Bristol, Virginia, Obituaries:  Bristol Herald Courier, February 5, 2005

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Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 2/5/2005.
Abate, Joseph 		
WYTHEVILLE – Joseph Dominic Abate, age 48, passed away Thursday, Feb. 3, 2005,
in the Wythe County Community Hospital.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Jewel Donna Abate, and he was employed
as sales manager with Lowe's Home Improvement.
He is survived by his wife, Charlene T. Abate; two sons, Matthew D. Abate and
Dakota J. "Cody" Abate, all of the home; his father, Joseph D. Abate of
Florence, S.C.; three brothers, Donald Abate and wife Lora of Big Stone Gap,
Va., Doug Gehrke and wife Lynn of Darlington, S.C., and Steven Gehrke of
Florence; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Willie and Jane Denton of Bristol
Tennessee; one sister-in-law, Amy Lee and husband Levi of Kingsport; two
brothers-in-law, David Trinkle and wife Lisa of Bristol Tennessee and Ricky
Trinkle of Gastonia, N.C.; seven nieces; and five nephews also survive.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, at 11 a.m. in the Barnett
Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Ron Hill and Randy Anderson officiating. A
graveside service will be held Saturday at 3 p.m. in Shelby Hills Cemetery,
Bristol Tennessee. The family will receive friends at the residence at any time.
Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, is in charge of arrangements.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 2/5/2005.
Alderman, Duane 		
BLAND, Va. – Duane Thomas Alderman, age 55, passed away Thursday at North
Carolina Baptist Hospital in Winston-Salem, N.C.
He is survived by his wife, Diane Roth Alderman of the home; son, Thomas Duane
Alderman of Roanoke; daughter, Christie Louise Alderman Barnette and husband
Mike of Bluff City; two grandchildren, Gracie Marie Barnette and Joseph Lee
Alderman; parents, Roy Thomas and Ila Mae Dalton Alderman of Galax; sister and
brother-in-law, Louise Alderman Bartlett and Elwood of Yorktown, Va.; brother
and sister-in-law, Richard Lee Alderman and Joyce, Buckhannon, W.Va.; mother-in-
law, Jewel Louise Roth of Laurinburg, N.C.; brother-in-law and spouse, Joseph
Wampler and Gail of Laurinburg; and several nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles
also survive.
The family will receive friends Friday evening from 7 until 9 p.m. at the
Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home, Galax. Funeral services will be held Saturday at 11
a.m. in the West Galax United Methodist Church, with interment to follow in the
Dalton Hill Cemetery, Hillsville, Va.
Contributions may be made to the Galax Foundation for Excellence in Education,
in honor of Dr. Duane T. Alderman, P.O. Box 487, Galax, VA 24333.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 2/5/2005.
Altman, Mildred 		
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. – Graveside services for Mildred Alley Altman will be
conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, in Glenwood Cemetery, with Rev.
Malcolm Wansley officiating. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert McAfee, Thomas
J. McAfee, Thomas F. McAfee, Glen Shankel, William White III, Gary Kelly, Henry
Lane and William White IV. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to
Lewisville Fire Department, Mildred Altman Memorial Fund, 216 Lewisville-
Clemmons Road, Lewisville, NC 27023.
Mildred Alley Altman, 82, passed away Monday, Jan. 31, 2005, at Wake Forest
University Baptist Medical Center. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 W. State St.,
Bristol, Tenn., (423) 989-4800, is serving the family of Mrs. Altman.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 2/4/2005 - 2/5/2005.
Blevins, A. Fred 		
BLUFF CITY – The committal service and interment for A. Fred Blevins will be
held at 1 o'clock Saturday afternoon, Feb. 5, 2005, at Chinquapin Grove Cemetery
in Bluff City. Pallbearers will be Mark Blevins, Randy Blevins, Jayme Blevins,
John Blevins, Doug Lewis and Greg Glover. Honorary pallbearers will be Ralph
Deitrick, Wade Ballard, Harmon Glover, Phil Nave, Carl Lyon, Scott Greene,
Hunter Berry and fellow bluegrass musicians. In lieu of flowers, those who wish
may send memorial contributions to Chinquapin Grove Baptist Church Youth Center,
1489 Walnut Grove Road, Bluff City, TN 37618. Condolences and memories may be
shared with the family by visiting www.oakley-cook.com.
A. Fred Blevins, 68, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2005, at the VA
hospital in Asheville, N.C. Mr. Blevins and his family are in the care of
Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, 2223 Volunteer Parkway, Bristol, Tenn., (423) 764-
7123.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 2/4/2005 - 2/5/2005.
Brummett, Wilmer 		
NORTHFIELD, N.J. – Wilmer Monroe "Will" Brummett, 72, passed away on Wednesday,
Feb. 2, 2005, in the Shore Memorial Hospital in Somers Point.
Born and raised in Virginia in his younger years, Mr. Brummett worked at the
General Shelby in Virginia. Upon moving to New Jersey, he worked in Atlantic
City, as a waiter and then a bartender for the Marlboro–Blenheim Hotel for 25
years. Until his retirement, Will was the manager at the Hub Clothing Store in
Pleasantville. Mr. Brummett was a member of the Central United Methodist Church
in Linwood, N.J., and he enjoyed his family and friends and loved gardening at
home.
He is survived by his wife Jean (Nee McCreery) Brummett; his daughter, Deborah
Fawley of Egg Harbor Township, N.J.; his son, Bill Brummett of Northfield, and
Debbie Fishburn. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Shane and Cody; his
four sisters, Dorothy Carrier and her husband Ron of Bristol Tennessee, Ida
Tharp and her husband Larry of Abingdon, Marie Vankovich and her husband Steve
of Bristol Virginia and Trisha Hartsock and her friend Fred, also of Bristol
Virginia; as well as his many nieces and nephews. Mr. Brummett was preceded in
death by his parents, five brothers and one sister.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with the family on Monday, Feb. 7,
2005, from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Adams–Perfect Funeral Homes Inc., 1650 New Road,
in Northfield, where a funeral service will follow at 8 p.m., with the Reverend
Pastor Ron Watts officiating. Interment will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 9,
2005, at 10 a.m. in the Zion Cemetery in Egg Harbor Township.
Memorial contributions in Will's name may be made to the Central United
Methodist Church, Central Avenue and Shore Road, Linwood, NJ 08221.
Adams–Perfect Funeral Homes.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 2/5/2005 - 2/8/2005.
Cardwell, Everett 		
SALTVILLE – Mr. Everett C. "Junior" Cardwell Jr., age 59, passed away Thursday,
Feb. 3, 2005, in Smyth County Community Hospital.
He was the son of the late Everett and Flossie Cardwell. He was also preceded in
death by a sister, Joyce Smith.
Survivors: his wife, Margaret Cardwell of Saltville; two sons, Everett "Cliff"
Cardwell III of Saltville and David A. Cardwell and wife Jamie of Saltville; two
daughters, Teresa Ann Cardwell of Saltville and Patricia Lynn Chapman and
husband Michael of Chilhowie; one brother, Freddie Cardwell and wife Mae of
Saltville; one sister, Betty Mitchell of Saltville; and four grandchildren,
Brandon Taylor, Chase Cardwell, Sandy Cardwell and Jessica Cardwell.
Funeral services for Mr. Cardwell will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6,
2005, at Henderson Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Jimmy Taylor officiating.
Interment will follow in Elizabeth Cemetery. The family will receive friends
Saturday evening from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.
D.R. Henderson Funeral Home of Saltville is serving the Cardwell family.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 2/5/2005.
Counts, Mary 		
MEADOWVIEW – Mary Elizabeth Webb Counts, 86, passed away Wednesday, Feb. 2,
2005. She was a lifelong resident of Washington County and a member of Yellow
Springs Methodist Church. She was retired from Harwood Manufacturing. Mrs.
Counts was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Counts, and foster son,
Frankie Dobbins.
Survivors include her sons, Harold Counts of Meadowview and Todd Counts and his
wife Millie of Annapolis, Md.; grandchildren, Dawn Panny, Drew Counts and
Christy Finn; eight great-grandchildren; and one sister, Neta Findley of
Meadowview.
Funeral services was held Thursday, Feb. 3, 2005, at 7 p.m. at the Main Street
Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon. The family
received friends following the service. A committal service was held Friday at
10 a.m. at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Family and friends met at the funeral
home at 9:15 a.m. and proceeded to the cemetery. 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 Counts family.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 2/4/2005 - 2/6/2005.
Darden, Irma 		
EMORY, Va. – Mrs. Irma DeVault Darden, age 94, died Friday, Feb. 4, 2005, at the
Valley Health Care Center.
She was born Aug. 16, 1910, in Sullivan County, Tenn., to the late Joseph and
Nannie DeVault. She had lived in several areas before moving to Emory after her
retirement. She was a 1932 graduate of the Emory & Henry College and had been a
school teacher "from the east coast to the west coast." Irma was a member of the
Emory United Methodist Church, the United Methodist Women College Community Club
and the Blacks Fort DAR. She was preceded in death by her husband, Taylor
Darden; brothers, Serle DeVault, Frank DeVault and Cooper DeVault; and sisters,
Maxie DeVault, Annamelle Waddell and Mable DeVault.
