Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries:  Bristol Herald Courier, January 2, 2005

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Bristol Herald Courier
Sunday, January 2, 2005

Ella Mae Tuell Bales

ATKINS, Va. – Ella Mae Tuell Bales, age 79, passed away Thursday, Dec. 30, 2004,
in the Valley Health Care Center in Chilhowie.
She was born in Smyth County to the late John Robert Tuell and Annie Thompson
Tuell and was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer T. Bales, two sisters,
Josephine Miller and Lucy Barker, and a brother, John J. Tuell. She was a member
of the Lutheran Church of Atonement and was retired from Harwood Manufacturing,
with over 40 years of service.
Survivors include: four sisters and brothers-in-law, Aileen and Ivan Guy,
Marion, Kathleen and Ed Walton, Chilhowie, Mary and Jim Cook, Chilhowie and
Betty and Hubert Ashe, Christiansburg; one brother and sister-in-law, Robert and
Janie Tuell, Saltville; one brother-in-law, Ronald Barker, Marion; eight nieces;
13 nephews; nine great-nieces; 15 great-nephews; and eight great- great-nephews
also survive.
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005, from the
Bradley's Funeral Home Chapel in Marion with Pastor Ed Schaack and Vicar Liv
Larson officiating. Graveside services will be held Sunday at 2 p.m. at Roselawn
Cemetery. The family would like to thank the caretakers at Valley Health Care in
Chilhowie for their care and understanding during her stay. Flowers are
appreciated or donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 2728
Colonial Ave., SW Suite 2, Roanoke, VA 24015. Expressions of sympathy may be
sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. The family will receive friends
Saturday evening from 6-7 p.m. at the funeral home.
Bradley's Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the family of Mrs. Bales.


Ruby Mae Barlow

DAMASCUS – Ruby Mae Barlow, 79, passed away Dec. 31, 2004, after a short
illness.
She was originally from West Virginia and had moved to Damascus in 2001 to be
with her daughter.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced by Rose and Quesenberry
Funeral Home in Beckley, W.Va.
The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to Dr. Jonathan Swank, his
nurse, Diane Wise, and to the nursing staff of Side One and therapists, Candy
and Robin at Grace Health Care. Also, a special thanks to Margaret Vest, Mrs.
Barlow's caregiver. This information provided by Farris Funeral Service, 427
East Main St., Abingdon, Va.


Crystal Paige (Spiece) Briggs

VERONA, Va. – Crystal Paige (Spiece) Briggs, 67, of 40 Kenwood Place, died at
4:25 a.m. Friday, Dec. 31, 2004, at 3777 Shutterlee Mill Road, Staunton.
She was born Jan. 10, 1937, in Staunton, a daughter of the late Rex and
Clotielde (Hawkins) Spiece.
Ms. Briggs was a graduate of Robert E. Lee High School and Winchester Memorial
Nursing School. She was a registered nurse for 42 years. She retired as a
supervisor at DeJarnette, worked as a supervisor of the State Health Department
in Wise and was a director of nursing at Browns Nursing Home in Statesboro, Ga.
Her life was devoted to the selfless care of others.
She was a member of St. Paul's United Methodist Church.
Family members include a son, Patrick V. Briggs and his fiancee, Nicole
Armentrout, of Waynesboro; two daughters and a son-in-law, Tracey P. and John R.
Patterson of Richmond, and Heidi M. Harvey and Jed P. Alger of Fishersville; two
sisters and a brother-in-law, Betty L. Lee of Casselberry, Fla., and Sharon S.
and Charles M. Phibbs of Verona; four grandchildren, Bradley V. Patterson, Tyler
B. Briggs, Joshua R. Patterson and Kortni P. Harvey; special friends, Betty
Critz and Louise Brown; and "her eternal beloved", Guy V. Briggs of Science
Hill, Ky.
A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 3, 2005, in the Henry
Funeral Home Chapel by the Rev. David W. Lord. Burial will follow in Thornrose
Cemetery.
The family will receive friends from 7 until 8:30 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 2, 2005, at
the funeral home and other times at the home of her sister, Sharon, at 5 Oak
Crest Drive, Verona.
Memorials may be made to the Shenandoah University Nursing Scholarship Fund in
memory of Crystal S. Briggs, 1460 University Drive, Winchester, VA 22601.

Mildred Clark

Mrs. Mildred Sue (Phoebe) Clark, daughter of the late William and Mary Roller,
was born Sept. 10, 1930, in Bristol Tennessee. She went home to be with the Lord
Dec. 30, 2004, at Wellmont Hospital in Bristol Tennessee.
Mrs. Clark has resided in Bristol all of her life. She was a member and attended
Mt. Carmel New Life Gospel Church, where she was one of the mothers of the
church. She was employed by the Bristol Boys and Girls Club, where she worked
faithfully for over 14 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Clark Sr., and one daughter,
Sandra (P-Nut) Tucker.
Her survivors include one son, Robert M. Clark Jr., of Atlanta; three daughters,
Ramona O. Simmons, Marzetta O. Burks and Mrs. Veda (John) Delaney, all of
Bristol Virginia; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; and a host of
other relatives and friends.
Funeral services for Mrs. Mildred Sue (Phoebe) Clark will be in the Mt. Carmel
New Life Gospel Church Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2005, with visitation at 11 a.m. and
the services following at 12 noon with Pastor Ann Johnson officiating.
Interment will be in the National Cemetery, Mountain Home, Tenn.
Condolences may be e-mailed at robinsonmortuary@earthlink.net.
Robinson Mortuary, Inc., 333 Spencer St., Bristol, Va., is serving the family of
the late Mrs. Mildred Sue (Phoebe) Clark.

