Virginia "Fay" Hodge Wygal Riley, 73, of Mabscott, died Friday, May 10, 2002, in a local care facility of natural causes. Born April 19, 1929, in Mabscott, she was the daughter of the late C.W. and Oney R. Carver Hodge. Mrs. Riley was a 1948 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, a member of the Freewill Baptist Church at Judson and had been a resident of Elk Knob near Hinton and Mabscott her entire life. Mrs. Riley was preceded in death by her husband, Harry N. Riley Sr., and was the last surviving member of her eight brothers and sisters. Survivors include two ne-phews, Clayton Smith Jr. of Norfolk, Va., and Wade Smith of Grafton; cousins and caregivers, Nora and Charles Johnson of Daniels; caregiver and friend, Gladys Jones of Beckley; and numerous nephews, nieces, cousins and friends. Service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Janet McNeal officiating. Burial will follow in Oak Grove Cemetery. Friends may call 3 to 5 p.m. today at the funeral home. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.
DALLAS, Ga. - Sandra Kathleen Calvert Griffith, 54, of 25 Thomas Drive, formerly of Beckley, died at her home Wednesday, May 8, 2002, following a short illness. Born Oct. 13, 1947, "Sandy" was the daughter of Forster G. Calvert of Crab Orchard and the late Anna Kathleen Maxey Calvert. She was a member of Grace Primitive Baptist Church, Shady Spring. She had also worked for the Cobb County Board of Education in the Maintenance Department for many years. She was a graduate of the class of 1965, Woodrow Wilson High School. Survivors include her husband of 33 years, Gale Griffith; a daughter, Melinda Grant and her husband, Tim, of Wadsworth, Ohio; a son, Derek Griffith and his wife, Amanda, of Kennesaw, Ga.; her father, Forster G. Calvert of Crab Orchard; a brother, Joseph Calvert and his wife, Jane, of Crab Orchard; and three grandchildren, Annagail and Courtney Grant of Wadsworth, Ohio, and Tanner Griffith of Kennesaw, Ga. Service was 11:30 a.m. Friday at Benson Funeral Home Chapel, Dallas, Ga., with Elder Frank Andrews officiating. Burial followed in The Dallas Memory Gardens Inc., Dallas, Ga. Visitation was 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Family and friends served as pallbearers. Donations of sympathy may be made to the American Lung Society. Arrangements by Benson Funeral Home, Dallas, Ga.
DUBLIN, Ohio - Bill Moore, 47, died early Sunday morning, May 5, 2002, at Riverside Methodist Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, of complications from injuries received in an accident at his home in Dublin. Born March 19, 1955, in Beckley, he was the son of Jean Gardner Moore and the late Woodrow H. "Woody" Moore. Bill was a 1973 honor graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He spent most of his professional life as a corporate real estate developer, working for Family Dollar General Stores at the time of his death. Bill was also an avid NASCAR fan. He was also preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Charles Walter Gardner and Peggy Gardner Adkins; his paternal grandparents, George "Marley" Moore and Myrtle Deal Moore, and a special neighbor, Mrs. Janet Smedley, who was like a second mother to the Moore family. Other survivors include his wife, Carol Parton Moore, and their children, Aaron and Kristin Moore, both at home; his brother, Danny Joe and his wife, Sheri Gray Moore, and their daughters, Amanda and Sarah, of Beckley; his sister, Kathy Moore Pittman and her husband, Ron, and their children, Daniel, Josh and Katie Rose, of Athens, Ohio; and special family friends, Doug and Teresa Cox of Mount Tabor. Service will be 11 a.m. Thursday at Woodyard Funeral Home, Dublin, with the Rev. Norman Coleman officiating. Friends may call 2 to 4:30 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will include Danny Joe Moore, Doug Cox, Ron, Daniel and Josh Pittman, and Harry Hardin. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Bill's memory to the United Methodist Temple's building fund for its new Christian Living Center.
PALMYRA, N.Y. - Doris Jean Drennen Winston, [WWHS '62] 57, died Sunday, May 5, 2002. She was preceded in death by her sons, David W. and John M., her father, Camden Drennen. Mrs. Winston was a member of the American Legion Post 120, Palmyra and a former member of Palmyra Fire Department Ladies Auxiliary. She was the devoted wife of James M. Winston; loving mother of James E. Winston, Michael L. Winston; granddaughters, Samantha Jean Winston, Sara Bott; her mother, Irene Harah; brothers, Denver Drennen and wife, Sandra, Elmer Drennen and wife, Mae; and sister, Linda Smith. Service will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at Heritage Baptist Church, Palmyra, Ohio. Burial will follow in Palmyra Cemetery. Friends may call 4 to 8 p.m. today at the Payne & Murphy Funeral Home, 1040 Route 31, Macedon, N.Y. Arrangements by Payne & Murphy Funeral Home, Macedon, N.Y.
James Charles Walker, 43, of Loflin St., Mabscott, died Sunday, May 5, 2002, in a Beckley hospital following a long illness. Born Feb. 11, 1959, at Beckley, he was the son of the late Loris and Barbara Ann Sullivan Walker. James was a lifelong resident of Mabscott and was a 1977 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. James worked for Raleigh Hardware, he was an office manager for Geupel Construction and Mining for 12 years, and then he began working as an office manager for Mari Sullivan Walker Inc. He loved his family and friends and loved working with the children and their parents from the PTO at Mabscott Elementary. James was a member of the Mabscott United Methodist Church. Survivors include his loving wife of 15 years, Donna Huffman Walker; his wonderful daughter, Amy Walker at home; a brother, John Walker and his wife, Merry of Wesley Chapel, Fla.; a sister, Mari Sullivan Walker of Beckley; his nephews, Ryan Stone and his wife, Angell of Huntington, Kevin James Walker of Wesley Chapel, Fla., Chris Huffman and his wife, Kala, of Crab Orchard, Bryan Sheeler, Brad Sheeler and Scotty Sheeler, all of Ohio; his nieces, Erin Stone, Tara Huffman, both of Beckley and Amber Dingess of Seth; an uncle, Victor Sullivan and his wife, Carole of Seattle, Wash.; his cousins, Kelli Sullivan of Moss, Matthew and Sydney Moss, both of White Stone, Va. and David Souder of Pax; three great aunts, Estelle Beasley of Beckley, Erma Beasley and her children of St. Albans and Margaret Sullivan of Beckley. Service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Mabscott United Methodist Church with the Rev. Jim Lawson officaiting. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at Melton Mortuary Chapel. Pallbearers will be Kevin Bowling, Jim Bob Minor, David Souder, Larry Weidensall, Rusty Simmons, Al Gray, Jack Via and William Denny. Honorary pallbearers will be Phillip Oliver and Jerry and Tim Beasley. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
Richard D. Perkins, 54, of 300 Old Grove Road, Crab Orchard, died Thursday, May 2, 2002, at the Beckley Veterans Administration Medical Center following a short illness. Born July 1, 1947, in Crab Orchard, he was the son of the late Hayden Perkins and Glida Sneed Perkins. Mr. Perkins was a member of the U.S. Army, a retired veteran with two tours of duty in Vietnam, 101st Airborne Division. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Billie Ray Perkins, Otis Charles Perkins and Jerry Lee Perkins. Survivors include four brothers, Frank Perkins, Hayden "Pete" Perkins and James Perkins, all of Crab Orchard, and John Perkins of Beckley; two sisters, Shelby Jean Perkins Tipton and Betty Perkins Simcox, both of Downingtown, Pa.; his dog, Missy; and several nieces and nephews. Service will be 1 p.m. Sunday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Billie Waddell Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Military graveside rites will be conducted by Sophia-Midway VFW Post 4326. Friends may call one hour before service Sunday at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.
DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. - Jon Rodney Thurman, 52, formerly of Beckley, died Monday, April 1, 2002, in a Palm Springs, Calif., hospital following a sudden illness. Born Jan. 6, 1950, in Beckley, he was the son of Deen A. Thurman of Carriage Drive, Beckley, and the late Frances Cooksey Thurman. Rod spent his early childhood on Orchard Avenue. While he was in high school, his family settled in the Maxwell Hill community. He was a 1967 graduate of WWHS and had been a member of Memorial Baptist Church. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army. A 20-year resident of California, coming from Houston, Rod was employed by the state of California working with the handicapped. He was formerly employed as a patient advocate by the Veterans Administration in its hospitals. He was an active member of Desert Hot Springs United Methodist Church, where he was chairman of the Mission Board. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, P.A. and Ella Thurman; and his maternal grandparents, John and Rosa Cooksey. Other survivors include his wife, Adele; a daughter, Sasha Thurman, a student at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor; and a brother, Gary Thurman and his wife, Louise, of Badin, N.C. Service of remembrance will be 1 p.m. Saturday [May 4] at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Paul Blizard officiating. Information submitted by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
John Carlos Huffman II, 66, of Fairview Avenue, Beckley, died Wednesday, May 1, 2002, in a Beckley hospital following a long illness. Born April 15, 1936, in Red Star, he was the son of the late Ruth DeViese Huffman and John Carlos Huffman of Beckley. John spent his childhood on Dexter Avenue in Beckley and was a 1954 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He attended Concord College and West Virginia Tech. John was a former service manager at Chrysler Corp. and a former technical representative for Rinault. He retired from Beckley Vending Co., of which he was the owner and operator. He was a U.S. Army veteran, serving in the Korean Conflict, and a member of United Methodist Temple. John will always be remembered as being devoted to his family and as a good neighbor. In addition to his father, survivors include his wife of 27 years, Carol Miller Huffman; a daughter, Debby Huffman of Bowie, Md.; a son, John Huffman III of Florence, S.C.; two brothers, James M. Huffman and his wife, Patricia, of Beaver and David D. Huffman and his wife, Linda, of Summerfield, N.C.; a sister, Ruth Ann Moore and her husband, Tom, of Charlotte, N.C.; and his stepmother, Viola Huffman. Service will be 3 p.m. Saturday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Dan Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Mel Hancock, Frank Meadows, Bob Bower, Bob Rogers, Tom Pachuta and Skip Marcum. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
SALISBURY, N.C. - Roger Wade Clemens, 54, [WWHS '65] passed peacefully in his sleep at home on Thursday, April 25, 2002. Having survived as a liver transplant recipient for over eight years, he eventually ended his battle with various forms of cancer after an extraordinarily courageous fight. His loving family was with him until the very end. Survivors include his wife of 34 years, Drema Warden Clemens; a son, Noel Dustin Clemens of Charlotte, N.C.; his parents, Charles and Lottie Clemens, and a sister, Ella Mae Pennington, of Beckley; and a brother, Jeffrey Clemens of Colorado Springs, Colo. Roger was a creative, inventive spirit whose generosity knew no boundaries. An honor graduate of West Virginia Institute of Technology, he was also a member of Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity. As an accomplished chemical engineer, he worked for Hoechst Celanese as international technical coordinator for 26 years. During those years, he and his team developed formulas for many of the products each of us use on a daily basis. He traveled extensively throughout Europe and South America during his career and enjoyed the experiences he had abroad. A member of Thyatira Presbyterian Church, Millbridge, N.C., he had participated in both the vocal and handbell choirs until he lacked the strength to do so. He had been involved with Junior Achievement, the Boy Scouts of America and taught metallurgy at Rowan Technical Community College for a time. We will miss him dearly, though he will live always in our hearts. May he rest in peace in the Garden of Heaven. Memorial service will be noon Saturday, May 14, at Thyatira Presbyterian Church, Millbridge. Friends may call 11 a.m. until time of service May 14 at the church. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Thyatira Memorial Association Church Endowment Fund, 220 White Road, Salisbury, NC 28147. Condolences may also be sent via e-mail to rwclemens@vnet.net.
Violet Marie Smith, beloved wife, mother, and loving angel, 80, of Mabscott, was called home to heaven Saturday, April 27, 2002, at 7:52 p.m. at Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley following a long illness. Born April 13, 1922, at Affinity, she was the daughter of the late Willie Gray and Goldie Marie Waddell Meadows. She was a member of Pemberton Missionary Baptist Church and a 44-year Mabscott resident. Mrs. Smith was a homemaker, and she enjoyed fishing, camping and dancing with the love of her life, her husband, Otis Smith. She was a student of nursing in the early years of her life and a 1940 Woodrow Wilson High School graduate. She was preceded in death by two sons, Gary and James Smith; one sister and five brothers. Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Otis Smith; a son, Walter Smith of Mabscott; two daughters, Sandra Dalton and her husband, Randall, of Crab Orchard and Sonia Dellamotta and her husband, Siva, of Longwood, Fla.; a brother, Eugene Meadows of Manassas, Va.; four sisters, Charlotte Fischer of Palmyra, Va., Geals Alford of Virginia, and Kay Spearling and Nira McKinzie of New York; eight grandchildren; and 14 great-grandchildren. Service will be 3 p.m. Tuesday at Pemberton Missionary Baptist Church at Pemberton with the Rev. Jimmy Ford officiating. Entombment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley, and one hour before service Tuesday at the church. Family members will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.
Jo Lee Daniels, who died Saturday, April 20, 2002, will live in our memory as a prominent member of the Beckley community. She was 67 years of age. Born April 5, 1935, she was the daughter of Gladys Smith Quesenberry of Beckley and the late Ernest Quesenberry, who died in 1986. Jo Lee spent her entire life on Quesenberry Street. A class officer of WWHS Class of 1952, she was the main contributor and organizer to numerous class reunions and get-togethers throughout the past years. At the time of her sudden illness, she was very involved in the planning of her 50th class reunion this coming July. A lifelong member of First Christian Church, Courthouse Square, she was a deacon, member of Circle No. 6 and a past Sunday school teacher. In July 1974 she was hired by the Raleigh County Board of Education as a test coordinator. In 1976 she became the certification coordinator. She was known throughout the education community for her kindness and professionalism. She retired in June 1995. Her community service included memberships and past presidencies of the Beckley Junior Womens' Club and Briarcliff Garden Club. She was a great supporter of Fridays in the Park. Jo Lee was an avid bridge player. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert L. Daniels, on Dec. 31, 1992; her daughter, Jo Lee Daniels II, on July 27, 1984; and her granddaughter, Lisa Kathryn Daniels, on Sept. 27, 2000. In addition to her mother, she is survived by two sons, Lt. Col. Robert Ernest Daniels, his wife, Patty, and their granddaughter, Emily Alexis, all of Aurora, Colo., and Douglas Lee Daniels of Greensboro, N.C., his daughter, Megan Buell, and her husband, Christopher, of Huntington. Service will be 3 p.m. Saturday at United Methodist Temple, Robert C. Byrd Drive, Beckley, with the Revs. James D. Lowe Jr. and William L. Parker officiating. Reflections on Jo Lee's life will be offered by William H. Baker, Ralph Beckett, Charles Beasley, Rondal Shrewsbury and Megan Buell. There will be a private burial for the family. Friends may call one hour before service Saturday at the church. Donations of sympathy can be made to the Jo Lee Daniels Memorial Scholarship Fund, WWHS Class of 1952, c/o Beckley Area Foundation, 129 Main St., Suite 203, Beckley, WV 25801, or to the charity of your choice. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
Evelyn Margaret Richmond, 81, of Beckley, died Saturday, April 20, 2002, in a Beckley hospital following a long illness. Born April 16, 1921, at Eccles, she was the daughter of the late Noah A. and Eva Margaret Allmon Daniel. Mrs. Richmond spent her childhood in Mabscott and was a 1939 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. She was a member of the Mabscott United Methodist Church and a resident of Stanaford Acres for 28 years. She worked for 12 years at Nixon Furniture on Neville Street, for 12 years at Greenbrier Dairy as a secretary and retired from Southern West Virginia Clinic as an insurance clerk. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gordon Richmond on Oct. 29, 1998; a brother, W.G. Daniel; a niece, Cheryl Lynn McDorman, and a nephew, Richard E. Daniel Jr. Survivors include a brother, Richard Daniel and his wife, Josephine of Beckley; a niece, Karen Daniel and her son, Robbie of Aurora, Colo., and another great nephew, Richard E. McDorman Jr. of Hollywood, Fla. Service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Melton Mortuary Chapel with Pastor Bill Parker, assisted by Pastor Robert Henson, officiating. Burial will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, Beckley. Friends may call 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Lewis Leeber, Robert Lucas, Roert Malcolm, Danny Moore, Frank Thompson and Fred Vest. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
Nancy Marie Kendall, 83, of Carter Street, Beckley, died Friday, April 19, 2002, in a local care facility of natural causes. Born April 6, 1919, in Amigo, she was the daughter of the late Charles and Suzanna Shrewsbury Walker. Mrs. Kendall was a 1938 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and attended nursing school in Charleston. She was a retired 25-year employee of Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital and a lifelong resident of Raleigh County. She was preceded in death by a sister, Erma Walker Roberts; and a brother, Earl H. Walker. Survivors include two daughters, Pattie Sarcletti and her husband, Robert, of Plainfield, Ill., and Carmen Pitts and her husband, James, of Sanford, N.C.; a son, Ronald Salango and his wife, Debbie, of Daniels; and six grandchildren, Pfc. Robert Rhudy of Mannheim, Germany, Carrie Sarcletti of Plainfield, Tim Salango of Morgantown, Ben Salango and his wife, Tera, of Waynesburg, Pa., Kristina Salango of Morgantown and P.J. Salango of Daniels. Service will be conducted by her nephew, Charles S. Walker of Alleghany County, Va., at 3 p.m. Monday at Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum A, Beckley. Friends may call 2:30 p.m. Monday at the mausoleum. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.