She is survived by nephews and nieces, Joe DeVault and wife Jeri of Axton, Va.,
Frank DeVault and wife Jackie of Willis, Va., Margaret DeVault of Canton, Ohio,
Nancy Kate (Katie) Greene and husband Phil of Princeton, Mass., and Princess
Davis and husband Benny of Galax, Va.; several great-nieces and great-nephews
and great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews; and a special friend, Micky
Catron of Glade Spring.
A graveside service will be held Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, at 1:30 p.m. in the
Holston Conference Cemetery, with Rev. Tim Kobler and Rev. Beverly Robinette
officiating. Friends may sign the register book at the funeral home at any time.
Irma requested that contributions be made to the Irma D. DeVault Scholarship
Fund, c/o Emory & Henry College, Emory, VA 24327; or a favorite charity. Those
wishing to express a memory or sympathy online may do so by visiting
www.farrisfuneralservice.com.
Farris Funeral Service is serving the family of Mrs. Darden.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 2/5/2005 - 2/6/2005.
DeBusk, W.C. 		
ABINGDON – W.C. "Bill" DeBusk Jr., 70, died Thursday, Feb. 3, 2005, in the
Valley Health Care Center of Chilhowie. He was born in Saltville but spent most
of his life in Abingdon. He was the owner of DeBusk Petroleum. He was a member
of the Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church. He was a former member of the
Washington County Life Saving Crew.
Survivors include his wife, Shirley Repass DeBusk of Abingdon; a son, William D.
"Chip" McCall of Abingdon; four nephews, Joe Mayer of Merritt Island, Fla., Don
Mayer of Merritt Island, Gerry Mayer of Silver Springs, Fla., and Dan Mayer of
Titusville; one niece, Mary Cynthia Patterson of Abingdon; sister-in-law, Mary
R. Colley and husband Bob Colley of Titusville; and his two dogs, Bandit and
Smokey.
Funeral services for W.C. "Bill" DeBusk Jr. will be conducted at 2 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, in the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum of Knollkreg
Memorial Park, with Rev. Bill Rowland officiating. Active pallbearers will be
Larry Haworth, Bill Haworth, Rusty Carmack, John Brown, Darrel Lampkins, Calvin
"Cowboy" Odum and Eric "Bubba" Arnold. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Ramey,
Dr. French H. Moore Jr., Gerald Henninger and Eddie Honeycutt. The family
received friends at the Campbell Funeral Home from 6-8 Friday evening. Flowers
will be accepted or those who wish may make memorial contributions to the
Abingdon United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 101 East Main St., Abingdon, VA
24210. Those wishing to express sympathy online to the family of Mr. DeBusk may
do so at www.campbell-funeralhome.com.
Campbell Funeral Home of Abingdon is in charge of the arrangements.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 2/4/2005 - 2/5/2005.
Doss, Alva 		
CHILHOWIE – Alva Collins Doss, 95, went home to be with the Lord, Friday, Feb.
4, 2005, at her home.
She was the widow of Tom Doss, and preceded in death by two sons, Junior Doss
and Hubert Doss; three sisters, Carrie Owens, Hattie Richardson, Delphia Bise;
and two brothers, Elwood Collins and Dewey Collins.
She is survived by two sons, Oscar and Betty Doss and Dean and Ann Doss of
Chilhowie; two daughters, Bernie Moore, Chilhowie, and Janie and Charles Young,
Marion; one sister, Lottie Thomas; eight grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren;
and five great-great-grandchildren.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, at the
Chilhowie Church Of God, with the Reverend James L. Witten officiating. Burial
will follow in the Mount Olivet Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be Timothy
Wright, Dennis Lee Blizzard, Brian Doss, Greg Thomas, Eddie Stansberry and
Jeremy Ball. Honorary pallbearers will be Joey Owens, Carter Owens, Eddie
Collins and Steven Richardson. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m.
Saturday at the Chilhowie Church Of God.
Williams Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 2/5/2005.
Dotson, Alice 		
Funeral services for Alice Adkins Dotson will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday,
Feb. 5, 2005, in East Lawn Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Perry Cleek and
Bradley Terry Davis officiating. Burial will follow in East Lawn Memorial Park.
Those wishing may make memorial contributions to Wellmont Hospice, 280 Steele's
Road, Bristol, TN 37620. Please visit us at www.mem.com to place a condolence to
the Dotson family.
Alice Adkins Dotson, born Aug. 15, 1915, went home to be with the Lord and her
beloved husband, Fonso Dotson, on Feb. 3, 2005. Arrangements are under the
direction of East Lawn Funeral Home.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 2/4/2005 - 2/5/2005.
Ferguson, Virginia 		
LEBANON – Virginia Bernadine Ferguson, age 69, died Friday, Feb. 4, 2005, in
Russell County Medical Center.
Born Dec. 4, 1935, in Dickenson County, a daughter of the late Henry Jackson and
the late Easter LaForce Jackson, she was the wife of the late Raymond A.
