Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, October 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 Tuesday, October 12, 2004 Ruby Boggs Addington, 80, Pound T.R. Carter, 75, Hiltons, Va. David Eugene Cowan, 49, Bristol Tennessee Gussie L. Farmer, 74, Lebanon, Va. Anna Lou Belcher Fitzpatrick, Hensley, W.Va. Patricia L. Gott, 52, Blountville Margaret Ragan Hayes, 76, Lenoir, N.C. Esther Kiser, 91, Abingdon Hugh C. Mauney Sr., 75, Marion Maxie Ellen Moore, 74, Dante, Va. Lelia Ellen Roberts Saunders, 92 Ralph Eugene Taylor, 48, Norton Garland Summers Tilton, 80, Marion Kelley Lee Williams, 25, Wise Ruby B. Addington POUND – Ruby Boggs Addington, 80, passed away Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, at Bon Secour St. Mary’s Hospital in Norton. Mrs. Addington was a retired school teacher in Wise County School System and taught at J.W. Adams Elementary School in Pound until her retirement. She answered the phone for a number of years at Estes Funeral Home. She was a member of Pyles Memorial Church, Virginia Education Association and Pound O.E.S. Chapter. She was preceded in death by her parents, Elbert Monroe and Nancy "Nannie" Ellen Stallard Boggs; two brothers, Cecil K. Boggs and Lester E. "Big Oop" Boggs; one sister, Iris Edell Boggs; three infant brothers; one infant sister; and daughter-in-law, Janet Sizemore Addington. Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Roy N. Addington; son and daughter- in-law, Dr. Jerry W. Addington and Beth Addington, Fredericksburg, Va., son, Bob A. Addington Sr., Coeburn; two granddaughters, Lisa N. Addington, Indianapolis and Julie B. Addington, Fredericksburg; two grandsons, Bobby A. Addington Jr., Coeburn and Thomas Andrew "Drew" Addington, Fredericksburg; special family friends, Wilma Hounshell, Mr. and Mrs. Donald Lee Stanley and church family; several nephews; and several nieces. Funeral services for Ruby Boggs Addington will be held 2 p.m. Wednesday at Pyles Memorial Church, with Rev. Randy Carter officiating. Burial will follow in the Powell Valley Memorial Gardens in Big Stone Gap. Visitation will be held at Estes Funeral Home Chapel in Coeburn on Tuesday after 6 p.m. The body will be taken to the church at noon, before service. Estes Funeral Home, Inc. (276) 395-2441 Polly Arnold ST. PAUL, Va. – Committal services for Polly Arnold will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004, at Temple Hill Memorial Park, Castlewood. The family will meet at the funeral home and go in procession to the cemetery, leaving at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Online condolences may be sent to the Arnold family through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Polly Arnold, 76, died Thursday, Oct. 7, 2004, at the home of her daughter in Haslet, Texas. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. James H. Atwell MARION – James Herbert Atwell, age 75, passed away Saturday, Oct. 9, 2004, in the Sturdy Memorial Hospital in Attleboro, Mass. Mr. Atwell was born in Chatham Hill section of Smyth County to the late Jacob and Ethel Mae Snow Atwell, and was preceded in death by his wife, Nivia E. Castillo, and seven brothers and sisters. He was retired from the U.S. Army, having served in the Korean conflict and Vietnam War and was the recipient of several medals of valor, including the Vietnam Service Medal and Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal and Bronze Star. He was retired from Englehard Precious Metal Company in Plainville, Mass., as the security manager. He was a mason and a member of the VFW. Survivors include: three children, Ethel Diane Call, Manchester, Tenn., James H. Atwell Jr., Newport News, Va., and Martha J. Greene, Altamonte Springs, Fla.; one brother, Carl Atwell, Rich Valley; one sister, Louise Kaearley, Jonesborough, Tenn.; 15 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 15, 2004, in the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion, with Rev. Mike Sage officiating. Interment will follow in the Sunset Community Cemetery in Rich Valley, with full military honors being rendered by the Francis Marion VFW Post 4667. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the Atwell family. Cora Elizabeth Bains BRISTOL, Tenn. – Cora Elizabeth Bains, age 72, went to be with the Lord on Oct. 10, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. She was a lifelong resident of the Bristol area and was the daughter of the late Charles V. and Blanche Rosenbalm Frye. Mrs. Bains was a housewife and was a member of Sinking Springs Methodist Church. Survivors include: husband of 56 years, Jack Bains; sons, Johnny S. Bains and wife Karen, Wayne Bains and wife Sarah and Danny Bains and wife Tamara, all of Bristol; daughters, Debbie Stidham of Bristol Tennessee, and Peggy Hawk and husband Phil of Bluff City; sisters, Elsie Silcox, Lois Frye, Pauline Osborne, Juanita Trivett, Joann Harless, Jane Gross and Joyce Trivett; brother, Charles Frye; 12 grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a grandson, Joshua Hawk. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004, at 8 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Howard Campbell and Rev. Gary Rowlette officiating. Committal services will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Rooty Branch Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6-7:45 p.m., prior to the service. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Joe Fred Brookshire BRISTOL – The committal service and interment for Joe Fred Brookshire will be held at 11 o’clock Tuesday morning, Oct. 12, 2004, in Phillippi Cemetery in Mountain City, Tenn. Honorary pallbearers will be Frank Easterly, Al Maiden, Arnold Leonard and Vic Gauge. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Joe Fred Brookshire, 72, passed away Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, at NHC Healthcare. Mr. Brookshire and his family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. T.R. Carter HILTONS, Va. – T.R. (Sam) Carter, age 75, of Route 1, went to be with his Lord and Savior Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, at Wellmont Hospice House, with his family by his side. He was born in Hiltons on March 10, 1929, and was the son of the late Preacher T.R. (Big Tom) Carter Sr. and Clara Carroll Carter. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served during the Korean War and retired from Raytheon in Bristol Tennessee. Mr. Carter was of the Baptist faith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by several brothers and sisters. Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Daryl Parker, Hiltons; former wife and special friend, Evelyn Carter, Bristol Virginia; grandchildren, Jeff Hensley, Jennifer Hensley and Darren Parker and wife Heather; great- grandchildren, Jacob and Chloe; brother and sister-in-law, Dale and Mary Carter, Kingsport; and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours are 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004, at Colonial Funeral Home, Weber City, Va., and other times at the daughter’s residence. Funeral services will be at 7 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Layton Bentley officiating. Music will be provided by Darthula Quartet. Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at Holston View Cemetery. Serving as pallbearers will be Bryan Booher, Jeff Hensley, Jeffery Scott Hensley, Darren Parker, Tracy Parker, Mark Salyers, Wayne Salyers and Ronald Taylor. Honorary pallbearers will be the "Rally Mart Breakfast Gang". In memory of Mr. Carter, memorial contributions may be made to Darthula Baptist Church, Route 1, Box 173-H, Hiltons, VA 24258. Online condolences may be made to the Carter family at cfhwc@earthlink.net. Mary Dragoo Clark BLOUNTVILLE – Mary Ruth Dragoo Clark, age 65, of 1078 Massengill Road, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, at her residence. She had retired from medical laundry and was a member of Island Road Freewill Baptist Church. Mrs. Clark was a native and lifelong resident of the Bristol area. Survivors include: husband, John Lester Clark; daughters, Mary Ann Bennett and husband Mike of Bristol Tennessee, and Donna Jean Gregg and husband Grant of Blountville; grandchildren, Kerry Merritt, Allen Abbott and Amanda Deel; great- grandchildren, Allie Marie Abbott and Caleb Andrew Merritt; mother, Esther Dragoo; sisters, Ann Godsey of Bristol Tennessee, and Norma Asbury and Pat Pountoye, both of Cape Coral, Fla.; brothers, Walter Dragoo of California, Bobby Dragoo of Ft. Myers, Fla., and Ronnie Dragoo of Maryland; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004, at 6 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Johnny Burton and Pastor Nathan Salyer officiating. Committal services will be held on Wednesday at 11 a.m. at Weaver Cemetery. Honorary pallbearers include: Dr. Michael Fletcher, C.W. Hatcher, Dr. Bernard Grunstra, Calvin Collins, Les Barr and David Hooker. The family will receive friends on Tuesday following the service. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Dempsey Combs LEBANON – The funeral service for Dempsey Combs will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004, in the Combs Funeral Service Chapel, with the Rev. Rick Smith and the Rev. Thelmer Wallace Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon. Pallbearers will be Jeff Grizzel, Jason Coe, Brad Buffalow, Jamie Sabo, James Sizemore, James Phillips, Roy Glovier and Joe Santolla. Honorary pallbearers will be Trigg Fields, Charles Bowman, William Gibson, Tim Dawson, Foster Gamble, Rick Cole, John Debord, Jack Combs, Richard Morton, Danny Belcher, Mike Bush and the employees of the Russell County Sheriff’s Office. Dempsey Combs, 61, of Russell Hills, died Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, in the Russell County Medical Center. Combs Funeral Service is serving the family of Dempsey Combs. James Copeny BRISTOL – The family of James Copeny will receive friends from noon until 12:45 Tuesday afternoon, Oct. 12, 2004, at Oakley-Cook Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 1 o’clock in the Paul Cook Memorial Chapel of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, with Rev. Kenneth Sawyer officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be his many friends. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send memorial contributions to Alzheimer’s Association, Northeast Tennessee Chapter, 207 North Boone St., Suite 1500, Johnson City, TN 37604. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. James Copeny, 82, passed away Thursday, Oct. 7, 2004, at James H. Quillen Veterans Affairs Medical Center. Mr. Copeny and his family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. David Eugene Cowan BRISTOL, Tenn. – David Eugene Cowan, age 49, died Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, in the Mountain City Medical Center. Arrangements are incom-plete. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 W. State St., Bristol, TN 37620, 423-989-4800, is serving the family of Mr. Cowan. Gussie L. Farmer LEBANON – Gussie L. Farmer, 74, died Monday, Oct. 11, 2004, in the Maple Grove Health Care Center. Arrangements are incom-plete. Combs Funeral Service is serving the family of Mrs. Farmer. Anna Lou Fitzpatrick HENSLEY, W.Va. – Anna Lou Belcher Fitzpatrick, loving wife and mother, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Oct. 9, 2004. She devoted her life to God and family. Anna Lou was preceded in death by her husband, Alta Charles Fitzpatrick; her son, Andrew S. Fitzpatrick; and her grandsons, Kevin D. England whom she raised, Michael W. Asbury and Vaughn Fitzpatrick. Left to mourn our loss are five daughters, Myrtle England of Melbourne, Fla., Dondra Asbury of Blountville, Sharon Stacy and husband Kermit of Welch, W.Va., Judy Surface and husband Clifford "Danny" of Princeton, W.Va., and Ella Brooks and husband Robert of Grifton, N.C.; four sons, Ked Fitzpatrick of Frankfurt, Ky., A.C. Fitzpatrick of Springfield, Mo., and Wesley and David Fitzpatrick of Hensley; grandchildren, Richard Jordon and wife Donna, Michelle Rodriguez and husband Ruben, Kedra Weinrach and husband Michael, Dondria Kilgore, Crystal Surface, Marlana Wiley and husband Chris, Stephen Surface, Robert Brooks and wife Hether, Remington Brooks and wife Christy, John, Matthew and Brittany Brooks, David Lee Fitzpatrick, Andrea Sumwalt, Ella Brooke Fitzpatrick, Dondra Dee Fitzpatrick and granddaughter, whom she raised, Kimberly Cole and husband Tom of Melbourne; sisters, Irene Lynch of Princeton, Melda Burrows and husband Chip of Raleigh, N.C., Therisa Ray and Fay McMamus of Ironton, Ohio, and Benice Lusk of Pinkerton, Ohio; two brothers, Joe Belcher and wife Leona of Rock, W.Va., and Lawrence Belcher and wife Frances of Cross City, Fla.; and special friends, Frankie and Evon Howell, Ray and Carol Howell and Faye Cole; and special sister-in-law, Ruby Kelley. Friends may call at the Assembly of God at Hensley between 5-9 p.m. Tuesday, where a service will be held at 7 p.m., with the Rev. Gene Thorne and wife Sandy officiating. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the church. Interment will follow in Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Princeton. Pallbearers will be Frankie Howell, Ray Howell, Phillip Lucion, Kermit Stacy, Danny Surface and Stephen Surface. The Douglas Mortuary of Welch, W.Va., is serving the Fitzpatrick family. Patricia L. Gott BLOUNTVILLE – Patricia L. "Tish" Gott, age 52, of 2877 Highway 126, passed away on Oct. 10, 2004, at the Select Specialty Hospital in Nashville, Tenn. She was the daughter of the late Robert and Thelma Chapman Campbell and was a lifelong resident of the Bristol area. She was retired from Sprint, with 37 years of service, and was a member of Blountville Christian Church. Survivors include: husband, Martin Gott; son, Pfc. Randall Gott; daughter, Stacie Gott; stepchildren, Richard Gott of Florence, Ky., Russell Gott of Crittendon, Ky., Robert Gott of Bryson City, N.C., and Julie Neer of Finley, Ohio; mother-in-law, Vina G. Gott; four grandchildren; brother, Randy Campbell; half-brother, Freddy Wilkins; several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Brenda Estep and Pattie Dillman. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004, at 11 a.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Dwight Shaffer officiating. Burial will follow in East Lawn Cemetery. Pallbearers will be friends of the family. The family will receive friends on Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. at Weaver Funeral Home. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Clara Belle Grizzle ABINGDON – Interment for Clara Belle Grizzle will be on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at Maple Grove Church Cemetery in Sandy Ridge. Honorary pallbearers will be physicians of Watauga Orthopedics in Johnson City. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Clara Belle Grizzle, 64, passed away Saturday, Oct. 9, 2004. Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Grizzle family. Margaret R. Hayes LENOIR, N.C. – Margaret Ragan Hayes, age 76, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, at Frye Regional Medical Center. She was a native of Watauga County, N.C., and a daughter of the late Doc and Fannie Lookabill Ragan. In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband, Irvin Hayes, one brother, Jesse Ragan, and two sisters, Annie and Grace Ragan. Mrs. Hayes was a homemaker and was of the Lutheran Faith. She is survived by two sons, Danny Hayes and Jeff Hayes and his wife Pam; two daughters, Mrs. John (Carol) Jett, and Mrs. Ron (Ann) Crump, all of Lenoir; five brothers, Dave Ragan, Orville Ragan, Lloyd Ragan and Joe Ragan, all of Boone, N.C., and John Ragan of Eden, N.C.; two sisters, Kathleen Goodman of Boone and Nancy Price, of Zionville, N.C.; six grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004, at Pendry’s Lenoir Funeral Home, with Rev. Stanley Townsend to officiate. The committal service and interment will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004, in the Laurel Cemetery, Troutdale, Va. Memorials may be made to the Laurel Cemetery, c/o Russell Adams, 195 Konnarock Road, Troutdale, VA 24378 or to the Caldwell County Hospice, 902 Kirkwood St., Lenoir, NC 28645. Pallbearers will be Barry Crump, Junior Hayes, Brandon Hayes, Buford Brown, Don Hayes and Brad Price. The family will receive friends from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesday, prior to the funeral service at Pendry’s Lenoir Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent to the family through our Web page at www.pendrysfuneralhome.com. Pendry’s Lenoir Funeral Home is serving the family of Mrs. Hayes. Information is provided by Garrett Funeral Home, Damascus, Va. Clara Etta Hess BRISTOL – The family of Clara Etta Hess will receive friends from 6 until 7:45 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004, at Oakley-Cook Funeral Home. The funeral service will follow at 8 o’clock in the Paul Cook Memorial Chapel of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home. The committal service and interment will be conducted at 1 o’clock Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 13, 2004, at Russell Memorial Cemetery in Lebanon. Pallbearers will be Dennis Hogan, Richard Garland, Matt McMillan, Adam McMillan, Rex Weems and Jack Owens. Honorary pallbearers will be Ray Lady, Dickie King, R.E. Milhorn and Jack Milhorn. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com. Clara Etta Hess, 71, passed away Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, at her residence. Mrs. Hess and her family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home and Crematory, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Esther Kiser ABINGDON – Esther Kiser, 91, of 20108 Judith Way, died Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, at her home. Born May 15, 1913, in Dickenson County, a daughter of the late John Tivis Kiser and the late Elzenia Powers Kiser, she had lived in Lebanon before moving to Abingdon. A graduate of Southern Business College and Emory & Henry College, she was a retired teacher, having taught in the public schools of Dickenson and Russell Counties for 24 years. She was a member of the Lebanon Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Wanda Musick Mullins, two brothers, and six sisters. Survivors include her special niece, Irene J. Fleming, Abingdon; a grandson, Scott Mullins, Barboursville, Va.; granddaughters, Sheryl Bise and husband Denny Bise, Clinchco and Sandy Mullins and husband Kevin Mullins, Clintwood; six great-grandchildren, Amanda and Michael Mullins, Elizabeth and Mary Bise and Emily and Amy Mullins; her son-in-law, Ronald Mullins, Clintwood; also several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004, in the Combs Funeral Service Chapel in Lebanon, with the Rev. Sylvan Mullins officiating. The committal service and burial will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004, in the Yates Family Cemetery, near Clintwood. Those attending should meet at the cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ronald Mullins, Scott Mullins, Denny Bise, Kevin Mullins, John Johnson and Jack Mullins. Honorary pallbearers will be nephews and friends. Flowers will be appreciated or memorials may be given to the American Diabetes Association. The family will receive friends 6-7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004, prior to the service at the funeral home. Combs Funeral Service in Lebanon is serving the family of Mrs. Kiser. Hugh C. Mauney Sr. MARION – Hugh C. Mauney Sr., age 75, died Monday, Oct. 11, 2004, in the Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion, after a lengthy illness. Survivors and funeral arrangements will be announced later by Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion. Maxie Ellen Moore DANTE, Va. – Maxie Ellen Moore, age 74, died at Dickenson Community Hospital on Saturday, Oct. 9, 2004. She was born in Dickenson County and lived her entire life here and was of the Freewill Baptist faith. She is survived by her son, Ervin Ray Moore, Dante; daughter, Judy McKinney, Clinchco; two special sons, N.K. Counts and Andy Paul Silcox; brother, Tolbie Moore, Lansing, Mich.; two sisters, Emma Irene Perrigan and Malvie Marie Bailey, both of Dante; two grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, and 10 great-great grandchildren. Funeral services for Maxie Ellen Moore will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004, from Buffalo Freewill Baptist Church, with Rev. James Moore officiating. Burial will follow in the Moore Cemetery, Clinchco. The family will receive friends after 6 p.m. Tuesday at the church, with services to follow at 7 p.m. Pallbearers will be Walter McKinney, N.K. Counts, Rick Sutherland, Roy Perrigan, Danny Bowens, Andy Paul Silcox and other family members and friends. Clintwood Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Lelia R. Saunders Mrs. Lelia Ellen Roberts Saunders, 92, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, at the Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. Lelia Saunders was born June 17, 1912, in Grayson County, Va., in the Flat Ridge Community, to the late Tom and Laura Carrico Roberts. She lived for several years in Marion and later moved to her home on Magnolia Drive in Bristol Virginia. Mrs. Saunders had resided in the Bristol area for the past 19 years. She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Saunders, sister, Virgie Hicks, and brothers, Sam Roberts, Lewis Roberts and Stuart Roberts. Survivors include: three sons, Clarence Saunders and wife Joyce of Bristol Virginia, Terence Saunders of Vinton, Va., and Arnold Saunders and wife Kathy of Bristol Virginia; brother, Ellis Roberts of Bristol Virginia; grandchildren, Arnie Saunders, Teresa Bell, Michelle and Paul Humphreys, Gregory and Rhonda Fields, Steven, Donna, Roger and Kenny Saunders, Debbie Haupt and David, Willie, Jimmy and Bobby Saunders; 25 great-grandchildren; and eight great-great- grandchildren. The funeral service for Mrs. Lelia Ellen Roberts Saunders will be held at 12:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Roy Henard officiating. Entombment and committal services will be held on Wednesday at 2:30 p.m. in Rural Retreat, Va., at the Rosewood Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends 6 until 8 p.m. on Tuesday night at the funeral home. Honorary pallbearers will be the grandsons of Mrs. Saunders. E-mail condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Frank Wesley Smith BRISTOL, Va. – Frank Wesley Smith, 76, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, from Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was born in Bristol Virginia, a son of the late Allison Spurgeon Smith and Mary Slagle Smith, and was a 43-year veteran of U.S. Merchant Marines. He attended East End Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, June Arnold Smith; a son, Frankie W. Smith, his wife Anita, and their children, Megan and Cody of Bristol Virginia; sisters, Edna Bailey of Bristol Tennessee, widow of Bruce Bailey, and Sue Arnold and her husband John of Mountain City, Tenn.; brothers, Paul Smith and his wife Norma of Bristol Tennessee, Ronnie Smith and his wife Joyce of Abingdon, Henry Smith and his wife Wilma of Bristol Tennessee, Ralph Smith of Bristol Tennessee, and Freddie Smith; a special aunt, Christine Ely of Bristol; special friends, David and Michelle Altizer of Bristol; and several nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by one brother, Donald Smith. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 o’clock Tuesday evening at Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 o’clock Wednesday in the Heritage Chapel of Memories at Mountain View Cemetery, with Brother Dan Birchfield officiating. Pallbearers will be David Altizer, Dean Arnold, Danny Arnold, Todd Smith, Van Arnold and Gill Griggs. Honorary pallbearers will be Tim Hensley and employees of Planters and Designers. Entombment will follow. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakley-blevins.com. Mr. Smith and his family are in the care of Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home, 417 Lee St., Bristol, Va. Ralph Eugene Taylor NORTON – Ralph Eugene "Gene" Taylor, 48, went to be with the Lord, Monday, Oct. 11, 2004, at Wellmont Lonesome Pine Hospital, after an extended illness. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was a member of the West Norton Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph B. and Nila R. Taylor, a sister, Mona Gay Collins, brothers, Phillip L. Taylor and Gregory D. Taylor, and a niece Jessica N. Taylor. He is survived by his wife, Janie F. Taylor; a stepson, Nathaniel W. Owens, sisters, Rose M. Lambert, Jennifer A. Shaffer and Melanie G. Taylor; aunts, Mary Dingus, Linda Marshall and Carol Wilson; and an uncle, George Taylor. Also surviving are nephews, Kevin and Brian Stallard, Steven and Brandon Thacker, Justin Taylor and Coty Boatright; and nieces, Tana Ashley and Emily Brock. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at the Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted at 8 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. Glenn Ritchie officiating. Graveside burial rites will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday at Laurel Grove Cemetery in Norton, with VFW Post 4301 of Norton conducting military honors. Family and friends will gather at the funeral home on Thursday at 10:30 a.m., prior to leaving in procession to the cemetery. The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the West Norton Church, 4423 Robinette Hill Road, Norton, VA 24273, or to the Cancer Outreach Foundation, Inc., 206 Abingdon Place, Abingdon, VA 24211. Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home of Norton is serving the Taylor family. Garland S. Tilson MARION – Garland Summers "Kaiser" Tilson, age 80, passed away Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, in the Smyth County Community Hospital. He was born in Smyth County to the late Mack and Alice Myers Tilson, and was preceded in death by two brothers, Walter Tilson and Bill Tilson. He was retired from General Shale Brick Plant, with 35 years of service. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, having served in World War II. Mr. Tilson was a member of the Moose Lodge, the Francis Marion VFW Post 4667, American Legion Post 18 and the Rowland Creek Church of the Brethren. He was a founding member of the Old Virginia Saddle & Wagon Club, the Smyth County Coon Hunters Club and was an avid horse and dog lover. Survivors include: his wife of 56 years, Martha Tilson; four children, Connie Rosenbaum and husband Sammy, Marion, Richard Tilson and wife Connie, Marion, Gary Tilson and wife Pat, Troutdale and Susan Hamm, Rural Retreat; sisters and brothers-in-law, Nancy Croson, Marion, Edna Samples and husband Glenn, Baltimore, and Polly Sturgill and husband Howard, Hillsville; sisters-in-law, Juanita Tilson, Marion and Lucy Balins, Reistertown, Md.; brother-in-law, Thomas Taylor and wife Juanita, Winston-Salem, N.C.; 12 grandchildren; and 22 great- grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 14, 2004, from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion, with Rev. Fred Parker officiating. Interment will follow in the Thomas Cemetery, with full military honors being rendered by the Francis Marion VFW Post 4667. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the Tilson family. Mary Rector Ward MARION – Mary Rector Ward, age 59, passed away Sunday, Oct. 10, 2004, in the Carolina Medical Center in Charlotte, N.C. Mrs. Ward was born in Smyth County and was preceded in death by her mother, Thelma Grace Coulthard Rector. She was employed at Phillip Morris Tobacco Company in Concord, N.C. Survivors include: father, L.J. Rector, Marion; one son, Monte Ray Ward, Marion; two daughters, Tonia Norris and husband Roscoe, Star Tannery, Va., and Pamela Anderson and husband Chris, Charlotte, N.C.; one brother, Joe Rector, Chilhowie; one sister, Charis Rector, Chilhowie; four grandchildren, Amanda Ward, Derek Norris, Thayer Norris and Janice Norris; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004, at 2 p.m. from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion. Interment will be in Round Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends Tuesday evening from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the Ward family. Kelly Lee Williams WISE – Kelly Lee (Fester) Williams, 25, passed away Saturday, Oct. 9, 2004, at his home. He was a 2000 graduate of John I. Burton High School in Norton and was a cook at the Huddle House in Wise. Surviving are his father and mother, Roger and Terry Williams; two brothers, Michael Williams and Robert Williams both of Wise; his grandmother, Sarah Steffey of Pennington Gap, Va.; his great-grandmother, Vivia Steffey of Wise; two nephews, Dakota Williams and Skylar Williams; and one niece, Kadence Williams. Funeral services for Kelly Lee Williams will be conducted at 2 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 13, 2004, at the Sturgill Funeral Home Chapel in Wise, with Rev. Tommy McAmis and Rev. T. J. McAmis officiating. Burial will follow in the Laurel Grove Cemetery, Norton. The family will receive from 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2004, at the Sturgill Funeral Home in Wise. Sturgill Funeral Homes in Wise in charge of arrangements.