Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, December 15, 2004 Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Bristol Herald Courier http://www.bristolnews.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=TRI/Page/TRI_FrontPage ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- USGENWEB ARCHIVES NOTICE: All documents placed in the USGenWeb Archives remain the property of the contributors, who retain publication rights in accordance with US Copyright Laws and Regulations. In keeping with our policy of providing free information on the Internet, these documents may be used by anyone for their personal research. They may be used by non-commercial entities, when written permission is obtained from the contributor, so long as all notices and submitter information are included. These electronic pages may NOT be reproduced in any format for profit. Any other use, including copying files to other sites, requires permission from the contributors PRIOR to uploading to the other sites. The submitter has given permission to the USGenWeb Archives to store the file permanently for free access. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Bristol Herald Courier Wednesday, December 15, 2004 Homer V. Baldwin BRISTOL, Va. – The funeral service for Homer V. Baldwin will be conducted 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2004, in the Garrett Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. R. E. Layne officiating. Burial will follow in the Corinth Baptist Cemetery in Rugby, Va. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Condolences may be sent through our Web site at www.garrettfunerahome.com. Homer V. Baldwin, age 70, passed away on Friday, Dec. 10, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol Tennessee. Garrett Funeral Home, Damascus, is serving the family of Mr. Baldwin. Douglas Blackwell Douglas Neil Blackwell, age 59, a resident of McDonald, passed away Monday, Dec.13, 2004, at the family residence. He was a member of the Ooltewah United Methodist Church. He graduated from pharmacy school at Mercer University in 1974. He was employed with Bi-Lo as a pharmacist, and was formerly the supervisor of pharmacy at Red Foods. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served as a medic in Vietnam. Mr. Blackwell was the son of the late William E. and Oaklea Frye Blackwell, and was also preceded in death by a brother, Bill Blackwell. Survivors include his wife of 39 years, Elizabeth Blackwell of McDonald; two sons and spouses, Douglas Blackwell II and Amy Blackwell and Chris Blackwell and Tiffany Blackwell, all of Cleveland; one daughter, Dawn Elizabeth Blackwell of Cleveland; one sister, Susan Carter of Chilhowie; two grandchildren, Daven Blackwell and Charlie Blackwell, both of Cleveland; and two nephews also survive. A graveside service will be conducted at 1 p.m. Wednesday in Chattanooga National Cemetery, with Pastor Jay McCluskey and Daniel Brown officiating. The service will conclude with military honors. The family requests memorials be made to the American Cancer Society, Attention: Kristen Eiselstein, 850 Fortwood St., Chattanooga, TN 37403. Ralph Buckner Funeral Home and Crematory is in charge of the arrangements. Lois Flanary NORTON – Lois Gardner Flanary, 67, died Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2004, in Lonesome Pine Hospital. She was born in the Southerland community of Wise County to the late Roy and Gladys (Huff) Gardner. She attended the Wilson Chapel Freewill Baptist Church. In addition to her parents, a brother, Burnes D. Gardner, preceded her in death. She is survived by her husband of 49 years, Jack Ronald Flanary, Norton son and daughter-in-law, Jack Ronald II and Alma Nora Flanary, Norton; daughter, Darcie Flanary, Norton; a grandson, Jack Ronald (Trey) Flanary III, Norton; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday at Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home. Funeral services will be conducted 8 p.m. Wednesday in the funeral home chapel, with Rev. Randy Sturgill officiating. Entombment services will be conducted 11 a.m. Thursday in the Powell Valley Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, with Rev. Jim Smith officiating. 