Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, December 24, 2003 Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Bristol Herald Courier http://www.bristolnews.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=TRI/Page/TRI_FrontPage ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities, when written permission is obtained from the contributor, so long as all notices and submitter information are included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bristol Herald Courier Wednesday, December 24, 2003 Today's Deaths Homer E. Bevins, 83, Wise Jerry Franklin Campbell, 53, Bluff City Mavis G. Chaffin, 72, Bristol Tennessee Vivian Irene Colley, 91, Abingdon Marion Catherine Garvey Distefano, 85, Bristol Virginia Cecil Samuel Eller, 56, Marion George Elbert Fouch, 76, Bristol Virginia Annie Hayton, 74, Saltville Curtis E. Lawson, 73, Johnson City Lillian Rush Lester, formerly of Abingdon Melvin J. McNutt, 82, Bluff City Dewey Everett Meadows, 77, Rowe, Va. Mary Edith Minnick, 83, Bristol Virginia Clyde A. Mullins, 74, Big Stone Gap Vincent A. Sikora III, 55, Johnson City James T. "Jim" Tabor, 86, Richlands Emma Colley Turner, 81, Birchleaf, Va. Gae Crowe Winesett, 78, Friendship Community, Va. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mary Lester Barton DAVENPORT, Va. – Funeral services for Mary Lester Barton will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 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. Mary Lester Barton, age 82, of the Back Hurricane section, passed away Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003, at Clinch Valley Medical Center in Richlands from an extended illness. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Homer E. Bevins WISE – Rev. Homer E. Bevins, 83, passed away Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003, at the St. Mary’s Hospital, Norton. He ministered in several Freewill Baptist churches, was a former salesman and was a self-employed coal-wood stove builder in Norton. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samuell and Julie Bise Bevins; two brothers, John W. Bevins and Charlie Bevins; one sister, Daphine Miniard; and one grandson, Mark D. Porter. Surviving are one son, Samuel Edison Bevins of Newport News, Va.; one daughter, Martha Ann Porter of Wise; one brother, David Bevins of Andrews, N.C.; three sisters: Mary Cascio of Norton; Ida Hicks of South Dakota; and Christine Piercy of Orville, Calif.; six grandchildren, Michael, Brian and Robyn Bevins, Tim W. Porter and Chris L Porter; seven great-grandchildren; and three great-great- grandchildren. Funeral services for Rev. Homer E. Bevins will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, 2003, at the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel, Wise, with the Rev. Ernest Duncan officiating. Burial will be in the Round Top Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5:30 p.m. till time of services at 7:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, 2003, at the Sturgill Funeral Home in Wise. Sturgill Funeral Homes in Wise in charge of arrangements. Margaret Bradley ABINGDON – Funeral services for Margaret Bradley will be conducted at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 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. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.campbellfuneralhome.com Margaret Bradley died peacefully of natural causes at her home on Saturday, Dec. 20, 2003. Campbell Funeral Home, Abingdon, is in charge of the arrangements. Ruby L. Burnette BRISTOL, Tenn. – Funeral services for Ruby Lee Reed Burnette 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. Ruby Lee Reed Burnette, age 94, 2441 Volunteer Parkway, went to be with the Lord Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003. Jerry F. Campbell BLUFF CITY – Jerry Franklin Campbell, age 53, of 801 Vickars Rd., passed away Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, at his residence. He was born Dec. 9, 1951, in Bristol Virginia to the late William and Mary Moore Campbell. He was a retired tool designer engineer for Modern Forge of Tennessee, where he worked 25 years. He was a member of Bunker Hill Christian Church. He is survived by his wife, Karen Massengill Campbell. Also surviving: daughters: Christina Campbell of the home; and Carrie Lichlyter and husband Jason of Ridgecrest, Calif.; son, Jason Campbell of Erwin, Tenn.; brothers: Johnny Campbell and wife Phyllis of Bristol Tennessee; and Jimmy Campbell and wife Paulette of Bluff City. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Minister Ernie Depew officiating. The burial will follow in Shipley Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Bunker Hill Christian Church, 490 Bunker Hill Rd., Bluff City, TN. 37618. The family would like to wish a special thanks to Aventa Hospice Staff for their care and support. There will be no formal visitation. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Mavis G. Chaffin BRISTOL, Tenn. – Mavis G. Chaffin, 72, went to be with her Lord, Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, at Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport. A daughter of the late Walker Ramey and Frances Johnson Ramey, she was a native of Lebanon, Va. She had lived in Bristol since 1965 and was a retired employee of Super X. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Harry Johnson; and her companion and friend, C. G. Casteel. Survivors include her cousins, Violet Freeman, Doris Buchanan and her husband Johnny and Glenna Begley; her adopted family, Carol and Zan Kirby, Marcene and Bill Marrs, Wayne and Fredene Casteel and families. The family will receive friends from 5 until 6:45 Friday evening at Oakley- Blevins Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 7 o’clock in the Blevins Memorial Chapel of Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home, with Rev. Jack Stevens officiating. The committal service and entombment will be at 11 o’clock Saturday morning in the Heritage Chapel of Memories Mausoleum in Glenwood Cemetery. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley- blevins.com. Mavis Chaffin and her family are in the care of Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home, 417 Lee St., Bristol, Va. Vivian Irene Colley ABINGDON – Vivian Irene Colley, age 91, a resident of 121 Stonewall Heights, died Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at her residence. She was born in Meadowview and spent most of her life in Abingdon. She was the daughter of the late Oscar L. and Mary Ella Scott Maiden. She was the widow of William M. Colley. Mrs. Colley was a retired employee of Johnston Memorial Hospital. Survivors include two sons: William L. Colley of Abingdon; and Robert M. and wife Mary Repass Colley of Cocoa, Fla.; sister-in-law, Lois Maiden of Abingdon; two grandchildren: Libby Smith of Winston-Salem, N.C.; and Marc Colley of Atlanta; two great- grandchildren, Brett and Brandon; and one nephew, Charles L. Maiden of Abingdon. Graveside services for Vivian Irene Colley will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 24, 2003, in the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum at Knollkreg Memorial Park, with the Rev. Bill Rowland officiating. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the cemetery. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.campbell-funeralhome.com Campbell Funeral Home, Abingdon, Va. Hazel M. Cross BRISTOL, Tenn. – The committal and interment service for Hazel M. Cross 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 Hazel M. Cross, 89, died Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Oakley-Cook Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Marion C. Distefano BRISTOL, Va. – Marion Catherine Garvey Distefano, age 85, of Leisure Park Towers, died Monday, Dec. 22, 2003. She was preceded in death by her mother, Catherine Brown Garvey; her father, Thomas Garvey; and a sister, Evelyn Garvey Collins. Mrs. Distefano is survived by two daughters: Kathleen Distefano Littleford and husband, Stan, of Bristol Virginia; and Jeannette Distefano of Charleston, S.C.; one son, Frank Thomas Distefano and wife, Doris Gilliam, of Knoxville; four grandsons: Anthony Charles Littleford of Birmingham, Ala.; Christopher Jason Littleford of Bristol Tennessee; Anthony Blair Altizer of Atlanta; and Marcus Rex Rhymer of Charleston; one granddaughter, Pebby Nicole Distefano of Knoxville; three great-grandchildren: Kailey Paige Littleford of Birmingham; and Kyra Kathleen Littleford and Brooke Alexandra Littleford, both of Bristol Tennessee; two step-grandchildren, Alyssa Leigh Justus and Kayla Brezenski; and one niece. The Funeral Mass will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, with Rev. Timothy E. Keeney, Celebrant, officiating. The committal service and inurnment will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, at the graveside in St. Anne’s Catholic Church Cemetery. The grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 5:00 until 7:00 p.m. Friday, prior to the funeral mass at St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Memorials may be sent to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105-1905. E-mail condolences to the family may be sent at akardfh@peercom.net Akard Funeral Home, 1912 W. State St., Bristol, TN 37620; phone (423) 989-4800, is serving the family of Mrs. Distefano. Nebretta East MARION – Nebretta East , age 60, died Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003, in the Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion. At the request of Mrs East, her body was cremated and all services held privately. Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, is in charge of arrangements. Cecil Samuel Eller MARION – Cecil Samuel Eller, 56, died Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, in the Roanoke Memorial Hospital. Born in Smyth County on May 16, 1947, he was the son of the late William Clarence and Ora Testerman Eller and was a veteran of the Vietnam War, having served in the U.S. Army. Surviving are his wife, Carolyn Rouse Eller of Marion; four sons: Bobby Dean Eller and girlfriend, Ruthie Tolbert of Chilhowie; Kevin Cecil Eller and wife, Elizabeth of Chilhowie; and Charles Daman Eller and Jordan Eller of Marion; four daughters: Belinda Davis and husband, Darrell of Chilhowie; Stacey Jones and husband, Gene of Marion; Deanna Kirby and husband, Mike of Marion; and Samantha Eller of Marion; five sisters: Merkie Johnson of Meadowview; Carol Roberts of Rural Retreat; Phyllis Naillon and Iris "Arcie" Pennington, both of Marion; and Susie Russell of Sugar Grove; two brothers: Howard Eller of Chilhowie; and Roger Eller of Marion; and 10 grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 26, at 11:00 a.