Ferguson. She attended Green Valley Baptist Church. In addition to her parents
and husband, she was also preceded in death by three sisters, Wilma Collins,
Elaine Mullins and Buredah Hawkins, and four brothers, Verco Jackson, Joe
Jackson, Eddie Jackson and E. J. Jackson.
Survivors include one son, Jeffery Ferguson and wife Laurie, Moncton, New
Brunswick, Canada; grandson, J. D. Ferguson, and granddaughter, Krystal
Ferguson, both of Lebanon; one sister, Sue Hamilton and husband Bobby, Lebanon;
one brother, Wayne Jackson and wife Linda, Clinchco, Va.; four brothers-in-law,
Lester Ferguson and wife Ada, Alfred Ferguson and wife Frances, Adron and wife
Betty Ferguson and Buford Ferguson and wife Nancy; two sisters-in-law, Emma Jean
Rieley and Gay Nell and husband Harold Mitchell; and special nephew, Mark
Mitchell.
The funeral service will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, in the
Combs Funeral Service Chapel, with the Rev. Lester Ferguson and the Rev. Austin
Fields officiating. Burial will be 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 7, 2005, in the Russell
Memorial Cemetery. Those attending are requested to meet at the funeral home by
10:30 a.m. to go in procession to the cemetery. Nephews will serve as
pallbearers. The family will receive friends 6 until 7:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6,
2005, prior to the service at the funeral home.
Combs Funeral Service is serving the family of Mrs. Ferguson.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 2/5/2005 - 2/6/2005.
Freeman, Willard 		
JOHNSON CITY – Willard "Sarge" Freeman, 84, 120 W. Holston Ave., died Wednesday,
Feb. 2, 2005, in the Asbury Place.
Mr. Freeman was a native of Wise County, Va., and had lived most of his life in
Johnson City. He was a son of the late Luther and Annie Hale Freeman. Mr.
Freeman was retired from the U.S. Air Force and had served as a recruiting
sergeant in the Tri-Cities area. Mr. Freeman was a former owner of the Freeman
Realty Co. in Johnson City. He was a member of the Clark Street Baptist Church.
He was also a member of the VFW Post 2108 of Johnson City. Mr. Freeman was
preceded in death by his parents and also his wife, Mildred B. Freeman, in 1990,
and several brothers and sisters.
Survivors include one son, Bill Freeman of Springfield, Va.; one stepdaughter,
Cynthia Gardner of Chattanooga; and two brothers, Jack Freeman of Surgoinsville,
Tenn., and James Freeman of Washington, D.C.
The funeral service for Mr. Willard "Sarge" Freeman will be conducted at 3 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, in the Morris-Baker South Chapel. Rev. Mike Anglin will
officiate. The graveside service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday in the
National Cemetery, Mountain Home, Tenn. Military honors will be accorded at the
graveside by the VFW Post 3382 of Kingsport. Everyone will meet at the funeral
home at 10:30 a.m. Monday to go in procession to the cemetery. Active
pallbearers will be family and friends. The family will receive friends in the
funeral chapel from 2 to 3 p.m. Sunday, prior to the service.
Online condolences and memories may be sent to the Freeman family via
www.morrisbaker.com.
These arrangements are by the Morris-Baker Funeral Home and Cremation Services,
2001 Oakland Ave., Johnson City, (423) 282-1521.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 2/5/2005.
Harr, Cleo 		
Funeral services for Cleo Myers Harr will be conducted at Immanuel Lutheran
Church, Blountville, on Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, at 1 p.m., with Pastor Don Fritz
officiating. Burial will follow the service at Immanuel Lutheran Church
Cemetery. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers,
memorials may be made to Immanuel Lutheran Church, 191 Central Heights Road,
Blountville, TN 37617. Condolences may be sent to the family via e-mail at
cartertrentfh@earthlink.net.
Cleo Myers Harr, 93, of 400 Harr Trail Road, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 2,
2005, at the Wexford House in Kingsport. Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown
Kingsport, is in charge of arrangements.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 2/5/2005.
Hayes, Cora 		
BLUFF CITY – Cora Lee Hayes, age 95, of Flatwood Road, passed away on Thursday,
Feb. 3, 2005, at Johnson City Medical Center.
She was born in Sullivan County, a daughter to the late Robert and Lula Hale
White. She was a housewife and a member of Hickory Tree Union Church. Ms. Hayes
was preceded in death by her husband, Albert Hayes.
Survivors include sons, Wayman Hayes and wife Virginia of Bluff City and Cecil
Dale Hayes of Bristol Tennessee; daughter, Claudine Carolyn Brown and husband
Rudy of Bluff City; grandchildren, Billy Dennis and Waynette Thacker; two great-
grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, at 2 p.m. in the Weaver
Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Niles Kitzmiller and Rev. Gene Deaton
officiating. Music will be provided by "Way of the Corss Singers." Interment
will follow at Shipley Cemetery. Pallbearers include Billy Lingerfelt, O'Dell
Carrier, Wayne Lockner, Bobby Holden, Buford Hayes and Kenny Morrell. Honorary
pallbearers include Rev. Martin Freeland, John Alfred, Bobby Lingerfelt, Ronnie
Lingerfelt, Thurman Gross, Mike Shoun, Tommy Shoun, Larry Gouge, Clyde Hinkle,
Bob Easley, Charles Hayes, Billy Hayes, Dr. William Morrell, Paul Nelson, Ed
Carrier, Herman Carrier, Ray McKinney and J.C. Carr. The family will receive
friends on Saturday from 5-7 p.m. at Weaver Funeral Home. Online condolences may
be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net.
Weaver Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 2/5/2005 - 2/6/2005.
Kloppenborg, David 		
SUNNYVALE, Calif. – Mr. David Lee Kloppenborg, age 52, died Thursday, Jan. 27,
2005.
Born on Sept. 22, 1952, in Clay County, Neb., David was a son of Wesley Carl
Kloppenborg and the late Betty Marie White Kloppenborg. He was employed as a
computer engineer. Prior to moving to California, David was a former resident of
the Bristol area and was formerly employed at the Raytheon Defense Systems plant
there. He was a U.S. Army veteran.
In addition to his father, David is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann Rowe
Kloppenborg; two daughters, Anna Kloppenborg and Alissa Kloppenborg; and his two
sisters, Vicki and Debbi.
A private funeral service will be held Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, with Rev. Herbert
Peak officiating. Military graveside rites will be provided by Highlands
Fellowship Honor Color Guard. Those wishing to send memories or messages of
sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com .
The Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway (located of
the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens), is serving the family of David Lee
Kloppenborg.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 2/5/2005.
Lane, Floya 		
BLOUNTVILLE – Floya Booher Lane, age 91, passed away Friday, Feb. 4, 2005, at
Asbury Place at Kingsport.
She was a member of the First Baptist Church in Blountville and was preceded in
death by her husband, Hiram Lane; her daughter, Patricia Lane; and her son,
Major Lane.
Mrs. Lane is survived by her granddaughter, Heather Nicole Blevins of
Jonesborough, Tenn.; her grandson, Travis Major Lane of Jonesborough; a sister,
Mabelle Hyink of Seattle; and her daughter-in-law, Bette Lane of Blountville.
The funeral service will be conducted at 6 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, in the
First Baptist Church, Blountville, with Dr. Clay Austin officiating. A private
burial will be held. The family will receive friends from 5 until 6 p.m. Sunday,
prior to the service at First Baptist Church in Blountville.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church Building Fund,
P.O. Box 117, Blountville, TN 37617.
Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423) 989-4800, is
serving the family of Mrs. Lane.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 2/5/2005 - 2/6/2005.
Mink, Emma 		
ABINGDON – Emma J. Mink, age 84, went to Heaven on Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2005, in
Johnston Memorial Hospital.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Howard G. Mink; sisters, Martha Smart
and Virginia Snead; and brothers, Kenneth Terry and Henry Terry.
Survivors include a son and daughter-in-law, Ronald Gale and Carol J. Mink,
Abingdon; sisters, Ella Mae Sutter, Helen Davidson and Mary Chilton, all of
Abingdon, and Ethel Smith, Canton, Ohio; a granddaughter, Valerie Mink and her
fiancé T. Brad Loyd Jr., Abingdon; several nieces and nephews; and sisters-in-
law, Bonnie Terry, Bristol Virginia, and Janet Terry, Ohio.
The graveside service will be conducted Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, at 11 a.m. in
Forest Hills Memory Gardens, with Rev. Jerry Fritz officiating. Interment will
follow. Pallbearers will be Lawrence "Bud" Norris, Lannie Osborne, Jerry Mink,
Ricky Mink, Mark Comer, Ronnie Preston and Mike Witt. Honorary pallbearers will
be Mike Smith and Russell Smith. Those wishing to express sympathy online may do
so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. A special thanks to her caregiver,
Jill Arnold. Those attending may assemble at the funeral home by 10:30 a.m.
Saturday for the procession to the cemetery. The family will receive friends
Friday from 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home.
The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon,
is serving the Mink family.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 2/4/2005 - 2/5/2005.