Crystal Briggs

LEBANON – Crystal Paige (Spiece) Briggs, age 90, died Thursday, Dec. 30, 2004,
in Mountain View Adult Care Resident Retirement Home.
Born Jan. 12, 1914, in Russell County, a daughter of the late William L. Honaker
and the late Vinnie Whitt Honaker, she was the wife of the late Sam F. Combs Jr.
She was a former employee of the former Sportsman Grill and Ma & Pa's in
Lebanon. She was a member of the Grace Baptist Church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two infant daughters
and several brothers and sisters.
Survivors include four daughters, Bonnie Fleenor and husband Charlie, Bristol
Virginia, Edna Sue Bailey and husband Bill, and Nancy Taylor and husband Bill,
all of Lebanon, and Barbara Combs, Emory, Va.; three sons, William L. Combs and
wife Anna Marie, Brandenburg, Ky., Dewey Combs and wife Peggy, Council, Va., and
Sam Combs and wife Anna, Bristol Virginia; 17 grandchildren and step-
grandchildren; and several great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
The funeral services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005, in the
Combs Funeral Service Chapel with the Rev. Dennis Burnette, the Rev. Clyde
Gamble and the Rev. Dewey Helbert officiating. Burial will be 2 p.m. Sunday,
Jan. 2, 2005, in the Helbert Family Cemetery. Those attending are requested to
meet at the funeral home by 1:15 p.m. to go in procession to the cemetery.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Grandchildren will serve as
honorary pallbearers. The family will receive friends 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 1,
2005, prior to the service at the funeral home.
Combs Funeral Service is serving the family of Mrs. Combs.

Crystal Paige (Spiece) Briggs
Funeral services for Crystal Paige (Spiece) Briggswill be conducted at 2 p.m.,
Sunday, Jan., 2, 2005, from the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Rick Byerly
officiating. Burial will follow in the Mountain View Cemetery. Friends will
serve as pallbearers. Military honors will be conducted by the Patton-Crosswhite
VFW Post 6975 Honor Guard. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at
www.weaverfuneralhome.net.
James Thomas Craft, age 78, formerly of Bristol, went to be with the Lord
Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2004, at the High Point Regional Hospital, High Point, N.C.
Weaver Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Craft.

Lucy "Lou" Featherall

Lucy "Lou" Featherall, age 83, passed away Dec. 29, 2004.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Antonio and Michelena Cimorelli, her
husband, Ralph Featherall, five brothers and two sisters.
Lou is survived by a sister, Lena Young; three daughters, Lucille (Joe) Haar,
Dolores (Fred) Eaton and Toni (Mark) Nohre; nine grandchildren; one step-
grandchild; 12 great-grandchildren; and two step-great-grandchildren.
Friends may call at Miller Funeral Home, 3200 Golansky Blvd., Woodbridge, Va.,
on Sunday, Jan. 2, from 6-8 p.m. A memorial service will be held in the Miller
Funeral Home Chapel on Monday, Jan. 3, at 9:30 a.m. Interment to follow at
Quantico National Cemetery, Triangle, Va.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in memory of Lou to Wellmont
Hospice, 280 Steele's Road, Bristol, TN 37620.

J.C. Fleenor

BRISTOL, Va. – J.C. Fleenor, age 80, passed away on Friday, Dec. 30, 2004, at
his residence.
Arrangements by Weaver Funeral Home are incomplete.

Jewell Goodwin

Jewell Goodwin, 79, peacefully departed this earth to join her loving Saviour on
Dec. 30, 2004, at NHC HealthCare in Johnson City, Tenn. Formerly she resided at
Route 1, Bluefield, Va., (Abb's Valley), and Millry, Ala. She was preceded in
death by her husband, Hamilton Raymond Goodwin, her son, James R. Goodwin, her
parents, S.B. and Ruby Simpson, and one brother, Buford Simpson. The surviving
family members of this loving and devoted mother include: daughters, Aleta
Isaacs and husband Charles of Boone, N.C., Brenda Keene and husband Ronnie of
Bristol Virginia, Debbie Croy and husband Bob of Princeton, W.Va.; special
daughter-in-law, Mary Goodwin of Bluefield, W.Va.; sister, Betty Warren and
husband Leo of Warner Robbins, Ga.; and stepdaughter, Carol Greiner and husband
Bill of New Castle, Del. Also surviving are her much-loved grandchildren,
Michele Greenway and husband Brian of Hickory, N.C., Wendy Boling and husband
Chuck of Omaha, Neb., Kevin Keene of Bristol Virginia, Heather Goodwin of
Bluefield, Va., Carmen Stinson and husband Ryan of Princeton, W.Va., and Ashley
Goodwin of Bluefield, W.Va., five great-grandchildren; and many nieces and
nephews. In addition, she is survived by her second family, whom she adored, and
they cherished her, the staff and residents of NHC Healthcare in Johnson City,
Tenn., and her pastor, Brother Shelton Lewis.
The family will receive friends at Mercer Funeral Home in Bluefield W.Va., on
Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005, from 5 to 8 p.m. Brother Shelton Lewis will conduct the
funeral services at 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 2, 2005, at Mercer Funeral Home in
Bluefield, W.Va. Pallbearers will be Brian Greenway, Ryan Stinson, Ronnie Payne,
Lonnie Payne, Roger Lowery and Roger Dalton. Donald Payne will serve as honorary
pallbearer. Interment will follow at Grandview Memory Gardens, Bluefield, Va.
Mercer Funeral Home & Crematory is assisting the Goodwin family with
arrangements. E-mail of cards and condolences may be sent at
mercer@mercerfuneral.com.