As his brother says, "Keith is now walking with angels." Richard Keith Bailey, 43, of Dry Hill Road, Beckley, passed away peacefully Thursday, April 18, 2002, at his home surrounded by his loving family. The son of Buddy and Peggy Sexton Bailey McCallister of Beckley, he was born Sept. 20, 1958, in Fayetteville, N.C. He was preceded in death by his father, Ira Edward Bailey. A 1976 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, Keith was a professional painter most of his life, starting his career at the Norfolk Shipyards. He worked on the USS Eisenhower and the USS America, among others. He enjoyed volunteering his time to the Raleigh County Board of Education and spent much time helping with athletic events at WWHS. He was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, Lodge No. 1606, Beckley. He was baptized at First Baptist Church in Beckley. In addition to his parents, Keith is survived by his wife of 11 years, Elizabeth Elaine Bailey; two daughters, Tina Marie Bailey and Brittany Lane Matics; a son, Brandon Wayne Matics; maternal grandmother, Dora Marie Sexton; paternal grandmother, Cecelia Bailey; two brothers, Randall Bailey and his wife, Carol, of Crab Orchard and Kent Bailey and his wife, Shelia, of Beckley; a sister, Sonya McCallister Peters and her husband, James, of Beckley; nieces and nephews, Elizabeth Anne, Erin and Khara Bailey, Amber Bailey, Eric and Jared Williams and Michael, Austin and Eric Peters; a special cousin, Nick Sexton; and his precious guardian angel, Lea Ann Cline. A celebration of Keith's life will be 2 p.m. Saturday at Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley, with Pastors Gary Williams and Bill Jenkins officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Buddy McCallister, Randy and Kent Bailey, R.D. Calhoun, Steve Richardson, Chuck Turner, Jeff McPeake and Arnie Brown. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy, Roger and Ricky Bailey, Ralph and Jimmy Cordas and James Peters. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.
James W. Wade died March 2, 2001, in Ocala, Florida. He was born November 28, 1913, in Glen Jean, W. Va., the son of William Wade and Maude Lewis Wade. Both he and his older brother, William Wade, graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in Beckley. Mr. Wade served as an officer in the 65th Infantry Division, 265th Combat Engineers in Europe during World War II, attaining the rank of Captain. After the war he worked as a sales representative for Rish Equipment Company in Roanoke, Virginia. Later he joined Western Branch Diesel as business manager. He retired to Ocala, Florida, in 1975. His wife, Ethel Wade, predeceased him. He is survived by his daughter, Sammie Wade.
Clyde Dowdy, 80, of 150 Autumn Lane, Beckley, died Saturday, April 13, following a long illness. Born September 30, 1921 in McDonald, he was the son of the late Henry "Alec" Dowdy and Myrtle Carter Dowdy. Mr. Dowdy grew up in Beckley, graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1940. He attended and graduated from Wake Forrest College in 1947 with a Bachelor of Arts. He then attended and graduated from the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, receiving a three year degree of Divinity. In his career, he pastored churches in West Virginia, Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Georgia, Texas, and Utah. He served as a Chaplain in the Christian Corps in post-war Korea. After his discharge he continued his ministry and also worked with his father in the sewing machine business for over 20 years. He is preceded in death by his parents, his dearly beloved wife, Muriel Christine Bailey Dowdy and two brothers, Russell Dowdy of Beckley and Buren Dowdy of Georgia. He is survived by his brother, Omar Dowdy of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; three children, Susan Daniels and David Dowdy of Beckley and Rebecca Phillips of Vicksburg. Mr Dowdy has six grandchildren; Mark, John, and Christopher Wray, Courtney, Whitney, and Brett Phillips and two great grandchildren, David and Charlene Wray. Services will be held at Melton Mortuary Chapel at 1 p.m. Tuesday. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today. The Revs. Robert Coburn and Bryce Phillips will preside over services. It should be noted that Mr. Dowdy passed away within the same time two years ago from the passing of his dearly beloved wife, Muriel Christine Bailey Dowdy. Love conquers all. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
Thomas Allen Campbell, 52, of Sophia, died Wednesday, April 10, 2002, in Princeton following an automobile accident. Born Jan. 20, 1950, in Beckley, he was the son of the late James Weldon and Lillian Sheline Campbell. Mr. Campbell spent his childhood in Crab Orchard and was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and Beckley College. He worked in the coal industry for 26 years for Pittston Coal Co. and was most recently employed by Flowers Bakery. He was a member of the UMWA and in his spare time enjoyed photography, hunting and fishing. Survivors include his wife, Carolyn Ruth Campbell; three sons, Brian Campbell of Crab Orchard, Paul Moore and Steve Moore of Sophia; four grandchildren, Jude Campbell, Seth Moore, Katlyn Marie Moore and Kelsie Lynn Moore; a sister, Kay Alderman and her husband, Bob, of Crab Orchard; and three brothers, Jim Campbell and his wife, Sue, Charles Campbell and his wife, Peggy, and Ray Campbell and his wife, Delilah, all of Crab Orchard. Service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Roger Pauley officiating. Burial will follow in Odd Fellows Cemetery, Oak Hill. Friends may call 7 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Bob and Scott Alderman, J.L. Scott, Tim Dillon, Billy Whetsel and Ron Howerton. Honorary pallbearers will be Thomas Mills, Lesley Bailey and Matthew Bolen. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
Former Woodrow cager slain. From the Register-Herald April 4, 2002. Anthony Walters' basketball career was cut short 10 years ago when the then-senior at Woodrow Wilson High School was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Last weekend, far more tragically, his life was cut short. The 28-year-old U.S. Army specialist and another soldier were shot to death at a mobile home park in Hinesville, Ga., in what police called a double homicide. The bodies of Walters and Sgt. Sauda R. Tolbert, 28, both stationed at Fort Stewart, were found Monday afternoon in Walters' mobile home, Hinesville police said. Investigators believe the victims may have been killed late Saturday night or sometime Sunday. Both were shot more than once. Police said Wednesday they were focusing their attention on a suspect but that no arrest had been made pending lab test results. Police said a friend of Walters went to the mobile home Monday to visit him and saw Walters' vehicle, but got no response upon knocking on the door. The friend also noticed what appeared to be bullet holes in a window of the mobile home and contacted personnel of the rental agency of the mobile home park. Police were then contacted and arrived to investigate. Rental agency employees furnished keys to officers, and the home was entered, police said. Walters' body was found in the kitchen, police said. The body of Tolbert was located on the floor of the living room. She was from Wichita, Kan. Both bodies were transported to the Georgia State Crime Lab in Atlanta for autopsies, police said. Hinesville and Fort Stewart are located in southeast Georgia, near Savannah.
