Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries: Bristol Herald Courier, January 14, 2005 Contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Bristol Herald Courier http://www.bristolnews.com/servlet/Satellite?pagename=TRI/Page/TRI_FrontPage ==================================================================== Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm ==================================================================== Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/14/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anders, Viola The committal service for Viola Nellis Worley Anders will be held 11 a.m. Friday in Knollkreg Cemetery in Abingdon. Following the graveside services, family and friends are welcome to visit the home of Bobby and Monica Marshall at 968 VI Ranch Road, Bristol, Tenn. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Viola Nellis Worley Anders went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/13/2005 - 1/14/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Anderson, Margaret ABINGDON – Margaret Dell Clark Anderson, age 91, passed away Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005, in Johnston Memorial Hospital. She was a member of the Abingdon United Methodist Church and was a native of Lawrence, S.C. She was preceded in death by her parents, Frank Duff Clark and Mary Pearl Layton Clark. She is survived by a sister-in-law, Mildred Clark, Abingdon. A graveside service will be conducted Friday, Jan. 14, 2005, at 3:30 p.m., in the Sinking Spring Cemetery with Rev. John E. Massey Jr. officiating. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service is serving the Anderson family. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/14/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Billie, Christian BRISTOL, Va. – The family of Billie Jane Selfe Christian will receive friends from 1 until 2:45 Saturday afternoon at Central Presbyterian Church, with the memorial service to follow at 3 o'clock. Dr. David Wadsworth will officiate. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to the Memorial Fund at Central Presbyterian Church, 301 Euclid Ave., Bristol, VA 24201. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting www.oakley-blevins.com. Billie Jane Selfe Christian, 74, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. Mrs. Christian and her family are in the care of Oakley-Blevins Funeral Home, 417 Lee St., Bristol, Va., telephone 276-669- 6141. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/14/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Breeding, Milfred CLEVELAND, Va. – A graveside service for Milfred (Mitch) Breeding will be held on Friday, Jan. 14, at 11 a.m., at Ketron Memorial Gardens in Lebanon. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the cemetery. Milfred (Mitch) Breeding, 78, passed away on Monday, Jan. 10, 2005, at Russell County Medical Center in Lebanon. Owens Funeral Service, Lebanon, is in charge of arrangements. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/13/2005 - 1/14/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Brown, Mack BURKES GARDEN, Va. – Mack Farland Brown, age 93, died Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005, at the Bland County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. Born July 24, 1911, in Ceres, Va., he was a son of the late James Duncan Brown and Annie Myrtle Spangler Brown of Shawver's Mill, Va. After working with the CCC and with the Virginia Forest Service, he bought a farm in Burkes Garden in 1940. He operated a dairy and later a trout hatchery. He and his wife were instrumental in the establishment of the Burkes Garden Methodist Church, the Burkes Garden Fire Department and Rescue Squad; and the Burkes Garden Telephone Company. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Pauline Breeding Brown; five brothers, David, Luther, James R., Harold and Archie Brown; one sister, Annie Compton. Survivors include three children, Claudine Daniel and husband Hank of Emory, Va., Ruth Bunn and husband Joe of Fancy Gap, Va., and James R. (Jim) Brown and wife Linda of Burkes Garden; one sister, Mary Ellen Ratliff of Bluefield, W.Va.; nine grandchildren, Christopher and Jeffrey Daniel, Kimberly Robinson, Brian, Joel and Brett Bunn, Laura Stamper, Lisa Brown and Misty Crouse; and 15 great- grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 14, 2005, Peery & St.Clair Funeral Home in Tazewell, Va., where a funeral service will be conducted at 8 p.m., with the Rev. Max Linkous and the Rev. Rodney Lawson officiating. Committal services and burial will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005, at the Central Church Cemetery in Burkes Garden. Pallbearers will be Levi Rhudy, J.L. Rhudy Jr., Stan Hancock, Garland Hancock, Joe Howard McGinnis, Steve Peery, Frank Snapp and Lenden Thompson. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to the Burkes Garden Fire Department, Route 3, Box 795, Tazewell, VA 24651; or the Central Church Cemetery, P.O. Box 451, Burkes Garden, VA 24608. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/14/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Bundy, Mary ABINGDON – A memorial service for Mary Ruth Reynolds Bundy will be conducted at 1 p.m., Friday, Jan. 14, 2005, in the St. Thomas Episcopal Church with Rev. Craig Wylie officiating. There will be a reception following the memorial service in the church Parrish House. Honorary pallbearers will be her grandchildren, Mathew Bundy and wife Alison of Chesterfield, Va., Cora Bundy of Seattle, Justin Bundy of Philadelphia, Joseph Bundy of Abingdon, Lauren Johnson of Charlottesville, Va., and Russell Johnson of Scottsville, Va. In place of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to the St. Thomas Episcopal Church Altar Guild, 124 E. Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210. Mary Ruth Reynolds Bundy, age 84, passed away at her residence on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005. The Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, (located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens), is serving the family of Mrs. Mary Ruth Reynolds Bundy. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/12/2005 - 1/14/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Chestnut, Vassie SALTVILLE – Mrs. Vassie Chestnut, age 89, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005, in Valley Health Care Center. She was preceded in death by her husband, D.L. Chestnut. Survivors: one son, Rev. Wallace K. Chestnut and wife Sue of Saltville; two grandsons, David Chestnut and wife Angela and Bobby Chestnut; four great- grandchildren; two sisters, Bessie Seay of Slocomb, Ala., and Nobie Ricks of Columbus, Ga.; two brothers, Johnny Eldridge and Maylon Eldridge of Slocomb; and 35 nieces and nephews. Funeral services for Mrs. Chestnut will be conducted at 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 14, 2005, at Henderson Funeral Home with Rev. E.D. Swartz officiating. The family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m., just prior to the funeral service. Interment will be in the church cemetery of Burns Assembly of God in Slocomb. D.R. Henderson Funeral Home of Saltville is serving the Chestnut family. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/13/2005 - 1/14/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Dougherty, Billy PAIRVILLE, La. – The burial for Billy Wayne Dougherty will be 11 a.m., Friday in East Hill Cemetery. Pallbearers will be nephews and friends. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Billy Wayne Dougherty, age 62, died at his residence Monday, Jan. 10, 2005, after a lengthy illness. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/14/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Duncan, Woodrow MEADOWVIEW – Mr. Woodrow Wilson Duncan, age 91, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005, in Grace Healthcare of Abingdon. He had lived all of his life in Washington County and attended the Yellow Springs United Methodist Church. He was a veteran of World War II, having served in the U.S. Army. He was also a member of McCabe Lodge 56 I.O.O.F., the Parke P. Deans Rebekah Lodge 68 and was a carpenter. He was preceded in death by 13 brothers and sisters. Survivors include his wife, Frances Tedder Duncan; two sons, Stan Duncan, Glade Spring and Rick Duncan, Meadowview; and grandchildren, April, Melissa, Eric, Nicholas and J.T. The funeral service will be conducted Sunday, Jan. 16, 2005, at 1:30 p.m., in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Katye Fox and Mrs. Barbara Farmer officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with military honors to be rendered by the Highlands Veterans Honor Color Guard. Pallbearers will be Eric Duncan, Nicholas Duncan, J.T. Duncan, Cannie Caudill, Birdie Carter and Bill Wilson. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Yellow Springs United Methodist Church and members of the McCabe Lodge 56 I.O.O.F and the Parke P. Deans Rebekah Lodge 68. A special thanks to Home Health Care Worker, Bonnie Owens, and the staff of Grace Healthcare of Abingdon. Flowers will be accepted or memorials can be made to the Yellow Springs United Methodist Church. The family will receive friends Saturday from 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Duncan family. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/14/2005 - 1/16/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Edwards, Maude COEBURN – Maude Ruth Carico Edwards, 107, passed away at her home on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005, in Coeburn. Mrs. Edwards was born Aug. 18, 1897, in Herald, Va., she was the oldest child of James Milton Carico and Nancy Hooker. She was married to Coeburn businessman, Conley L. Edwards Sr., in 1917, and for several years was secretary of Edwards Chevrolet Company in Coeburn. She and her husband, who died in 1950, raised four sons, all now deceased, Conley L Edwards Jr., Douglas D. Edwards, Rhex A. Edwards and Bruce C. Edwards. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Brodie B. Carico, and sister, Ruby C. Barnes. A strong-willed person, she was active and lived independently well after her 100th birthday. During her centennial year, she was honored with an invitation by the mayor of Coeburn to be present at the opening of the Coeburn By-Pass. Known as "Granny" and "Aunt Maude" to an extended family, she enjoyed visits and conversations with friends and family throughout the year. She was the consistent winner of "oldest family member," attending annual Carico reunions on Sandy Ridge. Survivors include eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and several cousins, nephews, nieces and their children. Funeral services for Maude Ruth Edwards will be held Sunday, Jan. 16, 2005, at 2 p.m., at Coeburn United Methodist Church with Rev. Ed Nelson officiating. Burial will follow in the Laurel Grove Cemetery in Norton. Visitation will be held at Estes Funeral Home on Saturday from 4 to 6 p.m. The family requests, in lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Coeburn United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 638, Coeburn, VA 24230. The family wishes to express its deep appreciation to Granny's dedicated caregivers, Shirley Jackson, Edith Marshall, Mary Sanders and Christy Hensley, who opened their hearts and homes and made Granny part of their families. Estes Funeral Home Inc., (276) 395-2441. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/14/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Hill, Gladys BREAKS, Va. – Graveside services for Gladys Hill will be Friday, Jan. 14, 2005, at Mountain Valley Memorial Park, Big Rock, Va. The funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 10 a.m. Gladys Hill, age 85, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005, at Parkwest Hospital in Knoxville, Tenn. Haysi Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/14/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Houser, Franklin BRISTOL, Tenn. – Franklin Kyle Houser, age 72, died Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005, at his residence after a brief illness. He was a son of the late Joseph C. and Mary K. Houser. He was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force, serving in Vietnam and Korea, and was retired from the Air Force and Civil Service. Frank was a member of Higher Ground Fellowship Church, where he served as head usher. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Shirley Perry, and two brothers, Gene D. Houser and Jackie A. Houser. Survivors include his wife, Mary A. Snodgrass Houser; three sons, Joseph Houser of Memphis, Tenn., Sean Houser and wife Heather, of Norfolk, Va., and Trevor Houser of Kingsport; a stepson, Jeff Snodgrass and wife Sherri, of Blountville; two daughters, Kylene Haynes and husband Tony, of Cordova, Tenn., and Rene Haynes and husband Rusty, of Greers Ferry, Ark.; and a stepdaughter, Karen Bishop and husband Rick, of Kingsport; one sister, Phyllis Sullins of Bristol Tennessee; three brothers, J.C. "Toby" Houser and Glen W. Houser and wife Jackye, all of Bristol, and Jerry Houser and wife Helen, of Tega Cay, S.C.; a sister-in-law, Debbie Houser of Bristol Tennessee; a very special mother-in-law, Anna "Nana" Walling of Bristol Tennessee; five grandchildren, Erica, Amanda, Ashley, Graham and Geofrey; and three stepgrandchildren, Kristy, Tallas and Cameron; and several nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005, in the Akard Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor James W. Norris and Rev. Luke Hodges officiating. Pallbearers will be Howard Cadle, David Sharrett, Paul Leonard, Conway Tester, Ernie Fleenor, Ken Darnell, Von Kestner and Gary Kestner. Honorary pallbearers will be employees and volunteers of King Benevolent Division. Burial will follow in Glenwood Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be presented by Highlands Fellowship Veteran Honor Guard of Abingdon. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 14, at Akard Funeral Home. Those so desiring may send memorials to Higher Ground Fellowship Building Fund, 14095 Lee Highway, Bristol, VA 24202. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting our Web site at www.akardfuneralhome.com. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423) 989-4800, is serving the family of Mr. Houser. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/14/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Kiteley, Georgia Georgia passed away Jan. 11, 2005, at the age of 85. She is survived by her husband Jim; children, Barbara (Andy) Hargroves and James (Carol McDaniel) Thornton; four grandchildren; and 11 great-grandchildren. Memorial service 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 15, at Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Denver Dumb Friends League, 2080 S. Quebec St., Denver, CO 80231. Arrangements entrusted to Olinger Chapel Hill Mortuary. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/14/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Lester, John LEBANON – Funeral services for Mr. John Ellis Lester will be conducted at 2 p.m., Saturday in the Honaker Funeral Home Chapel, Honaker, with Pastor David Wilmoth and Rev. C.B. Helton officiating. Interment will follow in Russell Memorial Cemetery at Lebanon. Military graveside honors will be conducted by VFW Post 9864 of Lebanon. Pallbearers will be grandsons and extended grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be the men of the Trinity Pentecostal Church. Mr. John Ellis Lester, age 83, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005, in a Lebanon hospital. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/14/2005 - 1/15/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- McCroskey, Betty BRISTOL, Va. – The committal service for Betty Elizabeth Carrier McCroskey will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 14, at Mountain View Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Steven McCroskey, Robbie Otey, Keith McCroskey, Kerry McCroskey, Kris McCroskey, Eric Cunningham, David Rodefer and Jessie Fore. Memorial contributions may be sent to Norfolk Avenue Baptist Church or The Alzheimer's Association, Northeast Tennessee Chapter, 207 North Boone St., Johnson City, TN 37604. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting our Web site at www.akardfuneralhome.com. Betty Elizabeth Carrier McCroskey, age 75, went to be with Jesus, Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2005, at NHC Healthcare of Bristol. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 W. State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423) 989-4800, is serving the family of Mrs. McCroskey. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/14/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Porterfield, Ellen GLADE SPRING – Ellen Craig Porterfield, age 87, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005, at Twin County Regional Hospital, Galax, Va. Mrs. Porterfield had been a resident of Hillsville, Va., for several years, moving there from Glade Spring. She was a retired deputy treasurer of Grundy. Ellen was the daughter of the late Robert Craig and Georgia Legard Craig. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Frank Porterfield, and a son, Robert Porterfield. She is survived by her daughter, Rachel P. Worrell of Hillsville; a daughter-in- law, Kathy Porterfield; two grandchildren, Mike Worrell and wife Susan and Craig Worrell and wife Kelly of Hillsville; great-grandchildren, Jacob, Jordan, Emily, Preston, Alli and Jessie Worrell. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m., Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005, at the Glade Spring Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Timothy Bird officiating. Burial will follow in the Olde Glade Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 9:30-10:45 a.m. at the church. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, is serving the Porterfield family. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/14/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Rife, Freda ABINGDON – Freda Wolford Rife, age 78, died Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005, at the Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, N.C. Born on April 9, 1926, in Woodman, Ky., Freda was a daughter of the late John Wolford and Mary Hurley Wolford. Freda was also preceded in death by her husband, James Lincoln Rife, a son, Larry Rife, a sister, Madge Burke, and a brother, Carl Wolford. She was a former resident of Buchanan County, before moving to Abingdon five years ago. Freda was a member of the Green Spring Presbyterian Church and will be remembered as a loving wife, mother, grandmother and dear friend. Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Gail Rife Skeens of Abingdon and Robert Skeens of Grundy; daughter-in-law, Judy Lester Rife of Grundy; two sisters, Ollie Smith of Woodman, Ky., and Zella Sunderland of Worthing, Ohio; two grandchildren, James Robert Skeens and Heather Rife Bevins; a great- grandson, C.J. Bevins; brothers-in-law, Harold Rife of Abingdon and Phillip Rife of Grundy; sisters-in-law, Jo Baldwin of Richmond and Maxine Davida of Harrison City, Pa.; several nieces and nephews; her children of her heart, Gary "Cookie" Anderson, Tommy and Bonnie Bower, Karen and Roscoe Crouse, Brooks Jackson, Ricky and Shirley Lee, Jennifer Parish, Linda Rife, Joann and Gary Shortridge, Barbara Stacy, Tim and Janet Stacy, Sandy Bowers Stacy and Ellen Matney Stone. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005, in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Lawrence Chapin officiating. Interment will follow in Green Hills Memory Gardens in Clay Pool Hill, Va. Casket bearers will be Danny Barrett, Robbie Bower, Jon Conaway, Todd Estep, Derek Estep, John Robert Jones, Chad Necessary, Dale Osborne and Reed Scott. Honorary casket bearers will be the men of Green Spring Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m., Friday at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. In place of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be made to Green Spring Presbyterian Church, 22007 Green Spring Road, Abingdon, VA 24210. Those wishing to send memories or messages of sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, is serving the family of Freda Wolford Rife. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/14/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Shelton, Helen RICHLANDS – Mrs. Helen Louise French Shelton, age 72, of 501 Hill Creek Road, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005, in a Richlands hospital following a lengthy illness. She was born in Richlands and was a daughter of the late Johnnie W. and Nannie Addison French Sr., both Tazewell County natives. She was a lifelong resident of the Richlands area and was of the Pentecostal faith. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Roy F. "Butterball" Shelton Sr.; one daughter, Theresa Lynn Shelton; one sister, Maggie "Tootsie" Braggs; and son-in-law, Freddie Lee Catron. Survivors are four daughters, Mrs. Karen Louise Dye and husband Bobby of Richlands, Mrs. Kathy Diane Catron of Paintlick, Va., Mrs. Deborah Kaye Tickle and husband Steve of Tazewell, Va., and Mrs. Melissa Faye Sullivan and husband Terry of Richlands; two sons, Mr. Roy F. Shelton and wife Phyllis of Richlands and Mr. Thomas Shelton and wife Pat of Raven, Va.; six sisters, Mrs. Gaye Groves and husband Jack of Winter Park, Fla., Mrs. Jessie Gates and husband Dennis of Swannee, Fla., Mrs. Joan Statzer and husband Gary of Hansonville, Va., Mrs. Ruth Wilson of Cedar Bluff, Mrs. Terrie Estep and husband Kermit of Hurley, Va., and Ms. Lynn French of Hurley; one brother, Mr. Johnnie French Jr. and wife Pat of Tyler, Texas; 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and three stepgreat- grandchildren. Funeral services for Mrs. Helen Louise Shelton will be conducted Saturday at 2 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in Richlands with Rev. Buddy Herald and Rev. Randy Fielder officiating. Entombment will follow in Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum at Claypool Hill, Va. Pallbearers will be: B.J. Dye, Billy Sullivan, Jamie Shelton, Thomas James Shelton, Steven Tickle and Ryan Dye. Friends may call at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Home in Richlands after 6 p.m., Friday. 