Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, September 1, 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, September 1, 2004 Edgar Elwood Artrip ARTRIP, Va. – Funeral services for Edgar (Bud) Elwood Artrip will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 1, at 2 p.m. at Owens Funeral Service Chapel, with Rev. Duane Musick officiating. Pallbearers will be Peter Hicks, Johnny Paul Fife, Mike Vance, Gary Fife, Ronald Artrip, Bradley Amos, Johnny Owens, P.J. Hicks and Greg Vance. Honorary pallbearers will be uncles and nephews. Interment will follow at the Amos Family Cemetery in Cleveland, Va. Edgar (Bud) Elwood Artrip, 76, passed away at his home on Sunday, Aug. 29, 2004. Owens Funeral Service, Lebanon, is in charge of arrangements. B. Joe Childress BRISTOL, Tenn. – Graveside services for B. Joe Childress will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004, at 11 a.m. in the Glenwood Mausoleum Chapel, with Rev. Gene Cornett officiating. Military honors will be presented by the VFW Patton- Crosswhite Post 6975. Pallbearers include: Chris Santangelo, Marvin Cornett, Andrew Santangelo, James Childress, Peter Childress, Jerry Marsh, Doyle Cross and Harold Cross. Honorary pallbearers include: Justin Cornett, Daniel Santangelo, Matthew Santangelo, Todd Smith, Jacob Smith, Gary Cross and Wayne Cross. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net B. Joe Childress, age 63, passed away on Sunday, Aug. 29, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Darin Ray Fuller BRISTOL, Tenn. – Darin Ray Fuller, age 36, of 552 Highway 126, died Sunday, Aug. 29, 2004. He was a native and lifelong resident of Bristol and a graduate of Sullivan Central High School Class of 1986. He was a past member of the National Bicycle League (BMX), in which he and his brother, Greg Fuller, raced for a number of years They both were members of PICO and Cycle Craft Racing Team. He was employed with Morton Bishop Paving Company of Blountville. He was preceded in death by his father, Paul E. Fuller; paternal grandparents, Guy E. and Pauline Lilly Fuller; and maternal grandfather, Charlie Ray Burnette. Survivors include his mother, Ruth Anne "Roonie" Burnette Fuller; his brother, Gregory Michael Fuller of the home; his maternal grandmother, Corintha Pippin Burnette of Bristol Virginia; one nephew, Michael Paul Orion Fuller; special aunts, uncles, cousins; all members of the "Crew"; and last, but certainly not least, "Suicide Scruff", the miracle dog. A memorial service will be conducted at 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004, in the Akard Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends from 7 until 9 p.m. prior to the service, at Akard Funeral Home. It is the family’s request that memorials be made to The American Cancer Society, c/o Jack Mallin, 57 Fairway Dr., Bristol, TN 37620 or the Children’s Speedway Charities, c/o BMS, P.O. Box 3966, Bristol, TN 37625. E-mail condolences for the family may be sent at akardfh@peercom.net Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423) 989-4800, is serving the family of Darin Fuller. Ida M. Hodge BLOUNTVILLE – Ida M. Hodge, age 81, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2004, Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. Funeral arrangements are incomplete. 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 Mrs. Hodge. Curtis H. Hudson BRISTOL, Va. – Curtis H. Hudson, age 79, died Monday, Aug. 30, 2004, at the James H. Quillen Veteran Affairs Medical Center. He was a World War II veteran, having served in Central Europe, Northern France and Germany. He received the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the Expert Infantry Badge and the Combat Infantry Badge. He was wounded during the Battle of the Bulge. Following the war, Mr. Hudson remained in Germany and served as a military policeman during the Nuremberg Trials. A native of North Carolina, he has been a businessman in Bristol since 1957, owning and operating Empire Coin Machine, Inc., throughout southwest Virginia for 45 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Katherine R. Hudson. Survivors include a daughter, Katherine M. Hudson, and a son, Curtis H. Hudson Jr., both of Bristol Tennessee. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004, in the Mountain View Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel. Entombment will follow. Honorary pallbearers will be Beattie Hearst, Bob Lark, C.C. Barr, George Brooks, C.E. Cooper, Buddy Scheerer, Jerry Larkey and Robert Preston Leonard. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept.1, at Akard Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to V.A. Hospital Guest House, P.O. Box 3973, Johnson City, TN 37602. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423) 989-4800, is serving the family of Mr. Hudson. James Richard Keith SALTVILLE – Mr. James Richard "Square" Keith, age 69, died Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2004, at his home. He was a retired employee of the Town of Saltville and was of the Pentecostal Holiness faith. Survivors: his wife, Peggy Colston Keith; two sons, Michael Keith, Atkins, Va., and David Keith, Abingdon; three sisters, Elwanda Holley, Meadowview, Patricia Armstrong, Rich Valley, Va., and Hazel Porter, Roanoke; two brothers, Ivan Keith, Saltville and Roy Keith, Glade Spring; two grandchildren, Michael Allen Keith and Neila Joy Franklin Keith; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral service for Mr. James R. Keith will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004, in the D.R. Henderson Funeral Home, with the Rev. Kenny Gilbert, Rev. Lesley Royston, Rev. John Surber and Rev. Jr. Warner officiating. Burial will follow in the Elizabeth Cemetery, with the Saltville VFW Post 7328 conducting military rites. The family will receive friends from 7 till 9 p.m. Wednesday evening at the funeral home. D.R. Henderson Funeral is serving the Keith family. Adam Kvindis BLUFF CITY – Adam Kvindis, 80, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2004, at Holston Valley Medical Center. He was born in Meadowland, Pa., a son of the late John and Katherine Kvindis. He served in World War II, serving in Saipan in the 865th Anti-Aircraft Artillery. He served in the CCC Camps, retired from General Motors after 30 years of service, and was a member of UAW 544. Survivors include his wife, Peg Kvindis; daughter, Debi Coffey and her husband Mark; son, David Kvindis and his wife, Mary; granddaughter, Jayne Hathaway and her husband, Josh; grandson, Mark Adam Coffey; sister, Margo Scott; brother, Bill Kvindis; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at a later date. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com Mr. Kvindis is in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Ralph J. Maxfield BRISTOL, Tenn. – Funeral services for Ralph J. Maxfield will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Minister Gary Barnett officiating. Burial will following in Mountain View Cemetery, with military honors conducted by Highlands Fellowship Veterans Honor Color Guard. Pallbearers will be Greg Diffenderfer, Dustin Diffenderfer, Chris Collins, Todd Maxfield, David Maxfield and Tim Maxfield. E-mail condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net Ralph J. Maxfield, age 82, 469 Springdale Dr., went to be with the Lord Saturday, Aug. 28, 2004, at James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Mountain Home, Tenn. Mildred L. Meade BRISTOL – A memorial service for Mildred "B" Louise Meade will be conducted at 7 o’clock Wednesday evening, Sept. 1, 2004, at Cold Spring Presbyterian Church, with Dr. Andrew Spence Jr. officiating. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com Mildred "B" Louise Meade, 83, departed us Sunday, Aug. 29, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Meade and her family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Lillian H. Miller ABINGDON – Graveside services for Mrs. Lillian Horsley Miller will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday in Sherwood Memorial Park, Salem, Va. Those wishing to express sympathy to the family of Mrs. Miller may do so at www.campbell- funeralhome.com Mrs. Lillian Horsley Miller, age 103, died Sunday, Aug. 29, 2004, in Valley Health Care. Campbell Funeral Home, Abingdon, is in charge of the arrangements. Edward A. Necessary BRISTOL, Va. – Edward Allen Necessary, age 83, of 2473 Bradley Street, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2004, at the Wellmont Hospice House. Mr. Necessary was a native and life-long resident of the Bristol area. He was a retired employee of Goodpasture Motor Company and was of the Baptist faith. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in World War II, and was preceded in death by one sister, Susie Harlan, and two brothers, Lester Necessary and Ike Necessary. Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Helen Barker Necessary; two daughters and sons-in-law, Susan Opengari and husband Jerry and Sherry Faidley and husband William (June); two sons and daughters-in-law, Eddy Necessary and wife Charlotte, and Larry Necessary and wife Janet; four sisters, Elsie Leonard, Naomi McNamara, Rose Hicks and Jean Hicks; one brother, Bill Necessary; seven grandchildren, Seth Necessary and wife Danielle, Amanda Hankins and husband Will, Tara Necessary, Monica Goins and husband Shane, Trey Faidley, and wife Megan, Josh Faidley and Andrea Faidley; and two great-grandchildren, Breanna and Savannah Necessary. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Benny Bowman and Rev. Charlie Baker officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens, Abingdon. Military funeral rites will be conducted by the Highlands Fellowship Honor Color Guard. Pallbearers will be Trey Faidley, U.S. Army, Charles Necessary, Jack Necessary, Bobby Harlan, Johnny Barker, Shane Goins, Robert Quillen and Tony Stout. Honorary pallbearers will be the following grandsons, Seth Necessary, U.S. Army, and Josh Faidley, USMC. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004, at the Weaver Funeral Home. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial may be made to the Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele’s Road. Bristol, TN 37620. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net Weaver Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Necessary. Floyd Gray Phillips HARRISONBURG, Va. – Floyd Gray Phillips, 62, passed away Friday, Aug. 27, 2004, at his home. Mr. Phillips was born Sept. 1, 1941, in Dickenson County and was the son of the late Clayton and Zolphia Keith Phillips. He moved to this area from Saint Paul, Va., five years ago. He had previously been employed as a coal miner with Lambert Coal Mines. On July 6, 1977, he married Kathleen Marie Louise Murphy, who survives. Also, surviving are one son, Lawrence A. Phillips of Bristol Tennessee; one daughter, Desiree L. Phillips of Harrisonburg; two brothers, Kenneth Phillips and Dale Phillps, both of Dayton, Ohio; five sisters, Eva Cantrell of Greenville, W.Va., Helen Bailey of Abingdon, Lousie Robinson and Imagene Hankey, both of Sanford, Fla., and Margaret Lawson of Dayton; and two grandchildren. At Mr. Phillips’ request, his body was cremated at the Kyger Funeral Home & Crematory, Inc., in Harrisonburg. A memorial service will be held 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004, at the Castlewood Funeral Home in Castlewood, Va. Burial will be private. Memorial contributions may be made to the A.L.S. Research Program, c/o University of Virginia Hospital, Jefferson Park Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22901 or to the Rockingham Memorial Hospital Hospice, 235 Cantrell Ave., Harrisonburg, VA 22801. Barbara Powers DUNGANNON, Va. – Barbara Powers, 64, of Route 1, went to be with the Lord Sunday, Aug. 29, 2004, at Johnson City Medical Center, after an extended illness. She was born in McDowell County, W.Va., on Oct. 14, 1939, and was the daughter of the late B. Lemel and Ester Mae Watson Castle. She was a homemaker. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her stepfather, Victor Willie Castle. Surviving are her husband, Clifford J. Powers Sr.; daughters, Connie Woods and husband Jeff, Easley, S.C., and Michelle Lussardi and husband John, Nickelsville, Va.; sons, Doug Powers, Dungannon, Va., Jonas Powers and wife Darlene, St. Petersburg, Fla.; grandchildren, Davy Gwinn, Jacqueline Powers, Brandon Woods, Brittany Woods, Mariah Krysko, Austin Lussardi and Aaron Lussardi; sisters, Geneva Goins, Kingsport, Nancy Barker and husband Roland, Jonesborough, Tenn., Linda Mae Rogers and husband Wayne, Fall Branch, Tenn.; and Cathy Cox and husband Gary, Nickelsville; brother, James L. Castle and wife Ora Lee, Bristol Virginia; and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours were 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2004, at Colonial Funeral Home, Weber City, Va., and any time at the residence. Funeral services will be conducted at the funeral home chapel on Wednesday, Sept. 1, at 2 p.m., with Elder Ronnie