Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, August 8, 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 Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004 Today's Deaths Howell Blaine Barnes, 46, Bristol Virginia O.T. Bays, 82, Richlands Shawn Bledsoe, 30, Gate City Sam Edward Dettor, 53 Thomas J. Evans Jr., 74, Saltville Otis Fields, 89, Honaker Barbara Ann Gilbert, 55, Richlands Junior Harris, 81, Marion Irene C. Kiser, 82, Cleveland, Va. Belvia V. Leonard, 65, Bristol Virginia Howell B. Barnes BRISTOL, Va. – Howell Blaine Barnes, age 46, of 325 Edmond St., Apartment 215, went to be with the Lord Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, in the Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was born in Bristol Tennessee to the late Howell Ivan and Beatrice Mae Hartsock Barnes, and was a lifelong resident of the Bristol area. He was a retired librarian at the Bristol Public Library and was of the Baptist faith. He was a graduate of Virginia Intermont College. He is survived by his special companion, Janice M. Shuttle; great-aunt; several cousins; several special friends; special friend, Marty Shuttle, and aunt, Artense Barnes. Funeral services will be held 8 p.m. Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel. The burial will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday in Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon. Pallbearers will be Nathan Chappell, Marty Shuttle, Robert VanDyke, Bruce Styles and Rufus Cooper. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:45 p.m., prior to the service at Weaver Funeral Home. O.T. Bays RICHLANDS – Mr. O.T. Bays, age 82, died Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at a Richlands Hospital, following a brief illness. He was born in Wise County, Va., and was the son of James and Martha Holbrook Bays, both Wise County natives. Trueman was of the Protestant faith. He was a graduate of St. Paul High School and attended Emory & Henry College, receiving a bachelor’s degree in education. He also attended Peabody College in Nashville, earning a master’s degree in mathematics. He was a loved and respected teacher of 27 years with the Tazewell County School System before retiring. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and served during World War II. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Elmer, Orville, Homer, Carlton and Gothard Bays, and two sisters, Estelle Salyers and Gladys Gillespie. Survivors are wife of 54 years, Angeline Hall Bays; son, Dr. Thomas Bays and wife Linda of Richlands; daughters, Janet Mears and husband Gale of Smyrna, Tenn., and Lisa Chalfant and husband David of Smyrna; two sisters, Wilma Evans of Coeburn and Irene Holbrook of Coeburn; two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Carlton Bays of Bristol Virginia, and Mrs. Gothard Bays of Wise; one brother, William C. Bays and wife Elizabeth of Indianapolis; two grandsons, Thomas Mears of Smyrna and Joshua Chalfant of Smyrna, and one granddaughter, Hannah Bays of Richlands. Also surviving him are several nieces and nephews and many friends. Funeral services for Mr. O.T. Bays will be conducted Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, at 1 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home Chapel in Richlands. Interment will follow at the Temple Hill Cemetery in Castlewood. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Friends may call after 6 p.m. on Sunday evening at Hurst-Scott Funeral Home. Memorial contributions may be made to the building fund for Richlands Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 446, Richlands. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com. Shawn Bledsoe GATE CITY – Shawn Bledsoe, age 30, died Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, in Holston Valley Medical Center, following a brief illness. Funeral arrangements for Shawn Bledsoe are incomplete and will be announced by Campbell Funeral Home, Abingdon. Those wishing to express sympathy to the family of Shawn Bledsoe may do so at www.campbell-funeralhome.com. Sam Edward Dettor Sam Edward Dettor, age 53, went to be with the Lord on Friday, Aug. 6, 2004, in the Select Specialty Hospital. He will be remembered for his deep love and devotion to his family and his zest to live life to it fullest, always the participant, never the observer. His sensitivity and ability to listen and help his family, friends, and co-workers, whenever needed, was a special gift. He never met a stranger. Everyone who knew him, loved him. His generosity and warm heart endeared him to all. Sam was born on June 20, 1951, in Wheeling, W.Va., the oldest son of the late Nile M. Dettor and Mary Ruth Edwards Dettor. He had lived in Blountville and Bristol Tennessee for the last 42 years. He was a member of the Lutheran church and was a past member of the Zollicoffer Masonic Lodge in Bluff City. He was a factory manager at Amerace Microporous LP Corp. in Piney Flats and was employed there for 32 years. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Ruthie Edwards Dettor; daughter, Samantha Jo "Pun" Dettor; sisters, Carolyn Pierce and husband Bill of Bristol Virginia, Katie Hall of Kingsport, Patty Combs and husband Roger of Bluff City and Donna Arnold and husband Ronnie of Blountville; brother, Nile "Teddy" Dettor and wife Susan of Mt. Carmel, Tenn.; 10 beloved nieces and nephews; seven great- nieces and great-nephews; one aunt, Betty Denny of Johnson City, and several cousins. There are also two young people Sam loved like his own children, Matt Axley of Florence, Ala., and Jennifer Wishon of Richmond. They held very special places in his heart. Funeral services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Don McGregor officiating. Pallbearers will be Clyde Arnold, Roger Combs, Carl Edwards, Ben Lemon, Kenny Smith and Peter Gaugl. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Arnold, Dan Axley, Matt Axley, Bill Pierce, Ronnie Arnold, Don Newell, Steve Willis and Jerry Eberhart. The committal service will be Wednesday 11 a.m. at Eastern Heights Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday evening at Weaver Funeral Home. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Andrew C. Dolinger ABINGDON – Mr. Andrew C. Dolinger, age 71, went home to be with the Lord, Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004. He was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Va. He retired from the U.S. Air Force after serving his country for 20 years. He was a lifetime member of the VFW Post 1994. Before illness forced him to retire, he and his oldest son operated Dolinger Heating and Cooling. Andy was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and was loved by all that knew him. He had a keen sense of humor that quickly won friends and influenced many. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Betty; three sons and two daughters, Andrew C. Dolinger Jr. and wife Lisa, Cathy Swindall and husband Doug, Jack Ray Dolinger and wife Robin, Sam Dolinger and Dianna Hall and husband, Junior, all of Abingdon; eight grandchildren, Shawn Hall, Jon, Bradley and Christopher Dolinger, Mandy (Dolinger) Burden and Samantha Dolinger and Amy and Carrie Widener; one great-grandson, Ethan Burden; three sisters, Freda James, Harriett Fulbright and Ruth Casey, all of Bristol Virginia, and a sister-in-law, Ellen Dolinger of Bristol Virginia. A funeral service will be conducted Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, at 2 p.m. in the Pleasant View United Methodist Church, with Rev. Jim Goddard and Rev. Jerry Eggers officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. Saturday at the Pleasant View United Methodist Church. Military rites will be conducted by the Pope Air Force Base Honor Guard. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. John Green, Dr. Tom Green, Dr. Doug Green, Dr. Michael Bible, Dr. Safraz Zaidi, Dr. George Testerman and all his special physical therapists at Health South Rehabilitation Hospital in Kingsport. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Washington County Life Saving Crew, P.O. Box 65, Abingdon, VA 24212. 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. Dolinger. Charles W. Eads BRISTOL, Va. – The family of Charles W. "Jack" Eads will receive friends from 2 until 4 o’clock Sunday afternoon, Aug. 8, 2004, at Anderson Street United Methodist Church. The funeral service will follow at 4 o’clock, with Rev. Richie Hayes, pastor officiating. A Masonic service will follow. The committal service and burial will be conducted at 1 o’clock, Monday afternoon in Walnut Grove Presbyterian Church Cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted by Highlands Fellowship Honor Guard. Honorary pallbearers will be Revs. Keith McGrew, Stan Anderson, and Richie Hayes, many friends, neighbors, doctors, members of Anderson Street United Methodist Church and all those who gave blood. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to Anderson Street United Methodist Church, 954 Anderson St., Bristol, TN 37620, and Greenville Shrine Hospital, 950 West Faris Road, Greenville, SC 29605. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley- blevins.com. Charles W. "Jack" Eads, 80, died Friday, Aug. 6, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Mr. Eads and his family are in the care of Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home, 417 Lee Street, Bristol, Va. Thomas J. Evans Jr. SALTVILLE – Mr. Thomas J. Evans Jr., age 74, died Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, in Johnston Memorial Hospital. Arrangements are incomplete at this time. D.R. Henderson Funeral is serving the Evans family. Otis Fields HONAKER – Elder Otis Fields, 89, of the Drill section, passed away Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, in Richlands. Funeral arrangements are incomplete. Honaker Funeral Home is in charge. Ralph V. Fox BLOUNTVILLE – Family and friends of Ralph V. Fox will meet for a 2 p.m. graveside service Sunday at the East Lawn Memorial Park, with Leland Houser officiating. Please visit us online at www.mem.com to place a tribute to the family. Ralph V. Fox, 69, passed away at his home on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004, after a lengthy illness. East Lawn Funeral Home is serving the Fox family. Barbara Ann Gilbert RICHLANDS – Mrs. Barbara Ann Gilbert, age 55, died suddenly Friday, Aug. 6, 2004, in Richlands. Barbara was born in Richlands and was the daughter of the late Haze Gilbert Sr. and Eula Virginia French Gilbert. She was a 1968 graduate of Richlands High School and graduated from Southwest Community College. She was a retired secretary from B&J Sheet Metal. Barbara was a lifelong resident of the Richlands area. Survivors are one brother, Haze Gilbert Jr. and wife Carol Ann of Richlands; special cousins, Sue Hess, Delores Miller, Dorothy Miller, Joann Hess and Ruth Wilson; special friends, Sallee, Rhiannan and Austin Hays; many, many friends that are too numerous to count also survive her. A graveside service will be held for Mrs. Barbara Ann Gilbert at 11 a.m. on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, at Greenhills Memory Gardens in Claypool Hill, Va., with the Rev. Darren D. Hess officiating. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands is in charge of arrangements and those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.hurstscottfuneralhomes.com. Junior Harris MARION – Junior Harris, age 81, passed away Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, in the Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion. Survivors and funeral arrangements will be announced later by Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion. Irene C. Kiser CLEVELAND, Va. – Irene C. Kiser, 82, passed away at her home on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004. Born on May 1, 1922, in Russell County, Va., she was the daughter of the late Noah and Blanch Wright Couch. She was a lifelong resident of Russell County and was of the Baptist faith. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Charles Kiser, daughter, Brenda Wilhoit, two brothers and five sisters. Survivors include her son, Michael Kiser of Cleveland; grandson, Ronnie Wilhoit; son-in-law, Ronald Wilhoit, both of Greeneville, Tenn.; brother, Paul Couch and wife Marie of Buckingham County, Va.; sisters, Charlotte Haelig of California, Ann Mullins and husband Robert of Richmond and Esther Stamper of Cleveland, and numerous nieces and nephews also survive. Nephews will serve as honorary pallbearers. A graveside service will be held on Monday, Aug. 9, at 2 p.m. at Ketron Memorial Garden Mausoleum, Lebanon, with Brother Billy Trail officiating. The family will receive friends one hour before the service at the mausoleum. Owens Funeral Service, Lebanon, is in charge of arrangements. Belvia V. Leonard BRISTOL, Va. – Belvia V. "Bell" Leonard, age 65, of 7607 Wolf Run Road, went to be with the Lord Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, in her home. She was born Aug. 15, 1938, in Jonesborough, Tenn., to Jack H. and Ruth Hopson Peters, and made her home for the past 42 years in the Benhams community. She was a homemaker and was a member of the Gospel Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her father, Jack H. Peters, and sister, Kadie Castle. She is survived by her mother, Ruth C. Hopson Peters. She was the loving wife of her husband of 42 years, Gerald T. "G.T." Leonard. She was the loving mother to her children, Don Leonard, Amy Shaffer and husband Barry, Aaron Leonard, Billy Leonard and Barry Leonard. She was the loving grandmother to her granddaughters, Rachel, Annabelle, Abigail and Chloe. She is also survived by sisters, Christine Hensley and husband Clint, Pat Hughes and husband Richard and Betty Self and husband Steve; brother-in-law, Jack Castle; brothers, William Leonard and wife Betty, Roger Leonard and wife Wanda and Ronnie Leonard and wife Mary, and several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held 2 p.m. Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, in the East Lawn Cemetery, with Brother Tommy Tester officiating. The family would like to wish a special thank you to Dr. Jeffrey P. Allerton and the Wellmont Hospice staff. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Tri-State Baptist Children’s Home, 1528 Vance Tank Road, Bristol, Tenn., or Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele’s Road, Bristol, TN 37620. There will be no formal visitation. Expressions of sympathy may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Doris Compton Love BRISTOL, Va. – Doris Compton Love, age 50, died Friday, Aug. 6, 2004, in Johnson City Medical Center, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was born Sept. 21, 1953, in Harlan, Ky., and lived most of her life in Washington County, Va. Mrs. Love was a graduate of Abingdon High School, attended Virginia Intermont College and was employed by Dominion Carton Inc. She grew up in the Abingdon Baptist Church and attended Hunt Memorial United Methodist Church in recent years. Mrs. Love was preceded in death by her mother, Jean Mullins Compton; her maternal grandparents, Francis and Cecile Clay Mullins; her paternal grandparents, W.C. and Rose Sutherland Compton, and several aunts and uncles. She is survived by two sons and a daughter-in-law, Bo and Shannon Love and Jason Love all of Bristol Virginia; one daughter and son-in-law, Becky and Kevin McConnell of Kingsport; grandchildren, Delaney and Callee; and a grandpuppy, Smokey; an uncle, Clyde Mullins of Clintwood; two aunts, Agnes Compton Owens, Kansas City, Mo., and Doris Mullins Southerlin and husband Sloan of Abingdon. Also, special friends at Dominion Carton Inc. and a special friend, Jim Broce. Funeral services for Doris Compton Love will be conducted on Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, at 6 p.m. at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., in Abingdon, with Rev. Jack Stevens and Rev. Eddie Leonard officiating. Visitation will be held following the service. Interment services will be held Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, at 11 a.m. at Forest Hills Memory Gardens, with Dr. Steven Pollard officiating. Flowers will be accepted or the family suggests memorial contributions to the American Cancer Society, 230 Charwood Drive, Abingdon, Va 24210. The family would also like to express special thanks to those individuals and groups who have so thoughtfully touched Doris’ life during her illness and who continue to support her family. Also, a special thanks to the professional staff at Johnson City Medical Center, especially Dr. Drake, Dr. Lovie Bey and John. Those wishing to send memories or messages of sympathy may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, is serving the family of Doris Compton Love. Leslie R. Love GRUNDY – Funeral service for Leslie Roy Love will be held Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, at 7 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Vernor Blankenship officiating. Graveside service will be held Monday at 11 a.m. in the National Cemetery in Mountain Home, Tenn. Military honors will be rendered by the Patton- Crosswhite VFW Post 6975. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 5 until 7 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Leslie Roy Love, age 58, of Vansant, Va., passed away Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004, in the Buchanan General Hospital in Grundy. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Althey M. McNeil GLADE SPRING – The funeral service for Mrs. Althey Melita McNeil will be conducted Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, at 1:30 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel, with Rev. Tim Bird officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Rose Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Wayne McNeil, Chuck McNeil, Mike Dye, Greg Lynch, Mike Seymore and Keith Owens. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Mrs. Althey Melita McNeil, age 91, went to be the Lord peacefully on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004, in Johnston Memorial Hospital. Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the McNeil family. Ernest Nash BRISTOL, Va. – Funeral services for Ernest "Parrot" Nash will be held 1 p.m. Sunday in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Walter Statzer officiating. The burial will follow in the Maple Grove Cemetery. Pallbearers will be David Jackson, Ike Mohler, J.C. Roark, Glen Long, Mark Brooks and Charles Canter. Honorary pallbearer will be John Jackson. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Ernest "Parrot" Nash, age 77, 12390 Reedy Creek Road, passed away Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004, in the Bristol Regional Medical Center. Nathan Todd Stanley BRISTOL, Va. – Mr. Todd Stanley, 33, passed away Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was a lifelong resident of Washington County. A son of the late Laquita J. and Norman A. Stanley, he was preceded in death by his oldest brother, Jeff Stanley. Todd loved his Harley and his horses. He also enjoyed a variety of other outdoor activities, such as camping and fishing. When he wasn’t playing, he was co-owner of Stanley Brothers Septic and Grading and did some farming. Survivors include his daughter, Kaitlyn Bryans, Daytona Beach, Fla.; a brother, Mark Stanley, Bristol Virginia; a sister, Kandi Berry; two nephews, Jeffrey Berry and Cody Stanley; one niece, Sonya Abel, and one great-niece, Zailey Rainbow Abel. He also leaves behind his fiancée, Joy Morrison, and two wonderful boys he raised as his own, Jordan and Tyler Morrison. The funeral service will be conducted Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, at 4:30 p.m. in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway. Pallbearers will be Judge Reynolds, Timmy Dickenson, Brady Blevins, Terry Ketchum, Jack Pennington and Mike Abel. Honorary pallbearers will be Butch Lunsford, Jack Stark, Stanley Millard, Darrell Millard and Mark Brooks. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Joy Morrison. Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, is serving the Stanley family. Elruth W. Trent GLADE SPRING – The committal service and interment for Elruth Widener Trent will be at 3 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, at Sunset Memorial Park in Damascus. Condolences may be sent to the family through our Web page at www.garrettfuneralhome.com. Elruth Widener Trent, age 74, passed away on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2004, at her son’s residence in Shade, Ohio. Garrett Funeral Home in Damascus is serving the family of Mrs. Trent. Linda Lane Widener DAMASCUS – Linda Lane Widener, age 62, died Friday, Aug. 6, 2004, at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon. She was born Aug. 17, 1942, in Washington County and was preceded in death by her father, James Hubert Lane, and a brother, James Lane. Linda was of the Baptist faith. She is survived by a son, John C. Widener Jr. and wife Louise of Abingdon; three daughters, Patty Coffey and husband Stephen of Hudson, N.C., Carolyn Ratliff and husband J.R. of Kingsport and Kristi Ingram and husband Jack of Lenoir, N.C.; her mother and stepfather, Susan and Lue Spiva of Abingdon; three sisters, Mary Lane Doss and husband Carl of Chilhowie, Betty Lane Hicks of Abingdon and Brenda Lane Leutbecher and husband Allen of Meadowview; a stepbrother, Richard Spiva and wife Peggy of Bristol Virginia; eight grandchildren and 11 nieces and nephews. A graveside memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, in the Mountain View United Methodist Church Cemetery, with Rev. J.R. Edwards officiating. Interment will follow the service. The family will be receiving friends at the home of her mother and stepfather, Susan and Lue Spiva, 422 Jamison St., Abingdon, and any time Sunday until 7 p.m. In place of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele’s Road, Bristol, TN 37620, or to the American Cancer Society 230 Charwood Drive, Abingdon, VA 24210. Those wishing to send memories or messages of sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the family of Mrs. Linda Lane Widener.