Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, August 11, 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 Wednesday, August 11, 2004 Leonard Bennett KINGSPORT – Leonard Eugene Bennett, 66, went to be with the Lord late Monday evening at his residence, following a year-long, courageous battle with cancer. A native of Hawkins County, Tenn., he was born on March 29, 1938, the son of the late Donnie C. and Annie Vaughn Bennett. He was a veteran, having served in the U.S. Army. He worked for Wackenhut Security (BAE) as long as his health permitted. He also worked for Mead and Penn Dixie Corp. He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, William "Bud" Bennett; a sister, Nellie Waye; and an infant son, Christopher Todd Bennett. Surviving are his wife of 41 years, Coleen McCoy Bennett of the home; a daughter and son-in-law, Gina and Ronnie Johnson, Kingsport; two sons and daughter-in- law, Rick and Tammy Bennett, Kingsport and Brian Bennett of the home; four grandchildren, Kayla Bennett, Haley Bennett, Mishayla Johnson and Blake Johnson; two sisters, Erma Lee Shivley, Tucson, Ariz., and Callie Davis, Kingsport; one brother and sister in law, Darrell and Frances Bennett, Kingsport; as well as a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; and many friends. Calling hours are from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004, at the Carter- Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport. Funeral services will be conducted in the funeral home chapel on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004, at 7 p.m., with Pastor Andy Sensabaugh and Pastor David Salley officiating. Military graveside services will be Friday, Aug. 13, 2004, at 11 a.m. at Oak Hill Cemetery, Kingsport by the American Legion Hammond Post 3 and Gate City Post 265. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10 a.m. Pallbearers are to be his family and friends. Condolences may be sent to the family via e-mail at cartertrentfh@earthlink.net Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport, is serving Mr. Bennett’s family. Okie Marie Boggs POUND, Va. – Okie Marie Boggs, 82, went to be with the Lord on Aug. 9, 2004, at the Bon Secours St. Mary’s Hospital in Norton. She was a retired cook from the Wise County School Board and was a member of Lone Pine Chapel in Pound. She was preceded in death by her husband, Burnis Boggs; two infant daughters; her parents, David Geneva Cantrell; brothers, Johnny, Elzie, Everett, Early and Houston Cantrell; and sisters, Bertha Meade, Bessie Mullins and Bertie Mullins. Surviving are eight sons and daughters-in-law, Giles Boggs and wife Candus of Dandridge, Tenn., Edward Boggs and wife Dorothy, Bill Boggs and wife Gail, Jerry Boggs and wife Lillie, Gary Boggs and wife Vickie, Larry Boggs and wife Linda, Kim Boggs and wife Fayetta and Scotty Boggs and wife Lisa, all of Pound; three daughters and sons-in-law, Geneva Sexton and husband Denny and Julie Sexton and husband Jack, all of Wise, and Norma Stallard and husband Zane of Clintwood; 24 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; two brothers, Acie Cantrell of Gate City, Va., and Delmar Cantrell of Pound; one sister, Nellie Mullins of Glen Burnie, Md.; several nieces and nephews; and the very special nurses and aides at St. Mary’s LTC. Funeral services for Okie Marie Boggs will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2004, at the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel in Wise, with the Rev. Tommy Shell officiating. Burial and graveside committal services will be held at 1 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004, at the Dewey Memorial Cemetery in Pound. Family and friends will meet at the funeral home to go to the cemetery at 12 p.m. Thursday. The family will receive friends from 6 P.M. till time of services at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the Sturgill Funeral Home in Wise. Sturgill Funeral Homes in Wise in charge of arrangements. Nell Louise Bryan BLUFF CITY – Nell Louise Bryan, 81, 1185 Old Elizabethton Highway, died Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, at Johnson City Medical Center, following an extended illness. A native of Newland, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Alvin and Nancy Johnson Nelson. Mrs. Bryan was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her husband, J.L. Bryan, and two grandsons, Butch Tracy Potter and Joshua Troutman. Survivors include four daughters, Janice Louise Carty, Piney Flats, Daris Ann Troutman, Bluff City, Rebecca Jane "Nyoka" Russell, Piney Flats and Gailand Lyn Estep, Johnson City; one son, Albert E. Lee Bryan, Piney Flats; one brother, Alvin Nelson, Newland; four grandchildren; four great- grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews also survive. The family will receive friends to celebrate the life of Nell Louise Bryan, from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11. 