Woodrow Wilson High School Alumni Page

Obituaries, Page 11

Steve D. Ross, 44, of Beckley, died Monday, Nov. 10, 2003, at Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley, following a long illness. Born Dec. 20, 1958, in Beckley, he was the son of the late Lonzo Munsy and Glenna E. Biggers Ross. Steve was a member of Central Baptist Church of Beckley and was a 1977 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He attended Marshall University and was a graduate of the Raleigh County Vocational School in Beckley with an electronic technology degree. He was a member of the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and helped to implement the Government Summer Youth Program in Raleigh County. Steve was an electronics technician and the former owner of Jimmy's TV and Repair Shop of Hinton. Steve became an advocate for dialysis patients in Raleigh County during the course of his illness. Steve was preceded in death by a brother, Ernest "Bookie" Ross, on Dec. 22, 1992. He is survived by three sisters, Mrs. Drema Kellum and husband, Seth, of Columbus, Ohio, Ms. Faith Boker of Beckley and Ms. Mathel G. Ross of Ritchie, Md.; three brothers, Marvin Ross of Beckley, Wayne Ross and wife, Jackie, of Orlando, Fla., and Lonzo Ross of Beckley; his former wife, Denise, of Beckley; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends. Friends may call 11 a.m. until noon Saturday at Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlor, Hinton, with the visitation concluding with a special song and a prayer by the Rev. Fred T Simms. There will be no graveside services. Arrangements by Ronald Meadows Funeral Parlors, Hinton.

James W. "Jim" Lane, 58, [WWHS '62] of Mabscott, died Monday, Oct. 6, 2003, after a long fight with cancer at Raleigh General Hospital, Beckley. Born Jan. 2, 1945, in Huntington, he was the son of the late L.W. Lane and Eula Woodby Lane. Mr. Lane was a food service salesman, having last worked with the I.J. Co. of Knoxville, Tenn. He had also worked for Crook Produce and Peerless Packing Co. The fire service had been an important part of Jim's life for over 30 years. He last served as chief of Mabscott Fire Department. Jim was of the Christian faith and was thankful for his friends at Mabscott United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by a brother, Bill Lane; and a sister, Vivian Arden. Those left to remember him are his wife of 41 years, Sue McVey Lane; two sons, Mick Lane of Mabscott and Kevin Lane and his wife, Karen, of Beckley; a daughter, Beth Allison of Beaver; grandchildren, Justin, Brandon, Colin and Khristina; two brothers, Charles Lane and wife, Sharon, of Virginia Beach, Va., and Bob Lane of Nags Head, N.C.; a sister-in-law, Frances Lane of Mabscott; a son-in-law, Ben Allison of Beckley; and nieces and nephews. Jim's body was cremated and the ashes scattered on Greenbrier River. Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Mabscott United Methodist Church. Memorial donations may be made to the Mabscott United Methodist Church Building Fund. The family request no flowers. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at RandQ@citynet.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

Delmar Dale Lawson, 54, formerly of Beckley, died Sunday, Oct. 5, 2003, at his home in Falls Church, Va., following an extended battle with cancer. Born Jan. 31, 1949, he was the son of the late Clarence Lawson and Estie Decenskie Lawson. Mr. Lawson, a 1974 M.A. graduate of Marshall University, was a public policy analyst and president of Dale Lawson Associates. He was formerly vice president and director of labor policy, economic and political analysis for The Government Research Corp. in Washington, D.C. There he worked closely with Congress and the executive branch of government on labor issues involving health, safety and workers' rights. Mr. Lawson also worked as a consultant for the President's Commission on Coal and was a legislative representative for the UMWA. Mr. Lawson's activities included organizer for the Black Lung Association, member of the Board of Directors of the West Virginia Service Corps and the West Virginia Fund, and a member of the ACLU. He was also author and co-author of several selected publications on health, labor and safety issues, including a guide to "Chemical Hazards in the Workplace." He, however, still found time for his two passions: hunting and fishing. Mr. Lawson was preceded in death by his father, Clarence Lawson; mother, Estie Decenskie Lawson; and brothers, Rodney, Tony and Dr. Stephen Lawson. Dale, a devoted husband, father and brother, leaves behind his beloved wife, Deborah Der Bing Lawson, and two sons, Ben and Daniel Lawson, all of Falls Church. Other surviving family members include three sisters, Linda Clark of Conyers, Ga., Donna Ramsey of Piney View and Sherry Lawson of Easton, Pa.; a brother, Andy Lawson of Conyers; five nieces, Ingrid, Nicole, Kirsten, April and Kristen; and three nephews, Matthew, Dustin and Taylor. There will be a family and friend gathering from 6 to 9 p.m. Friday at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Chapel, Beckley. Interment will follow at 1 p.m. Saturday at The Lawson Family Cemetery, Lanark. Friends are welcome to attend. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at RandQ@ citynet.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

David Moran, 24, of Flat Top, died Friday, Oct. 3, 2003, at his home following a sudden illness. Born Sept. 9, 1979, at Beckley, he was the son of Bobby Morgan and Shelby Honaker Greene and stepson of Darel Greene of Flat Top. David was a 1997 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He was an All State Band member in junior high, where he played the tuba and the French horn. He loved spending time working on computers. He collected guns, knives and DVDs. He loved making jewelry, music and playing the guitar in a local rock band. He loved animals. He worked as a security guard. David was a member of the Prosperity First Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his dad, Bobby Moran; maternal grandparents, Mary and Denver Honaker; and paternal grandparents, Alvin and Hester Strunk. He will be lovingly remembered and sadly missed by his mother and stepfather; a brother, Robert Moran; a sister, Rebecca Beadle of Rochester, N.Y.; a niece, Mary Beadle; and nephew, Alan Beadle; and many aunts, uncles and cousins. Service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2003, at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley with the Rev. Randy Warden officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Robert Moran, Chris Meade, Bobby Meadows, Robert Ford, Christopher Peters and Justin Elswick. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.

CHARLOTTE, N.C. - Jack M. Tennant Jr., 43, of 4233 Somerdale Lane, died Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2003, in Beckley. He was born Sept. 29, 1960, in Beckley, the son of Jo Ann Bruster Tennant of Charlotte and the late Jack M. Tennant Sr. Mr. Tennant was a disabled owner and operator of a used furniture business in Matthews, N.C. He attended schools in Raleigh County and North Carolina and was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. Other survivors besides his mother include three brothers, William M. Tennant of Charlotte, Harold J. Tennant of Matthews and Robin L. Tennant of Monroe, N.C.; and a half brother, Steven Ray Bruster of Charlotte. Service will be 1 p.m. Sunday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service on Sunday at the funeral home. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at RandQ@ citynet.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

Roger Dale Pittman, 56, of Daniels, climbed the stairway to heaven on Thursday, Oct. 2, 2003, at his home with his family and friends by his side following a three-year battle with cancer. Born Nov. 21, 1946, in Beckley, he was the son of Irene Pannell Carte of Woodstock, Ga., and the late Lawrence Pittman. Dale attended Woodrow Wilson High School. After high school, he enlisted with the U.S. Army with the Military Police, where he earned service medals, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the Sharpshooter Medal. Dale worked 10 years with Long Airdox before spending the last 25 years as a building mechanic with AEP. He loved playing baseball, hunting, being outdoors and planting flowers. He loved his church, Maple Fork Baptist Church, where he was a member. He was preceded in death by his stepfather, Robert Carte; and a brother, Larry E. Pittman. Along with his mother, he will be lovingly remembered by his wife, Nina Pittman; a son, Roger Dale Pittman II and wife, Carla. of Piney View; his very special granddaughter, Kellie Pittman; a sister, Linda Colon of Woodstock; a sister-in-law, Henrietta Pittman of Knoxville, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews. Service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Maple Fork Baptist Church with the Rev. Robert Barley officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, and one hour before service Sunday at the church. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.

Margaret Martin Livingston, 65, of Lynchburg, Va., went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Sept. 21, 2003. She was born Feb. 1, 1938, in Beckley, W. Va., the daughter of the late Bernard Martin and Genevieve Perry Martin. She was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, W. Va., where she was recruited by U. S. Government agency to work in Washington, D. C. She subsequently was assigned to work in Germany where she met and married O. L. (Jack) Livingston Jr. She was a member of Pecks Baptist Church. In addition to her husband with whom she spent 41 years and 8 months, she is survived by a daughter, Belinda Ann Livingston of Lynchburg, Va.; a son, Bruce Alan Livingston of Woodbridge, Va.; four grandchildren; a sister Linda Lee Miles of Deland, Fla. A funeral service will be conducted on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2003, at 11 a.m. from the Pecks Baptist Church, by the Rev. Robert Sherrill. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Friends may call after noon today and the family will receive friends from 6:30-8pm at Updike Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Bedford, Va. In lieu of flowers a gift may be given to Pecks Baptist Church youth.

RADFORD, Va. - Donna Kay "Katie" Vines, 50, of Radford, Va., formerly of Beckley, died Sunday September 21, 2003 at her home. Born September 30, 1952 at Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Donald Eugene and Lyda Grace Lilly Vines. Katie spent her childhood on Vine Street. She was a 1970 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and a graduate of Concord College with a BA Degree in Psychology. A resident of Radford for the past 26 years, she was formerly affiliated with HCMF and was currently a computer programmer for EchoStar. She held a great love for animals. Survivors include a brother, Donald Eugene Shannon of Charleston; her dearest lifelong friend, Patti Pientrantozzi Price and her family of Huntington; a special cousin, Ann Vines Basham of Cool Ridge; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins. In keeping with Katie's wishes, she will be cremated. Services will be private. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

KEYSER - Mary Anna Robertson Bruce, 40, of Route 5, Box 806, Waxler Road, formerly of Beckley, died Monday, Sept. 22, 2003, at her residence. Born Dec. 14, 1962, in Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Rufus Gordon and Anna Ruth Freeman Robertson. She was also preceded in death by a sister, Juanita Robertson. Mrs. Bruce was employed as a day care provider with the Catamount Children's Center in Keyser and was a member of Message of Love Fellowship on Waxler Road. Survivors include her husband of two years, Michael William Bruce; a son, Nicholas Robertson of Beckley; a granddaughter, Makaiya Bryant of Beckley; her father and mother-in-law, Bernard W. and Esther Bruce of Keyser; two brothers, James Robertson and wife, Martha, of Carson, Calif., and Cedric Robertson and wife, Drema, of Beckley; four sisters, Minnie Bowles, Doris McCray and Sandra Rhodes and husband, Reginald, all of Beckley, and Robin Wilson of Detroit, Mich.; three aunts; an uncle; and a host of nieces, nephews and other family members. Service will be 2:30 p.m. Saturday at Heart of God Ministries, 1703 S. Kanawha St., Beckley, with Bishop Fred T. Simms, the Rev. Bernard W. Bruce and Evangelist Drema Robertson officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service Saturday at the church. Arrangements by Smith Funeral Home, Keyser, and Durgan Funeral Home, Beckley.

