Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, June 24, 2003 Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Bristol Herald Courier http://www.bristolnews.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=TRI/Page/TRI_FrontPage ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities, when written permission is obtained from the contributor, so long as all notices and submitter information are included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bristol Herald Courier Tuesday, June 24, 2003 Today's Deaths Ulysses Sherman Childers, 94, Glade Spring, Va. Clifford Farmer Sr., 64, Grundy Dora H. Pettigrew, 73, Savannah, Ga. Sam Clyde Sandidge, 60, Bristol Tennessee Lewis A. Smithey, 77, Blountville George Ely Walker, 74, Marion Kenley Welch, 84, Ft. Blackmore, Va. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Caven Calloway MEADOWVIEW -- The funeral service for Caven Alexander Calloway will be conducted Tuesday, June 24, 2003, at 11:00 a.m. at the graveside in Forest Hills Memory Gardens, with Pastor Tommy Wilson officiating. There will be no visitation in the funeral home. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The infant son of Chris and Candice Cress Calloway, went to be with the angels Friday, June 20, 2003, in the Community Hospital of Roanoke. Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the family of Caven Alexander Calloway. Ulysses S. Childers GLADE SPRING, Va. -- Ulysses Sherman Childers, age 94, a resident of 35221 Dawn Drive, died Monday, June 23, 2003, at his residence. He was a native of Washington County, Va. He was the son of the late William Robert and Matilda Duncan Childers. He was a member of the Pleasant View Baptist Church in Wideners Valley. He was preceded in death by one brother, Lewis J. Childers, and one sister, Marcella McCloud. Survivors include his wife, Maxie Gay Childers of Glade Spring; one son, Ralph Steve Childers of Glade Spring; two daughters and sons-in-law, Virginia Gladys and Jim Lewis of Bristol Virginia, Janice Marie and Buster Martin of Bristol Virginia;two stepdaughters and sons-in-law, Doris Gay and Homer Sexton of Abingdon and Peggy Ann and Mike Warden of Wichita, Kan.; one brother, Robert D. Childers of Salem, Va.; eight grandchildren; five step-grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and nine step-grandchildren. Funeral services for Ulysses Sherman Childers will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2003, in the Campbell Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Roger Boyer and Rev. Dennis Pippin officiating. Burial will follow in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Glade Spring, in the Friendship Community. Active pallbearers will be David Childers, Kenneth Doss, Elmer Childers, Roy Pippin, Buster Mullins, Jeff Warren, Randy Barr, and Lawrence Cotton Sheets. Honorary pallbearers will be the grandsons and Don Cunningham. The family will receive friends at the Campbell Funeral Home from 6-9, Tuesday evening. Flowers will be accepted or those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Damascus Volunteer Rescue Squad, 32094 Government Road, Damascus, VA 24236. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.campbell-funeralhome.com. Campbell Funeral Home, Abingdon, is in charge of the arrangements. Charles W. Dotson CEDAR BLUFF -- Charles Wayne Dotson, 63, of College Estates section, passed away Sunday, June 22, 2003, at his home following an extended illness. Born in Buchanan County, Va., he was a son of the late Ransom and Hassie Price Dotson. He was a graduate of Garden High School. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. He was a retired coal miner for VP 1 Island Creek for 20 years. He was a charter member of Community Heights Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and usher. He was a member of the Sandy Valley Masonic Lodge 17. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Maxine Crawford Dotson; one daughter, Mrs. Chris (Tina) Barry of Fairfax, VA.; two sisters, Mrs. Bennie (Arbedella) Endicott of Cedar Bluff and Mrs. Edward (Linda) Martin of Hayesville, N.C. Funeral services will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2003, at Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff, with Rev. Craig Barber officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, Va. Pallbearers will be Benny Joe Endicott Jr., Larry Null Jr., Jason Looney, Todd Crawford, Chris Crawford, Matthew Crawford and Chris Barry. Honorary pallbearers will be Artie Herndon, Mike Moore, Harold Gregory, Wayne Pruitt, Nathan Robinson, Bill White, Rick Horn, Craig Byrd, Roger Lester and Dr. Michael Ulrich. Friends may call from 7:30 to 9 p.m. Monday at Singleton Funeral Service at Cedar Bluff. Masonic rites will be at 8:00 p.m., conducted by Sandy Valley Masonic Lodge 17. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society. E-mail condolences may be sent to singleton@netscope.net. Singleton Funeral Service is serving the Dotson family. Clifford Farmer Sr. GRUNDY -- Clifford Farmer Sr., 64 years of age, passed away Sunday, June 22, 2003, at Bristol Regional Medical Center, Bristol Tennessee. Born in Buchanan County, April 6, 1939, the son of the late Landon Farmer and Maxie Looney Farmer. He was a lifelong resident of Buchanan County, a disabled coal miner and a member of the Grundy Church of Christ. He enjoyed riding four- wheelers. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two daughters; one son; one sister; and five brothers. He is survived by four sons, Johnny Ray Farmer, Eugene Craig Farmer, Clifford Farmer Jr. and Mark Anthony Farmer, all of Grundy; two sisters, Margaret Hunt of Grape Vine, Ky., and Caroline Farmer of Pikeville, Ky.; and one brother, David Farmer of Grundy. He is also survived by four grandchildren. Funeral services for Clifford Farmer Sr. will be held Wednesday, June 25, 2003, at 11:00 a.m. at the Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home Chapel, Grundy, with Evangelist Tom Cooper and Chuck Crabtree, elder of the Grundy Church of Christ officiating. Burial will follow in the Farmer Family Cemetery on Lynn Camp, Grundy. Active pallbearers will be family and friends. The family will receive friends at the funeral home after 6:00 p.m., Monday evening. Evening services will be held Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. The family of Clifford Farmer Sr. is being served by Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home of Grundy. John P. Garcia Sr. BLUFF CITY -- John Pantoha Garcia Sr., age 63, of 134 Buffalo Road, passed away on Sunday, June 22, 2003, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He had lived in the Bristol area for around nine years and was preceded in death by a daughter, Angelina Garcia; and his mother, Della Pantoha. Survivors include: loving companion, Susie; children, Katrina Rogers of Bristol Tennessee, Randy John Garcia of Bluff City, Tony Garcia of Bluff City, Anna Garcia, John Garcia Jr., Gabriel Garcia, Jessica Garcia, all of California; grandchildren, Stephen Rogers, James Anthony Garcia and six others in California; one great-grandchild; two brothers; and three sisters. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2003, at 6 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Woodrow Morrell officiating. Burial will be held in Visalia, Calif. The family will receive friends on Tuesday following the service. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mike Gilbert BLOUNTVILLE --The committal service and interment for Michel Wayne Gilbert will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday in Gunnings Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Highlands Fellowship Veterans Honor Guard. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family of Mr. Gilbert at akardfh@peercom.net. Mr. Gilbert, age 60, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2003, at Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. Akard Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Gilbert. Maude C. Hawkins SPRING HILL, Fla. -- A memorial service for Maude Couch Hawkins will be held on Thursday, June 26, 2003, at 3:00 p.m. at the Coeburn Presbyterian Church in Coeburn, with the Rev. John Sartelle, from Memphis, and Elders Kirby Holbrook and Ron Jenkins officiating. Any memorial contributions may be made to the Coeburn Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 291, Coeburn, VA 24230. Mrs. Hawkins, age 82, passed away Wednesday, March 26, 2003, at Hernando-Pasco Hospice in Brooksville, Fla. Estes Funeral Home 395-2441. Henry Ellis Johnson BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Henry Ellis Johnson, age 82, of 247 Steele's Road, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2003, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was the son of the late Lewis and Dora Winebarger Johnson and had been a resident of Bristol for 40 years. He was a former employee of American Thread Company. Mr. Johnson was a Mason and a member of St. Luke's United Methodist Church. He was a U.S. Navy veteran. Survivors include: wife of 8 years, Zane Fleenor Johnson; adopted son, David Johnson of Bristol Tennessee; stepdaughter, Kellie Mir of San Francisco; stepson, Wayne Fleenor of Austin, Texas; sister, Elizabeth Combs of Boone, N.C.; three grandchildren; and special niece, Ruth Ann Payne. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Ruth Johnson; and two sisters, Sarah Fleenor and Ruth Henson. Funeral services were conducted Monday at 8 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Lester MacKinnon officiating. Committal services will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Glenwood Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers include: Howard Combs, Paul Combs, Kenneth Combs, Paul Combs, Larry Jarrett, Virgil Stacy and Junior Winters. The family received friends Monday from 6-7:45, prior to the service. Online condolences may be sent at www.Weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Michael Dean Lasley CLEVELAND, Va. -- Michael Dean Lasley, 44, passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2003. He was a lifelong resident of Russell County, Va., and was currently employed at McClure Concrete Company. He has worked in the concrete industry for 28 years. He leaves behind his wife, Pamela Lynn Lasley; two stepdaughters, Kelsey and Katelin Bailey of the home; and one daughter, Kelly Turner of Lebanon, who is expecting his first grandchild, a son. Also surviving are his parents, Virgie and Robert Lasley of Lebanon; three brothers, Robert Lee Lasley, Ronnie Lasley and Larry Lasley, all of Lebanon; three sisters, Reba Hess and Phyllis Cook, both of Lebanon, and Janice Lasley of Big Stone Gap, Va.; and numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Pallbearers will be John Glovier, Claud Breeding, Vernard Rasnake, Kenneth Herndon, Jason Herndon, Jack Carpenter, Scott Burke and Jamey Castle. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, June 25, 2003, at 1 p.m. at Owens Funeral Service Chapel, with Rev. Rick Thompson and Brother Bill Trail officiating. Interment will follow at Ketron Memorial Gardens, Lebanon. Family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Owens Fuenral Service, Lebanon. Lois Mae Leonard BRISTOL, Tenn. --Funeral services for Lois Mae Leonard will be conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday, June 24, 2003, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Bill Goforth officiating. Committal services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the National Cemetery in Mountain Home, Tenn. Friends of the family will serve as pallbearers. Mrs. Leonard, age 72, of 2509 Bay St., passed away on Saturday, June 21, 2003, at her residence. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Ruth I. McCormick ABINGDON -- A graveside funeral service for Miss Ruth I. McCormick will be held Tuesday, June 24, 2003, at 11 a.m. at Knollkreg Memorial Park. Mr. Bill Haywood and Mr. Joe Scroggin will officiate. Contributions may be sent to Washington County Life Saving Crew or Hospice of Southwest Virginia. Those wishing to express their condolences online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Miss McCormick, 72, died Sunday, June 22, 2003, at Grace Healthcare Center. Farris Funeral Service is serving the family of Miss McCormick. Elizabeth C. Mulkey RICHLANDS, Va. -- Funeral services for Mrs. Elizabeth Catron Mulkey will be conducted Tuesday, June 24, 2003, at 2:00 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, with the Rev. David Brannock officiating. Interment will follow at Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, Va. Pallbearers will be Dennis Hamm, Doug White, Buddy Altizer, Raymond Mulkey, Kenneth Mulkey, Nelson Mulkey, Jim Mulkey, Allen Mulkey, Larry Mulkey, Terry Mulkey, Jim Duncan and Pete Duncan. Honorary pallbearers will be Grant Gilbert, Donnie Gilbert, Dr. Mario Stefanini, Jim Mullins and members of Clinch Valley Medical Center Auxiliary. Mrs. Mulkey, age 95, of 715 East Second St., passed away Saturday, June 21, 2003, in a Richlands hospital, following a brief illness. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com. Dora H. Pettigrew SAVANNAH, Ga. -- Dora Jane Hensley Pettigrew, 73, formerly of Bristol Tennessee and Jonesborough, Tenn., wife of James Andrew Pettigrew, M.D., died Sunday afternoon, June 22, 2003, at Memorial Health University Medical Center. Born in Johnson City, Tenn., she was a daughter of the late Back S. Hensley and Althea Cooper Hensley of Jonesborough. Mrs. Pettigrew attended Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and was a practicing registered nurse, having graduated form Grady Hospital School of Nursing in 1949. Surviving are her husband of 54 years, James Andrew Pettigrew, M.D. of the home; four sons, Lt. Col. J. Andrew Pettigrew (USAF, Retired) and his wife, Cindy of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., W. Robert Pettigrew, DDS of Nashville, Tenn., P. Joseph Pettigrew of New Orleans, La., and F. Chris Pettigrew, M.D. and his wife, Carmela, M.D. of Savannah; one sister, Gwendolyn Snyder of Jonesborough; and five grandchildren, Lindsay Pettigrew, Avery Pettigrew, Harrison Pettigrew, Charley Pettigrew and Jack Pettigrew. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until noon Tuesday morning at Sipple Mortuary. Funeral service will be held at 12:30 o'clock Tuesday afternoon at the graveside, Greenwich section of Bonaventure Cemetery, conducted by the Revered Timothy P. McKeown. Sipple Mortuary and Crematory Funeral Directors, Savannah, is in charge of arrangements. Sam C. Sandidge BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Sam Clyde Sandidge, age 60, of 209 Delaney St., passed away Sunday, June 22, 2003, at his residence. Mr. Sandidge was born on March 15, 1943, in Wise County, Va., to the late Clyde and Nora Long Sandidge. He has lived in the Bristol area for the past 54 years and was a veteran of the National Guard. Mr. Sandidge was preceded in death by one brother, Jack Sandidge. Mr. Sandidge is survived by his wife of 30 years, Barbara Sandidge; one daughter and son-in-law, Allison Meade and husband Chris; one son and daughter-in-law, Brian Sandidge and wife Cherie; four grandchildren, Laura Musser, Lee Musser, Kayla Sandidge and Heather Sandidge; one grandchild on the way, Alicia; two step-grandchildren, Joseph Stewart and Anthony Carver; three sisters, Margaret Taylor, Fay Borst and Patricia Booher; and one brother, Mitch Sandidge. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, June 24, 2003, at 2 p.m. in the Glenwood Mausoleum Chapel, with Pastor Jimmy Davidson officiating. Burial will follow in the Glenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour before the service. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the family at 209 Delaney St., Bristol, TN. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Lewis A. Smithey BLOUNTVILLE -- Lewis A. Smithey, 77, of 4039 Hwy 126, Blountville, went to be with the Lord in his sleep early Sunday morning, June 22, 2003, at his home. He was born on May 30, 1926, in Washington County, Va. Mr. Smithey was the son of the late Ray and Dorothy Luchini Smithey. A veteran of World War II, he served in the U.S. Army and the European Theater Operations. For 26 years, Mr. Smithey worked at Burlington Industries in Bristol Tennessee. He attended Gunnings Baptist Church. His infant son, Ronnie Lee Smithey; parents; a brother, Charlie Smithey; and a niece, Pamela Crusenberry, preceded him in death. Surviving are his wife of 41 years, Dorothy Roller Smithey, Blountville; daughters, Debbie Whitaker and husband, Terry, Blountville and Kathy Salyers, Bristol Tennessee; stepsons, David Quillen and wife, Edna, Blountville, Carl Quillen and wife, Mary, Nicholasville, Ky.; step-grandchildren, Keith Quillen and Sandy Miller; step- great-grandchildren, Tiffany, Micah and Kenny Quillen and Zackery and Cameron Miller; brothers, Jay W. Smithey, Bristol Virginia, Ray Junior Smithey, Germany, Jimmy Smithey, Elizabethton and Johnny Smithey, Blountville; sisters, Lena Ferguson, Bristol Tennessee, Minnie Baker, Hiltons, Va., Elsie Rose, Bristol Virginia, Mary Lou Smithey, Rural Retreat, Va., and Shirley Icenhour, Bristol Tennessee; and an aunt, Vennie Bellamy, Hiltons. Calling hours will be 6-8 p.m. Monday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport. Services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Monday