After scoring 71 points as a backup during his junior season, Walters became a starter on the 1991-92 Woodrow Wilson team that eventually won the state Class AAA championship. In the Eagles' first nine games that season, the 6-foot-4 senior scored 103 points (11.4 ppg) and averaged nearly 7 rebounds. In a Jan. 14 game at Bluefield, Walters scored 24 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead the Flying Eagles to an 83-79 victory over the Beavers. It would be his last game in a Beckley uniform. Three days later, he was rushed to Charleston Area Medical Center after tests at a Beckley hospital revealed an abnormal spot on his brain. On Jan. 22, he underwent surgery to remove the tumor. On Feb. 8, Walters attended Woodrow's game against South Charleston at the Raleigh County Armory and received a standing ovation from the crowd of 3,500. He spent the first half of the game doing color commentary on WTNJ and watched the second half from behind the Beckley bench. "I was in God's hands," he said in May 1992 just prior to the Beckley Newspapers Class AAA vs. Class AA/A All-Star Classic, a game for which he was selected but in which, following doctors' advice, he didn't play, except for a brief moment. "I was never afraid because I knew He would take care of me."
From the Savannah Morning News, Apr. 5, 2002: As part of their ongoing investigation, police questioned the husband of one of two Fort Stewart soldiers killed in Hinesville this weekend. Hinesville police have not charged him with a crime and they are not holding him in custody, said Maj. Thomas Cribbs. Sgt. Sauda Tolbert and Spc. Anthony Walters were gunned down in Walters' mobile home on the 1100 block of Kelly Drive sometime last weekend. Their bodies were found by officers Monday afternoon, after a worried friend of Walters phoned the police. Both victims served with the 396th Transportation Company, according to Fort Stewart officials. Police said Wednesday they had a suspect but would not give a possible motive. An Army spokesperson in Washington confirmed military investigators are working with Hinesville police on the case.
RICHMOND, Va. - Dr. Linville Gregg Halloran, 64, formerly of Beckley, died Monday, April 1, 2002, at his home following a long battle with cancer. [He would have been in the WWHS Class of 1955 if he had not changed schools.] He was born in Beckley and was a graduate of Washington and Lee University, Lexington, Va. Dr. Halloran was a Virginia Commonwealth University Medical College of Virginia surgeon and researcher; he helped discover cholesterol data. He received his Doctor of Medicine degree in 1964 from MCV, where he also completed his internship and residency and later received additional training in surgery. He was a Navy veteran and was on the staff at MCV and at Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital. He was in private practice from 1983 through 1995. Survivors include two daughters, Beth Halloran and Mary Lynne Staib, both of Richmond; two brothers, Dr. Randolph Halloran of Richmond and Dr. Philip Halloran of Texas; a granddaughter; and his fiancee, Jane Davis. Memorial service was 2 p.m. Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church, 4602 Cary St. Road, Richmond. Private burial followed in Hollywood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in memory of Dr. Halloran or to First Presbyterian Church. Arrangements by Bliley Funeral Home, Central Chapel, Richmond.
Philip Townsend Breckenridge [WWHS '83]. On March 7, 2002. Beloved husband of Toni Dryden Breckenridge of Ft. Washington, MD. He is also survived by four step-children, Anthony, Lacie, Shawn and Shane; one brother, Bruce Breckenridge; one sister, Kylie Tucker; two mothers, Betty Breckenridge and India Tucker; two uncles, Walton Breckenridge and Charles Diggs; an aunt, Georgia; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Family will receive friends on Tuesday, March 12, from 10 a.m. until time of funeral service at 11 a.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 6634 St. Barnabas Rd., Oxon Hill, MD. Pastor James E. Hardy, Sr. officiating. Interment Cedar Hill Cemetery, Suitland, MD. Washington Post
Paul Sanna, 73, found everlasting peace on Sunday, March 17, 2002, after a valiant battle with cancer. Mr. Sanna was a resident of Shady Spring. Born May 19, 1928, in Raleigh County, he was the son of the late Michael and Josephine Greco Sanna. Paul was the oldest of seven children, he attended Raleigh County schools and was a 1947 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He was active in sports, playing football, basketball and baseball. He was honored to be a member of the First State Basketball Team at Woodrow Wilson High School and a member of the Woodrow Wilson High School Football Hall of Fame. As a member of the Memorial Baptist Church, he held a deep love and respect for his church family and friends. He was a member of Ducks Unlimited, a founding member and he served on the Board of Directors of the Dr. Thomas Walker Foundation. Paul was employed by Greenbrier Dairy for 18 years and later worked in supervisory position at Beckley Manufacturing and North American Rockwell in Princeton. He also worked in sales at West Virginia Belt in Mount Hope, before taking a sales position with Lucas Tire in Beckley, he retired from Lucas Tire in December 2000, after 24 years of service. Paul's love for life was an inspiration for many. His hobbies included gardening, golfing, snow skiing, fishing, trips to the beach and spending time with family and friends. He was preceded in death by a brother, Nick Sanna; and a grandson, Anthony Paul "Tony" Ormandy. Survivors include his beloved wife of 50 years, Barbara Poore Sanna; two children, Cathy Day and her husband, Terry of Harriman, Tenn. and Paula Sanna of Beaver; four grandchildren, Michele and Michael Ormandy, both of Missoula, Mont. and Seth Stidham of Charlotte, N.C., and Ali Amigoni of Beaver; a great-grandchild, Caroline Lane Ormandy of Tennessee; two brothers, Leonard Sanna and wife, Toni, of Palmdale, Calif. and Sam Sanna and his wife, Beverly, of Beckley; three sisters, Mary Harrison of Gallipolis, Ohio, Margaret Sizemore and her husband, Jack, of Camp Creek and Victoria "VJ" Monarchy and her husband, Bob, of Beckley; and several nephews and nieces. Service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at Memorial Baptist Church, 1405 S. Kanawha St., Beckley, with the Rev. Paul Blizard officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, Beckley. Friends may call 5 to 8 p.m. today at the church. Pallbearers will be Van Lucas, Chuck Lucas, Bill Ormandy, Guy Shelton, Harold Wilkes, Ray Vest, Bob Cernuto, Harold Mays and Howard Mollahan. Donations of sympathy may be made to the Paul Sanna Beautification Fund, Beckley Area Foundation, P.O. Box 1092, Beckley, WV 25802-1092. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
Julian Otey Kent, 72, [WWHS Class of '36] of 339 Westwood Drive, Beckley, died Saturday, Dec. 16, 1989, at 12:05 a.m. in a Beckley hospital following a short illness. Born Sept. 2, 1917 at Sewell, he was the son of the late Ernest G. and Midgie Hatfield Kent. Mr. Kent was a retired accountant, a member of the First Baptist Church at Beckley, a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School, a member of the West Virginia Board of Accountants, a former member of the Masonic Lodge No. 95 AF&AM, and the Beckley Elks Lodge. He was preceded in death by a sister, Ann Kent, and three brothers, Paul, Kenneth, and Ernest Kent Jr. Survivors include his wife, Vera Jones Kent; two sons, William J. Kent of Orlando, Fla. and Robert E. Kent of Birmingham, Ala.; two brothers, Robert H. Kent of Atlanta, Ga. and David Kent of Charleston; two sisters, Pat Johnston of Beckley and Jean Korn of Lynchburg, Va., and two grandchildren. Services will be Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the Melton Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. Howard Backus officiating. Entombment will follow in the Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum at Beckley. Friends may call Tuesday one hour prior to services. Any donations of sympathy may be made to the American Heart Association, West Virginia Affiliate, 211 35th St., Charleston, WV 25304 or the Gideons International Bible Fund.
