Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, December 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 Tuesday, December 9, 2003 Margaret Ann Jones Barker, 67, Big Stone Gap Dorothy (Dot) E. Boone, 77, Coeburn James William Bowers, 80, Bristol Tennessee Emmett Buford, 84, Marion Ruth Campbell, 74, Meadowview Emmitt Lee Collier, 92, Wise Lorraine Stiltner Compton, 76, Grundy James H. Fulbright, 86, Bristol Virginia Julia Virgil Hughes Hatcher, 90, Bristol Tennessee Estelle Burke Jenkins, 82, Norton Earl F. Johnson, Bristol Virginia L. Myers Mullins, 81, Clintwood Roland Lawrence Palmer, 76, Glade Spring Glenn Powers, 89, Marion James A. Stidham, 60, Pound Susie F. Taylor, 60, Abingdon Margaret J. Barker BIG STONE GAP – Margaret Ann Jones Barker, 67, passed away Friday, Dec. 5, 2003, at Wellmont Lonesome Pine Hospital after a long battle with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s Disease.) Margaret was a 1955 graduate of Big Stone Gap High School and attended Mountain Empire Community College. She was preceded in death by her parents, Maggie and Elmer Jones; sister-in-law, Joan Barker Lawson; and brother-in-law, Marvin "Buddy" Barker. Surviving are her husband of 33 years, David F. Barker Jr.; brother-in-law, Richard Lawson, Fayetteville, N.C.; sister-in-law, Cecelia Munsey, Big Stone Gap; devoted cousins, Morris and Norma Burchette, Norton; an aunt and devoted caregiver, Gladys Jones; aunts, Violet Jones, Mossi Jones, Genevie Jones and Annie Jones, all of Big Stone Gap; two uncles, Hubert Jones, Big Stone Gap, and Hardin Eldridge, Cincinnati; and devoted caregivers, Markeda Hall and Carol Phillips. Margaret had worked in health services most of her life, the last being 15 years at the Big Stone Gap Clinic and seven years with Holston Child and Family Center. She was an avid cake-maker and decorator, having made cakes for three generations in some families. Margaret was a faithful member of the Norton United Methodist Church and active in the Ladies’ Prayer Fellowship. She had been a member of the choir for 33 years. Visitation will be anytime at the home throughout the week. Funeral service will be on Saturday, Dec. 13, at 11:00 a.m. at the Norton United Methodist Church in Norton. The church is located downtown at 8th Street and Virginia Avenue. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Norton United Methodist Church Choir Fund, P.O. Box 76, Norton, VA 24273; or to Lou Gehrig ALS Research, Department of Neurology, Medical Center Blvd., Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC 27157-1078; or to Mountain Empire Older Citizens Fuel Fund, P.O. 888, Big Stone Gap, VA. 24219. Entombment will follow in Powell Valley Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Holding Funeral Home, Inc. of Big Stone Gap is in charge. Dorothy E. Boone COEBURN – Dorothy (Dot) E. Boone, 77, went to be with the Lord Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003. She was a loving, Christian mother and was preceded in death by her husband, James (Bud) Boone; her parents, Garland and Etta Mae Bryant; and a sister, Gail Greear. Surviving are a daughter, Delana Davidson of Piney Flats; three sons, Harry Boone, Tommy Boone and Richard Boone, all of Coeburn; two sisters: Betty Rowland Nuckles of Abingdon; and Maxie Stewart of Florida; two brothers: Tommy Bryant of Lebanon; and Dan Bryant of Coeburn; nine grandchildren; five great- grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. A special thank you to Linda Mullins and staff of Mullins Adult Home. Funeral services will be conducted 8:00 p.m. Tuesday evening in the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel, Coeburn, with the Rev. Lee Kidd and Rev. R.J. Rose officiating. Graveside services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Greenwood Memorial Gardens, Coeburn. The family will receive friends after 6:00 p.m. Tuesday evening until time of service. Sturgill Funeral Homes, Coeburn, in charge of arrangements. James W. Bowers BRISTOL, Tenn. – James William Bowers, age 80, of 230 Bear Hollow Road, passed away Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003, at his home. He was born May 30, 1923, in Abingdon and lived his life in the Bristol area. He is the son of the late John Andrew and Ollie Virginia Dunn Bowers. He was a truck driver and of the Baptist faith. He is preceded in death by his wife, Della Mae Bowers; and a daughter, Mary Leonard. He is survived by: daughter, Jean Bowers; sons, Allen Bowers, James Bowers, Ed Bowers and Avery Bowers; and five grandchildren. Funeral service will be held