Robert L. "Dropem Bob" Mahoney, 52, of Winter Haven, Fla., died on Tuesday, Sept. 23, 2003, at Tandem Health Care in Winter Haven. He was a native of Beckley, W. Va., who came to the area from Beckley in 1991. He was the owner/operator of Empire Mahoney Corp. in Beckley. He was a bartender at Grove & Pastime Lounge. He was of the Episcopal faith. He is survived by his wife, Patricia "Pat" Mahoney of Winter Haven; son, Mark Mahoney of Monta, Va..; step-son, Rob Merrill of Villa Park, Ill.; daughter, Lori Powell of Bloomington, Ill.; stepdaughter, Tina Merrill of Webster; brothers, Richard Mahoney of Bristol, Tenn., and Kenneth Mahoney of St. Petersburg; and nine grandchildren. Memorial services will be held on Friday at 4 p.m. at Crisp-Coon Funeral Chapel in Winter Haven. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 1131 First St. S., Winter Haven, FL 33880. Crisp-Coon Funeral Homes Inc., Winter Haven

Larry A. Moore, 55, of Beckley, died at his residence Sunday, Sept. 21, 2003, after a three-year battle with cancer. Born Dec. 30, 1947, at Helen, he was the son of the late Rex and Mildred Matherly Moore. Mr. Moore was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and served three years in the U.S. Navy. He worked for Long-Airdox in Oak Hill and for Lewis Chevrolet Company in Beckley. Mr. Moore was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus. Survivors include his wife, Janie Pachuta Moore; two daughters, Christy Moore of Shady Spring and Danielle Moore at home; a grandson, Rhandy Moore of Beckley; two brothers, Edward Moore and his wife, Betsy, of Sophia and Tom Moore of Raleigh; brothers and sisters-in-law, and many nieces and nephews. A funeral liturgy will be celebrated at 11 a.m. today at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church with the Rev. Samuel Sacus officiating. A rite of committal will follow in St. Sebastian Cemetery. There will be no visitation. Nephews will serve as pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Francis de Sales School, 614 South Oakwood Ave., Beckley, WV 25801. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Joseph Sam "Joe" Cheek, Jr., 44, of Crab Orchard, passed away Saturday, Sept. 20, 2003, in a local hospital following a long illness. Born Sept. 13, 1959, in Charleston, he was the son of Joseph "Sam" and Partricia Whitehead Cheek of Crab Orchard. Joe was a 1978 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and served four years in the U.S. Air Force from 1978 to 1982. He was a computer technician for Spectrum Financial, Inc. in North Carolina. Joe's hobbies included motorcycling, listening to music and travel, visiting several countries overseas while in the USAF. Besides his parents, he is survived by his sister, Patricia Kathleen "Trish" Shaw and husband, Jason Phillip, of Huntington; a nephew and niece, Joseph Brady Shaw and Cynthia Jade Shaw of Huntington; aunts, Gaye Whithead of Daniels, Thelma Jean Burgess of Beckley, Francis Burgess of Glen Morgan, and Beatrice Lowery; and an uncle, George Whitehead and wife Sheila of Oak Hill. Funeral service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday in the Calfee Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Kenneth Parent officiating. Entombment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Chapel of Hope. Friends may call from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home and one hour prior to services Tuesday. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

MORGANTOWN - Harley U. Taylor Jr., 78, died Saturday, Sept. 13, 2003, at Ruby Memorial Hospital. He was born July 19, 1925, in Pricetown, Lewis County, the son of Harley U. Taylor and Margaret C. Goodwin Taylor, both of whom are deceased. Survivors include his wife, Charlotte Heath Taylor, whom he married on June 24, 1951, in Franklin, Ind.; a son, Paul Douglas Taylor of Baltimore; and a daughter, Carl Ann Taylor of Los Angeles. Dr. Taylor grew up in Beckley and attended Woodrow Wilson High School, where he was captain of the football team and was later elected to the Woodrow Wilson Football Hall of Fame. After his graduation in 1943, he entered the United States Army in August 1943 through the enlisted reserve program in which he had enrolled after passing the test for the A-12 program of the Army. After basic infantry training at Fort Benning, Ga., he served in various military units, until he was assigned to the 65th Armored Infantry Battalion of the 20th Armored Division. He went overseas with this division, which was in combat in Germany until the end of the war. During the fighting in Bavaria, the 65th Armored Infantry was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. After his discharge from the army in February 1946, he returned home and enrolled in West Virginia University from which he received a B.A. degree in Political Science in 1949 and a M.A. in German in 1951. He began his teaching career at West Virginia University in 1951 as an instructor in the German Department. In 1963, he received his Ph.D. from Indiana University. During his professional career as a professor and departmental administrator he authored several scholarly articles and reviews, as well as the first biography of the German writer Erich Maria Remarque. Dr. Taylor also served on many departmental, college and university committees, as well as being a member of the university senate for two terms. He also served as the state president of the West Virginia Modern Language Teachers Association, as well as the American Association of Teachers of German. He was a member of the Sigma Nu Social Fraternity. In 1989, Professor Taylor was named Professor Emeritus and retired after teaching 37 years at West Virginia University. He was a life-long Methodist and at the time of his death was a member of the Spruce Street United Methodist Church, where he had been a past member of the board and the finance committee. Service will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at Hastings Funeral Home, 153 Spruce St., Morgantown, with Dr. Joseph Prentiss and the Rev. K. Almond officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery in Lewis County. Friends may call from 3 to 5 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Arrangements by Hastings Funeral Home, Morgantown.

Jerry Wayne Handley, 65, of Shady Spring, died Saturday, Sept. 13, 2003, following a short illness. Born Nov. 9, 1937, in Jasper, Ala., he was the son of the late Roy N. and Roxie Dill Handley. Mr. Handley was a retired bus driver for Greyhound. He was a member of Sprague Freewill Baptist Church. He faithfully served in the U.S. Army as a sergeant until he was honorably discharged. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley Way Handley; and a brother, Clifton Handley. Survivors include three sons, Robert W. Handley and wife, Tammy, of Maple Fork, Danny J. Handley and wife, Kimberly, of Wilson, N.C., and Randy L. Handley and wife, Robin, of Old Fort, N.C.; two brothers, Rufus Handley of Empire, Ala., and Farris Handley of Birmingham, Ala.; seven grandchildren, Kevin and Kristen of Maple Fork, Alyssa, Jonathan, and Charity of Wilson, N.C., and Jennifer and Joseph of Old Fort, N.C. Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley with Pastor Fred Lovell officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Jerry Way, Rick Thomas, Rodney Lambert, Eric Honaker, Ray Lombardo and Kevin Way. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.

Leona Doris Richmond Carper, 95, of Table Rock, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, Sept. 11, 2003. She died at home with her family by her side following a long illness. Born June 6, 1908, at Table Rock, she was the daughter of the late William Kelly Richmond and Nora Redden Richmond, the middle child of 13 children. Mrs. Carper's elementary education was at Bryan Elementary School. A graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley in 1928, she received her A.B. degree to teach school from Concord College. Her teaching career covered 40 years in the following Raleigh County Board of Education elementary schools: Trail, Grandview, Bryan, Penman, Table Rock, Glen Leigh and Daniels. Many of her students had kept in touch with her over the years because of the positive effect she had on their lives. She was involved in community projects and was always happy to lend a helping hand to those in need. Leona was one of the young people who reopened Table Rock Christian Church in the late 1920s or early 1930s. She was an active member of this church, which was consolidated in 1975 with the Grandview Christian Church and is now known as Grandview Christian Church at Table Rock. She served as a Sunday school teacher at both the Table Rock Christian Church and combined Grandview Christian Church for more than 50 years. For over 50 years she was instrumental in the leadership and care of Kidwell Cemetery. She was a member and served on the Board of Directors of the Grandview Cemetery Association Inc., an organization formed to care for Grandview, Kidwell, Moses Scott and Hunt cemeteries. She was active in the Beckley Presbyterian Church Shepherd Center, Retired Teachers Association, and in earlier years was a 4-H leader in Grandview. She wrote a story, "My Grandparent's Home," for the Shady Spring District History Book, published in 1979. This story was also published in "Our Heritage" in 1996. In 1995 she was honored as one of three outstanding teachers of Grandview at Grandview Park, and named Grandview Reunion Queen for the day in 2001. Her hobbies included reading, crafting, sewing, quilting, crochet, knitting and other needlework, flower and vegetable gardening and canning. She loved Bible study, attending church, church socials, picnics, dinners, holidays, traveling and family gatherings. Leona married Claude L. Carper of Grandview on May 30, 1937. They were parents of three sons. She was preceded in death by her husband, Claude L. Carper, their son, Larry Dean Carper, and their grandson, John Daniel Carper; her sister-in-law, Virginia Carper Scott; her brothers, Elliott Richmond and wife, Lojean, Everett Richmond and wife, Edith, Elmer Richmond, Frank Richmond, Charlie Richmond and his wife, Wilda, Percy Richmond and his wife, Edna, and Forrest Richmond and his wife, Virginia; her sisters, Gladys and her husband, Ira Acord, Tennis and her husband, Alton Redden, Dell Richmond and Ida and her husband, Dooze Gilkerson. Survivors include two sons: Dale Carper and his wife, Nelda, of Shady Spring and Roy Carper and his wife, Jean, of Grandview; six grandchildren, David Carper and his wife, Beth, of Waukesha, Wis., Jeff Carper and his wife, Helen, of Ford, Va., Jo Ann Carper of Beaver, Howard Carper and his wife, Debra, of Mansfield, Ohio, Marlene Cox and her husband, Charles, of Columbus, Ohio, and Lonnie Carper of Shady Spring; six great-grandchildren, Jeffrey and Brandon Carper of Ford, Brittany and Brooklyn Cox of Columbus, Ohio, Taylor Carper of Mansfield and John Martin of Crow; a sister, Carrie Weiford and her husband, James, of Shady Spring; her sister-in-law, Ethel Richmond of Table Rock; 14 Richmond nephews and nieces; one Carper nephew and niece; close family friend, Rick Gregory of Shady Spring; and a multitude of friends and former students. Service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Chapel, Beckley, with Minister Oscar Schwitzerlette officiating. Burial will follow in Kidwell Cemetery, Table Rock. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Kelly Jo Richmond, Fred Moye, Minor Redden, Glenville Redden, David Meadows, Randy Scott and John Morton. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

Olga V. "Toni" Layne, 56, of Soak Creek, went to be with Jesus Friday, May 26, 2000, in a Charleston area hospital following a short illness. Born Aug. 27, 1943, in Beckley, she was a daughter of the late Herbert C. and Lena N. Toney. Mrs. Layne was a wife, mother, Nena, and domestic engineer. She attended Sophia First Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Mandy Layne; two sisters, Patricia Hall and Flora K. "Kate" Burroughs; a brother, James Wells; and a sister-in-law, Shirley Toney. Survivors include her husband, Leonard Layne Jr.; three sons, Jeff Layne and wife Madonna, Leon Layne and wife Karen, and Mike Layne and wife Christy, all of Richmond, Va.; four brothers, Richard Toney and wife Nancy of Reidsville, N.C., Ralph Toney and wife Phyllis of Pelham, N.C., Roger Toney of Liberty, N.C., and Ronald Toney and wife Eleanora of Parma, Ohio; four sisters, Lois Jackson and husband Bill of Charleston, Phyllis Spencer and husband Lloyd of Prosperity, Gloria Deeds and husband David of Barberton, Ohio, and Billye Lowery and husband Wade of Sophia; a brother-in-law, Eugene Hall of Fayetteville, N.C.; a niece, Doris Ann Smith of Fort Sam Houston, Texas; and many loving nieces and nephews. She was also the Nena of nine loving grandchildren, Cameron, Brandon, Derek, Bryan, Jessica, Tyler, Bryson, Mikey and Savanna Layne. Services will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Jim Mundy officiating. Entombment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.

BLUEFIELD - Frederick M. Hatcher, 82, of 216 Powhatan St., Bluefield, died Monday, Sept. 8, 2003, in a Portsmouth, Ohio, hospital. Born Oct. 7, 1920, in Beckley, he was the son of the late Alvis and Bettie Griffith Hatcher. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Aubrey and Robert Hatcher. Mr. Hatcher was a devout member of both First Baptist Church of Bluefield and Beckley. He served as a deacon in both churches in the past as well as serving on several committees, some of which he was chairman. He was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and a veteran of World War II, having served in Germany as a second lieutenant. In 1947 he began his career with the West Virginia Army National Guard, serving as unit commander of the Bluefield Unit in 1954 and later a commander for the Beckley detachment of the National Guard. In 1961 he was upgraded to active service and served as captain at Fort George Gordon Meade during the Berlin Crisis, and in 1982, Mr. Hatcher retired from the West Virginia National Guard as a chief warrant officer-4. He was admitted as a Distinguished Knight in the Order of St. George for honorable service to Armor and Cavalry. Mr. Hatcher was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He is survived by his wife of almost 59 years, Orpha Eanes Hatcher; a daughter, Marsha Joy Cheeks of Bluefield; a granddaughter, Lindsay Noel Cheeks, also of Bluefield; two sisters, Clara Mae Dozier and Betsy Gonzalez, both of Beckley; two brothers John Paul Hatcher of Michigan and Grover Hatcher of Massachusetts; and several nieces and nephews. Service will be 11 a.m. Friday at First Baptist Church of Bluefield. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Military graveside rites will be performed by the West Virginia National Guard. Serving the family as pallbearers will be members of the 1st BN 150th Armored Cavalry's Bluefield unit of the West Virginia National Guard with the Truett Sunday School Class serving as honorary pallbearers. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at Mercer Funeral Home and Crematory, Bluefield. Arrangements by Mercer Funeral Home and Crematory, Bluefield.

Andrew Lewis Peck, 92, of Beckley, died Saturday, Sept. 6, 2003, in a local hospital. Born Aug. 14, 1911, at Sprague, he was the son of the late James P. and Clara Elizabeth Peck. Mr. Peck attended public schools in Mabscott and Beckley and graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1929. He attended New River State College, now WV Tech in Montgomery, and served with the Army Corps of Engineer with the rank of sergeant in World War II, serving in England, Africa and Europe. He was awarded eight campaign stars, President's Unit Citation and Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Peck retired as a shop supervisor with 30 years of service with Union Carbide Corporation in the Kanawha Valley. He was of the Protestant faith, member of the Charleston Masonic Lodge No. 153, AF and AM and the Scottish Rite Bodies, 32nd Degree, Valley of Charleston. He was preceded in death by a sister, Virginia Adair Peck, and was the last surviving member of his immediate family. Mr. Peck is survived by beloved cousins and his dear friend of many years, Patricia Dedeian of Winfield. Service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with Pastor Patrick Haynes officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call two hours prior to the service on Wednesday. Members of the Beckley Masonic Lodge No. 95 AF and AM will serve as pallbearers and conduct Masonic graveside rites. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

David "Frank" Miller, 59, [WWHS '62] of Amigo, died Tuesday, Aug. 19, 2003, at his home following a long illness. Born July 29, 1944, he was the son of the late Franklin and Martha Sanger Miller and was adopted and raised by his grandparents, Charlie and Stella Sanger. He served faithfully in the U. S. Army. He was a DAV lifetime member. Survivors include his wife of 14 years, Kathy Miller; two stepsons, Robert Sturgill and wife, "Sissy," of Pax, and "J. R." Sturgill and wife, Lucinda, of Glen White; two half brothers, Jimmy Miller of Sophia and Lonnie Ray Miller of Dayton, Ohio; an adopted brother, Clifford Sanger of Crab Orchard; three half sisters, Cindy Miller of Beckley, Lori Miller of Georgia and Debbie Ellis of Florida; four grandchildren, Audrey, Zachory, Kayla and Matthew; special cousin, Melvania Sanger of Crab Orchard; and special friend, Joan Jones of Crab Orchard. Service will be 1 p.m. today at Williams-Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Sophia, with the Rev. Duane Pease officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Aaron Williams, Sam Jones, Willard Rakes, Dale Harper Jr., Jerry Rakes and Charles Ray Covey. Arrangements by Williams-Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Sophia.

BALLARD - Lewis Randolph "Randy" Webb, 58, [WWHS '63] died Thursday, Aug. 28, 2003, in Veterans Medical Center in Asheville, N.C. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m Monday, Sept. 1, at Wickline Funeral Home, Lindside. He was a Beckley city policeman for 13 years after serving a tour in Vietnam. He was one of the people most responsible for building the police shooting range at Grey Flats. In recent years after some health problems he retired to Ballard in Monroe County and enjoyed hunting and gun collecting. He was married to Elizabeth (Cole) Webb and had one child.

Buster L. Williams Sr., 78, of Beckley, died Friday, Aug. 29, 2003, in a Beckley hospital following a lengthy illness. Mr. Williams was born Jan. 25, 1925, in Beckley. He was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and Beckley College. He was a U.S. Marine veteran of World War II serving in the Pacific Theater where he participated in the capture of Guam and Okinawa. He was the retired superintendent of Beckley Coal Mine in Glen Daniel. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Beckley, as well as the Coal City Masonic Lodge and the Sophia Veterans of Foreign Wars. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth C. Williams; two sons, Buster L. Williams Jr. and wife, Donna, and Gary D. Williams and wife, Michelle, and a daughter, Victoria Stevens, all of Georgia; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and a sister, Patty Kingerly of Virginia. Service will be 1 p.m. Sunday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with Dr. David Carrico officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum, Beckley. Military rites will be conducted by the Oak Hill VFW. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Grace A. Davis, 94, of Beckley, died Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2003, at Heartland. Born Jan. 17, 1909, in Odd, she was the daughter of the late George W. Thompson and Rhoda M. Shumate Thompson and the last surviving of the 13 children of this very well-known and longtime Raleigh County family. Mrs. Davis was a homemaker and loving mother and grandmother. She was a lifelong member of First Baptist Church of Beckley and truly enjoyed the fellowship of her Fidelis Sunday School class. She was a past member of the Woman's Club of Beckley. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School, Class of 1928, and attended Beckley College. She was a bookkeeper for Beckley Machine and Electric Co. in Mabscott until she started her family, and then she did volunteer work by knitting scarves and sweaters for soldiers during World War II and by participating with her daughter's school and Girl Scout activities. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Frank H. Davis; eight brothers; and four sisters. Survivors include her daughter, Harriet Davis Verburg and husband, John, of Annandale, Va.; grandson, John Davis Verburg and wife, Jackie K.; two great-grandchildren, Davis and Alexa Verburg of Coral Springs, Fla.; sister-in-law, Dorcas Thompson of Beckley; many nieces and nephews; and loving caregivers, Helen Lilly and her daughter, Amy, of Beckley. Service will be 3 p.m. Sunday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with Dr. David Carrico officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service Sunday at the funeral home. Donations of remembrance may be made to the Fidelis Class of First Baptist Church, Beckley. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.

MOUNT HOPE - Joseph Roy Sloan, 17, of Mount Hope, passed away Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2003. Born Dec. 21, 1985, in Beckley, he was the son of Michael E. and Mary Ann Sloan. Joseph enjoyed life, sports and the outdoors. As a Woodrow Wilson High School student, Joseph was known for playing outside linebacker and back-up running back and special teams for Flying Eagles football. He also played pitcher and catcher for Beckley baseball. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Roy Sloan; and paternal grandfather, Joseph H. Scott. Other than his parents, Joseph leaves to treasure his memories a twin sister, Jennifer Nichole Sloan of Mount Hope; maternal grandmother, Rose Mary Sloan; paternal grandmother, Betty L. Scott; an aunt, Amma Sloan; an uncle, Jerry Lee Bennett; and a host of friends and teammates. Service will be 1 p.m. Friday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Randy Mann officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.

CINNAMINSON, N.J. - Former Beckley resident Edith Clark Haynie, [WWHS '47] 76, died Friday, Aug. 22, 2003, at her home of cancer. She was the daughter of John W. and S. Joda Clark of Beckley and the great-granddaughter of John J. Miles, a Clay County, Tenn., statesman. A homemaker and artist, her handmade quilts and wall hangings were shown in numerous juried shows, all winning blue ribbons and awards. Her Sunbonnet Sue Calendar quilt was featured on the cover of a national magazine three times and started a new trend in Sunbonnet Sue quilts. Prior to her illness, she lived in Cinnaminson, N.J., for 32 years, where she was active in several quilting associations and was an avid, trophy-winning bowler. Before moving to New Jersey, she lived in Maryland for 21 years and was active in the Kentland Homemakers Club and involved in creative cake decorating. In 1965, she was widowed from James F. Biggs, a former Eccles resident, son of E. Howard and Louella Biggs. She is survived by her second husband of 32 years, Robert C. Haynie, formerly of North Carolina; three children, Sarah Biggs Richards and James Biggs of Maryland and Glenn Biggs of New Jersey; two stepchildren, Donald Haynie and Shannon Haynie Summers of Maryland; six grandchildren; one great-grandson; and three sisters, Maxine Clark Connolly, Helen Clark Myers and Beulah Clark of California. Visitation was held 7 to 9 p.m. at Weber Funeral Home, 112 Broad St., Riverton, N.J., on Monday. A memorial service will be 11 a.m. today, preceded by burial in the Brigadier General William C. Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown, N.J. Arrangements by Weber Funeral Home, Riverton, N.J.