Donald T. Hawthorne

Donald T. Hawthorne, 72, of Naples, Fla., died at his home Dec. 21, 2004.
He was born Sept. 16, 1932, in Havaco, (McDowell County), W. Va.
He was a 9th generation descendent of James Hawthorne from Washington County Va.
He served 20 years in the U.S. Air Force and retired in 1972 with the rank of
master sergeant special agent.
He received 23 awards and medals, including the Bronze Star, during the Korean
and Vietnam Wars.
He was a graduate of Welch High School, Normandale Community College, with
honors, University of Minnesota, with a bachelor of arts degree in sociology,
and a certificate of criminal justice. He was involved in writing the geneology
and doing extensive research on the James Hawthorne Family.
He compiled the Hawthorne Family History Book.
Survivors include his wife, Barbara K. Hawthorne; son, Sean Micheal Hawthorne
and wife Laurie of Edina, Minn.; grandchildren, Kylie, Zoe and Patrick Hawthone;
and several cousins in the area.
A celebration of life service will be held on Monday, Jan. 3, 2005, in Naples.
Information provided by Williams Funeral Home of Chilhowie.

George Edward Houston

BRISTOL, Tenn. – George Edward Houston went to be with the Lord Thursday, Dec.
30, 2004, at Bristol Regional Medical Center.
Mr. Houston was a son of the late George D. and Hazel Umberger Houston, and has
made his home in the Bristol area all of his life.
Mr. Houston was a Christian and a retired crane operator for Bristol Steel, with
35 years of service.
Survivors include his wife of 47 years, Helen Bowery Houston; one daughter, Lisa
Houston; one son, Donnie Bowery and wife Kathy; four grandchildren; three great-
grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted 2 p.m. Monday, Jan. 2, 2005, at the graveside
in Poplar Ridge Cemetery with Rev. Jack Bowery and Rev. Lawrence Stout
officiating.
E-mail condolences may be sent at www.weaverfuneralhome.net.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Weaver Funeral Home.

 

Myrtle F. Kain

BLUFF CITY – Myrtle F. Kain, age 86, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, Jan.
1, 2005, in Wellmont Hospice House.
Born Dec. 25, 1918, in Chester, Pa., she was the daughter of the late John F.
Welch and Ella B. Welch.
She lived most of her life in southeastern Pennsylvania, then moved to Ft.
Myers, Florida, for over 20 years. She has lived the past 8 1/2 years with her
son, Greg and his wife Karin, in Bluff City. She trusted Jesus Christ as her
Savior in her early twenties and served him faithfully for the remainder of her
life. She was a member of Vance Bible Church in Bristol Tennessee, where her
son, Greg, is pastor.
She was preceded in death by her husband, George V. Kain.
She will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered as a faithful Christian and
loving mother by her three sons, George F. Kain of Social Circle, Ga., Barry L.
Kain and wife Sherry of Downingtown, Pa., and Pastor Greg A. Kain and wife Karin
of Bluff City. Other survivors include 11 grandchildren; and seven great-
grandchildren.
One of her favorite Bible verses was Joshua 24:15 "...Choose you this day whom
you will serve,...but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." In the
front of her Bible this quote was found, "The man who walks with God always gets
to his destination." We praise God that her destination, Heaven, has been
reached because of her trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross
and His glorious resurrection.
Funeral services will be conducted 8 p.m. Monday in Weaver Funeral Home Chapel
with Rev. Greg Kain officiating. Graveside services will be conducted 2 p.m.,
Wednesday in Fort Myers Memorial Gardens, Fort Myers, Fla. In lieu of flowers,
memorials may be made to the Building Fund of Vance Bible Church. The family
will receive from 6 until 8 p.m. Monday. E-mail condolences may be sent at
www.weaverfuneralhome.net.
Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

James W. Ketron

BRISTOL, Tenn. – Mr. James W. Ketron, age 86, passed away Friday, Dec. 31, 2004,
in the Cambridge House.
Jim had lived a lot of his life in Russell County, Va., and was preceded in
death by his wife, Beulah Ketron. He was a former employee of C & P Telephone of
Virginia.
Survivors include a sister and her husband, Louise and Fred Ring, Lake City,
Fla.; and several nieces and nephews.
A cryptside service will be conducted Monday, Jan. 3, 2005, at 11 a.m. in the
mausoleum at Temple Hill Memorial Park, Castlewood. There will be no visitation
in the funeral home. Those attending are asked to assemble at the cemetery.
Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting
www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service,
427 E. Main St., Abingdon, is handling the arrangements.

Ernest Millsap

BRISTOL, Tenn. – A funeral service for Mr. Ernest J. "Sherman" Millsap will be
conducted Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005, at 11 a.m. in the Reynolds Memorial United
Methodist Church with Rev. Malcolm Wansley Jr. officiating. Burial will follow
in the Knollkreg Memorial Park with military rites by the Highlands Fellowship
Honor Color Guard. Pallbearers will be Bob Guffey, Ernest "Red" Blackburn, John
Singleton, Neal S. Powell, Jack Jay, David Hackler, Richard Keesling and Mike
Cash. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob Benning, Eric Weitzel, Preston Hawthorne,
Ernest Statzer, Bill Layman, William Felty, Glenn Sword, Jay Garrison Neal,
Stanley King and Jim Jarvis. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the
American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058. Those wishing
to express a memory or sympathy online may do so by visiting
www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Mr. Ernest J. "Sherman" Millsap, age 71, passed
away suddenly Wednesday, Dec. 29, 2004, at the Bristol Regional Medical Center.
The Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service is serving the family of Mr.
Millsap.

