Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, July 29, 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, July 29, 2003 Today's Deaths Lewis B. Anderson, 81, Amherst, Mass. Joe Lee Baker, 76, Clintwood Margaret E. Craig, 80, Tannersville, Va. Buena Bowser Whetsel Fleenor, 69, Kingsport Will Gulley, 97, Clinchco, Va. Barbara Gay Hartsock, 60, Dante, Va. Robert Wesley Johnson, 61, Hurst, Texas John A. Myers, 67, Bristol Tennessee Otto Owens, 57, Mavisdale, Va. William James Parks, 39, Marion Frances Grey Pennington, 76, Marion Whitelaw S. Rutherford, 83, Kingsport Dorothy Lanier Toon, 77, Damascus Charles L. White, Michigan Robert F. Worley, 73, Bristol Virginia -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lewis B. Anderson AMHERST, Mass. -- Mr. Lewis B. "Andy" Anderson, 81, died Tuesday the 22nd of July, 2003, at the Western Mass. Hospital in Westfield, Mass. He was born in Watauga, Va., Nov. 29, 1921. The son of the late Charles W. and Bertie (Lovelace) Anderson of Chilhowie. Andy was a 20-year veteran of the U. S. Air Force, and had served on the University of Massachusetts Police Department for 23 years before retirement. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Margaret (Boguslawski) Anderson; two sons, James C. Anderson of Titusville, Fla., and Jeffrey B. Anderson of Amherst and several nieces and nephews. Two sisters and four brothers predeceased him. A graveside service was held Friday, July 25, 2003, at 10 a.m. in Wildwood Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the charity of choice. This obituary is a courtesy of Farris Funeral Service, Abingdon. Joe Lee Baker CLINTWOOD -- Mr. Joe Lee Baker, 76, went home to be with the Lord on July 28, 2003. He was born Sept. 24, 1926, in Dickenson County, Va., son of Ted and Parkie Baker. He served in the U.S. Army during War World II. After returning home, he served diligently as an alcoholic beverage control officer (ABC) from Dec. 3, 1951-1962 in Dickenson, Wise, Russell and Buchanan Counties. He then moved to Warsaw, Va., where he worked as editor for the Northern Neck News for four years. He returned to Dickenson County, where he established and operated a newspaper for 27 years, The Cumberland Times, which was the "best newspaper printed in Dickenson County..." He also served as chief of police for the Town of Clintwood from May, 1967, until April, 1973. He later owned and operated Flemingtown Market from 1995-2000, and was a Kentucky Colonel. He was a man who enjoyed his family and friends, especially his grandchildren. He loved to fish and hunt and will be dearly missed. He was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a man who always stood for what he thought was right and never compromised his beliefs for anyone or anything. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Lema Counts Baker; children, Seth Baker and wife, Melonie, Janet (J. J.) Hayes and husband, David, Joseph Baker and wife, Karen, Dennis Baker and wife, Eugenia, Theresa Meade and husband, Larry, Johnny Baker and Linda Fleming; one brother, Bob Baker of Richmond; one sister, Oueida Kennedy, Kingsport; grandchildren include Tristan Hayes, Chloe Hayes, Josh Baker, Katie Baker, Nathan Baker, NaKisha Robinson, Courtney Rose, Kara Rose, Robert Meade, Robin Meade, John Emory Baker, Teresa Baker, Helena Baker, Jessica Baker, Jeff Mullins, Chris Fleming, Sean Fleming and Danny Bahaghighat, and 13 great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Joe Lee Baker will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday from the Clintwood Funeral Home Chapel, with Ministers L. Myers Mullins, Joe Glenn Sluss, Jim Collie and Joe Baker officiating. Burial will follow in the Baker Family Cemetery, Route 3, Clintwood. Military graveside services will be conducted by VFW Post 8939, DAV chapter 35 and American Legion Post 227. The family will receive friends after 6 p.m. Tuesday at the Clintwood Funeral Home with a service to follow at 7 p.m. Pallbearers: Tristan Hayes, Josh Baker, Nathan Baker, Robert Baker, John Emory Baker, Chris Fleming, Sean Fleming, Danny Bahaghighat, Seth Baker, Joe Baker, Dennis Baker and Johnny Baker. Honorary pallbearers: Richard Mullins, K. B. Baker, Lester Moore, John Earl Phipps, Jimmy South, Charles Taylor, Roy Fletcher, Tommy Phipps, Sammy Stone, Steve Baker, Harry Baker, Richard Baker, Roger Kennedy, Dr. Roger Patrick Kennedy, Ronald Kennedy, John Kennedy, Derwood Stewart, H. L. McKemy, Joe Addison, Kester Rafliff, Bob Sutherland, Otis Barton, Donnie Counts, Ronnie Counts, W. C. Counts, David Vanover and Elmer Gray Younce. Clintwood-Colley Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Jessie James Brooks HAYSI -- Funeral services for Jessie J. Brooks will be conducted 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2003, at Pilgrims Home Old Regular Baptist Church (Sunset), with Elders Arnold Bailey, Theodore Looney, Jim Blankenship and William McClanahan officiating. Burial will follow in the O'quinn-Deel Cemetery, Route 2, Haysi. Friends will serve as pallbearers. Mr. Brooks, age 68, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2003, at Buchanan General Hospital in Grundy. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Tex Lee Campbell BRISTOL, Va. -- The funeral service for Mr. Tex Lee Campbell will be conducted at 11 a.m., Tuesday, July 29, 2003, in the Farris Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Dewey Fields and Rev. Richard Edwards officiating. Military rites to be conducted by the Patton-Crosswhite VFW Post 6975. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Casket bearers will be family and friends. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m., Tuesday until the time of the funeral service. Those wishing to send memories or messages of sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Mr. Campbell, age 80, died Saturday, July 26, 2003, at the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center at Mountain Home, Tenn. Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, is serving the family of Mr. Tex Lee Campbell. Virgie Copenhaver MEADOWVIEW -- Mrs. Virgie Marie Neese Copenhaver, age 89, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2003, at the Johnston Memorial Hospital. She was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Va. Marie helped establish the High Point Baptist Church in 1947, where she was a dedicated member. She was an active member of the Women's Missionary Society, the Home Demonstration Club and her community until her illness prevented it. She was the daughter of the late Arthur B. and Lucille Frye Neese Sr. She was preceded in death by her husband, John Preston Copenhaver; two sisters, Goldie Tilson Copenhaver and Ruby Graybeal, and four brothers, Everett Neese, Carl Neese, Oscar Neese and Noel Neese. She is survived by two sons, Robert Y. Copenhaver and wife, Becky, of Meadowview and Roger P. Copenhaver and wife, Betty, of Meadowview; one daughter, Mildred M. McThenia and husband, Dean, of Meadowview; two brothers, Arthur B. Neese Jr. of Meadowview and Bernard Neese of Abingdon; two sisters, Vivian Mock of Meadowview and Dorothy Cannon of Glade Spring; six grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and special friends and caregivers, Rosa Salyers and Melissa Ashley. A funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, July 29, 2003, at 2 p.m. in the High Point Baptist Church, with Rev. David Critcher and Rev. Mahlon Wyatt officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be the following nephews, Earnest Copenhaver, Stuart Copenhaver, Everett Neese Jr., Woody Neese, Bill Neese, Sam Neese, Jim Neese, Wayne Neese, Larry Neese, Danny Cannon, Gary Cannon, David Cannon, Glen Mock and Nathan Graybeal. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the High Point Baptist Church Memorial Fund, 31495 Blue Springs Road, Meadowview or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 4700 Rutledge Pike, Knoxville, TN 37914. Those wishing to express memories or sympathy on line may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service is serving the family of Mrs. Copenhaver. Margaret E. Craig TANNERSVILLE, Va. -- Mrs. Margaret E. Craig, age 80, died Sunday, July 27, 2003, at Grace Health Care in Abingdon. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Clifford Craig, and one brother. Survivors: one son, Herbert Guthy of California; two daughters, Helga Burch of Louisville, Ky., and Patricia Craig of Tannersville; one brother; five sisters; five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. At the request of Mrs. Craig, there will be no services. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is serving the Craig family. Buena Fleenor KINGSPORT -- Buena Bowser Whetsel Fleenor, 69, 2408 Little Valley Road, departed this life at 9:30 p.m. Sunday, July 27, 2003, to be with her Heavenly Father after a long and courageous battle with cancer. She was born in Sullivan County on Aug. 8, 1933, and lived in the Sullivan Gardens area all of her life. Buena was a member of Pilgrim's Rest Baptist Church. Mrs. Fleenor worked for I.T.T. and North Electric for 12 1/2 years. She was a wonderful wife, mother, sister, grandmother and a friend to all who knew her. She will be greatly missed by all. Preceding her in death were her father and mother, Herman and Ida Hunt Bowser; sister, Leta Chase; grandparents, Sam and Kattie Bowser, and several aunts and uncles. Surviving are her husband and soulmate, Earnest (Gene) Fleenor; daughter, Judith Whetsel, Kingsport; two sons, Alan Whetsel and wife Waunetta, Kingsport, and Jimmy Eric Whetsel and wife Gaylia, Johnson City; stepdaughter, Melissa Fleenor, Charlotte, N.C.; two sisters, Burlie Hammonds and Naomi Depew and one brother, H. C. Bowser, all of Kingsport; three grandsons, Mike Whetsel, Eric Whetsel and Nicholas Whetsel; one step-grandson, Tyler Bachman, and her best and dearest lifetime friend and sister-in-Christ, Pat Wolfe. Calling hours are 6-8 p.m. Tuesday evening at the Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport chapel, and any time at her home on Little Valley Road. Services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Lawrence Wolfe and Rev. Kelly Dykes officiating. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Tri-Cities Memory Gardens. Pallbearers are Jim Lane, Larry Calhoun, Hank Green, Mack Summey, Tom Gallaway, Bob Standley, Johnny Sells and Mike Bowser. The family would like to thank all the caregivers at hospice and her doctors, Dr. Edwin McElroy and Dr. David Franzus, for all the wonderful care she was given. In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele's Road, Bristol, TN 37620 or Pilgrims Rest Baptist Church, 3120 Atoka Lane, Kingsport, TN 37660. Berta Brown Gibson CASTLEWOOD -- Funeral services for Berta Brown Gibson will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2003, in Castlewood Funeral Home Chapel, Castlewood, with Rev. Charles Killen and Rev. Brent Logan officiating. Interment will follow in Gibson Family Cemetery, Castlewood. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be sent to the Gibson family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Ms. Gibson, 80, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 26, 2003, at her home. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Angela D. Goodson ABINGDON -- Miss Angela Dawn Goodson went home to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 26, 2003, after a long illness. Angela was born in Abingdon to Homer Lee Goodson and the late Mary Edith Goodson. She was a graduate of East Tennessee State University and worked as a counselor at Blue Ridge Job Corps. She was a member of the Woodland Baptist Church and was an avid fan of softball, basketball and fishing. Angela was preceded in death by a sister, Peggy Goodson; twin brothers, Lonnie Mike Goodson and Roger Dale Goodson; and her mother, Mary Edith Goodson. She is survived by her father, Homer Lee Goodson; brothers, Richard Goodson and wife Gloria of Lancaster, Pa., Donald Ray Goodson of Abingdon, Freddie Lynn Goodson and wife Alisa of Piney Flats; a sister, Jane Gobble and husband Gene of Abingdon; nephews, Kevin and Robbie Gobble of Atlanta, Joshua Goodson , Curtis Goodson and wife Melinda all of Abingdon, Roger Goodson and wife Cindy of Bristol Virginia, and Adam and Andrew Goodson of Piney Flats; nieces, Jade and Cassidy Goodson of Abingdon and Shelley Goodson of Piney Flats; a special cousin, Tammy Lester of Abingdon; her faithful companion, Jasper; and lots of loving friends. The funeral service was conducted at 8:30 p.m. Monday in the Farris Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Bob McCormick and Rev. Jerry Eggers officiating. The family received friends from 6 - 8:15 p.m. Monday before the funeral service. They will also be gathering at the home of her sister, Jane Gobble and husband Gene, 19191 Wyndale Road, Abingdon. A graveside committal service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Knollkreg Memorial Park. Family members will gather at the home for a procession to the cemetery on Tuesday. Pallbearers will be Kevin Gobble, Robbie Gobble, Curtis Goodson, Joshua Goodson, Adam Goodson, Andrew Goodson and Roger Goodson. Honorary pallbearers will be Gary Lester, Johnnie Hicks, Jonathan Howard and Nathan Robinette. Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations can be made to the Gastroparesis Foundation, Care of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, 9500 Euclid Ave., Desk A30, Cleveland, OH 44195. Those wishing to send memories and messages of sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, is serving the family of Miss Angela Dawn Goodson. Will Gulley CLINCHCO, Va. -- Will Gulley, age 97, passed away Saturday, July 26, 2003, at Bon Secour's St. Mary's Hospital in Norton. He had been a resident of Clinchco for the past six years and was formerly from Birmingham, Ala. Mr. Gulley was a member of the New Grace Baptist Church in Birmingham, where he had preached for over 65 years. He was also a member of the True Fellowship Masonic Lodge 4078 of Alabama. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rebecca Edward Gulley and Julius Gully; his wife, Lucendia Gulley; brothers, Julius Gulley, Jessie Gulley and Orie Gulley; and sisters, Sweetie B., Rosa, Isabella and Alberta. His survivors include son, Frank Gulley of Clinchco; daughter, Marie Mims of Pensacola, Fla.; eight grandchildren, Teresa Gulley, Wanda Williams, Michael Gulley, Billy Gulley, Frank Gulley Jr., Larry Gulley, Frankie Gulley and Edna Gulley; 17 great-grandchildren and a host of nephews, nieces and great-great- grandchildren. The family will receive friends Tuesday, July 29, at 6:30 p.m. in the Mullins Funeral Home Chapel, where a service will be conducted at 7 p.m., with Brother Billy Gulley and Brother Jim Viers officiating. Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Thursday, July 31, at the New Grace Baptist Church. Burial will be in the New Grace Hill Cemetery, 1728 3rd Ave., North Birmingham, with Brother Billy Gulley officiating. Pallbearers are Michael Gulley, Terry Gulley, Larry Gulley, Tione Gulley and Carlos Gulley. Barbara G. Hartsock DANTE, Va. -- Barbara Gay Hartsock, 60, died Monday, July 28, 2003, at her home. She was born in Russell County, Va., daughter of the late Lanvil and Lucille Fields Dean. She attended Bearwallow Freewill Baptist Church, Dante. She is survived by her husband, Ronald Hartsock; five sisters, Shelvey Jean Robinson of St. Paul, Va., Mary Ruth Layne of Culpepper, Va., Zelda Mae Raines of Dante, Kathy Christine Hill of Blountville and Lisa Diane Stuart of Gordonville, Va.; four brothers, Jimmy Dean of Cleveland, Va., Junior Dean of Culpeper, Eddie Dean of Culpeper and Robert Dean of Culpeper, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2003, in Castlewood Funeral Home Chapel, Castlewood, with Rev. J. T. Hartsock officiating. Interment will follow in Temple Hill Memorial Park, Castlewood. Pallbearers will be Ezra McClellan, Booner Phillips, Vance Raines, Johnny Raines, Jermey Dean, Deno Dean, Jamie Dean, and Chad Fields. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. T. D. Holliday, Jim Holbrook, Melvin Gordon and Glen Hale. The Hartsock family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2003, at Castlewood Funeral Home, Castlewood. Online condolences may be sent to the Hartsock family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Edith Ketron Holmes BRISTOL, Va. -- Graveside services for Edith Ketron Holmes will be conducted at 9 a.m. Tuesday, July 29, 2003, in Glenwood Cemetery, with Rev. Carl Blackburn officiating. It was Edith's special request to have no viewing or visitation at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be made to the Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele's Road, Bristol, TN 37620. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family of Mrs. Holmes at akardfh@peercom.net. Mrs. Holmes, age 89, died Sunday, July 27, 2003, in National Health Care of Bristol. Akard Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Holmes. Robert W. Johnson HURST, Texas -- Robert Wesley Johnson, 61, a regional sales manager for Car- Quest North American, died Monday, July 28, 2003, at home. Mr. Johnson was a native of Bristol Virginia. He had worked for Car-Quest for 26 years. He served in the U. S. Army during the Vietnam War, was a 32nd degree Mason in Lodge 1195, and was preceded in death by his father, J. R. Johnson Jr. Surviving are his wife of 40 years, Phyllis Johnson; daughter, Anissa Northey; son, Wes Johnson; mother, Luci Johnson; sister, Judy Ann Koch, and seven grandchildren. Funeral will be held Wednesday in Colleyville, Texas. Memorials donations may be made to North East Tarrant Baptist Church, 7001 Smithfield Road, North Richland Hills, Texas 76180. Bluebonnet Hills Funeral Home of Colleyville is in charge. Shirley R. Knoll Shirley Ruppert Knoll, 65, went to be with her Heavenly Father Sunday, July 27, 2003, from Select Specialty Hospital in Bristol Tennessee. She was born in Washington, D.C., the daughter of the late Thomas O. Ruppert and Ruth Ball Ruppert. Mrs. Knoll lived most of her life in Arlington, Va., and and was a graduate of Washington and Lee High School in Arlington and attended Strayer College in Washington. She worked as an aide in Congress, at the Federal Trade Commission and at the Chesapeake and Potomac Telephone Company. She was a member of St. Charles Church in Arlington and the St. Matthew's Cathedral Club in Washington. She later moved to Abingdon, where she was a member of Christ the King Catholic Church. She was a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution through her descent from the Ball Family of Maryland. Survivors include her loving and devoted husband, John Knoll of Bristol Tennessee; two brothers, Thomas Ruppert Jr. of Clifton, Va., and George Ruppert of Arlington; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6 until 7 o'clock Tuesday evening at Oakley-Cook Funeral Home with a Christian Prayer Service at 6:45. The funeral service will be conducted at 10 o'clock Wednesday morning at the graveside in Glenwood Cemetery, Bristol Tennessee, with Rev. Tim Keeney officiating. Condolences and memories may be sent via e-mail at www.oakley-cook.com. Mrs. Knoll and her family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. John A. Myers BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Rev. John A. Myers, age 67, of 104 