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel, with Pastor Rick Shuler officiating. Burial will follow in the Westwood Memorial Gardens in Chilhowie, with military rites conducted by Marion VFW Post 4667. The family will receive friends Friday morning from 10 til 11 a.m. prior to the service at Seaver-Brown Chapel. Richard Mills Estep CEDAR BLUFF – Mr. Richard Mills Estep, age 30, of the Baptist Valley section, passed away Sunday, Dec. 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 Jean Yates of Grundy; and Mrs. Sue Dawson of Hurley, Va.; 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, Dec. 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 George Elbert Fouch BRISTOL, Va. – George Elbert Fouch, age 76, of 2217 High St., went to be with the Lord Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, in the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center. He was born Oct. 26, 1927, in Bristol Tennessee, to the late James Thomas Fouch Sr. and Margaret Taylor Fouch. He was a painter, a body repairman and a welder with Valleydale. He was a member of Fellowship Chapel and an U.S. Army veteran. He was a gardener, loved reading his Bible, loved the mountains, fishing and the outdoors. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Peggy Jane Fouch. Also surviving are: three sons and two daughters-in-law: George Larry Fouch and wife Janice; Anthony L. "Tony" Fouch and wife Dawna; and Brian Timothy Fouch; three daughters and three sons-in-law: Virginia L. "Ginny" Fouch and husband Guy VanHuss; Jacqueline F. "Jackie" Douglas and husband Greg; and Patricia Lynn Bunn and husband, Anthony; seven grandchildren, Matthew Fouch, Shawn Fouch, Jessica Brewer, Eric Fouch, Samantha Fouch, Tyler Douglas and Brent Morton; seven great- grandchildren; brother, James Thomas Fouch Jr.; sisters, Blanche Slaughter, Mary Thomas, Myrtle Dotson, Bobbie Mahoney and Pearl Snapp. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Flora Jane Fouch. Funeral service will be held Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003, at 3:00 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Lester MacKinnon and Rev. Scott Price officiating. The burial will follow in the Mt. View Cemetery, with military honors by the Chapter 40 Disabled American Veterans Post. Pallbearers will be Matthew Fouch, Shawn Fouch, Eric Fouch, Michael Stallard, Jack Stallard, David Fields, Johnny Smithson and Tommy Fouch. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Molennar, Clifford Duckett, George Kelly, Marvin Talley, Jess Worley, Ronnie Booher and Clifford Carr. The family will receive friends Friday Dec. 26, 2003, from 6 until 8:00 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home. The family would like to say a special heartfelt thanks to the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. John Marshall Grant ABINGDON – John Marshall Grant, age 58, went to be with the Lord Saturday, Dec. 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, N.C.; and several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral services for John Marshall Grant will be held Friday, Dec. 26, 2003, at 2:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel. Pallbearers will be Scott Gobble, Randall Gobble, Kelly Waugh, David Waugh, Brent Cooper, Junior Grant, Neil Schunke and Jeff Hensley. Burial will follow in Bethel Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30 to 2:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 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. Annie Hayton SALTVILLE – Mrs. Annie Hayton, age 74, died Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, in Smyth County Community Hospital. Arrangements are incomplete at this time. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home will be serving the Hayton family. Curtis E. Lawson JOHNSON CITY – Curtis E. Lawson, 73, formerly of Kingsport, died Sunday, Dec. 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. 