James Woodrow Bair, 90, of Beckley, died at 11:45 p.m. Friday, March 1, 2002, at Sunbridge Pine Lodge extended care center following an extended illness. Born Oct. 12, 1911, in Beckley, he was the son of the late Robert Taylor and Mable Kent Bair. Mr. Bair was a Beckley businessman for many years, having been the treasurer of Bair Brothers Inc., and was the former owner and operator of East Main Motel in Beckley. He was a member of United Methodist Temple, Beckley, and was a lifelong resident of Beckley. He was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Bair, in 1979; a brother, Adolph Bair; and five sisters, Ruth Snead, Marie Campbell, Ina Bair, Nedra Diehl and Lucy Donovan. Survivors include three sons, James A. Bair and his wife, Dorothy, of Fairborn, Ohio, William Kent Bair and his wife, Britt, of Lake Shore, N.C., and Robert T. Bair and his wife, Vicky, of Beckley; a sister, Bobbie Short of Beckley; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. Service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Ellen File 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 Aaron and Brian Bair, and Sam Shrewsbury. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.
NEW CASTLE, Del. - Alberta Jones Stover Smith, 74, [WWHS '45] died Sunday, Dec. 23, 2001, at Christiana Hospital following a short illness. Mrs. Smith graduated with honors from Concord College, Athens, with a degree in elementary education and library science. She was a member of Tri-Sigma sorority. She taught grade school in the New Castle area before becoming a librarian at William Penn High School. Mrs. Smith was a former member of First Baptist Church, Beckley, and attended New Castle United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband of 25 years, Glenn E. Stover; and her husband of 17 years, Charles E. Smith. Survivors include her daughter, Vickie S. Schwarz of Newark, two sons, David A. Stover of Dover and Ken E. Stover of Alexandria, Va.; two granddaughters, Kristin L. Stover of North East, Md., and Kimberly A. Stover of Wilmington; two great-granddaughters; a brother, Edsel T. Jones of Winchester, Ky.; and sister Vera J. Kent of Beckley. Mrs. Smith will be deeply missed by her family and friends. Graveside service will be 1 p.m. Saturday at Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley, with Dr. David Carrico officiating. Friends may call 7 to 9 p.m. today at New Castle United Methodist Church, 510 Delaware St., Olde New Castle. The family suggests contributions be made in memory of Alberta to New Castle United Methodist Church, New Castle, DE 19720. Arrangements by Gebhart Funeral Homes, New Castle.
Delores Ann Conliffe, 51, of 800 Patch St., Beckley, died Wednesday, Feb. 13, 2002, in a Beckley hospital following a long illness. Born June 18, 1950, in Beckley, she was the daughter of George Short of Cleveland and the late Queen Harrington. Mrs. Conliffe was retired as a West Virginia Turnpike supervisor with 11 years of service, and had worked as an LPN at Beckley Hospital. She was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and a member of Heart of God Ministries. She was preceded in death by a brother, Charles Harrington Jr. Other survivors include her children: Nikki Conliffe and Michelle Conliffe, both of Beckley, and Latoya Conliffe of Dayton, Ohio; a sister, Joyce Smith and her husband, Otha, of Beckley; two brothers, William Bradley of Roanoke, Va., and George Bradley of Cleveland; five grandchildren, Jaadale Hammons, Taleisha Neely, Destanee' Redd, Khaliis Lewis and Donald Burton III; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Service will be 1 p.m. Sunday at Heart of God Ministries, 1703 S. Kanawha St., Beckley, with Bishop Fred T. Simms officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service Sunday at the church. Arrangements by Ritchie and Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.
OAK HILL - Ira E. Blake II, 77, died Friday, Feb. 1, 2002, at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Beckley, following an extended illness. Born Sept. 5, 1924, in Cranberry, he was the son of the late Ira Blake and Lillian Williams Blake. Mr. Blake was an honor graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. He served in the U.S. Army with the 32nd Battalion, 8th Regiment, earning a Purple Heart in the European Theater. He retired in 1989 after 33 years as general manager of Houff Transfer Inc., Charleston. He was preceded in death by his wife of 45 years, Betty Long Blake. Survivors include two sons, Ira E. Blake III and his wife, Darlene, and Robert G. Blake and his wife, Priscilla, all of Oak Hill; a daughter, Elaine Stanley and her husband, Alvin, of Los Gatos, Calif.; and a sister, Nellie White and her husband, Al, of Belle. Service will be 10 a.m. Monday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with Pastor Rudell Bloomfield officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 9:30 to 10 a.m. Monday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations of sympathy may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 115, Dunbar, WV 25064. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.
Willis W. Davis, 79, of Beaver, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2002, at his home following a long illness. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.
Bessie Jane Bailey, 82, of Piney View, died 9:15 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 27, 2002, at her home following a long illness. Born Aug. 4, 1919, at Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Joe Hunt and Mary Ann Cheetham Hunt. Mrs. Bailey was a homemaker and a former school teacher in Raleigh County. She was a graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and Concord College. She was a member of the Piney View Bible Church and lived in Piney View all of her life. She was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Bailey; a brother, Earl Hunt; a sister, Bertha Hunt; and a great-granddaughter, Laci Robertson. Survivors include two daughters, Mary Lou Bell and husband, Rodney of Piney View and Carolyn Jo Fox of Greensboro, N.C.; a brother, Ernest Hunt and wife, Margaret of Piney View; two sisters, Clarice Martin of Piney View and Edith Roberts of Beckley; four grandchildren, Steven Fox, Jeffrey Bell, Amber Hammond, and Amy Robertson; and a great-granddaughter, Taylor Robertson. Service will be 8 p.m. today at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel with Pastor Cecil Smith officiating. Graveside rites and burial will be 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Hurt Cemetery at Piney View. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Pete Meadows, Phillip Maiolo, Arnold Maiolo II, James Suggs, Leonard Hanks and Darrell Grant. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.
Nina Blanche Webb, 83, of Beckley, died Thursday, Jan. 24, 2002, at home following a long illness. Born July 11, 1918, in Lanark, she was the daughter of the late Ed Bennett and Ollie Hanks Bennett. Mrs. Webb was a devoted mother and homemaker and a member of Beckley Regular Baptist Church. She graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1936. She was preceded in death by her husband, Grover Sebert Webb; a son, Grover Wayne Webb; four brothers, George Bennett, Paul Bennett, Frank Bennett and John Bennett; and four sisters, Eva M. Dillon, Faye Feamster, Alice Bragg and Mary Eva Bennett. Survivors include two sons, James Webb and his wife, Linda, of Oak Hill and Richard Webb of Victoria, Texas; a daughter, Ann Graham and her husband, Richard "Pete," of Mabscott; a daughter-in-law, Frances Webb of Mabscott; nine grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and God sent caregivers. Service will be 2:30 p.m. Sunday at Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Randy Carroll officiating. Entombment will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.