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. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/14/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Smith, Shirley GRUNDY – Shirley Ann Blankenship Smith, 59 years of age, of the Smith Branch area of Slate Creek, Route 3, passed away Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005, in Bristol Regional Center, Bristol Tennessee, following an extended illness. Born in Buchanan County, she was a daughter of the late Wheeler and Lottie Smith Blankenship. She was a lifelong resident of Buchanan County, a member of Bethel Baptist Chapel Church, a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother and was a homemaker. Mrs. Smith is survived by her husband, Charles A. Smith, Grundy; one daughter, Tena Marie and husband Jim McClanahan, Grundy; one sister, Marie and husband, Harold Mullins, Richlands; one brother, Roger and wife Mary Blankenship, Grundy; and one grandson, Corey McClanahan, Grundy. She was preceded in death by one daughter, Tonya Lea Smith, two sisters, Ruby and Lorraine Blankenship, and one brother, Joe Ed Blankenship. Funeral services for Shirley Ann Blankenship Smith will be conducted Sunday, Jan. 16, 2005, at 2 p.m., at Grundy Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Jeffery Alan Stacy and Evangelist Michael Trent officiating, with burial to follow in Mountain Valley Memorial Park, Big Rock, Va. Friends may call at Grundy Funeral Home Chapel Friday evening at 6 p.m., with services Friday and Saturday evening at 7 p.m. Active pallbearers will be Mike Johnson, Steve Lane, Jack McCoy, Earl Compton, Paul Compton, Butch Crockett, Leon Keene and Johnny Sparks. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Bennett Cowan, staff of Second Floor West of Bristol Regional Medical Center and members of Bethel Baptist Chapel Church. Grundy Funeral Home of Grundy is in charge of all arrangements. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 1/14/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Tiller, Sarah MENDOTA, Va. – Sarah Elizabeth "Lizzy" Rasnake Tiller, 91, formerly of the Sandy Ridge section of Cleveland, Va., passed away at her home, surrounded by family and friends on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2005. Born on April 10, 1913, in Russell County, Va., she was the daughter of the late Sylvester and Henrietta Osborne Rasnake. She was a member of Clinchview Freewill Baptist Church in Cleveland since 1930. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Tivis Tiller; one son, Athenis Tiller; five brothers, John Rasnake, Harmon Rasnake, Clarence Rasnake, Rit Rasnake and Benny Rasnake; and five sisters, Myrtle Rasnake, Ada Deel, Laura Johnson, Delphia Ball and Ellen Lester. Survivors include five daughters, Maxie Skeen and husband Johnny, Cleveland, Theresa Wilson and husband Don, Council, Va., Larnell Stevens and husband Kenneth, Cleveland, Frances Conner and husband Gene, Catlett, Va., and Cloteen McReynolds and husband Ballard, Dungannon, Va.; one son, T.C. Tiller and friend, Martha Fleenor of Mendota; two special family friends, Virginia Lowe and Frank Farmer; two sisters, Fannie Kelly, Cleveland, and Thelma Musick, Abingdon; and two brothers, Campbell Rasnake, Cedar Bluff, and Carl Rasnake, Cleveland. Also surviving Ms. Tiller are 13 grandchildren, Swaine Skeen and wife Patricia, Loveland, Colo., Melanie Adkins and husband Randy, Summerfield, N.C., Bryant Skeen and wife Christina, Lebanon, Donald Wilson and wife Judy and Ruthie Crabtree and husband Stan, all of Glade Spring, Marsha Garrett and husband Chris, Lebanon, Diane Lester and husband Ronnie, Honaker, Elizabeth Perkins, Cleveland, Tina Barkley and husband Michael, Limestone, Tenn., Robin Jenkins, Catlett, Stephen McReynolds, Michael McReynolds and Monte McReynolds and wife Kimberly, all of Dungannon; 25 great-grandchildren; special friends, Doris Musick and Sylvia Barton. Pallbearers will be grandsons and grandsons-in-law, Swaine Skeen, Randy Adkins, Bryant Skeen, Donnie Wilson, Stan Crabtree, Chris Garrett, Ronnie Lester, Michael Barkley, Stephen Mcreynolds, Michael McReynolds and Monte McReynolds. Honorary pallbearers will be Richard Culop, Doug Culop, Josh Reynolds, Tim McCullough, Donnie Powell, Bill Johnson, Skip Jessee, Gail Orifield, Doug Musick, Phillip Fleming and members of the Cleveland Life Saving Crew. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, Jan. 15, at 3 p.m., at Owens Funeral Service Chapel with Rev. Russell Baldwin and Rev. Roy Lee Wilson officiating. Interment will follow at Russell Memorial Cemetery in Lebanon. The family will receive friends on Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. at the funeral home or friends may call any time at the homes of T.C. Tiller in Mendota or Maxie Skeen and Larnell Stevens in Cleveland. Owens Funeral Service, Lebanon, is in charge of arrangements. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/13/2005 - 1/14/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- VanDyke, Ray VANSANT, Va. – Mr. Ray Elden VanDyke, age 60, passed away Thursday, Jan. 13, 2005, at Wake Forest Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, N.C., following a lengthy illness. Born in Buchanan County, Va., on April 13, 1944, he was a son of the late Bennie and Rosa Street VanDyke. He was a retired coal mine operator and co-owner and president of Sunrise Mining Inc. He was a member of the Vansant Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Ira Buddy VanDyke and Clyde VanDyke, and two sisters, Ines Cline and Frieda Yates. He is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Nila Meadows VanDyke; one son, Mitchell VanDyke and wife Becky of Grundy; one daughter, Robyn VanDyke of Vansant; one grandson, Alexander VanDyke of Grundy; three brothers, Harold VanDyke and wife Betty and Memphis VanDyke and wife Betty Jo, all of Vansant, and Virgil VanDyke and wife Anna Lee of Abingdon; four sisters, Mrs. Auburn (Cleo) Ratliff of Vansant, Ola Gay Jewell of Max Meadows, Jean Goff of Atlanta and Nola Everson of Loganville, Ga. Funeral services will be conducted at 1 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 15, 2005, at Buchanan Funeral Service Chapel in Keen Mountain, Va., with Rev. Stan Parris, Rev. Mike Trent and Rev. Mike Rife officiating. Entombment will follow in the Greenhills Memory Gardens Mausoleum at Claypool Hill, Va. Pallbearers will be Barry Owens, Kelly Boyd, Stacy Deel, Rocky Dale, Donnie Cook and Gary Stacy. Honorary pallbearers will be Russell Owens, Rick Stacy, Ricky Hicks, Larry O'Quinn, Darrell Payne, Rodney Matney, Glen Jr. Blankenship, Bobby Lester, Greg Boyd, Jeff Keene, Burlin Matney and other employees of Sunrise Mining Inc., David Meadows, Fred Meadows, Kyle Meadows, Arvil Meadows, James David Meadows, Don Fletcher, Mark VanDyke, Craig VanDyke, Bradley VanDyke and the men of the Vansant Baptist Church. The family will receive friends from 6 to 9 p.m., Friday at Buchanan Funeral Service in Keen Mountain. Memorial contributions may be sent to Vansant Baptist Church Building Fund, Box 649, Vansant, VA 24656; or the American Cancer Society, 1808 Jefferson St., Bluefield, WV 24701. Online condolences may be sent to the family by going to www.singletonfuneralservice.com. Buchanan Funeral Service is serving the VanDyke family. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/14/2005 - 1/15/2005. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Walton, Caleb Funeral services for Caleb Randall Walton will be conducted at 8 p.m., Friday, Jan. 14, 2005, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Johnny Gibson and Rev. Paul Bufford officiating. The committal will be on Saturday at 12 p.m., in the Glenwood Cemetery, with entombment in Glenwood Mausoleum. A procession will leave Weaver Funeral Home at 11:30 a.m., Saturday going to the cemetery. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7:45 p.m., Friday at the Weaver Funeral Home, or any time at the home of Michael and Teresa Bolyard and Jack and Margaret Walton. Caleb Randall Walton, safe in the arms of Jesus, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 8, 2005. Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 1/13/2005 - 1/14/2005. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------