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 Lillian Rush Lester MECHANICSVILLE, Va. – Mrs. Lillian Rush Lester, formerly of Abingdon, claimed the promise of resurrection Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003, at Stratford Hall Nursing Home in Richmond. She was the wife of the late Frank Bundy Lester, a well-known farmer in Washington County, Va. She was a member of the Shady Grove United Methodist Church in Mechanicsville. She was preceded in death by one sister, Janie Briscoe; and one brother, William V. Rush. She is survived by; a daughter, Billie Lester Cassell and son-in-law, Boyd B. Cassell of Mechanicsville; a son, Jack C. Lester and wife, Peggy of Bristol; sisters: Lynn Minnick (her twin) of Abingdon; and Monnie Briscoe of Green Springs; one sister-in-law, Golda Rush of Abingdon; grandchildren: Karen Cassell Hoard and husband Larry of Mechanicsville, Donald B. Cassell of Canton, Ga.; Martha Lester of Bristol; Thomas F. Lester and wife, Mary Jean of Colonial Heights, Va.; and Jackie Lester and Billy Lester, both of Bristol; six great- grandsons; and one great-granddaughter. A graveside service will be conducted Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003 at 2:00 p.m. in the Knollkreg Memorial Park, with Rev. Jerry Eggers officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Jack Briscoe, Bill Briscoe, Don Minnick, Bill Rush, Robert Cruise, Frankie Whittaker, Mike Carty and Charles Carmack. Those wishing to express sympathy or memory may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com Farris Funeral Service is serving the family of Mrs. Lester. Melvin J. McNutt BLUFF CITY – Melvin J. McNutt, age 82, of 780 White Top Rd., went to be with the Lord Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, in Greystone Health Care Center. He was born July 21, 1921, in Bristol Tennessee, a son of the late Ordley Melvin and Lillian Pendergrass McNutt. He was a retired employee of Univac and a U.S. Army veteran of World War II. He was a member of North Bristol Baptist Church and a former member of Emmanuel Baptist, where he taught Sunday School and drove the church bus. He was also a member of the American Legion King Mountain Post 24. He is survived by his wife, Pansy Smallwood McNutt. Also surviving: daughter, Connie Burnette and husband Allen; grandsons: Jeffrey Allen Burnette and wife Sherrie; and Stephen Frank Burnette and wife Crystal; great- granddaughters, Brittany, Samantha and Savanna; sister, Carolyn Sue Mitchell and husband Bob; brother, Clyde McNutt and wife Mona; sisters-in-law, Louetta McNutt and Edna McNutt; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by a sister, Mary Ellen Burton; and brothers, Carl Edward, Ordley Jr. and L.B. Funeral services will be held 6:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, 2003, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Gary Garland and Rev. Michael McCloud officiating. The burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday in the Glenwood Cemetery, with military honors by Highlands Fellowship Veterans Honor Color Guard. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Charles Bolick, deacons of North Bristol Baptist Church and staff of Greystone Health Care Center. The family will receive friends following the service or any other times at the home of daughter, Connie Burnette, 756 White Top Rd., Bluff City, TN. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to North Bristol Baptist Church, 46 Church St., Bristol, VA 24201. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. O.R. (Mack) McPhetridge O.R. (Mack) McPhetridge, 72, of 512 Hidden Valley, passed away Sunday, Dec. 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. Dewey Everett Meadows ROWE, Va. – Mr. Dewey Everett Meadows, age 77, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, in a Richlands Virginia hospital. Born Nov. 13, 1926, in Deskins, Va., he was a son of the late John and Matilda Coleman Meadows. A lifelong resident of the area, he was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in Germany during World War II. He was a disabled coal miner and a member of the VFW at Grundy. He was of the Holiness faith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three sisters, Lou Meadows, Clercie Osborne and Jane Arms; and three brothers, Noah Meadows, Harrison Meadows and Loran Meadows. Survivors include his wife of 56 years, Viola Horn Meadows of the home; one son and daughter-in-law, Roger Lee and Sue Meadows of Lebanon; one daughter and son- in-law, Margaret Ann and James T. Hale of Rowe; one sister, Rachel Cook of Vansant, Va.; two brothers; Perry Meadows of Bristol Tennessee; and Andy Meadows of Bluefield, W.Va.; four granddaughters, Vickie Lane, Tammy Hale, Drema Hale and Jennifer Lynn Hale; and seven great-grandchildren also survive. Funeral services will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Friday in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Rev. Carson Powers and Rev. Mickey Hale officiating. Interment will follow in Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, Va. Relatives and friends will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers will be Arnold Keene, Bill Keene, Raymond Jackson, Jerry Cook, Dorlis Cook and Kyle Meadows. Military graveside honors will be conducted by Highlands Fellowship Veterans Honor Guard of Abingdon. Friends may call at the Honaker Funeral Home after 6:00 p.m. Thursday, where an evening service will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. Mary Edith Minnick BRISTOL, Va. – Mary Edith Minnick, age 83, passed away Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003, in Murfreesboro, Tenn. Arrangements are incomplete. Weaver