Anthony John Catlett, 22, of Maple Fork, died Wednesday, Aug. 20, 2003, at his home. Born Sept. 4, 1980, in Beckley, he was the son of Russell John and Tracene Evans Catlett. Anthony was a disabled caretaker for Daniel Vineyards and was a Class of 2000 Woodrow Wilson High School graduate. He attended North Sand Branch Worship Center. He was an adamant gun collector and liked to ride four-wheelers. Other survivors besides his parents include two sisters, Becky Mattox and husband, Pat, of Tennessee and Robin Williams and fiancé, Junior Perdue, of Narrows, Va.; paternal grandmother, Maxine Stover of Coco, Fla.; four nephews, Trapper, Justin, Casey and Jody; and five nieces, Emily, Tessa, Kelsey, Mary and Lexie. Service will be 2 p.m. Monday at Tyree Funeral Home, Mount Hope, with Pastor Ken Souder officiating. Burial will follow in Evans Family Cemetery, South Sand Branch. Friends may call 1 to 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Richie Catlett, Ricky Davis, Randy Stover, Johnny Allen, Karrol Stover, Gary Davis, Justin Ellison and Mike Williams. Online condolences may be sent to our Web site at www.tyreefuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Mount Hope.

CHARLESTON - Douglas Ray Sizemore, 49, of First Avenue, formerly of Beckley, died Monday, Aug. 11, 2003, in Charleston following an apparent heart attack. Born April 9, 1954, in Beckley, he was the son of Thelma Whitt Sizemore of MacArthur and the late Charles Owen Sizemore. Mr. Sizemore spent his childhood in MacArthur. He was a 1972 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Beckley College and he attended West Virginia University where he studied pre-med. He had been a resident of Charleston for the past eight years and was currently employed by the Embassy Suites Hotel. He was of the Christian faith. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, H.H. and Oley Sizemore, and paternal grandparents, J.F. and Pearl Whitt. Survivors, in addition to his mother, include his wife, Sandy Suppa Sizemore; a daughter, Amanda Ruth Sizemore of St. Albans; and stepdaughter, Trina Munsey of Charleston. Graveside funeral rites and burial will be 1 p.m. Friday in Roselawn Memorial Gardens, Garden of the Apostle, Princeton, with the Rev. Daniel Legg officiating. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

SHELBY - Lala Elizabeth Todd, 72, of 90 Second Street, Shelby, died Monday, Aug. 11, 2003, at her home after a short illness. She was born Jan. 1, 1931, in Beckley, the daughter of the late Thomas and Bertie (Light) Scott. Mrs. Todd was a graduate of Beckley High School and was a homemaker. She enjoyed spending time with and caring for her family and friends. She was a member of the First Church of God for over 40 years, where she had been a Sunday school teacher for many years. She was an avid Cleveland Indians fan. Mrs. Todd is survived by her husband, Daimon Todd, whom she wed on May 31, 1949; three sons and spouses, Rodney and Linda Todd of Crestline, Russell and Patricia Todd of Shelby and Michael Todd and Linda Whitmore of Shelby; a grandson, Brian Todd of Shelby; two brothers, Hershell Scott of Tennessee and Lwood Scott of Missouri. She was preceded in death by her parents and a brother, Leroy Scott. Friends may call on Wednesday, Aug. 13, 2003, from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Turner Funeral Home, 168 West Main Street, Shelby, Ohio. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Thursday at the First Church of God in Shelby with Pastor Andrew Guertler officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Shelby. Memorial expressions may be made to Hospice of North Central Ohio or the American Cancer Society. E-mail: turnerfh @richnet.net for on line condolences. Arrangements by Turner Funeral Home, Shelby.

EANA - Donald "Donnie" George Hurt, 49, of Oceana, died Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2003, at his home. Born May 12, 1954, he was the son of the late John and Mary Boyce Hurt. He was also preceded in death by his foster parents, Manuel and Ettie Marquis. Donnie spent his childhood in Beckley where he graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School Class of 1972. He had been a resident of the Oceana and Kopperston area for 25 years. He was a fireboss at Rocklick Preparation Plant at Bald Knob where his co-workers always referred to him as "Blondie." He attended the Toneda Baptist Church, a member of the UMWA Local Union 9177. He was active in the Pineville Masonic Lodge #138, was a past Patron of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 10, Beni Kedem Shrine in Charleston, and the 32nd Degree of the Scottish Rite. Donnie coached Little League, Senior League, and All Stars softball teams, and served on the Kopperston Mine Rescue Team. His community will remember him as a good neighbor, a man who would give you "the shirt off his back," and he will be sorely missed by his family, friends, and co-workers. In addition to his parents and foster parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law, Joe E. Brown. Survivors include his wife of 25 years, Nancy Susan "Sue" Brown; a daughter, LeAnn Hurt Bailey and husband Kevin of Cranberry Woods, Beckley; a son, 1st Lt. Donnie Joe Hurt stationed with the U.S. Army at Ft. Irwin, Calif.; Donnie was the proud grandfather of Natalie Bailey and his second grandchild is expected in September; a brother, John "Bo" Hurt and wife Nancy and their children, Sarah, Ashley, and Amber, all of Sabine; his mother-in-law, Frances Lee Brown; brother-in-law, David Joe Brown and wife Darlene and their children, Andy and Andrea, all of Beckley. Services will be 11 a.m. Monday at the Toneda Baptist Church. Burial will follow in Palm Memorial Gardens at Matheny. Friends may call this evening from 6 to 9 p.m. at the church and one hour prior to services on Monday. The Revs. Dwight Stafford and Jerry Cook will be officiating. Pallbearers will be Darrell Kennedy, Gary Huffman, Randy Blankenship, Grover Thacker, David Joe Brown, and Larry Stewart. Honorary pallbearers will be Lonnie Marcum, Bob Price, Mike Browning, Danny Pizzino, Ron Hall, and Jim Richardson. Pineville Masonic Lodge #138 will conduct Masonic rites at the gravesite. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Calvin L. Thornton Jr., 26, of Crab Orchard, died Sunday, Aug. 3, 2003, near Pemberton, following a four wheeler accident. Born Oct. 22, 1976, at Beckley, he was the son of Kathy Sauls Thornton Lilly of Crab Orchard and her husband, Rick Lilly, who was his best friend and who he thought of as a second father; and the late Calvin L. Thornton Sr. Calvin was employed as a mechanic and welder at Beckley Garbage. He was a lifelong Raleigh County resident and had attended Woodrow Wilson High School. Besides his father, he was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Lewis Fleet and Ova Mae Thornton. Other survivors besides his mother and her husband, include a son, John Anthony Thornton of Crab Orchard; a daughter, Summer Grace Thornton of Crab Orchard; a brother, Russell Paul Thornton and wife, Jamie Dale of Raleigh; maternal grandparents, James Paul and Jackie Sauls of Crab Orchard; aunts, Paulette Masley and husband, Paul of Crab Orchard, Marvella Woodrum and husband, Jimmy of South Charleston, Jean Bays and husband, Bob of Wise, Va., Cathy Lynn Thornton of South Charleston and Phyllis Sheets and husband, Paul of Florida; and a niece, Kayleigh Dale Thornton. Service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel with the Rev. Nora Bishop officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before the service on Friday at the funeral home. Friends and family will serve as pallbearers. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at RandQ@city net.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

WAYNE - Wallace Benton Brubeck Sr., 85, died Thursday, July 31, 2003, at St. Mary's Medical Center, Huntington. He was born March 21, 1918, in Fleming, Ky., the son of Katherine Jane Oxley Brubeck of Wayne, formerly of Beckley, and the late Wade Sisson Brubeck. Wallace attended Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley, Augusta Military Academy at Fort Defiance, Va., and graduated from Furman University at Greenville, S.C. He was always an active participant in football, basketball and track at each school. During World War II he served as navigator in the U.S. Army Air Corps and was honorably discharged as first lieutenant. He then graduated from Bradley Horological School in Peoria, Ill., where he learned the trade of jewelry repairing and watch making. He practiced his trade for more than 30 years by managing and owning Brubeck Jewelry in Wayne. He was a member of Wayne United Methodist Church where he served in the church choir. He was a member of the Wayne Chamber of Commerce, served on the Selective Service board and was also a member of Wayne Masonic Lodge No. 18, AF and AM. He was preceded in death by his wife of nearly 50 years, Jean Givens Brubeck; and a brother, William Oxley Brubeck. Survivors include two sons, Wallace Benton Brubeck Jr. and wife, Mary Elizabeth, of Huntington and William Givens Brubeck and wife, Sandra, of Wayne; four grandchildren, Thomas E. Brubeck and wife, Jennifer, Christopher S. Brubeck and wife, Tanya, Justin W. Brubeck and wife, Melissa, and C. Michael Brubeck and wife, Mary-Beth; five great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Mary Helen Brubeck of Salem, Va.; an uncle, Woodrow Oxley and wife, June, of Ocala, Fla.; and two nephews, Earl G. Brubeck and William O. Brubeck Jr. Service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Morris Funeral Home Chapel, Wayne, with the Rev. Casey Stinespring officiating. Private committal and entombment will follow in Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Huntington. Friends may call 1 p.m. until time of service Sunday at funeral home. His grandsons will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Jean G. Brubeck memorial fund at Wayne United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Morris Funeral Home, Wayne.

Vera Ellen Adkins, 69, of Beckley, passed away Wednesday, July 30, 2003, after a long illness. Born May 27, 1934, at Stanaford, she was the daughter of the late Adam and Rachel Kamensky Wardensky. Mrs. Adkins was a homemaker. Survivors include her husband, Walter Adkins; a son, Gary Adkins and wife, Yvonne, of Sandstone; a daughter, Sue Rose and husband, Robbie, of Lester; three sisters, Jo-ann Wardensky of North Carolina, Eva Williams of Florida and Ruth Lockard of Connecticut; three great-grandchildren, Jamie Adkins of Los Angeles, Calif., Christine Rose of Lester and Jonathan Rose of Lester; a stepgranddaughter, Jennifer Crostic; and a stepgrandson, R.J. Throckmorton. Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with Father Perry Malacaman officiating. Entombment will follow at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at blueridgefh@charter.net. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Chapel, Beckley.