Beavers, Rev. Joe Barber and Elder Roy Flanary officiating. Music will be provided by Lee Smith Singers. Burial will be in Powers Cemetery, Dungannon. Family members will serve as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be the brothers-in-law. In memory of Barbara Powers, memorial contributions may be made to Soaring Eagles Christian Academy, P.O. Box 353, Pickens, SC 29671. Online condolences may be sent to the Powers family at cfhwc@earthlink.net Grace Rasnake LEBANON – Mrs. Grace Edith Sisk Horne Rasnake, age 93, formerly of Rowe, Va., passed away Monday, Aug. 30, 2004, in a Lebanon hospital, following a lengthy illness. Born in Buchanan County, Va., she was the daughter of the late Willie Henry and Mary Phillips Sisk. She was a member of the Green Springs Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Rasnake was also a member of the Oakwood, Rowe & Grundy Senior Citizens. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, John David Horne; her second husband, Roy Rasnake; one grandson; five brothers, Robert, Al, Otis, Ezra and Ernest Sisk; and one sister, Ethel Childress. She is survived by two sons, Raymond Horn and wife Deladis of Abingdon and Lee R. Rasnake and wife Kim of Hiwassee, Va.; one daughter, Rita Vance and husband Gerald of Statesville, N.C.; one sister, Trula Addison of Oakwood, Va.; four grandsons; and three great-grandchildren also survive. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004, at Buchanan Funeral Service Chapel in Keen Mountain, Va., with Rev. Ancil Childress officiating. Burial will follow in the McGlothlin Cemetery at Garden Creek. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Buchanan Funeral Service in Keen Mountain. Online condolences may be sent to the family by going to www.singletonfuneralservice.com Buchanan Funeral Service is serving the Rasnake family. Mary Widener Rold MARION – Mary Widener Rold, age 77, passed away on Monday, Aug. 30, 2004, at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon. She was a native of Washington County, Va., and had lived in Marion since 1999. She was the daughter of the late J. Floyd Widener and Maggie Barker Widener. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Merlene Rold. Mrs. Rold graduated from Liberty Hall High School in 1945, was retired from Gordon Garment and was of the Baptist faith. She is survived by one daughter, Susan Church and her husband, Sam, of Marion; one granddaughter, Amy Hill, of Marion; two great-grandchildren, Victoria Hope and Samuel Dylan; one sister, Lois Cole and her husband, Gene, of Bristol Tennessee; a very special, long-time friend, Ruby Whittaker, of Bristol Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004, in the Pleasant View Baptist Church, with Rev. Warren Wilson to officiate. Burial will follow in the Pleasant View Cemetery, Glade Spring. Pallbearers will be Merle McVey, Billy Widener, Kenneth Doss, Homer Wilson, Denver Doss and Brian Callahan. Honorary pallbearers will be Jack DeBusk, Herman Widener, Hunter Widener, Clarence DeBusk and Charles Cook. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Garrett Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family through our Web page at www.garrettfuneralhome.com Garrett Funeral Home in Damascus is serving the family of Mrs. Rold. Paul Sluss Jr. NICKELSVILLE, Va. – Paul Sluss Jr., 57, entered into rest Monday, Aug. 30, 2004, at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center. He was born in Scott County, Va., Aug. 24, 1947, to the late James Paul Sluss Sr. and Rhoda Lillian Sluss. Including his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Louise Strong. Survivors include his wife, Shirley Sluss, Nickelsville; two daughters, Leanna Castle, Ft. Blackmore, Va., and Melissa and husband, Travis Maxfield, Castlewood; two sons, James Fred Sluss, Ft. Blackmore and Teddy Hileman, Coeburn; one granddaughter, Brenda Castle, Ft. Blackmore; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004, at Gate City Funeral Home. Services will be at 8 p.m. in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel of the funeral home, with Rev. Leonard Ferguson officiating. Music will be provided by the Gethsemane Quartet. Graveside services will be at 2 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004 at Corder Cemetery, Dungannon, Va. Pallbearers will be Jackie Taylor, Terry