Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, July 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 Thursday, July 24, 2003 Today's Deaths W.C. "Bill" Baker Jr., Nokomis, Fla. Charles Tracy Chaffin, 30, Trammel, Va. Edith A. Conner, 80, Marion Ray C. Counts, 57, Haysi Alisa Austin Cox, 37, Johnson City Helen Pippen Degges, 70, Bristol Virginia Henry M. Fields, 81, Roanoke Allie Marie "DeDe" Lawson, 72, Coeburn April Lynne Martin, 29, Castlewood James A. Peters Sr., 75 Clyde D. Puckett, 77, Claypool Hill, Va. Ricky Allen Ray Jr., 18, Cleveland, Va. Calvin F. Simerly, 70, Pensacola, Fla. Wilma A. Stewart, 77, Bristol Tennessee -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- W.C. Baker Jr. NOKOMIS, Fla. -- W.C. "Bill" Baker Jr. passed away at his home on Wednesday, July 23, 2003. He was a self-made businessman and a member of First Baptist Church of Bluff City. He was preceded in death by his parents, W.C. Baker Sr. and Mary Elizabeth Carrier Baker; and one daughter, Sheri Elizabeth Baker. Survivors include his son, William Chadwick Baker and his wife, Paige, of Piney Flats; one daughter, April Emma Baker Reed of West Palm Beach, Fla.; two sisters, Geraldine Craddock and husband, Mack, of Lexington, Ky., and Judy Jones of Vilas, N.C.; three brothers, Robert L. Baker and wife, Elinor, of Bluff City, Jerry M. Baker and wife, Patti, of Bluff City and Ronnie Baker of Maryville, Tenn. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Betty Altman of Nokomis. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m., Saturday, July 26, 2003, at First Baptist Church in Bluff City. Burial will follow in the Baker Family Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Gary Slagle, Sammy Wassom, Thurman Wassom, Allen Tester, Dexter Christenberry, Ron Ramsey, David Crockett Sr., Gary Rader, Leon Dunn and Earl Buchanan. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Cooper, Harold Durham, Vince Sikora and Lebron Free. The family will receive friends at Akard Funeral Home from 6 until 9 o'clock on Friday evening. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Matthew's House, a Romanian Ministry, 122 Gillette Road, Jonesborough, TN 37659. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@peercom.net. Akard Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Baker. Everett Reed Booher BRISTOL, Va. -- Funeral services for Everett Reed Booher will be held on Thursday, July 24, 2003, at 8 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Ellis Necessary officiating. Committal services will be held on Friday at 11 a.m. at Statzer Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandchildren and friends. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6-7:45 p.m. at Weaver Funeral Home. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mr. Booher, age 80, of 3565 Cove Creek Road, passed away on Sunday, July 20, 2003. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Tony Allen Canter BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Tony Allen Canter's family and friends will gather at 11 o'clock Thursday morning at Oakley-Cook Funeral Home to celebrate his life. Pastor Sammy Trinkle and Pastor Jimmy Gross will officiate. The family will receive friends immediately following the service at the funeral home and at other times at the home of Bernice and Jack Booher. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to a favorite charity. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Mr. Canter, 46, died Monday, July 21, 2003. Mr. Canter and his family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Charles T. Chaffin TRAMMEL, Va. -- Charles Tracy Chaffin, 30, died Friday, July 18, 2003, from the results of an automobile accident. He was born in Bristol Tennessee. He is survived by two daughters, Chasity Chaffin and Deborah Chaffin of the home; his parents, Charles Benton and Claudia Levonne Chaffin of Trammel; one sister, Candida "Candy" Goode and husband, Bruce, of Castlewood; one nephew, Blake Chaffin of Trammel; one niece, Danielle Goode of Castlewood; one step- nephew, Jonathan Goode of North Carolina; and maternal grandmother, Marie Castle of Dante, Va. Funeral services for Charles Tracy Chaffin will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, July 25, 2003, in Castlewood Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Lanny Powers officiating. Interment will follow in Chaffin Family Cemetery, Russell County, Va. Pallbearers will be Mickey Phillips, Jackie Phillips, Terry Sperrow, Richard Phillips, Sam Phillips and John Phillips. Honorary pallbearers will be Cossie Phillips, Huleo Phillips, Little Mickey Phillips and Jackson Phillips Jr. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, July 24, 2003, at Castlewood Funeral Home, Castlewood. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be sent to the Chaffin family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Hazel K. Clevinger MAXIE, Va. -- Hazel Kennedy Clevinger, 86 years of age, passed away Monday, July 21, 2003, at the Pleasant View Home for Adults, Honaker, following an extended illness. Born in McDowell County, W.Va., she was a daughter of the late Marion and Linnie Horn Kennedy. She had been a resident of Buchanan County most of her life and a member of Harman Memorial Baptist Church. She was a graduate of Iaeger High School, Class of 1936, and a graduate of Pikeville College, Class of 1966. She was a teacher for the Buchanan County School System for 44 years at the Harman Elementary School, a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and homemaker. Mrs. Clevinger was preceded in death by her husband, Loncey Bob Clevinger, Oct. 10, 1986. She is survived by two daughters, Yvonne and husband, Bobby Prater, Maxie, and Boby Jane Laney, Warrensburg, Mo.; one son, Luther Ronald and wife Carrie Clevinger, King George, Va.; one sister, Elsie Vines, Radford, Va.; four grandchildren, Ronald Prater, Danny Laney, Ronald Clevinger Jr. and Janey Dye; five great-grandchildren, Nathan Allan Laney, Natasha Lancy, Ethan Prater, Jordan Ramey and Cody Prater. She was preceded in death by one great-granddaughter, Shani Dye; one son-in-law, Jim Laney; one sister, Inez Robinson; and three brothers, James Francis, Cecil and Edward Kennedy. Funeral services for Hazel Kennedy Clevinger will be conducted Friday, July 25, 2003, at 11 a.m. at Grundy Funeral Home Chapel, with Evangelists Mike Rife and Michael Trent officiating, with burial to follow in Mountain Valley Memorial Park, Big Rock, Va. Friends may call at Grundy Funeral Home Chapel Thursday afternoon at 5 p.m. with services at 7 p.m. Active pallbearers will be Ronnie Prater, Cody Prater, Ethan Prater, Ronnie Clevinger Jr., Jordan Ramey, Danny Laney and Paul Dye. Honorary pallbearers will be Bobby Endicott, Bill Elswick, Charlie Edwards, Randall Clevinger, Hagan Delph, Everett Delaney and David Delaney. The family expresses a special thanks to Bernice Hess and the entire staff of the Pleasant View Home for Adults, Honaker. Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of all arrangements. Edith A. Conner MARION -- Edith A. Conner, age 80, died Wednesday, July 23, 2003, in Smyth County Community Hospital. She was a member of First United Methodist Church for 55 years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Melvin and Nannie Allen Sprinkle; one sister, Mildred S. Wolfe; and one brother, Glenn Sprinkle. Mrs. Conner is survived by her husband, Ralph E. Conner of Marion; two daughters and sons-in-law, Jeannie and Gene Craft of Clifton Forge, Va., and Brenda S. and Mark Montgomery of Marion; two sisters, Ruth King of Marion and Elsie McMillan of Galax, Va.; and two grandchildren, Kevin and Amy Montgomery. Funeral services will be held Friday, July 25, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel, with Rev. Buddy Miller officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery, Marion. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service is serving the Conner Family. Ray C. Counts HAYSI -- Ray Charles Counts, age 57, died at his home, Tuesday, July 22, 2003. A native of Dickenson County, he was a son of Allene Edwards Counts Sykes and the late Ray Clinton Counts. He proudly served his country from April 5, 1963 to April 4, 1969. He was decorated for sharp shooter Rife M14 and served in Germany for 32 months. He proudly served his community in the Volunteer Fire Department, Volunteer Rescue Squad (life member), Haysi Kiwanis Club, Bass Club (treasurer), Industrial Development Authority (chair), member of Haysi Town Council, Board of Clinch Independent Living (vice-chair), election official for Democrat Party for over 30 years and he was a Kentucky Colonel. He worked in coal mining with Bar V Coal Company until he became disabled. He had also managed Singleton Auto Parts in Haysi, was a substitute bus driver for Dickenson County and worked as a salesperson for Nationwide Insurance. He was owner of Modern Drug (Tiger Den) in Haysi from 1976 to 1979. He also was a certified EMT, certified in hazardous materials and was trained in cardiac technology. Mr. Counts attended Sandy Basin Primitive Baptist Church. He is survived by his wife of 34 years, Gay Ramey Counts; two daughters, Allene and husband Allen Pelton, Scarlett Rae Counts and fiance, Forest Gilley, and future grandchild; two sons, Charllie Counts and William Brice (Billy) Counts, all of Haysi; grandchildren, Lauren Pelton, Logan Pelton and Jacob Pelton; his parents, Brice and Allene Sykes of Birchleaf; brothers, Roger Sykes of Fayetteville, N.C., Kit Sykes of Speedwell, Tenn., and Johnny Sykes and wife Jan of Clintwood; sisters, Madeleine Sykes Counts of Fayetteville, Clara Jean Counts Raines and husband Jerryl of Birchleaf, Sue Counts of Boone, N.C., Rhonda Sykes Charping and husband Eddie of Trussville, Ala., and Elizabeth Sykes Gibson and husband Jerry of Blacksburg, Va.; 19 nieces and nephews, 15 great-nieces and great-nephews; one great-great-niece, Gabby Delaney; one uncle; four aunts; and a host of friends and other relatives. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2003, at Haysi Funeral Home, with Elders Joe Edwards, George B. Combs, Victor Church and Otis Fields. Burial will follow in the Edwards Cemetery of Birchleaf. Dickenson County VFW Post 8979 will conduct military graveside rites. Pallbearers will be Craig Sykes, David Raines, Brad Viers, Roger Ramey, Chris Teague, Denver Ramey, Eddie Turner and K.J. Mullins. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Ramey, Dr. Molina, Kenny Mullins, Dr. Messak, Joe Ramey, Jerryl Raines, Jerry Gibson and Eddie Charping. Family will receive friends after 6 p.m. on Thursday, where an evening service will be held at 7 p.m. with Elders Ben Blevins and Larry Blevins. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Alisa Austin Cox JOHNSON CITY -- Alisa Austin Cox, age 37, went home to the Lord on July 22, after a strong fight against leukemia at the Johnson City Medical Center. The family will receive friends Thursday, July 24, between the hours of 6-8 p.m. at Morris-Baker Funeral Home, Johnson City. Services will be held Friday morning, July 25, at 10 a.m. in the chapel at Washington County Memory Gardens, located on Interstate 181. For those who prefer to make a memorial donation, the wishes of the family are that these be made to either or both of the following: Alzheimer's Association, Northeast Tennessee Chapter, 207 North Boone St., Johnson City, TN 37601 or Mountain States Health Foundation for the Children's Hospital at JCMC, 1021 West Oakland Ave., Suite 103, Johnson City, TN 37604. Information provided by Morris-Baker Funeral Home, Johnson City. Helen Pippin Degges BRISTOL, Va. -- Mrs. Helen Pippin Degges, age 70, died Tuesday, July 22, 2003, at her home. Mrs. Degges was born on Nov. 14, 1933, in Washington County, Va. She was preceded in death by her father, George Pippin; and a sister, Betty Pippin. She was a member of the Walnut Springs Church. She is survived by her husband, Ernie Degges; a daughter, Sherry Marie Leal of Eden, Okla.; her mother, Blanche Pippin of Abingdon; a sister, Ruth Haselden and husband Mack of Hahira, Ga.; two brothers, James Pippin and wife Mary of Columbia, S.C., and Lewis Pippin and wife Jo of Bristol Virginia; a grandson, Jeremiah Kutz of the U.S. Marine Corps; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. A graveside funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, July 25, 2003, in Forest Hills Memory Gardens, with Rev. Roger Hearl officiating. Interment will follow the service. Those attending the funeral service are requested to assemble at the cemetery by 12:50 p.m. Friday. Those wishing to send memories or messages of sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The family will receive friends 7-9 p.m. Thursday at Farris Funeral Service. Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, Va. is serving the family of Mrs. Helen Pippin Degges. Henry M. Fields ROANOKE -- Henry M. Fields, 81, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, July 23, 2003. He was born Aug. 18, 1921, in Washington County, Va. He was the son of the late Robert McKinley Fields and Rosie Bridgeman Fields. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Viola Robbins Fields; a son, Henry Wayne Fields; and a brother, Dale Fields. He was a retired Greyhound bus driver and a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, having served in World War II and the Korean conflict. He was a member of the New Testament Baptist Church in Vinton, Va. Surviving are his daughter, Patsy Sue Doyle of Roanoke; two grandchildren, Sandra and husband, Amiel Tutolo and Jeff Doyle and wife Kim; two great- grandsons, Clay and Blake Doyle; three brothers, Robert, Carl and David Fields; three sisters, Kay Harris, Bertie Sanders and Mary Lou Wise; and a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 26, 2003, at 10 a.m. from Oakey's Vinton Chapel, with Rev. J.E. Edwards officiating. Interment to follow in Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem, Va. Visitation will be from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Oakey's Vinton Chapel (982-2221). Ruth C. Hargis BLOUNTVILLE -- The funeral service for Ruth Currie Hargis will be conducted at 10 o'clock Thursday morning at the graveside in Gunnings Cemetery with Pastor Donald Fichtelman officiating. Pallbearers will be Buddy Harless, Terry Harless, Ricky Harless, Jimmy Harless, Jason Linkous, Joe Parker, Steve Harvey and Brent Hulse. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to a favorite charity. Mrs. Hargis, 78, died Monday, July 21, 2003, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Hargis and her family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Marie Lawson COEBURN. -- Allie Marie "DeDe" Lawson, 72, died Tuesday, July 22, 2003, at Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her parents, Goldie Lawson and Hazel Barrowman Lawson. Survivors, besides her cat, Savanna, include several aunts, several cousins and a host of friends. Visitation for Allie Marie "DeDe" Lawson will be held Thursday, July 24, 2003, at Estes Funeral Home Chapel after 6 p.m. and funeral services will be at 7:30 p.m., with Rev. Leon Lawson and Rev. Glen Hammacker officiating. Burial will be in the Greenwood Memorial Gardens in Coeburn on Friday at 11 a.m. April Lynne Martin CASTLEWOOD -- April Lynne Martin, 29, died Friday, July 18, 2003, from the results of an automobile accident. She was born in Bristol Tennessee. She is survived by one son, Dillon Cole Roberts of Norton; her father, Jerry Martin of Dante, Va.; her mother and stepfather, Regina and Robert "Bobby" Skeens of Castlewood; and one brother, Jonathan Skeens of Castlewood. Graveside services for April Lynne Martin will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, July 24, 2003, at Temple Hill Memorial Park, Castlewood, with Rev. Junior Wright officiating. The family will meet at the funeral home and go in procession to the cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Thursday. Pallbearers will be Willie Mack Castle III, Jamie Castle, Freddie G. Holbrook II, Josh Castle, Carter Riner and Matt White. Honorary pallbearers will be Brandon Broyles and Ralph White. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the family. Online condolences may be sent to the Martin family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Alexander McCroskey BRISTOL, Va. -- Baby Boy Alexander Dempsey McCroskey, infant son of Steven and Alicia McCroskey, passed away Saturday, July 19, 2003, in the Bristol Regional Medical Center. Baby McCroskey was preceded in death by one grandfather, Bill Nelson. Baby McCroskey is survived by one sister, Shayla McCroskey; grandparents, Dawn Malone, Mike McCroskey and Judy Shaffer; great-grandparents, Jack and Barbra Malone, Betty McCroskey and R.L. and Olivene Collins; great-great-grandmother, Newland Haire; aunts, Angela Sinard, Jennifer Cooper, Kelly McCroskey and Melisha Gideon; uncles, David Sinard, Rodney Shaffer, Brandon Shaffer, Michael Sullivan and Bryon Nelson; and several cousins. Graveside service will be held Thursday, July 24, 2003, at 11 a.m. from the Mountain View Cemetery, with the Rev. Amy Yeary Holmes officiating. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Kerry E. McGlothlin SWORDS CREEK, Va. -- Mr. Kerry E. McGlothlin, age 53, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, July 22, 2003, at Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was the son of the late Ernest (Cotton) McGlothlin and Mrs. Doris Robinette McGlothlin of Swords Creek. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by one brother, Ernie McGlothlin and one sister, Nannie McGlothlin. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran and a member of the Richlands Masonic Lodge 318 AF & AM. He was co-owner of L & M Auto Parts of Swords Creek. He attended the Swords Creek Community Baptist Church and the Horton Ridge Church of God. He was a devoted husband, father, son and grandfather and will be greatly missed. Mr. McGlothlin is survived by his wife of 33 years, Mrs. Connie Whitt McGlothlin; his son, Kem McGlothlin; former wife, Marlene of Raven, Va.; his daughter, Tina Keen and husband Brian of Swords Creek; four grandsons, Keith Keen, Kerry Keen, Kraig McGlothlin and Logan McGlothlin; one brother, Mike McGlothlin of Swords Creek; one sister, Melinda Holmes of Lebanon; special mother-in-law; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and several aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, July 25, 2003, in the Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff, Va., with Brother Les Ritchie and Rev. Dennis White officiating. Entombment will follow in the Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum at Claypool Hill, Va. Pallbearers will be friends. Casey-Shortt VFW Post 9640 and Tazewell County Chapter 31 DAV will conduct military graveside rites. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Cancer Outreach Foundation, 206 Abingdon Place, Abingdon, VA 24211 or the American Cancer Society, 307 Federal St., Suite 216, Bluefield, WV 24701. The family will receive friends at the Singleton Funeral Service in Cedar Bluff from 6-9 p.m. Thursday. E-mail condolences may be sent to singleton@netscope.net. Singleton Funeral Service is serving the McGlothlin Family. James A. Peters Sr. James A. (Jim) Peters Sr. age 75, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 23, 2003. He was the son of the late Joe and Fannie Peters and a lifelong resident of the Weaver Community, where he was a member of Weaver Union Church. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Mary Ferguson, Gladys Booher and Elsie Cox. He was a retired employee of Bristol Steel and Iron Works with 38 years of service and was an avid fox hunter. Survivors include wife of 52 years, Carrie Frances Payne Peters; sons, James A. Peters Jr. and wife Karen, William J. (Bill) Peters and wife Brenda and Larry A. Peters and wife Doris; grandchildren, Chad A. Peters, Carrie E. Peters McDuffie and husband Nathan, Jason R. Peters, Jessica B. Peters, and Joel A. Peters; and sister, Margaret Lunsford; brothers, Joe Peters Jr. and wife Cecil, and Walter Peters and wife Melba; several nieces and nephews; and his special fox-hunting companions. Funeral services will be held on Friday at 2 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. Joe Hudson and Pastor Dwayne Green officiating. Interment will follow at High Point Cemetery. Pallbearers include grandsons, Chad Peters, Jason Peters and Joel Peters, grandson-in-law, Nathan McDuffie, and nephews, Jimmy Gilmer, John Payne Jr. and David Payne. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at Weaver Funeral Home. The family would like to express their appreciation to Dr. Fred Greear and staff in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Bristol Regional Medical Center as well as friends in the CICU waiting room. The family appreciates the prayers of friends and churches. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Clyde D. Puckett CLAYPOOL HILL, Va. -- Mr. Clyde D. Puckett, age 77, died Wednesday, July 23, 2003, at a Richlands hospital following a lengthy illness. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com. Ricky Allen Ray Jr. CLEVELAND, Va. -- Ricky Allen Ray Jr., 18, died Tuesday, July 22, 2003. Survivors include his father, Ricky Allen Ray, Cleveland; his mother, Vivian Ray, Charlotte, N.C.; a sister, Amber Renee Ray, Charlotte; paternal grandparents, Donald and Dorothy Ray, Cleveland; maternal grandfather, James Mullins, Florida; paternal great-grandmother, Tora Arms, Rowe, Va.; also several aunts, uncles and cousins. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2003, in the Combs Funeral Service Chapel, with the Rev. Eugene Miller and the Rev. Miles Honaker officiating. Burial will follow in Temple Hill Memorial Park in Castlewood. Serving the family as pallbearers will be Bradley Street, Hobart Phillips, Chris Penton, Billy Barton, Gerald Phillips, Brad Carpenter, Jason Hubbard and Rick McDaniel. Friends will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends after 6 p.m. Thursday, July 24, 2003, at the funeral home. Combs Funeral Service in Lebanon is serving the family of Ricky Allen Ray Jr. Calvin F. Simerly PENSACOLA, Fla. -- Calvin F. Simerly, 70, passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2003. Mr. Simerly was retired from t he U.S. Marine Corps where he served 27 years, primarily as a pilot but also as a motor transport officer and supply officer. He worked 18 years at NAS Pensacola as director of purchasing. He is survived by his wife of 48 years, Martha J. Simerly; children, Calvin R. Simerly (Lisa Suzan), Jeanna Renee Holzmeyer (Greg) and Roger Alan Simerly (Agnie); granddaughter, Angela Nicole Simerly; brothers and sisters, Jerry M. Simerly, Blountville, Gussy Leon Simerly, Knoxville, Velma Sellers, Adel, Ga., Martha Alice Hoffmann, Destin, Fla., and Juanita Meeks, Palm Beach, Fla. Funeral service will be 10:45 a.m. Friday, July 25, 2003, at Faith Chapel Funeral Home, with Navy Chaplain Horne officiating. Interment will follow in Barrancas National Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Faith Chapel from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, July 24. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Covenant Hospice. Faith Chapel Funeral Home South, 100 Beverly Parkway, is in charge of arrangements. Wilma A. Stewart BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Wilma A. Stewart, 77, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, July 22, 2003, from her home. She was born in Lane, Kan. She and her husband, George, have resided in Bristol since 1977. Wilma worked at Weight Watchers until her illness. She also had worked for Strong-Robinette and Associated Contractors Services, Inc. here in Bristol. She was preceded in death by her parents, Fred and Verlie James of Ketchum, Okla.; and a sister, Evelyn Osborn of Rockville, Md. Survivors include her husband, George R. Stewart, who will remain in Bristol; two sisters, Joan Niece of Tennessee Colony, Texas, and Judy Park of Wichita, Kan.; four daughters, Diana Helton of The Colony, Texas, Debbie Weckler of Powell, Wyo., and Georgi Stewart and Kathy Stewart of St. Joe, Mo.; a son, James Mentzer of Crestview, Fla.; 13 grandchildren; and one great-grandchild. A memorial service will be conducted at 10 o'clock Saturday morning, July 25, 2003, at Avoca Christian Church, with Minister Bob Robinson officiating. In lieu of flowers, Wilma requested that memorial contributions be sent to Avoca Christian Church, 2417 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, TN 37620. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Mrs. Stewart and her family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Jack Sword BRISTOL, Va. -- Jack (J.C.) Sword, age 64, of E 13 Eastridge Apartments, passed away Tuesday, July 22, 2003, at his residence. Mr. Sword was known as "Tennessee Moonshiner" on his CB Handle. Mr. Sword was born on Feb. 3, 1939, a son to the late Sam and Pearl Sword. Mr. Sword was a member of the Salvation Army Church and had retired from Great Costal Trucking after 10 years of service. Mr. Sword was preceded in death by one son, Dennis Sword; one brother, Ronnie Sword; and by one sister, Barbara Sifford. Mr. Sword is survived by: his wife of 29 years, Regenia Sword; daughter, Carol Acord; one special son, Chris Sykes; sons, Donald Wayne Sword and Mike Sword; two brothers, Larry Sword and Glen Sword; 14 grandchildren; four great- grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held Friday, July 25, 2003, at 11 a.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Raymond Burkett officiating. Burial will follow in the Jackson Cemetery in Wallace, Va. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home or anytime at the home: E 13 Eastridge Apartments, Bristol, Va. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.