CALDWELL - William Ray Ormandy, 53, died Wednesday, July 30, 2003, in a Princeton hospital. Born April 22, 1949, in Beckley, he was the son of William "Bill" and Jean Raye Blevins Ormandy of Beckley. Mr. Ormandy spent his childhood at Maxwell Hill and spent most of his adult life in Daniels and Beckley. He was a 1967 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and spent his early life attending Memorial Baptist Church and his later life attending Trinity Baptist Church. He was an avid sportsman and a member of Cow Boy Action Shooting, the Shady Spring Shooting Society and the Single Action Shooting Society. Most of all Ray loved his grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, William and Lydia Ormandy; and maternal grandparents, George and Bessie Blevins. Survivors include a daughter, Jenny Barker, and fiance, Jeffrey Whisman, of Daniels; two sons, Brandon Ormandy and wife, Debra, of Caldwell and Jason Ormandy and wife, Natasha, of Cool Ridge; four brothers, George David Ormandy and wife, Joyce, of Maryville, Tenn., Bill Mark Ormandy and wife, Nancy, of Raleigh, N.C., James Reed Ormandy and wife, Becky, of Beckley and Daniel Howard Ormandy and wife, Michelle, of Daniels; two sisters, Linda Beaver and husband, Berlin, of Beckley and Peggy Meadows and husband, John, of Salem, Va.; his former wife, Becky Rogers of Beckley; and nine grandchildren, Anthony, Katelyn, Sarah, Joshua, Zachary, and Brooklyn Ormandy, Allison Crain, Derek Barker and Aaron Williams. Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Revs. Danny Winders and Jim Franklin officiating. Friends may call 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Sons and brothers will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Rodney Alan Scurlock II, 27, of Oakhurst Dr., MacArthur, died Saturday, July 19, 2003, following a mining accident. Born March 4, 1976 in Beckley, he was the son of Rodney and Pamela Neal Scurlock. Rodney was a 1994 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and also a graduate of Raleigh County Vocational School, studying computer programming. He was employed at Performance Coal Company as a certified underground electrician. He was previously employed by Worley Management and Motorsports as a mechanic and he had worked construction with his father and brother most of his life. Rodney was of the Baptist faith. He loved to spend time with his family and friends. His hobbies included camping, go-kart racing, four-wheeling and going to Cedar Point and to car and truck shows. He loved to work on his truck and to weld and repair anything that needed fixed and would help anyone that needed help. He was a mechanic, electrician and handyman for everyone around him. He dominated the go-kart tracks where he won multiple first places and track championships. Through his racing, he developed special relationships with Danny and Gary Worley, Tom Prentice, O'Neal Phipps, Don Kelly, Bobby Shiflett and many others too numerous to mention. He raced with his father, brother, sister, brother-in-law and friends where many memories were made. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Annie Fitzpatrick Scurlock and maternal grandfathers, Harold McMillion and Billy Neal. Survivors, in addition to his parents, include his longtime girlfriend, Jennifer Milam whom he loved very much and planned to marry; a brother, Brian Scurlock of MacArthur and his girlfriend, Emily Sauer of Glen Daniel; a sister, Stacie Scott and husband, Bobby and their son, Jared, whom admired and loved Rodney very much; three uncles, Jay Scurlock of MacArthur and his children, Beverly, Amber and Carissa, Joe and Pam Williams of MacArthur and their children, Jennifer and Melissa and Delbert and Debbie Scurlock of Beckley and their children, Donnie, Danny and Darin; and by friends at Performance Coal Company. Services will be 3 p.m. Thursday in the Melton Mortuary Chapel, with the Rev. James Waddell officiating. Burial will follow in the Fitzpatrick Farm Cemetery, MacArthur. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Larry Lilly, Charlie Williamson, Bobby Scott, Scott Pack, Wayne Blake, Brandon Blake, Donald Walker and Brandon Wood. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Richard L. "Dick" McKenzie, age 67 of Lewis Center, Ohio died Wednesday, July, 16, 2003 at The Ohio State University Hospital as a result of an accident. Born in Stotesbury, W.Va. and raised in Crab Orchard W.Va. 1953 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, attended Beckley Junior College and Marshall University. Retired owner of McKenzie's Fine Foods in Worthington, Ohio, Member of Everett Lodge #137 F&AM, Everett, Washington, Central College Presbyterian Church, Board member of the Emmaus Community, Past President of the Central Ohio Retails Grocers Association and Former Board Member of the Ohio Retail Grocers, US Airforce Veteran. An avid fisherman and he enjoyed his Apple Valley (Mt. Vernon, OH) retreat. Over the years, Dick encouraged and supported his many student employees in pursuit of higher education. Survived by his wife of 43 years, Jeanne (McLean), daughters Cathy (Jeff) Gongwer, Westerville, Lori McKenzie of New Albany, Amy (Jamie) Graver of Upper Arlington, grandchildren Jessica and Kelli Gongwer, Joey Biesiada, Ali and Mandy Graver, sister Juanita (Corky) McGuire, Beckley, brother Calvin (Charlotte) McKenzie, Westminister, MD, many nieces and nephews. Calling hours will be at the Ellsworth Chapel, Central College Presbyterian Church, 975 S. Sunbury Road, Westerville, OH 43081 (614)882-2347 on Thursday, July 24 from 2 - 4 and 6-9. Memorial Service will be held at Central College Presbyterian Church, Friday, July 25 at 11:00. Private interment. In lieu of flowers contributions may be given to Central College Presbyterian Church for the New Memorial Garden.

GREENVILLE, N.C. - Renetta Ann Farris Smith, 56, died Tuesday, July 8, 2003. Mrs. Smith, a native of Beckley, had been a resident of Greenville since 1978. She graduated from Marshall University with a B.A. in vocational home economics. She received several master's degrees from East Carolina University, including EDS in administration and MAEDs in administration/supervision, family and consumer science education, learning disabilities and mentally handicapped, and vocational education for the disadvantaged. She taught at Saluda Elementary in Asheville, N.C., and in Greenville taught at Agnes Fullilove and St. Peter's Catholic School. From 1981-2002 she taught at J.H. Rose High School as family and consumer science educational instructor and workforce development coordinator and instructor. She was a member of Phi Delta Kappa, Kappa Delta Phi, Delta Kappa Gamma and Susanna Cotanche Evans Chapter of DAR, the Cherry Oaks Garden Club and St. Peter's Catholic Church. Her hobbies were painting, crafts, cooking and enjoying college football. She lived life to its fullest, especially time spent with her granddaughters. Survivors include her husband of 36 years, Wetzel Smith; a daughter, Christa Smith Delgado and husband, Gary, of Camp Lejeune; two granddaughters, Caroline and Clare; her father, James Thomas Farris of Beckley; two sisters, Karen F. Lilly of Beckley and Jimelle F. Rumberg and husband, Randy, of Charleston; mother-in-law, Mary E. Smith; sisters and brothers-in-law, Doris and Will Compton, Dreama Lilly, Gary and Loretta Smith, Linda and Roger Okes, and Craig Smith; and many other beloved family and friends. Memorials may be made to Winning with Diabetes, c/o Medical Foundation of ECU, 525 Moye Blvd., Greenville, NC 27834. A Mass will be 9:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church, Beckley. Arrangements by Wilkerson Funeral Home, Greenville.

William "Tiny" Tennant, 26, of Bradley, died Wednesday, July 16, 2003. Born Nov. 12, 1976, in Beckley, he was the son of Jean Minnick Tennant of Bradley and the late William Floyd Tennant. Mr. Tennant attended Bradley Elementary, Beckley Junior High and Woodrow Wilson High School. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by maternal grandparents, Pauline and Charles Minnick; and paternal grandparents, William and Florence Tennant. In addition to his mother, he is survived by three brothers, Acie Frank Jones of Lofolette, Tenn., Allen Jones of Beckley and Jimmy Jones of Beckley; and many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews. Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with a eulogy by the Rev. Acie Frank Jones, his brother. Friends may call one hour before service Saturday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.

Nancy Leach Turner, 72, of 106 Ann Street, Beckley, died Saturday, July 12, 2003, at the Raleigh General Hospital, following a sudden illness. Born Aug. 20, 1930, at Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Earl and Anna Mae Tolbert Leach. Mrs. Turner was a 1948 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, and attended Beckley College and Virginia Intermont and Patrick Henry Community College. She was an accomplished artist and painter all of her life. She was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron of the Order of the Eastern Star, Martinsville, Va., Chapter No. 66. She was a member of the United Methodist Temple in Beckley and the Methodist Church in Martinsville, Va. She was preceded in death by her husband, Emmett Howell Turner Jr. Survivors include twin sons, Mark Douglas Turner of Beckley and Emmett Howell Turner III of Salem, Va.; grandchildren, Jessica Elizabeth Turner and Emily Susanne Turner, both of Beckley, Laura Michelle Turner Iacopinelli of Las Vegas, Nev., and Justin Howell Turner of Hopewell, Va. There will be no services or visitation. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

DANDRIDGE, Tenn. - Gina Jewell (Grandmaw) Garten, 54, [WWHS '66] passed away 11:30 a.m. Sunday, July 6, 2003, at Life Care Center in Morristown, Tenn., following a brief illness. Mrs. Garten was a member of the Mabscott Christian Church of Mabscott, a former employee of Maple Woods Farms in Sevierville, Tenn., and Cracker Barrel of Staunton, Va. She was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew and Geneva Craddock and a sister, Linda Craddock. Survivors include her husband, Larry E. (Pappy) Garten of the home; a daughter, Tobey Garten Lewanski of Dandridge; a son, Richard Garten of Nashville, Tenn.; granddaughters, Lela Garten of Staunton, Va., and Erica Lewanski of Dandridge, Tenn.; grandson, Dakota Lewanski of Dandridge, Tenn.; a sister, Pamela Craddock of Las Vegas, Nev.; a brother, Jerry Craddock of Crab Orchard, Tenn.; and several special nieces and nephews. Service will be 2 p.m. Wednesday at the Farrar Funeral Home, 411 W. Broadway Blvd., Jefferson City, Tenn. with the Rev. Rick Carr officiating. Burial will follow in Hillcrest Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Life Care Center, 501 West Economy Rd., Morristown, Tenn. 37814. You may visit the funeral home website at www.farrarfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home, Jefferson City, Tenn.

GREENVILLE, N.C. - Renetta Ann Farris Smith, 56, [WWHS '65] formerly of Beckley, died Tuesday, July 8, 2003. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Beckley. Memorials may be made to Winning with Diabetes, c/o Medical Foundation of ECU, 525 Moye Blvd., Greenville, NC 27834. Arrangements by Wilkerson Funeral Home, Greenville.

