Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, October 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 Friday, Oct. 24, 2003 Today's Deaths Willard Jack Blevins, 76 Hazel H. Bruce, 89, Galax, Va. Brenda Gay Dietz, Torrance, Calif. Gregory Ray Kennedy, 41, Coeburn Herbert J. Morelock Jr., 46 Beulah Blevins Presnell Nunn, 84, Marion Mack Oliver, 88, Bristol Tennessee Billy W. Stout, 64, Bristol Tennessee -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Charles Ross Ashlin MARION – Charles Ross Ashlin, age 83, died Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003, at the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Mountain Home, Tenn. He was born in Sugar Grove, Va., to the late Waddy Ashlin and Minnie Carrico Ashlin and was preceded in death by his wife, Lona Mae Adkins Ashlin. He retired from Brunswick in the defense department and served in the Army Air Corps during World War II. Survivors include daughter, Jo-Ann Ashlin McCroskey, Bristol Virginia; son, Tom “Tommy” Ashlin, Atkins, Va.; brother, Lee Ashlin, Sugar Grove, Va.; sister, Mattie Griffitts, Teas, Va.; six grandchildren; Len Yarber, Bristol Virginia, Les Yarber, Abingdon, Scott Yarber, Abingdon, Jennifer Freeman, Atkins, Jessica Ashlin, Atkins, and Logan Ashlin, Atkins; two great-grandchildren, Gavin Freeman and Sidney Freeman, and several nieces and nephews also survive Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Oct. 25, 2003, at 11 a.m. from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel, with Dr. Jack Garland officiating. Entombment will follow in Roselawn Cemetery Mausoleum, with full military honors rendered by Francis Marion VFW Post 4667. Pallbearers will be Len Yarber, Les Yarber, Scott Yarber, Lawrence Holman, Gerald Parks, Larry McCroskey, Scott Pairgin and David Griffitts. The family will receive friends Friday from 7 - 9 p.m. at the funeral home. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at bradleys@smyth.net . Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the Ashlin family. Willard Jack Blevins Willard Jack “Wid” Blevins, age 76, went to be with the Lord on Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003. He was born in Chilhowie to the late Eli and Gertie Eldreth Blevins and was preceded in death by three brothers, Smith Blevins, Albert Blevins and his twin brother, Millard Blevins. He was a charter member, choir director, Sunday School teacher and trustee at the Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church. He was an avid horse lover and accomplished rider and horse show judge. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in the Korean Conflict. He loved the Lord and was loved by all who knew him. Survivors include wife, Dorothy Blevins; six sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Janice Blevins, Lexington, N.C., Jack and Herbie Blevins, Lexington, Dale and Cindy Blevins, Max Meadows, Allen and Angie Blevins, Marion, Ted and Jan Blevins, Max Meadows, and Curtis Blevins, Marion; four daughters, Sherrie and Michael Jump, Thomasville, N.C., Julia and Farrell Jones, Chilhowie, Jill and George Robinson, Marion, and Lori Blevins, Marion; three brothers, Wade Blevins, Chilhowie, Baker Blevins, Chilhowie, and Ralph Blevins, Chilhowie; three sisters, Jean Bonham, Chilhowie, Thelma Poe, Marion, and Louise Leslie, Marion; 26 grandchildren and 26 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion, with Rev. Bob Surber and Rev. Walter Statzer officiating. Interment will follow in Grosses Creek Cemetery with full military honors being rendered by the Francis Marion VFW Post 4667. The family will receive friends Saturday from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the Blevins family. Hazel H. Bruce GALAX, Va. – Hazel H. Bruce, 89, died Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003, in Valley Health Care Center in Chilhowie. She was born in Virginia on Oct. 14, 1914, to the late Aubrey Arthur and Thursa Mae Neal Harner and was preceded in death by her husband of 37 years, F.L. Bruce Jr. Mr. and Mrs. Bruce were long-time residents of Galax and members of the Church of Christ. Survivors: daughters and son-in-law, Tommi M. Bruce of Saltville and Becky and Jake Comer of Atkins, Va.; son and daughter-in-law, Buddy and Darlene Bruce of Ennice, N.C.; brother, Neil Harner of Hillsville, Va.; granddaughters, Starr Call and Laken Bruce; grandsons, Mark Comer, Tim Comer and B.J. Bruce; five great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 7 until 9 at Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home in Galax. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Vaughan-Guynn Chapel, with Clint Harper officiating. Interment will be in Monta Vista Cemetery. Brenda Gay Dietz TORRANCE, Calif. – Brenda Gay Parker Dietz, born June 6, 1949, in Bristol Virginia, died Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2003, in Harbor General Hospital in Arbor City, Calif. She was the daughter of the late Gaylord L. and Dorothy Louise Parker Smith. Survivors include one son, Allen E. Ward of Lawndale, Calif.; one daughter, Jamie L. Ward of Fullerton, Calif.; two sisters, Linda C. Dorfi of Spring Valley, Calif., and Mary E. Grant of Torrance; one brother, Robert D. Smith of Torrance, and several grandchildren. Memorial graveside services for Brenda Gay Parker Deitz will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2003, in the Zion Methodist Church Cemetery. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery for the service. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.campbell-funeralhome.com. Campbell Funeral Home, Abingdon, is in charge of arrangements. Laura Hunnicutt NORTON – The family of Laura Camille Hunnicutt will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Friday in the Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Saturday in the First Baptist Church, with Rev. John Ellington and Dr. Ray Jones officiating. Burial will follow in the Laurel Grove Cemetery. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.hagyfawbush.com. Mrs. Hunnicutt, 39, died Monday, Oct. 20, 2003, at her residence. Geraldine S. Jessee RICHLANDS – Mrs. Geraldine Smith Jessee, age 83, of 302 Grove St., died Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003, at a Richlands hospital. She was born in Bluefield, W.Va., and was a daughter of the late John R. and Mattie Mae Ernest Smith, both Mercer County, W.Va, natives. She had made her home in the Richlands area her entire life and was a life-long dedicated member of the Richlands First United Methodist Church. She was a member and treasurer of the Sisterhood Circle, a member of the United Methodist Women and for over 40 years was the nursery worker at the church. She was also a member of the G.I.A. of Bluefield, Va. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters, Mrs. Faye Bandy and Mrs. Sue Harris, and two brothers, Mr. Ernest “Poss” Smith and Mr. J.T. Smith. Survivors are her husband, Mr. D.C. “Crickett” Jessee; four daughters, Mrs. Russell (Nancy) Joyce of Richlands, Mrs. Larry (Margaret) Bailey of Mooresville, N.C., Mrs. William (Emily) Jennings of Jackson, Miss., and Mrs. David (Greta) Sargent of Paintlick, Va.; one son, Mr. Andy Jessee and wife Emily of Orlando; two sisters, Mrs. Zelma Bandy Woody of Roanoke and Mrs. Christine Hooker of Roanoke; one brother, Mr. Norman Smith of Bluefield, Va.; grandchildren, Pamela Oates, Mark Joyce, Karen Hale, Lori Ringstaff, Tina Wiggins, Beverly Simmons, Billy Jennings, Joseph Jennings, Jonathan Jennings, Jessica Jennings, Christopher Jessee, Kayla Sargent and Nicholas Sargent; great-grandchildren, Nathaniel Ringstaff, Kelly Simmons, Charles Hale, Reece Ringstaff, Zachary Hale, Gregory Fox, Lauren Wiggins, Caleb Jessee and Max Jennings, and one-great-great- grandchild, Logan Simmons. Funeral services for Mrs. Geraldine Smith Jessee will be conducted Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, with Rev. David Brannock officiating. Interment will follow in the Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery in Richlands. Grandsons and great-grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be all other grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great- great-grandchild. Friends may call at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands after 6 p.m. Friday. Memorial contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church Scholarship Fund, 402 Suffolk Ave., Richlands, VA 24641. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands is in charge of arrangements. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com. Gregory Ray Kennedy COEBURN – Gregory Ray Kennedy, 41, passed away Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003, at the Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital, Norton. He was an employee of the Paramont Coal Company and attended Coeburn High School. Surviving are his wife, Mollie Kennedy; his parents, Joseph and Josie Kennedy of Coeburn; two stepsons, Ronnie Martin and Freddie Martin, both of Coeburn; two stepdaughters, Vada Evans and Wendy French, both of Coeburn; two brothers, Harold Ray Yates of Wisconsin and Joe Kennedy of Coeburn; two sisters, Joelene Meade of Wise and Coelene Kennedy of Coeburn; three step-grandchildren and several aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews and nieces. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Saturday in the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel, Coeburn, with the Rev. Denver Winebarger officiating. Burial will follow in the Greenwood Memorial Gardens, Coeburn. The family will receive friends after 6 p.m. Friday at the Sturgill Funeral Home, Coeburn. Sturgill Funeral Homes, Coeburn, in charge of arrangements. Darrell A. McCray BRISTOL, Tenn. – The committal service for Darrell Allen McCray will be held at 1 o’clock Friday afternoon at Eastern Heights Cemetery in Bristol Tennessee. Pallbearers will be Adam McCray, Eric McCray, Curtis Sneed, Rodney Irons, Justin King, David Duncan and Jeff McCray. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Mr. McCray, 53, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2003, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Mr. McCray and his family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Herbert Morelock Jr. Herbert J. “Herbie” Morelock Jr., age 46, a resident of Bristol Nursing Home, died Wednesday, Oct. 22, 2003. He was born Nov. 1, 1956, in Germany, and had made his home in the Bristol area since 1989. He was a former custodian at Tennessee High School and was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his mother, Henriette Morelock. He is survived by his father, Herbert J. Morelock Sr.; special friend, Cindy; two brothers, David and Steve Morelock, and several cousins. At Mr. Morelock’s request, his body will be cremated with no visitation or services. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Beulah Nunn MARION – Beulah Blevins Presnell Nunn, age 84, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, Oct. 22, at her home in Marion. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elder Hugh M. and Lela Perry, six brothers and four sisters. She was born in McDowell, W.Va., and had spent most of her life in Virginia. She was a faithful member of the Hopkins View Primitive Baptist Church. She worked at Smyth County Community Hospital as a nurse’s aide until her retirement. She leaves to mourn her passing one son and daughter-in-law, Kenneth and Jo Ann Presnell, Saltville; five daughters and three sons-in-law, Betty Binion, Sparta, N.C., Helen and Reginal Jack, South Paris, Maine, Wanda and Blaine Powers, Marion, Audie Lee “Cootie” and Doug Collins, Prince George, Va., and Brenda Smith, Mansfield, Ohio; one stepdaughter, Bertie Cook, Sandersville, Ga.; three brothers, Elder Ben Blevins, Marion, Sammy Blevins, Marion, and Elder Hugh M. Blevins Jr., Lakeland, Fla.; 16 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three great- great-grandchildren; several step-grandchildren, step-great-grandchildren and step-great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews and many friends, including two special friends, Ludie Kelly, Saltville, and Mary Vannoy, Millers Creek, N.C. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion, with Elder Larry Blevins, Elder Danny Smith and Elder Floyd South officiating. Burial will follow in the Thomas Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Don Blevins, David Hamm, D.C. Blevins, Randy Blevins, Paul Sheets, Greg Blevins and Raymond Dancy. The family will receive friends Friday from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the family of Mrs. Nunn. Mack Oliver BRISTOL, Tenn. – Mack Oliver, age 88, of NHC Healthcare, Bristol Tennessee, formerly of 318 Overhill Drive, Blountville, died Thursday, Oct. 23, 2003, at Bristol Regional Medical Center, following an extended illness. He was a native of Carter County, but spent most of his life in Sullivan County. He was the son of the late William Joseph and Rhoda Oliver. He attended Bellmont Presbyterian Church. Mr. Oliver was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Bonnie Oliver, who died Aug. 9, 2003. Survivors include four daughters and son-in-law, Helen Oliver, Abingdon, Eva and Charlie Hughes, Cadiz, Ky., Brenda Barlow, Gray, Tenn., and Martha Keplar, Blountville; one brother, John R. Oliver, Piney Flats; two sisters, Joey Bowers, Elizabethton, and Lou