Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, February 7, 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 Saturday, Feb. 7, 2004 Today's Deaths Gordon H. Bingham, 77, Abingdon Margie Pauline Edmonds, 79, Lebanon Judy Kay Frank, 57, Bristol Virginia Mary Grace Fulkerson, 88 Smith Douglas Hale, 96, Bristol Tennessee Helen Tweed Hearl, Richlands Alma B. Johnson, 70, Manchester, Pa. Marie Matherly Keaton, 80, Bishop, Va. Otye W. King, 93, Bristol Tennessee Ronnie Morgan, 45, Cleveland, Va. Martha M. Watkins, 81, Damascus Gordon H. Bingham ABINGDON – Mr. Gordon H. Bingham, age 77, died Thursday, Feb. 5, 2004, at his home. He was preceded in death by his wife, Leola Price Bingham, and a son-in-law, David Griffith. He is survived by four daughters, Brenda Bingham, Joan Allen and husband Ken, Ginger Griffith and Tammy Simms and husband Dale; a granddaughter, Stevie Griffith, and brothers and sisters, Ruby Walters, Mary Ann Eldreth, Jack Bingham, Sarah Henderson, Richard Bingham, Dorothy Hagy, Jane Moser and Julia Davis. A graveside service will be conducted Sunday, Feb. 8, 2004, at 1 p.m. in the Mountain View Baptist Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by Patton- Crosswhite VFW Post 6975. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2004, at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon. Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Bingham and Wayne Henderson. Friends are ask to meet at the cemetery before the service on Sunday. Those wishing to express a memory or sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service is serving the family of Mr. Bingham. William Carson Jr. BRISTOL, Va. – The funeral service for William Jerry "Jericho" Carson Jr. will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, in El-Shaddai Baptist Church, 20263 Haskell Station Road, Bristol, VA 24202, with Pastor Ken Osborne officiating. Burial will follow in the Carson Family Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Lance Rice, Troy Holmes, Charles Whitaker, Tim Eades, Steve Wright and Jay Johnson. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Simcox, Tim Carter and Ed Whitaker. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@peercom.net. Mr. Carson Jr., 33, died Feb. 1, 2004. Akard Funeral Home 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620, 423-989-4800, is serving the family of Jerry. Hugh L. Crain BLOUNTVILLE – The funeral service for Hugh L. Crain will be conducted at 2 o’clock Saturday afternoon in the Paul Cook Memorial Chapel of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, with Rev. Scotty Sexton and Rev. Dewey Shaffer officiating. The committal and burial will follow in Baker Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Horne, Gary Baker, Randy Roller, Michael Abel, Joe Crain and Johnny Crain. Grandsons will serve as honorary pallbearers. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Mr. Crain, 86, died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2004, at Indian Path Medical Center. Mr. Crain and his family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol Tennessee. Helen Harris Davis A memorial service for Helen Harris Davis will be conducted at Oakley-Cook Funeral Home on Sunday afternoon, Feb. 8, 2004, at 2 o’clock. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to the Salvation Army. Condolences and e-mails may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Mrs. Davis, 71, died Saturday, Jan. 31, 2004, at Palm Garden of Orlando, Fla. Mrs. Davis and her family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home. Margie Edmonds LEBANON – Margie Pauline Edmonds, 79, died Thursday, Feb. 5, 2004, at Maple Grove Health Care, Lebanon. She was born in Dickenson County, Va., daughter of the late Vernon R. and Mary Ann Elizabeth Hammonds Smith. She was preceded in death by her husband, Donald L. Edmonds, and two brothers, Vernon R. Smith Jr. and Willie Elmer Smith. She is survived by two daughters, Donna Magin of Lebanon and Kimberly Meade and husband Roger of Castlewood; three grandchildren, Donald Magin, Randy Meade and Amanda Meade; three sisters, Mae Rasnick of Dante, Va., Mildred Long of Castlewood and Judy Conti of Troy, Mich.; two brothers, James H. Smith of Forest, Va., and Franklin D. Smith of Texas, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Margie Pauline Edmonds will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, 2004, in Castlewood Funeral Home Chapel, Castlewood, with Rev. Tom Edwards and Pastor Peggy Porter officiating. Interment will be in Temple Hill Memorial Park, Castlewood. Family and friends will meet at Lebanon Baptist Church immediately after the service. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2004, at Castlewood Funeral Home, Castlewood. A very special thanks to the staff of Maple Grove Health Care, Dr. Dwight Bailey and Matthew Sykes, F.N.P. Online condolences may be sent to the Edmonds family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Judy Kay Frank BRISTOL, Va. – Judy Kay Frank, age 57, of 1401 New Hampshire Ave., went to be with the Lord Thursday, Feb. 5, 2004, at the Bristol Regional Medical Center. Weaver Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Frank. Arrangements are incomplete. Mary Fulkerson Mary Grace Fulkerson, 88, of Colonial Hill Retirement Center, departed this life on Friday, Feb. 6, 2004. Mary Grace grew up in the Colonial Heights-Fordtown area and was a lifelong member of Kendricks Creek United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jerry and Minnie Fulkerson, and her brother, Paul Fulkerson Sr. Survivors include a sister-in-law, Edith Fulkerson, Johnson City; two nieces, Shirley Lewis, Bristol Tennessee, and Lydia Davidson, Jonesborough, and one nephew, Ben P. Fulkerson, Johnson City. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday at Kendricks Creek United Methodist Church. Services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Sunday at the church, with Rev. John A. Hackney officiating. Burial will follow at Kendricks Creek United Methodist Church Cemetery. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, those who desire may make memorial donations to the Kendricks Creek United Methodist Church, 1000 Kendricks Creek Road, Kingsport, TN 37663. Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes of Kingsport is serving the Mary Grace Fulkerson family. Flora Greenwell BRISTOL, Tenn. – Funeral services for Flora Kate Isom Greenwell will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2004, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Brother Jimmy Phillips, Brother Jack Bowery and Brother Tony Hamby officiating. The burial will follow in the Glenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Rick Jones, Jason Hughes, Ron Kennedy, Pete Foster, Labon Sparks and Tommy Salley. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Fred Greear, Gary Salyer, Leonard Bloomer, Buddy Dickson, Rev. Thurman Chapman, Rev. Eddie Booher, Rev. Jeff Harless, Rev. David Foster and Rev. David Salley. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele’s Rd., Bristol Tennessee. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mrs. Greenwell, 75, of 2601 Bay St., went to be with the Lord, Feb. 5, 2004, at the Wellmont Hospice House following a long, courageous battle with lung disease. Smith Douglas Hale BRISTOL, Tenn. – Smith Douglas Hale, 96, died Sunday, Feb. 1, 2004, at Grace Healthcare in Abingdon. A son of the late George Douglas Hale and Minnie Elizabeth Charles Hale, he was born in Hawkins County, Tenn. Mr. Hale worked his way through Tri-State University, Angola, Ind., during the depression, while being active in the Drama Club, the college yearbook staff and the honorary engineering fraternity. He received his degree in electrical engineering before moving to Bristol in 1937. He was a former employee of East Tennessee Electric System and Bristol Virginia Utilities, where he was in charge of electrical transmission and distribution for the city. Mr. Hale enjoyed grandparenting, woodworking, repairing things, reading, especially history, and growing flowers and vegetables, which were famous all over his neighborhood. An excellent shot, he was one of the founders of the Bristol Gun Club. Mr. Hale was a member of State Street United Methodist Church and the Baraca Men’s Sunday School Class. He was preceded in death in 2000 by his wife, Edith Darter Hale. Survivors include three daughters, Dr. Sara Ann Hale Henry of Bowie, Md., and husband Austin Henry, Elizabeth "Betsy" Irene Hale of Marion and Christine Hale of Tampa, Fla., and two beloved grandchildren, Jacqueline Elizabeth Amis and Douglas "Buddy" Victor Amis. Mr. Hale was preceded in death by four half brothers, Frank of Kingsport and Vance, Hugh and Arthur of Rogersville, Tenn., a sister, Mrs. E.T. (Alice) Gilmer of Beckley, W.Va., a brother, Charles R. Hale of Knoxville, and a nephew, E. Douglas Gilmer of Beckley. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 o’clock Saturday evening at Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home and also Sunday afternoon from 2 until 2:45 prior to the service. The funeral service will follow at 3 o’clock in the Blevins Memorial Chapel of Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home, with Rev. Fred Dearing officiating. A reception will follow at Broadmore Assisted Living facility, 826 Meadowview Drive, Bristol, TN 37620. Burial in Mountain View Cemetery will be private. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions may be made to State Street United Methodist Church for Sunday School programs for mentally retarded persons, or to the Bristol Sheltered Workshop, Frontier Industries, 498 Industrial Drive, Bristol, TN 37620, or to Hospice of Southwest Virginia, 325 Cummings St., Abingdon, VA 24210. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-blevins.com. Mr. Hale and his family are in the care of Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home, 417 Lee St., Bristol Virginia. Helen Tweed Hearl RICHLANDS – Helen Tweed Hearl passed peacefully to be with her Lord on Friday, Feb. 6, 2004, at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon following a courageous and lengthy battle with cancer. Born in Brumley Gap near Abingdon on Oct. 26, 1934, and married for 47 years to Eugene S. Hearl, Helen was loved by her family, grandchildren and many friends, and was an inspiration to many other victims of cancer. Helen was a member of Richlands First United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her parents, Reuben H. Tweed and Josie Payne Tweed, and one brother, Carl Tweed. In addition to her husband, Helen is survived by two children, Gary E. Hearl of Richlands and Phillip G. Hearl and his wife Marsha Hearl of Abingdon, and five adoring grandchildren, Christian Alexander Hearl, Eli Chapin Hearl, Morgan McKinley Blackburn Hearl, Hannah Michelle Hearl and Skylar Montana Blackburn Hearl, all of Richlands, as well as her step-grandson, Alexander Matthew Nicewander of Abingdon, who brought inspiration to their grandma. Helen is also survived by two brothers, Arley Tweed and James Tweed, and two sisters, Nellie Mitchell and Bertha Kitchens, all of Abingdon. Pallbearers will be nephews, Arley Tweed Jr., Fred Tweed, Jack Mitchell, Reece Fields, Allen Hearl, Kirby Hearl, Roger Kestner and Ronnie Hearl. Honorary pallbearers are Dr. William J. Baker, Dr. Ben Cowan and staff and the staff of Preferred Home Health of Richlands. The family would also like to acknowledge some special friends that Helen loved, including Virginia Hearl, Vicki Hearl, Joan and Bill Scheuer, Eula and Kirby Smith, Lynda Bevins, Billie Ann and Ken Trent, Darlene and Ray Bowling, Prema and Dr. G.V. Reddy, Betty and R.A. Cook, her classmates of Greendale High School Class of 1954, Shelley and Paul Lallande, Gerri Alston, Kathryn and Jim Edwards, Margaret Ruth and Delano Compton, Carol Davis and the women of Richlands First United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the Good Samaritan Food Pantry or Tri County Health Clinic of Richlands. Funeral services will be conducted by the Rev. David Brannock and the Rev. Clarence Dishman on Sunday, Feb. 8, 2004, at 4 p.m. at the Abingdon United Methodist Church. Interment will follow at Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon. The family will receive friends at Farris Funeral Home in Abingdon on Saturday from 6 to 9 p.m. Those wishing to express a memory or sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service is serving the family of Mrs. Hearl. Alma B. Johnson MANCHESTER, Pa. – Alma B. (Kiser) Johnson, age 70, died Thursday, Feb. 5, 2004, at her home following a lengthy illness. She was the wife of the late Everette E. Johnson, Mrs. Johnson was born on March 16, 