry G. of Lincoln Co., Otis of Marrowbone; three daughters, Emily Easterling of Lexington, Lana Murray of Speedwell, Tenn; Laurie Farmer of Pikeville; one brother, Earl Compton, Jr of Kimper; 57 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at noon, Wednesday, Aug 19, in the Morris Chapel with Donnie Hall and Richard Gibson officiating and burial following in the Laurel Branch Cemetery at Venters. Arrangements are under the direction of Justice Funeral Services-Morris Chapel of Justicesville. Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. August 26, 1998 issue Raymond "Dock" Hatfield, 83, of Pinsonfork Road, McAndrews, died Sunday, August 23 1998, at the Appalachian Regional Hospital in South Williamson. He was born at McAndrews, Aug 24 1914, a son of the late John and Annie (King) Hatfield. He was a retired coal miner formerly employed by Leckie-Freeburn Coal, and was a member of the Samaria Primitive Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by six brothers and one sister. He was survived by his wife, Mildred (Ball) Hatfield; two sons, Larry Bruce Hatrfield and Barry Lyn Hatfield, both of McAndrews; three daughters, Anna Mae Runyon of Chula Vista, Calif, Mary Lou Hatfield and Bobbie Sue Hatfield both of Bonita, California; six grandchildren and one great- grandchild. Funeral services will be hald at 11 a.m. Wednesday, August 26, in the Rogers Funeral Home Chapel with Elders Don Hatfield, Mike Smith and Jimmy Lee Smith officiating, and burial following in the May Cemetery at McAndrews. Arrangements are under the direction of Rogers Funeral Home of Belfry. Jettie P. Gates, 54, of Grovetown, Pa., formerly of Belcher, died Saturday, Aug. 22 1998, at her home. She was born in Pike County, the dauther of Bert and Ledna (Damron) Collins of Belcher. She was self-employed in the real estate business, a member of the Grovetown Lions Club and an associate member of the Paralyzed Veterans Association. Besides her parents, she is survived by her husband, Bernard M. Gates; one son, Bert C. Gates of Grovetown; one daughter, Renota Gates-Fry of Columbus, Ga; three brothers, Gobel Collins, Carroll Dean Collins and Robert H. Collins, all of Belcher; and seven grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, in the Platt's Belair Road Chapel with the Rev. Ira T. Ramey Sr., officiating. Burial followed in Bellvue Memorial Gardens of Grovetown. Arrangements were under the direction of Platt's Funeral Home of Evans, Ga. Obituary courtesy of J. W. Call & Son Funeral Home of Pikeville. Marilyn Marie (Sledgister) Funk, 51, of Ivel, died Saturday, Aug. 22, 1998, at Pikeville Methodist Hospital. She was born in Peru, ILL, April 4 1947, a daughter of Joyce Lynn Sledgister and the late Vincent Sledgister. She was a homemaker and a member of the Church of Christ. Besides her mother, she is survived by her husband, Paul Randall Funk; one son, Paul Vincent Funk of Pikeville; one daughter, Kristina Stratton of Ivel; one brother, Tim Sledgister of Springfield, ILL; one sister, Carol Sharman of Springfield; and three grandchildren. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 24, in the Lucas & Hall Funeral Home Chapel with Buddy Ford, chester Varney and Frank Crum officiating. Burial followed in the Annie E. Young Cemetery, East Shelbiana. Arrangements under the direction of Lucas & Hall Funeral Home of Pikeville. Ronnie Collins, 50, of Frozen Creek Road, Raccoon, died Sunday, Aug 23, 1998, at Pikeville Methodist Hospital. He was born in Pike County, Dec 23 1947, a son of the late Thomas and Hazel (Slone) Collins. He was a disabled U.S. Army veteran and a member of the Primitive Baptist Church. He is survived by one son, Ronald Collins of Raccoon; one daughter, Ronita Kendrick of Raccoon; six brothers, Bob Collins, and Dannie Collins, both of Zebulon, Charlie Collins and Steven Collins, both of Pikeville, Ruey Collins of Houston, Jeff Collins of Ohio; five sisters, Bernice Figol of Buffalo, NY, Dolly Parker of Lorain, Ohio, Barbara Thompson and Sharon Adkins, both of Raccoon, Jewell Allen of Prestonsburg, and two grand- children. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Aug 27, at the Raccoon Primitive Baptist Church with paul Dean Justice and others officiating and burial following in the Collins Cemetery, Frozen Creek. Arrangements are under the direction of the Lucas & Hall Funeral Home of Pikeville. Albert Marion Cantrell, 77, of Newcomerstown, Ohio, formerly of Ashcamp, died Monday, Aug 24 1998, at Southeastern Ohio Medical Center, Cambridge, Ohio. Funeral arrangements were incomplete at present time and will be announced by Bailey Funeral Home of Elkhorn City. Vida Nell (Runyon) Smith, 69, of Gresham, Oregon, formerly of Belfrey and Pikeville, died Wednesday, Aug 12 1998, at her home, the result of an apparent heart attack. She was the daughter of the late Orison P. and Mary (Thacker) Runyon. Following a long career with the AT & T Corporation, in Hollywood, Calf., she retired and moved to Oregon to be near her family. Survivors include her daughter, Myra House; one grandson, and one great- grandson, all of Bule Eagle, Oregon. Arrangements were under the direction of Bates & Carroll Funeral Home of Gresham. Carl Edmond Loggins, 67, of Norfold, Va, died Monday, Aug 24 1998, at his home. He was born in Pikeville. He was a retired U.S. Navy veteran and a member of the Fleet Reserve Association. He is survived by his wife, Phyllis Loggins; three daughters, Carla Kissan, of Chesapeake, Va, Connie Foss of Portsmouth, Va, and Gina Gravedoni of Norfolk; several brothers and sisters of Pikeville; six grandchildren, and one great greatchild. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Aug 27, in the Hollomon- Brown Funderal Home Great Bridge Chapel with James G. Smellie officiating. Burial will follow in Woodlawn Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are under the direction of Hollomon-Brown Funderal Home of Norfolk. Graveside military services will be conducted. Bessie Moore Salyers, 76, of Heysville, died Monday, Aug 24 1998, at her home. She was born at Softshell, Feb 28 1922, a daughter of the late James E. "Eky" Moore and Pearlie (Collins) Moore Patrick. She was a homemaker and retired restaurant operator, former owner of Garrett Restarurant, and a member of the Upper Quicksand Free Pentecostal Church, Hueysville. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Salyers. She is survived by one son, Jack L. Salyers of Hueysville; four brothers, Roe "Birchell" Moore of Staton, Clifford Moore of Michigan, Donald Moore, of Ohio, James Albert Patrick of Stroh, Ind; four sisters, Holly Ward of Nashville, Tenn, Clara Noga of Stanton, Versie Elliott of Printer, Beatrice Conley of Hudson, Ind; and two grandchildren, Amanda Brooke Salyers Lafferty of Hueysville and Joshua Morgan Salyers of Pikeville. Funeral services will be held at noon, Thursday, Aug 27, in the Hall Funeral Home Chapel with Roger Bolen, Ondie Wireman, and Ted Shannon officiating and burial following in the Davidson Memorial Gardens at Ivel. Arrangements under the direction of Hall Funeral Home of Martin. Ardelia (Stanley) Blackburn, 84, of Meathouse Road, Canada, died Saturday, Aug. 22 1998, at the Phelps Nursing Home. She was born in Pike County, April 5, 1914, a daughter of the late Leonard and Lydia (Blackburn) Stanley. She was a homemaker and a member of the Big Creek Primitive Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Mordeccai Blackburn; and one daughter, Golessa Chapman. She is survived by one brother, Bogar Stanley of Canada; one granddaughter, Sharlene Chapman of Middletown, Ohio; and two great-granddaughters. Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Aug 25, at the Big Creek Primitive Baptist Church with R. T. Thacker, Don Hatfield, Mike Smith and Opa Thacker officiating. Burial followed in the Blackburn Cemetery at Canada. Arrangements were under the direction of Rogers Funeral Home of Belfry. Dennis Sullivan, 38, of Freeburn, died Sunday, Aug 24 1998, at Hardy. He was born at Freeburn, Jan. 6, 1960, a son of the late Tom and Katie (Thomas) Sullivan. He is survived by his wife, Ruby (Hurley) Sullivan; three sons, Dennis Nathan Sullivan, Buddy Clinton Sullivan, and Kenis Hurley, all of the home; one sister, Helene Ferrell of Freeburn. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m., Thursday, Aug 27, at the Phelps Church of God in Jesus' Name with Muncy Lester, Richard McKinney and Pastor Opie Hrris officiating, and burial following in the Maynard Family Cemetery at North Matewan, WVa. Arrangements under the direction of Phelps Funeral Home of Phelps. August 28, 1998 issue Kirby Ray Vanover, 59, of Pikeville, died Wednesday, Aug. 26 1998, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center in Huntington, W.Va. He was born at Fleming, May 7 1939, a son of Martha Hughes of Pikeville, and the late Benjamin Vanover. He was retired, formerly employed as assistant manager of Jerry's Restaurant for 34 years, a member of the Owsley Freewill Baptist Church, and a U. S. Air Force veteran. Besides his mother, he is survived by his wife, Montana (Adkins) Vanover; two sons, Curry Kim Vanover of Zebulon, Ray Carlton Vanover of Pikeville; two brothers, Donald Hughes of Flint Michigan, Carlos Hixon of Lexington; four sisters, Glema Allmeyer of St. Louis, Norma Napier of Seco, America Vernell Moore of Columbus, Ohio, REbecca June Potter of Cincinnati; and Three grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, 1998, in the J. W. Call & Son Funeral Home Chapel, with Owsley Freewill Baptist ministers officiating. Burial will follow in the Annie E. Young Cemetery East Shelbiana. Arrangements under the direction of J. W. Call & Son Funeral Home of Pikeville. Military graveside rites will be conducted by DAV Chapter #134 and #166. Pallbears will be Kirby Ireland Vanover, Matt Vanover, Tommy