Bouton, Alton, Ill.; 12 grandchildren; eight great- grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral service will be conducted at 8 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2003, at Tetrick Funeral Home-Bluff City Chapel, with the Rev. Jerry Eggers and Rev. Bobby Stout officiating. Graveside and interment will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Morningview Cemetery, Bluff City. Those who wish to attend the graveside are requested to meet at the funeral home a 1:30 p.m. Sunday to go in procession to the cemetery. Active pallbearers will be selected from grandsons and nephews. Honorary pallbearers will be Billy Rutherford, Donnie Whitaker, Herb Echols, Charlie Hughes and Fred Keplar. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Saturday in the Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home-Bluff City and at other times at the residence. Online condolences may be sent to the family through our Web site at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home- Bluff City Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Roger Reynolds Jr. ABINGDON – Roger Wayne (Winky) Reynolds Jr., age 25, died suddenly Monday, Oct. 20, 2003. He is survived by his father and stepmother, Roger Reynolds and Wanda Reynolds; his mother and stepfather, Eva Johnson and Rick Johnson; a son, Dakota Lee Reynolds; a daughter, Destiny White; special friend, Tammy Kirby; stepbrothers and stepsisters, Michelle Johnson, Michael Johnson, Teresa Booker, Aaron Compton, Jason Compton and Cassidy Herndon; his maternal grandparents, Ruth and John Kennedy, and his paternal grandfather James Reynolds. The funeral will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 24, 2003, in the Farris Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Paul Price and Rev. Kimmy Bowman officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Casket bearers will be Greg Reynolds, Brian Rowe, Dual Rasnake, Stewart Harmon, Brandon McMillan and Mike Reynolds. Honorary casket bearers will be Bill Reynolds, Jerry Hicks, Josh Reynolds, Billy Reynolds and Danny Rowe. Those wishing to send memories or 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 Roger Wayne Reynolds Jr. Kateryna Sharaya BRISTOL, Va. – The committal service for Kateryna Sharaya will be held at 11 o’clock Friday morning at Weaver Cemetery, Bristol Tennessee. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Mrs. Sharaya passed away Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2003, at her residence. Mrs. Sharaya and her family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Kenneth Simmons Sr. POUNDING MILL, Va. – Funeral services for Mr. Kenneth Albert Simmons Sr. will be conducted Saturday at 11 a.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, with Father Tom Collins officiating. Interment will follow in Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill. Pallbearers will be Charlie Simmons, Kenneth A. Simmons III, Michael Simmons Jr., David Simmons, Morris Perkins, Bill Simmons, Freeman Smith and Joe Keith Smith. Honorary pallbearers: George William Simmons, Bernard Simmons, Jack Simmons, Dennis Simmons and Danny Proffitt. Members of the Casey-Shortt VFW Post 9640 and Disabled American Veterans Tazewell County Chapter 31 will conduct military graveside rites. A Christian wake service only will be held at 7 p.m. Friday. Mr. Simmons, age 71, of the Paintlick section, died Wednesday, Oct. 22,, 2003, at a Richlands hospital. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands is in charge of arrangements. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com. Billy W. Stout BRISTOL, Tenn. – Billy W. Stout, 64, of 556 Old Stage Trail, went to be with the Lord Thursday, Oct. 23, 2003, from Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. Mr. Stout has lived in the Bristol area for the past 33 years. He was the son of the late James Harry Stout and Martha Parks Stout. Mr. Stout is survived by two brothers, George Stout and David Stout. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two brothers, James S. Stout and Robert H. Stout. A memorial service for Billy W. Stout will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 25, 2003, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Gary Rowlette officiating. The family would like to extend a special thanks to his many friends at the Short Stop Market on Highway 126 for their many acts of kindness. Weaver Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Stout.