Meade, Wade White, Preston White, Allen Addington, Jim Culbertson, Curtis Culbertson, Bob Elliott, Jim Delanno, Wayne Cress, Greg Hensley and Dale Knuckles. The family will meet at 1 p.m. at the funeral home to go in procession to the cemetery. Online condolences may be made to gcfh@earthlink.net Clarence A. Stevens ATKINS, Va. – Clarence A. "Steve" Stevens, age 72, went to be with his Lord, Monday, Aug. 30, 2004, in Holston Valley Medical Center, Kingsport. Born Nov. 14, 1931, in Phillipsburg, Kan., to the late Nelson and Arizona Gaines Stevens, he was very athletic and earned letters in football, basketball, track and baseball. At the age of 17, he tried out for the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team but found he was too young to be accepted. He served in the U.S. Army Special Services in Fort Bragg, N.C. Steve was a dedicated Christian from the age of 15. He helped to establish the Wounded Knee Indian Missions First Church of God in South Dakota. He attended Bible College in Gordon, Neb., and Anderson Theological Seminary in Anderson, Ind. He served as chairperson for building committees for the Marion First Church of God, Atkins First Church of God and Wytheville First Church of God. He retired from Sears, after 35 years of service, and enjoyed farming, sports and antiques. He is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Leona H. Stevens of Atkins; three beloved daughters and one son-in-law, Dianna Lynn Stevens of Atkins, René S. Rowland of Groseclose, Va., and Tabatha and Michael Seymore of Rural Retreat, Va.; two precious granddaughters, Olivia Mae Seymore and Myra Michelle Seymore; three sisters, Marjorie Gingles and Leta Bandt, both of Phillipsburg, and Martha Vernon of Gaffney, S.C.; two brothers, Vaughn M. Stevens of Beloit, Kan., and Leland O. Stevens of Christiansburg, Va.; a former son-in-law, Mike Smith of Marion; and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Sept. 2, 2004, at 2 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel, with Rev. Donn Sunshine and Rev. Neville Mozingo officiating. Entombment will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery, Marion. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. Flowers will be accepted or donations may be made to Wytheville First Church of God, P.O. Box 874, Wytheville, VA 24382. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Stevens Family. Cecil J. Stone Jr. BRISTOL, Tenn. – The family of Cecil Jerome (Jerry) Stone Jr. will receive friends from 1 until 2:30 Wednesday afternoon, Sept. 1, 2004, at Central Christian Church. The funeral service will be conducted at 3 o’clock, with Dr. Ross Dampier and Jeff Noah, minister, officiating. The committal and interment service will follow at Glenwood Cemetery. Military rites will be conducted by the Highlands Fellowship Church Honor Color Guard. Pallbearers will be Andy Demo, Bill Shumaker, Don Shumaker Jr., Tom Daniel, Mark Simpson and Charles Moore. Honorary pallbearers will be Verlin King, Bill Fleming, Walter Conley and Dr. David Thompson. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send memorial contributions to Bristol Cancer Association, 1255 W. State St., Bristol, VA 24201, or Bristol Heart Association, c/o Mary David, P.O. Box 554, Bristol, VA 24203. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com Cecil Jerome (Jerry) Stone Jr. died Sunday, Aug. 29, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Mr. Stone is in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Frances Tolbert BRISTOL, Va. – Burial for Frances M. Sluder Tolbert will be Wednesday at 11 a.m. in Glenwood Cemetery. E-mail condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net Frances M. Sluder Tolbert, age 95, of 125 Grand St., went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Aug. 29, 2004, at the Wellmont Hospice House. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Sam White Jr. BRISTOL, Tenn. – Graveside services for Sam White Jr. will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 1, 2004, at Tri-Cities Memory Gardens, with Dr. Charles Sherffey and Rev. Jeff Keene officiating. Honorary pallbearers include grandchildren, Megan, Heather, Alex, Sam IV, Austin, T.C., Tanner and Todd. Sam White Jr., age 62, passed away on Aug. 29, 2004, at Johnson City Medical Center. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.