Funeral Home will be in charge. Clyde A. Mullins Big Stone Gap – Clyde A. Mullins, 74, of the Olinger Community, passed away Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, in Olinger, Va. He was a native of Pound and had lived in Olinger since 1975. He was owner/operator of Double "M" Coal Company. He was of Free-Will Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Belcher; a brother, Gurvis Mullins; a half-brother, Stuart Whit; and a half-sister, Norma Bryant. Surviving are his wife, Betty Mullins, Wise; two daughters: Genetta Boggs, Pound; and Greta Stanley and husband, Tommy, of Pound; one son, Arnel Mullins of Olinger; six grandchildren: Dana Mullins, Pound; Reagan Maggard, Kingsport; Wesley Boggs, Michael Boggs and Camron Boggs, all of Pound; and Abigail Mullins of Big Stone Gap; three great-grandchildren; half brothers and sisters, Mildred Gibson, Mary Maggard, Gerrie Sowards, Dewey Whit and Jimmy Whit; and several nieces and nephews. Family will receive friends 11 a.m.-noon Wednesday at Holding Funeral Home in Big Stone Gap. Graveside services will be conducted 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Meade Cemetery, Pound, with the Rev. Greg Cyphers officiating. Pallbearers will be Arnel Mullins, Michael Boggs, Tommy Stanley, Bill Sergant, Rick Hale and Harold Sturgill. Holding Funeral Home is in charge. Ted Mullins NORTON – Funeral services for Rev. Ted Mullins will be conducted at 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 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. Rev. Mullins, age 86, went to be with the Lord Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003, at the Norton Community Hospital. Clintwood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Vincent A. Sikora III JOHNSON CITY – Vincent A. Sikora III, 55, 4 Larkwood Court, died suddenly at his residence on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003. A native of Laramie, Wyo., he was the son of Jean Walczyk Sikora and the late Vincent Sikora Jr. of Flushing, Mich. Mr. Sikora was an attorney and an associate professor at ETSU in the Department of Environmental Health. He was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church. He was a captain in the U.S. Army. Mr. Sikora was a kind and giving man who loved his family and gave of himself to the community through various organizations. He coached in the Johnson City Major Little League and for the Johnson City Parks and Recreation. He was a member of several environmental health organizations and wrote a monthly article for the National Environmental Health Association Magazine. Survivors include his wife, Helen Barham Sikora of the home; three daughters: Nicole Sikora, Charlotte, N.C.; Emily Katt, Knoxville; and Jacqui Sikora of the home; two sons, Adam Sikora, Shaw Air Force Base, S.C.; and Russell Sikora of the home; three sisters, Suzanne Sikora, Lisa Gayari and Amy Badal, all of Flushing; one brother, Gary Sikora, Flint; a grandson, Taro Katt, and a granddaughter, Mira Katt, both of Knoxville; and several nieces and nephews also survive. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Father Bill Gahagan at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday in the Sunset Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Services. A graveside and committal service will be held at Washington County Memory Gardens following the Mass Saturday. Pallbearers will be Creg Bishop, Phil Scheuerman, Bruce Quinn, Adam Sikora, Russell Sikora and Phillip Sholes. Honorary pallbearers will be Kenny Arrowood, Nick Carimi, Roger White, Gary Sikora, Timmy Sikora and David Overbay. Those who prefer memorials in lieu of flowers, may make donations to the Johnson City Major Little League, c/o of Kenny Arrowwood, P.O. Box 5011, Johnson City, TN 37602-5011 or to Vincent Sikora Scholarship, ETSU Foundation, East Tennessee State University, Box 70721, Johnson City, TN 37614. Online condolences may be sent to the family through our Web site, www.tetrickfuneralhome.com Arrangements for the Sikora family have been made through Tetrick Funeral & Cremation Services, 3001 Peoples St., Johnson City, TN 610-7171. Mildred L. Slagle ABINGDON – Mildred L. Slagle, age 90, of 21560 Alvarado Road, passed away Sunday, Dec. 21, 2003, at Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon. She was a native of Sullivan County, Tenn., but had lived in Washington County, Va., since 1933. She was a daughter to the late William and Allie Cox Saul. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank J. Slagle; and also by a son, Gene Slagle. She is survived by one daughter, Margaret A. Gentry and her husband, Bill, of Abingdon; seven grandchildren; nine great- grandchildren; three great-great- grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 8:00 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, 2003, in the Garrett Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Clyde Campbell officiating. The committal service and interment will be at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003, at Sunset Memorial Park in Damascus. Honorary pallbearers will be Myrl Dunham, Bud Parks, Vic Kegley, Frankie Quesenberry, Howard Smith and Mark Quesenberry. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Damascus Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 458, Damascus, VA 24236. The family will receive friends from 6-7:45 p.m. Friday prior to the funeral service at Garrett Funeral Home or at the residence of her daughter, Margaret A. Gentry, 21570 Alvarado Road, Abingdon, VA 24211. Condolences may be sent to the family through our e-mail at email@garrettfuneralhome.com Garrett Funeral Home in Damascus is serving the family of Mrs. Slagle. James T. Tabor RICHLANDS – Mr. James T. "Jim" Tabor, age 86, of 128 Henderson St., died Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, at his home following a lengthy illness. He was born in Bramwell, W.Va., and was a son of the late William Thomas and Louie Mae Gillespie Tabor, both Tazewell County natives. He was a lifelong resident of the Richlands area and was a long-time employee and former manager of the Virginia ABC Board in Richlands. He was a member of the Apostolic Church of Jesus Christ in Richlands. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mrs. Helen D. Cox Tabor; one son, James "J. W." Tabor; and one sister. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Survivors are: two daughters: Mrs. Betty Meadows and husband, Edward "Buddy" of Nashville; and Mrs. Dorothy Vencill and husband, John of Belfast, Va.; son, Mr. Douglas H. Tabor and wife, Diane of Lincoln, Neb.; nine grandchildren; 11 great- grandchildren; and two great-great- grandchildren also survive. Funeral services for Mr. James T. "Jim" Tabor will be conducted Friday at 11:00 a.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands, with Rev. Frankie Lester officiating. Interment will follow in Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, Va. Pallbearers will be: Keith Tabor, Kelly Tabor, Kevin Shreeve, Lance Horn, Todd Tabor, David Meadows, Ron Toney and Steve Rushing. Honorary pallbearers will be Trayce Rushing, Terri Dimon and Dreama Shreeve. Friends may call at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands after 6:00 p.m. Thursday. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands is in charge of arrangements. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com Emma Colley Turner BIRCHLEAF, Va. – Emma Colley Turner, age 81, passed away Monday, Dec. 22, 2003, at Johnson City Medical Center in Tennessee. Born in Dickenson County, she was a daughter of the late Culberson and Louisa Thomas Deel. She was a homemaker and member of Paw Paw Old Regular Baptist Church. Mrs. Turner was preceded in death by her first husband, Calvin Colley; her second husband, Jeff Turner; and several brothers and sisters. Survivors include two foster children, Ayers Colley Jr. of Richlands and Mary Lou Taylor of Georgia; a special nephew, Beecher Barton of Route 1, Clinchco, Va.; a stepdaughter, Lana Sharp and husband Ronald of Birchleaf; a stepson, Dennis Turner and wife Darlene of Clintwood; a step-grandson, Ronnie Dean Turner of Birchleaf; and one brother, Stanford Deel of Danville, Va. Funeral services will be conducted 11:00 a.m. Friday, Dec. 26, 2003, at Haysi Funeral Home, with Elder Danny Yates and Elder Freddie Ramey officiating. Burial will follow in the Green Hills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, Va. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends after 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 25, at Haysi Funeral Home, where an evening service will be held at 7:00 p.m. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Gae C. Winesett FRIENDSHIP COMMUNITY, Va. – Mrs. Gae Crowe Winesett,, age 78, died Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2003, at the Bristol Wellmont Hospice House. She was born March 5. 1925, in Washington County, Va., to the late J. W. Crowe and Maggie Buchanan Crowe. She had lived most of her life in Washington County, was a retired employee of the Buster Brown Company and was a longtime member of the Friendship Baptist Church. She is survived by her husband, C. E. Winesett; four daughters: Jo Davis and husband Howard; Andrea Newman and husband Fred; and Sandra Heath and husband Glenn, all of the Friendship Community; and Tracy Coggins and husband Berry of Gray, Tenn.; seven grandchildren, Eddie Davis, Anna Newman, Jeremy Weaver, Cathy Newman, Jeremiah Weaver, Charlie Coggins and Kasey Coggins; and three great- grandchildren, Sydney, Christopher and Seth. The funeral service will be conducted at 3:15 p.m. Friday, Dec. 26, 2003, at the graveside in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, with Rev. David Sizemore officiating. Interment will follow. The family will receive friends from 1-3 p.m. Friday at the Friendship Baptist Church. Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations may be made to the Bristol Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele’s Road, Bristol, TN 37620. Those wishing to send memories or messages of sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, is serving the family of Mrs. Gae Crowe Winesett.