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. Maxwell W. Fullen BRISTOL, Va. – The family of Maxwell Willoughby "Max" Fullen will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m. Wednesday evening at Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held at 2 o’clock Thursday, Dec. 16, 2004, at the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Rev. Gary Chenoweth will officiate. Memorial contributions may be made to Lutheran Church of the Redeemer, 672 Island Road, Bristol, VA 24201. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakley-blevins.com. Maxwell Willoughby "Max" Fullen, age 74, passed away Sunday, Dec.12, 2004, following a brief illness. Mr. Fullen and his family are in the care of Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home, 417 Lee St., Bristol, Va. 276-669-6141. Mark Herrill Mark "Polo" Herrill, age 45, formerly of Bristol Virginia, died Thursday, Dec. 9, 2004, in California. He was a native of California and was the son of Keith Herrill and the late Constance Moody. Survivors include his wife, Nikki Herrill; two daughters, Melissa Herrill and Danielle Herrill; two sons, Mark Herrill Jr. and Antonio Herrill; father and stepmother, Keith and Wanda Herrill; one brother, Brian Herrill; and seven grandchildren. A memorial service will be conducted at 7 p.m., Thursday, Dec. 16, 2004, at Word of God Mission, with Rev. Kelly Pete officiating. Information courtesy of Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620, 423-989-4800. Ginger James BRISTOL, Tenn. – Funeral services for Ginger James will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2004, at 11 a.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Minister Gary Barnett officiating. Burial in Eastern Heights Cemetery will be private. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Ginger James, age 56, of 979 Bristol Caverns Highway, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2004, at her residence. Hazel Louise Jones BRISTOL, Tenn. – The funeral service for Hazel Louise Jones will be conducted at 1 p.m., Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2004, in the Glenwood Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel, with Rev. Keith Williams officiating. Burial will be in Glenwood Cemetery. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting our Website at www.akardfuneralhome.com. Hazel Louise Jones, age 77, died Sunday, Dec. 12, 2004, at Wellmont Hospice House. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423) 989-4800, is serving the family of Mrs. Jones. James T. Parks BRISTOL, Tenn. – James T. "Tommy" Parks, age 62, of 553 Deck Valley Road, went to be with the Lord, Saturday, Dec. 11, 2004, at his home. He was born Aug. 3, 1942, in Bristol, a son of the late Tom and Violet Travis Parks, and he lived in Maryland, before moving back to Bristol. He was a former employee of P.J.M. and was a U.S. Army veteran. He was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Hendershot, and a brother, Roger D. Parks. At Tommy’s request his body will be cremated. Survivors include: his children, Tommy Parks, Leslie Locke and Stephanie Arnold; one sister, Jean Goforth and husband Bobby; two brothers, Ronnie Parks and Gary Parks and wife Debbie; brother-in-law: Bill Hendershot; four grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Memorial services were conducted at 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2004, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Jack Stevens officiating. E-mail condolences may be sent to www.weaverfuneralhome.net. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Adventa Hospice, 2212 John B. Dennis Highway, Kingsport, TN 37660. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Albert Miles Perkins MARION – Albert Miles Perkins, age 75, passed away Monday, Dec. 13, 2004, in the Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion. Survivors and funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Bradley’s Funeral Home. Frederic S. Peyser Psalm 139:16: All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be. After a long and rich life, Frederic Simon Peyser, 89 years of age, died peacefully at his home at Hummingbird Retirement Villa, Lebanon, on Dec. 11, 2004. In loving and prayerful attendance were his daughter, Harriet Grable, friend and caregiver, Louise Conley, and her daughter, Amanda Palmer, and CNAs, Angie Harvey and Mica Whitney. Mr. Peyser is survived by one child, Harriet Peyser Grable (husband, D. Ross Grable, UVa-Wise faculty) of Lebanon; by two grandchildren, Jessica R. Grable of Brooklyn, N.Y., and Solomon E. Grable (wife, Sharla B. Grable) of Huntsville, Ala.; and by devoted brother, Sanford A. Peyser of New York City. He