at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Allen Frazier officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening at Weaver Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Russell Smith Brooks LEBANON – Funeral services for Russell Smith Brooks 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. Pallbearers will be Billy Kegley, Darrell Kiser, Johnny Jessee, Kelvin Miller, Hobert Brooks, Paul Brooks, Danny Howell, Barry Young and Kurt Miller. Mr. Brooks, 66, of the Spring City section, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003. Owens Funeral Service, Lebanon. Emmett Buford MARION – Emmett Buford, age 84, died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003, in Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Survivors and funeral arrangements will be announced later by Seaver-Brown Funeral Service. Ruth Campbell MEADOWVIEW – Mrs. Ruth Campbell, age 74, went to the bosom of Abraham on Dec. 8, 2003. She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Mr. E.T. Campbell; her son, Mr. Bryan Campbell and wife, Linda, Charlotte, N.C.; her daughter, Ms. Linda Campbell, Meadowview; her grandson, Mr. Bryan Campbell Jr. and his wife, Sherry, Abingdon; her granddaughter, Mrs. Penny Hodge and husband, Ray A., Clover, S.C.; much-loved great-grandson, Dylan Cole Hodge; her sisters: Mrs. Elizabeth Hagy and husband, Charles, Watauga, Tenn.; Mrs. Evelyn Lowe, Damascus; and Mrs. Dorcas Saltz, Abingdon; one brother, Mr. Louis Camper, Abingdon; and numerous nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2003, at 2:00 p.m. at the graveside in Forest Hills Memory Gardens, with Rev. John E. Massey Jr. officiating. There will be no visitation in the funeral home. Those attending the service are asked to assemble at the cemetery. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Cancer Society, P. O. 246, Abingdon, VA 24212 or to the charity of your choice. Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Ruth Campbell family. Emmitt Lee Collier WISE – Emmitt Lee Collier, 92, passed away Monday, Dec. 8, 2003, at the Bristol Wellmont Medical Center in Bristol Tennessee. He was of the Baptist faith, a retired coal miner and a member of the UMWA. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dixie Henderson Collier; two granddaughters, Kelly Jean Collier and Dana Ann Collier; and a grandson, Justin Lee Collier. Surviving are his wife, Mildred Hall Collier; six sons: Virgil Collier (Betty); Lester Collier (Sharon); Ronnie Collier (Retha); and Jerry Collier (Pat), all of Wise; J.D. Collier (Margaret) of Mount Airy, N.C.; and Elmer Collier (Nancy) of Dryden, Va.; three daughters: Della Amburgey of Wise; and Alice Gala (Al) and Thomasine Carr of Louisville, Ky.; three stepchildren: David King of Coeburn; Ronald King of New Jersey; and Colette Turner (Jim) of Bristol Tennessee.; 29 grandchildren; 35 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and a host of other relatives and friends. Funeral services for Emmitt Lee Collier will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 11, 2003, at the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel in Wise, with Rev. Jerry Collier and Rev. Ricky Mullins officiating. Burial will follow in the Collier Family Cemetery, Wise. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2003, at the Sturgill Funeral Home in Wise. Sturgill Funeral Homes in Wise in charge of arrangements. Lorraine S. Compton GRUNDY – Lorraine Stiltner Compton, 76 years of age, of the Bend of Slate area, passed away Friday, Dec. 5, 2003, from injuries sustained in a fire at her home. Born in Pike County, Ky., she was a daughter of the late Clarence and Lerla Smith Stiltner. She had been a resident of Buchanan County for 65 years, a member of Grundy Church of Christ and was a devoted wife, loving mother and homemaker. Mrs. Compton was preceded by her husband, Noah Compton in 1977. She is survived by one daughter, Barbara Jean Compton, Grundy; and one son, Noah Compton Jr., Grundy. She was preceded in death by one infant son. Funeral services for Lorraine Stiltner Compton will be conducted Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003, at 1 p.m. at Grundy Funeral Home Chapel, with Evangelist Tom Cooper and Evangelist Michael Trent officiating, with entombment to follow in Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery, Richlands. Active pallbearers will be Sam Hylton, Chuck Crabtree, Roger Blankenship, Raymond Clevinger, Troy Viers and T.C. Mullins Jr. Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of all arrangements. Danny A. Cook LEBANON – The funeral service for Danny A. (Hank) Cook 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. Mr. Cook, 46, died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003, at home. Combs Funeral Service is serving the family of Hank Cook. James H. Fulbright BRISTOL, Va. – Maj. James H. Fulbright, U. S. Marine Corps (retired), age 86, died Saturday, Dec. 6, 2003, in the Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. Maj. Fulbright served his country with distinction as a member of the U. S. Marine Corps for 28 years. He completed tours of duty in Korea, Japan and Vietnam and also served in World War II. Maj. Fulbright received the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device from air station commanding officer, Col. Louis H. Steman. He received the Citation for Meritorious Service and Organizational Ability as aircraft maintenance officer of headquarters and Headquarters Squadron 13, 1st Marine Air Craft Wing while in the Republic of Vietnam. He was a member of the Walnut Grove Presbyterian Church, Bristol Virginia. Survivors include his wife, Harriet Dolinger Fulbright; a daughter, Barbara Fulbright Finger and husband, John, Rock Hill, S.C.; a son, Jim Fulbright and wife, Glenda, Johnson City; and two sisters, Betty Jean Dawson and Bea Stephenson, both of Henderson, Nev. The funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel, with Rev. John Markel officiating. Interment will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park. Military honors will be conducted by the Highlands Fellowship Veterans Honor Color Guard. Those wishing to express sympathy on line may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home. Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Fulbright family. Julia V. Hatcher BRISTOL, Tenn. – Julia Virgil Hughes Hatcher, age 90, 1211 Florida Ave., died Monday, Dec. 8, 2003, in Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. She was a native of Sullivan County, Tenn., daughter of the late James Franklin and Mary Catherine Miller Hughes. She was a charter member of Virginia Avenue Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dana H. Hatcher; and a grandson, Dana Ray Hatcher. Surviving are two daughters, Catherine Hatcher and Margaret Barnett, both of Bristol Tennessee; sons and daughters-in- law: James and Betty Hatcher, Deward and Connie Hatcher and Don and Kathy Hatcher, all of Bristol Tennessee; and grandchildren, David Hatcher, Richard Fisher, Connie Sue Johnson, Kacey Teri, Jesse Hatcher, Windy Motley, Wayne Barnett and Kenneth Barnett. Also surviving are nine great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Wednesday in Weaver Funeral Home, with Rev. Cass Farrior officiating. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers: Jesse Hatcher, Harley Taylor, Terry White, Richard Fisher, Craig Teri, David Hatcher, Robby Johnson and Wayne Barnett. Honorary pallbearers: Sapling Grove Family Physicians and Fourth Floor staff of Bristol Regional Medical Center. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday in Weaver Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Estelle B. Jenkins NORTON ­– Estelle Burke Jenkins, 82, died Monday, Dec. 8, 2003, in Wexford House, Kingsport. She was a native of Church Hill, Tenn., born to the late Roy C. and Mary Katherine Burke. She attended Church Hill High School. Upon her marriage, she moved to Norton in 1940, where she lived for nearly 45 years before moving to the Gray area. She attended the Central Freewill Baptist Church, while in Norton, and the Beulah Baptist Church in Gray. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Henry R. Jenkins; and two brothers, Clarence and Elmer Burke. She is survived by three daughters and sons-in-law: Wanda and Harry Greer; and Phyllis and Jim Clark, all of Kingsport; and Kathy and Tim Coats, Rapid City, S.D.; two sons and daughters-in-law: Wayne and Carolyn Jenkins, Pulaski; and Dewey and Renee Jenkins, Charlotte, N.C.; sister, Ethel Sandidge, Kingsport.; 25 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Thursday at the Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home in Norton. Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Friday in the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Al South officiating. Burial will follow in the Holston View Cemetery, Weber City, Va. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.hagyafawbush.com. Earl F. Johnson BRISTOL, Va. – Earl F. Johnson died Monday, Dec. 8, 2003, in Bristol Regional Medical Center. Akard Funeral Home 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620 (423) 989-4800, is serving the family of Mr. Johnson and will announce funeral arrangements at a later date. Bessie T. Kendrick BRISTOL, Tenn. – The committal service for Bessie Tallman Kendrick will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, in the Johnson Cemetery, Blountville, with the Rev. Harry Booher, Rev. John Rosenbalm and Rev. Kevin Holmes officiating. 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. 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. Mrs. Kendrick, 95, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003, at NHC HealthCare, Bristol. 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. – 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.Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands. Mrs. Mabe, age 94, passed away Saturday, Dec. 6, 2003, in a Richlands hospital following a brief illness. 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. L. Myers Mullins CLINTWOOD – Rev. L. Myers Mullins, age 81, passed away Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003, at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport. He was a well-known minister in Dickenson County and was the pastor for over 50 years of the Cumberland Church of the Brethren. He was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II. Mr. Mullins was preceded in death by his first wife, Retta Smith Mullins; his son, Roger D. Mullins; and three brothers, Johnny Wilson Mullins, Arnold Mullins and James O. (Offie) Mullins. He is survived by his wife, Tona Mullins of Clintwood; son, Jackie Mullins and wife Judy of Clintwood; stepsons: Doug Rose and wife Becky of Clintwood; and Don Rose and wife Tina of Louisiana; daughter-in-law, Margaret Triplett of Clintwood; sister, Evelean Willis, Route 2, Coeburn; brother, Tennel Mullins of Clintwood; two granddaughters; three step-grandchildren; one great-grandson; and one step-great-grandson. Funeral services will be conducted Wednesday, Dec. 10, at 1 p.m. in the Mullins Funeral Home Chapel, with Ministers Jimmy Hopson, Tommy England and Joe Glenn Sluss officiating. Burial will be in the Dan Hay Cemetery, Route 3, Wildcat Ridge Section, Clintwood. Pallbearers will be Harold Mullins, David Mullins, Lester Mullins, Harold Rose, Crawford Ramey, Gary Farmer and brothers in the church. Honorary pallbearers will be Fawn Moore, Farley Dutton, Dr. J.P. Senter, Dr. Pat Vanover, Doug Fleming, Doug Rose, Donald Rose, Jeremy Rose, Charlie Dotson, David Triplett and Rodney Fleming. Friends may call at the funeral home any time Tuesday, Dec. 9, after noon until 5 p.m. The family will have a private visitation from 5 to 6 p.m. Tuesday and then receive friends again at 6 p.m. There will be a song service conducted at 7 p.m. Mullins Funeral Home is serving the Mullins family. Minnie Otey BRISTOL, Va. – 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. 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. Mrs. Otey, 75, of 178 Green Valley Rd., went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Dec. 6, 2003, from her residence. Weaver Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Otey. Roland L. Palmer GLADE SPRING – Roland Lawrence Palmer, age 76, died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003, at his home. He was born in Smyth County to the late Thomas Oliver and Nettie Jones Palmer. He was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church of Marion. Survivors include: wife, Elma Palmer, Glade Spring; two daughters: Linda Lester and husband Scotty, Glade Spring; and Alice Steele and husband Tom, Marion; three brothers: Joe L. Palmer, Chilhowie; Bill Palmer, Chilhowie; and Roy Lee Palmer, Chilhowie; one sister, Florance St. Claire, Roanoke; granddaughter, Krissy Leafgreen, Konnarock, Va.; and great-grandsons, Thomas Leafgreen, Konnarock and John Leafgreen, Konnarock. Funeral services will be held Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003, at 8:00 p.m. at Bradley’s Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie, with Elder Michael Messeruy officiating. Graveside services will be Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2003, at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel of Chilhowie. Bradley’s Funeral Chapel is serving the Palmer family. Glenn Powers MARION – Rev. Glenn Powers, age 89, went to be with the Lord Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003, in the Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion. He was born Aug. 14, 1914, in Ashe County, N.C., to the late Drewery and Lockie Miller Powers, and was preceded in death by his first wife of 53 years, Ruth Powers; and his second