Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, September 12, 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, Sept. 12, 2004 Today's Deaths George E. Bennett, 64, Caneadea, N.Y. Glen Bridwell, 73, Kingsport Dortha Deakins Christian, 80, formerly of Bristol Tennessee Edith Robinson Cox, 72, Rosedale, Va. James Hammond Ferris, 81, Bristol Virginia Lorraine Kyle Fox, 85, Bristol Helen H. Kendrick, 77, Bristol Tennessee Vivian Duncan Lee, 72, Narrows, Va. Betty Lady McClelland, Bluff City Elizabeth Lucille McFaddin, 84, Abingdon Frances R. Mumpower, 94, Bristol Virginia Joseph Thomas Peaks, 56, Bluff City James Henry Skeen, 71, Wise Virginia Leona Vernon, 66, Honaker Ruth Nall Whittaker, Bristol George E. Bennett CANEADEA, N.Y. – Dr. George E. Bennett, 64, of 8953 Main St., died at Strong Memorial Hospital in Rochester, N.Y., on Thursday evening, Sept. 9, 2004. Born Dec. 4, 1939, in Cleveland, Va., he was the son of George H. and Beulah (Sutherland) Bennett. On June 21, 1967, in Oakfield, N.Y., he married the former Kay Kaufman, who survives. Mr. Bennett grew up in the Bristol Virginia area and received his B.A. degree from Emory & Henry College. From the Bread Loaf School of English, Middlebury College, Vt., he received a master of arts degree. Later he attended the State University of Geneseo and received a master of library science degree and that was followed by his doctor of philosophy degree from the State University at Buffalo. Most of Mr. Bennett’s academic career had centered around higher education: Teaching and library science at Niagara University, West Virginia University in Morgantown, W.Va., and Houghton College’s West Seneca and Main Campus, from which he retired in May 2003. Reading, writing poetry and short stories and calligraphy were avocations. Bluegrass music was a favorite of his. He also spent much time on the computer, researching his family’s history. In the past, Mr. Bennett had been a regular attendee of the Oakfield United Methodist Church, Oakfield, and recently attended the Caneadea United Methodist Church, Caneadea. Surviving are his wife, Kay, a sister, D. Louise Bennett of Alexandria, Va., and many cousins. He was predeceased by his parents. Friends may call at the Treusdell Funeral Home, 65 Main St., Belfast, N.Y., on Sunday, Sept. 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. Funeral and committal services will be held Monday, Sept. 13, at the Caneadea United Methodist Church at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Riverside Cemetery, Belfast. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Caneadea United Methodist Church or to a charity of one’s choice. Glen Bridwell KINGSPORT – Glen "Don" Bridwell, age 73, went home to be with his Lord Saturday, Sept. 11, 2004, in the Holston Valley Medical Center. Don was born July 30, 1931, in Sullivan County in the Indian Springs community and he was a son of the late Guy and Beulah Lee (Curtis) Bridwell. He was a veteran serving with the U.S. Air Force. Don was a member of Cassidy United Methodist Church, the Holston Lodge 559 F&AM and the Jericho Temple. On Sept. 16, he and his wife Helen would have celebrated 54 years of marriage. He was an independent businessman in the Indian Springs community for most of his adult life. He loved life, friends and family. Don is survived by his loving family: his wife, Helen (Moody) Bridwell of Kingsport; his sons and daughters-in-law, Pat and Dawn Bridwell and Steve and Dianna Bridwell, all of Kingsport; two granddaughters, Lindsey and Haley Bridwell; two grandsons, Jacob and Jared Bridwell; and his brothers and sisters- in-law, Charles and Juanita Bridwell and Jeff and Marvena Bridwell, all of Kingsport. Calling hours will be 6-9 p.m. Sunday at the East Lawn Funeral Home. Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Monday at the East Lawn Funeral Home Chapel, with the Dr. Jack Parrott officiating, Reverend Richard Ratliff giving the eulogy and prayer given by the Reverend Jim Jenkins at the graveside service that will follow the service in the East Lawn Memorial Park. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions to the National Tourettes Association, 42-40 Bell Blvd., Bayside, NY 11361. Please visit the family online at www.mem.com to place a tribute. East Lawn Funeral Home is serving the Bridwell family. Dortha D. Christian Dortha Deakins Christian, age 80, formerly of Bristol Tennessee, passed away on Sept. 9, 2004, in Springfield, Ohio. She was born in Dunlap, Tenn., the daughter of the late Mose and Leila Barker Deakins. Mrs. Christian was a member of Nickelsville United Methodist Church and of the Nickelsville Eastern Star 188. Survivors include husband, Ernest Christian; son, Frank J. Kitts of Springfield; stepson, Ernest Christian Jr. of Wernersville, Pa.; sisters, Agnes Alley of Kingsport, Trudy House of Harrisburg, Va., and Pat Atchley of Madisonville, Tenn.; brother, Eldon Deakins of Erwin, Tenn.; two grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a brother, Mitchell Deakins. Graveside services will be held on Monday, Sept. 13, 2004, at 11 a.m. at Temple Hill Memorial Park in Castlewood. There will be no formal visitation at the funeral home. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Edith Robinson Cox ROSEDALE, Va. – Edith Robinson Cox, 72, died Friday, Sept. 10, 2004, in Indian Path Medical Center in Kingsport. Born Dec. 5, 1931, in Russell County, a daughter of the late Walter David Robinson and the late Sally Jeanette Cox Robinson, she had lived her entire life in Russell County. A graduate of Lebanon High School and Southwest Virginia Community College, she was a retired accountant for the Appalachian Learning Center. A member of the Elk Garden United Methodist Church, she was a member of the United Methodist Women of the church. Edith was a member and past Worthy Matron of the Counts Chapter No.180 O.E.S. and a life member of the Elk Garden Elementary School P.T.A. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Arnold Robinson and Paul Robinson, and a sister, Sue Robinson Gibson. Survivors include her husband of 54 years, Robert (Bob) Cox; two daughters and sons-in-law, Barbara and Terry Power, and Jeanette and Graham Farmer, all of Rosedale; grandchildren, Jamie Kiser, Brian Kiser, Robert Farmer, Patrick Farmer, Spencer Powers and Jessica Powers; great-grandchildren, Austin Kiser, Taylor Kiser, Hunter Kiser and McKinley Foley; also a host of adopted grandchildren; a sister, Dorothy and husband Carter Taylor, Honaker; two sisters-in-law, Okema Robinson, Lebanon, and Imogene Robinson, Powhatan; also several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 13, 2004, in the Combs Funeral Service Chapel, with the Rev. Paul Hite officiating. Burial will follow in Russell Memorial Cemetery in Lebanon. Pallbearers will be Mark Phillips, Steve Osborne, Mike Osborne, Mike Hendrickson, Roger Gilmer, Freddie Garrett, Robert Carpenter and Walt Parker. Honorary pallbearers will be grandsons Jamie Kiser, Brian Kiser, Robert Farmer, Patrick Farmer and Spencer Powers, also LaVerne Phillips, Frank Hess, Monty Gilmer and Mike Gilmer. The family will receive friends after 6 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12, 2004, at the funeral home. Flowers will be appreciated or memorials may be given to the Elk Garden United Methodist Church, Children, HC-64, Box 34, Rosedale, VA 24280. Combs Funeral Service in Lebanon is serving the family of Mrs. Cox. David Davidson ABINGDON – David McDonald Davidson, born Jan. 14, 1951, passed away Thursday, Sept. 9, 2004. David served in the U.S. Army and was a veteran of the Vietnam War. He was a member of Painter Creek Church of Christ in Abingdon. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marshall and Cora Davidson. Survivors include his wife, Nancee Sharon Davidson; daughter, Samantha Davidson; stepdaughter, Robyn Clevinger of Beaufort, S.C.; two stepsons, James Scott Smith of Battle Creek, Mich., and Robert Bryan Smith of Albany, Ga.; five grandchildren, Cody, Nicholas, Samantha, Amanda and Aundrea; two brothers, Danny Davidson and his wife, Debbie, of Abingdon and Larry Davidson of Tazewell; one sister, Phyllis Shaneburger of Gulfport, Miss.; and several nieces and nephews. David will be sadly missed by all. The family will receive friends Saturday, Sept. 11, 2004, from 6-8 p.m. at the Forest Hills Chapel, located at Forest Hills Memory Gardens, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon. Funeral services will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at Painter Creek Church of Christ. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Those wishing to express messages of sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service is serving the Davidson family. James H. Ferris BRISTOL, Va. – James Hammond Ferris, 81, passed away Friday, Sept. 10, 2004, at Johnson City Medical Center. He was born in Elmira, N.Y., a son of the late William and Elsie Thurston Ferris. He was retired from Sun Oil Company and moved to Bristol in 2000. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps and was of the Orthodox Presbyterian faith. Jim, for many years, was a song leader and choral conductor. He had an engaging personality and an abiding love of music. He used his musical abilities as a tool for worship ministry to youth and families at summer camp and weekend retreats. He is survived by his wife, Joyce Smith Ferris; a daughter, Linda Garcia of Quetzeltanango, Guatemala; two sons, Ben Ferris of Abington, Pa., and Joel Ferris of Roslyn, Pa.; 10 stepchildren; 23 grandchildren; seven great- grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 o’clock Monday morning at the graveside in Sunrise Cemetery, with Rev. Ralph Boersema officiating. The family and friends will meet at Oakley-Cook Funeral Home at 10:30 Monday morning to go in procession to the cemetery. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Mr. Ferris and his family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Lorraine Kyle Fox BRISTOL – Lorraine Kyle Fox, 85, passed away Friday, Sept. 10, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. She was born in Hawkins County, Tenn., the daughter of the late William Tilden and Susie Clementine Kyle. She had lived in Bristol since her childhood and worked in the newspaper business. She was of the Methodist faith. She is survived by her daughter, Kathy Layne and her husband Harry; a brother, William "Dub" Kyle; one granddaughter, Amy Jennings Hamilton; a very special great-grandson, Daniel Jennings, who was her "heart;" two stepgranddaughters, Angela Haynes and Leslie Malone; great-grandchildren, Stephanie, Anthony and Sisela Hamilton, Trinity Jennings Thomas and Dominique Lassiter, Nicole Blackshire, Christopher and Hunter Haynes and Taylor and Dakota Malone; great- great-grandson, Cameron Jennings; a special nephew, Gil Kyle Jr.; one niece and a host of family and friends that will miss her dearly. There will be no services at this time. Condolences and memories may be sent to the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Ms. Fox and her family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Charles S. Johnson BRISTOL, Tenn. – Committal services for Charles S. Johnson will be held on Sunday at 2 p.m. at Middle Fork Cemetery in Chilhowie. Pallbearers include Steve Lynch, Rick Cunningham, Roy Moore, Trevor Clark, Butch McCroskey, Marlin Butcher, Toma Sparks and Fred Esser. Honorary pallbearers include Ralph Belcher, Jordan, Pro Bowers, Walter Vance and employees of Pepsi-Cola. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Charles S. Johnson, age 54, passed away on Sept. 10, 2004, at Johnson City Medical Center. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Helen H. Kendrick BRISTOL, Tenn. – Helen H. Kendrick, age 77, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2004, at the residence of her daughter, Pam Cole. She was a native of Hawkins County and the daughter of the late Ray and Alta Burke Henegar. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Verlin Kendrick, a sister, Juanita Hutton, and a brother, Oscar Henegar. She was a member of the Church of Christ. Mrs. Kendrick was a loving mother and grandmother and will be truly missed. Survivors include two daughters, Pam Cole and husband, Hal, of Bluff City and Barbara Guinn and husband, Fred, of Blountville; a son, Phil Kendrick and wife, Linda, of Bristol Tennessee; a sister, Naomi Simcox; a half-sister, Lois Smithy; half-brothers, Dennis Henegar and Louis Henegar; grandchildren, Clayton and Michelle Guinn, Laura Guinn, Julie Kendrick, Joy and Titus Ball, Brandon and Amanda Cole, Joshua Cole and Bradley Cole; and two great-grandchildren, Ashley and Matthew Guinn. The funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m., Monday, Sept. 13, 2004, in the Akard Funeral Home Chapel, with Dan Bailey and Brandon Cole officiating. Music will be provided by Phil Whitaker and Sue Osborne. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Titus Ball, Clayton Guinn, Wayne Leonard, Ray Peters, Verlin Simcox, Wayne Simcox, Larry Simcox and Bradley Cole. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12, at Akard Funeral Home. The family would like to extend special gratitude to the staff of Wellmont Hospice. E-mail condolences for the family may be sent to akardfh@peercom.net. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423) 989-4800, is serving the family of Mrs. Kendrick. Vivian Duncan Lee NARROWS, Va. – Vivian Duncan Lee, 72, died Friday, Sept. 10, 2004, at Carilion Giles Memorial Hospital in Pearisburg, Va. Born Jan. 7, 1932, in Brumley Gap, Va., she was a daughter of the late Ike and Madge Warren Lilly. She graduated from Greendale High School in Abingdon and Bristol Commercial College in Bristol. She was a secretary for the U.S. government at the Pentagon and later retired as an office secretary from Narrows High School in 1978. She was a member of the First Christian Church-Disciples of Christ in Narrows and a former member of the Narrows Junior Women’s Club. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack T. Lee, in 1999. She is survived by two sons, Gregory N. Lee and his wife Paula and Michael Lee, all of Narrows; one brother, Raymond Duncan of Kingsport; two sisters, Ruby Homes of Brumley Gap and Levonda McDaniel of Abingdon; two grandchildren, James Thomas Lee and Amber Pauline Lee, both of Narrows. Funeral services will be held Monday, Sept. 13, 2004, at 1 p.m. at First Christian Church in Narrows, with Rev. Dennis Martin officiating. Burial will follow at Sunrise Memorial Gardens in Rich Creek, Va. Friends may call Sunday, Sept. 12, 2004, from 6 till 8 p.m. at Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows, and one hour prior to service at the church. Arrangements by Riffe’s Funeral Service in Narrows. Ronald E. Leonard KINGSPORT – Funeral services for Ronald Eugene Leonard will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 13, at the Appalachia Pentecostal Church, with Rev. Roy Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Powell Valley Memorial Gardens Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday. Ronald Eugene Leonard, 54, passed away Thursday, Sept. 9, 2004, at the Norfolk- Southern Railroad yard, Andover, Va. Roy A. Green Funeral Home, Appalachia, is in charge of arrangements. Betty L. McClelland BLUFF CITY – Betty Lady McClelland died Thursday, Sept. 9, 2004, in Lewis and Clark County, Mont. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Oakley- Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Elizabeth McFaddin ABINGDON – Elizabeth Lucille McFaddin, age 84, died Saturday, Sept. 11, 2004, in the Johnston Memorial Hospital. She was born in the Cedar Creek community and was the daughter of the late Clifford Stonewall and Ollie Mae Lester Clark. She was a member of the Carvosso United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Lee McFaddin. Survivors include one son, James L. McFaddin of Abingdon; one daughter and son- in-law, Lillie and Jimmy A. Widener of Abingdon; one sister, Virginia Leonard of Bristol Tennessee; one brother, Clifford Clark of Winston-Salem, N.C.; grandchildren, Cherie and Craig Roberts, Kerry and Stephen Baum and Karla and Patrick Godfrey; great-grandchildren, Cara, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Alanna, Jonah and Joseph; and special friends, Eva Mae Dillworth and Patsy Cooper. Funeral services for Elizabeth Lucille McFaddin will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday in the Campbell Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Leonard Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Active pallbearers will be Harvey Clark, Thomas McFaddin, Stephen Baum, Patrick Godfrey, Michael Clark and Bob Peters. Honorary pallbearers will be Doug Clark, Craig Roberts and the men of Carvosso United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends at the Campbell Funeral Home from 7-9 Sunday evening. Flowers will be accepted or those who wish may make memorial contributions to the Carvosso United Methodist Church, 19429 Rustic Lane, Abingdon. Those wishing to express sympathy online to the family of Mrs. McFaddin may do so at www.campbell-funeralhome.com. Campbell Funeral Home, Abingdon, is in charge of the arrangements. Lynne L. Morgan Lynne LaPrade Morgan, of 490 South Oakley Lane, Spartanburg, S.C., died Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2004, at her home. She was a native of Bluff City, a daughter of William E. and Carol O’Dell LaPrade of Bluff City, and the wife of Phillip D. Morgan of the home. She was a substitute teacher in Spartanburg School District 6, as well as a former teacher in the Asheboro, N.C., and Durham, N.C., city school systems. She was an honors graduate of Sullivan East High School in Bluff City, graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and received a master’s degree from East Tennessee State University. She was a member of Valley Hills Baptist Church of Bristol Tennessee, and a member of Alpha Delta Kappa National Teaching Fraternity. Surviving, in addition to her parents and husband are a son, William C. Morgan of the home; two brothers, Robert W. LaPrade and his wife Melinda B. of Johnson City and Lee E. LaPrade and his wife Leslie S. of Monroe, N.C.; a sister, Sarah E. LaPrade of Bluff City; a brother-in-law, M. Lloyd Morgan and his wife Judy B. of Asheboro; four nieces and three nephews. The family will receive friends from 1 until 2:45 Sunday afternoon, Sept. 12, 2004, at Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, with the funeral service following at 3 o’clock. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be mailed to the Westside Branch of the Spartanburg County Library, 525 Oak Grove Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301; or to Boy Scout Troop 79, c/o Catholic Church of Jesus Our Risen Savior, 2575 Reidville Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Mrs. Morgan and her family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Frances R. Mumpower BRISTOL, Va. – Frances R. Mumpower, age 94, of 206 Chester Hills Road, passed away and went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2004, at her residence. She was born on July 12, 1910, in Salisbury, N.C., a daughter to the late John Coleman Ramsey and Frances Elizabeth Barringer Ramsey, and she was a lifelong resident of the Bristol area. She was a charter member and elder emeritus of Airport Christian Church of Blountville and was the widow of Dr. Chester Mumpower. Survivors include children, Robert Chester Mumpower II of Bristol Virginia, Joseph C. Mumpower of Muncie, Ind., Betty M. Butterworth of Richmond, Linda M. Booher of Bristol Virginia and James E. Mumpower of Powder Springs, Ga.; daughters-in-law, Susan Mumpower, and Linda Mumpower; son-in-law, E.L. Butterworth; grandchildren, R. Chester Mumpower III, Rebecca Mumpower Hayes, Chris Butterworth, Ethan Butterworth, Laura B. Carrier, Sam Mumpower and Elizabeth M. Hume; and 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted on Monday, Sept. 13, 2004, at 7 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Alton Hayes officiating. The committal service will be held on Tuesday at 10 a.m. at Mountain View Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Chester Mumpower, Alton Hayes, Sam Mumpower, Bradley Hume, Chris Butterworth, Ethan Butterworth and Brent Carrier. Online condolences may be registered www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Donations may be made to Wellmont Hospice, 280 Steele’s Road, Bristol, TN 37620. The family will receive friends on Monday from 5-6:45 p.m., prior to the service. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Joseph T. Peaks BLUFF CITY – Joseph Thomas Peaks, age 56, 414 Stoney Hill Road, died Saturday, Sept. 11, 2004, in Northside Hospital, Johnson City. He was a native of Bristol and son of the late Thomas and Dorothy Smithson Peaks. He was a member of Central Holston Christian Church and was employed by Modern Forge and Graham Oil Company. Survivors include his wife, Rita Crowell Peaks; daughter and son-in-law, April and Frank Lopez, Bluff City; sons and daughters-in-law, Thomas and Tonia Peaks and Mike and Kim Dillard, Bluff City; grandchildren, Tyler Lopez, Dylan Lopez, Kali Futrell, T.C. Dillard and Justice Dillard. Funeral services will be conducted 1 p.m. Monday in Central Holston Christian Church, with Jeff Miller and Howard Campbell officiating. Burial will follow in Shipley Cemetery. Pallbearers: Larry Bunn, Wayne Smithson, Charlie Snyder, Donald Gentry, Harry Booher and Phil Hawk. Honorary pallbearers will be employees of Modern Forge and Graham Oil Company. Special thanks to Dr. Filka and staff of Northside Hospital. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in Weaver Funeral Home. Cecil Guy Scarberry CASTLEWOOD – Funeral services for Cecil Guy Scarberry will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12, 2004, at Buffalo Holiness Church, Castlewood, with Rev. Con Edwards, Rev. David Wolfe and Rev. Harold Shortridge officiating. Interment will follow in Scarberry Cemetery, Castlewood. Pallbearers will be James Scarberry, Jason Scarberry, Kevin Hill, Nathan Hill, Dewayne Powers and Timmy Hale. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Bush, Spencer White Jr., Matthew Scarberry, Dennis Scarberry, Cecil Gene Mullins and Wesley White. Online condolences may be sent to the Scarberry family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Cecil Guy Scarberry, 75, died Thursday, Sept. 9, 2004, at his home. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. James Henry Skeen WISE – James Henry Skeen, 71, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2004, at his home. He was a Christian and a member of the Mt. Olive Freewill Baptist Church. He retired from the U.S. Army as a sergeant, after 21 years of service, and was a veteran of the Korean conflict and Vietnam. He was a self-employed contractor and he will be missed very much by all his family and friends. Surviving are his wife, Mildred Ann Masters Skeen; three sons, Dennis James Skeen and Richard Wayne Skeen, both of Wise, and Jonathan Robert Skeen of Norton; four sisters, Dorothy Bright, Mary Alice Culbertson, Judy Gail King and Sue Elaine Stallard, all of Wise; nine grandchildren, Brooklynn Jade Skeen, Dennis James Allen Skeen, Nathaniel Andrew Skeen, Cody Allen Skeen, Haley Danielle Skeen, Joshua Garrett McCoy, Jacob Andrew Skeen, Lakin Starr Moore and Sydney Dianne Skeen; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services for James Henry Skeen will be conducted at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 12, 2004, at the Mt. Olive Freewill Baptist Church, with Pastors Tommy McAmis and T.J. McAmis officiating. Burial and graveside committal services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 13, 2004, at the Masters Family Cemetery, with military rites being conducted by the Pound VFW Post 9600 of Pound. Family and friends will meet at the church Monday at 10:30 a.m. to go to the cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. till time of services at 7 p.m. Sunday at the Mt. Olive Freewill Baptist Church. Memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Olive Freewill Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 2444, Wise, VA 24293. Sturgill Funeral Homes in Wise in charge of arrangements. Virginia L. Vernon HONAKER – Mrs. Virginia Leona Vernon, age 66, passed away Saturday morning, Sept. 11, 2004, in a Richlands hospital. Born Sept. 21, 1937, in Amonate, W.Va., she was a daughter of the late Alton Buchanan and Myrtle Myree Walls Stallard. She had lived in Honaker for the past 29 years and was of the Baptist faith. A 1955 graduate of Big Creek High School, she attended the University of Delaware and graduated from Brown and Makey in Kansas. She owned and operated Trey’s III in Rapid City, S.D. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by one son, Harry Vernon III, and one brother, Alton Buchanan Stallard Jr. Survivors include her husband, Harry Vernon II of the home; two brothers, Jack R. Stallard and his wife, Katherine, of Bristol Virginia and Charles N. Stallard and his wife, Celestina, of Biloxi, Miss.; one granddaughter, Natalie Nicole Martin and her husband, Tom, of Christiansburg, Va.; one great-granddaughter, Autumn Rhaeland Martin of Christiansburg; and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Rev. Clyde Lambert officiating. Interment will follow in Grandview Memorial Gardens at Bluefield, Va. Relatives and friends will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call at the Honaker Funeral Home after 6 p.m. Sunday. Ruth Nall Whittaker BRISTOL – Ruth Nall Whittaker, formerly of Shirley Drive, in Bristol Tennessee, and most recently of Grand Court in Bristol Virginia, died Thursday, Sept. 9, 2004. She was born in Kingsport and was the widow of Harrison Burns Whittaker. She attended Ward-Belmont College and Salem College and was a member of State Street United Methodist Church, Border Guild, Blue Ridge Garden Club, the Child Study Club, the Y.W.C.A. and the Virginia Parish Study Club. Survivors include four daughters, Cindy Haskins and husband Tom of Kingsport, Sandra Shumaker and husband Dick of Johnson City, Judy Proctor and husband Wes of Greensboro and Debbie McRackan and husband Bob of Raleigh; eight grandchildren, Hope Haskins Parnell and husband Tom of Kingsport, Amy Haskins Wettack and husband David of Gate City, Renee Shumaker Pettus and husband Sam of Charlotte, Al Shumaker and wife Lara of Cleveland, Tenn., Wes Proctor and wife Jackie of Denver and John Proctor, Lee McRackan and Katy McRackan, all of Raleigh; five grandchildren; a soon-to-arrive great-granddaughter; a sister, Katty Nall Harrison of Kingsport; several nieces and nephews; and her caregivers, Betty Venable, Nita Emmert, Vivian Cornett and Joyce Curtis. The life of Ruth Whittaker will be celebrated at 3 o’clock Sunday afternoon, Sept. 19, 2004, at State Street United Methodist Church, with Rev. Spurgeon McCartt officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. In keeping with Mrs. Whittaker’s benevolent spirit, her body has been taken to Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville for medical research. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to State Street United Methodist Church, 300 West Valley Drive, Bristol, VA 24201; and to Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele’s Road, Bristol, TN 37620. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Mrs. Whittaker and her family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn.