Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries:  Bristol Herald Courier, May 7, 2003

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Bristol Herald Courier
Wednesday, May 7, 2003

Bonnie R. Ballou
GLADE SPRING, Va. -- Mrs. Bonnie Rhudy Ballou, 83, died Monday, May 5, 2003, at
the Bristol Regional Medical Center.
Born on June 7, 1919, in Chilhowie, she was a daughter of the late Samuel Joel
Rhudy and Melissa Landreth Rhudy. She was the widow of Walter Jackson Ballou and
was also preceded in death by a son, Floyd Jackson Ballou.
Mrs. Ballou had lived in Glade Spring since 1936 and was a longtime member of
the Landmark Baptist Church where she was affectionately known by the many young
people as the "Candy Lady."
She is survived by her son, Sam Ballou of Abingdon; three daughters: Phyllis
James and Bonnie Sue Burnett, both of Bristol; and Flora Looney of Glade Spring;
a brother, Samuel Rhudy of Gatesville, Texas; a sister, Grace Brewster of
Chilhowie, 13 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; several nieces and
nephews and other relatives and friends, including Stella Booth, Ben and
Virginia Moore, David White and Nuke and Joe Ratcliff.
The funeral service will be conducted at 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2003, at the
Farris Funeral Chapel with Rev. Benny Bowman officiating. Graveside committal
and interment services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday in the Baptist Cemetery
in Glade Spring. Those attending the graveside service are asked to meet at the
cemetery by 10:50 a.m. Thursday. Casketbearers will be the following men of
Landmark Baptist Church: Eddie Counts, Leon Stacy, Ronald Thomas, Kenny Gentry,
Todd Gentry and Carter Yarber.
The family will receive friends from 6-7:45 p.m. Wednesday before the funeral
service. Those wishing to send memories or messages of sympathy online may do so
by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com.
Farris Funeral Service is serving the family of Mrs. Bonnie Rhudy Ballou.

Ben F. Barrett
ABINGDON -- Mr. Ben F. (Junior) Barrett, 76, died Tuesday, May 6, 2003, at his
home.
A native of Plasterco, Va., he was the son of the late Benjamin Franklin Barrett
Sr. and Pearl Sauls Barrett. He had lived in Abingdon since 1962 coming here
from Russell County. He was a veteran and of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include his wife, Janice R. Barrett of Abingdon; three sons: Gary and
wife Nancy Barrett of Bristol Virginia; Eddie and wife Darlene Barrett of
Abingdon; and Stephen and wife Angela Barrett of Bristol Virginia; one daughter,
Sandra and husband T. Michael Taylor of Abingdon; brothers, Raymond Barrett,
Kenneth Barrett, Don Barrett, Baker Barrett and Bobby Barrett; sister, Frances
Justice; and six grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 8, 2003, at 11 a.m. at Farris
Funeral Chapel. Dr. Austin Cook and Rev. Tom Williams will officiate. Interment
will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens.
The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral
home.
Those wishing to express their condolences online may do so by visiting
www.farrisfuneralservice.com.
Farris Funeral Service of Abingdon is serving the Barrett family.

Ida Bess Barrett
TAZEWELL, Va. -- Ida Bess Barrett, 82, died Friday, May 2, 2003, at Our Lady of
the Valley Nursing Home in Roanoke after a courageous battle against several
debilitating illnesses. She is now in the presence of the Lord and her loving
husband, Hubert Ray Barrett to whom she was married for over 60 years prior to
his death in 2002.
She was born in Scott County, Va., in 1921, to the late Ray and Clara Sloan.
Ida will long be remembered as someone who loved and shared about the Lord Jesus
and who liked to provide copies of God's Word to those she encountered,
especially in her nursing home stays. Ida was noted as an excellent cook, where
no one came to her home, regardless of the hour, without the offer of an
abundant and delicious meal. Her love for quilting has provided many family and
friends with beautiful keepsakes from the more than 100 quilts she made.
In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by her
brother, Thomas Sloan.
Survivors include sons: Dallas Ray Barrett and wife Margaret of Keezletown, Va.;
and John David Barrett and wife Mary Lynn of Elliston, Va.; brothers, Charles
Sloan, Hubert Sloan and O.H. Sloan of Scott County, Va.,; sisters: Gladys Head
of Bellevue, Idaho; Nadine Wilson of Twin Falls, Idaho; and Lucy Johnson of
Edgewood, Md.; six grandchildren, Tammy Barrett, Campbell Barrett, Scott
Barrett, Amy Thomas, Kimberly Bright and Amanda Stevens; and three great-
grandchildren, William Anthony Barrett, Dallas Jordan Barrett and Christian Ray
Thomas.
Funeral services will be conducted Sunday, May 11, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Hurst-
Scott Funeral Chapel, Tazewell, with Mary Lynn Barrett leading the service.
Interment will follow at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, Va. Pallbearers
will be Campbell Barrett, Scott Barrett, William Stevens, Kerry Thomas, William
A. Barrett and Don Bright.
The family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. on Sunday at the funeral home
prior to the service.
Flowers are welcomed as are contributions to The Gideons International that will
be used to buy Bibles for worldwide distribution. Contributions may be sent to
the Gideons International, P.O. Box 1291, Salem, VA 24153.
Hurst-Scott Funeral Home of Tazewell is in charge of arrangements.
Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at
www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com.