Donald E. (Don) Larrick of 211 Witherspoon St., Beckley, died Sunday, July 6, 2003, following a long illness. Born Nov. 25, 1928, at Beckley, he was the son of the late Eugene Guyer Larrick Sr. and Nell Harlow Larrick. Mr. Larrick was a member of the Class of 1946 of Woodrow Wilson High School, attended VPI and was a graduate of Concord College with a degree in Business Administration. Mr. Larrick was hardware manager at Beckley Ice and Feed, following which he became business manager at Lewis Chevrolet, a position he held until his retirement in 1993. He was a member of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks 1452, Black Knight Country Club, past president of Beckley Jay-Cees, a member of the Boards of Directors of both Lake Stephens and the Citizen's Scholarship Foundation, a member of the General Motors Business Accounting Manager's Council and a member of United Methodist Temple. He was an avid supporter of Woodrow Wilson High School football, missing only one football game in 40 years, and of Mountaineer athletics. Mr. Larrick is survived by his wife of 53 years, Nancy Davis Larrick; three children, Donna Larrick Dean and her husband, Dr. Rodney D. Dean, of Charleston, Alan Harlow Larrick and his wife, Renee McCormick Larrick, and Jane Larrick Price and her husband, Cecil Edwin Price, all of Beckley; three grandsons, who still affectionately called him "Unky Don," L. Scott Dean and his wife, Stacey, of Pittsburgh, Pa., Chad A. Dean of Jacksonville, Fla., and Christopher Price of Beckley; a brother, E.G. Larrick Jr. of Oak Hill; a sister, Patty Larrick Cook of Beckley; an uncle, J.S. Larrick, and his wife, Mary, of Cross Lanes; and an aunt, Sadie Withrow of Clifton Forge, Va. Services will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at the United Methodist Temple, 3871 Robert C. Byrd Drive, with the Rev. Sara Lamb officiating. Interment will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call at the church one hour prior to the service Wednesday. Pallbearers will be Dr. Rodney D. Dean, Dr. Robot T. Gardner, Robert P. McLean, Dr. William D. McLean, Cecil Edwin Price, William R. Sigmund and Meredith Trent. The family requests that memorial gifts be made to The Larrick Family Memorial Fund of The Beckley Area Foundation, c/o United National Bank, 129 Main St., Suite 203, Beckley, WV 25801. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

APPOMATTOX, Va. - Wanda Gay Brown Lively, 68, of Appomattox, went home to be with her Lord on Friday, July 4, 2003, at her home after a long battle with cancer. She was the daughter of the late Sam G. and Ruby P. Smith Brown. Gay graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1952 and Beckley College in 1955 where she was chosen "Miss Blue Hawk." She enjoyed quilting, traveling with her husband, a Navy career man, her children, grandchildren and attending family reunions. Survivors include her devoted husband of 47 years, Frank S. Lively; three daughters, Marcella and Teresa Lively of Nashville, Tenn., and Karen Gaskill and her husband, Ellis, of New Bern, N.C.; two grandchildren, Brian Witt of Greensboro, N.C., and Lisa Witt of New Bern; four sisters, her twin, May Zimmerman and her husband, E.A., of Appomattox, Mary Alice Bonds and her husband, Charles, of Brunswick, Ohio, Vivian Rubin and her husband, James, of Corpus Christi, Texas, and Charlotte Poole of Beckley; three brothers, Jack Brown and wife, Carol, of Midway, Bill Brown and wife, Connie, of Beckley and Jimmy Brown and wife, Margie, of Desota, Texas. She was preceded in death by two brothers, Lawrence and Gilmore "Bobo" Brown; and two sisters, Ruth Brown Bryant Lilly and Anna Lee Brown Bailey. Service and burial will be in Appomattox. Arrangements by Robinson Funeral Home, Appomattox. Submitted by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Charlotte Brewer Daniel died Monday, June 30, 2003, after a long and good life. She was in her 89th year. Born March 18, 1914, at Thurmond, she was the daughter of the late Thomas Fredrick and Ida Hess Brewer. Mrs. Daniel spent her early childhood at Thurmond and her family settled in East Beckley on Larew Avenue in 1920. She was a 1931 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and a 1936 graduate of Marshall University with a degree in physical education, health and biology. She also received a master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh. A lifelong Presbyterian, she attended the "outpost" church of Beckley Presbyterian Church in East Beckley. At Beckley Presbyterian Church she taught Bible school and Sunday school and was a circle leader and Bible teacher in her church circle until failing health kept her from these activities. Her early teaching career took her to Logan High School, Mark Twain High School and California State Teachers College in California, Pa. During World War II, she was employed with the British Royal Air Force in Elizabeth City, N.C. After the birth of her daughters, she was a stay-at-home mother for many years. She resumed her teaching career in the 1960s and '70s, retiring from Sophia High School. Mrs. Daniel was a charter member of the Organization Committee of the Beckley Shepherd Center and was in charge of the kitchen for many years. She was a charter member of Beckley Curtain Callers and performed in a number of plays and was active in the Lincoln School PTA where she appeared in minstrel shows. She volunteered with MADD and as a teacher in the Literacy Program in Raleigh County. She loved to play the piano, sing and dance, loved to play basketball and softball and was a champion horseshoe player. She was a soccer fan of her grandson, Jason, and a big fan of Atlanta Braves baseball. An avid gardener, she gardened well into her 80s. She was a great storyteller and loved a good joke, and will be remembered for her stylish dress and love of hats. Her children remember her as a loving mother who always put her daughters and their interests first in her life. She was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Kellie Susan Graves, in 1983; and two brothers, Fred and James Brewer. Survivors include two daughters, Flicka Graves of Beckley and Susan Thomas and husband, Rod, of Spanaway, Wash.; three grandchildren, N. Jason Graves of North Hampton, Mass., Tamatha Thomas Haase and husband, John, of Puyallup, Wash., and Tyler Thomas and wife, Yvonne, of Seattle, Wash.; and a sister-in-law, Elaine Brewer of Beckley. A celebration of her life will be 2 p.m. Sunday at Beckley Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Malcomb Brownlee officiating and family and friends remembering her. Private entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service Sunday at the church. The family requests that memorial gifts be made to Beckley Presbyterian Church, 203 S. Kanawha St., Beckley, WV 25801. Flicka and Susan invite their friends to wear a hat to the service to celebrate Charlotte's life. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

TITUSVILLE, Fla. - Homer Howard Dew died early Saturday morning on June 21, 2003, in Jess Parrish Memorial Hospital, Titusville. Homer was the son of James Christopher Dew and Hallie Mae Stover, lifelong residents of Beckley. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Donna Elaine Dew. Homer is survived by his wife of over 60 years, "Peggy" O'Neal; two children, Stephen Dew and his wife, Janet, of Richland, Wash., and Linda Folmar and husband, Jerome, of Melbourne, Fla.; grandchildren, Dawn Maynard and husband, Mark, of Aldie, Va., Stephen D. Julias of Reston, Va., Jennifer Arnold and husband, David, of Smyrna, Ga., and Robert Scott Folmar of Melbourne; a great-grandchild, Connor Maynard of Aldie; brothers and sisters, Edith Lilly and husband, Elwood, of Daniels and Dr. Ronald Dew and wife, Winnie, of Columbia, S.C. Homer Dew was born in Beckley in 1915. He loved his family, his country and golf. He delivered newspapers while growing up, graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley and was the very first student to register and attend class at the College of West Virginia. He later worked as a reporter for the Beckley Post-Herald and the Mullens Advocate. He once reversed the names of a criminal and the arresting officer in a story and was sued by the irate officer. Homer took flying lessons in Beckley and earned a private pilot license. Seeing that world events meant war was coming, he enlisted early and was en route to his assignment at Wright Patterson Army Air Field on 7 December, 1941, where he learned of the Pearl Harbor attack. Homer was the top student in his bombardier/navigator training class and was selected by the training command to serve as an instructor for other students. Homer earned crew certifications in the B-17 and B-24. After the war, Homer and Peggy returned to the Beckley area where they operated the King Coal Hotel and Homer dabbled in coal mining. Homer decided late in life that he wanted to be an engineer, so he earned a BSEE degree from the University of Virginia at age 44. He then moved to Huntsville, Ala., and worked on a number of space programs, including the Saturn IB and Saturn V. He was configuration manager on the SKYLAB and the Shuttle solid rocket booster programs. He and Peggy moved to Titusville in 1978. He retired from NASA in 1981. Homer never lost his love of writing. He contributed numerous editorials to the Florida Today paper, the Titusville Star Advocate and New Observer. Throughout his life, golf was one of his favorite pastimes and he scored 8 holes-in-one. Arrangements by North Brevard Funeral Home, Titusville.

Freeda Mae Stover, 78, went to be with the Lord on Monday, June 23, 2003. She died at her home on Maple Fork after an extended illness. Born Dec. 1, 1924, at Mount Hope, she was the daughter of Earl and Ida Cooper, both deceased. She was a Christian with deep faith in Jesus Christ. She was a very loving, caring and devoted wife, mother and grandmother, and will be dearly missed. She was a 1942 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and completed a LPN degree from Raleigh County Vocational Center in 1971. She was a member of Maple Valley Missionary Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by eight brothers and sisters, Pearl Cooper, Adoula Armentrout, Jewel Walker, Myrl Ward, Carl, Leland, Cecil and Charles Cooper. Mrs. Stover was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Survivors include her husband of 60 years, William Carl; three daughters, Virginia Carol Stover of Slatington, Pa., Linda Rose Hill of Witcher Creek and Cinda Kaye Guy of Maple Fork; and two sons, Larry Carl of Dandridge, Tenn., and Bobby Dean of Packs Branch. She also had 11 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren, all she loved with great pride. Service will be 1 p.m. Thursday at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley, with Pastor Harmon Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. The family will receive friends 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. today at the funeral home. Condolences may be e-mailed to the family at RandQ@citynet.net. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

GREENSBORO, N.C. - Edward Nicholson "Nick" Pugh Sr., 75, [WWHS '46] died Saturday, June 21, 2003, in Greensboro after a short illness. Born Oct. 26, 1972 (not correct), he was the son of the late Emmett S. and Jane Nicholson Pugh of Beckley. Mr. Pugh attended Beckley schools and West Virginia Wesleyan College. He was a retired senior vice president of Bank of Raleigh and a former member of United Methodist Temple, Elks Club, Rotary Club, Flat Top Lake Association and Black Knight Country Club. He was preceded in death by his brother, E.S. Pugh Jr.; and sister, Ellen Pugh Stern. Mr. Pugh is survived by his wife of 52 years, Ginny; two sons, Nick Pugh Jr. and Franklin Pugh of Gig Harbor, Wash.; a daughter, Ginny Ross of Greensboro; and seven grandchildren. Mr. Pugh's body was cremated and a private memorial service will be held in Greensboro at a later date. Memorial gifts may be directed to Hospice of Greensboro, 2500 Summit Ave., Greensboro, N.C. 27405. Arrangements by Davis Funerals and Cremations, High Point, N.C.

