Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, December 30, 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, Dec. 30, 2003 Today's Deaths Josephine Moore Anderson, 90, Grundy Herbert R. Arquette Jr., 54, Wise Eva C. Clay, 89, Marion Rosie Raines Deel, 92, Haysi Alverta Mae Dennison, 87, Meadowview Bobby Ray Flanary, 68, Kingsport Edward B. Frye, 54, Ashland, Va. Marguerite Rogerson Hammack, 85, Martinsville, Va. Charles Clinton Johnson, 71, Chilhowie Grady D. Laughlin, 72, Fremont, Ohio Hester Faye Mays, 77, Bristol Tennessee Janet Lenora Riggsby Shrader, 62, Maxie, Va. Annie Nye Skaggs, 88 John Hamilton Wheeler, 88 Tommy Robert Whited, 69, Raven, Va. Virginia Stevens Whitt, 73, Wolford, Va. Samuel Dale Wilson, 54, Abingdon -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Josephine Anderson GRUNDY – Josephine Moore Anderson, 90 years of age, passed away Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003, at Buchanan General Hospital, Grundy. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time and will be announced later by Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home of Grundy. Memorial condolences may be sent to the family at www.shortridgeramey.com. Herbert Arquette Jr. WISE – Herbert R. Arquette Jr., 54, passed away Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003, at his home. He was the operational manager at Pepsi Cola Bottling Co. in Norton and was of the Protestant faith. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia Ann Arquette. Surviving are two sons, Herbert R. Arquette III of Greentown, Ind., and Nick Arquette and wife Carmon of Coeburn; one daughter, Michele Robinette and husband Curtis of Norton; his mother, Dorothy June Waikel of Fort Wayne, Ind.; one brother, Loydd Waikel of Fort Wayne; seven grandchildren and a longtime friend, Cheryl Ombres of Wise. Funeral services for Herbert R. Arquette Jr. will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2003, at the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel in Wise, with the Rev. Roger Sloce officiating. Burial will follow in the Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, Big Stone Gap. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003, at the Sturgill Funeral Home in Wise. Sturgill Funeral Homes in Wise in charge of arrangements. Eva C. Clay MARION – Eva C. Clay, age 89, died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003, in the Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion. She was born in Smyth County to the late Earl Wayne Coleman and Margie Etta Hayes Coleman and was preceded in death by four sisters, Ethel Antoine, Willie Coleman, Mary Ruth Cox and Helen Robertson. She was a member of the Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church and had grown up in the First Baptist Church on Franklin Street. Survivors include one son, Herbert Clay, Marion; two brothers, Earl Preston Coleman, Marion, and Robert Monroe Coleman, Chatham, Va.; one niece, Frances Coleman Morris, and four nephews, Stanley Antoine, Letcher Wayne Cox, Curtis Cox and Johnson W. Cox. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion, with Rev. W.A. Johnson and Rev. Dean officiating. Entombment will follow in the Roselawn Cemetery Mausoleum. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 7-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions can be made to the Cancer Outreach Foundation, 206 Abingdon Place, Abingdon, VA 24211. Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the Clay family. Margaret Coffman BLOUNTVILLE – Funeral services for Margaret H. "Nannie" Massey Coffman will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003, in the chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home. The Rev. Stuart Albee will officiate. Burial will follow in Emory United Methodist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Bennett Cowan, Donna Mooney and Vivian Cornett. Those wishing may make memorial contributions to the Wheeler United Methodist Church, 2376 Highway 75, Blountville, TN 37617, or the American Cancer Society, c/o Wanda Grills, 1217 Radcliffe Ave., Kingsport, TN 37664. Please visit us online at www.mem.com to place a condolence to the Coffman family. Mrs. Coffman, age 88, passed away at 8:45 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003, at the residence of a son, Wayne Coffman, surrounded by her loving family. East Lawn Funeral Home is serving the Coffman family. Rosie Raines Deel HAYSI – Rosie Raines Deel, age 