Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, November 9, 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 Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003 Today's Deaths Jerrie Lou Barker, 45, Harrisonville, Mo. Larry William Blalock, 61, Blountville John Robert Boothe Jr., 63, Lebanon Isaac Hubert Clark, 84, Norton Dorothy Edwards, 74, St. Paul, Va. Anna Sue Greene, 62, Norton Edward Dale Griffin, 58, Saltville Virginia P. Kirby, 88, Marion Wanda Lee Fletcher Meade, 76, Tazewell, Va. Roby Lee Orr Sr., 84, Glade Spring Ruth Perkins, 79, Lebanon Kenneth Eugene Sawyer, 65, Lebanon Clara Virgie Sorah, 87, Bristol Virginia Geralene Ray Stokes, 50, Paragould, Ark. David E. Thomas, 60, Glade Spring Gallya Kiser Vanover, 75, Richmond -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Jerrie Lou Barker HARRISONVILLE, Mo. – Ms. Jerri Lou Barker, age 45, died in the Research Medical Center in Kansas City, Mo., after a short illness. She was preceded in death by her grandparents, her parents, Gerald and Jean Barker, and her brother, Dewayne Barker. Survivors: three sons, Craig Barker, Harrisonville, Cliffton Barker, U.S. Army, Vincenza, Italy, and Colin Barker, Blountville, and an aunt, Flora Callahan, Glade Spring. She is also survived by cousins, nieces and nephews and other family members. Graveside services for Ms. Barker will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, 2003, at the Baptist Cemetery in Glade Spring, with Rev. Tim Norris officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 1 until 2 p.m. prior to the procession to the cemetery. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home of Saltville is serving the Barker family. Larry W. Blalock BLOUNTVILLE – Larry William Blalock, age 61, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Nov. 8, 2003. He was a life-long resident of Sullivan County, Tenn., and a son of D. Luck and Grace Cross Blalock. He was a graduate of East Tennessee State University and was retired from Tennessee Eastman with 35 years of service. Mr. Blalock was a past president of the Sullivan County Livestock Association, a member of the Holston Masonic Lodge F&AM No. 559 and a former member of the Holston Optimist Club, along with many other organizations. He was a member of Adams Chapel United Methodist Church in Blountville, where he served in many capacities. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and son. Mr. Blalock is survived by his wife of 40 years, Marian Roberts Blalock; two daughters, Karan M. Blalock McCracken and husband Mark of Blountville and Sherry A. Blalock Sorflaten and husband Christopher of Irving, Texas; one son, Andrew W. Blalock of Blountville; two brothers, Dan Blalock and Jim Blalock, both of Kingsport; several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews and cousins and a host of loving friends. The funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, at the Adams Chapel United Methodist Church, Blountville, with Rev. Millard Johnson and Rev. Steven Gott officiating. Burial will follow in Tri-Cities Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Dwight Hunnigan, Roy Doan, John McNutt, Joe Smith, Michael Blalock, Dail Blalock, Artie Roberts and Dennie Kitzmiller. Honorary pallbearers will be the men’s class of Adams Chapel United Methodist Church, Dwight King, Wallace McClellan, Bill Fuller and cousins. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Monday at Akard Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to Adams Chapel United Methodist Church, c/o Tracy Mitchell, 337 Carol Hill Dr., Blountville, TN 37617, Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele’s Road, Bristol, TN 37620, or the American Cancer Society, c/o Jack Mallin, 57 Fairway Dr., Bristol, TN 37620. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@peercom.net. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 W. State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423)989-4800, is serving the family of Mr. Blalock. John R. Boothe Jr. LEBANON – John Robert (Bobby) Boothe Jr., 63, died Saturday, Nov. 8, 2003, in Johnston Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are incomplete. Combs Funeral Service is serving the Boothe family. William Ernie Brown MARION – William Ernie Brown, age 48, died Nov. 7, 2003, in the Smyth County Community Hospital. He was born in Smyth County and was a graduate of Marion Senior High School. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was with the U.S. Army Reserves serving in the 760th Engineering Group in Marion. He was preceded in death by his father, Solomon Brown, his grandparents, Matt and Elvira Hale Brown and George and Roberta Sawyer Harper, and two brothers, Emanuel and Solomon Brown Jr. Survivors include mother, Minnie Harper Brown; one son, Anthony Sean Yacovielle; one brother and sister-in-law, Fred and Nancy Ness Brown; one sister and brother-in-law, Michael and Wanda Brown Mitchell, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be held at 5 p.m. Monday in the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel, Marion, with Rev. Andrew Arnold officiating. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Brown Family Cemetery in Crockett, with military honors being rendered by the Francis Marion VFW Post 4667. The family will receive friends from 3-5 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial contributions can be made to the firing squad of the Francis Marion VFW Post, 4667 Goolsby St., Marion, VA 24354. Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the Brown family. Charles B. Cato Sr. BRISTOL, Tenn. – Charles B. Cato Sr., 70, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2003, at Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. A native and life-long resident of Bristol, he was a son of the late James A. Cato and Odessa Mae McDowell Cato. He was a veteran who served three years in the U.S. Army and was a retired employee of Trailways Bus Lines. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, Bristol Tennessee Chapter 39. Mr. Cato was preceded in death by his sister, Doris Mae Day, and his brother, Frederick Lyle Cato Sr. He is survived by his wife, Lucille Hollins Cato of the home; two sons, Charles B. “Charlie” Cato Jr. and Ronald B. Cato, both of Bristol Tennessee; a daughter, Antoinetta Cato of Bristol Tennessee; three granddaughters, Renee Anderson, Nakeisha Cato and Beth Williams; one great-grandson; two great-granddaughters and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by a special friend, Ms. Beatrice Falls, and her children. The funeral service will be conducted at noon Monday in the Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in the National Cemetery at Mountain Home, Tenn. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 Sunday evening at Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Kevin Mason, Robert Bunche, Otis Payne, Mose Jenkins, Wyndom Gammon and Wayne Daggs. Honorary pallbearers will be Danny Pless, Daniel Booher, James Blevins, Marvin Bidelman and H.B. Carter. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley- blevins.com. Mr. Cato and his family are in the care of Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home, 417 Lee St., Bristol, Va. Isaac Hubert Clark NORTON – Isaac Hubert Clark, 84, died Saturday, Nov. 8, 2003, in Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital. He was a member of the Freedom of Worship Church for over 50 years. He was a resident of the Josephine community of Norton before becoming a resident of Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital Long Term Care. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army. He was a member of the Norton VFW Post 4301 and Wise DAV Chapter 56. He was preceded in death by brothers, Frank Clark, Lester Clark and J.D. Clark, and sisters, Pauline Phillips, Irene Stidham and Nadine Salyers. Surviving are his wife of 64 years, Agnes Clark, Norton; daughter and son-in- law, Joann and Lonnie Fields, Norton; grandsons, Allen Fields, Clark Fields and William Fields; brother, Robert “Bob” Clark, Greenbackville, Va.; special niece and caregiver, Ann Culbertson, Norton, and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Monday at the Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Tuesday at the Freedom of Worship Church. Burial will follow in the Laurel Grove Cemetery, where military graveside rites will be conducted by Norton VFW Post 4301. Memorial contributions may be made to the Freedom of Worship Church. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.hagyfawbush.com. Eva Inas Counts LEBANON – Eva Inas Johnson Counts, 73, died Friday, Nov. 7, 2003, in the Russell County Medical Center. Born April 24, 1930, in Russell County, she was a daughter of the late Roy E. Johnson and Lula Kiser Johnson. She was the wife of the late Joseph C. Counts. She was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include two daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl and David Ennis and Teresa and Russell Campbell, all of Lebanon; a son, Dennis Counts, Lebanon; three granddaughters, Jessica Bailey and Katelyn Campbell, both of Lebanon, and Stephanie Counts, U.S. Army, Germany; a great-grandson, Joseph Bailey, Lebanon; two great-granddaughters, Jocelyn Bailey and Ryann Makon, both of Lebanon; two sisters, Delphia Johnson Combs and Anne Johnson Campbell, both of Cleveland, also several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, 2003, in the Lebanon Community Fellowship, with the Rev. Darrell Milgrim and the Rev. Jeff Williams officiating. Burial will follow in Russell Memorial Cemetery. Family and nephews will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003, at the church. Combs Funeral Service is serving the family of Mrs. Counts. Randy Osborne Deel LEBANON – Funeral services for Randy O. Deel will be conducted at noon Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003, at Russell Prater Old Regular Baptist Church, with Elders Andy Deel, Ronnie Hensley and Robert Osborne officiating. Burial will follow in the Emory Deel Cemetery, Route 2, Haysi. Pallbearers will be Patrick Cantrell, David Hearl, Arnold Deel, David Cantrell, Steve McNulty and Tommy Reed. Honorary pallbearers will be cousins. Mr. Deel, age 17, of Route 2, passed away Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2003. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Dorothy Edwards ST. PAUL, Va. – Dorothy Mae “Peg” Edwards, 74, died unexpectedly Friday, Nov. 7, 2003, at Bon Secour St. Mary’s Hospital in Norton. Mrs. Edwards was a retired factory worker of New Departure, Sandusky, Ohio. Also a duel member of Coeburn OES Chapter 153 and Bristol Chapter 28, Past Worthy Matron of both chapters. Retired UAW Local 913, Sandusky. She was preceded in death by her parents, George Washington and Annie Wise Allott Meredith, son, Richard Dale Walton, brothers, Theodore Meredith and George W. Meredith Jr., and sister, Marjorie Joan Smith. Survivors include her husband, Joel Edwards; daughters, Jo Ella Samstag and Kimber Lee Notestine, both of Sandusky; sons, William Patrick Walton and Jeffery A. Walton, both of Sandusky; stepdaughters, Jo Ann Edwards, Massilon, Ohio, Vivian Crockett, Clyde, Ohio, and Rosalie Fraust, Sandusky; stepson, Hobert Edwards, Bellevue, Ohio; brothers, John Richard Meredith, Thomas Max Meredith and David Elmer Meredith, all of Sandusky; sister, Patricia Lee Ross, Westlake, Ohio; 22 grandchildren; 57 great-grandchildren; several nephews and several nieces. Visitation will be held at Estes Funeral Home in Coeburn on Sunday after 6 p.m. and an Eastern Star evening service will be held at 7:30. Funeral services for Dorothy Mae Edwards will be held Wednesday at Groff Funeral Home. Burial will follow in the Rest Lawn Memorial Park in Huron, Ohio. Also, a visitation will be held on Tuesday at Groff Funeral Home in Sandusky. Estes Funeral Home Inc., (276) 395-2441. Anna Sue Greene NORTON – Anna Sue Greene, 62, died Friday evening, Nov. 7, 2003, at her home on Thackers Branch Road. She was a life-long residence of the Thackers Branch community of Norton. She was a member of the Wise County Women’s Democratic Committee. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Denise Ellen Greene, two brothers, Ronnie Teasley and David Teasley, and sisters, Annie Brummitt and Charlene Stapleton. Surviving are her husband of 46 years, Curtis Green, Norton; daughters and sons- in-law, Kathy Rena and Ben A. Franklin Jr., Wise, and Annetta and Harold Barnette, Norton; son and daughter-in-law, Tim and Brenda Greene, Norton; five grandchildren, Ben A. Franklin III, Seth W. Franklin, Chase E. Franklin, Chris B. Barnette and Joshua Greene; sisters and brothers-in-law, Christine and Robert Ruff, Thaxton, Va., and Rosie and Virgil Younce, Wise; brother and sister-in- law, Elmer Ray (Pete) and Juanita Thacker, Norton, and half brother, Lloyd Leonard, Wise. The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Sunday at the Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Monday in the funeral home chapel, with G.T. Greene officiating. Burial will follow in the White Oak Gap Cemetery. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.hagyfawbush.com. Edward Dale Griffin SALTVILLE – Edward Dale Griffin, age 58, died Saturday, Nov. 8, 2003, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete at this time. The D.R. Henderson Funeral Home is serving the Griffin family. Jon Derric Hartsock HUNTINGBURG, Ind. – Jon Derric Hartsock, age 34, formerly of Bristol Virginia, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2003. He was a 1987 graduate of John S. Battle High School and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy. He was employed by Norfolk and Southern Railroad. Derric loved the outdoors. He was a master scuba diver and loved to play his guitars. Derric is survived by his father, Larry A. Hartsock of Bristol Tennessee; his mother, Linda Harley Hartsock of Piney Flats; one brother, Lorne B. Hartsock of Bristol Tennessee; his paternal grandparents, Paul and Betty Bryant of Bristol Tennessee, and his maternal grandfather, William Kyle Harley of Bristol Virginia. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, at the Akard Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Alan Moor and Rev. Roy Henard officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Highlands Fellowship Veterans Honor Guard. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2 p.m. Monday prior to the service at Akard Funeral Home. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@peercom.net. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 W. State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423)989-4800, is serving the family of Mr. Hartsock. Nadene Baker Keene BUCHANAN COUNTY, Va. – Nadene Baker Keene, age 69, went to be with the Lord on Nov. 7, 2003, at her home in the Deel section after an extended illness. Mrs. Keene was a member of the Deel Church of Christ. Some of the activities that she enjoyed doing with family and friends were softball, bowling, fishing and camping. She was preceded in death by her parents, Grover Cleveland and Molly Woods Baker, brothers, Sid, Erven, Arson and Verlin Baker, and a sister, Essie Turner. Survivors include her husband of 43 years, Carlis “Cobb” Keene; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sharon and Michael Sayers of Roanoke and Barbara and Douglas Deel of Breaks, Va.; a son and daughter-in-law, Donald and Vonda Keene of Council, Va.; two sisters, Margie Branham and Sadi Turner, both of Clinchco, Va.; one brother, Otis Baker of Clinchco; seven grandchildren, Jason Wayne Keene, Sheena Sayers, Michelle Sayers, Holly Ratliff, Todd Deel, Lee Sykes and Amanda Sykes; two great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 10, 2003, at Haysi Funeral Home, with Minister Larry Arnold officiating. Burial will follow in the Morgan Turner Cemetery, Route 1, Clinchco. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends after 6 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 9, at Haysi Funeral Home, where an evening service will be held at 7 p.m. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Virginia P. Kirby MARION – Virginia P. Kirby, age 88, died Friday, Nov. 7, 2003, in the Smyth County Community Hospital. She was born in Smyth County to the late James Henderson Powell and Nettie Shupe Powell. She was a member of the Marion Baptist Church and was preceded in death by her husband, Hurcel Kirby, and her granddaughter, Danah Webb. Survivors include one son, James Kirby, Marion; one daughter, Patricia Ann VanHoy, Marion; one brother and sister-in-law, Ralph and Mildred Powell, Marion; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion, with Pastor Barry Losey officiating. Interment will follow in Round Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12-1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Bradley’s Funeral Home Marion is serving the Kirby family. Vester Dee Leonard BRISTOL, Tenn. – Committal services for Vester Dee Leonard will be held on Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Mountain View Mausoleum. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mr. Leonard, age 80, passed away on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2003, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Beverley B. Logan BRISTOL, Tenn. – The funeral service for Beverley B. Logan will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at Central Christian Church, with Jeff Noah, minister, and Dr. Ross Dampier officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bob Parker, Bill Parker, Charlie Sams, John O’Dell, Bill Galliher and Bob Glover. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of Flock of Ages of Central Christian Church. Memorials may be sent to the National Kidney Foundation of East Tennessee, P.O. Box 1135, Blountville, TN 37617, or The Stroke Center, c/o BRMC, 1 Medical Park Blvd., Bristol, TN 37620. Condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@peercom.net. Mrs. Logan, age 59, died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2003, at Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 W. State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423)989-4800, is serving the family of Mrs. Logan. Wanda F. Meade TAZEWELL, Va. – Wanda Lee Fletcher Meade, age 76, died Saturday, Nov. 8, 2003, at Tazewell Community Hospital of complications from a stroke. She was a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. A life-long resident of Tazewell County, she was born Nov. 2, 1927, at Beech Fork, W.Va. She was a daughter of the late Charles Walter and America Powers Fletcher. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Paul Meade, two sons, Jack Nelson Meade and Paul Edward Meade, and one sister, Rosa Crockett Lane. Wanda leaves to cherish her memory, her much-loved children, three daughters, Lauvonda Lynn Young and fiancé Larry Rubendall of Palmyra, Va., Linda Christine Meade and husband Harold Collins of Linden, Mich., and Debra Sue Meade and fiancé Cliff Collins of Roanoke; one son, Robert Preston Meade and wife Kim of Tazewell; six adored grandchildren, Andrew Young of Charlottesville, Gregory Conn and wife Shannen of Caledonia, Mich., Keith Childress of Roanoke, Tammy Smith and husband Greg of North Tazewell, Va., and Trevor Vilacha and Brooks Vilacha, both of Tazewell; six dearly loved great-grandchildren, MaKayleigh Smith, Evan Conn, Rory Conn, Tucker Conn, Jordan Childress and Trey Childress; one sister, Mary Hudson and husband Harry of Martinsburg, W.Va.; four brothers, Charles Fletcher and wife Mary of Troutville, Va., Buford Fletcher of Roanoke, Delbert Fletcher and wife Josephine of North Tazewell and Carlos Fletcher and wife Judy of Virginia Beach, Va.; special friends and bowling buddies; special caregiver, Dr. Stephen Rhinehart; special caregivers at Tazewell Community Hospital and Heritage Hall Health Care in Tazewell and many other friends who touched her life during her illness, who are too numerous to recognize. Funeral services and a ceremony to celebrate Wanda’s life will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2003, at Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home Chapel in Tazewell, with the Rev. Robert Buckles officiating. Burial will follow at Grandview Memory Gardens in Bluefield, Va. Pallbearers will be Andrew Young, Keith Childress, Gregory Conn, Bill Meade, Greg Smith and Bobby Billips. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6-9 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, 2003. Roby Lee Orr Sr. GLADE SPRING – Mr. Roby Lee Orr Sr., 84, died Saturday, Nov. 8, 2003, at Abingdon Manor. A native of Washington County, Va., Mr. Orr was retired from USG Corporation and a member of Old Glade Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his wife, Erma Hazel Orr; four sons, Roby Lee Orr Jr. of Damascus, Walter A. Orr of Cumberland, Joe Orr of Meadowview and Jack Orr of Glade Spring; three daughters, Ruth Ann Arington of Glade Spring, Eloise Thomas of Johnson City and Linda Ceri of Madison; two sisters, Margie Orr Trent of Damascus and Lillian Carver of Cleveland, Tenn., and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. A graveside funeral service will be held Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003, at 3 p.m. at Old Glade Presbyterian Church Cemetery. Rev. Tim Byrd will officiate. Ruth Perkins LEBANON – Ruth Perkins, 79, formerly of Cincinnati, died Saturday, Nov. 8, 2003, in the Russell County Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete. Combs Funeral Service is serving the Perkins family. Charlie S. Robinson ROSEDALE, Va. – The funeral service for Charlie Steele Robinson will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003, in the Combs Funeral Service Chapel, with the Revs. Rodney Meadows, Paul Hite, Austin Fields and Jim Fuller officiating. Burial will follow in the Russell Memorial Cemetery in Lebanon. Serving the family as pallbearers will be Steve Osborne, Andrew Williams, Jerry Hawkins, Robert (Bob) Cox, Teddy Rasnake, Larry Rasnake, Tommy Williams, Sam Fields and Christopher Wallace. Ersel Fletcher, Harmon Johnson, Raymond Johnson, Carlos Burk, Albert (Bill) White, Howard Sword, William B. Dye and Wayne Taylor will serve as honorary pallbearers. Mr. Robinson, 74, went home to be with the Lord Thursday, Nov. 6, 2003, in the Bristol Regional Medical Center. Combs Funeral Service in Lebanon is serving the family of Mr. Robinson. Kenneth E. Sawyer