2004, at Tetrick Funeral Home-Bluff City Chapel. Doris June Coe CHILHOWIE – Doris June Goodpasture Coe, 72, died Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, at her home in Staunton, Va. Survivors and funeral arrangements will be announced later by Williams Funeral Home. Gerald L. Cole BRISTOL, Tenn. – Gerald L. Cole, age 51, passed away Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center. He was a lifelong resident of Bristol and a son of Herbert and Carol Davis Cole. He was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and had worked at Eastman Chemicals for 38 years. He was a member of Hunt Memorial United Methodist Church and attended Central Christian Church. Mr. Cole was a loving husband, father, brother and friend. Survivors include his wife of 35 years, Jane Slagle Cole; a daughter, Niki Hillman and husband, Jeff, of Bristol Virginia; a son, Andy Cole of Bristol Tennessee; two sisters, Diane Harrison of Kingsport and Beverly Leonard of Blountville; two brothers, Herbert Cole Jr. and Darrell Cole, both of Bristol Tennessee; one grandchild, Jenny Hillman; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday, Aug. 13, 2004, in the Akard Funeral Home Chapel, with Mr. Jeff Noah, minister, officiating. Burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, with military graveside rites conducted by the Highlands Fellowship Veteran Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be John Crawford, Roger Free, Roy Lane, John Pennington, Harold Carson and Jeff Hillman. Honorary pallbearers will be Crew 3 of Eastman Chemicals. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004, at Akard Funeral Home. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@peercom.net Akard Funeral Home, 1912 W. State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423) 989-4800, is serving the family of Mr. Cole. Sarah M. Fleenor BRISTOL, Tenn. – The committal service for Sarah Michelle Fleenor will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Glenwood Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel, with entombment to follow. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@peercom.net Sarah Michelle Fleenor, infant daughter of Gary and Scarlett Collins Fleenor, went to Heaven Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, at the University of Tennessee Medical Center. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620, 423-989-4800, is serving Sarah’s family. Daniel Ray Foster ABINGDON – The funeral service for Mr. Daniel Ray Foster will be conducted Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2004, at 10 a.m. at the graveside in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Those attending the Wednesday service are asked to assemble at the cemetery. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com Mr. Daniel Ray Foster, age 41, died Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004. The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Foster family. Kenneth E. Frazier BRISTOL, Tenn. – Committal services for Kenneth Eugene Frazier will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. in Shipley Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Charles Blair, Marvin Royston, Chas Royston, Joye Royston, Jeffrey O’Neal, Conley Thompson, Robert Hillard and Johnny Marion. Honorary pallbearers are employees of the City of Bristol, Virginia Public Works Department, Dr. Tom Townsend, Dr. Sue Cressel and Robert Blevins Sr. E-mail condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net Kenneth Eugene Frazier, age 77, of 294 Emmett Road, went to be with the Lord Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at Wellmont Hospice House. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Dolores B. Hamilton BLOUNTVILLE – Dolores Bella Hamilton, age 75, a former resident for the past two years of Greystone Health Care Center, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004, in the Bristol Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Hamilton was born on Sept. 19, 1928, in Greenwich, Conn., a daughter of the late Charles Joseph and Jenny Agnes Jakoksi Ferber. Mrs. Hamilton was a veteran, having served with the U.S. Navy. She had lived most of her life in the Blountville area, was a homemaker, a member of the Holston Chapter Eastern Star and a member of the Emmanuel Episcopal Church. Mrs. Hamilton was preceded in death by husbands, Billy Wood Hamilton and Gordon G. Roberts. Mrs. Hamilton is survived by two daughters, Dianne Hamilton Grant and husband Jeff and Laura J. Hamilton Fuller and husband Greg; two grandchildren, Jessica Fay Fuller and Leslie Gayle Grant; one sister, Muriel J. Borgersen, of Vero Beach, Fla.; three brothers, Charles Ferber, of Germany, Erwin Ferber, of Greenwich and Johnny Ferber, of Vero Beach. Graveside service will be held Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004, at 2 p.m. in the Tri- Cities Memory Gardens, with the Rev. Hamilton Fuller officiating. Military honors will be rendered by the Highlands Fellowship Church Honor Color Guard. There will be no formal visitation at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be sent to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, 