92, of Route 2, passed away Monday, Dec. 29, 2003, at Heritage Hall Health Care in Grundy. Born in Buchanan County, she was a daughter of the late David and Cosby O’quin Raines. She was a homemaker and a member of the Little Martha Old Regular Baptist Church. Mrs. Deel was preceded in death by her husband, Larkin Deel, on Sept. 19, 1980, two infant sons, a daughter, Bonnie Meadows, two sisters, Maxine Thacker and Nellie Fuller, and a brother, Slemp Raines. Survivors include three daughters, Margaret Owens of Mt. Gilead, Ohio, Faye (Floyd) Whitney of Johnsville, Ohio, and Janice (Werely) Keen of Mt. Vernon, Ohio; four sons, Ersil (Pearl) Deel and Starlin (Mary) Deel, all of Haysi, Trinkle (Marcie) Deel and Troy (Rosemary) Deel, all of Mt. Gilead; several grandchildren and great-grandchildren; two sisters, Ethel O’quin of Haysi and Floria Owens of Fremont, Ohio, and one brother, Henry Raines of Vansant. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2003, at Haysi Funeral Home, with Elders Roger Coleman, Freddie Ramey, Denny Deel, Buster Mullins and Andy Deel officiating. Burial will follow in the O’quinn Deel Cemetery, Route 2, Haysi. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends after 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 30, at Haysi Funeral Home, where an evening service will be held at 7 p.m. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Alverta Dennison MEADOWVIEW – Mrs. Alverta Mae Dennison, 87, passed away Monday, Dec. 29, 2003, in the Russell County Medical Center. Mrs. Dennison was born May 30, 1916, to Vance and Eve Tolliver. Alverta was a life-long resident of Washington County. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Dale Wheeler, second husband, George T. Dennison Sr., two brothers, Charles and Ernest Tolliver, and one son, Robert R. Wheeler of Bristol. Surviving are two sons, George T. Dennison Jr. and wife Flora of Wise and Phillip W. Dennison and wife Brenda of Glade Spring; one daughter-in-law, Rita Wheeler of Bristol; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2003, at 3 p.m. at Farris Funeral Service. Rev. Rick Meade will officiate. Interment will follow in the Mountain View Baptist Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Travis Owens, Johnny Dennison, Kevin McCracken, Carnell Cross, Dewey Wayne Davenport Jr. and Sam Brewer. Serving as an honorary pallbearer will be Dewey Wayne Davenport Sr. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at Farris Funeral Service. Those wishing to express their condolences online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service of Abingdon is serving the Dennison family. Mary Lou Farris BRISTOL, Tenn. – Funeral services for Mary Lou Farris will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2003, from the Kingsway Baptist Church, with Rev. Donald Page officiating. Burial will follow in the Glenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be relatives and friends. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003, in the Weaver Funeral Home. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mrs. Farris, age 83, of 106 Kings Meadow Circle, went to meet the Lord Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003, at her residence. Weaver Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Farris. Bob R. Flanary KINGSPORT – Bobby Ray Flanary, age 68, went to be with the Lord Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003, in the Holston Valley Medical Center. Bob was born in Wise County, Va., Nov. 10, 1935. He was a son of the late Kyle Edward and Helen Augusta (Stidham) Flanary. He was preceded in death by his brother, Donald Edward Flanary, his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Maynard and Flora Rigsbey, a sister-in-law, Betty June Rigsby, and a niece, Patti Rigsby. Bob attended the West View Missionary Baptist Church and was a member of the F.O.P. He was a member of the Blue Lodge, Masonic Lodge 688 and the Jericho Temple. Bob was recently retired from the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department, where he was the work release coordinator. Bob was a beloved husband, daddy and papaw. He will be truly missed by all who knew him. We truly loved you Daddy. Bob was a gentle, kind and sincere man who brought laughter to those he loved. Bob is survived by his wife of 47 years, Glenna (Rigsby) Flanary of the home; his daughters, Theresa Barbour and Bobbie June Barnett; three grandsons, Brian Barbour, Christopher Barbour and Logan Barnett; his brother, Lawrence Flanary and his wife Nell Rose; brother-in-law, Lee (Buddy) Rigsly and his wife Phyllis; his nieces, Joy Livesay, Jessie Gebreath, Jami Gebreath, Brooke Livesay, Kasi Flanary and Lynn Hite; his nephews, Todd Flanary and Shannon Rigsby; his beloved dog, Margarita, and his recently adopted daughters, Leah Flores and Carmelita Bernarita and their families. Calling hours will be 6-9 p.m. Tuesday at the East Lawn Funeral Home, where a Masonic service will be at 6 p.m. in the visitation room. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday in the East Lawn Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Mike Stout, Kent Pugh and Danny Thompson officiating. Entombment service will follow in the Mausoleum Chapel. Pallbearers will be Honor Guard of the Sullivan County Sheriff’s Department. Honorary pallbearers will be Donnie Sammons, Okie Dickenson, Joe Musser, Paul Milhorn, Bill Simpson, Willard Gullion and Larry Hilton. The family would like to extend a special thank you to ICU, ICU step- down, Dr. Warren Jones, Dr. Eric Schwartz and staff of the East Lawn Funeral Home. Please visit us online at www.mem.com to place tribute to the family. East Lawn Funeral Home is serving the Flanary family. Anna Fleenor Anna Pearl Peltier Fleenor, age 66, went to be with the Lord Dec. 28, 2003, in the Wellmont Hospice House. She was a life-long resident of Bristol and employed for 19 years with Valleydale Packers. She was a member of Marthina Memorial Chapel. She was preceded in death by her parents, Ernest and Violet Peltier, and by her brother, Herman Peltier. She is survived by her loving husband of 51 years, Perry Lynn Fleenor. Also surviving: three daughters and sons-in-law, Martha and Rick Stone, Linda and Ron Reed and Julia and Donnie Dingus; five grandchildren and their spouses, Robin and Joshua Neal, Ricky and Valerie Stone, Carrie and Brad Leonard, Jennifer and Joe Rosenbalm and John and Debbie Vance; 10 great-grandchildren, Katie, Annie, Matthew, Blaine and Zack Stone, Lexi Neal, Brianna and Logan Leonard and Hannah and Trey Rosenbalm; sister, Mary Bondurant, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2003, in the Mountain View Mausoleum Chapel, with Rev. Jennings Dotson officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. at Weaver Funeral Home, and any other time at the home of Martha and Rick Stone, 198 Keith Rd., Bristol Tennessee. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Harvest Child Care Ministries, P.O. Box 259, Duffield, VA 24244. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Edward B. Frye ASHLAND, Va. – Mr. Edward B. Frye, age 54, formally of Saltville, went home to be with the Lord Dec. 24, 2003. He was co-owner and president of Ace Rebuilders in Ashland. He was founder and pastor of Carolina Christian Center in Ashland. He is survived by his wife of 36 years, Virginia Wiseman Frye, two sons, Timothy Frye and Scott Frye, two sisters, Linda Sheets and Carole Barrett, and seven brothers, Eugene, D.L., Ronnie, Danny, Jeffrey, Benny and Bernard Frye. Funeral services for Mr. Frye were conducted Dec. 28, 2003, in Bowling Green, Va., by Storkes Funeral Home. This is a courtesy obit of D.R. Henderson Funeral Home of Saltville. Marguerite Hammack MARTINSVILLE, Va. – Marguerite Rogerson Hammack, 85, of King’s Grant Retirement Community, and formerly of Bristol Virginia, died Monday, Dec. 29, 2003, at the King’s Grant Health Care Center. Mrs. Hammack was born on April 15, 1918, in Greenville, N.C. She was preceded in death by her first husband, T.T. Hammack, her second husband, Thomas J. Cupp, and her brother, Russell T. Rogerson. She is survived by her daughter, Lucy Hammack Robbins of Collinsville, Va., who taught at Bassett High School and currently teaches at North Side High School in Roanoke, and her son-in-law, Douglas B. Robbins of Collinsville; grandchildren, Daniel B. Robbins of Atlanta, Lynette S. Robbins, married to Dexter L. Brammer of Wilmington, N.C., and Michele R. Earles, married to Teddy L. Earles of Atlanta; great-grandchildren, Britteny L. Earles, Colin J. Earles and Elizabeth M. Brammer-Robbins, and special friend, J. Pat Sutton of Martinsville. Mrs. Hammack had previously been a sixth grade school teacher and librarian with the Wallace Elementary School in Washington County, Va. She was a graduate of East Carolina University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Martinsville and a member of the Central Presbyterian