Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, September 1, 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 Monday, September 1, 2003 Today's Deaths Neal R. Allison, 66, Kingsport Jim Brummitte, 71, Norton Beuna Ratliff Childress, 92 Irene McReynolds Cook, 87, Bristol Virginia Virginia Estes Dean, 78, Marion Irene Tiller Stevens, 82, Bristol Virginia -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Neal R. Allison KINGSPORT -- Neal R. Allison, age 66, of 700 N. Wilcox Dr., Apartment 8, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2003, at his residence after a lengthy illness. He was born in Saltville (Smyth County). He was a member of the Evangel Family Worship Center. Mr. Allison served during the Korean conflict in the U.S. Army Air Corps. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence S. Allison and Nellie Smith Allison. Surviving are wife, Dealie Holbrook Allison of the home; his children, Kimberly Hale of Saltville, Rodney Clay Allison of Shelotte, N.C., Carmen J. Dinsmore of Meadowview, Jennifer Allison of Saltville, Jeffrey Lee Allison of Stanley, N.C., and Sonya Lynn Allison of Lesville, N.C.; 12 grandchildren and a brother, Clarence "Buddy" Allison. Calling hours are from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2003, at the Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport. Friends may also call any time at the home. Funeral services will be conducted in t he funeral home chapel on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2003, at 7 p.m., with Rev. James O. Hagy officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Evangel Family Worship Center, 1928 Bloomingdale Road, Kingsport. Graveside services will be Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2003, at 11 a.m. at the National Cemetery, Mountain Home, Tenn., with the American Legion Hammond Post 3 and Gate City Post 265 in charge of services. Condolences may be sent via e-mail to the family at cartertrentfh@chartertn.net. Carter-Trent Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Edith Bear KINGSPORT -- Edith Beulah McCoy Bear, 80, 339 Deakins Road, passed away at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center Friday, Aug. 29, 2003, following a lengthy illness. Born and raised in Hancock County, Tenn., she was the daughter of the late Charles and Della McCoy. Mrs. Bear was a member of Harmony Baptist Church and had lived in the Kingsport area most of her life. She has spent most of her professional life working at Oak Ridge Nuclear Power Plant, Holston Defense Army Ammunition Plant, Eastman Chemical Company and retiring from Raytheon Defense Systems after 27 years of service. Edith enjoyed gardening and taking part in the senior citizens activities in the church. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Two brothers and two sisters preceded her in death. Surviving is her husband of 55 years, James M. Bear of the home; one daughter, Lorainne Clark of Alpharetta, Ga.; three sons, Steve Bear of Atlanta, Dennis Bear of Fall Branch, Tenn., and Roger Bear of Fall Branch; six grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Pauline Moulton of Knoxville and Betty Lawson of Anderson, Ind.; two brothers, Charles McCoy of Blackwater, Va., and Dave McCoy of Elizabethton, Pa., and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, downtown. Funeral service will be held at 8 p.m. Tuesday in the Hamlett-Dobson Chapel, with Rev. Steve Pate and Rev. J.W. Depew officiating Graveside services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Wednesday in Oak Hill Memorial Park. E-mail condolences may be sent to hamlettdobson@charter.net. Wilma Bolling NORTON -- The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday at the Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted 3 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. Jim Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Gray Cemetery. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.hagyfawbush.com. Mrs. Bolling, 72, born Sept. 13, 1930, passed away Friday, Aug. 29, 2003, at her home on Bear Branch Road after a long illness. Jim Brummitte NORTON -- Jim (Poppy) Brummitte, 71, died Saturday, Aug. 30, 2003, in Wellmont Holston Valley Hospital, Kingsport. He was a retired coal miner and a member of the UMWA District 28. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. Surviving are his wife of 52 years, Pauline Farmer Brummitte; mother, Effie Brummitte, Norton; two daughters, Phyllis Brummitte, Norton, and Jane Brummitte of the home; two sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Jewell Brummitte, Nickelsville, Va., and Dennis Brummitte and Mickey Hale, Wise; daughter-in-law, Lauren Brummitte, Norton; six grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister, Laura Hincher, Norton; several nieces and nephews and a host of friends and hunting buddies. The family will receive friends from 6-8:30 p.m. Monday at the Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home. Services will be conducted 8:30 p.m. Monday in the funeral home chapel, with Justin Marker officiating. Graveside committal services will be conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday in the Powell Valley Memorial Gardens. Family and friends may gather at the funeral home 10:30 a.m. Tuesday to go in procession to the cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the Norton Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 1267, Norton, VA 24273; All Saints Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 227, Norton, VA 24273 or to the National Kidney Foundation. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.hagyfawbush.com. Beuna R. Childress Mrs. Beuna Ratliff Childress, age 92, passed away Saturday, Aug. 30, 2003, in a Richlands hospital following a long illness. Born on Sept. 10, 1910, she was the daughter of the late Drew and Elizabeth Wallace Ratliff. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Arnold Childress, two daughters, Martha Elizabeth Childress Matney and a baby girl Childress, and one baby boy son. Mrs. Childress is survived by seven sons, Arnold Frenchman, Oscar Childress, Lawrence Childress, Clarence Childress, Lonzo Childress, Donald Childress and Joshua Childress; four daughters, Hassie Boyd, Gay Robbins, Murriel Stiltner and Kathleen Walker; one brother, Billy Ratliff; two sisters, Madge Justice and Elizabeth Wallace; 37 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and two great - great- grandchildren also survive. Funeral services for Mrs. Beuna Ratliff Childress will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 3, 2003, in the Singleton Funeral Service Chapel in Cedar Bluff, with Elders Ked Stacy, Danny Smith, Lawrence Jackson and Delford Ward officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenhills Memory Gardens Cemetery at Claypool Hill, Va. Pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons. The family will receive friends at the Singleton Funeral Service in Cedar Bluff from 6-9 p.m. Monday and Tuesday. E-mail condolences may be sent to singleton@netscope.net. Singleton Funeral Service is serving the Childress Family. Destiny Jade Coalson MARION -- Destiny Jade Coalson, infant daughter of Rebecca Taylor and Curtis Coalson, passed away Friday, Aug. 29, 2003, in the Smyth County Community Hospital. Survivors, in addition to her parents, include one brother, Zachary Coalson of the home; maternal grandparents, Vernie and Lewis Gates, Tazewell; paternal grandparents, Teresa and Cecil Coalson, Marion; two great-grandmothers, Mary Worley, Saltville, and Virginia Harris, Mountain City, Tenn.; several aunts, uncles, cousins and many other family members also survive. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 1, 2003, from the Bradley's Funeral Home Chapel in Marion, with Rev. Neville Mozingo officiating. Graveside services will follow in Round Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday morning from 10 - 11 at the funeral home. Bradley's Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the family. Irene M. Cook BRISTOL, Va. -- Irene McReynolds Cook, age 87, of 513 Garden Lane, died Sunday, Aug. 31, 2003, at her home. She was born in Cleveland, Va., on Sept. 3, 1915, the oldest daughter of the late Arthur and Elzia Jackson McReynolds. She lived her early life in Lebanon, before moving to Bristol in 1958. She was a member of State Street United Methodist Church, Order of the Eastern Star, Rebeccas, past president of the Bristol Goodson Lioness Club, Russell County Missionary Society, a trustee and charter member of Bristol's Country Music Foundation, the predecessor of the Bristol Country Music Alliance. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, J. Don Cook, a sister, Edith Robinson, and two brothers, Millard and Dan McReynolds. Mrs. Cook is survived by her daughter, Brenda Harris and husband Tom of Bristol Virginia; one grandson, Brett Harris and wife Traci of Bristol Tennessee; three sisters, Betty Ann Robinson and husband Lacy of Bristol Virginia, Beulah Comer of Bristol Virginia and Bobbie Sturgill and husband Byron of Piney Flats, Tenn., and three brothers, James McReynolds and wife Helen of Lebanon, Tanner McReynolds and wife Nell of Lebanon and Billy McReynolds and wife Audrey of Bristol Virginia. Also surviving are one brother-in-law, Rev. Howard Robinson of Bristol Virginia; two sisters-in-law, Lucille McReynolds of Bristol Virginia and Mabel Cook of Lebanon; a special life long friend, Mabel Morefield of Lebanon, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2003, in State Street United Methodist Church, with Rev. Fred Dearing and Rev. Howard Robinson officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Tommy Johnson, Raymond Alexander, Joe McReynolds, Ralph Parrott, Byron Sturgill and Lacy Robinson. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Peck, Dale Gordon, Jimmy Estep, James Skeen, Johnny Smith, Jack Harmon and Dr. Fred Greear. The family would like to express a special thanks to Ruth Hall, Betty Hatcher, Wellmont Home Health, Wellmont Hospice and We Care Ministries of State Street United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1, 2003, at Akard Funeral Home. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family of Mrs. Cook at akardfh@peercom.net. Akard Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Cook. Eleanor Hall Cross BLOUNTVILLE -- Eleanor Hall Cross, 98, entered into heavenly rest at 10:20 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 30, 2003, at Greystone Healthcare Center. A lifelong resident of Sullivan County, she was loved and cherished by all her family and friends. She was a Sunday School teacher and lifelong member of Beulah Baptist Church. Mrs. Cross was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend to many. Her husband, Tom Cross, an infant son, Wayne Cross, and her parents, Edgar and Lola Hawk Hall, preceded her in death. Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Carroll and Mary Alice Cross and Tommy and Helen Cross, all of Blountville; two daughters and sons-in-law, Martha McFall of Enterprise, Ala., and Lillian and Jim Lyle of Marietta, Ga.; 11 grandchildren, Allen Cross, Ann Johnston, Anita Krausz, Gary Clark, Jim Lyle, Scott Lyle, Kimberly Gable, David Cross, Tom Cross III, Robin Siekerman and Beth Hodges; 15 great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Carson (Dorothy) Williams of Kingsport, and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to express thanks to her special caregivers, Hazel Hurd Smith, Marie Sells and Maggie Jones. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1, 2003, at Hamlett- Dobson Funeral Homes, downtown Kingsport. Funeral services will be held at 8 p.m. Monday in the Hamlett-Dobson Chapel, with Rev. Al South officiating. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Gunnings Cemetery. Pallbearers will be the grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Wilbur Garst, Powell Hawk, Gerald Malone, J.D. Lay, Harold Wagner, Hugh Coffman and Lynn Gardner. Memorial contributions may be made to Beulah Baptist Church, 491 Beulah Church Road, Kingsport, TN 37663. E-mail condolences may be sent to hamlettdobson@charter.net. Virginia Estes Dean MARION -- Virginia Estes Dean, age 78, died Saturday, Aug. 30, 2003, in Holston Valley Medical Center, Kingsport. A devoted mother and loving wife of 57 years, Mrs. Dean was born and raised in Richmond, moving to southwest Virginia in 1973. She is survived by her husband, Herbert "Jack" Dean Sr. of Coeburn, formerly of Sugar Grove, Va.; three daughters, Gloria Piercy of Fletcher, N.C., Wanda Reedy of Coeburn and Trudy Combs of Marion; three sons, Donald Maurice Dean of Richmond, Herbert J. Dean Jr. of Thomasville, N.C., and Charles "Charlie" Dean of Montcalm, W.Va.; nine grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2003, at 11 a.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel, with Rev. Clayton Hounshell officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery, Marion. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. James L. Dolinger BRISTOL, Va. -- Mr. James L. Dolinger, 78, went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday, Aug. 29, 2003. Mr. Dolinger was born Feb. 23, 1925, in Smyth County, Va. He worked and retired from Brunswick Corp., with 30 years of service as a tool engineer. He was a dedicated Christian, a loving husband, father and grandfather. He was a friend to everyone. James taught Sunday School, was a deacon, superintendent of Sunday Schools at Faith Baptist Church, Marion Baptist Church and Glade Spring Baptist Church until his health prevented him from attending church. He was preceded in death by father, Calvin Dolinger, mother, Martha Kelly Dolinger, brothers, Roy and Willis Dolinger, and sisters, Mabel and Pauline Dolinger. He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years, Ruby Jackson Dolinger; three daughters and sons-in-law and one son and daughter-in-law, Jean and Curtis Dinsmore of Bristol, Roger and Sharon Dolinger of Chilhowie, Stella and Tim Sholes of Bristol and Sandra Walker of Bristol; also is one sister, Ernestine Coulthard of Marion; twelve grandchildren, Chris Robinson of Rural Retreat, Timm Robinson of Christiansburg, Bethany Evans of Damascus, Robbie Walker of Kingsport, Ben Walker of Chilhowie, Drew Dolinger of Chilhowie, Alison Walker of Bristol, Haley Walker of Chilhowie, Derek Sholes of Bristol, Nathan Sholes of Bristol, Tina Mullins of Warrenton, Va., and Lee Dinsmore of Warrenton, and seven great-grandchildren. There will be a celebration of James' life on Sunday, Aug. 31, 2003, at 4 p.m. at Farris Funeral Chapel. Brother Donnie Mullins, from Living Waters Baptist Church, will officiate. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. We would like to express our appreciation and gratitude to Dr. Bennett Cowan, Dr. Byers, Dr. Tom Green, Sue Prill and other doctors who administered to him for their care and friendship. The CICU staff at Bristol Regional Medical Center was very helpful and supportive during his last stay. During the last 2? years of his illness, the family and he received many prayers from many individuals, churches and groups which greatly enriched his life and the family's miracle of enjoying their husband and father these last years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the cancer fund of the donor's choice in his memory. Those wishing to express their condolences online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service is serving the Dolinger family. Lullie B. McCoy NORA, Va. -- Funeral services for Lullie Bolina "Bo" McCoy will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 1, 2003, in the Lighthouse Freewill Baptist Church, Nora, with the Rev. David Farmer and the Rev. Danny Meade officiating. Interment will follow in the McCoy Cemetery, Route 1, Nora. Pallbearers will be uncles and friends. Online condolences may be sent to the McCoy family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Mrs. McCoy, 55, died Friday, Aug. 29, 2003, at Norton Community Hospital, Norton. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Ruth Ann Snyder BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Ruth Ann Snyder, born July 27, 1946, in Claiborne County, went to be with the Lord at her residence on Aug. 30, 2003. She lived at 288 Sinking Springs Road, Bristol Tennessee. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jim and Edith Ayers of Michigan. Survivors include husband of 22 years, Johnny Snyder; daughters, Linda I. Ayers of Michigan, Mary Ann Templeton of Florida, Misti "Tina" Donnell of Bristol Tennessee and Betty Parson of Virginia; stepsons, Johnny Ray Snyder and James Edward Snyder, both of Virginia Beach; eight grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; special little friend, Pacco; sisters, Luzela Escamilla of Michigan, Betty Gragg of Michigan, Myrtle Emerton of Tennessee and Susie Wylie of Michigan, and brother, Jimmy Ayers of Tennessee. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Sept. 1, 2003, at 6 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Jeff Harless and Rev. Jimmy Epperson officiating. Committal services will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Eastern Heights Cemetery. Pallbearers include Orville Combs, Kenny Gross, Clyde Gross, Jackie Snyder, Jerry Edmonds, Justin Edmonds and Joe Woods. Honorary pallbearers include L.T. Trivett, Edward Widner, Randall Roark, Sonny Fleenor, Crocket Lowery, Charles Buerouths, Doug Gross and Bill Gross. The family will receive friends following the service. The family would like to say a special and heartfelt thank you to all their friends, neighbors and family members who have shown their endless support and kindness and a special thanks to Brenda Edmonds. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Irene T. Stevens BRISTOL, Va. -- Irene Tiller Stevens, age 82, formerly of Old Abingdon Highway, passed away on Saturday, Aug. 30, 2003, at Bristol Nursing Home. She was born in Duty, Va., the daughter of the late Henry and Maggie Powers Tiller. Mrs. Stevens was the owner and operator of Irene's Beauty Shop and was a member of Fellowship Chapel. Survivors include husband, Russell Stevens; daughters, Janet Smith of Stockbridge, Ga., and Fern Jenkins of McDonaugh, Ga.; son, Ray Stevens of Blountville; sisters, Ellen Rasnake of Joppa, Md., and Esther Dingus of Bristol Virginia; six grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by a son, Guy Stevens, a sister, Opal Stevens, and a brother, Luther Ray Tiller. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Sept. 1, 2003, at 8 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Scott Price and Rev. Lester MacKinnon officiating. Committal services will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Susong Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Monday from 6-7:45 p.m. prior to the service. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mildred D. Stewart SALTVILLE -- Mrs. Mildred Dowell Stewart, 73, went home to be with her Lord Saturday, Aug. 30, 2003, at her home in Saltville. She was survived by her husband of 58 years, James B. Stewart; two sons and daughters-in-law, Eddie Stewart and Vickie, Saltville, and Steve Stewart and Glenda, Erwin, Tenn.; three daughters and sons-in-law, Phyllis Grant and Walter, Gastonia, N.C., Diane Jessee and Terry, Bristol Tennessee, and Judy Olinger and Charles, Bristol Tennessee; three sisters, Dorothy Chapman, Saltville, Elsie Surber, Saltville, and Sheila Smith, Richmond; two brothers, David Dowell, Greensboro, N.C., and Paul Dowell, Saltville; 11 grandchildren; 13 great- grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, William M. and Hazel Wheeler Dowell, two sisters, Patsy Dowell and Evelyn Hayes, and two brothers, Elbert Dowell and Doug Dowell. Funeral services for Mrs. Stewart will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2003, at Henderson Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Dennis Banks, Rev. Phyllis Whited Brooks and Rev. Charles Walker officiating. The family will receive friends from 7 - 9 p.m. Monday evening at the funeral home. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home of Saltville is serving the Stewart family. Milton T. Vinson MARION -- Milton T. Vinson, age 83, died Thursday, Aug. 28, 2003, in Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon. He was a member of Cedar Bluff Baptist Church, Atkins, Va., and was retired from Brunswick Corporation after 35 years of service. Mr. Vinson is survived by his wife, Lotie Heldreth Vinson of Marion; three sons and daughters-in-law, Steve and Bobbie Vinson of Pearisburg, Va., Danny Vinson of El Paso, Texas, and Dennis and Ruby Vinson of Ellijay, Ga.; one daughter and son-in-law, Phyllis and Don Parsons of West Jefferson, N.C.; one sister, Pearl Vinson Bennett of Murfreesboro, N.C.; 14 grandchildren and seven great- grandchildren. Funeral services were held Sunday, Aug. 31, 2003, at 8 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel, with the Rev. Eddie Beck officiating. Graveside services will be held Monday, Sept. 1, 2003, at 11 a.m. at Rosewood Memorial Gardens, Rural Retreat, Va. The family received friends Sunday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at Seaver- Brown Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 246, Abingdon, VA 24212. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service is serving the Vinson Family. Billy Wayne Wyatt BRISTOL, Tenn. -- Graveside services for Billy Wayne Wyatt will be held Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2003, at 11 a.m. in the National Cemetery, Mountain Home, Tenn., with the Rev. Jessee Neal officiating. Military honors will be rendered by the Highlands Fellowship Church Honor Color Guard. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mr. Wyatt, age 53, of 523 Carolina Ave., went to be with the Lord Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2003, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.