Russell Vaught Mink

MOUNT DORA, Fla. – Russell Vaught Mink, age 84, formerly of Hampton, Tenn.,
passed away on Friday, Dec. 31, 2004.
R.V., (as he was known), was born in Neva, Tenn. His parents were the late David
and Margarte Vaught Mink.
R.V. was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Navy in the South
Pacific. He resided in Elizabethton for many years and was employed by Carter
County Motor Company in Elizabethton and Free Service Tire Company in Johnson
City. Mr. Mink was a member of the Community Chapel Church in Hampton and
previously a member of the Locust Gap Freewill Church in Mountain City. He moved
to Atlantic City, N.J. in 1960, where he was employed as a maintenance
superintendent for Perone, Hall and Associates, until his retirement in 1983. He
made his home in Hampton from 1983 until 2003, when he relocated to Mount Dora.
Two sisters, Ethel Ledbetter and Vada Lethco, and three brothers, Kelly, Ralph
and John preceded him in death.
He is survived by his wife of 63 years, Betty Ramsey Mink of Mount Dora; his son
and daughter-in-law, Russell and Christine Mink of Mount Dora; two sisters, Lucy
Milhan of Mountain City and Ella Schipsi of Margate City, N.J.; two brothers,
David Mink of Elizabethton and Arley Mink of Mountain City; three grandchildren,
Jeana Swanson of Bridgeport, W.Va., and Joe and Jeff Mink of Bristol Virginia;
and six precious great-grandchildren, Kayleigh and Karley Swanson and Alex, Ben,
Tyler and Hannah Mink; and a host of friends and neighbors, who also survive
him.
Memorial services for Mr. Mink will be held at 8 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 6, 2005, in
Memorial Funeral Chapel, Elizabethton, with Rev. Stevie Guinn, Rev. Jack Lyons
and Mr. Patrick Mink officiating. Inurnment will be in the National Cemetery,
Mountain Home, Tenn. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. on
Thursday at the funeral chapel. A memorial service is planned for the First
Presbyterian Church of Mount Dora. Also in lieu of flowers, the family requests
that donations be made to either of the following churches: Community Chapel of
Hampton; or Locust Gap Freewill Baptist Church in Mountain City. Condolences to
the Mink family may be e-mailed to mfc@chartertn.net.
Memorial Funeral Chapel, Elizabethton, is in charge.

Billy Gene Morrell

BRISTOL, Tenn. – Funeral services for Billy Gene Morrell will be conducted 3
p.m. Saturday in Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Dewey Williams, Rev. Sam
Haynes and Rev. Jimmy Epperson officiating. Burial will follow in Shipley
Cemetery. Pallbearers, Randy Morrell, Danny Morrell, Kenny Morrell, Jeff Booher,
Phil Morrell, Dale Morrell, Chris Trivette and Tony Morrell. The family will
receive friends from 1 p.m. until service time at the funeral home.
Billy Gene Morrell, age 69, 284 Old Hickory Tree Road, died Thursday, Dec. 30,
2004, at his home.
Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

James Edwin Neel

BRISTOL, Tenn. – James Edwin Neel, age 85, went to be with the Lord, Saturday,
Jan. 1, 2005, at the Cambridge House.
Mr. Neel was son of the late John Richard and Frances Painter Neel. James was a
graduate of Tennessee High School and attended University of Tennessee. He was a
retired major of the U.S. Army and served his country in the 82nd Airborne
during World War II. After his service years, he was in parachute maintenance
for the government. He was a member of Community Church of Bristol.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Doris E.
Curtis Neel, and a son, James E. Neel Jr.
Survivors include two sisters, Elizabeth N. Hickam of Bristol Virginia, and
Louise N. Emmert of Ogden, Utah; three nieces, Betty Jo Morton and her husband
Ted of Bristol Tennessee, Ann Shaver and her husband William of Bristol
Tennessee, and Mary Sue Tomlinson and her husband Roger of San Diego, Calif.;
three nephews, James J. Hickam Jr. of Hendersonville, N.C., David Emmert and his
wife Lorraine of Ogden and Richard Emmert and his wife Paula, of Grand Junction,
Colo.; a special friend and caregiver, Ellen Hughes; and several grand-nieces
and grand-nephews.
The funeral service will be conducted at 3 p.m., Tuesday, Jan. 4, 2005, in the
Mausoleum Chapel of Mountain View Cemetery with Rev. John Cowell, officiating.
Military graveside rites will be conducted by Highlands Fellowship Honor Guard.
Honorary pallbearers will be Bruce Morton, Mark Morton, Mack Morton, Tom
Jeffcoat, Ed Morton, Charles Carver, Sgt.1st Class Wally Puckett, Garth
Gonsalves and Terry Eaton. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 p.m.,
prior to the service at the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make memorial contributions to ARC, c/o
Opportunities Unlimited of Bristol, 498 Industrial Drive, Bristol, TN 37620.
Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting our Website at
www.akardfuneralhome.com.
Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423) 989-4800, is
serving the family of Mr. Neel.

