Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, September 19, 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. 19, 2004 Today's Deaths Kinzer M. Compton, 90, Venia, Va. Lizzie Bell Stophel Hilliard Davis, 97, Bristol Virginia Ronald Dennit Dye, 83, Honaker Thelma Greear, 82, Sugar Grove, Va. Etta Mullins Honeycutt, 99, Orange Park, Fla. Dave Jannenga, 59, Bluff City John A. Owen, 87, Bristol Virginia Lester Warren Petrie, 83, Abingdon Pearl Elizabeth Hawkins Smalling, 73, Bluff City Max Wheeler Smith, 66, Richlands Paul E. Smith, 75, Bristol Tennessee Guy Sturgill, 74, Bristol Tennessee Ferrell Sutherland, Stratton, Va. Clarence Thomas, 83, Haysi Cheryl Smith Wallace, 60, Abingdon Ruby Jewell Rock Williams, 82, Elizabethton, Tenn. Thomas E. Ball BRISTOL, Va. – Funeral services for Thomas E. "Tom" Ball will be held on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004, at 2 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Wallace Amos and Rev. Roger Ball officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Military honors will be presented by the DAV Chapter 40 of Bristol Virginia. Pallbearers include Josh Hackney, Tony Hackney, Kenneth Hackney, Rick White, Ricky White Jr., Arthur Salyer and Craig Atwood. Honorary pallbearers include the DAV Chapter 40 and the doctors and nurses at the VA Hospital. Mr. Ball attended the Upper Room Pentecostal Church of God. The family would like to say a special thanks to the nurses and doctors at the VA Hospital. He loved each and every one at the hospital. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Thomas E. "Tom" Ball, age 72, of 1107 Rhode Island Ave., went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2004, at the James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Kinzer M. Compton VENIA, Va. – Mr. Kinzer M. Compton, age 90, passed away Saturday morning, Sept. 18, 2004, at his home. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Honaker Funeral Home, Honaker. Lizzie Davis BRISTOL, Va. – Lizzie Bell Stophel Hilliard Davis, age 97, formerly of 24503 Hilliard Lane, passed away on Friday, Sept. 17, 2004, in the Cambridge House Nursing Facility, Bristol, Tenn. She was born June 12, 1907, to the late David and Nancy Jane Mumpower Stophel in Sullivan County, Tenn., and lived all of her life in the Bristol area. She was a member of the Highpoint Presbyterian Church, where she attended regularly. She was a very loving wife, mother, grandmother, and worked for L.C. King Mfg. Company, Bristol Tennessee, for 28 years. She was preceded in death by two husbands, Emmett Stanley Hilliard and Flavis Crockett Davis, parents, one sister, Maggie Lee Stophel Manuel, and brother, Roy Mack Stophel. She is survived by her son, Major Raymond (R.J.) Hillard, retired, and wife, Frances C. McCracken Hilliard; three grandchildren, Col. Raymond Stanley Hilliard of Valrico, Fla., and wife, Chris, Liticia Ann Hilliard Davenport and husband, Dennis, of Bristol Tennessee, JoAnne Carol Hilliard Sturgill and husband, Tim, of Bristol Virginia, five great-grandchildren: 2nd Lt. Jeremy G. Hilliard (USAF) and wife, Amanda, of Minot, N.D., Justin N. Hilliard of Olathe, Kan., David J. Hilliard of Valrico, Fla., Andrew N. Davenport of the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, and Amanda E. Davenport of Denver. Special mentions are three surviving nieces, Mary Alice Stophel Hagy of Bristol Tennessee, Nancy Stophel Vance and husband, Coy, of Huntsville, Ala., and Kate Stophel Ritchie of Fond-Lu-Lace, Wis. Also surviving are several great-nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 2:45 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2004 in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Alan E. Baldwin officiating. The burial will be held in High Point Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1 to 2:30 p.m. prior to the service Tuesday. A special thanks to the entire staff of the Cambridge House Nursing Facility and of the Hospice Facility in Johnson City for their professional and loving care. In lieu of flowers the family has asked that memorials be made to the Treasurer, Stophel Cemetery Fund, c/o R.J. Hilliard, 24503 Hilliard Lane, Bristol, VA 24202. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Ronald Dennit Dye HONAKER – Ronald Dennit "Den" Dye, 83, passed away on Saturday, Sept. 18, 2004. Born on Oct. 19, 1920, he was the son of the late Otis and Nannie Honaker Dye. He lived most of his life in Russell County, living the last six years in Bland, Va. He was a member and deacon of Bethany Baptist Church in Big A Mountain, Va., and a World War II veteran. In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by his wife, Effie M. Dye; daughter, Carolyn; son, Steve Dye; four brothers and one sister. Survivors include two sons, Jackie Dye and wife, Louise, of Abingdon and Gerald Dye and wife, Joyce, of Honaker; one daughter, Sandra Gail Ratliff and husband, Randy, of Bland; sister, Jettie Whitaker of Tazewell; half-brother, Willis Dye of Bastain, Va.; three grandchildren, Christopher Dye, Richie Dye and Mindy Meade; three great-grandchildren and two stepgreat-grandchildren. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Sept. 20, at 11 a.m. at Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Clyde Lambert officiating. Interment will follow at the McGlothlin Family Cemetery, Big A Mountain, with military graveside rites conducted by the Veterans Highlands Fellowship Honor Color Guard. The family will receive friends on Sunday after 6 p.m. at Honaker Funeral Home. Owens Funeral Service, Lebanon, is in charge of arrangements. Thelma Greear SUGAR GROVE, Va. – Thelma Greear, age 82, passed away Friday Sept. 17, 2004 in the Smyth County Community Hospital. She was born in Sugar Grove to the late John and Winnie McKinnon Taylor and lived there all of her life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Greear, and her son, John L. Greear, and was a member of the Wharf Hill United Methodist Church. Survivors: one son and daughter-in-law: Robert C. Greear, Jr. and wife, Mary, Greensboro, N.C.; one daughter and son-in-law, Anna G. Vaught and husband, Johnny, Thornburg, Va.; one sister and brother-in-law, Marie Ashlin and husband, Curtis, Sugar Grove; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Ronnie Taylor and wife, Shirley, Rural Retreat, Va., James Taylor and wife, Mozzelle, Baltimore; five grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. The family would like to extend a thank you to special friend and caregiver, Viola Hall of Sugar Grove for all the love and care given to Mrs. Greear. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Sept. 20, 2004, at the Wharf Hill United Methodist Church in Sugar Grove, with Rev. Kenny Conner officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Flowers will be appreciated or memorial donations can be made to the Wharf Hill UMC, 5522 Sugar Grove Highway, Sugar Grove, VA 24375. The family will receive friends Sunday from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion is serving the Greear family. Etta M. Honeycutt ORANGE PARK, Fla. – Mrs. Etta Mullins Honeycutt, age 99, passed away, Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2004, at the Heartland Healthcare Center in Florida. She had lived several years in Florida and, prior to moving there, had lived in Virginia, Kentucky and Alabama. She was a member of the Pilgrim’s Home Old Regular Baptist Church. Etta was preceded in death by her first husband, Thomas Mullins, and her second husband, Judd Honeycutt. Survivors include a daughter, Helen Church of Green Cove Springs, Fla., several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be held Monday, Sept. 20, 2004, at 2 p.m. in the Mausoleum Chapel of Knollkreg Memorial Park, with Elder Arnold Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 p.m. until 1:50 p.m. at the mausoleum of Knollkreg Memorial Park. Those wishing to express a memory or sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service is serving the family of Mrs. Honeycutt. Dave Jannenga BLUFF CITY – Dave Jannenga, age 59, of 656 Mountain View Road, died Friday, Sept. 17, 2004, at his residence following a brief illness. A native of Michigan, he was a son of Dorothy Rogers, Michigan, and the late Leo Jannenga. Mr. Jannenga was a Vietnam veteran of the U.S Navy, and retired after 22 years of service. He was a member of the VFW- Bluff City Post, and was of the Baptist faith. Survivors, in addition to his mother, are wife, Regina Jannenga, Bluff City, one daughter and son-in-law, Ann Maria and Daniel Kelly, Knoxville; two sons and daughters-in-law, David and Lisa Jannenga and Danny and Angie Jannenga, all of Bluff City; five grandchildren, Joshua Jannenga, Alisha Hooker, Katelyn Jannenga, Jessalyn Jannenga Kelly and Cody Jannenga; two brothers and sisters- in-law, Bill and Ruth Ann Jannenga, George and Loraine Rogers and John and Paula Rogers, all of Michigan; one sister and brother-in-law, Mary Rogers and spouse Bill. Several nieces and nephews also survive. He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Otis Rogers, sister, Beverly