Spring Drive, died Sunday, July 27, 2003, at his daughter's home, 165 Miller Hill Road, Johnson City. He was a native of Thunderhawk, South Dakota. Rev. Myers had lived all over the world as part of a military family and in several states as a pastor before settling in the Tri-Cities area in 1976. He was a son of the late David Kearns Myers and Johanna "Anna" Brinson Snedon Myers. Rev. Myers was a graduate of Faith Theological Seminary, Philadelphia, Pa. He pastored churches in North Olmstead, Ohio, Wilmington, Del., Walnut Hill Presbyterian Church in Bristol and Princeton Presbyterian Church and Cash Hollow Presbyterian Mission Church, both in Johnson City. He had been attending Walnut Hill Presbyterian Church. He is survived by his wife, Janice L. Corby Myers; a daughter, Laurie Feathers and husband, Donald, Johnson City; three sons, John Myers and wife, Christie, Jonesborough, David Myers and wife, Ava, Blountville, and Daniel Myers and wife, Tracey, Elizabethton; 10 grandchildren; two sisters, Ruth Melton and husband, Bill, Los Angeles, and Mary Peterman and husband, Gordon, San Diego; one brother, Rev. David Myers, and wife, Carolyn, Carlisle, Pa.; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service for Rev. Myers will be conducted 8 p.m. Wednesday in the Morris-Baker South Chapel. Dr. Ed Crook and Rev. Jon Gullett will officiate. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday. A graveside service will be conducted 10 a.m. Thursday in the Monte Vista Burial Park. Those attending are invited to meet at the funeral home by 9:40 a.m. to go in procession to the cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be past and present officers of Princeton Presbyterian Church, PCA and Walnut Hill Presbyterian Church, PCA. The family suggests memorials to Walnut Hill Presbyterian Church, 224 Midway Drive, Bristol, TN 37620 or Princeton Presbyterian Church, 2703 E. Oakland Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601. Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 2001 Oakland Ave., Johnson City, is assisting the Myers family with these arrangements. (423) 282-1521. Otto Owens MAVISDALE, Va. -- Otto "Toby" Owens, 57 years of age, passed away Sunday, July 27, 2003, at the Clinch Valley Medical Center following an extended illness. Born in Buchanan County, he was the son of the late Rufus and Crettie Deel Owens. He was a lifelong resident of Buchanan County and a retired coal miner. Mr. Owens is survived by his daughter, Vanessa Renae and her husband Joey Deskins of St. Paul, Va.; one son, Dallas Darnel Owens and wife Lori of Rock Hill, S.C.; one sister, Nellie Pruner of Haysi; two brothers, Gordon Owens of Richlands and Trinkle Deel of Route 1, Vansant; and four grandchildren, Heather Deel, Jonathan Deel, Benjamin Owens and Harrison Owens. He is also survived by the following special friends, Greg, Brenda, Jessica and Adam Dotson and Bill, Julie, Amber and Ethan Sage. He was preceded in death by a very special friend, Nell Dotson. Funeral services for Otto "Toby" Owens will be conducted Wednesday, July 30, 2003, at 2 p.m. at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel, with Evangelist Michael Trent officiating and singing by Leonard Meadows, with burial to follow in the Owens Family Cemetery at Prater, Va. Friends may call at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel after 6 p.m. Tuesday and there will be an evening service at 7 p.m. at the Grundy Funeral Home Chapel. Active pallbearers: Greg Dotson, Terry Stiltner, Joey Deskins, Joe Stiltner, Jeff Sparks and Bill Sage. Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of all arrangements. William J. Parks MARION -- William James Parks, age 39, died Sunday, July 27, 2003, at his home. Survivors and funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Bradley's Funeral Home in Marion. Frances Pennington MARION -- Frances Grey Pennington, age 76, died Monday, July 28, 2003, at her home. She was born in Smyth County to the late Dewey and Pearl Poe Sayers and was preceded in death by her husband, William Pennington. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Virginia Blevins, and her brother, Jim Sayers. She was a member of the Falling Water Baptist Church. Survivors include two daughters and a son-in-law, Debbie Hagy, Glade Spring and Darlene and Michael Dean, Marion; two brothers, Warren Sayers, Marion and Mack Sayers, Baltimore; two sisters-in-law, Barbara "Boots" Sayers and Martha Hash; a brother-in-law, Ed Pennington and wife Zenna, and one grandson, Eric Dean. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2 p.m. from the Falling Water Baptist Church, with Rev. Wayne Lewis and Rev. Paul Jones officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Cemetery. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of South West Virginia, 600 West Ridge Road, Wytheville, VA 24382. The family will receive friends from 7 - 9 Tuesday at the funeral home. Bradley's Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the Pennington family. Conley Jack Peters Conley J. Peters, age 64, of Wolf Run Road, went to be with the Lord Saturday, July 26, 2003 at his residence. He is the son of the late George W. and Julie Cresong Peters. He has lived all his life in the Bristol area and was a member of Walnut Grove Baptist Church, Mendota, Va. He is survived by brothers, George S. Peters of Bristol Tennessee, John C. Peters of Knoxville and Dewey Peters of Middletown, Ohio; sisters, Elizabeth Clark of Blountville and Faye Bell Rutledge of Bristol Virginia, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2003, at Walnut Grove Baptist Church, with Rev. Carl Young officiating. The burial will follow in the Walnut Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers will be good friends and deacons of Walnut Grove Baptist Church, Frazier Brewer, Creed Dye, Harold Fleenor, David Eaton, Everett Rutherford, Roy Skeens and deacons of Walnut Grove Baptist Church. Honorary pallbearers will be Benny Thomas, John Denton, Alvie Murray, Harold Rutherford, Willie Sproles and Gerald Bennie. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m. at Weaver Funeral Home or other times at the home of George Peters, 1088 Reedy Creek Road, Bristol, Tenn. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Whitelaw Rutherford KINGSPORT -- Whitelaw S. Rutherford, 83, died Sunday morning, July 27, 2003, at his home. Born in Appalachia, Va., he served with the U.S. Army during World War II. Mr. Rutherford was a retired diesel mechanic and resided in Florida for 28 years before moving to Kingsport in 2002. Preceding him in death were his wife, Betsey M. Rutherford; two sisters, Irene Wright and Juanita Tolbert, and one brother, William (Teeney) Rutherford. Mr. Rutherford is survived by his daughters, Cheryl Ford, Kansas, Juanita Horgan, Florida, Mary Caldwell, Kingsport, Carol Burgess, Florida, and Leala Rutherford, Kingsport; his sons, Stephen Rutherford of Florida, Dennis Rutherford of Maryland, Paul Rutherford of Maryland and Daniel Rutherford of Florida; 19 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sisters, Dorothy Scalf, Mary Metcalf, Betty Arsenio and Shirley Clark; brothers, Johnny Rutherford and J.D. Rutherford, and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday at St. Dominic's Catholic Church, with a Christian Wake Prayer Service to be conducted at 8 p.m. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at the church, with Rev. Charles Burton officiating. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Dominic's Catholic Church, 2517 North John B. Dennis Highway, Kingsport, TN 37660. Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport, is in charge of arrangements. Johnny Ray Sheckler DAVENPORT, Va. -- Funeral services for Johnny Ray Sheckler will be conducted Tuesday, July 29, 2003, at 2 p.m. at the Faith in Christ Freewill Baptist Church, Duty, Va., with Rev. Roy Lee Wilson and Rev. Robert Tiller. Interment will follow at the Duty View Cemetery, Duty, where military graveside rites will be conducted by American Legion Post 164 Grundy. Mr. Sheckler, age 48, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, July 26, at a Bristol Tennessee hospital. Honaker Funeral Home of Honaker is serving the family of Mr. Sheckler. Dorothy Lanier Toon DAMASCUS -- Dorothy Lanier Toon, age 77, passed away on Sunday, July 27, 2003, at Grace Healthcare, Abingdon. She was a native of Mocksville, North Carolina, and had lived in Damascus most of her life. She was the daughter of the late Fred Lee Lanier Sr. and Hilah Jane Smith Lanier. She was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Lee Toon; a son, William Anderson; a sister, Jane Orr, and a sister-in-law, Ruth Lanier. Mrs. Toon attended the Laurel Community United Methodist Church. She is survived by one son, Robert W. Anderson and his wife, Karen, of Meadowview; two daughters, Jean Magnuson and her husband, Charles, of Damascus and Peggy Williams and her husband, Don, of Damascus; one brother, Fred Lanier Jr. of Tampa, Fla.; a twin sister, Doris Jean Isenberg, of Blountville; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, July 30, 2003, in the Garrett Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. R. J. Cullop officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be the following grandsons, William Anderson Jr., David Anderson, Robert Anderson Jr., Donald Williams II, Matthew Williams, Tom Flaglor, Phil Neely and Millard Blevins. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be sent to the Damascus Virginia Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 458, Damascus, VA 24236. The family will receive friends from 1-2 p.m. Wednesday prior to the funeral service at Garrett Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family through our Web site at www.garrettfuneralhome.com. Garrett Funeral Home in Damascus is serving the family of Mrs. Toon. Charles L. White Charles L. White passed away July 13, 2003, in Michigan. There will be a memorial service held Tuesday, July 29, 2003, at the National Cemetery in Mountain Home, Tenn., with Rev. Gary Garland officiating. Military honors will be provided by Highlands Fellowship Honor Guard. Information provided by Weaver Funeral Home. Robert F. Worley BRISTOL, Va. -- Robert F. Worley, 73, passed away Monday, July 28, 2003, in Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon. Arrangements are incomplete at this time. Akard Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Worley. Other area obituaries Mrs. Marie Easterling , age 76, 612 Hazel St., Johnson City, died Saturday, July 26, 2003, at the Johnson City Medical Center Hospital, following a brief illness. Mrs. Easterling was a native of Wise County, VA, and a resident of Norton, VA until moving to Johnson City in 1959. She was a daughter of the late Arthur and Lucy Tate Shortt. Mrs. Easterling was retired from the Johnson City Medical Center after thirty eight years as a Medical Technolegist. She was a member of Boones Creek Baptist Church. Mrs. Easterling was preceded in death by her husband, James Henry Easterling, Jr., in 2000; one daughter, Elizabeth Stewart, in 2001; four brothers, Creed Shortt, Edward Shortt, Curtis Shortt and Garlin Shortt; three sisters, Mildred Crisp, Reba Greer and Betty Stewart. Survivors include, two sons, Ken Easterling and wife Sarita, of Johnson City, Sam Easterling and wife Lisa, Louisville, TN; one daughter, Pat Walker and husband David, Chattanooga; one brother, Delmer Shortt, Cleveland, OH; one sister, Dollie Brickey, Cleveland, OH; five grandchildren, Todd Easterling, Bristol, David Walker, Jr. and Mark Walker, both of Chattanooga, Emily Easterling, Louisville, TN, Zachary Lovelace, Fall Branch; five great- grandchildren, Austin Easterling, Keely Easterling, Caleb Easterling and Eden Easterling, all of Bristol, and Mikayla Walker, Chattanooga; several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted Monday, July 28, 2003, at 7:00 P.M., from the Chapel of the Appalachian Funeral Home, with the Rev. Arnold “Bud” Pate, officiating. Special music will be provided by Tracy Easterling. The graveside committal service will be held Tuesday, July 29, 2003, at 11:00 A.M., in the Monte Vista Burial Park. Those planning to attend are to meet at the funeral home by 10:30 A.M. Tuesday to proceed to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. The family will receive friends Monday from 5:30- 7:00 P.M. in the funeral home chapel. Condolences for the family may be e- mailed to www.appalachianfuneralhome.com. Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 East Watauga Ave., Johnson City, is serving the Easterling family. Dennis Greene , age 65, 516 Magnolia Ave., Johnson City, died Friday, July 25, 2003, at the Johnson City Medical Center Hospital, following a brief illness. Mr. Greene was a native of Bakersville, NC, and a resident of Johnson City for most of his life. Dennis was the son of the late Charlie and Bessie Greene. Mr. Greene was retired from the City of Johnson City. Dennis is survived by his wife, Shirley Greene, of the home; one son, Keith Greene, Johnson City; one daughter, Kathy Brillhart, Abingdon, VA; one sister, Dorothy Morrell, Unicoi; three granddaughters, Tayler Greene, Johnson City, Maggie Brillhart and Sallie Brillhart, both of Abingdon. The funeral service will be conducted Monday, July 28, 2003, at 8:00 P.M., from the Chapel of the Appalachian Funeral Home, with the Rev. Richard Blankenship, officiating. The graveside committal service will be held Tuesday, July 29, 2003, at 10:00 A.M., in the Roselawn Memory Gardens. Those planning to attend are to meet at the cemetery by 9:50 A.M. Tuesday. The family will receive friends Monday from 6:00- 8:00 P.M. in the funeral home chapel. Condolences for the family may be e-mailed to www.appalachianfuneralhome.com. Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 E. Watauga Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601, is serving the Greene family. Esda Masters Price , age 93, of 2101 Christian Ln, #404, died Tuesday, July 29, 2003, at the Johnson City Medical Center Hospital. Mrs. Price was a native of Mitchell County, NC, and a daughter of the late George and Ibba Jane Harrell Masters. Esda moved to Boones Creek with her parents at the age of 12. She was a graduate of Boones Creek High School and the Appalachian School of Nursing, becoming a registered nurse. She practiced her profession with the Veterans Administration and also private duty nursing. She married Walter Lee Price on September 25, 1939. Esda was a member of the First Church of the Brethren and also served as Sunday School teacher and Deaconess of the church. She was a member of the Monday Club and the Garden Lover’s Club. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three sisters and one brother. She is survived by her husband, Walter Lee Price; three nieces, Jane Heywood Horne, of Columbus, NC, Diane Monroe Pennington, of Johnson City, and Martha Jane Masters Robin, of Leesburg, VA; two nephews, George Monroe, of Ovieda, FL, and Donald Masters, of Columbia, MD; also a number of great and great-great nieces and nephews. The funeral service for Esda Masters Price will be conducted Friday, August 1, 2003, at 2:30 PM in the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home with Rev. Rufus Smith and Dr. Donald R. Jeanes officiating. Interment will follow in Monte Vista Burial Park. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. The family will receive friends from 1:00 until 2:30 PM Friday from the East Parlor of the funeral home. For those who prefer memorial contributions may be made to First Church of the Brethren, 122 Bart Greene Dr., Gray, TN, 37615 or to Milligan College, PO Box 750, Milligan College, TN, 37682. Condolences may be made online at www.appalachianfuneralhome.com. Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 E Watauga Ave., is serving the Price family. Martha Stuart Cargille Spanabel , age 89, formerly of 705 Hillrise Blvd., who was presently residing at Appalachian Christian Village, died Wednesday, July 23, 2003, in Johnson City Medical Center Hospital. A native and life-long resident of Johnson City, Mrs. Spanabel was a daughter of the late Charles Edward Cargille and Agnes Anglin Cargille. She was a former school teacher in the Johnson City Public School System, where she taught at Stratton Elementary and was also a homemaker. Mrs. Spanabel was a graduate of Science Hill High School, graduated with honors from Hollins College, Roanoke, VA, and did graduate work at University of Tennessee- Knoxville. She was a member of the Johnson City Monday Club and the Hoe’n Hope Garden Club. Mrs. Spanabel was an active member of Central Baptist Church and a member of the Fidelis Sunday School Class. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Frank Harper and her second husband, Glenn Spanabel. Survivors include one daughter, Ann Harper Cardwell and her husband, Gary L. Cardwell, Collinsville, VA; two grandchildren, Cynthia Lee Stephens, Roanoke, VA, and Michael Harper Stephens, Greensboro, NC; one step-grandson, Neal Douglas Cardwell, San Francisco, CA. Funeral services for Martha Spanabel will be conducted Friday, July 25, 2003, at 2:00 PM in the East Chapel of the Appalachian Funeral Home with Rev. Willard Warfield officiating. Burial will follow in Monte Vista Burial Park. Pallbearers will be selected by family. Visitation for Mrs. Spanabel will be held Friday at 1:00 PM from the East Parlor of the funeral home. Condolences may be made online at www.appalachianfuneralhome.com. Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 E. Watauga Ave., is serving the Spanabel family. Nellie Mae Woodby , 87, Johnson City, died Sunday, July 27, 2003, in the Johnson City Medical Center Hospital following a brief illness. A native of Unicoi County, Mrs. Woodby was a daughter of the late Barnett and Bessie Gaddy Woodby. Nellie was a homemaker. She was a Freewill Baptist. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Mack Dallas Woodby, in 1981; two sons, Bobby Jack Woodby and Bill Woodby; one granddaughter, Sherry Tesnear; and by four brothers and two sisters. Survivors include one son, C.M. Woodby, and wife, Joyce, Johnson City; three daughters, Louise Jasperse, and husband, Don, Kingsport, Carol Kilby, and husband, Blaine, and Joan Tolley, and husband, Charley, all of Johnson City; eleven grandchildren, Mike Woodby, Rick Jasperse, Tina Jasperse-Shell, Bobby Jack Woodby, Donna Guinn, Jennifer Jones, Kimberly Shankle, Blaine Kilby, Jr., Sam Kilby, Mack Kilby and John Tolley; eleven great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. The funeral service for Mrs. Woodby will be held Wednesday, July 30, 2003, at 7:00 PM from the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home with Rev. Eugene Penland officiating. Music will be under the direction of Roddy Bird. Graveside committal services will be held Thursday, July 31, 2003, at 10:00 AM in Roselawn Memory Gardens. Those planning to attend graveside services are asked to meet at the cemetery by the service hour. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers and are asked to meet at the cemetery by 9:45 AM. The family will receive friends Wednesday from the East Parlor of the funeral home from 5:00 until 7:00 PM and at other times at 902 King Springs Rd, Johnson City. Condolences may be made online at www.appalachianfuneralhome.com. Appalachian Funeral Home, 800 E Watauga Ave., is serving the Woodby family.