Minix G. Osborne

CHILHOWIE – Minix G. Osborne, age 81, died Thursday, Dec. 30, 2004, at Smyth
County Community Hospital.
He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army and was a 32nd
degree Mason and member of the Eastern Star, Chapter 72. He was retired from the
U.S. Postal Service after 33 years of service, and was a farmer. Mr. Osborne was
a full time Southern Democrat and preached on the radio on Full-Vessel
Broadcast, preaching, teaching and prayer. He was preceded in death by his wife,
Gloria Kate Shuler Osborne, a son, Minix Dale Osborne, three brothers, Calt,
Deitrick and Jessie, and three sisters, Ella Fae, Lula Mae and Estella.
He is survived by one daughter and son-in-law, Anna and Donnie Lyles of Marion;
two sons and daughters-in-law, Clement and Regina Osborne and Joseph and Sherry
Osborne, all of Chilhowie; five sisters, Marcella Kilby of Salem, Va., Nell
Pasley of Ashe County, N.C., Masie Foore of Chilhowie, Shirley Pruitt of
Lancaster, Pa., and Jackie Brooks of Wilmington, N.C.; two brothers, Courtney
Osborne Jr. of Lancaster and James F. Osborne of Chilhowie; six grandchildren,
Abigail Louise Lyles, Leanna Nichole Lyles, Joshua Dale Osborne, Carolina
Virginia Osborne, Ruby Rose Osborne and Cicero Lee Osborne; and several nieces
and nephews also survive. Funeral services will be held Sunday, Jan. 2, 2005, at
2 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel with Mr. Larry Smith officiating. Burial will
follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Marion, where Masonic rites will be conducted by
Marion Masonic Lodge 31 AF&AM and military rites will be conducted by Frances
Marion VFW Post 4667. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 6
until 8 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. Expressions of sympathy may be made to the
family at www.seaverbrown.com. Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory is
serving the Osborne Family.

Bobby Lee Pennington

ATKINS, Va. – Bobby Lee Pennington, age 48, passed away Thursday, Dec. 30, 2004,
in the Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion.
He was born in Havre De Grace, Md., and was preceded in death by his father,
George W. Pennington, his uncle, Frank Welch, and his grandmother, Bessie
Holmes.
Survivors include: wife, Joan Pennington; mother, Edith Waddell Sole, Prince
Frederick, Md.; four stepchildren, Angela Deel, Jason Akers, Ryan Paynter and
Jeremy Paynter; brother, William R. Pennington, Laurel, Md.; two sisters, Joyce
Lynn Davidson, Gaithersburg, Md., and Brenda Lee Dillinger, Prince Frederick;
two step-grandchildren, Cody and Katelyn Deel; special aunt, Hallie Welch; and
several nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 3, 2005, from the
Bradley's Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Neville Mozingo and Reverend Nouhad
Melki officiating. Interment will follow in Roselawn Cemetery. A reception will
follow graveside services at the First Church of God in Atkins, (6118 Lee
Highway). Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at
www.bradleysfh.com. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m.
at the funeral home. Bradley's Funeral Home, Marion, is serving the Pennington
family.

Louis Joseph Prelaz

BLACKSBURG – Louis Joseph Prelaz, 81, died peacefully on Dec. 30, 2004, at
Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
Lou was born on Jan. 21, 1923, in Richwood, W.Va. He was the son of the late
Louis and Mary Cigali Prelaz. After serving his country as a B-24 bomber pilot
during World War II, Lou graduated from West Virginia University. He worked
several years in the coal industry and retired in 1985, after 21 years as a
professor in Virginia Tech's Mining and Minerals Engineering Department.
Lou is survived by his wife of 50 years, Anna Marie Prelaz. Other survivors
include two daughters, Shirley Watson and husband Doug of Blacksburg, Jan
Wikstrom of Lexington, Ky., and Jim Wikstrom; son, David Prelaz and wife Kim of
Beckley, W.Va.; five grandchildren, Heather and Jonathan Watson, Samantha
Wikstrom and Christopher and Matthew Prelaz; three sisters, Mary Prelaz, Rose
Mondreas and husband Chris and Elsie Stanley, all of Richwood; brother, Ed
Prelaz and wife Anita of Huntington, W.Va.; sister-in-law, Helena V. Cline of
Jacksonville, Fla.; and special feline companions, Princess and Zipper.
Funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, Jan. 3, 2005, at McCoy Funeral
Home, 150 Country Club Drive, Blacksburg, with the Rev. Dan Johnson officiating.
Visitation will be Sunday, Jan. 2, from 5-7 p.m. at McCoy Funeral Home.
Memorials can be made to the Burkhart Mining Society, Va Tech Department of
Mining and Minerals Engineering, 100 Holden Hall, Blacksburg, VA 24061.

Sharon Louise Quesenberry

ABINGDON – A graveside service for Sharon Louise Quesenberry will be held on
Sunday, Jan. 2, 2005, at 11 a.m. at Forest Hills Memory Gardens.
Sharon Louise Quesenberry, 61, formerly of Northern Virginia, passed away
Thursday, Dec. 30, 2004.
Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is in charge of
arrangements.

Frank Allen Reaume

MOUNTAIN CITY – Frank Allen Reaume, 80, 1049 Pedro Shoun Lane, died Friday, Dec.
31, 2004, in the Johnson City Medical Center.
A native of Troy, Mich., he had lived in Mountain City for the past 12 years. He
was retired from the Charter Club, of Naples, Fla. He had served in the U.S.
Navy during World War II and the Korean conflict. He had served 11 years in the
Navy. Mr. Reaume was the youngest petty officer in the Pacific Fleet at the age
of 17. He was preceded in death by his parents, Fred and Myrtle Johnstone
Reaume, and two sisters, Mary Helsel and Marcella Bechtel.
Survivors include his wife, Mae Roop Reaume; sons, Allen Reaume and Jack Reaume
of Texas, and Timothy Reaume and Fred Reaume of California; daughters, Lucille
R. Shocklett of Texas, Robin Allen of Michigan, and Fawn Gouge and Eileen
Hernandez of California; stepsons, Donley Huggins and James Huggins, Mountain
City; stepdaughter, Janice Fuller, Damascus; brother, R.S. Reaume, Brevard,
N.C.; sister, Vivian Meitron of Michigan; 19 Grandchildren, 17 step-
grandchildren; and one special step-great-granddaughter, Gracie.
Graveside services will be conducted at 12 noon Monday, Jan. 3, 2005, in the
Whitetop Baptist Church Cemetery, Whitetop, Va. Please omit flowers. Friends may
call at the residence. Military honors will be conducted by the Grayson County
VFW Post 7726. Condolences to the Reaume Family may be e-mailed to
mfc@chartertn.net.
Memorial Funeral Chapel, Elizabethton, Tennessee is in charge.