WAUCHULA, Fla. - James F. Ritter, 63, died Thursday, Dec. 27, 2001, at his home. Mr. Ritter came to Wauchula six years ago from Wilmington, Del. He retired in 1985 from DuPont Experimental Station in Wilmington, where he had been employed as a sheet metal technician. He was a member of F&AM Lodge No. 34 and the IOOF Lodge, both in Wilmington. Mr. Ritter graduated from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1956 as the local football star "Burly Jim." Survivors include his wife, Jane; his children, Mark Ritter and his wife, Claudia, of Germany, Denise Ritter of St. Petersburg, Fla., Dora Shomette and her husband, David, of Manassas, Va., Greg Ritter and his wife, Leah, of Newark, Del., and Carol Williams and her husband, James, of Pottstown, Pa.; a brother, Bob Ritter of Smyrna, Del.; and eight grandchildren. Memorial service was 11 a.m. Dec. 31, 2001, at Robarts Family Garden Chapel, Wauchula. Arrangements by Robarts Family Funeral Home, Wauchula.
Pamela C. Mickis Legg, 38, of Beckley, died Saturday, Oct. 13, 2001, in a Beckley hospital following a long illness. Born Jan. 10, 1963, in Beckley, she was the daughter of Paul and Joyce Widensaul Mickis of Beckley. Mrs. Legg was a homemaker and a member of Grace Baptist Church, Stanaford. Other survivors include her husband, Timothy M. Legg; her two sons, Christopher Adam and Curtis Andrew, both at home; her stepdaughter, Michelle Dawn Legg of Wilmington, N.C.; three brothers, Michael Mickis and Larry Mickis, both of Beckley, and Joey Mickis of Alabama; and a sister, Debbie Watkins of Oak Hill. Service will be 1 p.m. today at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Roger Harding officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends called 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.
Sandra Haga, 54, of Prosperity, died Friday, Dec. 14, 2001, at her residence following a long illness. Born June 11, 1947, in Victor, she was the daughter of Katharine Hagerman Haga of Prosperity and the late Clyde Haga. Ms. Haga was a telemarketer for Performance Inc., a member of St. Stephens Episcopal Church and a lifelong resident of Raleigh County. She was preceded in death by a brother, Jimmy Ray Haga, in 1995. Other survivors include a sister, Linda Midkiff and her husband, Thomas, of Prosperity; three nieces, Julie Midkiff and Lori Midkiff, both of Prosperity, and Barbie Little of Charleston; a nephew, James Clyde Haga of Prosperity; and a sister-in-law, Jane Haga of Beckley. Service will be 11 a.m. Monday at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Joseph Scheff officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern West Virginia, P.O. Box 1472, Beckley, WV 25802-1472. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.
Deborah Lynn Goodman Hurst, 53, of Glade Springs, Daniels, died Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2001. Born Aug. 17, 1948, at Beckley, she was the daughter of Rachel Stump Goodman of Shady Spring and the late William Glen Goodman. Mrs. Hurst was a homemaker and a member of United Methodist Temple. Other survivors include her husband, Randall Hurst; a stepson, Shannon Hurst of Princeton; a granddaughter, Haley Hurst of Princeton; special nieces, Breana Goodman and Lindsay Goodman, both of Beckley; and a brother, Rick Goodman and his wife, Becky, of Daniels. Service will be 11 a.m. Saturday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Clarence Griffith officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Gary Lilly, Mark Acord, Keith Hartsog, Bill Acord, Larry Riley, Mark Walker, Harold Stone and Barrett Fox. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.
S. Wendell Kittle, 56, of Beckley, died Wednesday, May 30, 2001, at his residence of injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Born Dec. 6, 1944, in Beckley, he was the son of the late Lewis H. Kittle Jr. and Alene Miller Kittle. Mr. Kittle was of the Baptist faith and was affiliated 12 years with Shoney's as a manager. He honorably served 21 years in the U.S. Air Force, having performed duties in England, Spain, the Philippines, Vietnam and various assignments stateside. He was preceded in death by a brother, Dr. Lewis H. Kittle III. Survivors include his wife of 26 years, Linda Briones Kittle; two sons, Bryant B. Kittle of Morgantown and Sheridan W. Kittle Jr. of Luke Air Force Base, Ariz.; two brothers, Wayne Kittle of Beckley and Keith G. Kittle of Nashville, Tenn.; a sister-in-law, Nancy Kittle of Beckley; two nephews, Eric Kittle of Beckley and Scott Kittle of Charlotte, N.C.; and three nieces, Katy Flood and her husband, Tim, of Charlotte, N.C., Terasa Robertson of Charleston and Mollie Kittle of Christiansburg, Va. Service will be 4 p.m. Sunday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with Dr. David Carrico officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Military graveside rites will be conducted by Oak Hill VFW Post No. 3110. Friends may call one hour before service Sunday at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.
Arnold Ray "Sam" Tucker, 90, of Beckley, died Saturday, July 14, 2001, in a Fayette County health care facility following a short illness. Born April 11, 1911, in Oak Hill, he was the son of the late H.D. and Mary Alzory Akers Tucker. Mr. Tucker was a retired school teacher and principal, having worked for the Raleigh County Board of Education for 39 years. He was a member of First Baptist Church, Beckley, Beckley Lodge No. 95 AF & AM, Beckley Lions Club and American Legion Post No. 32. Mr. Tucker served with the U.S. Army during World War II and was a lifelong resident of the Beckley area. He was preceded in death by his wife, Agnes Barnes Tucker, in 1998. Survivors include four sisters, Eula Shumate, Martha Reed and Margaret Freeland, all of Beckley, and Virginia Athey of Indiana; a sister-in-law, Bessie Barnes of Fort Lauderdale, Fla.; and several nieces and nephews. Services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with Dr. David Carrico officiating. Entombment will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum A, Beckley, where Masonic rites will be conducted by Beckley Lodge No. 95 AF & AM. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Greg Shumate, Felix Shumate, Lloyd Sweeney, Larry Freeland, Wayne Tucker, John Barnes and David Goode. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.