Church of Bristol for 53 years, past Sunday School teacher, chairman circle and deacon. Also, she was a member of a book club, a history club, UDC, Delta Kappa Gamma and DAR. A memorial service will be held at Victoria Chapel, King’s Grant, Martinsville, on Friday, Jan. 2, 2004, at 11 a.m., with Minister Randy Stevens officiating. The family will greet friends at the Beaver Creek Lobby at King’s Grant, beginning at 10 a.m. until service time at 11 a.m. An additional memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2004, at 2 p.m. at the Central Presbyterian Church of Bristol, with Minister David Wadsworth officiating. The family will greet friends at the church beginning at 12:30 p.m. until service time at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery, Bristol Virginia. Norris Funeral Service Inc. & Crematory of Martinsville is serving the Hammack family. Charles Johnson CHILHOWIE – Mr. Charles Clinton Johnson, age 71, died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003, in Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was a devoted and loving husband and father. Mr. Johnson was a member of the Greenway Golf Club and devoted much of his time to playing golf and working puzzles. Survivors: his wife, Madeline Johnson; children, Larry Johnson of Baltimore, Perry Johnson of Pasadena, Md., Gloria Johnson Buckingham of Marion, Jeffery Johnson of Lancaster, Pa., Keith Johnson of Glyndon, Md., and Michele Johnson Biggs of Essex, Md.; stepchildren, Debbie Totten of Saltville, Sharon Helton of Wytheville, Bill Darnell of Kingsport and Beverly Darnell of Saltville; sisters and brothers, Ellen Greenwood of Marion, Janie Ross of Sugar Grove, Va., L.B. Johnson of Marion and Brenda Blevins of Chilhowie; 16 grandchildren; three great- grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Mr. Johnson will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2003, at Henderson Funeral Home, with Rev. Mike Sage officiating. Interment will follow at Mount Rose Cemetery in Glade Spring. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 5-9 p.m. at the funeral home. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home of Saltville is serving the Johnson family. Grady D. Laughlin FREMONT, Ohio – Grady D. Laughlin, 72, of Franklin Avenue, died Thursday, Dec. 25, 2003, in Medical College of Ohio. Born Sept. 11, 1931, in Blountville, he was a son of the late Sylvan "Jake" and Margaret (Bright) Laughlin. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by a sister, Loma King, and brothers, Lloyd and Carl Laughlin. He was retired from the construction field in the 70s after 28 years of service. He then worked for Nickles Baker in Fremont and Elkton, Ind. He also owned and operated A-1 Tree Service and was self-employed in the concrete business doing sidewalks and driveways. Surviving are his wife, Theresa A. (Stanley) Laughlin, Fremont; sons, Gary (Bev) Laughlin, Bristol Virginia, and Rick Lee Laughlin and Randy Scot Laughlin, both of Florida; daughters, Holly Lynn Laughlin and Melody Layne (Juan Anthony) Rivera, both of St. Augustine, Fla.; brothers, William Laughlin, Sandusky and Jake (Marilyn) Laughlin, Burgoon; sisters, Martha (Scott) Whitaker, Jessie Lee Whitaker, Nancy (Leonard) Roller and Linda Whitaker, all of Blountville; 14 grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2003, at 2 p.m. in Laughlin Cemetery, in Bristol Tennessee. Online condolences may be sent at www.wonderlyhorvath.com. Wonderly-Horvath Funeral Home, 425 E. State St., Fremont, Ohio, is in charge of arrangements. Mary Leonard The committal service and burial for Mary Jane Spurlock Leonard will be conducted at 12 o’clock noon Tuesday in Mountain View Cemetery, 1019 E. Valley Drive, Bristol, Va., with Rev. Bud Branscomb officiating. Pallbearers will be Joshua Leonard, Ken Van Horn, Nick Johnson, Jerry Sorrell, Dan Sorrell and Tom Childress. Condolences and memories may be sent by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Mrs. Leonard and her family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Hester Faye Mays BRISTOL, Tenn. – Hester Faye Mays, age 77, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Dec. 28, 2003, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. She was the daughter of the late John D. and Lois Mae Browning Hess and had been in the Bristol area for around 15 years. She had retired as a home health worker and a member of Throne of Grace Baptist Tabernacle. Survivors include daughters, Connie Looney of Bristol Virginia and Rita McNutt of Conaway, Va.; sister, Ann Mercer of Bristol Tennessee; six grandchildren, Paula Hackney, Robbie Looney, Whittney Looney, Misty Mays, Andrew McNutt and Andrea McNutt; two granddaughters, Cody and Jessica Looney, and niece, Lois Lewis. He was preceded in death by sons, Denver Allen Mays and Danny Carnell Mays, daughter, Angela Lee Mays, and brothers, Andrew and Hubert Hess. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 29, 2003, at 6 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Randall Shaffer officiating. Committal services will be held on Wednesday at 2 p.m. at Mountain View Cemetery. Pallbearers include Robbie Looney, Tony McNutt, Mike Lewis, Billy Leonard, Tim Shaffer and Jeff Rhoten. The family will receive friends Tuesday following the service. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Myrtle McCall ABINGDON –A funeral service for Mrs. Myrtle Durham McCall will be conducted Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003, at 2 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Jerry Eggers and Rev. Dr. Don Paxton officiating. Burial will follow in the Knollkreg Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be John Durham, J.J. Durham, Joe Campbell, Ricky Buckles, Sonny Hagy, Michael Warren, Charlie Warren and Bobby Duff. Honorary pallbearers will be James Tweed, Don Fleenor, Bill Smith, Haskel Fogleman, Bill Hawkins, Douglas Mitchell, L.E. Litton, C.B. Taylor, Eddie Kestner, Bill Boyd, Ralph Large and the deacons and Men’s Sunday School Class of Rosedale Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Alzheimer’s Association, 207 N. Boone St., Suite 1050, Johnson City, TN 37604, or the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, OH 44720. Those wishing to express a memory or sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Mrs. McCall, age 83, passed away Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003, at the Johnston Memorial Hospital. Farris Funeral Service is serving the family of Mrs. McCall. Billie McInturff CASTLEWOOD – Funeral services for Billie Jean McInturff will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003, in Castlewood Funeral Home Chapel, Castlewood, with Father Bob Krenik officiating. Burial will follow in Temple Hill Memorial Park, Castlewood. Pallbearers will be Jake Kasefang, Rick Kasefang, Jack Hancock, Eli Hancock, Jeff Harding and Charlie Woods. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Roberts, Sammy Hawkins, Ricky Nickels and nephews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Jude’s Children Research Hospital, P.O. Box 318, Memphis, TN 38101. Online condolences may be sent to the McInturff family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Mrs. McInturff, 67, died Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003, in Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center, Kingsport. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Rebecca Neal BRISTOL, Tenn. – Funeral services for Rebecca Jane Hicks Neal will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003, from the Glenwood Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel, with Rev. John Kestner and Rev. Roger L. Ball officiating. The family will receive friends from noon until 1 p.m. Tuesday prior to the service at the mausoleum. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorials be sent to the family at 34159 Lee Highway, Glade Spring, VA 24340. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mrs. Neal, age 37, of 1610 Kentucky Ave., passed away Friday, Dec. 26, 2003, at the Bristol Regional Medical Center. Weaver Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Neal. Albert Archie Orr SALTVILLE – Mr. Albert Archie Orr, age 85, went to be with the Lord, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003, at the Holston Valley Medical Center in Kingsport. He was a member of the Roberts Chapel United Methodist Church, where he was a lay leader and had been a delegate of the Holston Conference for 10 years. He loved his church very much, where he was involved in most all activities. He was a retired employee of the Olin Corp. with 25 years of service. He was also a volunteer for Social Services for many years. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Bessie Orr, great-grandson, Derek Cabell, and two brothers-in-law, Oscar Barrett and Gordon Trail. Survivors: his wife of 60 years, Mabel French Orr; three sons, Archie Wayne and Dorothy Orr, Abingdon, Ronald and Janice Orr, Saltville, and Larry and Mary Ann Orr, Westminster, S.C.; one brother, Walter and Bobbie Orr, Princeton, W.Va.; two sisters, Lucy Barrett, Marion, and Katherine Trail, Marion; two granddaughters, Tami and Mike Hayden, Marion, and Vickie and Bryan Peters, Wise; one grandson, Michael "Aaron" Orr, Wise; four step-grandchildren, Ricky Sutherland, Tammy Galliher, Christopher Wayne Smith, Jeffery Kevin Smith and Deanna Michelle Treadway; five great- grandchildren, Justin Orr, Jordon Hayden, Matthew Peters, Brandon Smith and Mason Treadway, and two step-great- grandchildren, Shane Hayden and Alex Peters. Funeral services for Mr. Albert Archie Orr will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003, at the D.R. Henderson Funeral Home, with the Rev. Bob Carberry and Rev. Billy Gillespie officiating. Burial will follow in the Riverside Cemetery. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home of Saltville is serving the Orr family. Cheri Denise Phillips ROANOKE RAPIDS, N.C. – Cheri Denise Phillips, age 40, formally of Saltville, passed from this earth on Dec. 28, 2003. Cheri was a 1981 graduate of R.B. Worthy High School, 1985 graduate of Virginia Highlands Community College, Abingdon, 1999 graduate of Patrick Henry Community College, Martinsville, and earned a BS degree in business management from Chowan College in Murfreesboro, N.C., in 2001. She was a member of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society and the 1999 winner of the PHCC Great Expectations Award. She was employed by the Southern Virginia Medical Center in Emporia, Va. Survivors are husband and best friend, Bryan; parents, John and Marlene Marshall of Saltville; sister and brother-in-law, Brenda and Keith O’Dell of Bristol Virginia; sister, Judy Marshall of Charleston, S.C., and one niece, Kelly O’Dell of Bristol Virginia. She is also survived by numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. She was a member of the First United Methodist Church in Roanoke Rapids. Funeral services for Mrs. Phillips will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2003, at Henderson Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Mount Rose Cemetery in Glade Spring. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home of Saltville is serving the Phillips family. Eugene T. Poore Funeral services for Eugene T. Poore will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Bobby Wheeler and Rev. Lloyd Jones officiating. Pallbearers will be Larry Poore Jr., Allen Poore, Jeff Poore Jr., Chad Poore, Chase Poore, Kevin Poore Jr., Cameron Poore, James Almany, Jack Almany Jr. and Danny Dotson. Burial will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Highlands Fellowship Veterans Honor Color Guard. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mr. Poore, age 78, passed away Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003, in the Quillen Dishner VA Medical Center. Janet Lenora Shrader MAXIE, Va. – Janet Lenora Riggsby Shrader, 62 years of age, passed away Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003, at Buchanan General Hospital, Grundy. Born in Buchanan County, June 1, 1941, she was the daughter of the late Oakley N. Riggsby and Helen M. Farne Riggsby. She was a life-long resident of Buchanan County, of the Baptist faith, a 1962 graduate of Morehead University, where she received her nursing degree, retired registered nurse, former employee of Grundy Hospital and a loving mother, sister and grandmother. She is survived by two daughters, Rene’e Shrader of Keen Mountain, Va., and Nicole Shrader of Maxie; one son, Steve Riggsby of Harman, Va.; two sisters, Charlotte Lloyd of Cleveland, Ohio, and Linda Kinder of Dade City, Fla.; two brothers, Ronnie Thomason of Jasper, Ala., and Sonny Riggsby of Keen Mountain, and two grandchildren, Sophie-Onna Shrader and Bella Tanner. She is also survived by several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Janet Lenora Riggsby Shrader will be held Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2003, at 1 p.m. at Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home Chapel, Grundy, with Reverend Jack Nettles officiating. Entombment will follow in the Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool Hill, Va. Active pallbearers will be Joshua Dickey, Shannon Looney, Jamie Looney, Scott Riggsby, Mark Lloyd and Aaron Stanley. Honorary pallbearers will be family and friends. The family will receive friends at