in the funeral home chapel, with Pastor Bob Ferguson and Brother Randall Roller officiating. Graveside services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday in Oak Hill Memorial Park. Family and friends will gather by 12:45 p.m. Tuesday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, downtown, to go in procession to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be Keith Quillen, David Quillen, Carl Quillen, Terry Whitaker, Gary Winegar and Kenneth Roller. Honorary pallbearers will be Mark Winegar, Grover Winegar, Ervin Cunningham and Jerry Keys. George Ely Walker MARION -- Dr. George Ely Walker, age 74, died Sunday, June 22, 2003, at his home in Marion. Survivors and funeral arrangements will be announced later by Seaver-Brown Funeral Service. Kenley Welch FT. BLACKMORE, Va. -- Kenley Lester Welch, 84, entered into rest Sunday, June 22, 2003, at Indian Path Medical Center, Kingsport, after a short illness. Mr. Welch was born in Scott County, Va., on Aug. 7, 1918, a son of the late Sam Richmond and Orpha Evada Quillen Welch. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Opal B. Welch; son, Jimmie Richmond Welch; grandson, Robby Welch; great-grandson, Daniel Gill Jr.; four brothers, Kyle, Coy, Loy (Dan) and Claude Welch; and three sisters, Mrs. Jim (Helen) Baker and Jean and Joan Welch. Surviving are one son, Bobby A. Welch, Gate City; three daughters and sons-in- law, Mrs. Donald (Faye) Martin, Christiansburg, Va., Mrs. Ronald (Jean) Ault, Trail Creek, Ind., and Mrs. Charles (Sandra) Ryalls, Johnson City; five brothers, Rev. Cline H. Welch, Kingsport, Luther Ray Welch, Bristol Tennessee, Samuel Wilkie Welch, Bristol Virginia, James Ezra Welch, Bristol Virginia, and Harold (Tom) Welch, Bristol Tennessee; three sisters, Mrs. Lloyd (Martha) Kerbo, Knoxville, Tenn., and Mrs. Richard (Peggy) Bowen and Mrs. Nora Millicent Keeling, Bristol Tennessee; seven grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 25, 2003, at Gate City Funeral Home and other times at the residence of his son, Bob Welch, 14002 East Carters Valley Road. Services will be conducted at 8 p.m. in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel, with Rev. Herman Quillen officiating. Music will be provided by Lawson Memorial Quartet and Randy and Genise Counts. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 26, 2003, at Hills Chapel Cemetery, Mabe, Va. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. The family will meet at the cemetery for graveside services. Online condolences may be made to gcfh@earthlink.net. Donald Worsham BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Donald Eugene "Doc" Worsham, age 62, 317 Booher Private Drive, died Sunday, June 22, 2003, at his home. He was a native of Bristol and son of the late Beulah Robinette. He was a letter carrier with Bristol Tennessee Post Office with 32 years of service, a member of Gateway Baptist Church, a member of Zollicoffer Masonic Lodge 444, Yorkrite Bodies and Jericho Shrine Temple. He was a U. S. Army Vietnam veteran. Survivors include his wife, Jane Worsham; children, Davey Joe Henson and wife Carol of Bluff City, Donna Hutchinson and husband Stuart, of Shady Valley, Tenn., Jackie Wilson and husband Jeff, Bluff City, Brett Denton of the home, David Worsham and fiancÈ, Carol Brooks, Knoxville, Tenn., and Nicholas Worsham and wife Jenniffer, Bristol Tennessee; grandchildren, Jonah Bowers, Stephen Klahn, Taylor Wilson, Skylar Wilson and Kaylie Andra Crain; special aunt, Mary M. Robinette; and special friends, Kipper and Susie. Funeral service will be conducted at Gateway Baptist Church 1 p.m. Wednesday, with Rev. David Shinault officiating. Burial with military honors conducted by Patton-Crosswhite VFW Post 6975 will follow in The National Cemetery, Mountain Home, Tenn. Pallbearers: Gary Smith, Joe Fraction, Vernon Dotson, Dean Booher, Doug Robinette, Lynn Booher, Jeff Booher and Donald Gentry. Honorary pallbearers: C.J. Crowell, Bob "Moose" Monger, Dickie Oliver and Reed Booher. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Weaver Funeral Home. A Masonic memorial service will be conducted by Zollicoffer Masonic Lodge at 8 p.m. Tuesday in Weaver Funeral Home Chapel. E-mail condolences may be expressed at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.