Myrtle F. Burnette
ABINGDON -- Mrs. Myrtle "Marie" Fleenor Burnette, 72, died Sunday, May 4, 2003,
at the Grace Healthcare Center in Abingdon.
A native of Washington County, Mrs. Burnette was the daughter of the late Arthur
William Fleenor and Lucy B. Whitt Fleenor. She spent 25 years of her life in
Fairborn, Ohio, before returning to Abingdon seven years ago. She was a member
of Wyndale United Methodist Church. Mrs. Burnette was a retired mortgage loan
underwriter.
Survivors include her son, Gary Burnette and wife Judy of Cincinnati; brothers:
William Douglass (Bud) Fleenor and wife Joann of Abingdon; Donald Wayne Fleenor
of Abingdon; Johnny and wife Terasa Fleenor of Meadowview; and Michael E.
Fleenor of Abingdon; sisters: Sue A. Logan and husband Ed of Shelbyville, Ky.;
Joyce Bryant and husband Millard of Piedmont, S.C.; Brenda Vance and husband
Ronny of Gulf Breeze, Fla.; and Linda Slone and husband Jim of Abingdon; two
grandchildren, Amy and Brian Burnette; 16 nieces and nephews; and 18 great-
nieces and great-nephews.
Funeral services will be held Wednesday, May 7, 2003, at 12:30 p.m. at Wyndale
United Methodist Church. Rev. John Sarver will officiate. Interment will follow
in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Michael Ross Fleenor, Bradley
Fleenor, John Bryant, Mark Fleenor, Robin Logan, Kevin Fleenor, Stephen Slone
and Ricky Larimer.
The family received friends Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Farris Funeral
Service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Wyndale United Methodist Church,
16545 Wyndale Road, Abingdon, VA 24210, or Hospice of Southwest Virginia, 325
Cummings St., Abingdon, VA 24210.
Those wishing to express their condolences online may do so by visiting
www.farrisfuneralservice.com.
Farris Funeral Service of Abingdon is serving the Burnette family.

John I. Cox
BLUFF CITY -- John Isaac Cox, 87, of 549 Weaver Creek Road, died Tuesday, May 6,
2003, at his residence.
Funeral arrangements will be announced by Weaver Funeral Home.

John O. Dykes
BRISTOL, Tenn. -- John O. Dykes passed from this life to God's perpetual care on
May 6, 2003, at Wellmont Systems-Bristol Regional Medical Center.
Arrangements are incomplete.
Robinson Mortuary is serving the family of Mr. Joh
n O. Dykes.