the funeral home after 6 p.m. Tuesday evening. Services will be held at 7 p.m. Memorial condolences may be sent to the family at www.shortridgeramey.com. The family of Janet Lenora Riggsby Shrader is being served by Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home of Grundy. Annie Nye Skaggs Annie Nye Skaggs, age 88, formerly of 433 Merrywood Drive, Bristol Tennessee, died Monday, Dec. 29, 2003, in the Unicoi County Memorial Hospital. She was a native of Obids, N.C., and had lived in Bristol since 1936. She was a daughter of the late John and Rachel Clara Barton Nye. Mrs. Skaggs retired from Raytheon Corporation. She was a member of North Star Baptist Church, Bristol Virginia. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Glynn B. Skaggs, in 1996, her son, Rodney "Sonny" Skaggs, and three brothers. Survivors include three sons, Gene Skaggs, Johnson City, Jerry Skaggs, Piney Flats, and James Skaggs, Marietta, Ga.; 12 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The graveside service for Mrs. Skaggs will be conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday in the Glenwood Cemetery, Bristol. Those attending are invited to meet at the Mausoleum Chapel at Glenwood. Dr. James Richter will officiate. Pallbearers will be Rodney Skaggs, Mitchell A. Skaggs, Michael G. Skaggs, Jarad B. Skaggs, Shane E. Skaggs, Tony L. Skaggs, David M. McKee, Christopher Skaggs and Devin Skaggs. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.morrisbaker.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 Oakland Avenue, Johnson City, (423) 282-2521. Fields S. Sturgill MARION –Fields Smith Sturgill, 79, beloved husband and father, went home to be with the Lord on the beautiful Sunday morning of Dec. 28, 2003. He was preceded in death by his father, Walden O. Sturgill, his mother, Pearl Blevins Sturgill, three sisters, Hazel Sturgill, Monnie McKinnon and Kathleen Dorff, and two brothers, Lonnie Sturgill and Robert Lee Sturgill. He is survived by one sister, JoAnn Sturgill Collins, and brother-in-law, Jack Collins. He is also survived by his wife, Helen Sturgill; one son, Randy Sturgill; two daughters, Janet Sturgill and Tammy King; son-in-law, Noel King; seven grandchildren, Trina Gross, Julie Mitchell and husband Steve Mitchell, Heather Parker, Noel Eric King, Chase King, Alyssa King and Sarah Sturgill; four great-grandchildren, Alysan Mitchell, Micah Mitchell, Jaedian Berry and Marina Gross; eight nephews and eight nieces. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Missionary Fund at Cleghorn Valley Baptist Church or Chilhowie Baptist Church. Mr. Sturgill’s request was to "tell the world about Jesus." The family would also like to thank Hospice of Southwest Virginia for their wonderful care and would like to especially thank Debbie, Carol and Karen, Hospice nurses, as well as the Family Physicians of Marion, Cancer Outreach and the fourth floor nurses of Smyth County Community Hospital. He is loved and will be missed but not forgotten. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday in Cleghorn Baptist Church, with Revs. Wesley G. Eller, Charles E. Blevins and Chuck Herrell officiating. Burial will be in the Old Cleghorn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Cleghorn Baptist Church. Williams Funeral Home, Chilhowie, is serving the family of Mr. Sturgill. Brice A. Sykes BIRCHLEAF, Va. – Brice A. Sykes, age 96, passed away Saturday, Dec. 27, 2003, at Norton Community Hospital. Born in Dickenson County, he was a son of the late James Samuel "Jim" and Rhoda Angeline "Ann" Rose Sykes. He was previously employed as a coal miner, carpenter and deputy commissioner of revenue and was of the Primitive Baptist faith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Ray Counts, five sisters, Sarah Nicely, Florence Barrett, Georgia Godbey, Violet Rasnick and Bessie Viers, and five brothers, Arthur Sykes, Bill Sykes, Frank Sykes, Aven Sykes and Hobart Sykes. Survivors include his wife, Allene Edwards Counts Sykes; five daughters, Madeleine Counts of Fayetteville, N.C., Clara Jean Raines and husband Jerryl of Birchleaf, Ronda Charping and husband Eddie of Trussville, Ala., Elizabeth Sykes and husband Jerry Gibson of Blacksburg, Va., and Sue Counts of Boone, N.C.; three sons, Roger Sykes of Fayetteville, Kit Sykes of Speedwell, Tenn., and Johnny Sykes and wife Jan of Clintwood; a daughter-in-law, Gay Counts; 23 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild and a host of special nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2003, at Haysi Funeral Home, with Elders Darrell Davis and Victor Church officiating. Burial will follow in the A.J. Edwards Cemetery, Birchleaf. Pallbearers will be Charlie Counts, Craig Sykes, Mike Charping, Chris Charping, James Sykes and David Raines. Honorary pallbearers will be Carl Viers, Ad Viers, Buford Barrett, Clair Sykes, Alton G. Sykes, Asprey Godbey, Henry Godbey, Elwood Nicely and George Viers. The family will receive friends after 6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 29, at Haysi Funeral Home, where an evening service will be held at 7 p.m., with Elders Joe Edwards and George Ben Combs. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. John Wheeler John Hamilton Wheeler, 88, died Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was a proud native of Rowlesburg, Preston County, W.Va., and was one of the six children of the late Guy Hamilton and Fay Carnes Wheeler. John graduated from Rowlesburg High School in 1933. Following graduation, he attended Davis and Elkins College and the University of West Virginia. He was a member of the Civilian Conservation Corps and worked on various projects throughout West Virginia. He then served as a pharmacist mate and laboratory technician in the U.S. Navy from 1936 until 1942. Following his Navy discharge, he had a distinguished career as a pharmaceutical representative with Upjohn Pharmaceutical Company in New York City and Long Island, N.Y. He retired to North Carolina in 1969 to pursue his life-long passions for history, reading, hiking, gardening and travel. John moved to the Bristol area in 2000 to live near family, Becky and Clarence Wilkerson. Survivors include his sisters, Betty Heath, Sun City Center, Fla., and Ann Heaney, Port Charlotte, Fla., and several nieces, nephews, first cousins and other family members throughout the United States. He was preceded in death by his wife, Berte H. Wheeler, sisters, Claudia Hamilton and Jane Gilgard, and a brother, Donald C. Wheeler. A memorial service will be held in Rowlesburg in the near future. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Rowlesburg Area Historical Society, c/o President Joycelyn Ayersman, P.O. Box 605, Rowlesburg, WV 26425. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Mr. Wheeler is in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Tommy Whited RAVEN, Va. – Mr. Tommy Robert Whited, age 69, passed away Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003, at a Richlands hospital following a lengthy illness. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at Singleton Funeral Service in Cedar Bluff. Virginia Whitt WOLFORD, Va. – Mrs. Virginia Stevens Whitt, age 73, passed away Sunday, Dec. 28, 2003, at a Grundy health care facility. Born in Richlands, she was the daughter of the late Ross and Stella Richardson Stevens. She was a member of the Little Garden Pentecostal Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one sister, Agnes Rose, and one son, Ralph Edward Whitt. She is survived by two daughters, Kimberly Blackwell of Elizabethton and Linda Lester and husband Cloyd of Wolford; three grandchildren, Crystal Lester, Cody Blackwell and Savannah Blackwell, and four sisters, Lois and Charlie Wilson of Delaware, Virgie Elswick of Delaware, Lou Shortt and Alice Robinett, both of Doran, Va. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2003, at the Buchanan Funeral Service Chapel in Keen Mountain, Va., with Brother Andy Presley and Brother Robert Shortt officiating. Burial will follow in the Ball Cemetery at Road Ridge (Tazewell County), Va. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the Buchanan Funeral Service in Keen Mountain. Online condolences may be sent by going to www.singletonfuneralservice.com. Buchanan Funeral Service is serving the Whitt family. Samuel Dale Wilson ABINGDON – Mr. Samuel Dale Wilson, age 54, passed away Thursday, Dec. 25, 2003, at Johnston Memorial Hospital Emergency Room. He had served in the U.S. Marines during Vietnam and attended the Watauga Chapel of Green Spring Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed his trips to Florida, gardening, nature and photography. A memorial service and scattering of ashes will be held on Palm Sunday, April 4, 2004, at 2 p.m. on the Farm. He is survived by several special friends. There will be no visitation in the funeral home. Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210, is in charge of arrangements.