Burgess, Buddy Dwayne Hall, Scotty Hall, Sonny Hall, and Jimmy Williamson, Jr. Honorary Pallbearers will be Tim Adkins, Glen Allmeyer, James Allmeyer, Doug Napier, Ernie Napier, Johnny Vanover, and Larry Vanover. Freelin J. Thacker, 72, of Hendersonville, NC, formerly of Pikeville, died Wednesday, Aug 26 1998, at Brian Center of Hendersonville. He was born in Pikeville, March 16 1926, a son of the late Freeman and Nona (Phillips) Thacker. He was a federal mine inspector, affiliated with the Church of Christ, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Disabled American Veterans, and was a U.S. Navy World War II veteran. He is survived by his wife, Edith B. Thacker; one daughter, Geri (Mrs. Richard) Nelson of Hendersonville; and five grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug, 29, in the Justice Chapel, with Jerry Bliffen officiating. Burial will be following in the Annie E. Young Cemetery, East Shelbiana. Arrangements under the direction of the Justice Funeral Services of Pikeville. August 30, 1998 issue Merica Ray, 85, of Caney Highway, died Friday, Aug 28, 1998, at her home. She was born Aug 24 1913, a daughter of the late Robert and Jennie (Robinson) Branham. She was preceded in death by her husband, Grant Ray, and one son, Ervin Ray. She is survived by on daughter, Catherine Branham of Caney Highway; one brother, Andrew Branham of Caney Highway; three sisters, Mary Kiser of Spring Valley, Ohio, Nellie Kiser of Lancaster, Ohio, Charlene Bryant of Caney Highway; five grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, in the R. S. Jones & Son Funeral Home Chapel with Old Regular Baptist ministers officiating and burial following in the Rissie Branham Cemetery, Caney Highway. Arrangements under the direction of R. S. Jones & Son Funeral Home of Virgie. Mable Edmonds, 58, of Pikeville, died Friday, Aug 28, 1998, at Pikeville Methodist Hospital. She was born in Pikeville, Dec 18 1939, a daughter of Bertha Hall Scott of Pikeville and the late Robert Scott. She was ahomemaker and a member of the Zebulon Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband, Claude Edmonds. Besides her mother, she is survived by one daughter, Elizabeth Spears of Ratliff Creek; and two grandsons, Joey Douglas Spears II and Howard Benjamin Spears, both of Pikeville. Funeral services will be hald at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug 30, at the Zebulon Church of Christ with Chester Ray Varney officiating and burial following in the Davidson Memorial Gardens at Ivel. Arrangements under the direction of the Justice Funeral Services of Pikeville. Paul Quention Pugh, 79, of Feds Creek, died Thursday, Aug 27 1998, at Pikeville Methodist Hospital. He was born in Pike County, Dec 2 1918, a son of the late Albert and Margaret (Miller) Pugh. He is survived by his wife, Lillie (Elkins) Pugh; one daughter, Betty Murphy of Dayton, Ohio; two brothers, Warren Pugh of Feds Creek and Turner Pugh of Morristown, Tenn; one sister, June Mutter of Merritt Island, Fla; three grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be hald at 1 p.m. Monday, Aug. 31, in the Bailey Funeral Home chapel with Dough Ramey officiating and burial following in the Annie E. Young Cemetery at East Shelbiana. Arrangements are under the direction of Bailey Funeral Home of Elkhorn City. John Mark Stephens, 79, of Pikeville, died at 9:50 p.m. Monday, Aug 24, 1998, at Salyersville Health Care Center. He was born in Waxahachie, Texas, July 20 1919, a son of the late Bunyon and Inez (Reppard) Stephens. He was retired, formerly and attorney with Stephens, Combs and Page Law Office, a member of the American Bar Association and the Kentucky Bar Association and a World War II Navy veteran combat carrier pilot. He is survived by his wife, Joyce (Parker) Stephens; one son, John Mark Stephens, Jr. of Prestonsburg; one daughter, Deborah Raftery of Lexington; one stepson, Robert Eugene Staggs of Pikeville, two stepdaughters, Melissa Staggs of Pikeville; Betsy Burchett of Prestonsburg; one brother, Robert Stephens of Sweden; and four grandchildren. Memorial services will be announced at a later date. Walter Thompson, 66, of Garden Village, Pikeville, died at 8:10 p.m. Thursday, Aug 27 1998, at Pikeville Methodist Hospital. He was born in Pike County, Sept. 24 1931, a son of the late Emmerson and Alice May Thompson. He was a mechanic and a member of the Main Street Church of Christ. He is survived by his wife, Francise Charbonneau Thompson; three sons, Roger Dean of Michigan, Gregory and Neil Brian both of Pikeville; two sisters, Vera Syck of Pikeville, Mary Audrey Ratliff of Ocala, Fla; and one grandchild. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug 31, in the J. W. Call & Son Funeral Home Chapel, with James Farley officiating. Burial will follow in the Allen Cemetery, Stone Coal Road, Pikeville. Arrangements under the direction of J. W. Call & Son Funeral Home of Pikeville.