Carol Fischer
PINEY FLATS -- Carol Fischer, 66, slipped the surly bonds of earth in the loving
embrace of her family and friends at her home on Sunday, May 4, 2003.
Born in Havana, Ill., in 1936, Carol grew up in nearby Pekin, Ill., and
graduated from Pekin High School where she was a member of the marching band and
a drum majorette. She married Gene Fischer, also of Pekin, on Easter Sunday
1956, after he earned his commission as a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air
Force and completed training as a jet fighter pilot. Together they raised four
loving children and enjoyed a marvelous journey through life that encompassed
nearly 40 years of service in the Air Force before they settled in Piney Flats.
Carol and Gene were an extraordinary team and their life in the Air Force took
them on adventures around the world. Through over a dozen military assignments,
Carol was the bedrock of the family who provided support to Gene in his ever-
increasing responsibilities and who always created a beautiful and loving home
for her children. Throughout, Carol generously donated her time and talent to
the Officer's Wives Club and the local Red Cross. While still on active duty,
Carol and Gene came to visit friends here in the Tri-Cities and fell in love
with the area. When Gene retired in 1993, he and Carol moved from Washington,
D.C. and built their final home on Boone Lake.
Though her family and friends were always her primary interest, Carol was an
avid reader who belonged to the Sullivan County Library Book Club. She loved
animals, especially the family "grand dogs" and she supported the Elizabethton
Carter County animal rescue shelter. Carol and Gene were also active in the
Jericho Shrine Center where they made many wonderful friends.
Carol was preceded in death by Gene.
She is survived by her daughter, Mindy Wade and her husband Carl of Johnson
City; her three sons: Lt. Col. (Retired) Mike Fischer and his wife Joanne of
Indialantic, Fla.; Lt. Col. Mark Fischer and his wife Debbie of Mountain Home,
Idaho; and Eric Fischer and his fiancee Stacy Murphy of Tucson, Ariz; her
cousin, Evelyn De Long and her husband Howard; and her five grandchildren, Mark,
Mike, Zachary, Emeilia and Johnathon.
There will be a friends and family gathering at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 8, at
Tetrick Funeral Services in Johnson City followed by a memorial service. Carol
will be buried in Arlington National Cemetery with Gene. In lieu of flowers,
please make donations to Elizabethton Carter County Animal Rescue, P.O. Box 765,
Hampton, TN 37658 or the National Cancer Institute, 8901 Wisconsin Ave.,
Building 8, Room 5101, Bethesda, MD 20889, Attn: Sandy Montgomery-Aker.
Online condolences may be sent to the family through our Web site at
www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Services, 3001 Peoples St., Johnson City, TN 37604 (423) 610-
7171, is in charge of arrangements for the Fischer Family.

James D. Gardner
BRISTOL, Tenn. -- The funeral service for James D. "J.D." Gardner will be
conducted at 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Akard Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev.
John C. Anderson officiating. The committal service will be conducted at 11 a.m.
Thursday at the graveside in Tri-Cities Memory Gardens with military graveside
rites conducted by the Patton-Crosswhite VFW Post 6975 Honor Guard. Pallbearers
will be Louis Blackburn, Tony Blackburn, E.B. Henry, Richard Henry, Don Leonard
and Jimmy Stidham. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial
contributions be sent to the Blountville United Methodist Church Building Fund,
P.O. Box 686, Blountville, TN 37617. The family will receive friends at Akard
Funeral Home prior to the service from 6-7:45 p.m. Wednesday. E-mail condolences
to the family may be sent to akardfh@peercom.net.
Mr. Gardner, 87, passed away Sunday, May 4, 2003, at Wellmont Holston Valley
Medical Center in Kingsport.
Akard Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Gardner.

Bessie P. Hartsock
BRISTOL, Va. -- Funeral services for Bessie P. Hartsock will be held on
Wednesday, May 7, 2003, at 2 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with Rev.
Eric Godfrey officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be members of the family. Honorary pallbearer will be Dr.
Jeffrey Ginther. Online condolences may be registered at
www.weaverfuneralhome.net.
Bessie P. Hartsock, 95, of 124 Commonwealth Avenue Extension, passed away on
Monday, May 5, 2003, at Bristol Regional Medical Center.
Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Herbert A. Hashbarger
Herbert Allen Hashbarger, 73, went to be with the Lord on Monday, May 5, 2003,
at his home.
Mr. Hashbarger was from Bristol Virginia and had retired from the Army after 21
years of service. He had lived in Blountville for the last 32 years and was a
member of Liberty Baptist Church in Bristol Tennessee.
Survivors include his wife of 52 years, Georgia F. Hashbarger; two sons: Allen
W. Hashbarger and wife Peggy of Bristol Tennessee; and Michael R. Hashbarger of
Blountville; and one daughter, Judy A. King and husband Dennis of Castlewood.
Also surviving are three granddaughters, Amanda King, Alica King and Megan
Hashbarger; four brothers: Bill Hashbarger of Chesterfield, Va.; Kenneth
Hashbarger of Bristol Virginia; and Harold Hashbarger and L.D. Wright, both of
Bristol Tennessee.
He was a very devoted husband, father and Papaw." He never met a stranger and
was liked by many.
Funeral services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2003, at Glenwood
Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel with Rev. Stan Anderson officiating. Burial will
follow in Glenwood Cemetery with military rites by VFW Patton-Crosswhite Post
6975. The family will receive friends from 2-3 p.m. prior to the service at the
mausoleum chapel or at the home of Mrs. Hashbarger at any time.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Liberty Baptist Church Building
Fund, 111 Walnut Hill Road, Bristol, TN 37620 or Ft. Gibson United Methodist
Church Building Fund, Castlewood, VA.
Email condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@peercom.net.
Akard Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Hashbarger.