was predeceased by his parents, by his beloved wife of 48 years, Mary P. Peyser, and by an infant son, Thomas. Mr. Peyser was born in Brooklyn, May 17, 1915, the first child of Harry M. and Pearl Ross Peyser. He graduated from Washington College, Chestertown, Md., in 1936. He served in the Navy for six years, before and during World War II and was honorably discharged with the rank of Commander. In 1944, Mr. Peyser married Mary Henry Pepper of Franklin, Ky., lieutenant junior grade in the WAVES. In 1948, they moved to Nashville, Tenn., where he lived for the next 50 years. He was sole proprietor of Melrose Camera Center for 32 years. In 1949, Mr. Peyser was baptized into the Body of Christ at Woodmont Baptist Church and he attended there, singing in the choir for over 40 years. Following the death of his wife, Mr. Peyser lived for a year in New York with his brother, Sanford Peyser. In 1999, he moved in with his daughter and son-in- law in Lebanon. He lived at Hummingbird for the last two years of his life. Mr. Peyser had many diverse interests. He was an excellent photographer and took wonderful pictures of people, nature scenes and tropical fish. He loved the ocean and enjoyed snorkeling. He enjoyed foreign travel, particularly to Mexico, where he delighted in speaking Spanish. He loved horseback riding and owned walking horses. He collected ancient ivory carvings. He enjoyed gourmet and exotic foods. He was a marvelous ballroom dancer. He quoted Shakespeare and loved classical music. During the time he owned Melrose Camera, he made humorous radio commercials, unscripted, imitating foreign accents and creating memorable characters. Fred Peyser will be remembered for his irrepressible sense of humor, his generosity, his creativity and his exuberance. He was much loved and will be sorely missed by family and friends and by the kind caregivers of Hummingbird. Mr. Peyser donated his body to the ETSU Medical School. His final remains will rest beside those of his late wife in her home town of Franklin. There will be a memorial service for Mr. Peyser in the chapel at Lebanon Memorial United Methodist Church, 120 Tate St., on Sunday, Dec. 19, at 2 p.m. Faithful friend, Pastor Mike Carter, will officiate. Contributions in Mr. Peyser’s memory may be made to Lebanon Memorial UMC. Ps. 116:15: Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Mark Patrick Phillips SEYMOUR, Tenn. – Mark Patrick Phillips, age 23, passed away Sunday, Dec. 12, 2004, from injuries received in an automobile accident. He was born on Feb. 22, 1981, in Dallas, to Michael Allen and Pamela Jean Phillips. He was a 1999 graduate of Sullivan East High School. Mr. Phillips attended Tennessee Tech in Cookeville, but finished his education at Walter’s State University, where he graduated in 2003. He was employed as a regional sales manager for the I.J. Company in Knoxville, Tenn. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Floyd Carroll Phillips, maternal grandmother, Marian Fiumenero, maternal grandfather, "Pop-Pop" Pasquale Fiumenero, and by one uncle, Mark Fiumenero, his namesake. Mr. Mark Phillips is survived by: father and mother, Michael and Pamela Phillips, of Bristol Tennessee; one sister, Jenna Phillips of the home; one brother, Daniel Phillips of the home; one half-sister, Tiffany Phillips, of Wills Point, Texas; paternal grandmother, Betty Phillips, of Gainsville, Texas; aunts, Patricia Malone, of Clovis, Calif., and Barbara Foster, of Lawton, Okla.; uncle: Floyd Phillips, of Dallas; great-aunts, Rose Solski, of Pennington, N.J., and Jo Strausfogle, of Trenton, N.J.; and several cousins and countless lifelong friends. Funeral service for Mr. Mark Patrick Phillips will be held Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2004, at 8 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with Donna Raines officiating. Flowers will be accepted or memorial may be made to charity of choice in honor of Mark. Online condolences may be sent to www.weaverfuneralhome.net. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 4 until 8 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home. There will be no graveside service. Burial will be private. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Ronnie Lee Reedy MARION – Ronnie Lee Reedy, age 49, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2004, in Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was born in Smyth County to the late Hope Bishop. He was also a member of the Freedom Tabernacle Church. Survivors include: his wife, Doris Dunavan Reedy; two sons, Dustin Reedy, Radford, Va., and Jarid Reedy of the home; one daughter and son-in-law, Melissa Dean and husband Tony, Marion; his father, Robert Lee Reedy, Independence, Va.; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Greg Arnold and wife Judy, Troutdale, Va., and Johnny Pierce and wife Jeannine, Bristol; one stepbrother, Tommy Pierce, Pennsylvania; one stepsister, Sue Bailey, Luray, Va.; three grandchildren, Anthony, Noah and Aurora; and several nieces and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be held Thursday, Dec. 16, 2004, at 2 p.m. from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Mike Sage officiating. Interment will follow in the Fairwood Cemetery in Troutdale. The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the Reedy family. Tona H. Robinson GREENSBORO, N.C. – Tona M. Hughes Robinson, 89, passed from this life on Dec. 12, 2004, in Greensboro. She was born in Dickenson County and was a resident of Clintwood until she moved to Greensboro in the late 1960’s. She was the daughter of the late John Emmett Hughes and Lula Price Hughes. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jimmy Robinson, who was a casualty of World War II, her infant son, Jimmy Robinson Jr., two brothers, Lawrence Hughes and Colley Hughes, and two sisters, Florence Hughes Fleming and Ruby Hughes Espy. She retired as an inspector with a manufacturing firm and was a member of Rankin Baptist Church in Greensboro. Tona loved her home town of Clintwood and returned to visit each year, until poor health prevented travel. Her survivors include: nieces, Katherine Lee Payne of Greensboro and Maisie Nobles of High Point, N.C.; nephews, Fred Fleming of California, Ronnie Fleming and Kenneth Fleming both of High Point; sister-in-law, Nita Hughes of Independence, Va.; and several great-nieces, great-nephews and cousins. Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, in the Mullins Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Allen Bonnell officiating. Burial will be in the Hughes Family Cemetery, Baker Ridge Section, Clintwood. Mullins Funeral Home and staff are serving the Robinson family. Ernest F. Ryburn ABINGDON – Ernest Franklin (Frank) Ryburn, 74, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2004. Arrangements are to be announced by Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, Va. Fielden Sanders MARION – Fielden Sanders, age 78, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2004. Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion. Dora B. Smith SALTVILLE – Mrs. Dora B. Smith, age 94, went to be with the Lord Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2004, at her home, surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Sept. 29, 1910, to the late Wyndam and Jo Ann Minton. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles T. Smith, and sons, Paul Stanley Smith, Elmer Bradley Smith and Wyndam Archie Smith. Survivors: two daughters, Ann Chapman and Chris and husband Howard Puckett; one son, Malcolm Smith; 11 grandchildren, Allen Chapman, Karen Heldreth, Cindy Kessee, Mark Puckett, Richie Chapman, Kim Robbins, Darren, Dwayne and David Smith, Donna McGhee, and DeeDee Potokar; 12 great-grandchildren, Beth Mills, Jennifer Cregger, Becky Chapman, Ashley Chapman, Derek McGhee, Andy and Chassity Ferley, Talisha Potokar, Jalynna Chapman, Katie Puckett, Kristen Robbins and Allyson Puckett; one great-great-grandson, Calton Doane; and special niece, Betty Robinson of North Carolina. Funeral services for Mrs. Smith will be conducted at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2004, at Henderson Funeral Home, with Rev. Dorothy McClure officiating. A graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday in Elizabeth Cemetery. The grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The family will receive friends from 6- 8 p.m., just prior to the funeral service. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home of Saltville is serving the Smith family. Eunice J. Vermillion Eunice Jeannette Vermillion born Jan. 10, 1933, in Saltville, passed away peacefully at home Dec. 11, 2004, with her loving family by her side. She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Charles E. Vermillion; her daughters, Sandy Mulford and husband Jeff, and children, David and Madison, and Colonel Carol Vermillion and husband Ken Schwam; and her brother, Buddy Olinger of Saltville. Mother to all, a woman of passion with a heart of gold to all that knew her, Eunice Jeannette "Dar" Vermillion lived life at nothing less than full speed. Born into humble beginnings and a loving family, she met the love of her life, Charles, while they were students at Rich Valley High School. Charles joined the Air Force and Eunice entered nursing school at Johnston Memorial Hospital. Flying under the ever vigilant eyes of the nuns, who ran the nursing program, Eunice and Charles eloped during her senior year. It wasn’t long before Eunice gave birth to her two beautiful daughters, Sandy and Carol. The next few years were filled with fond memories of living in Las Vegas, Nev., Virginia, Japan, California, Germany and back to her favorite, California. Building a robust nursing career while raising her daughters kept her busy to no end. When she finally settled in the Roseville area, she worked for many years at Folsom Mercy Hospital as the director of nursing. Eventually her career led her to Mutual of Omaha as the area manager of Medicare claims over a several state region. Eunice decided to end her illustrious career by retiring in 1998 from Mutual of Omaha and focusing her pursuits on her two grandchildren, David and Madison. She involved herself with community activities, most notable, the Children’s Home Society and the Rosebud’s Auxiliary. Eunice leaves behind a legacy of passion of caring for people, especially the Ibarra Family. Crispin, Antonio and their children became part of our family. She touched the lives of many through her nursing career, community work and friends alike. She developed a fondness of tinkering in her yard, creating a lush oasis to enjoy. Also known as one of the luckiest people around, her sons- in-law would follow her wanderings to the casinos ready to pounce, yet Eunice would always beat them to the punch. She loved her one armed bandits and they loved her. Eunice will be missed by all. A celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2004, at 2 p.m. at Lambert Funeral Home Chapel, 400 Douglas Blvd., Roseville. Memorial contributions may be made tot he Children’s Home Society. Ward Lincoln Wagner Ward Lincoln Wagner was born July 11, 1910, in the DeBusk Mill area, son of the late Franklin Green Wagner, native of Bland County, Va., Dec. 25, 1877-May 23, 1958) and Jennie Witt Wagner, native of Tazewell County. Va., (May 20, 1878-Dec. 28, 1965), both residents of Washington County for most of their lives. He passed away Sunday, Dec. 12, 2004, in the Valley Health Care Center in Chilhowie. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family in his generation. On Aug. 5, 1931, he married Carrie Elizabeth Thomas, was a former resident of the Kelly’s Chapel area of Washington County, had life-long membership in Kelly’s Chapel United Methodist Church, where many members of his family worshipped and had resided in the Meadowview area since March 1976. Employed as a miller with the Chilhowie J.T. Wilkinson & Son, and Meadowview Mills, he was a farmer (enjoyed his animals) and an avid gardener. Even at age 92, Ward lived a long and blessed life. He will be remembered most as a loving husband, father, grandfather and loyal friend to many. In addition to parents, siblings who preceded him in death were: Nannie Janette Wagner Keller (June 20, 1903-Aug. 7, 1929), Albert Douglas "Prince" Wagner (Jan. 19, 1905-July 21, 1975), and James White Wagner (March 18, 1907-April 2, 1987); also, son, Billy Doran Wagner (June 9, 1935-Aug. 14, 2002); daughter-in-law, Patricia Alene Kell Hunter Wagner (March 2, 1934-Nov. 25, 1995); granddaughter- in-law, Janet Lee Robbins Wagner (Jan. 13, 1959-Nov. 18, 1977); great-great- grandson, Colton Riley Gonzalez (July 14-Aug. 14, 1999); and nephew, James White Kermit Greenway Keller (Aug. 5, 1929- July 23, 1988). Survivors in addition to his wife, daughter, Margaret Elizabeth Wagner and Junior Richard "J.R." Allen, Abingdon; grandsons, Melvin Doran and Patricia Elaine Shephard Wagner, Rock Falls, Ill., and Dr. William Richard and Kathryn Weldy Allen, Cincinnati; step-grandson, James and Kelly Geidner Hunter, Rock Falls; great-granddaughter, Nicole Marie Wagner Gonzalez, Sterling, Ill.; step- great-grandson, Charlie Hunter, Rock Falls; great-great-great-grandson, Cameron Gabriel Gonzalez; and great-great-granddaughter, Olivia Nicole Gonzalez, both of Sterling. The family would like to extend a special "thank-you" to