Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, January 16, 2004 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 Friday, Jan. 16, 2004 Today's Deaths William Jennings Cale, 86, Marion Bob Cunningham, 69, Auburn, Ala. Craig Allen Garland, 35, Grundy John A. Gilbert, 70, Windham, Ohio James Willis Gobble, 77, Bristol Virginia Linford Parson Herndon, 79, Bristol Virginia Hattie Lloyd, 93, Bluff City Samuel B. Murray, 57, Bristol Virginia Drice Preston Pickel, 69, Bristol Tennessee William C. Pruett Jr., 77, Bluefield Gertrude Victoria Abel Suddreth, 85, Hickory, N.C. Denver Sweeney, 67, Gate City R. Bruce Taylor, 78, Johnson City Virginia Mae Wagner, 88, Pilgrims Knob, Va. Thelma Jean Rupard Widener, 76, Marion Nancy Booher Nancy Ann McNew Booher, age 88, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, Jan. 13 2004, in the Bristol Regional Medical Center. She was born Jan. 7, 1916, in Glade Spring, to Walter and Bertie Rutherford McNew, but lived her life in the Bristol area. She was a homemaker and a member of Central Holston Christian Church. She is survived by her husband of 64 years, Cody Booher. Also surviving: daughters and sons-in-law, Wilma and Gene Booher and Teresa and Freddie Boyd; grandchildren, Curtis Booher and wife Rita, Lee Boyd and wife Candis, and Heather Boyd; great-grandchildren, Abbey and Maggie Booher and Zachary Boyd; brother-in-law, Elmer Fritts, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Ministers Curtis Booher, Roland Whittemore and Brad Perry officiating. The burial will be 11 a.m. Saturday in the Weaver Cemetery. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 6 to 7:45 p.m,. Friday evening at Weaver Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Aubrey E. Brown Sr. ABINGDON – Aubrey E. Brown Sr., 86, passed away Jan. 13, 2004, after a short illness. A native of Hot Springs, N.C., he was the son of Bertha and Sidney Brown. He resided in Washington County, Va., most of his adult life. He received his bachelor’s degree from Emory & Henry College. He earned a master’s degree in education from the University of Florida. He was a member of Green Spring Presbyterian Church, where he served as a former deacon, elder and trustee. Mr. Brown was a teacher in the Cocoa Beach School System before returning to the area, where he served as an educator in the Washington County School System for many years. He served as a teacher at William King High School, as principal of Liberty Hall School, Abingdon Elementary School and Abingdon High School. He was administrative assistant and director of Federal Programs for Washington County Schools for five years prior to his retirement in 1982. Mr. Brown was a kind and giving man who loved his family and gave of himself to the community through various organizations. He served as campaign chairman and president of the Washington County United Way, chairman of the Tobacco Festival Parade, president of the Washington County Education Association and president and secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Abingdon. He held the Madison District seat on the Washington County Board of Supervisors for one term. In addition, he served on the Board of Trustees of the Johnston Memorial Hospital and the Highlands Mental Health and Retardation Services Board. He is survived by his son, Aubrey Elsmere Brown Jr. and his wife Rose Zena Brown; grandson, Jackson Lee Brown of Wilkesboro, N.C.; two daughters, Dr. Mavis Hendricks Brown and Jennie Lou Brown of Richmond; three brothers and their wives, Burgess and Mary Brown, Calvin and Ruth Brown and James Garrett and Grace Brown; two sisters, Margaret Stamey and Jean Barger of the Asheville, N.C., area, and special friend, Eleanor Munsey. Funeral services will be l:30 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004, in the Green Spring Presbyterian Church. Reverend Larry Chapin and Clarence Dishman will officiate. Burial will follow in the Green Spring Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Campbell Funeral Home from 5-8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 2004. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Green Spring Presbyterian Church Cemetery Fund, 22007 Green Spring Church Road, Abingdon, VA 24211. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.campbell-funeralhome.com. Campbell Funeral Home, Abingdon, is in charge of arrangements. Nasba Buckland HONAKER – Funeral services for Nasba Geneva Buckland will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Rev. Mike Ward and Rev. Stephen Musick officiating. Interment will follow in the Clark Cemetery at Honaker. Pallbearers will be Bill Fields, Danny Fields, Jim "Butch" Fuller, Johnnie Fuller, Scottie Fuller and Mike Stevens. Mrs. Buckland, age 83, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2004, at her home. William Cale MARION – Mr. William Jennings Cale, age 86, born May 3, 1917, died Jan. 14, 2004, in the Smyth County Community Hospital. He was the son of the late Fields M. and Elizabeth Jennings Cale of Smyth County. Mr. Cale was preceded in death by his wife of 40 years, Nellie Gillespie Cale, two brothers, Rev. Fieldon M. Cale and Alexander Fletcher Cale, and three sisters, Major Elizabeth Cale Flannagan, Alice Cale Looney and Mary Cale Heft. Survivors: two sisters, Viola Cale Clear, Saltville, and Eleanor Cale Demarest, Maryland; several nieces and nephews, also special friends, Edith Cook and family. Graveside services for Mr. Cale will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, at the Roselawn Cemetery in Marion, with the Rev. Neville Mozingo officiating and military rites conducted by the Marion VFW Post 4667. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home of Saltville is serving the Cale family. Bob Cunningham AUBURN, Ala. – Memorial service for Mr. Bob Cunningham, 69, was Sunday, Jan. 11, 2004, at 2 p.m. at Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home. The Rev. Richard Huycke officiated. Mr. Cunningham, who died Friday, Jan. 9, 2004, at Oak Park of Auburn, was born Jan. 29, 1934, in Bristol Tennessee. Mr. Cunningham had lived most of his life in West Point, Ga. After retiring from West Point Stevens, he moved to Auburn, where he lived for the past 13 years. He was a member of West Point First United Methodist Church and was a former member of West Point Lions Club. He is survived by his wife, Susan Morgan Cunningham; three daughters, Mary Jessica O’Brien and husband Richard of Fayetteville, Ga., Joanne M. Rehm of Auburn and Jacqueline M. Pitts and husband David of West Point.; one son, Thomas Harley Moss and wife Kim of Chatham, Va.; one sister, Jane Ottman and husband Jack of Atlanta, and 10 grandchildren, Kelli Hoff, Susan O’Brien, Rob O’Brien, Mary-Michael Pitts, Carter Pitts, Morgan Rehm, Tyler Rehm, Hudson Rehm, Katelynn Moss and Madison Moss. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Hospice of East Alabama Medical Center. Jeffcoat-Trant Funeral Home of Opelika, Ala., directed. Craig Allen Garland GRUNDY – Craig Allen Garland, 35 years of age, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2004, from injures sustained in a automobile accident. Born in Buchanan County, Jan. 29, 1968, he was the son of Patricia Belcher Garland of Grundy, and the late Russell Garland. He was a 1986 graduate of Hurley High School, employee of Issues and Answers and was of the Church of God faith. In addition to his mother, Patricia Belcher Garland of Grundy, he is survived by his paternal grandparents, Kenneth and Marge Garland of Agros, Ind., and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral services for Craig Allen Garland will be conducted Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004, at 2 p.m. at the Hurley Church of God, Hurley, Va., with Rev. Randy Belcher officiating. Burial will follow in the Mountain Valley Memorial Park, Big Rock, Va. Friends may call at the Hurley Church of God Friday evening after 6 p.m.. Evening service will be held at 7 p.m. Family and friends will serve as active pallbearers. Memorial condolences may be sent to the family at www.shortridgeramey.com. The family of Craig Allen Garland is being served by the Shortridge-Ramey Funeral Home of Grundy. John A. Gilbert WINDHAM, Ohio – Mr. John A. Gilbert, age 70, formerly of Jewell Ridge, Va., died Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004, at his home following a lengthy illness. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com. James Willis Gobble BRISTOL, Va. – James Willis "Jay" Gobble, 77, died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2004, at his home. He was born in Bristol Virginia, a son of the late John W. and Sarah Elizabeth Fleenor Gobble, and served in the U.S. Army during World War II and the Korean War. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Ella Virginia Gobble, and brother, E. Garland Gobble, both of Bristol, and another sister, Claire Estelle Leslie of Hopewell, Va. Survivors include a cousin, Calvin Gobble; a sister-in-law, Helen L. Thomas Gobble of Bristol; a cousin, Callie Baker of Detroit, and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 o’clock Friday morning at the graveside in Sugar Grove Cemetery in Benhams, with Rev. Steve Gobble officiating. Burial will follow. The family and friends will gather at Oakley- Blevins Funeral Home at 9:30 Friday morning to visit and go in procession to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the American Red Cross, 901 Commonwealth Ave., Bristol, VA 24201, or to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 1833, Merrifield, VA 22116. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-blevins.com. Mr. Gobble is in the care of Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home, 417 Lee St., Bristol Virginia. Betty Lewis Hensley BRISTOL, Va. – Funeral service for Betty Lewis Hensley will be held Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, at 11 a.