HAMPTON, Va. - Martha Virginia Pack, 84, formerly of Beckley, died Sunday, May 20, 2001, in Hampton. Born April 12, 1917, in Beckley, she was the daughter of the late Walker and Lena Jones. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Pack; and a sister, Helen Vandall. Survivors include four sons, Charlie Pack and his wife, Sheila, of Richmond, Va., Earl Pack and his wife, Linda, of Sterling, Va., Larry Pack and his wife, Pat, of Douglasville, Ga., and Perry Pack of Hampton; and two sisters, Nellie Kessinger and June Kaiser, both of Beckley. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. today at Parklawn Memorial Park, Hampton, with the Rev. Frank Earwood officiating. Arrangements by R. Hayden Smith Funeral Home, Hampton.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. - Mary "Marie" Nancy Bair, 79, formerly of Mabscott, died Friday, June 1, 2001, in a Birmingham care center following a short illness. Born July 10, 1921, at Mabscott, she was the daughter of the late Daisy Arthur and Mike Moro. Mrs. Bair was a former resident of Mabscott before moving to Birmingham in 1974, and she was of the Christian faith. She was preceded in death by her husband, William Paul Bair, who was killed in a mining accident at Eccles in 1954. Survivors include a daughter, whom she made her home with, Billie Sue Persinger and her husband, J. Earl, of Birmingham, Ala.; a son, Richard Dwain Bair and his wife, Phylis Jean, of Birmingham, Ala.; three grandsons, William Earl Persinger and his wife, Stacey, of Fort Myers, Fla., Richard Bair II and his wife, Karen, of Birmingham, Ala., and Michael Bair and his wife, Kristy, also of Birmingham, Ala.; two great-granddaughters; and seven great-grandsons. Graveside services will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at Sunset Memorial Park in Beckley. Those wishing to attend the services, please meet at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. Friends may call 7 to 9 p.m. today at Melton Mortuary Chapel. Any family and friends will serve as pallbearers. In lieu of flowers, donations of sympathy may be made to the Unity Hospice of Birmingham, Ala., 2145 Highland Ave., Suite 110, Birmingham, AL 35205. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
Sandra Riffe Smith, 56, of Golden Lane, Crab Orchard, died Monday, May 28, 2001, in a Beckley hospital following a long illness. Born July 22, 1944, in Crab Orchard, she was the daughter of the late Charles Walton and Alma Meadows Riffe. Mrs. Smith was a lifelong resident of Crab Orchard and a member of Crab Orchard Baptist Church, the Fellowship Sunday School Class and the Helen Fitzpatrick Circle. She was previously employed by Gray Lumber Co., Raleigh County Public Service District and Raleigh General Hospital. She was preceded in death by an infant brother, Charles Walton Riffe Jr. Survivors include two sons, Larry Alan Smith and his wife, Michelle, of Crab Orchard and Gary Wayne Smith and his wife, Julie, of Elko, Nev.; a daughter, Susan E. Fama and her husband, Andy, of Crab Orchard; five grandchildren, Allegra Smith, Adrianna Smith, Ashley Fama, Laura Smith and Hannah Smith; nine brothers, Ray Riffe of Grandview, Carl Riffe of Huntingtown, Md., Gene Riffe of Hague, Va., Bill Riffe of Crab Orchard, Howard Riffe of Crab Orchard, Jan Riffe of Dawson, Robert Riffe of Crab Orchard, Don Riffe of Roswell, Ga., and S.D. "Butch" Riffe of Crab Orchard; and seven sisters, Ruth Astle of Grandview, Rosanna Looney of Crab Orchard, Mary Ellen Ellifritt of Gainesville, Fla., Vivian Riffe of Crab Orchard, Orpha Loretta Lilly of Columbia, S.C., Rachel Patton of Columbus, Ohio, and Rebecca Schlenker of Crab Orchard. Service will be 11 a.m. today at Crab Orchard Baptist Church with the Rev. Phil Shields and Mr. Ray Arden Looney officiating. Burial will follow in Lester Cemetery. Friends called 6 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Melton Mortuary, Beckley, and may call one hour before service today at the church. Pallbearers will be Clark Sweptson, Wayne Davis, Alan Moye, Berman Cornett, Bob Martin and Jim Meadows. The family request donations of sympathy be made to the Building Fund, Crab Orchard Baptist Church, P.O. Box 446, Crab Orchard, WV 25827. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
Michael Wayne Griffith, 29, of Bradley, died Sunday, Oct. 14, 2001. He was born March 27, 1972, in Beckley. Michael was employed by Checkers in Beckley. Survivors include his father, Michael Allen Griffith of Minden, and his mother, Patricia Adams Griffith of Waco, Texas; two brothers, Scotty Ray Griffith of Bradley and Bryan Keith Griffith of Oak Hill; and his maternal grandmother, Claudine Bacon of Waco, Texas. Service will be 2:30 p.m. Thursday at Tyree Funeral Home, Mount Hope, with the Rev. Daniel Legg officiating. Burial will follow in Hilltop Cemetery. Friends may call 1:30 to 2:30 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Mount Hope.
BAYTOWN, Texas - Harold Herbert Wooddell, 71, passed away Wednesday, March 21, 2001, at a local hospital. Mr. Wooddell was born June 3, 1929, in Beckley and lived in Baytown for 43 years. He served in the U.S. Air Force and was owner of Jones 7-11-7 Convenience Stores. He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, Greg Wooddell; and a brother, W.R. Wooddell. Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Adrianne Wooddell; three sons, Bradley Wooddell of Richmond, Va., and Eric Wooddell and Cris Wooddell, both of Baytown; sisters and brother-in-law, Alpha David of Falls Church, Va., Mariel and J.O. Smith of Roanoke, Va., and Marcelle Denton of Ashville, N.C.; brother and sisters-in-law, W.L. and Doris Wooddell of Greensboro, N.C., and Marge Wooddell of Beckley; two grandchildren, Weston and Jordan Wooddell; and numerous nieces and nephews. There will be a private graveside service at Cedarcrest Cemetery. Friends called 6 to 8 p.m. March 22 at Navarre Funeral Home, Baytown. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Baytown Opportunity School, 1507 W. Baker, Baytown, Texas 77521. Arrangements by Navarre Funeral Home, Baytown.
CHARLESTON - Lyle Phillips Loflin, 72, died Wednesday, April 11, 2001, in the CAMC Memorial Division, Charleston. Born Oct. 10, 1928, at Beckley, he was a U.S. Army veteran of the Korean Conflict and was retired from Union Oil Company of California. He was preceded in death by Patty B. Loflin, his wife of 43 years. Survivors include a son, Lyle Brett Loflin of Charleston; a daughter, LuAnne Loflin Lee of Charlotte, N.C.; four grandchildren, Evan P. Loflin, Katherine E. Loflin, Brett E. Lee, Erin E. Lee; sisters, Mary Kathryn Carper of New Hampshire, LaRene Jennings of Georgia, Susan Annette Loflin of Beckley. Friends may call 4 to 6 p.m. Saturday at Wilson Funeral Home, Charleston. The family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Kanawha Hospice, 1143 Dunbar Ave., Dunbar, WV 25064. Arrangements by Wilsons Funeral Home, Charleston.
Cynthia Jane "Cindy" Korczyk, 43, of Prince Street, Beckley, died Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2002, at her home. Born June 9, 1958, in Welch, she was the daughter of Joseph R. Korczyk Jr. and Mary Cisco Korczyk of Old Mill Village, Beckley. Cindy spent her childhood on Dorcas Avenue, Beckley. She was a 1976 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and a graduate of Concord College with a degree in finance and accounting. She formerly lived in Nashville, Tenn., where she worked in the health care industry in purchasing. She was a member of Beckley Regular Baptist Church. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Joseph R. and Sophia Korczyk Sr.; and her maternal grandparents, James Harvey and Alpha Cisco. Other survivors include two brothers, Douglas Korczyk and his wife, Nancy, and Gregory Korczyk and his wife, Timmie, all of Beckley; a nephew, Joseph James; three nieces, Kori Dee Korczyk, Kacy Rae Korczyk and Kristie Michelle Korczyk; and a large extended family. Service will be 3 p.m. Sunday at Melton Mortuary Chapel, Beckley, with the Revs. Kevin Seager and Jason Naff officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Pallbearers will be Evan Thurman, Pete Parrish, Jeff Almond, Larry Misiti, Jim Cooper and Bob Cook. Donations of sympathy may be made to Appalachian Bible College. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
Edythe Via Reese Bostic, [WWHS Class of 1941] held in love by her family and friends, died Sunday, June 3, 2001, in an Oak Hill area care facility following a long illness. Born Oct. 14, 1922, at Mabscott, she was the daughter of the late Elmer C. and Gulania Anne Via Via. Mrs. Bostic was a retired medical technologist. She enjoyed traveling and working newspaper crossword puzzles. She was preceded in death by her husbands, Cecil M. Reese and Forest Bostic; four brothers, C. Arnold Via, Walter F. Via, Lawrence L. Via and Houston T. Via. Edythe is survived by a daughter, Carol Fiedler of Hoover, Ala.; two grandchildren, Myra Lynn Shaw of Chelsea, Ala., and Melinda Marie White of Hoover, Ala.; a brother, Dennis Via of Louisville, Ky.; and two sisters, Opal Keiserman of Las Vegas, Nev., and Maria Reeves of Mineral Ridge, Ohio. Service will be 7 p.m. today at Blue Ridge Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with Minister Paul Zutaut officiating. Friends may call one hour before the service today at the funeral home. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.
