Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, December 23, 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 23, 2003 Mary Lester Barton, 82, Davenport, Va. Margaret Bradley, Abindgon Patsy Sue Heath Burbank, 69, Bristol Tennessee Ruby Lee Reed Burnette, 94, Bristol Tennessee Andrew Crabtree, 60, Chilhowie Hazel M. Cross, 89, Bristol Tennessee Maggie Ethel Cumbow, 94, Abingdon John Rufus Dillow, 88, Johnson City Richard Mills Estep, 30, Cedar Bluff Ruth Hartsock Hurley, Raleigh, N.C. Ruby E. Looney Kinser, Greeneville, Tenn. Naomi Kiser, Cleveland, Va. Curtis E. Lawson, 73, Johnson City Eva June Collins McConnell, 48, Piney Flats O.R. (Mack) McPhetridge, 72, Hidden Valley Ted Mullins, 86, Norton Mildred L. Slagle, 90, Abingdon Charles E. Sturgill Sr., Marion Hazel Elizabeth Dotson Thornsbury, 89, Hurley, Va. Betty Jean Turley, 69, Marion Okie Mae Tilson Ward, 89, Marion Mary Lester Barton DAVENPORT, Va. – Mary Lester Barton, age 82, of the Back Hurricane section, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2003, at Clinch Valley Medical Center in Richlands from an extended illness. Born in Davenport, she was a daughter of the late Melvin and Nancy Jackson Lester. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Tivis F. "Mousy" Barton in August 1997; an infant daughter, Shirley; six sisters, Almeda Barton, Bonnie Arms Snyder, Carrie McMillon, Hattie Lester, Ona Lester and Bertha Lester; and three brothers, Samuel Lester, Claude Lester and Henry Lester. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She is survived by five sons, Arthur Melvin Barton of Madison Heights, Mich., Fairley Barton and wife Nita of Armada, Mich., Verlin Barton and wife Redda of Vansant, Va., Marty Kevin Barton and wife Kim of Locust Grove, Va., and Jeffrey Darren Barton and wife Lisa of Clintwood; four daughters, Mrs. Arthur (Sherry Ann) Presley of Davenport, Mrs. Ken (Shelia Karen) Breeding of Boston, Va., Mrs. Roger (Terry Sharon) Compton of Council, Va., and Dedra Jani Barton of Davenport; 16 grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 24, 2003, at Haysi Funeral Home, with Rev. Ancil Childress and Rev. Denver Barton officiating. Burial will follow in the Barton Family Cemetery at the home. Pallbearers will be grandsons: Tony Presley, Tommy Presley, Stacy Breeding, Jason Barton, Zachary Barton and Joshua Tiller and sons-in-law, Arthur Presley, Ken Breeding and Roger Compton. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Ramon A. Motos, Alex Compton, Joshua Barton, Jacob Barton, Justin Barton, Nathan Barton, Ethan Presley, Travis Presley, Simon Wade and Ryan Allison. The family will receive friends after 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 23, at Haysi Funeral Home, where a song service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Richard A. Beltz ABINGDON – Funeral services for Mr. Richard Arthur (Richie) Beltz will be held Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at 10 a.m. at Farris Funeral Chapel. The Reverend Craig R. Wylie will officiate. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be a special friend, Tony Roman, Ryan Schealy, Alexander Clark McKean, James Beltz, Gary Beltz and Robby McCrosky. Mr. Beltz, 28, died Friday, Dec. 19, 2003, at his home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Lighthouse Clubhouse, 101 Solar St., Bristol, Va. Those wishing to express their condolences online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service is serving the Beltz family. Margaret Bradley ABINGDON – Margaret Bradley died peacefully of natural causes at her home on Saturday, December 20, 2003. She was the wife of John L. Bradley Jr., who preceded her in death in September, 1983. She was a long-time member of St. Thomas Episcopal Church of Abingdon, a charter member of the Alter Guild, and an active Bridge player and reader, who strongly supported the Washington County Library. She is survived by a sister, Doris J. Shell of West Palm Beach, Fla.; a brother, Thomas G. Long of De Quincy, La.; a daughter, Lee Elliott of Austin, Texas; and a son, John L. Bradley III of Belvidere, Ill. She was also blessed with six grandchildren; 10 great- grandchildren; and three great-great- grandchildren. Funeral services for Margaret Bradley will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 24, 2003, in the St. Thomas Episcopal Church, with Rev. Craig R. Wylie officiating. Burial will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park. Active pallbearers will be John L. Bradley III, John A. Bradley, David Elliott, David Long Tommy Long and Brad Webb. Honorary pallbearers will be Hershell Robinette, Patsy Robinette, Pam Canter, Junior Robinette, Violet Montgomery and Bob Rose. The family will receive friends at the Campbell Funeral Home from 7-9 Tuesday evening. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.campbell- funeralhome.com. Campbell Funeral Home, Abingdon, is in charge of the arrangements. Patsy Sue Burbank BRISTOL, Tenn.– Patsy Sue Heath Burbank, age 69, went to be with the Lord on December 22, 2003, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Arrangements by Weaver Funeral Home are incomplete. Ruby L. Burnette BRISTOL, Tenn. – Ruby Lee Reed Burnette, age 94, 2441 Volunteer Parkway, went to be with the Lord Sunday, December 21, 2003. She was a native of Sullivan County, Tenn., and daughter of the late Jonah and Sarah Densmore Reed. She was a lover of gospel music and was a member of the Pentecostal church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Adam Burnette. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Ralph and Gladys Burnette, Bristol Tennessee; granddaughter, Vickie Jones and husband Lawrence; great- granddaughter, Marsha Manuel and husband John; sisters, Viola Harkelroad and Tess Harper; and brothers, Winfred Reed and Leslie Reed. Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Wednesday in Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Jack Stevens officiating. Burial will follow in Shelby Hills Cemetery. Pallbearers: Gerald St. John, John Manuel, Bobby Reed, Dennis Reed and Jerry Reed. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Tuesday in Weaver Funeral Home. Joseph McKee Colley ABINGDON – A graveside service for Mr. Joseph McKee Colley will be held Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at 10 a.m. at Elizabeth Cemetery in Saltville. There will be no viewing or visitation at the funeral home. Those wishing to express their condolences online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Mr. Colley, 79, died Friday, Dec. 19, 2003, at Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion. Farris Funeral Service 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Colley family. Eura Gay Counts BIRCHLEAF, Va. – Funeral services for Eura Gay Counts will be conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at Haysi Funeral Home, with Elders Ronnie Beavers, Robert Whitt and Craig Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the Nathan Edwards Cemetery, Route 1, Clinchco, Va. Pallbearers will be Seth Counts, Matthew Adams, Darrell Owens, Tony Owens, James Allen Perkins and Larry Dean Owens. Honorary pallbearers will be Granville Freeman, Jones O’quinn, Dr. Clint Sutherland and Gary Owens. Mrs. Counts, age 72, passed away Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003, at Clinch Valley Medical Center in Richlands. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Andrew Crabtree CHILHOWIE – Mr. Andrew Crabtree, age 60, died Sunday, December 21, 2003, in the Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion. Funeral arrangements will be announced later by Bradley’s Funeral Home. Hazel M. Cross BRISTOL, Tenn. – Hazel M. Cross, 89, died Sunday, December 21, 2003, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. She was a daughter of the late Charlie R. Whitaker Sr., and Dora Milhorn Whitaker, and was the widow of C.B. Cross. She was preceded in death by her brother, Charlie R. Whitaker Jr. She was retired from Unisys and a member of Addilynn Memorial United Methodist Church. Survivors include her sisters, Mildred W. Wyatt and Doris W. Horn, both of Bristol Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6 until 7:45 Tuesday evening at Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, with the funeral service to follow at 8 o’clock. The Reverend Steve Brown will officiate. The committal and interment service will be held at 11 o’clock Wednesday morning in Glenwood Cemetery, Bristol Tennessee. Memorial donations may be sent to a charity of your choice. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Oakley-Cook Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Maggie E. Cumbow ABINGDON – Mrs. Maggie Ethel Cumbow, age 94, died Monday, December 22, 2003, at the Johnston Memorial Hospital. She was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Va., and a member of the Greendale Chapel. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ford W. Cumbow. She is survived by: a daughter, Mrs. Margaret Allen and husband, Spanion of Abingdon; a sister, Cleo Sluder of North Wilkesboro, N.C.; grandchildren, Amy Heath, Edwin Allen, David Allen and Justin Allen; and great- grandchildren, Ethan Allen, Gavin Allen and Tristan Allen. A funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, December 23, 2003, at 8:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Jerry Eggers and Rev. Doug Findley officiating. A committal service will be held Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. in the Knollkreg Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6:30 p.m. until the time of service. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Heath, John Baker and the men of Greendale Chapel. Those wishing to express a memory of sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service is serving the family of Mrs. Cumbow. John Rufus Dillow John Rufus Dillow, 88, passed away, Sunday, December 21, 2003, at Lakebridge Health Care Center, Johnson City, Tenn. A lifelong resident of Washington County and Jonesborough, he was the son of the late John Henry Grisham and Blanch Tyler Cloyd Dillow. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Thelma Brookshire Dillow; a daughter, Carlon Darlene Dillow; and by a son, Arlin Leon Dillow. He was also preceded in death by two brothers, Carl Dillow and Wayne Dillow; and by two sisters, Virginia Kyker and Phyllis Ferguson, all of Jonesborough. Mr. Dillow was a retiree of Tennessee Eastman Company. He was a member of Mt. Wesley United Methodist Church and attended First Baptist Church in Jonesborough. Mr. Dillow is survived by one son, Johnnie E. Dillow, Bristol Tennessee; two grandsons, John A. Dillow, Charlotte, N.C., and Troy R. Dillow, Jonesborough; one great-grandson, John Ryan Dillow, Bristol; one sister, Lois Browning, Johnson City; and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held at Mt. Wesley Cemetery, Conklin Community, Jonesborough at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 24, 2003. Friends may visit with the family at the Mt. Wesley United Methodist Church from 10:00-10:45 a.m. before the service or any time at the home at 412 S. Cherokee St., Jonesborough. Pallbearers will be grandsons and nephews; John A. Dillow, Troy R. Dillow, Mike Brookshire, Charles Browning, Jim Buchanan, Johnnie R. Ferguson, Jackie Ferguson and Mark Hicks. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the Building Fund, First Baptist Church, 201 East Main St., Jonesborough, Tennessee, 37659, or the Cemetery Fund, Mt. Wesley Methodist Church, 586 Mt. Wesley Road, Telford, Tennessee. Condolences may be sent to the Dillow Family online at www.dillow-taylor.com. Dillow-Taylor Funeral Home & Cremation Services, Jonesborough, 753-0514. Richard Mills Estep Cedar Bluff, Va. – Mr. Richard Mills Estep, age 30, of the Baptist Valley section, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2003, in a Richlands hospital following a lengthy illness. He was born in Grundy and was the son of Lorraine Atwell Estep of Cedar Bluff and the late Ernest Estep. Survivors, in addition to his mother, are: two sisters, Mrs. Emma Jane Yates of Grundy and Mrs. Sue Dawson of Hurley; five brothers, John Estep of Hurley, Del Estep of Hurley, Steve Estep of Grundy, Roger Atwell of Charleston, S.C., and Gary Estep of Grundy. Funeral services for Richard Mills Estep will be conducted Wednesday, December 24, 2003, at 1:00 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, with the Rev. Barry Absher and Rev. Ed Hankins officiating. Entombment will follow at the Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum at Claypool Hill, Va. Relatives and friends will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call after 6:00 p.m. Tuesday evening at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands is in charge of arrangements. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com. Charles K. Fleenor BRISTOL, Tenn. – The committal service and interment for Charles K. Fleenor will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday in Mountain View Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Andrew "Andy" Fleenor, Charlie Joe Fleenor, Ken Fleenor, David Millsap and Allen T. Johnson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Bristol Life Saving Crew, 1601 Euclid Ave., Bristol, VA 24201, or to Alzheimer’s Association, 207 N. Boone St., Johnson City, TN 37604. E-mail condolences to the family may be sent at akardfh@peercom.net. Mr. Fleenor, 84, died Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003, at Johnston Memorial Hospital. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 W. State St., Bristol, TN 37620, phone (423) 989-4800, is serving the family of Mr. Fleenor. John Marshall Grant ABINGDON – John Marshall Grant, age 58, went to be with the Lord Saturday, December 20, 2003, at his home in Rantoul, Ill., after a lengthy illness. He was born March 18, 1945, the son of the late Marshall and Eleanor Grant of Abingdon. He was raised in the Bethel Community and was a member of the Bethel Presbyterian Church. Survivors include one daughter, Deborah Lynn Cooper and husband Randy of Easley, S.C.; one son, Jonathan Marcus Grant of Rantoul; his loving companion and caregiver, Rosie Draves of Rantoul; one grandson, Brent Cooper; four brothers, Bob Grant and wife Melinda of Whitehouse, Ohio, Bill Grant and wife Nellie of Bristol Tennessee, Jim Grant and wife Mary of Torrance, Calif., and Tim Grant and wife Gail, Abingdon; four sisters, Louise Dye and husband Homer, Eula Grant and Shirley Rhoten, all of Abingdon, Mary Gaye Schunke and husband Neil of Marion, S.C.; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral services for John Marshall Grant will be held Friday, December 26, 2003, at 2:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel. Burial will follow in Bethel Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. Friday, December 26, 2003, at Farris Funeral Service in Abingdon. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Bethel Presbyterian Church. The family would like to recognize and thank Rodney Bergman as a friend and neighbor for the care he gave Mr. Grant. Messages of sympathy may be sent online at www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service is serving the family of Mr. Grant. Ruth Evelyn Hogsett PARIS, Tenn. – Ruth Evelyn Hogsett, 86, died Saturday, December 20, 2003, at Henry County Medical Center in Paris. She was born in Bristol Tennessee, a daughter of the late Robert P. Morton and Myrtle Booher Morton. She was the widow of Charles F. Hogsett and was also preceded in death by her son, Robert Leonard Hogsett; and her sister, Alice Kathrine Phillips. Mrs. Hogsett was a member of Cold Spring Presbyterian Church. She is survived by her daughter, Tina Kinkead of Paris; a grandson, Chuck Kinkead and his wife Patti; a granddaughter, Page France and her husband Jason; two great-grandchildren, Courtney and Austin Kinkead; and two nieces. The funeral service will be conducted at 1 o’clock Tuesday afternoon in the Heritage Chapel of Memories in Glenwood Cemetery, with Mr. Richard Gaminde, minister, officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Military Relief Fund at Cold Spring Presbyterian Church, c/o Agnes King, 416 King Lane, Bristol, TN 37620. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-blevins.com. Mrs. Hogsett and her family are in the care of Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home, 417 Lee St., Bristol, Virginia. Betty A. Hudson SALTVILLE – Betty A. Hudson, age 75, died Saturday, December 20, 2003, at Wellmont Select Specialty Hospital in Bristol Tennessee. Survivors: three sons, Michael S. Dickerson,- Saltville, Morris William Dickerson, Worthington, Ohio, and Preston Lee Dickerson, Saltville; one sister, Helen Lake, Saltville; seven grandchildren; and two great- grandchildren. Funeral services for Ms. Hudson will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, December 27, 2003, at Henderson Funeral Home, with Rev. Tim Surber officiating. Burial will follow in Cardwell Family Cemetery. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home in Saltville will be serving the Hudson family. Ruth Hartstock Hurley RALEIGH, N.C. – Ruth Hartstock Hurley died at home on Sunday, December 21. She was born in Radford, Va., and moved to Raleigh in 1955. She was a graduate of Radford College and did graduate work at the University of Virginia and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Mrs. Hurley was a dedicated, hard-working teacher, who expected much of her students and gave them much in return. She taught general and choral music in Montgomery County, MD., and in Wytheville. With evolving interest in education and with a desire to continue active involvement in the lives of students, Mrs. Hurley returned to college to gain her certification in elementary education, after which, she taught in the Washington County School System of Virginia. Once moving to Raleigh, she taught at Wiley Elementary and A. B. Combs Elementary. She was a long-term member of First Presbyterian Church in Raleigh and was an active member of the chancel choir for 43 years in addition to serving on various church committees. Mrs. Hurley is survived by her husband, Carl W. Hurley; two sons, Dr. Greg Hurley of Greenville, N.C., and Phillip Hurley of Raleigh. Also surviving is a sister, Irene Beni, of Fayetteville, W.Va. Funeral services will be held at First Presbyterian Church, Raleigh, 