Owens, Brandon 		
NORTON – Funeral services for Brandon Owens will be conducted 1 p.m. Saturday in
the Hagy & Fawbush Funeral Home Chapel, with Pastor Gwen Owens and Rev. Shawn
Easterling officiating. Burial will follow in the Powell Valley Memorial
Gardens. Memorial contributions may be made to the R. Owens Special Account, c/o
Wachovia Bank, 701 Park Ave., Norton, VA 24273. Online condolences may be made
by visiting hagyfawbush.com.
Brandon Owens, 23, a lifelong resident of Norton, went to be an angel with the
Lord on the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 1, 2005, at Sentara Norfolk General
Hospital, Norfolk, Va., with his family at his side.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 2/5/2005.
Phillips, Barbara 		
JOHNSON CITY – Barbara "Bobbie" Phillips, 48, 180 Sparks Road, went to meet her
Lord and Savior at 6 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 3, 2005, after a courageous battle with
cancer.
Mrs. Phillips was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Fred and
Bessie Carver, Darrell Faulkner, Shannon's father, one uncle, James Carver, and
one aunt, Judy Carver Van Wetering.
Survivors include her husband, Wayne Phillips; one son, Shannon Faulkner,
Johnson City; her mother, Pauline Herndon, Kingsport; one brother, Gary Walker,
Piney Flats; one stepson; one stepdaughter; three nieces; one great-niece;
several aunts and uncles; several cousins; and seven stepgrandchildren.
The funeral service for Mrs. Phillips will be conducted Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, at
8 p.m. in the East Chapel of Appalachian Funeral Home, with Pastor Ken Hauser
and Pastor Alex Carver officiating. The graveside committal service will be held
Monday, Feb. 7, 2005, at 11 a.m. in Old Kingsport Presbyterian Cemetery. The
family will receive friends on Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, from 6 until 8 p.m. in the
East Chapel of the funeral home. Appalachian Funeral Home & Cremation Services,
800 E Watauga Ave., is serving the Phillips family.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 2/5/2005 - 2/6/2005.
Ramey, Wilma 		
MARION – The funeral service for Wilma Jean Ramey will be conducted at 3 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, in the Glenwood Cemetery Mausoleum Chapel, Bristol
Tennessee, with Dr. Ross Dampier officiating. In lieu of flowers, those who wish
may make memorial contributions to the American Lung Association, One Vantage
Way, Suite C-250, Nashville, TN 37228. Condolences may be sent to the family by
visiting our Web site at www.akardfuneralhome.com.
Wilma Jean Ramey, age 74, passed on to be with the Lord early Sunday, Jan. 30,
2005. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 W. State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423) 989-4800,
is serving the family of Mrs. Ramey.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 2/5/2005.
Rodefer Jr., H.R. 		
BLOUNTVILLE – H.R. "Rodie" Rodefer Jr., age 80, died Thursday, Feb. 3, 2005, at
Wellmont Hospice House.
He was born in Blountville and was the son of the late Herman and Nettie Mae
Salyers Rodefer. As a young boy, H.R. "Rodie" grew up sharecropping with his
family in Macy Springs, Va., and Shady Valley, Tenn., and residing in Sullivan
County. He served his country with the U.S. Marine Corps during World War II and
witnessed the raising of the flag on Iwo Jima. After returning home, he
continued farming and married Mildred Kendrick, a daughter of the late Bob and
Bessie Kendrick.
He was of the Methodist faith and, early in their 59 years together, H.R.
"Rodie" and Mildred enjoyed singing gospel music with various friends in local
churches and on the radio. His favorite song was "Beulah Land." He worked at
Universal Moulding, was a former employee of Monroe Calculating and retired from
Holston Defense as a chemical operator. He was a member of the Whiteside Masonic
Lodge 13 in Blountville and the Patton-Crosswhite VFW Post 6975 in Bristol.
Before declining health, he enjoyed fishing, playing the harmonica, hunting and
training bird dogs. He never met a stranger and loved to talk to everyone.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Howard
"Rawhide" Rodefer.
Survivors include his wife, Mildred Kendrick Rodefer; two daughters, Cindy
Edwards and husband Anthony of Bristol Tennessee and Priscilla "Pat" Mitchell
and husband Gerald of Blountville; five sisters, Flora Fleenor of Blountville,
Ruth Minnick of Blountville, Elsie Shaffer of Festus, Miss., Edith Benfield of
Jonesborough, Tenn., and Wanda Griffin of Nashville, N.C.; two grandchildren,
Jerry M. Mitchell and wife Traci and Robert A. Mitchell; two great-
grandchildren, Victoria "Tori" Mitchell and Taylor Mitchell; and several nieces
and nephews.
The funeral service will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, at the
graveside in Glenwood Cemetery, with nephew Rev. Jerry Arnold officiating.
