Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, December 8, 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, Dec. 8, 2003 Today's Deaths Russell Smith Brooks, 66, Lebanon Danny A. Cook, 46, Lebanon Bessie Tallman Kendrick, 95, Bristol Tennessee Virgie M. Mabe, 94, Raven, Va. Audrey Caudill Thompson, 69, Norton Charles Stevens Wassum Jr., 90, Marion -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Russell Smith Brooks LEBANON – Russell Smith Brooks, 66, of the Spring City section, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003. Born on Oct. 17, 1937, the son of the late Virginia and William Vaughn Brooks, he was a life-long resident of Russell County and was of the Baptist faith. Two sisters, Dorothy Smith and Beulah Jones, and a son, Richard Karl Miller, also preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Emma Janie Brooks, and five children, June Ann Kiser and husband Darrell of Lebanon, Kurt Eric Miller and wife Betty Ann of Charlottesville, Va., Kelvin Kliest Miller of Coeburn, Rebecca Lee Grizzle of Lebanon and Elizabeth Young and husband Barry of Castlewood. Also surviving are two brothers, Paul Brooks and wife Judy of Spring City and Hobert Brooks and wife Connie; one sister, Connie and husband Danny Howell, all of Abingdon; eight grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Pallbearers will be Billy Kegley, Darrell Kiser, Johnny Jessee, Kelvin Miller, Hobert Brooks, Paul Brooks, Danny Howell, Barry Young and Kurt Miller. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Owens Funeral Service Chapel, with Rev. Mike Dye officiating. Interment will follow at Ketron Memorial Gardens, Lebanon. Family will receive friends on Monday, Dec. 8, 2003, after 6 p.m. at the funeral home. Owens Funeral Service, Lebanon. Hubert C. Byers LEBANON – The committal service and burial for Hubert C. Byers will be at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8, 2003, in Ketron Memorial Gardens in Lebanon. Those attending should meet at the funeral home by 10:30 a.m. to go in procession to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be Raymond Culbertson, Bert McCoy, David Holt, Tony Hart, Tony Balthis and Carlson Sword. Mr. Byers, 86, died Friday, Dec. 5, 2003, in the Russell County Medical Center. Combs Funeral Service is serving the family of Mr. Byers. Danny A. Cook LEBANON – Danny A. (Hank) Cook, 46, died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003, at home. Born Nov. 25, 1957, the son of Dan J. Cook and Pinkie Sword Cook, he was a life- long resident of Russell County. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Campbell Sword and Lona Sword, and his paternal grandparents, Roby Cook and Vinia Cook. Survivors, in addition to his parents, include his companion Julie Gray and her son Adam Gray; a sister and brother-in-law, Cookie and Tim Kiser, Lebanon; two nieces, Ann Baker and Kimberly Kiser; a nephew, Daniel Kiser; a great-niece, Adrianna Baker; two uncles that he grew up with, Fred Sword and Don Sword, also several aunts, uncles, and cousins. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003, in the Combs Funeral Service Chapel, with the Rev. Virgil Musick officiating. Burial will follow in Ketron Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be Jim Gray, Bill Gray, Don Sword, Tim Eades, Chris Musick and Greg Stevens. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Gray, Tom Gray, Dean Cook, Ray Cook and Harold Stevens. The family will receive friends after 6 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, 2003, at the funeral home. Combs Funeral Service is serving the family of Hank Cook. Bessie T. Kendrick BRISTOL, Tenn. – Bessie Tallman Kendrick, 95, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003, at NHC HealthCare, Bristol. She was life-long resident of the Cross Community and a daughter of the late William and Mollie Coleman Tallman. After retiring in 1992 from domestic housekeeping, she continued to work in her flower gardens and staying outdoors, which she loved. She was an avid quilter and, most of all, she loved Jesus and was active in her church activities. She was a loyal member of Cross United Methodist Church all of her life. Bessie loved people and the family expresses their heartfelt thanks for all of those who loved her and visited at NHC. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert M. "Bob" Kendrick in 1974, her brothers, Henry, Jack and Albert Tallman and an infant brother, and sisters, Hassie Coffey, Blanche Clark and Myrtle Tallman. Survivors include her daughter, Mildred Rodefer and husband H.R. (Jr.) of Blountville; two granddaughters, Patty Mitchell and husband Gerald of Blountville and Cindy Edwards and husband Anthony of Bristol Tennessee; two great-grandsons, Jerry M. Mitchell and wife Traci and Robert Mitchell; two great-great-granddaughters, Tori and Taylor Mitchell, and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, in the Akard Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Harry Booher, Rev. John Rosenbalm and Rev. Kenneth Holmes officiating. The committal service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, in the Johnson Cemetery, Blountville. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Bibee, Rev. A.C. Cobble, Dennis Hawkins, Lucille Kendrick, Charlie Kendrick, Phil Kendrick, Col. Ted Perry (Retired), Dr. Fred Greear and the entire staff of NHC HealthCare, Bristol. The family will receive friends from 5- 7 p.m. Monday prior to the service at Akard Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Activities Committee of NHC HealthCare, Bristol, or a charity of choice. 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. Kendrick. Virgie M. Mabe RAVEN, Va. – Mrs. Virgie M. Mabe, age 94, passed away Saturday, Dec. 6, 2003, in a Richlands hospital following a brief illness. She was born in Buchanan County and was the daughter of the late Harve and Biddie McNulty Jackson, both Buchanan County natives. She was a life-long resident of the Raven area and was a member of the Mill Creek Primitive Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Earnest Mabe, one son, Alfred Mabe, three sisters and two brothers. Survivors are two daughters, Edith Sauls and husband Roy of Alderson, W.Va., and Sally Osborne and husband Whorley of Raven; three sons, Eugene Mabe and wife Norma of Richlands, Curtis Mabe and wife Ruby of Pasedena, Md., and Harold Mabe and wife Sharon of Upper Marlboro, Md.; one sister, Edgar Turpin of Iager, W.Va.; 17 grandchildren; 31 great-grandchildren and three great-great- grandchildren also survive. Funeral services for Mrs. Virgie M. Mabe will be conducted Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003, at 1 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, with Elders Delford Ward and George Ben Combs officiating. Interment will follow at the Shelton Family Cemetery on Red Root Ridge near Raven. Pallbearers will be Ernie Newberry, Eric Newberry, Jackie Mabe, Bobby Joe Mabe, Jimmy Mabe, Barry Jessee, Dave Curry and Roy Sparks. Honorary pallbearers will be great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Friends may call after 6 p.m. Monday evening at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com. Michael Malone Sr. DAVIE, Fla. – A graveside service for Michael Brett Malone Sr. will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003, at 1 p.m. at Temple Hill Memorial Park Mausoleum in Castlewood, with Rev. Tom Edwards officiating. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Lebanon VFW Post 9864. Mr. Malone, 63, passed away on Nov. 30, 2003. Owens Funeral Service, Lebanon. Minnie Otey BRISTOL, Va. – Minnie Ruby Nunn Otey, 75, of 178 Green Valley Rd., went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2003, from her residence. Mrs. Otey was born Sept. 1, 1928, to the late George Nunn and Neva Rosenbalm in Bristol Virginia. She was a housewife and a life-long resident of Bristol. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Otey. Survivors include sons, Bobby L. Otey, Danny G. Otey, Gary L. Otey and Wayne A. Otey, all of Bristol Virginia; daughters, Rita Guffey and Belinda S. Cannon of Bristol Virginia and Kathy J. Waller of Bristol Tennessee; brothers, Robert Nunn of Bristol Tennessee and Charlie Nunn and Leslie Nunn of Bristol Virginia, and grandchildren, Michele Guffey, Amanda Barger, Robbie Otey, April Rodefer, Wendy Waller, Michael Waller, Nathan Wilford, Beth Poe, Cindy McCraw, Mindy Wyatt, Kayla Otey, Beth Foot and Wendy Whitaker. Also surviving are 14 great- grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and a very special friend, Ed Bishop. Funeral services for Minnie Ruby Nunn Otey will be at held 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Bill Arnold officiating. Burial will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery, Bristol, Virginia. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, 2003, at Weaver Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be family and friends. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Bristol Cancer Association, 1255 State St., Suite A, Bristol, VA 24201. E-mail condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Otey. Marjorie E. Parker DAMASCUS – The committal service and interment for Marjorie Eller Parker will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 8, 2003, at Mock Cemetery in Damascus. Condolences may be sent to the family through our e-mail at email@garrettfuneralhome.com. Mrs. Parker, age 86, passed away on Friday, Dec. 5, 2003, at Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon, after an extended illness. Garrett Funeral Home in Damascus is serving the family of Mrs. Parker. Jackson W. Pruitt MARION – Jackson Willard Pruitt, age 73, went to be with Lord Saturday Dec. 6, 2003, at his home. Survivors include wife, Thelma Wyatt Pruitt; two sons and daughters-in-law, Ronnie and Edith Pruitt, Marion, and Larry and Wanda Pruitt, Wytheville; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Ruth and Buss Umbarger, Marion, Violet and Buddy Teaster, Marion, and Imogene and Curt Wymer, Marion; one brother and sister-in- law, Jim and Wilma Pruitt, Martinsville; three grandsons, Tony Pruitt, Kevin Pruitt and Chance Pruitt; one granddaughter, Kim Chapman; three step-grandsons, Russell Catron and James and John Totten; one step-granddaughter, Lisa Catron; three great-grandchildren, Autumn, Devin and Ethan Pruitt, and two step-great- grandsons, Logan Catron and Johnathan Totten. Funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion, with Rev. Herman Cress officiating. Interment will follow in West Cemetery. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the Pruitt family. Louise Miller Smith BLUFF CITY – Louise Miller Smith, 87, of 5004 Bluff City Highway, went to be with the Lord on Friday, Dec. 5, 2003, from the Johnson City Medical Center. Mrs. Smith was born Jan. 3, 1916, to the late Grover Miller and Ethel Blaylock and was a native of Newland, N.C. She was a life-long resident of Sullivan County. Mrs. Smith was a housewife and a member of the First Christian Church in Bluff City. Mrs. Smith and her late husband, James R. Smith, were co-owners of Smith Brothers Furniture Company in Elizabethton. Survivors include son, Charles E. Smith and wife Peggy of Louisville, Ky.; daughter, Linda K. Brewer and husband Carl of Bluff City; sister, Francis Nidiffer of Johnson City; brothers, Robert Miller of Cleveland, Ohio, and Jack Miller of Naples, Fla.; three grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by two sisters, Margaret White and Mildred Welch, both of Elizabethton. Funeral services for Louise Miller Smith will be held at 8 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 8, 2003, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Minister Richard Kirkland officiating. Committal services will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003, at the Shelby Hills Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:45 p.m. prior to the service on Monday. Honorary pallbearers will be Dustin, Justin, and Christopher Joyner, Matthew, Nicholas and Kevin Brewer. E-mail condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Robert Lee Steele BRISTOL, Tenn. – The funeral service for Robert Lee "Bob" Steele will be conducted at 2 o’clock Monday afternoon in the Heritage Chapel of Memories at Glenwood Cemetery, with Rev. Connie Huffine officiating. Burial will follow. The family will receive friends at the home from 3 until 5 o’clock Monday afternoon after the service. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Those who wish may send memorial contributions to the Alzheimer’s Association, 11240 Waples Mill Road, Suite 402, Fairfax, VA 22030. Mr. Steele died Saturday, Dec. 6, 2003, at NHC of Johnson City. He was preceded in death by a brother, Johnny Steele. Mr. Steele is in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Audrey C. Thompson NORTON – Audrey Caudill Thompson, 69, died Saturday, Dec. 6, 2003, at Wellmont Holston Valley Hospital in Kingsport. Born to the late Barney and Florence Caudill, she was the widow of Fred C. Thompson. Audrey was a retired nurse from Heritage Hall Nursing Home in Wise and was a member of the Norton Church of God in Ramsey. She is survived by a daughter, Audrey Carol Asbury of Norton; a son, Michael Fred Thompson of Williamsburg, Va.; a sister, Charlotte Dickerson, Manassas, Va.; a brother, Steven Wayne Caudill, Nokesville, Va.; five grandsons and two great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Tim Tatum officiating. Burial will be in Highland Cemetery in Norton. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. The Caudill family is served by Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home of Norton, (276) 679-0192. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.hagyfawbush.com. Charles Wassum Jr. MARION – Charles Stevens Wassum Jr., age 90, died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003, at his home. The family will receive friends Monday evening from 5 until 7 p.m. at Seaver- Brown Chapel. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003, at 11 a.m. at Rose Lawn Cemetery, Marion, with Dr. Charles S. Wassum III officiating. Full obituary will follow at a later date. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service is serving the Wassum family. Nancy A. Whittaker ABINGDON – The funeral service for Mrs. Nancy Alice Whittaker will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 8, 2003, in the Colonial Chapel Mausoleum at Forest Hills Memory Gardens, with Rev. Darrel Ray officiating. Interment will follow in the cemetery. Those attending the service are asked to assemble at the Mausoleum Chapel by 10:50 a.m. Monday. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Washington County Lifesaving Crew, P.O. Box 65, Abingdon, VA 24212. Mrs. Whittaker, age 68, died Friday, Dec. 5, 2003, at Johnston Memorial Hospital. She attended the Rich Valley United Methodist Church. Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, is serving the family of Mrs. Nancy Alice Whittaker. Thada A. Wright ABINGDON – Funeral services for Thada A. Wright will be held Monday, Dec. 8, 2003, at 1 p.m. at Farris Funeral Chapel. Rev. Warren Wilson will officiate. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to the Cancer Outreach Program. Pallbearers will be Jimmie Arrington, Tim Arrington, Jim Stump, Dean Arrington, George Rees and Phil Grindstaff. Those wishing to express their condolences online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Mrs. Wright, age 71, died Friday, Dec. 5, 2003, at Johnston Memorial Hospital. Farris Funeral Service is serving the Wright family.