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, December 24. Interment will follow the service at Raleigh Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, East Millbrook Road, Raleigh, between 6:00 and 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, December 23. Contributions may be made to the Music Fund, First Presbyterian Church, Raleigh, NC, or to A.B. Combs Elementary School Library ( Raleigh ) for the purchase of books. Brown-Wynne Funeral Home of Raleigh is in charge of arrangements. Ruby E. Looney Kinser GREENEVILLE – Ruby E. Looney Kinser died December 21, 2003, at National Health Care in Bristol Tennessee. She was born in Greene County in 1913, the daughter of the late Henry and Virginia Looney. Her husband James Oscar Kinser also preceded her in death. Mrs. Kinser was a beautician for over 50 years. She then attended school and became a national flower show judge. Prior to her illness, she was a member of the Hoe and Hope Garden Club and the Highland Arrangers Club of Johnson City. She was a horticulturist and a member of the National Rose Society. She own many awards for her artistic flower arrangements. Mrs. Kinser was a charter member of Trinity United Methodist Church. She is survived by two daughters and one son-in-law, Virgie K. Wedel and Linda and Brad Thompson, all of Bristol; three grandsons and granddaughters-in-law, Peter and Joan Wedel of Hoschton, Ga., Mark and Cheryl Wedel and Bradley and Ginny Thompson of Bristol; two granddaughters, Lisa Thompson and Sheri Wedel of Bristol; three great-grandchildren, Erica Wedel of Johnson City, Sally Wedel of Massachusetts, and Brandon Ellison and Jordan Thompson of Bristol; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Stella Parton, Rose Bowling, Dorothy Wilhoit, Kitty Knittle and members of Beacon Light Sunday School Class. The funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, December 23, 2003, at the Doughty-Stevens Funeral Home Chapel, with interment in Oak Grove Cemetery. The Reverend Mark Clark will officiate. The family will receive friends 30 minutes prior to the service. Pallbearers will be Edwin "Pete" White, David "Timer" White, Charles Kinser, Lewis "Buddy" Clark, Mark Wedel and Peter Wedel. Memorial contributions may be made to Trinity United Methodist Church in Greeneville. Doughty-Stevens Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Naomi Kiser CLEVELAND, Va. – Naomi Kiser passed away on Monday, December 22, 2003, at Russell County Medical Center. Arrangements are incomplete at Owens Funeral Service, Lebanon, Va. Curtis E. Lawson JOHNSON CITY – Curtis E. Lawson, 73, formerly of Kingsport, died Sunday, December 21, 2003, at the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Mountain Home, Tenn., after an extended illness. Born in Hawkins County, he resided in Kingsport most of his life before moving to Johnson City in 1972. Curt served in the U.S. Air Force and Marine Corps. He retired from Tennessee Eastman Company in 1972 due to poor health. Curt took great pride in the youth of Kingsport and Sullivan County and donated his time teaching sports in the Kingsport City Recreational League and Kingsport Boys Club for several years. Many little league football and baseball players affectionately knew him as "Coach Lawson". Quite a number of his boys played high school ball and several received sports scholarships to various colleges. He loved children and derived great joy from this hobby. Mr. Lawson was a member of Cowan’s Branch Baptist Church in Yuma, Va., a member of the Charles DeWitt Byrd Post 3382 of the VFW and a member of Moose Lodge 0972. Preceding him in death were his parents, Guy and Nora Lawson; a son, John Richard Lawson; a sister, Hazel Carswell; a brother, E. H. Lawson; and a brother-in-law, Roy L. Davis. He is survived by the loving and caring mother of his two children, Ruth Lawson, Kingsport; one daughter, Laura Christian and husband, Mike, Kingsport; one granddaughter, Megan Christian; a sister, Mary Jo Davis, Kingsport; a sister-in- law, Irene "Cat" Lawson, Kingsport; best friends, Bob Taylor and F. M. Brown; one niece; two nephews; three aunts; and two uncles. Calling hours are 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, downtown Kingsport, or any time at the daughter’s home and any time at the sister’s home. Funeral services will be conducted at 8:00 p.m. Tuesday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, with Pastor Garry Eads officiating and the eulogy given by Don Mason. Music will be provided by Larry Free and Rosemary Smith. Graveside services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday at Oak Hill Memorial Park, with military graveside rites by American Legion Post 3/265. Active pallbearers will be David Carswell, Charles Lawson, Matthew Lawson, Mike Christian, Don Mason, Richard Gray and Steve Hurd. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Cross, James "Bud" Clark, Gale Osborne, Carlos Wallen and Richard McGlothlin. Memorial contributions may be made to the Kingsport Boys Club, 213 Lee St., Kingsport, TN 37660. E-mail condolences may be sent at hamlettdobson@charter.net. Eva June Collins McConnell PINEY FLATS – Eva June Collins McConnell, 48, of 2090 Devault Bridge Road, died unexpectedly Sunday, December 21, 2003, at her residence. She was the daughter of Nelllie Barnett of Bluff City and the late John Henry Barnett. She was a member of Good News Fellowship Church. Survivors, in addition to her mother, include one son, Matthew Scott of Piney Flats; two daughters, Shayla McConnell and Sabrina McConnell, both of Piney Flats; three sisters, Betty Adams of Bluff City, and Lisa Mitchell and Patricia Peterson, both of Piney Flats; one brother, Gene Barnett of Piney Flats; one uncle, William (Bud) Collins of Piney Flats; two special nieces, Alice Mitchell and Victoria Barnett; three special nephews, Vernon Adams, C.J. Mitchell and Brady Mitchell; a brother-in-law, Billy Adams; and a special brother-in-law, Chalk Mitchell; and several aunts, nieces and nephews also survive. The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 24, 2003, in the Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home-Bluff City, with Rev. Jeff Milsaps officiating. Interment will follow in Saint Paul United Methodist Church Cemetery, Piney Flats. Active pallbearers will be Brady Mitchell, C.J. Mitchell, Vernon Adams, Gene Barnette, Phillip Collins, Justin Hall and Brad Jenkins. Honorary pallbearers will be special friends, Robin Garber and Frances Edwards. The family will receive friends from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 24, in the Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home-Bluff City and other times at the residence of an uncle, William Collins, 2090 Devault Bridge Road, Piney Flats. Online condolences may be sent to the family through our website at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home-Bluff City Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. O.R. (Mack) McPhetridge O.R. (Mack) McPhetridge, 72, of 512 Hidden Valley, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2003, at Indian Path Medical Center with his wife at his side. He fought a courageous battle of cardiac disease and diabetes. Condolences may be sent to the family via e-mail at cartertrentfh@earthlink.net. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport. Willa Gray Merritt The family of Willa Gray "Gay" Merritt will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service (located at 19415 Lee Highway). A private committal for the family will be held at a later date in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Abingdon Lions Club, P.O. Box 251, Abingdon, VA 24212, or to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 246, Abingdon, VA 24212. Mrs. Merritt, age 73, passed away on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003, at the Wellmont Hospice House after a courageous battle with cancer. The Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, is serving the family of Willa Gray Merritt. Clarence C. Monk LEBANON – Dr. Clarence C. Monk passed away Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003, at Maple Grove Health Center. He is survived by a sister, Lucille Monk Johnson, one niece, Nancy Durrett, and one nephew, David Monk. Born in Lebanon, the son of Amanda Howard Monk and Ogden Monk, he attended Emory & Henry College, majoring in mathematics and graduated first in his class in 1938, with both B.A. and B.S. degrees, with French and physics as minors. Upon graduating he entered the teaching profession. In 1939, he returned to Lebanon to teach mathematics and science at Lebanon High School and later became principal. He began his collegiate teaching career as assistant professor of mathematics at Southwestern Institute in Lafayette, La. Returning nearer to his roots, he taught mathematics at East Carolina University. In 1959, he was appointed associate professor of mathematics at the University of Richmond, where he taught for 29 years until his retirement. He was a member of Bethel Baptist Church and taught Sunday School for many years. Pallbearers will be the men of Bethel Church Adult Sunday School Class. Funeral services will be held at Bethel Baptist Church, Lebanon, on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at 2 p.m., with Pastor Rick Meade officiating. Interment will follow at Russell Memorial Cemetery, Lebanon. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Bethel Baptist Church, Lebanon. Owens Funeral Service, Lebanon. Ted Mullins NORTON – Rev. Ted Mullins, age 86, went to be with the lord Sunday, December 21, 2003, at the Norton Community Hospital. He was the son of the late William J. and Victoria Mullins. Mr. Mullins was preceded in death by his wife, Alta; brothers; sisters and one grandchild. He was ordained in the ministry in 1953. A member of the John Thomas Association of Freewill Baptist and life time member of Rachel Chapel Church. He was a loved member of the community and retired coal miner. Survivors include two sons, Parkis Mullins Drakes Branch, Va., And Napolean Mullins Orange, Va.; two daughters, Janice Wolfe Summerville, W.Va., and Carol Stanley Norton; 12 grandchildren; and 15 great- grandchildren. Funeral services for Rev. Ted Mullins will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 24, 2003, at the Clintwood Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Tom Slemp officiating. Burial will follow at the Kennedy Cemetery Caney Ridge section of Dickenson County. Pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons. The family will receive friends after 6:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home with a song service at 7:00 p.m. Clintwood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. James Musselwhite BRISTOL, Tenn. – Committal services for James Musselwhite will be held on Tuesday at 1 p.m. at the National Cemetery in Mountain Home, Tenn. Honorary pallbearers include Danny Hensley, Steve Sharrett, Gary Owens, Mark Sharrett, Billy Gobble and Dennis Dzuba. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the National Kidney Foundation of East Tennessee Inc., 4450 Walker Blvd., Suite 2, Knoxville, TN 37917-1523. Mr. Musselwhite, age 72, went to be with the Lord on Dec. 20, 2003, at the Wellmont Hospice House. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Siota Page Jr. Funeral services for Siota Page Jr. will be conducted on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at 2 p.m. at Gethsemane Baptist Church, with Rev. Jerry Russell, Rev. Brent Ragan and Rev. Gary Garland officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Pallbearers include Aaron Ragan, John Ragan, Ralph Ragan Jr., Todd Easterling, Eugene Coleman, Doug Moore, Rusty Moore, Adam Page, Dustin Page and Jeremy Page. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mr. Page went home to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003, surrounded by his loving wife, children and grandchildren. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Min Rose Roop Funeral services for Min Rose Roop will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Dan Bailey, preacher, officiating. Burial will follow in the Tri-Cities Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mrs. Roop, age 67, passed away on Dec. 20, 2003, after a long illness. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Mildred L. Slagle ABINGDON – Mildred L. Slagle, age 90, of 21560 Alvarado Road, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2003, at Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon. Arrangements are incomplete at this time. Garrett Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Charles Sturgill Sr. MARION – Charles E. "Whitey" Sturgill Sr. passed away Monday, December 22, 2003, in the Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion. He was born in Smyth County to the late Clarence and Mary Grinstead Sturgill. He was preceded in death by two brothers, Billy and C.R. Sturgill. He was veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps, having served in the Korean conflict. Whitey was a light in the community and an avid fisherman; the fish of Smyth County can finally rest. Survivors include: wife, Polly Ann Hall Sturgill; two sons and daughters-in-law, Charles E. " Tinker" Sturgill and his wife Cynthia, Florida, and Michael Ray Sturgill Sr. and his wife Cathy, Marion; one daughter, Dolores "Dee Dee" Sturgill, Ohio; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Twyleene and Joe Sayers, Marion and Glenna and Henry Evans, Marion; seven grandchildren; and two great- grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 26, 2003, at 2:00 p.m. at the Falling Water Baptist Church, with Pastor Wayne Lewis officiating. Burial will follow at the Attoway Cemetery, with full military honors being rendered by the Francis Marion VFW Post 4667. The family will receive friends from 1:00-2:00 p.m. Friday at the church. Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the Sturgill family. Hazel Thornsbury HURLEY, Va. – Hazel Elizabeth Dotson Thornsbury, 89 years of age, of the Kelsa section, passed away at her home Sunday, December 21, 2003, following an extended illness. Born in Buchanan County, she was the daughter of the late John H., and Mary Scarberry Dotson. She was a founding member of the Bethany Bible Church and a homemaker. She was a former nurse having worked at the Grundy Hospital and for Dr. A.S. Richardson, a former employee of the Buchanan County School System and a former bookkeeper. Mrs.Thornsbury is survived by six daughters, Mrs. Jean Justus of Hurley, Mrs. Brenda Coleman and her husband Ron of Hurley, Mrs. Rebecca Cooper Ramey and her husband C.A. of Hurley, Mrs. Karen Collier and her husband Duke of Hurley, Mrs. Shirley Hendricks and her husband Jack of Danville, Ky., and Mrs. Nancy Dalzell of Danville; one sister, Mrs. Edna Tester and her husband Wayne of Hurley; one brother, Cecil Dotson of Hurley; 19 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren. Funeral services for Hazel Elizabeth Dotson Thornsbury will be conducted Wednesday, December 24, 2003, at 1 p.m. at the Bethany Bible Church, with Rev. Paul Rife officiating, with burial to follow in the Dotson Cemetery on Abners Fork, near Hurley. Friends may call at the Bethany Bible Church after 4 p.m.Tuesday and there will be an evening service at the church at 7 p.m. Active pallbearers will be David Justus, Mike Hendricks, Bill Hendricks, Todd Hendricks, Tim Dalzell, Jeff Dalzell, Jayme Dalzell, Chris Collier, Corey Cooper, Byron Cooper, Chandler Ramey, Colley Ramey, Neil Justus and Buster Stacy. The family requests that expressions of sympathy be made in the form of contributions to the building fund at Bethany Bible Church, HC 60, Box 317, Hurley, VA 24620. Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of all arrangements. Bettie Jean Turley MARION – Bettie Jean Turley, age 69, passed away Sunday, December 21, 2003, at her home. She was born in the Chatham Hill section of Smyth County to the late Jacob and Ethel Mae Snow Atwell. She was preceded in death by her husband Harry Turley; two brothers, Essie Atwell and George "Hop" Atwell; and three sisters, Ellen Cullop, Mary Cullop and Virginia Goodman. She was a member of the Stone Memorial Presbyterian Church and was retired from Harwood Manufacturing. Survivors include: two brothers, Carl Atwell, Rich Valley and Herbert Atwell, Marion; one sister, Louise Kaearley, Jonesborough, Tenn.;many nieces and nephews, including a beloved niece, Pat Mezardash; and one sister-in-law, Ruby Hanchel. Funeral services will be held Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion, with Rev. William Wing and Rev. Brian Childress officiating. Interment will follow in the Sunset Cemetery in Ceres, Va. The family will receive friends Tuesday from 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home. Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the Turley family. Earl Preston Wann Jr. BRISTOL, Va. – Funeral services for Mr. Earl Preston Wann Jr. will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Minister Jeff Trotter officiating. Burial will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mr. Wann, 71, of 14083 Brynwood Dr., passed away on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003, at the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Mountain Home, Tenn. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Okie Mae Tilson Ward MARION – Okie Mae Tilson Ward, 89, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, December 21, 2003, in the University of Virginia Hospital in Charlottesville. Born on December 26, 1913, in Smyth County, she was the daughter of the late William and Minnie Richardson Tilson and was preceded in death by a son, Earl William Ward. Surviving are her husband of 71 years, Earl Vester Ward of Marion; four daughters, Lorena W. Tilson of Marion, Mary W. Ferguson and husband, Jim of Rural Retreat, Willena W. Pruitt and husband, John of Marion and Martha W. Perkins of Wytheville; two sons, Marvin Glenn Ward and Harvey Lynn Ward, both of Marion; one sister, Virgie Stone of Christianburg, Va.; 12 grandchildren; and 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, December 24, at 2:00 p.m. at Seaver- Brown Chapel, with the Rev. Joe Powers and the Rev. Fonzo Randolph officiating. Burial will follow in the Rowland Creek Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6 til 8 p.m. at Seaver- Brown Chapel.