Military graveside rites will be presented by the Highlands Fellowship Veterans
Honor Guard. Honorary pallbearers will be nephews and neighbors, John Bearden,
Rev. Harry Booher, the Ferguson brothers, Paul and Jerri Herndon, Dan Hughes,
Charlie Kendrick, Phil Kendrick, Eddie Minnick, R. Taylor Scott and Bobby
Wilson. The family will receive friends from 5 until 8 p.m. Saturday at Akard
Funeral Home. Following the visitation, a Masonic service will be conducted at 8
p.m. by Whiteside Masonic Lodge 13.
The family desires to express H.R.'s love and gratitude to Dianna Jobe, whom he
referred to as "his angel;" to his great-granddaughters, Tori and Taylor; and
his "Little Buddy," Adam Maden; and to remind everyone of his love and
remembrance for those who passed before him, Miss Pearl Roller, Bill and Jamie
Earhart, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Harr and Hershel McMurray.
The family also expresses special gratitude for all the prayers and words of
kindness and concern shown by so many friends and family members and to give
special thanks to H.R.'s caregivers and friends, Dr. Charles Bolick, Joyce Peek,
James Sandifer, the employees and volunteers of Wellmont Hospice House and
Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center 3rd Floor West.
In lieu of food and flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to Sullivan
County Scottish Rite Mercy Fund, P.O. Box 2464, Kingsport, TN 37662; or Wellmont
Hospice House, 280 Steele's Road, Bristol, TN 37620. E-mail condolences may be
sent to the family at www.akardfuneralhome.com.
Akard Funeral Home, 1912 West State St., Bristol, TN 37620, (423) 989-4800, is
serving the family of Mr. Rodefer.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 2/5/2005 - 2/6/2005.
Salyer, Billy 		
CASTLEWOOD – Funeral services for Billy Conrad Salyer will be held at 8 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, in Castlewood Funeral Home Chapel, Castlewood, with the
Rev. Leonard Ferguson officiating. Committal services will be held at 2 p.m.
Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, in Temple Hill Memorial Park, Castlewood. Military
graveside rites will be conducted by Lebanon VFW Post 9864. The family will meet
at the funeral home and go in procession to the cemetery at 1:30 p.m. Sunday.
Pallbearers will be Kerry Simpson, Tom Dougherty, Jeffery Castle, Kevin Castle,
Arthur Helbert, Larry Salyer, Preston Salyer and Joe Sanders. The family will
receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, at Castlewood Funeral
Home, Castlewood. A Masonic memorial service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Saturday
in the chapel by St. Paul Masonic Lodge 343 A.F. & A.M. Online condolences may
be sent to the Salyer family through our Web site at
www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com.
Billy Conrad Salyer, 77, died Wednesday, Feb. 2, 2005, at Holston Valley Medical
Center, Kingsport. Castlewood Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 2/4/2005 - 2/5/2005.
Salyer Jr., Robert 		
LEBANON – Funeral services for Robert Patton Salyer Jr. will be held on Sunday,
Feb. 6, at 3 p.m. at Owens Funeral Service Chapel, with Rev. Phillip Statzer
officiating. Pallbearers will be Jason Salyer, Byron Salyer, Michael Salyer,
David Salyer and Wayne Harrison. Interment will follow at the Salyer Family
Cemetery in Cross Roads. The family will receive friends from 1 to 3 p.m.,
before the funeral service.
Robert Patton (June) Salyer Jr., age 50, of the Cross Roads section, passed away
at Russell County Medical Center on Monday, Jan. 31, 2005. Owens Funeral
Service, Lebanon, is in charge of arrangements.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 2/5/2005 - 2/6/2005.
Scott, Pauline 		
ABINGDON – Graveside services for Ms. Pauline Scott will be conducted at 2 p.m.
Saturday, Feb. 5, 2005, in the Sinking Spring Cemetery, with Rev. Jerry A Eggers
officiating. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Friends and family
are ask to assemble at the cemetery for the service. The family suggests that
expressions of sympathy be in the form of memorial contributions to Hospice of
Southwest Virginia, 325 Cumming St., Abingdon, VA 24210. Those wishing to
express sympathy online to the family of Ms. Scott may do so at www.campbell-
funeralhome.com.
Ms. Pauline Scott, 104, died Thursday, Feb. 3, 2005, in Westhaven Retirement,
Abingdon. Campbell Funeral Home of Abingdon is in charge of the arrangements.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier on 2/5/2005 - 2/6/2005
Smith, Flossie   	 	
BANDY, Va. – Funeral services for Mrs. Flossie (Flo) Lola Smith will be
conducted Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, at 2 p.m. at the Hurst-Scott Funeral Chapel in
Richlands, with the Elders Ronnie Beavers, Robert Whitt and Jimmie Moore
officiating. Interment will follow at Greenhills Memory Gardens at Claypool
Hill, Va. Pallbearers will be Link Smith, Gene Jewell, Clinton Ramey, Donnie
Lowe, Jackie Lakey, Jim Brewster and Jason Hurt.