1933, in Dickenson County, Va., a daughter of the late Raymond J. and Bessie E. (Kiser) Kiser. She leaves a daughter, Sharon L. Loveland of Manchester; two grandchildren; two sisters, Goldie E. Erdman of Glen Rock, Pa., and Wanda J.Kiser of Statesville, N.C.; three brothers, Raymond R. Kiser and Ronnie D. Kiser, both of Statesville, and Elmer B. Kiser of Clintwood, and nieces and nephews. A viewing will be held from 11 a.m. to noon Tuesday at the Geiple Funeral Home Inc., 53 Main St., Glen Rock, where funeral services will be at noon. Burial will follow in Susquehanna Memorial Gardens, York, Pa. Officiating at the service will be her brother, Pastor Raymond R. Kiser. Memorial contributions may be made to Hillside Baptist Church, 115 Caldwell Farm Lane, Statesville, NC 28625. Marie Keaton BISHOP, Va. – Marie Matherly Keaton, 80, of 171 Radio St., died Thursday, Feb. 5, 2004, at Tazewell Community Hospital, Tazewell, Va., following a lengthy illness. She was a native of Alvarado, Va., and the daughter of the late Talmadge D. and Anna C. Fisher Larimer. Mrs. Keaton was a member of Calvary Baptist Church, Bluff City, and a member of Virginia Educational Teachers Association. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ned Keaton, and three daughters, Anna C. Lynch, Teresa Matherly and Doris Baldwin. Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, Avery G. and Patricia Lynch, Bishop, James and Betty Matherly, Norton, and William Matherly Jr. and Tina, Elizabethton, Tenn.; one daughter and son-in-law, Ellen L and Danny McCoy, Dublin, Va.; a son-in-law, John A. Baldwin, Tazewell; 22 grandchildren; 39 great-grandchildren; 18 great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews also survive. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7, 2004, at Tetrick Funeral Home-Bluff City Chapel, with the Rev. Avery Lynch and Rev. Richard Trivette officiating. Interment will be at 2 p.m. Monday, Feb. 9, at the National Cemetery, Mountain Home, Tenn. Active pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be grandsons, great-grandsons and grandsons-in-law. Those attending the graveside are asked to meet at the funeral home at 12:50 p.m. to go to the cemetery. The family received friends Friday, Feb. 6, in the chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home-Bluff City. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Tazewell Community Hospital, 141 Ben Bolt Ave., Tazewell, VA 24651. Online condolences may be sent to the family through our Web site at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home-Bluff City Chapel (423)538-7131. Otye W. King BRISTOL, Tenn. – Otye W. King, age 93, died Thursday, Feb. 6, 2004, in NHC Healthcare of Bristol. Mrs. King was a longtime member and past elder of First Presbyterian Church. She served as past president of the Blue-Stocking Club, president of the Y.W.C.A. Board of Directors and president of the First Presbyterian Women of the Church. She was also active in several other civic groups and was awarded the Y.W.C.A.’s Tribute to Women in Volunteer Community Service in 1994. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard E. King Sr. Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Joanne and Doug Bassett; a son and daughter-in-law, Richard and Julie King, all of Bristol Tennessee; seven grandchildren, Gerry Bassett of Hixson, Tenn., Janet Clark of Elizabethton, Tenn., Barbara Allen, Karen Sells and Suzanne Reaves of Johnson City, Blake Bassett of Bristol and Marcie Bryant of Knoxville; 11 great-grandchildren; three sisters-in-law; one brother-in-law and several nieces, nephews and cousins. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, at the graveside in Glenwood Cemetery, with Dr. Gordon Turnbull officiating. Burial will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 701 Florida Ave., Bristol, TN 37620, or to one’s favorite charity. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@peercom.net. Akard Funeral Home 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620, 423-989-4800, is serving the family of Mrs. King. Lonnie Smith Logan MEADOWVIEW – On Monday afternoon, Feb. 2, 2004, the Lord called home one of His angels, Lonnie Smith Logan. She was a native of Meadowview and born on Nov. 14, 1921, to the late John and Birdie Willoughby Smith. She attended and graduated from King’s Mountain Training School, Abingdon, in May 1941. Mrs. Logan was a loving wife to Erkward Logan Sr. for more than 57 years and a devoted mother, who instilled Godly character in all children. Mrs. Logan specialized in blessing each child with a unique love, patience and guidance that would ensure they were walking according to the Will of God. Mrs. Logan was a faithful member, who loved Zion Hill A.M.E. Zion Church, Meadowview. She was always willing to serve with a servant’s heart in uplifting the name of Jesus, compassionate and a great encourager of all she came in contact with. She was preceded in death by her son, Erkward Logan Jr. Mrs. Logan leaves to cherish her life, her husband, Erkward Logan Sr. of Meadowview; five children, John Logan of Charlotte, N.C., David Logan of Atlanta, Geri Mitchell of Chesapeake, Va., Sylvia Logan of Nashville and Phyllis Paige of Chicago; two daughters-in-law, Mildred Logan and Louise Logan; two sons-in-law, Allison Mitchell and Nathan Paige; two grandchildren, Jonathan Mitchell and Logan Paige, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Funeral services for Mrs. Logan will be held Saturday, Feb. 7, 2004, at 11 a.m. at Farris Funeral Chapel. Rev. James A. Smith, Rev. William A. Austin, Rev. John W. Shelton and Rev. James C. Scott will officiate. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be David Bradley, James Bradley, Billy Fullen, James Fullen Jr., Warren Lindsey and John Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be George Fullen, James Fullen Sr., Lewis McVey and Tyler Pruitt. Flower bearers will be family and friends. The family will receive friends Friday 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 is serving the family of Mrs. Lonnie Smith Logan. Charles McKamey KINGSPORT – Graveside service for Charles David McKamey will be held Saturday at 11 a.m. in the Susong Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Randy Roark, Ryan Roark, Chris Hicks, Bob Krtausch, Jim Greer and Jim Pratt. Honorary pallbearers will be Alvin Cross, Wayne Cross and Billy, Penley and Travis Conkin, Mickey Bowman, Wally Crawford, Greg Johnson, Jeff Anderson and Ken McDaniel. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Mr. McKamey, age 50, of 3313 Grimes Circle, went to be with the Lord Monday, Feb. 2, 2004, in the Baptist West Hospital in Knoxville. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Ronnie Morgan CLEVELAND, Va. – Ronnie Morgan, 45, passed away on Friday, Feb. 6, 2004. Arrangements are incomplete at Owens Funeral Service, Lebanon. Mary Marie Tiller ABINGDON – Funeral services for Mrs. Mary Marie Owens Tiller will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Elder Joel Turner and Elder Don Stacy officiating. Interment will follow in the Frank Smith Cemetery on Big A Mountain, Va. Pallbearers will be Chat Tiller, Beecher Sutherland, Luther Tiller, Jimmy Counts, Emory O’Quinn and Luther Owens. Honorary pallbearers will be the deacons of Shiloh Primitive Baptist Church. Mrs. Tiller, age 79, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2004, in a Bristol Tennessee hospital. Estelle L. Vanover BRISTOL, Tenn. – Estelle L. Vanover, 76, 112 Marion Ave., died Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2004, at Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center following a brief illness. Mrs. Vanover was a native of Sullivan County, Tenn. She was homemaker. Mrs. Vanover was a Seventh-day Adventist. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Warren Fleenor Vanover, in 1993, and two sons, Charles Edward Vanover and Kelsey Dean Vanover. Survivors include one daughter, Charlotte Hoosier, Konnarock, Va.; one son, Donnie Vanover, Bristol Virginia; eight grandchildren and eight great- grandchildren. The funeral service for Mrs. Vanover will be conducted Sunday, Feb. 8, 2004, at 2 p.m. in the West Chapel of the Appalachian Funeral Home, with Pastor Mike Messervy officiating. The graveside committal service will be held Monday, Feb. 9, 2004, at 11 a.m. in the National Cemetery, Mountain Home, Tenn. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are requested to meet at the funeral home by 10:30 a.m. Monday. The family will receive friends Sunday from 1 p.m until the service time in the West Chapel of the funeral home. Condolences may be made online at www.appalachianfuneralhome. Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 800 E. Watauga Ave., is serving the Vanover family. Martha M. Watkins DAMASCUS – Martha M. Watkins, age 81, passed away on Friday, Feb. 6, 2004, at Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon. She was a native of Damascus and had lived in Cleveland, Ohio, for 15 years prior to moving back to Damascus in 1973. She was a daughter of the late John and Ola Morgan. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Sherman G. "Dick" Watkins, and a son, Larry Watkins. She was of the Lutheran faith. She is survived by two daughters, Deborah Rabel of San Marcos, Calif., and Corliss Watkins Mahala of Saltville; five sons, Sherman Watkins of Berea, Ohio, Michael Watkins of Baltimore, Ohio, Ned Watkins of Brunswick, Ohio, Jeff Watkins of Perrysburg, Ohio, and Pete Watkins of Damascus; two sisters, Annie V. Rogers and Gladys Winters, both of Damascus; 18 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 9, 2004, in the Garrett Funeral Home Chapel, with Mr. Bill Reece, minister, officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Damascus. Pallbearers will be her sons, Sherman, Michael, Ned, Jeff and Pete and a special grandson, Chris Watkins. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 8, 2004, at Garrett Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family through our Web site at www.garrettfuneralhome.com. Garrett Funeral Home in Damascus is serving the family of Mrs. Watkins. Fred Holmes Wilson ABINGDON – Mr. Fred "Do" Holmes Wilson, age 81, died on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 2004. He was born in Smyth County on Dec. 7, 1922. He lived most of his life in Tazewell and Russell County, Va., before moving to Abingdon in 1980. Mr. Wilson participated in five major battles in the European theater during World War II under the command of Gen. George S. Patton. He was also in three major battles in Korea, where he served with the famous 2nd Infantry Division and received the Bronze Star for meritorious service. He retired from Clinchfield Coal Company in 1985 with 26 years of service. He served as secretary-treasurer, District 28-UMWA in the early 1970s and was a member of the Local Union 1256, where he was an officer in most of the local union positions. He was a charter member of the Abingdon Memorial Post 1994 of the VFW. He served as quartermaster and later senior vice commander before resigning for health reasons. His special interests included fishing, baseball and supporting Lebanon High School athletic events. He was preceded in death by his father and mother, Mr. and Mrs. Hallie P. Wilson, one sister, Mrs. Jettie W. Patton, and one brother, Hassel R. Wilson. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was an active member of the Hansonville Baptist Church, where he served as a trustee and church clerk. Surviving are his wife of 44 years, Norma Jean Wilson of the home; two sons, Freddie L. Wilson and his wife Polly, Bristol Virginia, and Henry E. Farmer and his wife Gay, Abingdon; one daughter, Tammy Renee Shortridge Click, Richmond; two granddaughters, Makenzie Click, Richmond and Summer Jean Wilson, Bristol Virginia, and special friends, Doug and Amy Gardner, Rick and Anita Fore, John and Jackson Fore and Hazel Caywood. The funeral service will be conducted Sunday, Feb. 8, 2004, at 2 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Jack Lyons and Rev. Michael Belcher officiating. Pallbearers will be members of the Abingdon VFW Post 1994. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of the Hansonville Baptist Church. Interment will follow in Green Hills Memory Gardens, with military honors to be conducted by Highlands Fellowship Veterans Honor Color Guard. Flowers will be accepted or memorials can be made to the Hospice and Palliative Care of Virginia, P.O. Box 349, Norton, VA 24273. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The family will receive friends Saturday from 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home. Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the family of Mr. Fred H. Wilson.