Andrew Scott Rhea

CLEVELAND, Va. – Andrew (Andy) Scott Rhea, 27, passed away on Thursday, Dec. 30,
2004. Born on Oct. 30, 1977, in Bristol Tennessee, he was of the Baptist faith.
Preceding him in death are his maternal grandmother, Ruby Dishman, and paternal
grandfather, Mack Rhea.

Survivors include his wife, Rebecca Rhea; three children, Azrael Collins,
Destiny Collins and Melody Rhea; parents, Vick and Kelly Dishman Rhea, of
Cleveland; brothers, Timmy Bailey and Charles Daniel Rhea; paternal grandmother,
Lillian Rhea; maternal grandfather, Richard Dishman; and mother and father-in-
law, Barbara and Robert Killen; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces,
nephews and friends also survive.

Pallbearers will be Tim Bailey, Timmy Bailey, Less Rhea, Billy Johnson, Chubs
Bailey, R.J. Johnson, Dennis Bailey and Butch Breeding.
Honorary pallbearers will be Amanda Jacobs, Niki Hamilton and Timmy Bailey.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 1, at 8 p.m. at Owens Funeral
Service Chapel with Rev. Michael Rhea and Bill Trail officiating. The family
will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. before the funeral service.
A graveside service will be held on Sunday, Jan. 2, at 2 p.m. at the Rasnake &
Kiser Family Cemetery in Clinchfield, Va. Those wishing to attend are asked to
meet at the funeral home by 1:30 p.m. to follow in the funeral procession.
Owens Funeral Service, Lebanon, is in charge of arrangements.

Rev. Clarence Layton Roark

BRISTOL, Tenn. – The funeral service for Rev. Clarence Layton Roark will be held
at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with the
Reverend Hubert Baily and Reverend Edward Porter officiating. Special music will
be provided by the choir of Spoon Gap Freewill Baptist Church. The visitation
will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday evening at the funeral home. The
committal service will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday in Shipley Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Kevin Roark, Chris Roark, Brandon Roberts, Johnny Roberts
and Donnie Johnson.
Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Henry, Edward Porter, Joe Roark, Bill
Roark, Ralph Roark, Dr. Tom Green and staff of the Wellmont Bristol Medical
Center.
Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net.
Rev. Clarence Layton Roark, age 78, of Highway 421, went home to be with the
Lord on Dec. 29, 2004, at the Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center,
following an extended illness.
Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Rev. Clarence Layton Roark

BRISTOL, Tenn. – The committal service for Rev. Clarence Layton Roark will be
held at 2 p.m. on Sunday in Shipley Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Kevin Roark, Chris Roark, Brandon Roberts, Johnny Roberts
and Donnie Johnson.

Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Henry, Edward Porter, Joe Roark, Bill
Roark, Ralph Roark, Dr. Tom Green and staff of the Wellmont Bristol Medical
Center.
Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net.
Rev. Clarence Layton Roark, age 78, of Highway 421, went home to be with the
Lord on Dec. 29, 2004, at the Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center,
following an extended illness.
Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Harold Russell Roop

JONESVILLE, Va. – Harold Russell Roop, 84, died Dec. 30, 2004, at home, after a
brief illness.
He was a lifelong resident of Lee County, Va., and a retired educator. He was a
member of Bowling United Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Charles T. and Minnie Russell Roop;
three brothers, Rhea, Paul and Alton Roop; and four sisters, Mary, Ethel, Alice
and Gladys Roop.

Survivors include his wife, Jeraldine Mosa Roop; two sons, Charles Roop and wife
Brenda, Bristol Virginia, and Edwin Roop and wife Karen, of Big Stone Gap, Va.;
three grandchildren, Aaron Roop, Bristol Virginia, and Sara Roop and Keith Roop,
both of Big Stone Gap, Va.; and one sister, Anne Simmons of Mt. Airy, N.C.
The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Sunday at Arney-Mullins Funeral
Home in Jonesville.

Funeral services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home chapel
with the Rev. Wayne Rader officiating.

Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday at Lee Memorial Gardens
in Woodway, Va.

Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10 a.m. Monday to go
to the cemetery in procession.

Pallbearers will be Bob Young, Craig Sigmond, Eddie Watson, Jonathan Taft, Toby
Middleton, Aaron Roop, Keith Roop and Doug McDonald.
Arney-Mullins Funeral Home of Jonesville is in charge of arrangements.

 

Edna Goodson Rust

BRISTOL, Va. – Edna Goodson Rust, age 89, passed away Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005, at
Bristol Nursing Home.