Mrs. Flossie (Flo) Lola Smith, age 81, passed away Thursday, Feb. 3, 2005, in a
Tazewell hospital following a lengthy illness. 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 from 2/5/2005 - 2/6/2005.
Spears, Rolston 		
ABINGDON – Rolston Gibbs "R.G." Spears, age 80, passed away Friday, Feb. 4,
2005, at V.A. Medical Center, Mountain Home, Tenn. He was a native of Wise and
had lived in Washington County, Va., since 1956. He was a son of the late Rev.
William and Martha Spears and was preceded in death by 17 brothers and sisters.
Mr. Spears was a veteran of the U. S. Navy from 1943 until 1945, U.S. Army from
1947 until 1950 and U.S. Air Force from 1951 until 1956, having served during
World War II and the Korean conflict. He was a member of the Disabled American
Veterans Chapter 57, Abingdon, was an avid fisherman, and was of the Holiness
faith.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Rash Spears; one daughter, Faye Hill and her
husband Rick of Bristol Virginia; three stepsons, John Alex Sproles and his wife
Connie of Glade Spring, Henry G. Sproles, of Hopkinsville, Ky., and Ronnie
Gilman and his wife Susan of Abingdon; two grandchildren, Lesley Hill and Travis
Hill; three stepgrandchildren, Jonathan Wayne Sproles, Rachel Nicole Sproles and
Haleigh Brooke Gilman; one sister, Edith Rasnake of Abingdon; special friends,
Rick and Judy Widener, Jason and Justin Widener, Becky and Jesse Hill and
Virginia Arnold; several nieces and nephews; and three special pets, Blackfoot,
Frisky and Buzz.
The funeral services will be conducted 8 p.m. Monday, Feb. 7, 2005, in the
Garrett Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Rick Morrell and Rev. Rick Wyatt
officiating. The committal service and interment will be at 2 p.m. Tuesday, Feb.
8, 2005, at the National Cemetery, Mountain Home, Tenn. Military graveside rites
will be presented by Highlands Fellowship Veterans Honor Guard. Honorary
pallbearers will be Donnie Arnold, Rick Hill, G.L. Widener, Travis Hill, Rick
Widener, Timothy Peyton, and Lonnie Lewis Jr. In lieu of flowers, donations may
be made to the family. The family will receive friends 6-7:45 p.m. Monday, prior
to the funeral service, or any time at the residence of Rick and Judy Widener.
Condolences may be sent to our Web site at www.garrettfuneralhome.com.
Mr. Spears and his family are in the care of Garrett Funeral Home, 203 N. Shady
Ave., Damascus, Va.; telephone (276) 475-3631.

Published in the Bristol Herald Courier from 2/5/2005 - 2/6/2005.
Strong, Carl 		
DUNGANNON, Va. – Carl C. Strong, 69, died Thursday, Feb. 3, 2005, at Norton
Community Hospital, Norton.
He was born in Scott County, Va., son of the late Charlie and Lillie Nash
Strong.
He is survived by his wife, Aleatha Strong; six daughters, Deborah Berry and
husband Robert of Kingsport, Barbara Campbell and husband Terry of Dungannon,
Cathy Reed and husband Anthony of Gate City, Carolyn Stanley and husband Marty
of Duffield, Va., Penny Ramey and husband Dean of Duffield and Wendy Ramsey of
Dungannon; two sons, Eddie Strong and wife Linda of Kingsport and Jerry Strong
and friend Brenda of Dungannon; four sisters, Ethel Everette of Munice, Ind.,
Dola Meade of Akron, Ohio, Juanita Culler of Princeton, W.Va., and Peggy Hileman
of St. Paul, Va.; three brothers, L.B. Strong of Tonkwa, Okla., Jim Strong of
St. Paul and Bill Strong of St. Paul; 15 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren;
and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Carl C. Strong will be held at 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005,
in Castlewood Funeral Home Chapel, Castlewood, with Rev. Terry Meade and Brother
Everette Minton officiating. Committal services will be held at 11 a.m. Monday,
Feb. 7, 2005, in Temple Hill Memorial Park, Castlewood. The family will meet at
the funeral home and go in procession to the cemetery at 10:30 a.m. Monday.
Pallbearers will be sons-in-law and David Powers. Honorary pallbearers will be
Mike Strong, Garry Hileman, Wallace Kiser and Arthur Reed.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 6, 2005, in
Castlewood Funeral Home, Castlewood. Friends may call at the home of Barbara and
Terry Campbell in Dungannon. Online condolences may be sent to the Strong family
through our Web site at www.castlewoodfuneralhome.com. Castlewood Funeral Home
is in charge of arrangements.