wife, Grace Powers. He was also preceded in death by two brothers; five sisters; and two grandchildren, Stephanie and Jonathan Wright. He was a lifelong farmer and pastored the Lincoln Hill Baptist Church, The Parkers Chapel Freewill Baptist Church and was associate pastor at Cedars Baptist Church. Survivors Include: nine children: Ed and Peggy Powers, Marion; Wilma and Rex Mabe, White Top; Bertha and Clint Wright, Seven Mile Ford; Willard and Stella Powers, Marion; Wade and Wilma Powers, Sugar Grove; Glenna and Bob Hurley, Marion; Betty and Ed Blevins, Marion; Neal and Brenda Powers, Seven Mile Ford; and Dale and Sandy Powers, Roanoke; 22 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; one step- daughter, Priscilla and Ken Cook, Herndon, Va.; and several nieces and nephews, including special nephew, Rev. Dennis Eller. Funeral services will be held at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion, with Rev. Walter Statzer and Rev. Avery Sheets officiating. Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday at the Macedonia Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be all local ministers and Ellis Williams. Flowers will be appreciated or memorial contributions in Rev. Power’s name can be made to the Cedars Baptist Church, c/o Rick Schwartz, 277 Fairfield Lane, Marion, VA 24354. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home or any time at the residence of Rev. Powers, 126 Fortner Ave., Marion. Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the Powers family. Louise Miller Smith BLUFF CITY – Committal services for Louise Miller Smith will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003, at the Shelby Hills Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers will be Dustin, Justin, and Christopher Joyner, Matthew, Nicholas and Kevin Brewer. E-mail condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mrs. Smith, 87, of 5004 Bluff City Highway, went to be with the Lord on Friday, Dec. 5, 2003, from the Johnson City Medical Center. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. James A. Stidham POUND – James A. Stidham, age 60, went home to be with the Lord Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003, with his family by his side at Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital, Norton. Mr. Stidham was a retired coal miner, a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served during the Vietnam era, a member of the Pound VFW Post 9600 and a member of the Lone Pine Chapel Church, where he served as a deacon and superintendent. James was preceded in death by his father, Delmar Stidham. Survivors: spouse, Kaye Yates Stidham of the home; mother, Edna Mullins Stidham, Pound; sister, Patricia Gail Barker, Pound; brothers: Glenn Dale Stidham, Parkton, Md.; Royce Stidham, Pound; Bobby Stidham, Pound; Richard Stidham, Blountville; Steward Stidham, Eolia, Ky.; and Troy Lee Stidham, Pound; and special people in his life, Reuben and Louise Bolling, Pound, Patty Bolling, Larry Barker, Angel Fields, St. Mary’s Hospital staff, the Norton Cancer Center employees and a host of friends and loved ones. Services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2003, at Lone Pine Chapel Church, Pound, with Rev. Clyde Roop and Rev. Tommy Shell officiating. Pallbearers will be family and friends. The body will be taken to the church at 11 a.m. until time of the funeral. Interment will be in Dewey Memorial Cemetery, Pound, with military graveside services conducted by Pound VFW Post 9600. Calling hours are 5-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003, at Baker Funeral Home, Pound, with a service at 7 p.m. Baker Funeral Home, Pound, is entrusted with the care of James A. Stidham. Susie F. Taylor ABINGDON – Susie F. Taylor, age 60, passed away Saturday, Dec. 6, 2003, at her residence. Susie was a native of Dickenson County, Va., and lived and worked in Richmond several years before moving to Abingdon 27 years ago. She attended Tumbling Creek Primitive Baptist Church and was preceded in death by her parents, Estil and Zephyr Colley Taylor, and two sisters, Neeshia-Brown Taylor and Jane Lee Taylor. Survivors include three brothers: Bob Taylor, Kingsport; Jimmy Taylor, Abingdon; and Niles Taylor, Richmond; three nephews, Dean Taylor, Jason Taylor and Johnathan Taylor; and a niece, Adriene Taylor. The funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2003, at 11:00 a.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel, with Elder Garnell Gilbert and Elder Noah Edwards officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 246, Abingdon, VA 24212. The family will receive friends Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2003, from 9:00 until 11:00 a.m. in the funeral home. Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Susie F. Taylor family. Audrey C. Thompson NORTON – Funeral services for Audrey Caudill Thompson 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. Audrey Caudill Thompson, 69, died Saturday, Dec. 6, 2003, at Wellmont Holston Valley Hospital in Kingsport. 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 S. Wassum Jr. MARION – Charles Stevens Wassum Jr., age 90, a lifelong resident of Marion, died Sunday, Dec. 7, 2003, in the same home where he was born May 28, 1913, to Charles S. Wassum and Maggie Cornett Wassum. Charles graduated from Marion High School and attended Washington & Lee University, where he was a member of Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity. In 1938, he married Elizabeth Venable Warriner, the year she was May Queen at Marion College. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in U.S. Navy, a 32nd- degree Mason and a member of the First United Methodist Church in Marion. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Mattie Preston Wassum Kabrich, Margaret Wassum Huff and Janie Wassum Boyd. Charlie, as he was known to his many friends, was an entrepreneur. In high school he and Pete Peterson brought big-name bands to Marion. Some of these bands were Ted Fio-Rita, Bernie Cummins, Blue Steele and Red Nichols and His Five Pennies. They also had Guy Lombardo and his orchestra at the Bristol Hotel in Bristol. After college, he continued in the business started by his father, the Royal Oak Boxwood Farms, planting formal gardens and estates from Tennessee to New England. He regularly exhibited in the New York Flower and Garden Show at Grand Central Palace in New York City and the National Flower Show at the National Guard Armory in Washington, D.C. He planted boxwood at the White House and Lincoln Memorial, along with hundreds of other prominent buildings and homes. Many of the nurserymen in Smyth County can trace back their knowledge of the nursery business to Charlie and his father. In the early 1950s, Charles began the development of his farm into the residential areas of Wassona Park, Panorama Drive and Forest Hills, a project that continued for many years. Also in the early ’50s, he and George Greer built the Virginia House Inn. Perhaps closest to his heart was the part that he played in the creation of Mount Rogers National Recreation Area. Charles was one of the original visionaries instrumental in its creation. In the early ’60s, he assembled extensive tracts of land, putting them together like a big jigsaw puzzle, to form the beginning of what became the vast park, bringing over a million people a year to the area today. He loved the land of Southwest Virginia and Smyth County and enjoyed traveling and seeing it to his last. Throughout his life, Charlie also had an affection for New York City. As a boy, he accompanied his father there on business trips. He recalled the dates of many of those trips by the notable events that occurred while he was there. He witnessed the ticker-tape parade up Broadway in 1927 for Charles Lindberg for making the first solo transatlantic airplane flight, and the one in 1926 for Gertrude Ederle for being the first woman to swim the English Channel. Charles was there for Rudolph Valentino’s funeral, also in 1926, and later when the Hindenberg, the German Zeppelin, burned in 1937 in Lakehurst, New Jersey. He knew New York in the roaring ’20s during prohibition and the time of the "speakeasies." He and Elizabeth spent their honeymoon in New York City in 1938. For 20 years, he maintained an apartment there, not far from his daughter. Surviving are his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth Warriner Wassum of Marion; one son and daughter-in-law, Dr. Charles S. Wassum III and wife, Anna-Stina of Marion; one daughter and son-in-law, Erwin Wassum Rowland and husband, David, now of Marion; six grandchildren: Michelle Wassum Engebretsen of Denver, Colo.; Charles S. Wassum, IV, of Bluff City; Christopher Wassum of Troutville, Va.; Mary Wassum Martin of Warm Springs, Va.; Christina Wassum Falin of Roanoke; and Matthew W. Wassum of Marion; 11 great-grandchildren; and one sister, Evelyn Wassum Wright of West Palm Beach, Fla. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, Dec. 9, 2003, at 11:00 a.m. at Rose Lawn Cemetery, with Dr. Charles S. Wassum III officiating. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service is serving the Wassum Family.