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Oscar Edwards officiating. Burial will follow in the Walnut Grove Baptist Church Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mrs. Hensley, age 83, of 9279 Appaloosa Road, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2004, at her residence. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Linford P. Herndon BRISTOL, Va. – Linford Parson Herndon, age 79, 22043 Appleton Drive, died Wednesday, Jan. 15, 2004, in Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was a native of Raven, Va., son of the late John D. and Myrtle Horton Herndon. He was a retired employee of Chrysler Corporation, a member of U.A.W, a member of First Assembly of God and a U.S. Air Force veteran of World War II. He is survived by his wife, Ethel Evans Herndon; sister, Dorothy Helen Hess, Noblesville, Ind.; brother, Clarence Joseph " Joe" Herndon, New Castle, Ind., also several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Saturday in Mountain View Mausoleum Chapel, with Pastor Jeff Carrico officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday in Weaver Funeral Home. Those desiring may make memorials to First Assembly of God, 1400 Lee Highway, Bristol, VA 24201. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Delma Hubbard ROGERSVILLE, Tenn. – Graveside services for Mrs. Delma Gray Honaker Hubbard will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at Russell Memorial Cemetery at Lebanon, with interment following. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. Mrs. Hubbard, age 84, passed away Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2004, in a Heritage Manor of Rogersville. Margaret Lampkins LEVEL CROSS, N.C. – Funeral services for Margaret D. Lampkins will be conducted at 10 a.m. Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel of the Gate City Funeral Home, with Jimmy Epperson officiating. By the Way of the Cross will provide the music. Burial will follow the service at the Holston View Cemetery, Weber City, Va. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be made to gcfh@earthlink.net. Mrs. Lampkins, 94, entered into rest Friday, Jan. 9, 2004, at Randolph Hospital in Asheboro, N.C. Hattie Lloyd BLUFF CITY – Hattie Lloyd, 93, of 1211 Old Elizabethton Highway, died Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004, in Johnson City Medical Center. Born April 3, 1910, in Letcher County, Ky., she had lived in Bluff City for seven years. She was the daughter of the late Steven and Alice Caudill Sturgill and the widow of Arthur Lloyd, who died April 27, 1984. She was also preceded in death by children, Shirley Alice Lloyd and Charles Ray Lloyd. She was a homemaker and a member of Poore Fork Old Regular Baptist Church. Surviving are children, Clyde Lloyd, Bluff City, and Robertal Gilbert, Partridge, Ky., nine grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren and three great- great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, in Tri-City Funeral Home, Benham, Ky., with Elder Harve Creech and Elder Jim Fields officiating. Pallbearers will be grandsons. Burial will be in Peaceful Acres Cemetery, Hiram, Ky. Visitation will be 5-8 p.m. Saturday and after 11 a.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Tri-City Funeral Home of Benham is in charge of arrangements. Samuel B. Murray BRISTOL, Va. – Samuel B. Murray, age 57, passed away Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004, in the Wellmont Hospice House. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Weaver Funeral Home. Drice Preston Pickel BRISTOL, Tenn. – Drice Preston Pickel, age 69, of 2172 Carolina Ave., passed away Thursday, Dec. 4, 2003, in Tampa, Fla. Mr. Pickel was born Oct. 12, 1934, in Bristol Tennessee, a son of the late David Noah and Etta Mitten Pickel. Mr. Pickel was a U.S. Army veteran, retired employee of Grand Home Furnishings and was of the Baptist Faith. He is survived by his children, Diane, Drice Jr. "Chucky", Tommy, Arleane and Don; two sisters, Mary and Ruby; three brothers, Jim, Charlie and Lonnie, and several nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 18, 2004, at the graveside in Rooty Branch Cemetery. E-mail condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday at Weaver Funeral Home. William C. Pruett Jr. BLUEFIELD – William C. (Bill) "Pig" Pruett Jr., 77, of 2814 Bland Road, died Thursday, Jan. 15, 2004, in Bluefield Regional Medical Center. He was born in Bluefield, Va., and was a son of the late William Crockett Pruett and Sheila Davis Pruett. Mr. Pruett was a member of the Memorial Baptist Church in Bluefield, Va., and served in the U.S. Army during World War II, having served in the Philippines. He was former owner of Little Pigs Barbecue in Bluefield and was owner of Valley Ford Dealership in Alderson