Dr. Bruce Higinbothom, Dr. David Delaplane, Lisa Creggar, nurse and staff of Abingdon Family Health Care Center, Johnston Memorial CCU and Valley Health Care Center, and would like to recognize his special friends for faithful deeds over the past several years, Troy and Dorothy Allen, Carrie Blevins, Clara Blevins, Charlotte Carter, Rev. Cecil Clifton, Alberta Copenhaver, Claude and Elaine Counts, Roy and Teresa Foglesong and Evelyn Sturgill and Pearl Wimmer. The funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2004, at 7 p.m. in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Mr. Bill Graybeal and Brother John Cecil Clifton officiating. Interment will follow at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 16, 2004, in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The family will receive friends Wednesday immediately following the funeral service. The Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, is serving the Wagner family. William G. Williams MARION – William G. "Bill" Williams, passed from this life Tuesday, Dec. 14, 2004. He was born in Chilhowie to the late John and Nannie Lou Hurt Williams. After graduating from Chilhowie High School, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and served with the 3rd Marine Division in the Pacific Theater, making multiple landings, including Bouganville and Guam. He later served with the 1st Marine Division in Korea, participating in the Inchon Landing and the recapture of Seoul. He fought on the Chosin Reservoir and later joined the survivors in founding the Association of the Chosin Few. After 24 years of service, he retired from the U.S. Marine Corps, at the rank of captain. After returning to Marion, he co-founded the H.S. Williams Company and led as the company’s corporate vice-president for many years. Mr. Williams was a dedicated member of the First United Methodist Church and had served as a trustee and in other capacities. For a time, he served as a Boy Scout leader. He loved the outdoors and his many interests included fishing, hunting, golfing, tennis and gardening. His warm personality will be missed by all who knew him. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters and brothers, Ann Krouse, Eleanor, Alvis, Cotton and Harry Williams. He is survived by his wife, Susan Hardin Williams; brothers-in-law and sisters- in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Jesse Weakley of Louisville, Ky., and Mr. and Mrs. Michael Hardin of Willisburg, Ky.; several nieces and nephews; and a special cousin, Jim B. Hurt of Tazewell, Va. A Celebration of Life service will be held Thursday, Dec. 16, 2004, at 1 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, Marion, with Rev. Jeff Lambert and Rev. Kim Goddard officiating. Burial will follow in St. James Lutheran Church Cemetery, Chilhowie. The family will receive friends Thursday from 12 p.m. until the time of the service at the church. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is serving the Williams Family. Michael D. Willis VANSANT, Va. – Michael D. Willis, age 43, passed away Monday, Dec. 13, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol Tennessee, as a result of an automobile accident. He was last employed as a construction worker. He was preceded in death by his father, McDonald "Don" Willis; one sister, Karen Sue Kostoff; maternal grandparents, Hollie and Gracie Thomas Boyd; and paternal grandparents, Scotch and Ethel Hay Willis Shortridge. Survivors include his mother and stepfather, Betty and Nolan Ball of Elkton, Md.; one brother, Donald Scott (Jody) Willis of Denver, Colo.; stepbrothers, Timothy Ball of Baltimore, Ronald Ball of Belair, Md., and Richard Ball of Connecticut; one sister, Charon Marie (Scott) Milberger of Pubelo, Colo.; two nieces, Ashley and Kayla Sue; one nephew, Brandon Michael; and several aunts and uncles. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, Dec. 16, 2004, at 1 p.m. at Haysi Funeral Home, with Rev. Roy Lee Wilson, Rev. Lester Boyd and the Rev. Kyle Ratliff officiating. Burial will follow in the Boyd Family Cemetery, Route 1, Vansant. Pallbearers will be Joey Tiller, Chris Boyd, Keith Boyd, Jeff O’quinn, Mark Guy, Martin Ratliff, Mark Hurley, Mark Gilbert and Rob Miller. The family will receive friends after 6 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 15, 2004, at Haysi Funeral Home, where an evening service will be held at 7 p.m. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.