LEBANON – Kenneth Eugene Sawyer, 65, passed away Friday, Nov. 7, 2003, in the Bristol Regional Medical Center. Born July 30, 1938, in Spartanburg, S.C., a son of the late Curtis Grayson Sawyer and Nora J. Sawyer, he and his family have made their home in Lebanon since 1985, where they own and operate the Carriage House Motel. He served as a sergeant in the U.S. Air Force from 1956 until 1962. Survivors include his wife, Ana E. Sawyer; a daughter, Monique Anna Sawyer of the home; a son, John Joseph Sawyer, Lebanon; a sister, Doris Shelton, Vienna, Va., also three nieces and four nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, W.D. Sawyer, and a sister, Mildred K. Gaar. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, Nov. 10, 2003, in the Combs Funeral Service Chapel, with Father Robert Krenik officiating. Burial will follow in Ketron Memorial Gardens, with military honors conducted by the Lebanon VFW Post 9864. Serving the family as pallbearers will be Bernard W. Fletcher, Larry Fuller, Tom Watson, James D. Bates, David Leonard, Jeff Halsey, Phillip Puckett, Carlos Rasnake and Mark Mitchell. Honorary pallbearers will be J. Trigg Fields, James Lockhart, Ralph Mason, Leonard J. Kusek, Dr. Jorge A. Silveira, Leonard J. Kusek, Norman C. Watkins, Richard Kirkbride, Dr. Csaba L. Magassy, Harold Mitchell and Steve Halsey. The family will receive friends 6-9 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003, at the funeral home. Combs Funeral Service is serving the family of Mr. Sawyer. “H.B.” Smith CASTLEWOOD – Funeral services for Herschel Burns “H.B.” Smith will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003, in Castlewood Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Amy Yeary Holmes and Rev. Gene Pendland officiating. Entombment will follow in the Temple Hill Memorial Park, Castlewood. Pallbearers will be Joshua Collins, Shane Steele, Michael Marshall, Kevin Fee, Bradley Griswold, Henry Phillips and Terry Saddler. Online condolences may be sent to the Smith family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Mr. Smith, 79, died Thursday, Nov. 6, 2003, at the Indian Path Hospital, Kingsport. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Larry Smith Larry “Danny” Smith, beloved husband, father and faithful friend, went to be with the Lord, Nov. 5, 2003, after suffering from a lengthy illness. He passed away at the age of 51. He was a U.S. Navy veteran serving during the Vietnam War on the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk. He was a member of the American Legion Post 145 and the 40 & 8 Voiture 883. God bless America. He was employed with Freightliner Trucking at Mt. Holly, N.C., for 16 years prior to his illness. He graduated from Virginia High School in 1971 and Gaston College in Gastonia, N.C., in 1982. Survivors include his wife, Susan Wiley Smith; daughters, Heather Smith and Courtney Smith, all of Lincolnton, N.C.; his parents, John and Vera Smith of Bristol Virginia; two brothers, Darrell Smith of Roanoke and Don Smith of Ft. Collins, Colo.; sister, Pam Tilley of Bristol Tennessee; his mother and father- in-law, Peggy and E.B. “Speedy “ Wiley of Bristol Virginia; five sisters-in-law; three brothers-in-law; 17 nieces and nephews and five godchildren. Memorial service will be held Thursday, Nov. 13, 2003, at 7 p.m. at Central Presbyterian Church, with Rev. David Wadsworth officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. The interment will be at the Boger City Methodist Church Columbarium at a later date. Memorials may be made to Boger City Methodist Church, Lincoln County Humane Society and/or the American Diabetic Association. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@peercom.net. Akard Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Smith. Clara Virgie Sorah BRISTOL, Va. – Clara Virgie Sorah, age 87, died on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2003, at Bristol Nursing Home. She was a native of Saltville and the daughter of the late Daniel and Fannie Moore Coalson. She had lived in Bristol most of her life and was the widow of Jack Sorah. Mrs. Sorah is survived by a daughter, Jane Fraley of Ravenel, S.C.; three grandsons, James Eric Fraley of Goose Creek, S.C., Michael A. Fraley of Summerville, S.C., and Richard Morelock of Bristol Tennessee, and six great- grandchildren. The funeral service will be conducted at 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 9, at the Glenwood Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel, with Rev. Brandon Canter officiating. Entombment will follow. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@peercom.net. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 W. State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423)989-4800, is serving the family of Mrs. Sorah. Geralene Ray Stokes PARAGOULD, Ark. – Geralene Ray Stokes, 50, passed away on Friday, Nov. 7, 2003. Born May 20, 1953, in Richlands, she was the daughter of the late Claude and Margie Yates Ray. Survivors include her husband, Lynn Stokes; stepson, Jason Stokes of Dothan, Ala.; stepdaughter, Teri Lynn Stokes of Ashford, Ala., and a brother, Jackie Lee Ray of Lebanon. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Nov. 10, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Owens Funeral Service Chapel, with Rev. Clyde Lambert and Rev. Tim Order officiating. Interment will follow at Russell Memorial Cemetery, Lebanon. The family will receive friends on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2003, from 6 until 9 p.m. at the funeral home. Owens Funeral Service, Lebanon. David E. Thomas GLADE SPRING – Mr. David E. Thomas, age 60, passed away Saturday, Nov. 8, 2003, in Johnston Memorial Hospital. Mr. Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, G.W. and Helen Thomas, and a brother, George R. Thomas. He attended the Seven Springs Presbyterian Church and was employed with Emory & Henry College for over 39 years. Survivors include his wife, Ann Thomas, Glade Spring; a brother, Jeff Thomas, Ronceverte, W.Va.; papaw Dave’s three special girls, Skylar and Maddie Thomas and Emily Horne, and several nieces and nephews. The graveside service will be conducted Monday, Nov. 10, 2003, at 1 p.m. in the Mount Rose Cemetery, Glade Spring, with Rev. Tom Sullivan and Rev. David St. Clair officiating. The procession will leave the funeral home at 12:30 p.m. Monday. Pallbearers will be Bob Johnson, Temple Musser, Brian Hamilton, Dewey Lusk, Laurn Becker and Jack Olinger. A special thanks to Dr. Swann, the fifth floor nurses at Johnston Memorial Hospital and family and friends who provided love and support throughout the years. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The family will receive friends Sunday from 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home. Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the family of Mr. Thomas. Gallya Kiser Vanover RICHMOND – Gallya Kiser Vanover, 75, died Saturday, Nov. 1, 2003. She was a native of Dickenson County. She is survived by her children, Sandy Oliver and husband Terry and Eric Vanover and wife Deanna; granddaughters, Sarah and Samantha Oliver; grandsons, Ryan Smith and Dallas Vanover; two sisters, Dixie Anderson of Clintwood and Marie Cassell of Midlothian, Va., and 14 nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, Nov. 10, 2003, at the Valley View Freewill Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution is requested in memory of Gallya Kiser Vanover to Crater Community Hospice, 840 West Roslyn Road, Suite E, Colonial Heights, VA 24284. Local assistance provided by Clintwood Funeral Home. David Allen Wagner MEADOWVIEW – David Allen Wagner, 51, died Friday, Nov. 7, 2003. A native of Abingdon, he had lived in the Meadowview community for the past 10 years. He was a graduate of Abingdon High School and a carpenter by trade. He was an avid musician, a skilled wood carver and an outdoor enthusiast. Survivors include his mother, Lillian Hite Wagner of Meadowview; one sister, Gloria Wagner Surber and her husband Tony Surber of Glade Spring; three nieces, Jennifer Surber, Mollie Surber and Annie Surber, all of Glade Spring; several aunts and uncles and several cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Edward W. Wagner. The family will receive friends from 10-11:15 a.m. Monday at the Forest Hills Branch of Farris Funeral Service, Abingdon, or anytime at the home of Tony and Gloria Surber, 445 Maple St., Glade Spring. A graveside service will follow the visitation at 11:30 a.m., with the Rev. Jim Denton officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Charlie Warren, John Radick, Mike Brillhart, Harold Weddle, Mike Wagner, Paul Eddie Scyphers, Joe Pless, Allen Pless, Joe Litton, Billy Bartch and Bob Vessey. Memorial contributions may be made to Virginia Creeper Trail Club, P.O. Box 2382, Abingdon, VA 24212. Those wishing to express their condolences online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service, Abingdon, is serving the Wagner family.