until his retirement. He was the "godfather," with his involvement and interest with the Graham High School football team for over 30 years and also other sports activities at the school. He was the designer of the Graham Star "G," which is the school emblem. He had attended Graham High School and graduated from Greenbrier Military School. Survivors include his wife, Reba Harris Pruett; brother, Dr. Charles D. Pruett and wife Edna L., Bluefield, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, at 3 p.m. at the Dudley Memorial Chapel in Bluefield, Va., with the Rev. Edward A. Fisher officiating. Entombment will follow in the Roselawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Pallbearers will be Glynn Carlock, Glynn Carlock Jr., William Pruett, Wayne Green and Charles David Pruett. Friends may call Saturday from 2 p.m. until the hour of services at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Graham High School Athletic Department, 210 Valleydale, Bluefield, Va., or to the First Baptist Church, 1325 August St., Bluefield, WV 24701. John Jay Reese DAMASCUS –A funeral service for Mr. John Jay Reese will be conducted Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004, at 3:30 p.m. in the St. Thomas Episcopal Church, with Rev. Craig Wylie officiating. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. Friday at the funeral home, where a Masonic service will be held at 8 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are to be made to the American Lung Association, P.O. Box 1249, Abingdon, VA 24212, or Faith in Action, P.O. Box 2419, Abingdon, VA 24212. Those wishing to express a memory or sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Mr. Reese, age 58, died Tuesday, Jan. 13, 2004, at the Johnston Memorial Hospital. Farris Funeral Service is serving the family Mr. Reese. James Robins MEADOWVIEW – Funeral services for Mr. James (Jim) Robins will be held Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, at 2:30 p.m. at Forest Hills Memory Gardens Colonial Chapel Mausoleum. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004, at 2:30 p.m. at the Meadowview Kingdom Hall of Jehovah’s Witnesses, Meadowview. David Balazs and Tony Salfi will officiate at both services. Those wishing to express their condolences online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Mr. Robins, 82, died Jan. 13, 2004. Memorial contributions can be made to Meadowview Congregation, c/o David Balazs, 15193 Timeless Cove, Meadowview, VA 24361, or the Pulaski Congregation, c/o Owen McKinnie, 2003 Twin Oaks Ave., Pulaski, VA 24301. Farris Funeral Service 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Robins family. Bill W. Smith Sr. BRISTOL, Tenn. – Bill W. Smith Sr., age 65, of 291 Ramey Rd., passed away Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2004, in the Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was born in Bristol Tennessee to the late Paul H. and Ada Bowers Smith. He was retired from the U.S. Navy with 20 years of service, retired from the Bristol Tennessee Police Department with 21 years of service and was of the Baptist faith. He was survived by fiancee’, Eva Blaylock and children, Michele Blaylock and Harry Blaylock Jr.; son, Billy and wife Pam Smith of Bluff City; daughters, Lisa and husband Darrell Hash of Bristol Tennessee and Ada Cole of Blountville; son, Jody and wife Beverly Smith of Menomonee Falls, Wis.; grandchildren, Christopher Statzer, Brandon Kirk, Matthew Smith, Aaron Cole, Tyler Cole, Ryan Smith, Katie Smith and Ashley Smith; step-grandchildren, Tyler, Dylan and Brian Hash; brother, Jim T. Smith of Bristol Tennessee; sister, Barbara Pyatte of Clarksville, Tenn.; half brothers, Paul H. Smith Jr. of Bristol Tennessee and Otto L. Hess Jr. of Fort Myers, Fla.; half sisters, Mary Ellen Bowers of Kingsport, Patty Borja of Tocoma, Wash., and Joy Walsh of Dillard, S.C., and aunt, Hattie Cowan of Bristol Tennessee. Graveside services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004, in the Glenwood Cemetery, with Rev. Larry Hall officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Lynn Stewart, Rick Mowell, Tim Cole, Bob Smith and Gary Crewson. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 Friday evening at Weaver Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. L. Preston Stevens Jr. ABINGDON – Committal service for Mr. L. Preston Stevens will be conducted Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, at 11 a.m. in the Knollkreg Memorial Park. Casket bearers will be Tim Spencer, Gus Sales, Gary Dutton, John P. McConnell, Greg Woollwine and John Whitty. Honorary casket bearers will be Phil Ford, Rusty Scarborough, Jessee Myers and Leigh Cowlishaw. Those attending are asked to assemble at the funeral home by 10:30 a.m. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions can be made to the Southwest Virginia Hospice, W. Ridge Road, Wytheville, Va., or to the Abingdon Baptist Church, 361 W, Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Mr. Stevens Jr., age 50, went to be with his Heavenly Father Monday, Jan. 12, 2004, at the home of his parents. Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Stevens family. Gertrude Suddreth HICKORY, N.C. – Gertrude "Gert" Victoria Abel Suddreth, 85, died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2004, at Hospice of Catawba Valley on Robinson Road. She was born in Laurel Bloomery, Tenn., to the late Lillie Victoria Gentry and Curtis Abel. She was a lifelong member of West Hickory Baptist Church. She lived in Hickory for the majority of her life and had been a resident of Abingdon for the last 10 years. Surviving are two daughters, Gloria Suddreth Greene of Lenoir and Judy Suddreth Teague of Hickory; one son, Jackie Adam Suddreth of Hickory; six grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Her remains will be dispersed in the mountains of Virginia. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004, in Hickory. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Catawba Valley, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658. Alexander Funeral Service, Taylorsville, N.C., is in charge of arrangements. Denver Sweeney GATE CITY – Denver Sweeney, age 67, also of Kingman, Ariz., died Monday, Jan. 12, 2004, at University Medical Center, Las Vegas, Nev. He was born in Clinchco, Va. He entered the Air Force in 1956 and, in 1960, received his honorable discharge. He started as an automotive technician in Clintwood and worked there until 1964. He then moved to Laurel, Md., and was a Ford automotive technician for 35 years. Upon retirement, he moved to Kingman. He was preceded in death by his parents, Curtis and Margie Sweeney, and a brother, Decial Sweeney. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Karen Sweeney; two daughters, Linda Flanagan and Jodi Bennett; two brothers, David Sweeney, Bristol Tennessee, and Dallas Sweeney, Grayson, Ky.; one sister, Daphene Simpson, Crossville, Tenn.; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and the members of the 47th A&E Air Force unit. Services will be conducted on Friday, Jan. 16, at Colonial Funeral Home in Weber City, Va. Visitation will be from 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will follow immediately, with Lynn Vanover officiating. Entombment service will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17, in Temple Hill Memorial Park Chapel, Castlewood. A military funeral service will be conducted by Lebanon Honor Guard VFW 9864. Pallbearers will be Joe Flanagan, Mike Bannett, Fred Kelly, Larry Kennedy, Dallas Sweeney and Steve Simpson. Honorary pallbearers are Vernon Roller, Don Carty, Jimmy Davenport, Hubert Harris, Mac Rose, R.C. Sykes and Darrell Kennedy. Online condolences may be made to the family at cfhwc@earthlink.net. R. Bruce Taylor JOHNSON CITY – R. Bruce Taylor, age 78, died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2004, in the Johnson City Medical Center. He was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Tenn. He was preceded in death by his parents, Porter M. and Eliza Linville Taylor, and by five brothers and sisters. Mr. Taylor was a decorated Army veteran, having served in World War II, including time in the Philippines. He retired from the Missile Systems Division of Raytheon Mfg. Co. after over 30 years of service. Mr. Taylor belonged to the Arcana Masonic Lodge 489, Limestone, and was a member in both the Scottish Rite and York Rite Bodies. He was also past Most Excellent Grand High Priest and actively served with the Johnson City Eye Clinic through the Knights Templar Eye Foundation. Mr. Taylor was also a member of the Shrine Temple. Survivors include his wife, Virginia Taylor; a daughter, Susan Barker, Johnson City; his son, Allen Taylor and his wife Chris, Johnson City; two brothers, Dewey Taylor, Johnson City, and Don Taylor, Maryland; one sister, Mable Hunt, Johnson City; four grandchildren, Nikki Chandler, Alex Barker, Brandon Taylor and Brooklyn Taylor; one step-granddaughter, Jessica Williams; one great- grandson, Shane Chandler, and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service for Mr. Taylor will be 8 p.m. Friday in the Morris-Baker South Chapel. Bishop Jack Forbes and Bishop Matthew Barber will officiate. The Masonic rites will be observed during this time as well. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5 until 8 p.m. Friday and other hours at the home of his son, Allen, 2804 Steven Drive. Graveside services will be 1 p.m. Saturday in the Monte Vista Memorial Park. VFW Post 3382 will accord military honors. Those attending these services are invited to meet at the funeral home by 12:30 to go in procession to the cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Alex Barker, Brandon Taylor, Christopher Taylor, Chuck Taylor, Nikki Chandler and Jeffrey Taylor. Honorary pallbearers will be W.H. Byrd, Brooklyn Taylor, Dewey Taylor, Shane Chandler and Don Taylor. For those who prefer, memorials are suggested to Arcana Lodge 489, P.O. Box 72, Limestone, TN 37681. Condolences may be sent to the family through www.morrisbaker.com. Arrangements are under the direction of Morris-Baker Funeral Home, 2001 Oakland Ave., Johnson City, TN 37601, (423) 282-1521. Frances Thayer ABINGDON – A memorial service for Miss Frances Isabelle Thayer will be held Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, at 3 p.m. at Abingdon United Methodist Church. The Reverend Betty Reiff will officiate. The family will receive friends after the service at the church. A private committal service will follow at Knollkreg Memorial Park. Memorials may be made to Abingdon United Methodist Church 101 East Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210. Those wishing to express their condolences online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Miss Thayer, 84, died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2004, at Grace Health Care in Abingdon. Farris Funeral Service 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Thayer family. Ruby Helen Vanhook WASHINGTON COUNTY, Va. – Funeral services for Mrs. Ruby Vanhook will be conducted at 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 16, 2004, in the Akard Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Keith McGrew officiating. Committal services will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at Camp Ground United Methodist Church. Honorary pallbearers will be great-grandsons. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Friday prior to the service at Akard Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Campground United Methodist Church, 19335 Campground Road, Bristol, VA 24202. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family of Mrs. Vanhook at akardfh@peercom.net. Mrs. Vanhook, age 92, went to be with the Lord Jan. 14, 2004, after a long illness at her home. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 W. State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423) 989-4800, is serving the family of Mrs. Vanhook. Virginia Mae Wagner PILGRIMS KNOB, Va. – Mrs. Virginia Mae Wagner, age 88, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2004, in a Richlands hospital following a long illness. Born in Whitewood, Va., she was the daughter of the late Cass and Mary Mullins. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Wagner, and one daughter, Myrtle Horn. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family in her generation. She was a member of the Flatwoods Church of Christ. Mrs. Wagner is survived by one son, J.C. Wagner and wife Mona of Pilgrims Knob; one son-in-law, Tommy Horn of Richlands; four grandchildren, James Wagner, Timmy Wagner, Duane Horn and Pam Horn; two step-grandsons, Jamison Bowman and Scott Bowman; four great-grandchildren, Jared Horn, Jennylee Horn, William Wagner and Kayla Wagner; a host of loving nieces and nephews and many friends who knew her as Maw Maw Jenny also survive. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004, in the Buchanan Funeral Service Chapel at Keen Mountain, Va., with Evangelist Bob Smith and Pastor Buddy Hearld officiating. Burial will follow in the Wagner-Mullins Cemetery at Compton Mountain, Va. Pallbearers will be James Wagner, Duane Horn, Timmy Wagner, Jared Horn, William Wagner and Elwood Yates. The family will receive friends at the Buchanan Funeral Service at Keen Mountain from 6-9 p.m. Friday. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family by going to www.singletonfuneralservice.com. Buchanan Funeral Service is serving the Wagner family. Thelma Jean Widener MARION – Thelma Jean Rupard Widener, age 76, died Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2004, in Smyth County Community Hospital of a lingering illness. She had lived most of her life in Smyth County, Va., and was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Mrs. Widener loved sewing and working with flowers. One of her favorite projects was yo-yo quilts. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elmer and Stella Mae Rupard. She is survived by her husband of 56 years, Gordon Widener of Marion; one daughter, Sheila Widener of Marion; one son, Dee Widener of Abingdon; one grandson, Jordan Widener; one sister, Patricia Scott, and two nephews, Joe Sears and David Sears. Funeral services will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, 2004, at 2 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel, with Pastor Gary Endres officiating. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery, Marion. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 7 until 9 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. Expressions of sympathy may be made at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Widener family.