Albert Hess
ROWE, Va. -- Funeral services for Mr. Albert Hess will be conducted at 1 p.m.
Thursday at the Rowe Free Pentecostal Holiness Church at Rowe with Rev. Ancil
Childress and Rev. Troy Lester officiating. Interment will follow in the Nuckles
Cemetery on Fletchers Ridge, Va.
Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers will be Brad Meadows, Brian McGraw, Neil Blankenship,
Raymond Hess, Cecil Coleman, Bob Osborne and Michael Justice.
Friends may call at the Rowe Free Pentecostal Holiness Church after 6 p.m.
Wednesday.
Mr. Hess, 87, went to be with the Lord early Monday morning, May 5, 2003, at
Clinch Valley Medical Center, Richlands, following a lengthy illness.
Honaker Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

Windom Kale Ingle
BRISTOL, Va. -- Windom Kale Ingle, 78, of 10098 Oak Grove Road, went to be with
the Lord Tuesday, May 6, 2003, in the Wellmont Hospice House. He was born on
Nov. 2, 1924, in Washington County to the late James and Eliza Privett Ingle. He
was a veteran having served with the Army in the Battle of the Bulge. Mr. Ingle
lived all his life in the Bristol area and was a machinist. Mr. Ingle was a very
loving husband, stepfather and step-grandfather and loved fishing. He attended
the Oak Grove Baptist Church and was preceded in death by two brothers, J.H.
Ingle and Hurshal Ingle.
Mr. Ingle is survived by his wife, Shirley Canter Ingle; five stepchildren;
several step--grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren; three brothers, Howard
Ingle, Raymond Ingle and Charlie Ingle; three sisters, Victoria Fleenor, Margie
Leonard and Phyllis Ingle; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held Wednesday, May 7, 2003, at 8 p.m. in the Weaver
Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Matthew Stewart and Rev. Robert Able
officiating. Burial will be held Thursday at 11 a.m. from the Mountain View
Mausoleum Chapel. Honorary pallbearers will be Travis Ingle, David Canter, Tom
Helbert, Doug Murray, Gernie Felty and Richard Cruz. The family would like to
say a special thanks to Dr. Fincher, Dr. Allerton and to the staff of Wellmont
Hospice. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Wellmont Hospice
House, 280 Steele's Road, Bristol, TN 37620. The family will receive friends
Wednesday evening from 6 until 7:45 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home or any time
at the home of Shirley Ingle or Margie Leonard. Online condolences may be sent
at www.weaverfuneralhome.net.
Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

George T. Justice
BRISTOL, Va. -- George T. Justice died Tuesday, May 6, 2003, at Johnston
Memorial Hospital.
Arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced by Oakley-Blevins
Funeral Home.

Harold D. Keene
ARCHDALE, N.C. -- Mr. Harold D. Keene, 66, formerly of Tazewell County, Va.,
passed away Monday, May 5, 2003, at his home following a brief illness.
Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Singleton Funeral Service in Cedar
Bluff.
Singleton Funeral Service is serving the Keene Family.

Rolland C. Langdon Sr.
SOUTHERN PINES, N.C. -- Rolland (Al) Curtis Langdon Sr., 85, retired general
traffic manager of the former United Inter-Mountain Telephone Company (Sprint),
Bristol Tennessee, died Monday in FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in
Pinehurst, N.C.
Born in Pittsfield, Mass., he was the son of the late Clifford and Mina
(Gilbert) Langdon.
Surviving are his wife, Helen Capps Langdon; sons: Ron C. Langdon of Wilmington,
N.C.; and Rick E. Langdon of Wake Forest, N.C.; brother, Howard G. Langdon of
Hartford, Conn.; four grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held Thursday in Aberdeen. N.C.
Powell Funeral Home of Southern Pines (800) 765-0630 is in charge of
arrangements.