Mrs. Rust was originally from Danville, Va., and had moved to Bristol in 1993.
She was retired from Dan River Cotton Mills. She was preceded in death by her
husband, Claude Rust, and a stepdaughter, Ann Necessary. Survivors include her
children, Franklin Goodson, of Virginia Beach, Va., Margaret Rice, of
Providence, N.C., and Nellie Dix, of North Carolina; 11 stepchildren, Mary
Kennedy, of Alvarado, Va., George Rust, Claude J. Rust, Margaret Casey, Geneva
Graybeal, and Irene Childress, all of Abingdon, Ruth Ladd, of Greenville, Miss.,
Brenda Johnson, of Bristol Tennessee, and Elizabeth Roberts, Dorothy Robinette
and Bonnie Pippin, all of Bristol Virginia; two brothers, Luther Large of
Bristol Virginia, and Dewey Large, of Princeton, W.Va.; and one sister, Bell Noe
of Umatilla, Fla.
A graveside service will be held Monday, Jan. 3, 2005, at Forest Hills Memory
Gardens at 3:30 p.m., with Rev. Walter Statzer officiating. The family will
receive friends Sunday from 6-8 p.m. at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral
Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may
be made to Shiloh Freewill Baptist Church, 21508 Benhams Road, Bristol, VA; or
to Alzheimer's Association of Northeast Tennessee, 207 N. Boone St., Johnson
City, TN 37604. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting
www.farrisfuneralservice.com.

Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Rust family.

Melda Howery Self

BRISTOL, Tenn. – Melda Howery Self, 84, of Painter Creek Road, went to be with
the Lord on Dec. 31, 2004, at Bristol Wellmont House in Bristol Tennessee.
She was born Aug. 13, 1920, in Iaeger, W.Va., to the late Sylvester Clay and
Sally Graham McKinney. She had lived most of her life in Iaeger and McDowell
County, and had moved to Bristol Tennessee 10 years ago.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her brothers, S.C. McKinney, Hugh
McKinney and Joe McKinney, and her husband, Carl Self of Kimball, W.Va. Mrs.
Self graduated from Iaeger High School and Marshall University with a master's
degree in elementary and special education. She retired from the McDowell County
School System, with 42 years service, and was a proud teacher.

She is survived by her three daughters, Kay Osborne, of Bristol Tennessee, Sandy
Maniskas and her husband Nick, and Darlene Buskirk and her husband Les, all of
Logan, Ohio; seven grandchildren, T.J. Osborne and wife Angie, Karla Rowe and
husband Jason, Kelly Frances and husband Steve, Tracey Hadley and husband Tom,
Kevin Dunnigan and wife Jackie, Natalie Vargo and Shannon Vargo; six great-
grandchildren; one sister, Mary Sutphin of Iaeger; one brother, Charles McKinney
of Columbus, Ohio; special friends, Susie Day of Bristol Tennessee, and Betty
Rowe of Richlands; and several nieces and nephews.

A mausoleum service will be held Monday, Jan. 3, 2005, at 1 p.m. at Roselawn
Memorial Gardens in Princeton, W.Va., with Don Morgan officiating. In lieu of
flowers, the family requests all contributions be made to Wellmont Hospice
House, Bristol, TN. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by
visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main
St., Abingdon, is serving the Self family.

 

James E. "Jim" Sheets

MARION – James E. "Jim" Sheets, age 70, died Thursday, Dec. 30, 2004, at his
home.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Gordie and Ruby Sheets, and brother,
Allen Sheets.

He is survived by his wife, Doris West Sheets of Marion; one daughter, Lisa
Sheets Suthers and husband David of Wytheville; three sons, Mark E. and wife
Kathy of Marion, Gregory A. and wife Ginger of Chilhowie, and Eric E. and wife
Kim of Bristol; one sister, Charlotte Parks of Sugar Grove; three brothers, Bill
Sheets and Ken Sheets, both of Marion, and Raymond Sheets of Sugar Grove; six
grandchildren, Gregory and Andrea Miller, Robbie and Carla Suthers and Tyler and
Corey Sheets; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Monday, Jan. 3, 2005, at 2 p.m. at Seaver-Brown
Chapel with Rev. John H. Graham and Rev. Paul Horton officiating. Burial will
follow in West Cemetery, Marion. The family will receive friends Sunday evening
from 6 until 8 p.m. at Seaver-Brown Chapel. In lieu of flowers, donations may be
made to Zion Hill United Methodist Church, c/o Marsha West, 2418 Riverside Road,
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
Sheets Family.

Dorothy N. Bryan Souder

BLUFF CITY – Dorothy N. Bryan Souder, 83, formerly of 190 Holston Drive, died
Thursday, Dec. 30, 2004, at NHC Healthcare of Johnson City, following a lengthy
illness.

A native of Bluff City, she was the daughter of the late J.B. and Jenny Myrtle
Harkleroad Bryan. Mrs. Souder was a member of Bluff City Baptist Church. She was
preceded in death by her husband, Germany A. Souder, in 1997.

Survivors include two sons, Kenneth Souder of Johnson City and Frederick Souder
of Bluff City; two daughters, Patricia Souder and Rebecca Souder Taylor and her
husband Steve of Bluff City; five grandchildren, Kristin Barnett, Keelie
Watkins, Amber Taylor, Lauren Taylor and Daniel Taylor; and three great-
grandchildren.
The funeral service was conducted at 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005, at Bluff
City Baptist Church with Rev. Joe Blankenship and Layman Sheldon Lewis
officiating. Graveside and interment will be at 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 2, 2005, in
Morning View Cemetery. Everyone is asked to assemble at the cemetery at 1:45
p.m. Active pallbearers will be Steven Taylor, Daniel Taylor, Steve Barnett,
Danny Watkins and nephews and friends. The family will receive friends from 6-7
p.m., Saturday, prior to the service at Bluff City Baptist Church. Condolences
may be sent to the family through our Website at www.tetrickfuneralhome.com.
Tetrick Funeral Home-Bluff City.

