Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, December 9, 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 Thursday, December 9, 2004 Today's Deaths Charles L. Bartley, 80, Bluff City Myrtle Lessie Nichols Bishop, 94 Ruth Ann Booher, 92 William Steven Clark, 56, Abingdon Clarence Edward Cox, 71, Belfast, Va. Guy Gilliam, 84, Bristol Tennessee Madie Fuller Johnson, 101, Bristol Virginia Elster Looney, 79, Hurley, Va. Ina Clarice Mullins, 81, Wise June Elizabeth Peterson, 21, Bristol Tennessee Kloe Malaya Peterson, 1, Bristol Tennessee Michael Ray Pierce, 45, Abingdon Mary Ann Riffe, 47, Abingdon Phyllis Simmons Steele, 61, Cedar Bluff Gladys Kardynal Tebeau, 87, Bristol Tennessee Gay S. Poston Thomas, 88, Abingdon Bill Whited Jr., 78, Big Stone Gap James Widener, 28, Marion Theresa Marie Wilford, 41, Bristol Tennessee Robert Henry Baker CASTLEWOOD – A memorial service for Robert Henry Baker will be held Friday, Dec. 10, 2004, at 8 p.m. at Rings Chapel Baptist Church, where Robert was a member, with Rev. Charles Jones and Rev. Mike Moore officiating. The family will receive friends in the church fellowship hall from 6 until 7:30 p.m. before the service. Also, friends are welcome any time in the home. Robert Henry Baker, age 68, died Monday, Dec. 6, 2004. Charles L. Bartley BLUFF CITY – Charles L. Bartley, 80, 588 Dry Branch Road, went to be with the Lord at 4 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004, at Johnson City Medical Center. He was born April 7, 1924, in Monroe County, Ky. Charles was a son of the late Herman and Nancy Tooley Bartley, and had lived in Bluff City for 60 years. He was a retired employee of the United Telephone System. He previously worked at Holston Defense Corporation in Kingsport and Sperry Farragut Corporation "Univac" in Bristol. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, Zollicoffer 444, Bluff City. Mr. Bartley was a lifetime member of DAV and the VFW. He was a past president of the Chinquapin Ruritan Club, a charter member and life member of the Bluff City Rescue Squad. He was a Scout Master of the Bluff City Boy Scouts for several years and also was a former leader of the Royal Ambassadors. He was a past deacon and Sunday School teacher at First Baptist Church, Bluff City. When in Florida, he attended Pomona Park Baptist Church. He was a World War II veteran and served in combat as a Darby Ranger in North Africa, Sicily and Italy, receiving three Bronze Stars. Charles is survived by his wife, Eva Bartley of the home; three sons, Dannie Bartley and David Bartley, Bluff City, and Wayne Bartley, Johnson City; seven grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; one sister, Lillian Thomas, Bluff City; one half-brother, J.C. Bartley, Indianapolis; and several nieces and nephews also survive. The funeral service will be conducted at 8 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004, in the Chapel of Tetrick Funeral Home, Bluff City, with Rev. Mike Pope and Rev. D.L. Lowrie officiating. Music will be under the direction of Helen and J.M. Galloway. Graveside service and interment will be at 11 a.m., Friday, Dec. 10, in Sunrise Cemetery, Bluff City. Those attending the graveside are requested to meet at the funeral home at 10:15 a.m. to go in procession to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mark Bartley, Trever Bartley, Kevin Bartley, Boyce Allison, Mack Lyons and Teddy Simcox. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Men’s Adult Sunday School Class of First Baptist Church, Bluff City. Special acknowledgments to Dr. William Kincaid, Dr. Clarence Spannuth and Dr. Dafer Haddadin. Military honors will be accorded by Tennessee National Guard. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the First Baptist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 130, Bluff City, TN 37618. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Thursday, prior to the service, or at the residence any time. Condolences may be sent to the family through our Web site at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com Tetrick Funeral Home-Bluff City Chapel, (423) 538-7131. Johnia Hope Berry Johnia Hope Berry’s life will be celebrated at 11 o’clock Thursday morning, Dec. 9, 2004, in the Paul Cook Memorial Chapel of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, with Rev. John Graham officiating. The committal service and interment will follow in the Baker Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mark Young, Collin Jones, James Rudolph, Jeremy Baker, Josey Baker and Robbie Hodge. Flowers will be appreciated, and donations may be sent to the Tri-State Baptist Children’s Home, 1528 Vance Tank Road, Bristol, TN 37620. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com Johnia Hope Berry, 21, passed away Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, in Knoxville. Miss Berry and her family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Myrtle N. Bishop Myrtle Lessie Nichols Bishop, age 94, a former resident of Shakesville Road, Bristol Virginia, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004, in Richmond. Arrangements by Weaver Funeral Home are incomplete. Ruth Ann Booher Ruth Ann Booher, age 92, a former resident of 1809 Weaver Pike, Bristol Tennessee, passed away on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004, at Athena Health and Rehabilitation Center in Lake City, Ga. Arrangements by Weaver Funeral Home are incomplete. William Steven Clark ABINGDON – Mr. William Steven "Steve" Clark, age 56, formerly of Richlands, died Tuesday evening, Dec. 7, 2004, in a Richlands-area hospital, following a lengthy illness. Hurst-Scott Funeral Home of Richlands will be serving the family. Arrangements are incomplete at this time. The family can contacted at the residence of Walter and Shelvie Cantrell, 145 Fourth St., Cedar Bluff. 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 Clarence E. Cox BELFAST, Va. – Clarence Edward (Ed) Cox, age 71, died Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004, at his home. Arrangements are incomplete. Combs Funeral Service in Lebanon is serving the family of Mr. Cox. Guy Gilliam BRISTOL, Tenn. – Guy Gilliam, 84, of 206 Skyline Drive, died Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Mr. Gilliam was formerly of St. Charles, Va., and was the son of the late J.M. and Sarah Gilliam. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran, having served in World War II. He received a B.S. degree in architecture from the University of Virginia and was a member of the Scarab Society. He practiced architecture for a period of 47 years. He came to Bristol in 1958 and was a partner in the firm of Anderson and Gilliam, Architects. He was a member emeritus of the Northeast Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. He designed the addition to the Tri-Cities Regional Airport that was constructed in 1968. Mr. Gilliam was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church and a former lay reader and member of the vestry. He was a former member of the Tri-Cities Arts Council and a former president of Appalachian Chapter of the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, a former member of the Bristol Ballet Company and a current member of the Bristol Art Guild. He was a former member of the Country Club of Bristol and the Elks Club. He was also a former member of the Speech and Hearing Center and the Board of the American Red Cross. He served as a member of the Lions Club for a period of 20 years. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lynda Turner Gilliam. Survivors include his daughter, Melanie Yates and her husband, Criss, of Rosedale, Va.; two sons, Hunter Gilliam of Miranda, Calif., and Mark Gilliam of Walling, Tenn.; three granddaughters, Candice Yates, Tashina Welliver and Theda Martizer; one grandson, Charles Gilliam; a sister, Edna Davenport or Portsmouth, Va.; and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. The family will receive friends from 7 until 9 o’clock Friday night at Oakley- Cook Funeral Home. The funeral service will be conducted at 3 o’clock Saturday afternoon at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, with the Rev. Dr. Paul Hamilton Fuller IV officiating. The committal service and interment will follow in Glenwood Cemetery, with military rites presented by the Highlands Fellowship Honor Guard. In lieu of flowers, those who wish may send memorial contributions to Emmanuel Episcopal Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 1376, Bristol, VA 24203. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com Mr. Gilliam and his family are in the care of Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn. Madie F. Johnson BRISTOL, Va. – Mrs. Madie Fuller Johnson, age 101, of 16122 Lee Highway, passed away Tuesday night, Dec. 7, 2004, in an Abingdon hospital. Born March 26, 1903, in Honaker, she was a daughter of the late B.J. and Appy McGlothlin Fuller. She had resided in Bristol for the past 25 years, moving there from Honaker. She was of the Methodist faith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Johnson; two daughters, Lecta Anna Johnson and Euna Mae Hess; and three sons, Dennie Johnson, Lundy Johnson and Tobia Johnson. In her generation, she was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Survivors include two sons, William H. Johnson of Bristol Virginia and George Johnson of Detroit; 20 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren and great- great-grandchildren also survive. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Harless Hess and Brother Mike Warren officiating. Interment will follow in the Clark Cemetery in Honaker. Pallbearers will be Jason Dunn, Kris Dunn, Lewis Johnson, Larry Johnson, Dusty Edwards and Sam Rutter. Friends may call at the Honaker Funeral Home after 6 p.m. Friday evening. Elster Looney HURLEY, Va. – Elster Looney, 79 years of age, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2004, at the Wellmont Hospital in Bristol Tennessee, following an extended illness. Born in Buchanan County, he was the son of the late Benjamin Harrison and Sarah Branham Looney. He was a member of the Union Light Freewill Baptist Church for the past 23 years, a retired coal miner, having worked for the Virginia Pocahonatas Coal Company, Mine 1, a member of the United Mine Workers of America and a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army. Mr. Looney is survived by his wife, Margie Duty Looney of Hurley; two daughters, Sharon and husband Ronald Cantrell of Front Royal, Va., and Linda and husband Carl Estep of Hurley; three sons, Aaron and wife Maxine Looney of Hurley, Russell and wife Ruby Looney of Maxie, Va., and Robert Looney of Hurley; and one brother, Clyde Looney of Grundy. He is also survived by three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by two sisters, Wealthy Duty and Loudene Ramey, and three brothers, Donald Looney, Randall Looney and Buster Looney. Funeral services for Elster Looney will be conducted Friday, Dec. 10, 2004, at 1 p.m. at the Union Light Freewill Baptist Church, with Rev. Tommy Conn, Rev. William Prater, Rev. Ronnie Hurley, Rev. Delbert Hurley and Rev. L.C. Hunt officiating, with burial to follow in the Mountain Valley Memorial Park at Big Rock, Va. There will be services Thursday evening at 7 p.m. Active pallbearers will be family and friends. Full military rites will be conducted at the cemetery by members of the John Ratliff Post 164 of the American Legion. Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of all arrangements. Ina Clarice Mullins WISE – Ina Clarice Mullins, age 81, passed away Tuesday evening, Dec. 7, 2004, as a result of injuries sustained in an automobile accident. She was born in Wise and lived most of her life there. She was a mother and a homemaker. Mrs. Mullins was of the Baptist faith and was a member of Gladeville Chapter 170 Order of the Eastern Star. She was a daughter of the late Abraham and Callie Bush Osborne, and was also preceded in death by her husband, Ira Mullins, two sisters, Wanda Gray and Mary Reece, and a brother, Vernon Osborne. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Jimmy and Ester Mullins, Wise; two grandchildren, Claressa Lynn Mullins and Brandy Michelle Mullins, Wise; a brother, Denver J. Osborne, also of Wise; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced tomorrow by Carty Funeral Home, Norton-Wise. William Pendergrass Graveside services for William Clayton Pendergrass will be held on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004, at 1 p.m. at Glenwood Mausoleum Chapel, with Rev. Gary Rowlette and Rev. Billy Denton officiating. Pallbearers include: Chris Rutledge, Mark Byington, Jim Miller, John Johnson, Doug Cullop, Justin Moore, Jamie Johnson, Neil Stout, Mike Pendergrass and Donnie Foster. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to help offset funeral expenses. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net William Clayton Pendergrass, age 62, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. June E. Peterson BRISTOL, Tenn. – June Elizabeth Peterson, age 21, 1900 King College Road, died Dec. 2, 2004, at her home. She was a dining room supervisor with Shoney’s. Survivors include her father, Richard Harold Peterson, Kingsport; brother, William Peterson, Seneca Falls, N.Y.; grandmothers, Patricia Wilford of Bristol and Mildred Reed of Kingsport; great-grandfathers, Harold C. Peterson, Holly Hill, Fla., and Ernie Crow of Solamanca, N.Y.; great-grandmother, Isabel Sexton of Honeoye Falls, N.Y.; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral services will be conducted 8 p.m. Friday in Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Howard L. Ketron officiating. Graveside services will be conducted 2 p.m. Saturday in Sunrise Cemetery. Members of True Sons of Tennessee will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 2 until 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, prior to the service. A funeral procession will leave Weaver Funeral Home 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Kloe M. Peterson Kloe Malaya Peterson, 1-year-old daughter of the late June E. Peterson, died Dec. 2, 2004, at her home. She is survived by grandfather, Richard Harold Peterson, Kingsport; uncle, William Peterson, Seneca Falls, N.Y.; great-grandmothers, Mildred Reed, Kingsport, and Patricia Wilford of Bristol; and several aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral services will be conducted 8 p.m. Friday in Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Howard L. Ketron officiating. Graveside services will be conducted 2 p.m. Saturday in Sunrise Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 2 until 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, prior to time of service. A funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Michael Ray Pierce ABINGDON – Michael Ray Pierce, 45, passed away Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, at Duke University in Durham, N.C. Michael was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Va., and attended Abingdon Church of the Nazarene for many years. He was a loving husband, stepfather, son, brother and friend. Michael was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Joe S. Wise of Abingdon, and paternal grandfather, Burl Ray Pierce of Saltville. Survivors include his wife of two years, Sharon Gentry Pierce of Abingdon; stepchildren, Brad Hale, Jennifer Hale and Caroline Sword, all of Abingdon; his mother, JoAnne Pierce Adkins and husband Clyde of Danville, Va.; his father, Ray Clifton Pierce of Maryland; one brother, Mark E. Pierce of Danville; three sisters, Mitzi P. Ray and husband Richard, Sherry P. Decker and husband Steven and Deborah P. Warren and husband Arthur, all of Danville; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Thom and Chloe Schreiber of Palm Harbor, Fla.; mother-in-law, Marjorie Gentry of Abingdon; father-in-law, Carl Gentry and wife Jan of Abingdon; maternal grandmother, Virginia C. Wise of Abingdon; paternal grandmother, Mamie Hicks of Saltville; nieces and nephews, Sarah Ray, Audrey Hudgins, Phillip Decker, Michael Decker, A.J. Warren, Henry Schreiber and Holly Schreiber; and great-nieces and great-nephews include Dylan Martin and Lillian Hudgins. The family will receive friends on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004, from 7-9 p.m. at Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon. The funeral service will be conducted Friday at the Forest Hills Chapel at 11 a.m., with Rev. Wayne Wilson officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers are Richard Ray of Danville, Steven Decker of Danville, Arthur Warren of Danville, Bobby Gentry of Abingdon, Zane Pierce of Abingdon, Mark Pierce of Danville, Barney Averette of Raleigh, N.C., and Bob Mueller of Roanoke. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial donations may be made to the Church of the Nazarene, 396 Old Eleven Court, Abingdon, VA 24210. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, is serving the Pierce family. Mary Ann Riffe ABINGDON – Mary Ann Riffe, 47, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2004, at her home. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2004, at 1 p.m. at Painter Creek Church of Christ. The family will receive friends Friday from 6-9 p.m. at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations may be made to Painter Creek Church of Christ, P.O. Box 852, Abingdon, VA 24212. Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Riffe family. Gertrude L. Sexton Funeral services for Gertrude Legg Sexton will be held on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004, at 11 a.m. at Glenwood Mausoleum Chapel, with Rev. John Markel officiating. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net Gertrude Legg Sexton, age 85, a resident of NHC of Bristol Virginia, went to be with the Lord on Monday, Dec. 6, 2004. Myrtle F. Shearin BRISTOL, Va. – A memorial service for Myrtle Freeman Shearin will be held on Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004, at 7 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Lester MacKinnon officiating. The family will receive friends on Thursday from 6-7 p.m., prior to the service, and other times at the home of Chris Shearin, 50 Crescent Circle, Bristol, Va. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to American Heart Association, 830 Sullins St., Suite 3, Bristol, VA 24201. Condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net Myrtle Freeman Shearin, age 78, went to be with the Lord, on Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, at Blount Memorial Hospital in Maryville, Tenn. Weaver Funeral Home is charge of arrangements. Phyllis S. Steele CEDAR BLUFF – Phyllis Simmons Steele, age 61, passed away at her home on Dec. 8, 2004, following a lengthy illness. She was born in Raven, Va., and was the daughter of the late Claudie and Clara Newberry Simmons, both former Cedar Bluff residents. Phyllis was a graduate of Richlands High School Class of 1962, was an employee of the Virginia Workforce located at Claypool Hill, Va., and a lifelong resident of the Tazewell County area. She was a member of the Raven Assembly of God, located in Raven. Survivors include husband, Douglas M. Steele; daughter, Melissa Steele Muir and husband Samuel of Cedar Bluff; sister, Yvonne Simmons Monk and husband Archie of Bristol Virginia; several nieces and nephews and brothers-in-law and sisters-in- law also survive. Funeral services for Phyllis Simmons Steele are Saturday, Dec. 11, 2004, at 1 p.m., at the Raven Assembly of God in Raven, with the Rev. Max Linkous, Rev Barry Absher and Rev. Joe Copolo officiating. Interment will follow at Greenhills Memorial Gardens in Claypool Hill. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. Friends may call after 6 p.m. on Friday evening at the Raven Assembly of God in Raven. 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 Edwin E. Strickland MARION – Edwin E. Strickland, age 80, passed away Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, in Richfield Care Center, Salem, Va. He was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis Braund Kelly Strickland, and was a member of First United Methodist Church, Marion. He was born Aug. 22, 1924, in Goldsboro, N.C., and was a veteran of the U.S. Navy during World War II. Mr. Strickland served in the southern Pacific and northern Atlantic, and was a signalman third class. He was a member of the Armed Guard detail to Merchant Marine ships and served on the S.S. Chapultepec. Mr. Strickland returned to Goldsboro High School and completed his high school degree in 1948, then graduated from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, N.C., in 1953, with a degree in furniture engineering and was a member of the Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity. He was a longtime employee of American Furniture Company in plant management, moving to Marion in 1973. He completed his work career as a consultant for the Baker Furniture Company of Grand Rapids, Mich. He had a successful second career as a woodcarver and artist, specializing in carving waterfowl, and attended trade shows across the Southeast Highlands. He was a long-standing member of the Marion Rotary Club and an avid golfer. He was a member of the Smyth County Community Hospital Board of Directors and enjoyed membership in Ducks Unlimited. He greatly enjoyed serving both church and community. He is survived by two sons and daughters-in-law, Steven and Annette Strickland of Roanoke and Thomas and Judy Strickland of Rocky Face, Ga.; one daughter and son-in-law, Connie and Chris Melkus of Ashburn, Va.; one brother, Jay Strickland of Fuquay-Varina, N.C.; one sister, Doris Ambrose of Newark, Del.; eight grandchildren, Andrew, Lauren, Gary, Sarah, Hunter, Lilly, Maggie and Carly. Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 10, 2004, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church, with Rev. Jeff Lambert and Rev. Buddy Miller officiating. The body will be taken to the church one hour before the service. Burial will follow in Rose Lawn Cemetery, Marion. The family will receive friends Thursday evening from 6 until 8 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to First United Methodist Church, Fellowship Hall Piano Fund, 115 S. Church St., Marion, VA 24354. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Strickland family. Gladys K. Tebeau BRISTOL, Tenn. – Gladys Kardynal Tebeau, age 87, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004, at her residence. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting our Web site at www.akardfuneralhome.com Akard Funeral Home, 1912 W. State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423) 989-4800, is serving the family of Mrs. Tebeau. Gay S. Poston Thomas ABINGDON – Gay S. Poston Thomas, 88, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2004, at Grace Health Care. Arrangements to be announced by Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is in charge of arrangements. Bill Whited Jr. BIG STONE GAP – Bill Whited Jr., 78, entered his Heavenly home on Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004, at his home. He was born and lived in Wise County for his entire life. He retired from Westmoreland Coal Co. in 1981. He was a member of the U.M.W.A. District 28, Local 7276. He was of the Baptist faith and attended Ayers Chapel Church in Big Stone Gap. He was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Sylvia Whited, his parents, Bill and Bessie (Fortner) Whited, and an infant sister, Dorothy Whited. Surviving are his daughter, Margaret Ann Hamilton and husband Jerry; son, Butch Whited; special daughter, Nancy Toney and husband Joe, all of Big Stone Gap; grandchildren, Misty Thacker and husband Ray of Roanoke, Mandy Blanton and husband Brandon of Charleston, W.Va., and B.J. and Alyson Whited of Big Stone Gap; great-grandchildren, Meygan and Houston Thacker and Madison and Eli Blanton; brothers-in-law, George Lewis and wife Betty of Norton, Harry Lewis and wife Flo of Meadowview, J.R. Sexton and Robert Sexton and wife Annie of Richmond and Pete Sexton and wife Bonny of Peoria, Ariz.; sisters-in-law, Nancy Branch and Jody Grady, both of Richmond, and Helen Lewis of St. Paul, Va. Thanks to special caregivers, Glinda Garrett and Donna Horton; hospice nurses, Lisa Wiseman and Dorothy Qualls; and Dr. Michael Ford. Calling hours are from 6-8 p.m. on Thursday in the Holding Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be conducted 8 p.m. in the funeral home chapel, with the Rev. Bobby Hamilton and the Rev. Lonnie Brooks officiating. Graveside services will be 2 p.m. Friday at Riverview Cemetery in East Stone Gap, Va. Family and friends will meet at cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the East Stone Gap Baptist Church Building Fund or to the East Stone Gap Church Hamilton Mission Fund, both being addressed to P.O. Box 100, East Stone Gap, VA 24246. Online condolences may be sent to holding@compunet.net James Widener MARION – James " Eric" Widener, age 28, passed away Wednesday, Dec. 8, 2004, at the Smyth County Community Hospital. Survivors and funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion. Theresa M. Wilford BRISTOL, Tenn. – Theresa Marie "Terry" Wilford, age 41, 1900 King College Road, died Dec. 2, 2004 at her home. Survivors include her mother, Patricia Ann Wilford Hoffman, Bristol Tennessee; son, William Peterson, Seneca Falls, N.Y.; maternal grandmother, Isabelle Sexton, Honeyoye Falls, N.Y.; paternal grandfather, Ernie Crowe, Salamanca, N.Y.; sisters, Patty Hemminger and Isabel Jean Little and husband Greg; brothers, Clarence "Buck" Wilford and wife Jane of Bristol Tennessee and James J. Wilford and wife Doris of Seneca Falls; uncles, Howard (Sarge) Sexton and wife Eleanor of Honeoye Falls and Floyd Sexton and wife Mary Ann of Waterloo, N.Y.; and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 8 p.m. Friday in Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Howard L. Ketron officiating. Graveside services will be conducted 2 p.m. Saturday in Sunrise Cemetery. Members of True Sons of Tennessee will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 2 until 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, prior to the service. A funeral procession will leave the funeral Home at 1:30 p.m. Saturday. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. David W. Willis NORTON – Graveside committal services for David Woodrow Willis will be conducted 11 a.m. Thursday in Laurel Grove Cemetery. Family and friends may meet at the funeral home 10:30 a.m. Thursday to go in procession to the cemetery. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.hagyfawbush.com David Woodrow Willis, 46, went home to be with the Lord, Monday, Dec. 6, 2004, after a six-month battle with cancer.