Hill, and an infant daughter, Dawn Denise Jannenga. The funeral service for Dave Jannenga will be conducted at 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 20, 2004, in the Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home, Bluff City, with Rev. Howard Miller officiating. The graveside service and interment will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, in Morning View Cemetery, Bluff City. Military honors will be presented by VFW Patton-Crosswhite Post No. 6975 and the Tennessee National Guard. Active pallbearers will be selected from family and friends. Honorary pallbearer will be Bill Overbay. Those who wish to attend the graveside are asked to meet at the funeral home at 9:30 a.m. Tuesday. The family will receive friends Monday, Sept. 20, from 6-8 p.m. prior to the service in the chapel. Condolences to the family may be sent online through our Web site at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com. Tetrick Funeral Home, Bluff City Chapel, is in charge of the arrangements, (423) 538-7131. Donald Mountcastle BRISTOL, Va. – Donald Lee Mountcastle, age 60, went to be with his Lord, Thursday, Sept. 16, 2004, in the Quillen Dishner VA Medical Center. He was born Feb. 29, 1944, in Danville, Va., and was a son of the late Harry and Clara Belle Mountcastle. He was a lifelong resident of Bristol and was a truck driver for 37 years. He was a U.S. Army veteran and was a member of the American Legion of Bristol Tennessee. He was an avid fisherman and attended Fellowship Chapel. Survivors include wife, Barbara Mountcastle; son, Andrew "Andy" Mountcastle, Bluff City; daughters, Tracy Mountcastle Waddell and husband, Rick, Blountville, and Tammy Mountcastle Sykes and husband, Greg, Beaufort, S.C.; brother, Herman "Dooney" Mountcastle, Danville; stepbrother, Hobert Statzer; stepsister, Hilda Osteber; three grandchildren; several nieces and a nephew. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 20, 2004, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Scott Price and Rev. Bryan Hall officiating. Burial will follow in the National Cemetery, with military honors conducted by the Patton Crosswhite VFW Post 6975. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the Weaver Funeral Home. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. John A. Owen BRISTOL, Va. – John A. Owen, age 87, of 2148 Bradley Street went to be with the Lord Friday, Sept. 17, 2004, in the National Health Care Center, Bristol Virginia. Mr. Owen was a native of Campbell County, Va., and had lived in the Bristol area for the past 53 years. He was the son of the late Payton Cabell and Ella West Owen. He was a retired employee of Burlington Industries with over 40 years of service. He was a member of the First Assembly of God in Bristol Virginia and a United States Navy veteran where he served as a seabee on the U.S.S. John Hancock during World War II. Survivors include his wife, Eve Mae Singleton Owen; three sons, Kenneth Owen of Greenville, S.C., Stanley Owen of Atlanta, Phil Owen of Council, Va.; three daughters, Jackie Goad of Oneida, Tenn., Sarah Pritchard of Church Hill, Tenn., Pamela Leonard of Knoxville; one brother, Eldridge Owen of Greenville; three sisters, Hilda Cable, Lucille Gill and Evelyn Owen, all of Alta Vista, Va. Also surviving are 18 grandchildren, 22 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great- grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Monday, Sept. 20, 2004, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Jeff Carico, pastor, Stanley Owen and Rev. Reginald Stone officiating. Military funeral rites will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2004, in the Susong Cemetery, with Highland Fellowship Church Honor Color Guard presenting. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday prior to the service at the funeral home. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Owen. Lester Warren Petrie ABINGDON – Lester Warren Petrie, age 83, passed away on Sept. 14, 2004, at Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was the son of the late Warren and Hazel Fairlee Petrie and had been a resident of the Bristol area for the past 14 years. He was a veteran, serving in the U.S. Marines during World War II in the South Pacific, as well as in Korea. Mr. Petrie was a member of Cold Spring Presbyterian Church. Survivors include daughters, Sharen Trudeau of Gilbert, Ariz., and Shirley Stewart of Oconomowoc, Wis.; Sheri Weber of Allen, Texas, Debbie Myer of Santa Margarita, Calif.; son, Kenneth Petrie of Abingdon; sister, Viola Hvizdak of Albany, N.Y.; brother, Ronald Petrie of Largo, Fla.; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 22, 2004, at 1 p.m. at the Cold Spring Presbyterian Church, with Dr. Errol Rohr officiating. Interment will follow at Cold Spring Cemetery, with military honors by Highlands Fellowship Honor Color Guard. Pallbearers include James Jarvis, Jim Graham, Mike Carty, Dan Fetters, Kenneth Alfre and Roy Tester. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at Cold Spring Presbyterian Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Cold Spring Presbyterian Church at 280 Cold Spring Church Road, Bristol, Tenn. Online condolences may be registered at www.Weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Vergil Lee Rose DICKENSON COUNTY, Va. – Graveside services for Vergil Lee Rose will be conducted by VFW Post 8979, DAV Chapter 35 and American Legion Post 227 of Clintwood on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004, at 1 p.m. from the Ratliff Cemetery on Caney Ridge. Family and friends will meet at the graveside. Vergil Lee Rose, age 66, died at Hillside Health Care on Thursday, Sept. 16, 2004, after a lengthy illness. Clintwood Funeral Home of Clintwood is in charge of the arrangements. Arthur R. Rupard BLUFF CITY – Arthur R. Rupard, age 77, passed away on Thursday, Sept.16, 2004, at Bristol Nursing Home. Mr. Rupard began life as a "country boy" from Laurel Bloomery, Tenn., but went on to help launch the first U.S. satellite into space as a technician on the Vanguard Missile Project. He went on to help pioneer other innovative missile projects, including antiballistic missile systems used during the Cold War. Mr. Rupard was a veteran, having served with the U.S. Air Force during World War II. He and his family lived at a number of different outposts throughout the world, from White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico to the Kwajalien Missile Range in the Marshall Islands, before retiring in the Bluff City area. Mr. Rupard’s career helped shape history and his mark on space exploration and homeland defense will prevail for generations. He was recently honored with induction into the "2004 Who’s Who in Tennessee Nursing Homes Hall of Fame." He was the last surviving member of his family and a member of Virginia Avenue Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Barbara "Bobbie" Rupard; daughter, Kellie Rupard Schoor of El Paso, Texas, son, Jerry Rupard and wife, Jeanne, of Dilworth, Minn.; grandchildren, Brady, Chelsea and Timothy Rupard; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Monday, Sept. 20, 2004, at 3 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Cass Farrior officiating. Interment will follow at Glenwood Cemetery. Military honors will be rendered by the Highlands Fellowship Church Honor Color Guard. Pallbearers include John Rogers, Dennis Farris, Don McClain, Jeff Hodge, Jerry Jones, and Wayne Lewis. The family would like to say a special thanks to the staff of the Bristol Nursing Home for all their kindness. The family will receive friends on Monday from 1-2:45 p.m. prior to the service. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Pearl Smalling BLUFF CITY – Pearl Elizabeth Hawkins Smalling, age 73, passed away Saturday, Sept. 18, 2004, in the Select Speciality Hospital. She was born Aug. 13, 1931, in Bristol Virginia, a daughter of the late Gordon and Catherine Hawkins. She had lived in the Bristol area for 40 years. She was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and was a homemaker. She was preceded in death by four brothers. Survivors include husband, David "Smiley" Smalling; three sons, David Lee Taylor and wife, Betty Jo, Greeneville, Tenn., Gordon E. Jones and wife, Mary Ellen, Bluff City, David Allen Hall and wife, Christine, Seymour, Tenn.; daughter, Melinda Ann Morris and husband, Timothy, Bristol Tennessee; sister, Ruby Roark, Bristol Tennessee; two brothers, Alfred Hawkins, Bristol Tennessee, Gordon Hawkins, Bristol Virginia; seventeen grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2004, in the Sunrise Cemetery, with Rev. Eddie Zimmerman officiating. Online condolences may be registered at www.Weaverfuneralhome.net. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Weaver Funeral Home for funeral expenses. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Weaver Funeral Home. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Max Wheeler Smith RICHLANDS – Mr. Max Wheeler Smith, age 66, died Saturday, Sept. 18th, 2004 at a Bristol, Tennessee hospital following a brief illness. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands. 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. Paul E. Smith BRISTOL, Tenn. – Paul E. Smith, age 75, passed away on Sept. 17, 2004 at Wellmont Hospice House. He was the son of the late Noah and Etta Vance Smith and was a lifelong resident of the Bristol area. Mr. Smith retired from Virginia Wholesale, where he worked as a salesman. He was a Mason and a member of the King Masonic Lodge No. 461. Survivors include wife, Peggy J. Vance Smith; sons, Roger Smith and wife, Sharon, of Atlanta and Kenneth Smith and wife, Susan, of Bristol Tennessee; daughter, Wanda Smith Vance Oliver and husband, Mike, of Piney Flats; sister, Edith Holden Wilson; grandchildren, Kevin Smith, Amanda Smith, Kristen Smith and Preston; several nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, Sept. 21, 2004, at 11 a.m. at Shipley Cemetery, with Rev. Rick Light officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday from 5 to 7 p.m. at Weaver Funeral Home. The family would like to say a special thanks to Betty Brown, Bobby and Eva Houser, Jim Bridgeman, Bobby Davidson and the Wellmont Hospice House. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Eastern Heights Presbyterian Church Building Fund at 104 Cannon Avenue, Bristol, Tenn. Online condolences may be registered at www.Weaverfuneralhome.net Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Guy Sturgill BRISTOL, Tenn. – Guy Sturgill, 74 years of age, passed away Friday, Sept. 17, 2004, in Bristol Nursing Home, Bristol Tennessee, following an extended illness. Born in Wise County, Va., he was a son of the late King Charles and Nettie Hicks Sturgill. He served in the U.S. Army and was a retired carpenter. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Mr. Sturgill was preceded in death by his parents, King Charles and Nettie Hicks Sturgill, and by two brothers, Edward William Sturgill, Nov. 15, 2001, and C.H. Sturgill. He is survived by two nieces and three nephews. Memorial services for Guy Sturgill will be conducted Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004, at 2 p.m. at Estes Funeral Home, Coeburn. Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of arrangements. Ferrell Sutherland STRATTON, Va. – Ferrell Sutherland, son of the late Elihu and Bessie Sutherland, born April 11, 1919, died Friday, Sept. 17, 2004. He served in Italy and North Africa during World War II and received a bachelor of science degree from Emory & Henry College in 1950. He taught math and served as assistant principal at Ervinton High School from 1954 to 1982. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Caleb, Gaines and Paul. He is survived by wife, Ruth Smith Sutherland; brother, Milan, stepchildren, Laura Culpepper, Carl Nichols, Jo Mackenzie; 11 stepgrandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Monday, Sept. 20, at Mullins Funeral Home Chapel, with Clergyman Tam Hill officiating. Burial will follow in the Sutherland Cemetery, Hatchett, Va. Visitation will be held Sunday, Sept. 19, from 6-8 p.m. at the Mullins Funeral Home Chapel. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Mullins Funeral Home and staff are serving the Sutherland family. Clarence Thomas HAYSI – Clarence Thomas, age 83, of Rt. 2, passed away Saturday, Sept. 18, 2004, at his residence. Born in Dickenson County, he was a son of the late Tyler Acorn and Martha Jane Mullins Thomas. Mr. Thomas was a U.S. Navy veteran of World War II, a retired miner, and was a member of Bartlick Old Regular Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Hazel Marie Thomas, a daughter, Mary Ann Thomas, a granddaughter, Regina Yuvonne Thomas, three brothers, Ernest, Aven and Japtha Thomas, and a sister, Ina Smith. Survivors include two sons, Bobby (Mary) Thomas of Abingdon and Jerry (Sandy) Thomas of Haysi; grandchildren, Brian and Julie Thomas, Mitch and Rhonda Thomas and Rita and Walter Johnson; great-grandchildren, Tanner, Morgan, Noah, Wyatt and Trace, two sisters, Roxie Hughes of Bristol, Va., and Crissie McCray of Blountville. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Monday, Sept. 20, 2004, at Haysi Funeral Home, with Elder Freddie Ramey and Elders of Bartlick Old Regular Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in the Thomas Family Cemetery, Rt. 2, Haysi. American Legion Post No. 227 and VFW Post No. 8979 of Clintwood will conduct military graveside rites. Pallbearers will be Mitchell Thomas, Brian Thomas, Tim Thomas, Walter Johnson, Kemp Fuller, and Scott Thomas. The family will receive friends after 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 19, at the funeral home, where an evening service will be held at 6 p.m. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Esther Thornbury LEBANON – The funeral services for Esther Thornbury will be conducted 2 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 19, 2004, in the Combs Funeral Service Chapel, with Adam Horn and Ronald Epling, ministers, officiating. Entombment will follow in the Green Hills Memory Gardens Mausoleum. Pallbearers will be Ron Epling, Doug Parnell, Carson Rasnake, Leonard Farmer, Jim Vermillion, Robert Stone, Johnny Farmer and Skip Ramsey. Esther Thornbury, age 84, died Wednesday, Sept. 15, 2004, in the Kings Daughters Medical Center in Ashland, Ky. Combs Funeral Service is serving the family of Mrs. Thornbury. Cheryl S. Wallace ABINGDON – Cheryl Smith Wallace, age 60, died Friday, Sept. 17, 2004, at Johnston Memorial Hospital. Born on Aug. 22, 1944, she was a daughter of the late Laban Smith and Wilma Meade Smith. Cheryl was an artist from a very early age, but began her formal training at 18, entering the graphic-design program at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond. She later graduated with a bachelor of art degree and did her graduate work in art at East Tennessee State University. Cheryl was a highly respected artist who exhibited art shows at the Virginia Highlands Festival and shows held by the Bristol Virginia Art Guild, as well as the Gallery at the Arts Depot in Abingdon and various showings throughout the region. Ms. Wallace was a loved and respected art teacher at Lebanon High School for over 30 years. She also taught art classes for Southwest Virginia Community College. Cheryl inspired students to find their own creative talent, which led many to strive to succeed at their own art careers, because she wasn’t just a teacher, she was a friend. "If your art is not personal, if you do not have a passion for it, then you should have no reason to complete a piece of artwork," were the words she used to describe her passion for art. Her family and friends admired her creative talents and love of life. She is survived by a daughter, Dale McGill of Morgantown, W.Va.; a son, David Wallace of Cleveland, Va.; a sister, Fern Smith Yane of Hot Springs, Va.; two grandchildren, Keelin and Rohen McGill; her stepmother, Catherine Smith of Bristol Virginia; and an aunt, Juanita Garland of Kingsport, Tenn. She will be deeply missed by all who loved and knew her. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m., Monday, Sept. 20, 2004, in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, with Dr. Robert W. Hill officiating. Interment will follow at Temple Hill Memorial Park in Castlewood. Family and friends will serve as casket bearers. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Those wishing to send memories or messages of sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Ruth Nall Whittaker Ruth Nall Whittaker died Thursday, September 9, 2004. Her life will be celebrated at 3 o’clock Sunday afternoon, September 19, 2004, at State Street United Methodist Church with Rev. Spurgeon McCartt and Rev. Sharon Wiley officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. 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, Tennessee. Ruby Williams ELIZABETHTON, Tenn. – Mrs. Ruby Jewell Rock Williams, 82, 1117 Broad Street, died Friday, Sept. 17, 2004, at her residence. A native of Benhams, Va., she was a daughter of the late Clarence and Blanche Smith Rock. She had lived in Elizabethton for the past 68 years. Mrs. Williams was an employee of Watson’s for several years and retired from Peebles department store. She was a member of the Riverview Baptist Church. Mrs. Williams was preceded in death by her husband, Oliver Williams, in 1999; by a daughter, Doris Ann Cole, June 4, 2004; and by a brother, Howard Rock. Survivors include a grandson and his wife, Patrick and Dana Cole, Stockbridge, Ga.; two great-granddaughters; two sisters, Alma Oller, Jacksonville, Fla., and Linda Elliott, Elizabethton; two brothers: Velmer Rock and Earl Rock, both of Elizabethton; and four nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Sunday in Memorial Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Robert English and Rev. Larry Shorter officiating. Graveside service and the interment will be at 1 p.m. Monday in Happy Valley Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. Condolences may be e-mailed to mfc@chartertn.net. Memorial Funeral Chapel is in charge.