Barry Keith Presley
DAVENPORT, Va. -- Funeral services for Barry Keith Presley will be conducted 11
a.m. Wednesday, May 7, 2003, at Haysi Funeral Home with Rev. Roy Lee Wilson
officiating. Burial will follow in Ketron Memorial Gardens, Lebanon. Pallbearers
will be Jason Cline, Craig Thomas, Justin Price, Jerry Presley, Richard Presley,
Marty Rasnake, Jerome Presley, Junior Presley and Rodger Presley. Honorary
pallbearers will be John Cooper, Jarel Presley, Phillip Presley, Loman Presley,
Bill Epling, Micheal Epling, Robert Turner, Bobby Allen, Ralph Baisden and Boris
Pavoloski.
Mr. Presley, 41, passed away Saturday, May 3, 2003, at his residence in Lebanon.
Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

George H. Spiegle
BRISTOL, Tenn. -- George Hartman Spiegle, 79, passed from this life to God's
perpetual care on May 6, 2003, at NHC Healthcare of Bristol.
George was the beloved brother of Robert D. Spiegle Sr., Philadelphia, loving
uncle of Robert D. Spiegle Jr., Bristol Tennessee, Carl G. Spiegle, Long Beach,
Calif., James W. Spiegle, Wantagh, N.Y., and Suzanne Spiegle Hoey, Lee-Epping,
N.H.
He was president of Cortrim Hardwood Parts Co., veteran of the Army Air Corps
having served during World War II as a tail gunner, a member of Holston Valley
Stamp Club, Bristol YMCA, Philadelphia YMCA, Philadelphia Cricket Club, World
Prophetic Ministries, Church of the Open Door and 20th Century Reformation Hour
Ministries.
Memorial services will be conducted 6 p.m. Wednesday at Bellemont Presbyterian
Church with remarks by Rev. Steve Baker and Mr. Jim Eller. Pallbearers will be
Howard Fox, Bill Hamilton, Wayne King, Don Whitaker, Stacy Whitaker, Phil
Whitaker and Ritchie Phillips. Burial will be in Northwood Cemetery,
Philadelphia.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to NHC Healthcare
of Bristol, Activities Department, 245 North St., Bristol, VA 24201.
Special thanks to his loving caregivers, sitters and staff and many friends at
NHC Healthcare of Bristol.
Share condolences with the family at www.robinsonmortuary@earthlink.net.
Kirk & Nice Funeral Home will be handling the arrangements in Philadelphia.
Robinson Mortuary is serving the family of Mr. George W. Spiegle.

Robert O. Sproles
MENDOTA, Va. -- Funeral service for Robert Orvil "Bob" Sproles will be held
Wednesday, May 7, 2003, at 2 p.m. in the Pine Grove Baptist Church with the Rev.
James "Jim" Statzer officiating. Burial will follow in the Hendricks Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Bobby Raby, Kevin Raby, Jack Spivey, Roger Spivey, Eddie
Spivey and Gordon Barker Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Donald Lynn Sproles,
Tom Sproles, Randy Sproles and all men of Pine Grove Baptist Church. Anyone
wishing to may reach the family at (276) 669-5876. Online condolences may be
sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net.
Mr. Sproles, 73, of 15066 Barn Rock Road, went to be with the Lord Saturday, May
3, 2003, in the Bristol Regional Medical Center.
Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

John F. Whitaker Sr.
BRISTOL, Tenn. -- John Fennessee Whitaker Sr., 82, of 1447 Holston Drive, passed
away Monday night, May 5, 2003, at Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center
after a lengthy illness of emphysema.
He was a native Bristolian and a member of First Presbyterian Church, having
served as a deacon. He served as a seaman first class in the U.S. Coast Guard
Reserve during World War II.
He was a jeweler and watchmaker for more than 50 years, retiring from D.B.
Ryland & Co. Jewelers in December 1989.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Mr. and Mrs. S. Shields Whitaker; and
two brothers., Dr. Sidney S. Whitaker and Edward S. Whitaker.
Survivors include his wife, Eula Jean McClellan Whitaker; one daughter, Deborah
Jean Whitaker; one son, John Fennessee Whitaker Jr.; one sister, Mr. Donald
(Ellen) McGlade of Bethesda, Md.; and one brother, William G. "Bill" Whitaker of
Bristol Tennessee. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, May 9, at Glenwood
Cemetery with Rev. Gordon Turnbull presiding. The family will receive friends
from 7-8 p.m. Thursday at Akard Funeral Home. Honorary pallbearers will be
Milton Abercrombie, Lewis Delaney, Craig Caldwell Sr., Frank Molteni, Ed
Talbert, Joe Hardwick, Bill Taft and Morris Ross.
Memorial may be made to Janie Fennessee Whitaker Scholarship Fund, c/o First
Presbyterian Church, 701 Florida Ave., Bristol, TN 37620 or TN Camp for Diabetic
Children, P.O. Box 4350, Chattanooga, TN 37405.
Email condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@peercom.net.
Akard Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Whitaker.

Nora R. Whiteman
BLOUNTVILLE -- Graveside services for Nora Roberts Whiteman will be conducted at
11 a.m. Wednesday, May 7, at Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery in Blountville.
Honorary pallbearers will be Earl Tolliver, Roy Leonard, Mike Leonard, John D.
"Skip" Lauderbaugh, Ritchie Phillips, Don Whitaker, Howard Fox and Bill
Hamilton.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Sullivan County Public Library,
Genealogy Department, P.O. Box 510, Blountville, TN 37617 or Bellemont
Presbyterian Church, 2601 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, TN 37620.
Email condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@peercom.net.
Mrs. Whiteman, 90, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 4, 2003.
Akard Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Whiteman.

Fred Wright
SMYRNA, Tenn. -- Fred Wright, 53, died May 3, 2003.
A native of Bristol Virginia, he was a son of Zelma Grubb Wright and the late
Robert Wright Sr.
Mr. Wright was a graduate of Virginia High School in 1968 and attended Virginia
Tech and Ferrum College. He had more than 18 years service at Safety-Kleen
Corporation. He attended First Baptist Church of Smyrna.
Surviving are his wife, Angie Lewis Wright of Smyrna; sons: Joseph S. Wright,
petty officer third class, stationed out of San Diego, Calif., serving on the
Bon Homme-Richard; and Jonathan D. Wright of Smyrna; daughter, Julie N. Tomlin
of Smyrna; one granddaughter, Kelsey Tomlin of Smyrna; brother, Robert S. Wright
of Bristol Virginia; sisters: Barbara Lewis of Savannah, Tenn.; Betty Atkinson
of Lexington, S.C.; and Jane Crowe of Bristol Virginia; and mother, Zelma Wright
of Bristol Virginia.
Services will be 3 p.m. Friday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel with Pat Hood
officiating. Burial will be in Mapleview Cemetery.
Visitation will be 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday at Woodfin Memorial Chapel.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lighthouse Christian Camp, 205
Serenity Place, Smithville, TN 37166.

Ralph B. Wright
BRISTOL, Va. -- Ralph Blain Wright, 66, of 13 Midway St., passed away Sunday,
May 4, 2003, at the Bristol Regional Medical Center.
Mr. Wright was a native and life long resident of the Bristol area.
Survivors include his mother, Martha Pickel of Blountville; three brothers:
Albert Pickel of Bristol Tennessee; Earl Pickel and Dub Pickel, both of
Blountville; one sister, Eveline Pirkey of Blountville; two aunts: Mary Harless
of Bristol Virginia, and Lola Wright of Texas; one cousin, Jim Trivette of
Bristol Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 8, 2003, in the
Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Buddy Chapman officiating. The family will
receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Wednesday at the Weaver Funeral Home. E-mail
condolences may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net.
Weaver Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Wright.

Ethel Estilleen Yates
NORTON -- Ethel Estilleen Yates, 62, died Monday, May 5, 2003, at Lonesome Pine
Hospital in Big Stone Gap, Va.
Mrs. Yates was a member of Norton Presbyterian Church and a former resident of
Coeburn.
She was preceded in death by her parents, William and Pearl Hammonds Smith;
brother, Clinas Smith; and sister, Sue Geiger.
Survivors include two sons, James Yates and Allen Yates, both of Coeburn;
daughter-in-law, Linda Yates, Coeburn; three sisters: Selma Hall and Mae Smith,
both of Bristol Tennessee; and Ruby Dishman, Dante; granddaughter, Kara Yates,
Coeburn; step-granddaughter, Morgan Rudder, Williamsburg, Va.; step-great-
granddaughter, Gabrielle Kiser, Williamsburg; several nephews and several
nieces.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, May 8, 2003, at 1 p.m. at Estes Funeral
Home Chapel with Rev. Roger Sloce officiating. Burial will follow in the
Stallard Cemetery in Coeburn. Visitation will be held at Estes Funeral Home on
Wednesday after 6 p.m.
Estes Funeral Home, Inc. (276) 395-2441.