CINCINNATI - Paul J. Lynch, [WWHS '61] 59, formerly of Beckley, died Sunday, June 15, 2003. He was preceded in death by a brother, Patrick C. Lynch. Survivors include his wife, Mary Lou Geiser Lynch; children, Patrick C., Timothy A., Peter S. and Jamile A. Lynch; brothers and sisters, Charles A. of Charleston, John T. of Boston and Michael J., Forest H. and Jamelia M. Lynch and Helen M. Pack, all of Beckley; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Mass will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Sacred Heart Church, Cincinnati. Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday at Hodapp Funeral Home, 6041 Hamilton Ave., Cincinnati, where a rosary will be held at 7 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please send Mass requests or meomrials to Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, Griffin Road, P.O. Box 196, Elmhurst, PA 18416. Arrangements by John Hodapp Sons, Cincinnati.

AMERICUS, Ga. - Billie J. Halstead, 69, [WWHS '50] 135 Hillcrest Grange Drive, died Saturday, May 31, 2003, at her residence. A native of Cranberry, WV, born Sept. 20, 1933, daughter of the late Grover T. Smith and Kathryn Mitchell Smith, who survives her. Mrs. Halstead was a registered nurse and a member of the First Presbyterian Church. She was a member of the Georgia Nursing Association, Sigma Beta Tau International and was Director of Nursing at Mitchell County Hospital in Camilla and Director of Infection Control at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany and Sumter Regional Hospital, a Hospice Volunteer and nurse, a volunteer tutor for Americus Literacy Action and a volunteer for The American Cancer Society, an organist and pianist. She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. Survivors other than her mother include her husband, the Rev. Jim Halstead of Americus; two daughters and one son-in-law, Kathryn M. Halstead of Americus and Kelly A. and Tim Faircloth of Americus; one son and daughter-in-law, William F. and Jill Halstead of Elliston, Va.; seven grandchildren, Scott, T.J., and Brad Bailey of Sinks Grove, WV, Timmy and Nina Faircloth of Americus, Jasmine Joy Halstead of Elliston, Va., and Lauren Faircloth of Okeechobee, Fla. Memorial services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at First Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Richard Hart officiating. Burial will follow in the Andersonville National Historic Site. Friends may call at the family residence, 135 Hillcrest Grange Drive. Members of Sigma Beta Tau International are asked to serve as honorary pallbearers. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Americus and Sumter County, Inc., P.O. Box 1434, Americus, GA 31709, or to First Presbyterian Church, 125 S. Jackson St., Americus, GA 31709. Arrangements by Greg Hancock Funeral Chapel, 142 Southland Road, Americus, Ga.

Mildred Ruth Keyser Dance, 78, of Bailey Avenue, Beckley, died Friday, May 30, 2003, after a short illness. Born Nov. 7, 1924, at Winding Gulf, she was the daughter of Hazel Lowe and Bob Keyser. She was preceded in death by a son, Eugene Charles Dance. Mrs. Dance was the first manager of the Beckley Exhibition Coal Mine Gift Shop and worked at the Raleigh County Civic Center for many years. She attended Woodrow Wilson High School, and Mildred was working at Murphy's when she met her husband, Joseph Cary Dance, of Shady Spring and was married in 1946. Mildred had been a Beckley resident since returning from Philadelphia in 1947. Mrs. Dance is survived by her daughter, Ellen Dance O'Neal and husband, Patrick, of Huntsville, Ala.; and two sons, Joseph Cary Dance II and wife, Beverly, of New York, N.Y., and Lawrence Fredrick Dance and wife, Susan, of Pax. Her grandchildren include Scyanne Heather O'Neal of Huntsville and Michael John Dance, Lawrence Joseph Dance, Cary Jo Dance and Joshua Caleb Newson, all residing in Raleigh County; a great-grandson, Jackson Dance O'Neal Buchanan; a sister, Betty Akers of Canton, Ohio; her sister and brother-in-law, Shirley and Dr. Tim Kellam of Mount Hope and Orlando, Fla., Eugene Andrew Dance of West Palm Beach, Fla., and Charles Lynn Dance and his wife, Jeri, of Memphis. Service will be 3 p.m. Monday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Ed Garten and Pastor Gary Williams officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service Monday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Michael Dance, Lawrence Dance, David Akers, Greg Wriston, Donnie Work and Biddle Williams. Arrangements provided by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Jeffrey Bayne Logwood, 29, of 112 Lacy Lane, Stanaford, died Friday, May 30, 2003, in a Beckley hospital following an extended illness. Born Jan. 20, 1974, in Beckley, he was the son of Kenneth Logwood and the late Roberta Bayne. He was a 1993 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. Mr. Logwood was a past employee of Software Etc. and also a local disc jockey. He attended West Virginia State College and Marshall University. He was a member of Mount Vernon Baptist Church in Lanark. He was preceded in death by his mother, Roberta Bayne; his brother, Chauncey "Dewey" Bayne; his paternal grandfather, James Logwood; his maternal grandparents, Kelley and Florida Pannell; and his uncle, Carlos Logwood. Survivors include his wife, Andrea Beard Logwood; two daughters, Arianna and Adaija Logwood of Stanaford; his father, Kenneth Logwood of Beckley; a grandmother, Eunice Nelson of Beckley; a stepfather, Chauncey Bayne of Beckley; a stepmother, Donna Logwood of Richmond, Va.; eight sisters, Germaine Bayne of Beckley, Loletia Morris of Beckley, Coretta Penn and husband, Lester, of Dayton, Ohio, Danita Bayne and her friend, E.J., of Dayton, Stephanie Smith and husband, Kelvin, of Beckley, Cheryle Donovan and husband, Jim, of Astoria, Ore., Monica Bayne of Columbus, Ohio, and Leslie Logwood of Richmond; a brother, Kenneth Logwood Jr. and wife, Michelle, of Columbus; two stepbrothers, Donald Oakley of Maybeury and Jim Hancock of Kentucky; and a stepsister, Renee Hancock and husband, Kelvin, of Columbus. Other survivors include his father-in-law, Robert Beard of Beckley; mother-in-law, Darlene Beard of Parkersburg; a brother-in-law, Robert Beard Jr. of Parkersburg; two sisters-in-law, Pamela and Cynthia Beard of Beckley; his best friends, Keisha Freeman of Lanark and Timothy Stevens of Beckley; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins, and friends. Service will be 1 p.m. Tuesday at Second Baptist Church, 700 F St., Beckley, with the Revs. Donald Cook and Rudolph Poindexter officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service Tuesday at the church. Arrangements by Durgan Funeral Home, Beckley.

ASHEVILLE, N.C. - Mark Edward Skewes, 48, of 19 Washington Road, Asheville, died March 31, 2003, at his home of cardiac arrest. Born in Bluefield, W.Va., on April 15, 1954, and a native of Bluefield, Va., he was a son of William G. Skewes Sr. of Bluefield, Va., and Betty S. Evans of Raleigh, N.C. He was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and studied aviation management at Florida Institute of Technology. He was a former helicopter pilot and instructor as well as an airplane pilot and instructor. He was also a former employee of Bluefield Manufacturing Inc. Mr. Skewes was also part owner of Concept Mining Inc., The Ridgeland Co., Inc. and HollyBrook Farms, LLC. In addition to his parents, he is survived by a brother and sister-in-law, William G. Skewes Jr. and Anne Skewes of Bluefield, Va.; three nieces, Leah Skewes of Radford, Va., and Elizabeth Skewes and Laura Skewes, both of Bluefield, Va.; and several uncles, aunts and cousins. Memorial service will be 1 p.m. Friday at Mercer Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Craig Hammond officiating. You may e-mail cards and condolences to the family at mercer@mercerfuneral.com. Arrangements by Mercer Funeral Home and Crematory, Bluefield, W.Va.

"Fat Freddy" Frederick Grose Sr., age 53, of Beaver, died Saturday, May 3, 2003, at the Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital following a short illness. Born on March 28, 1950, at Beckley, he was the son of the late Rev. Wesley Grose and Audrey Moore Grose. Mr. Grose was the owner and operator of Fat Freddy's Sports Bar at Beaver. He was a former auto salesman, and a former body guard for Sam Church and other UMWA officials. He dearly enjoyed his friends and being around people. He was of the Baptist faith. He was preceded in death by his brother, Danny Grose. Surviving companion, Myra Moles and her daughter, Rhelda Moles of Beckley; a son, Freddy Grose Jr. and his wife, Theresa of Shady Spring; a brother, Wesley Grose Jr. of Beckley; his aunts and uncles, Shelby and Winford Carter of Sante Cooper, S.C., Marie Moore and Bobby Moore of Massillion, Ohio; nephews, Chris of Beverly Hill, Calif. and Matthew of Crab Orchard; a niece, Melissa Goodson and husband, John of Crab Orchard; special cousin, Chuck and Barbara Hensley of Cool Ridge; and many other cousins. Services will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel in Beckley, with the Rev. Troy W. Simmons officiating. Burial will follow in the Slab Fork Cemetery at Tams Mountain. Friends may call from 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Tommy Carter, Danny Graham, Talmadge Daniel, James Shrewsbury, Sarge Maynard, and J.C. Francisco. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Estep, and the Brothers of the Wheel. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.

Paul Kendrick Hughes, 83, of Beckley, died Saturday, May 3, 2003, in a local hospital of natural causes. Born Feb. 20, 1920, at Beckley, he was the son of the late James Davis and Amelia Small Hughes. Mr. Hughes was retired from C&P Telephone Company with 30 years of service. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II serving with the 3111th Signal Service Battalion in the European Theater. He was a 1937 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He was preceded in death by six brothers, George, John, William, Charles, Louis Hubbard and James; and a sister, Mary Melkus. Survivors include his wife, Wanda Williams Hughes; two sons, Paul K. Hughes II of Fredericksburg, Va., and Gary Lee Hughes of Orlando, Fla.; two daughters, Pamela Lowe of Melbourne, Fla., and Karen Sue Roberts of Ocala, Fla.; two sisters, Martha Callaway of Daniels, and Ruth Sessler of Melbourne, Fla.; a stepson, Paul Williams of Beckley; two stepdaughters, Becky Kessler of Beckley, and Paula Sue Vernon of Charlotte, N.C.; 11 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Services will be 2 p.m. Thursday at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Samuel Sacus officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, where a scripture prayer service will be held at 8:30 p.m. led by the Rev. Mr. Don Wise. Pallbearers will be family members and friends. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

James Dennis Ballard Jr., 54, of Conway Street, Beckley, died Friday, May 2, 2003, in a Beckley hospital following a long illness. Born May 3, 1948, in Mabscott, he was the son of Betty Mae Clyburn Ballard of Crab Orchard and the late James Dennis Ballard. Mr. Ballard spent his childhood in Mabscott and he was a 1967 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He worked in the coal industry for over 20 years and last worked as a supervisor for the Orange Bakery in Huntersville, N.C. He was of the Pentecostal faith. In addition to his mother, survivors include his wife of 36 years, Judy Baker Ballard; a daughter, Lisa Stanley and husband Neil of Midway; three sons, James Ballard III of Denver, N.C, Michael Aaron Ballard of Beckley and Timothy Joseph "TJ" Ballard of Denver, N.C.; a grandson, Aaron Christopher Ballard; a brother, Carl Phillip Ballard of Denver, N.C.; and three sisters, Jo Ann Pack of Denver, N.C., Daisy Marie Mullins and husband Charles of Beckley and Patty Sue Clyburn and husband Timmy of Beckley. Service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with Pastor Gary Blankenship Jr. and Pastor Timothy Fox officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be family and friends. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Ruth Harlan Wilson died Saturday, April 26, 2003, at Greystone Inn, Beaver. She was born in Raleigh County, the daughter of the late John Harlan and Alberta Jennings Wilson. Miss Wilson attended local schools and was graduated from Sullins College in Bristol, Va. She was a retired employee of the Managerial Department of Appalachian Power Co. (now American Electric Power). She was a member of Beckley Presbyterian Church and a former member of the Beckley Woman's Club. She was also a member of the AEP Veterans and Retired Employees Association. Survivors include cousins in Maryland and North Carolina. Following Miss Wilson's wishes, her body has been cremated. There will be no service or visitation. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

John Paul Devores, 56, of Beckley, died Thursday, April 24, 2003, in a Beckley hospital following a long illness. Born April 5, 1947, in Clarksburg, he was the son of Shirley M. and Doris June Kittle Devores of Beckley. Mr. Devores spent his childhood in Beckley on Dorcas Avenue. He was a 1965 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, attended Concord College and was a graduate of Morris Harvey College with a B.A. in psychology. He was a U.S. Navy veteran and was formerly employed by the Department of Health and Human Resources. He enjoyed bluegrass music, sports, literature and the company of friends and animals. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Louis M. and Tressie Devores; and maternal grandparents, Porter and Ruth Elizabeth Kittle. Survivors include a daughter, Courtney Elizabeth Devores of Charlotte, N.C.; three sisters, Susan Tate of Wheeling, Betsy Smith of Manassas, Va., and Annette Devores of Columbus, Ohio; three nephews, Robert Foster and Jason and Eric Smith; a foster son, Tony Bennett of Beckley; his former wife, Debbie Devores; and his special friends, his dog, Chelsea, and cat, Cruella. Memorial service will be 4 p.m. Sunday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, where friends may call from 3 p.m. until time of service. The family requests that memorial gifts be made to the Allegheny Echoes, Route 2, 128M, Marlinton, WV 24954. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Ross Lloyd Phipps, 78, of Mankin Avenue, Beckley, died Thursday, April 24, 2003, at his home in the loving comfort of his son, Darrell, and wife, Marsha, and his daughter, Diane, at his side following a long illness. Born April 30, 1924, he was the son of the late Howard and Ella Shumate Phipps. Mr. Phipps was a U.S. Army veteran serving in World War II as a sergeant with the 40th Division. He was wounded in action in the Philippine Islands and was awarded the Purple Heart. He also received the Good Conduct Medal, Combat Infantry Badge, Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal with one Bronze Star, Bronze Arrowhead lapel button and the World War II Victory Medal. He was a 1942 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He was part owner of King Photo Supply Co. in Beckley, retiring in July 1988. He was a life member of Beckley Moose Lodge No. 1606 and a life member of American Legion Post No. 32 of Beckley. Mr. Phipps was a member of First Christian Church and a lifelong resident of Beckley. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family. He was preceded in death by his wife, E. Geraldine Phipps; a sister, Edith Lamb Bartgis; three brothers, Howard Paul Phipps, Elmer Shumate Phipps and Kyle Curtis Phipps; and a stepdaughter, D. Pamela Cabe. Survivors include a son, Darrell T. Phipps and his wife, Marsha, of Beckley; a daughter, Diane Pizzino of Beckley; two stepdaughters, Harriet Coldiron of Beckley and Barbara Myers and her husband, Dennis, of Schuylkill Haven, Pa.; three grandchildren, Charley Phipps, Darrell Phipps Jr. and Elizabeth Phipps, all of Beckley; two sisters-in-law, Freda Phipps of Beckley and Clarice Phipps of Venice, Fla.; two very special friends, Darell and Pauline King of Florida; and a host of loving friends. Service will be 3 p.m. Sunday at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. John Syner officiating. Burial will follow in Calfee Cemetery, Mount Tabor. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Beckley Moose Lodge No. 1606 will conduct graveside rites, and the VFW Post No. 3110 Honor Guard will conduct military graveside rites. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Memorial contributions may be made to the DAV, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250-0301, or to Hospice of Southern West Virginia, P.O. Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25802. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.

Maycell Hume Rogers, 91, of Second Avenue, Beckley, died Tuesday, April 22, 2003, in Newport News, Va., following a short illness. Born Oct. 15, 1911, in Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Winfield Scott and Daisy Lilly Rogers. Miss Rogers was a lifelong resident of Beckley. She was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and Concord College, and she did post-graduate work at West Virginia and Marshall universities. She held a degree in elementary education, and she taught throughout Raleigh County. She was a life member of the West Virginia Teachers Association and also a member of First Christian Church, Courthouse Square, Beckley. A sister, Pearl Rogers Howell, preceded her in death on Aug. 20, 1988. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family. Survivors include a nephew, William E. Howell and his wife, Dorothy, of Seaford, Va., their children, Woodrow Howell II and Patricia Ann Howell; and several cousins. Service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. James D. Lowe Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Wildwood Cemetery, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

HOSCHTON, Ga. - Emery Ray Wilson, 37, formerly of Cabell Heights, died Friday, April 11, 2003, at Grady Memorial Hospital in Georgia of injuries he received in an automobile accident. Born Sept. 4, 1965, he was the beloved son of Dennis R. and Bobbie Jean Stapleton Wilson of Cabell Heights. Emery spent his childhood at Cabell Heights. He was a 1984 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He attended Georgia Tech, where he studied chemical engineering. A resident of Hoschton the past seven years, he was formerly of Lawrenceville, Ga. He was a senior technician with Dow Chemical, Research and Development Department. He attended Galilee Christian Church, Jefferson, Ga. Emery immensely enjoyed his family. He loved to hunt and fish with his children and horseback ride with them at their home in Hoschton. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Charlie and Della Wilson; and his maternal grandparents, Emery and Mable Stapleton. He was the devoted husband of Tena Dalton Wilson and the loving father of Natalie Brook and Matthew Scott Wilson, all of Hoschton. He was the only brother of Matthew Wilson and his wife, Deborah, of Greenville, N.C. His father and mother-in-law, Dallas and Sara Dalton of Little Hart, also survive him. Emery is also survived by a large extended family of aunts, uncles, cousins and in-laws who will sorely miss him. Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Darrell Stapleton officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, where Emery will be laid to rest by his paternal grandparents in the Wilson family plot. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Cousins will serve as pallbearers. Donations of sympathy may be made to the Emery Wilson Memorial Fund, c/o CB&T, 71 Memorial Drive, Jefferson, GA 30549. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

Howard Edwin Lambert, 76, [WWHS '45] of Lambert Drive, Beckley, died Wednesday, April 9, 2003, in a Charlottesville, Va., hospital following a short illness. Born April 3, 1927, at Matoaka, he was the son of the late Carl and Lena Hawks Lambert. Mr. Lambert spent his early childhood in Matoaka. His family settled in Sprague when he was a young man and he had been a resident of the Beckley area ever since. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Mr. Lambert had been the owner of Lambert Development Co. since 1985; he also operated Lambert Transfer Co. and worked in the coal mining industry for 12 years. He was a member of the UMWA and the Beckley Moose Lodge. He was of the Baptist faith. He will be remembered as a hard-working man. A son, Howard Lambert Jr., and a grandson, Buddy Ellison, preceded him in death. Survivors include his wife, Barbara Ballengee Lambert; two daughters, Patricia Grant and her husband, Paul, of Russell, Ky., and Sue Lambert of Columbus, Ohio; a daughter-in-law, Pam Garretson of Grandview; three granddaughters, Shannon Weller, Erin Grant and Linda Light; seven great-grandchildren; a brother, Eldridge Lambert and his wife, Margaret, of Sprague; two sisters, Norma Jean Broyles Wood and her husband, Bob, of South Charleston and Doris Dunn and her husband, Bob, of Parkersburg; and several nieces and nephews. Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with Pastor Bill Parker officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Paul Rose, Don and David Broyles, Mike and Aaron Lambert and Hanes Smith. The family requests that memorial gifts be made to the American Cancer Society, Raleigh County Unit, P.O. Box 2157, Beckley, WV 25802-2157. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.

WELCH - Ronald D. Williams, 51, died Thursday, April 10, 2003, at West Penn Hospital Burn Trauma Center, Pittsburgh, from a mine accident that occurred March 23, 2003. Born July 7, 1951, in Beckley, he was the son of Margaret Lilly Plumley of Beckley and the late Floyd Williams. Mr. Williams was a coal mining foreman, a resident of Gary and Welch the past 12 years and a member of Maxwell Hill Baptist Church. He graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School and was an avid race fan. He enjoyed four-wheeling and remote control nitro cars. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents and his paternal grandfather. Survivors besides his mother include his stepfather, Roy Plumley of Beckley; his wife, Theresa Andrigo Williams; a son, Michael Williams of Beckley; a daughter, Mrs. Tracy (Stephanie) Redden of Murfreesboro, Tenn.; a granddaughter, Brittany Williams of Murfreesboro; a grandson, Tyler Williams of Beckley; a sister, Mrs. Jim (Barbara) Weidensall, his grandmother, Gladys Anglin, and a special aunt, Miss Mary Williams, all of Beckley; his mother-in-law, Elaine Andrigo of Gary; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins who loved him very much. Service will be 2 p.m. Sunday at the Chapel of Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Beckley, with the Rev. Clarence Griffith officiating. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the Chapel of Fanning Funeral Home, Welch, and one hour before service Sunday at the mausoleum chapel. Pallbearers will be nephews and friends. Arrangements by Fanning Funeral Home, Welch.