James Ray Taylor

BLOUNTVILLE – James Ray Taylor, 79, went to be with the Lord Friday, Dec. 31,
2004, at North Side Hospital in Johnson City.

He was born in Hiltons, Va., to the late James and Mattie Taylor. He was a
retired roofer and farmer. Mr. Taylor was a Christian and attended New Hurland
Baptist Church, where everyone loved to hear him sing. He sang bass with Taylor
Quartet for numerous years. Ray was a beloved husband, father, grandfather and a
friend to all. He always had a smile on his face.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter, Wilma Ruth
Taylor, and two brothers, Clyde and Robert Taylor.

Surviving are his loving wife of 54 years, Hildred Taylor; one son, Danny and
wife Darlene; one grandson, Kenneth Taylor and fiancιe, Jennifer Sams; two
sisters, Lola Taylor and Mae McMurray, all of Blountville; and a host of family
and friends.
Calling hours are 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport.
Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday in the funeral home chapel
with Pastor Fred Robinette, Brother Randall Roller, and Evangelist Pat Hammond
officiating. Singers will be the Bowlin Family and the Heavenly Way. Burial will
follow at Gardners Chapel Cemetery.


Pallbearers will be Richard Jones, Fred Salyer, Ronald Horne, Randall Barger,
Jack Hobbs Sr. and Howard Oliver. Honorary pallbearers will be Gene Taylor, Bill
Puckett, Arthur Stratton, J.T. McMurray, Carlos Bright and Mahlon Whitaker.

Ted Andrew Wallace

GLADE SPRING – Ted Andrew Wallace, 72, passed away at his home, Wednesday, Dec.
29, 2004, after a 12-year battle with cancer. Mr. Wallace was a member of
Washington Springs United Methodist Church and attended Church of New
Beginnings. He was a lay speaker for the United Methodist Church, and had
traveled 15+ years with the Lay Witness Mission Team. He was a member of
Highlands Emmaus Community, and had a deep love for his wife and family.
He is survived by his wife, Patsy Wallace; sons, Andy Wallace and wife Kim, of
Chilhowie and Jeff Wallace and wife Suzanne, of Glade Spring; two daughters,
Ginger Clark and husband Joe, of Fort Mill, S.C., and Pam Greene and husband
Adren, of Morristown, Tenn.; one brother, Lonnie Wallace and wife Christine, of
Glade Spring; brothers-in-law, Bill Dodge of Waynesboro and Bobby Cuddy, of
Meadowview; sister-in-law, Irene Wallace, of Abingdon; grandchildren, Katie and
Emily Clark, Ava, Abbie, Luke, Levi and Eli Wallace, and Katerina Greene;
special nephews, Doug and Nick Wallace; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Dr. Cowan, Dr. Sue
Prill, the staff of Blue Ridge Medical and Wellmont Hospice, especially Lee
Rasnake, for their loving care.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005, at 6 p.m. at the Main
Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, with
Pastor Larry Lusk officiating. The family will receive friends following the
service. Entombment will be Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Chapel of Remembrance in
Mount Rose Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Rick Cuddy, David Cuddy, Bill Cuddy,
Jimmy Wallace, Roy Hall, Doug Wallace, Junior Cook and Nick Wallace. Honorary
pallbearers will be Highlands Reunion Group, Church of New Beginnings family,
Washington Springs United Methodist Church family and friends of Plum Creek
Community. Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations may be made to
Wellmont Hospice, 280 Steele's Road, Bristol, TN. Those wishing to express
sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. Farris
Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Wallace family.

 

Hanford "Hank" Willis

KINGSPORT – Hanford "Hank" Willis, age 84, passed Friday afternoon, Dec. 31,
2004, at his home.
Mr. Willis was of the Presbyterian faith and was a former deacon of Grace
Presbyterian Church. He worked for Greene Hardware, Willis Supply and Hajoca
Corporation. Hank was a member of the Sertoma Club in Kingsport. During World
War II, he served his country by working for Holston Defense Corp.
Mr. Willis was preceded in death by his wife, Beatrice Francisco Willis, his
parents, Cova and Mary Alice Newberry Willis, two sons, Barry Willis and Robert
Edward Willis, one sister, Oda Fuller, and two brothers, Kelcy Willis and
Tranver O. Willis.
He is survived by a daughter, Rita Willis Thomas and husband Graham of
Clarkston, Ga.; two sons, Clifton Fayne Willis and wife Patricia of Knoxville
and William Hanford Willis and wife Sarah of Morristown; six grandchildren,
Tracy Cook and husband David of Knoxville, Clif Willis of Atlanta, Angie Powell
of Knoxville, Annette Lacefield and husband Joe of LaGrange, Ga., William Todd
Tharpe and wife Paige of Clarkston, Ga., and Benjamin Willis and wife Marilyn of
Kingsport; seven great-grandchildren, Caitlin, Ashlin, Hayden, Robert, Lauren,
Drew Jason and Peyton; a sister, Trossy Hughes and husband Berry of Richmond,
Va.; and a loving friend and companion, Evelyn Stroup.
The family will receive friends on Sunday from 12 to 2 p.m. at the Oak Hill
Funeral Home. Funeral services will follow on Sunday at 2 p.m. in the funeral
home chapel with Rev. Fred Dearing officiating. Entombment services will follow
immediately in the Oak Hill Memorial Park Mausoleum.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at oakhill@stei.com.
The staff of Oak Hill Funeral Home is serving the family of Mr. Willis.