700 Cumberland St., Bristol, VA 24201. The family would like to say a special thanks to the staff of Greystone Health Care Center. Online condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Betty L. Hamon HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Funeral services for Betty L. Hamon will be conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2004, at Haysi Funeral Home, with Rev. Glenn Sykes officiating. Burial will follow in the Musick Cemetery, Route 1, Haysi. Dennis J.A. Skeen, Michael Mitchell, Mark Mitchell, Wayne McCowan, Edgar McCowan, Kenneth Lee McCowan and Harold Lynn McCowan will serve as pallbearers. Betty L. Hamon, age 68, formerly of Augusta, Ga., passed away Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, at Cogburn Health and Rehabilitation. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Nancy Louise Hawkins ABINGDON – Nancy Louise Hawkins, age 75, a well-known resident of the Black Hollow Community, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004, at her home. She was born July 8, 1929, in Burwin, W.Va., a daughter of the late Thomas Cilburn Halloway Sr. and the late Nettie Salyer Halloway. She had lived in Dante, Va., and Bristol, before moving to the Abingdon area 32 years ago. She was a seamstress and a retired employee of Harwood Manufacturing Co. She was a member of the Heavenly Rest Baptist Church and a member of the Ladies Auxiliary of the church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by five brothers, Thomas Halloway Jr., Frank Halloway, Billy Ray Halloway, Robert C. Halloway and James D. Halloway; and a son-in-law, George R. Mullins. Survivors include her husband of 57 years, Buford Hawkins; one daughter, Brenda Hawkins Mullins of Bristol Virginia; two sons, Kenneth Wayne Hawkins and wife Sandra and James Buford Hawkins Jr., all of Abingdon; four sisters, Mrs. Otis (Oleane) Patrick, Mrs. Lynn (Jenny) Patrick, Mrs. Ernie (Thelma) Long and Mrs. Roger (Linda) Jessee, all of Castlewood; two brothers, Raymond (Bud) Halloway and wife Teresa of Castlewood and Donald (Joe) Halloway and wife Georgia Ann of Riverdale, Md.; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Nancy Louise Hawkins will be conducted Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004, at 2 p.m. in the Campbell Funeral Home Chapel, with Brother Charlie Harmon and Brother Bob Spears officiating. Burial will follow in the Greendale Chapel Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Mack Powers, Darrell Brewer, David Hall, Ervin Tate, Doug McCracken, Danny McCracken, Wesley Hawkins and Darrell Long. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of the Heavenly Rest Baptist Church and Kenneth Long. The family will receive friends at the Campbell Funeral Home from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so at www.campbell- funeralhome.com Campbell Funeral Home of Abingdon is in charge of arrangements. Ercelle Gene Looney VANSANT, Va. – Ercelle Gene Looney, 68 years age, passed away Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, at his home, following an extended illness. Born in Buchanan County, he was a son of Claude Looney, Vansant, and the late Lucy V. Boyd Looney. He was a lifelong resident of Buchanan County and a member of Big Prater Baptist Church. Mr. Looney was owner and operator of Ercelle’s Machine Shop and well-known in the area for his trade as a welder and machinist. He devoted many years of volunteer service to the community by helping to establish the Russell Prater Fire Department, serving as their fire chief for several years, and his work with the local rescue squad and ambulance service. Mr. Looney was preceded in death by his wife, Elinor Vanessa Owens Looney, June 15, 1991. He is survived by one daughter, Valerie Layne Looney, Portland, Ore.; one son, Gene and wife Norman Looney, Vansant; one sister, Anna Ruth and husband, James Coleman, Vansant; two brothers, Jerry and wife Adelaide Looney, Vansant and Edgar Looney, Fairfax, Va.; one grandson, Austin Tucker Looney, Vansant; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by one nephew, Jerry Wayne "Sonny" Looney, July 25, 1982. Funeral services for Ercelle Gene Looney will be conducted Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004, at 11 a.m. at Grundy Funeral Home Chapel, with Minister Jim Fuller officiating, with burial to follow in Greenhills Memory Gardens, Claypool Hill, Va. Friends may call at Grundy Funeral Home Chapel Wednesday afternoon at 5 p.m., with services at 7 p.m. Active pallbearers will be James Coleman, Craig Coleman, Eddie Looney, Greg Looney, Jeff Owens, Leff Mabe and Lindell Strunk. Honorary pallbearers will be George Owens, David Stevenson, Joe Stevens, Ron Helton, Richard Allen, Noah Horn, Kendall Looney, Roger Daniels, James Arrington, Bobby Joe Matney and Ferrell Boyd. Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of all arrangements. Juan Merino BRISTOL – Juan "Elioel" Merino, 26, returned to God, Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, at Wellmont Hospice House, after a very brief illness. He was born in San Sebasti, Mexico, the son of Humberto Merino and Josefina Lucas Merino. Elioel came to the United States two years ago and was employed at El Patio restaurant and a member of St. Anne’s Catholic Church. Survivors include his father, Humberto; and a sister, Severina Merino Lucas, both of Mexico. Although Elioel had no family here, he had a large extended family consisting of many friends and fellow parishioners. Elioel was preceded in death by his mother. A memorial service will be held during the 8:30 morning mass Saturday, Aug. 14, 2004, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church, with Rev. Timothy Keeney officiating. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley- cook.com Mr. Merino is in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Mary Montona BRISTOL, Va. – The family of Mary "Jerri" Whittaker Montona will receive friends from 6 until 8 o’clock Wednesday evening at Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home. The funeral service will be conducted at 1 o’clock Thursday in the chapel of Oakley- Blevins Funeral Home, with Rev. Walter Statzer officiating. The committal service and burial will follow in Pine Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ronnie Tolbert, Calvin Woodward, Joe Hill, Freddie Jackson, Ronnie Booher and Jimmy Leonard. Honorary pallbearers will be George Jackson, James Harrison, Ray Bowman, Charles Winter and Henry Rose. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-blevins.com Mary "Jerri" Jereline Whittaker Montona, 61, died Saturday, Aug. 7, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center, after suffering a brain aneurysm. Mrs. Montona and her family are in the care of Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home, 417 Lee St., Bristol, Va. Norman Henry Pippin BRISTOL, Va. – Norman Henry Pippin, age 74, died on Aug. 10, 2004, at James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Mr. Pippin was a lifelong resident of the Bristol area and was a son of the late William Thomas and Laura Blevins Pippin. He was a U.S. Army veteran serving in Austria, Korea, Germany and Vietnam. He was a recipient of the Purple Heart and the Congressional Medal of Honor. He was a member of the VFW and DAV and a member of Feathers Chapel Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James E. Pippin. He is survived by a sister, Mildred L. Cross, and a brother, Franklin D. Pippin, both of Bristol Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. Arrangements are incomplete. Akard Funeral Home 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423) 989-4800, is serving the family of Mr. Pippin. Roy McKinley Prater GLADE SPRING – Mr. Roy McKinley Prater, age 77, died Tuesday, Aug. 10, 2004, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete. Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main Street Chapel, Abingdon, is serving the Prater family. Richard Thacker Jr. APPALACHIA, Va. – The family of Richard A. Thacker Jr. will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home in Norton. Funeral services will be conducted 8 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Allen Collier and Dr. Willie Malone officiating. Entombment will be 11 a.m. Thursday in the Powell Valley Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Those wishing to go in procession to the cemetery may meet at the funeral home 10:30 a.m. Thursday. Pallbearers will be sons-in-law, Glen Payne, Michael Rudd and Todd Douglas; nephews, Roger Roark, Mike Dobbins, Randy Majerus and Kevin Thacker. Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Roark, Bernie Simpson, Bud Simpson, Ralph Honeycutt, Sam Holmes, Ricky Collier and Bryan Jennings. Richard A. Thacker Jr., 68, died Sunday, Aug. 8, 2004, at Lonesome Pine Hospital. Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home of Norton is serving the Thacker family. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.hagyfawbush.com Terry Thomas KINGSPORT – Terry L. Thomas, 47, died Monday, Aug. 9, 2004, at Indian Path Medical Center. He was born in Pottstown, Pa. Terry was self-employed. He was preceded in death by his parents, Delmar Thomas and Ada Ruth Sparks Thomas. Surviving are his wife, Barbara Money Thomas, and stepson, Michael Burchett, both of Kingsport; three grandchildren; sister, Brenda Richardson, Johnson City; several nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins; and a great-niece. Calling hours are Wednesday, Aug. 11, 2004, from 5 to 7 p.m. at Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport. Funeral services will be conducted in the funeral home chapel, on Thursday, Aug. 12, 2004, at 11 a.m., with Dr. Steve Gray, officiating. Music will be provided by Bobby Thomas, Edith Thomas, Kim Perrish and Nicole Blow. Burial will follow the funeral service at Happy Valley Memorial Park, Elizabethton. Pallbearers will be friends of the family. Condolences may be sent to the family via e-mail at cartertrentfh@earthlink.net Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport, is serving the Thomas family.