VIENNA, Va. - Edward I. "Eddie" Phipps, [WWHS Class of 1958] 61, formerly of Beckley, passed away Thursday, May 31, 2001, following a two-year battle with cancer. Born Feb. 29, 1940, in Beckley, he was the son of the late Edward and Elva Rorrer Phipps. Mr. Phipps worked as a machinist for Holladay Tyler Printing Corp. in Bowie, Md., for 27 years, and the last seven years of his employment was with Craftsman Press in Bladensburg, Md., as a machinist/mechanic. He was an avid NASCAR fan and loved working on his cars and trucks, doing upholstery work and spending time with his beloved dachshund, Barney. He was preceded in death by a sister, Patty Phipps. Survivors include his wife, Cora; two daughters, Elvann Doss and her husband, Wayne, of Sophia and Robin Sue of Charleston; a son, Danny of Sophia; two stepchildren, Robin Zimmerman and her husband, David, of Haymarket, Va., and Keith Mills of Dickerson, Md.; three grandchildren, Keri Ann Coleman, Mark Lee Doss and Samantha Gayle Doss, all of Sophia; a brother, Dallas Phipps and his wife, Joyce, of Beckley; two sisters, Shirley Carter and her husband, William, of Shady Spring and Mary Jane Gilkerson and her husband, Glenn, of Lewisburg; and two aunts, Dellmeda Phipps and Revelle Phipps, both of Beckley. Service will be 2 p.m. today at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Andrew Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before service today at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.
Theodore "Ted" Stover, 93, of Rural Acres Drive, Beckley, died Friday, Aug. 3, 2001, in Manassas, Va., following a long illness. Born Feb. 10, 1908, in Clear Creek, he was the son of the late Paris and Eliza Fleshman Stover. Mr. Stover was a retired service station owner/operator, and he was a member of the Calloway Heights Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lucille Ballangee Stover, in 1974; and two sisters, Ora Radford and Frances McKnight. Survivors include his daughter, Jerilynn Stiles and her husband, Mack, of Manassas, Va.; two granddaughters, Melissa Biallas of Wake Forest, N.C., and Amorette Stiles of Manassas; a great-granddaughter, Lydia Biallas; and several nieces and nephews. Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday in Melton Mortuary Chapel with the Rev. Bill Parker officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery, Beckley. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be family members and friends. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
MIDLAND, Mich. - Sue Nell Warden Yates Beery, 78, died Sunday, Dec. 16, 2001, at her home. A native of Beckley, she was the daughter of the late William Anderson and Dolly Lee Hunt Warden. Services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Midland. Arrangements by Smith-Miller Funeral Home, Midland, Mich.
Vito Joseph Rizzi, 75, of 204 Sixth St., Beckley, died 8:20 p.m., Sunday, Nov. 25, 2001, in Charleston Area Medical Center following a sudden illness. Born May 13, 1926, at Filbert, he was the son of the late Nicholas Rizzi and Rosa Machetti Rizzi. Mr. Rizzi owned and operated Liberty Shoe Shop for 56 years and retired from the Raleigh County Board of Education in 1996. He was a U.S. Army veteran and fought in the Philippines in Luzon and Manila on the First Troop Ship during the invasion. He was a member of the Beckley Moose Lodge 1606 where he served as Governor, Past District President and received the Pilgrim Degree of Merit which is the highest honor bestowed on a Moose member. He was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Holy Name Society, and also coached the basketball team for the church. In addition he was an avid volunteer with the Veteran's Administration Hospital. Survivors include his wife of 53 years, Anna, of Mola Di Bari, Italy; five daughters, Rose Anna Criss-Osburn and son-in-law Lt. Col. Marvin W. Osburn Sr. of Huntsville, Ala., Francis Rizzi-Pryor and son-in-law, Dennis L. Pryor of Virginia Beach, Va., Vida Rizzi-Stevens and son-in-law, Kenneth L. Stevens of Beckley, Constance Rizzi-Daniels and son-in-law, Alvin T. Daniels of Washington, D.C. and Angela Rizzi-Layne and son-in-law, Davie Layne of Pax; two sons, Nicholas Rizzi and daughter-in-law, Vickie Riggs-Rizzi and Daniel Michael Rizzi and companion, Judy Bragg, all of Beckley; nine grandchildren, Laura and Natalie Criss, Jylan Osburn, Angela Pryor-Porter, Angelo Pryor, Jesika Rinehart, Ashley and Lauren Rizzi and Zachary Layne; one great-grandchild, Michaell Porter; two brothers, Joseph Rizzi and Victor Rizzi and sister-in-law, Doris Ellison-Rizzi, all of Beckley; and two sisters, Rose Rizzi-Tipane and brother-in-law, Louis Tipane of Beckey and Vida Rizzi-Bucaccio of Torrington, Conn. Funeral liturgy will be 11 a.m. Thursday at St. Francis deSales Catholic Church with the Rev. Samuel Sacus as the celebrant. A rite of committal will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum. Friends may call 6 to 9 p.m. today at the funeral home, where a rosary will be recited at 8 p.m. Pallbearers will be Pilgrims of Loyal Order of the Moose Lodge No. 1606. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Oak Hill VFW Post 3110. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the St. Francis deSales Catholic Church. Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.
CLIFTON FORGE, Va. - Kay Toney Via, 67, [WWHS Class of 1952] of 932 Acacia Ave., died Friday, Dec. 14, 2001, at her residence. Born Oct. 15, 1934, in Beckley, she was the daughter of Arbutus Tyree Toney of Beckley and the late Sid B. Toney. Mrs. Via was a retired registered nurse from Alleghany Regional Hospital, Low Moor, Va., with 44 years of service. After her retirement she worked as a school nurse for the local school system and was a member of Central United Methodist Church, Clifton Forge. Other survivors include her husband, Chalmer "Hank" Louis Via; two sons and daughters-in-law, Gregory Lewis and Vicki Via of Chicago and Todd Franklin and Amy Via of Hot Springs, Va.; five sisters and brothers-in-law, Peggy and Joe Guzzello of Port Washington, N.Y., Emma and Clyde Martin of Clifton Forge, Rebecca and Paul Bouffard of Rhode Island, Nancy and Dennis Davis of Mansfield, Ohio, and Margaret Baldridge of Charlotte, N.C.; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Jane Toney of Miami, John and Judy Toney and Troy and Cathy Toney, all of Beckley, and David Toney of Mount Hope; three sisters-in-law, Peggy Evans of Manassas, Va., Nancy and Paul Norvell of Iron Gate and Patsy and Bob Dyer of Norfolk, Va.; three grandchildren, Kristin Via of Chicago and Dylan and Kara Via, both of Covington, Va.; 21 nieces and nephews; and special friends, Dr. Wallace and Marguerite Nunley. Service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday at the Chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, 405 Alleghany St., Clifton Forge, with the Rev. John Carrier officiating. Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Clifton Forge. Friends may call anytime Monday at the funeral home. The family will receive friends 6 to 8:30 p.m. Monday. The family suggests memorial tributes take the form of contribution to the Kazim Shrine Temple Transportation Fund, c/o Dr. Wallace C. Nunley, P.O. Box 76, Clifton Forge, VA 24422. To send condolences online, visit: www.nicelyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge.
KETTERING, Ohio - Morris Kenneth "Darb" Darby, 69, formerly of Beckley, passed away Monday, Jan. 7, 2002. Darb grew up and was formerly of Beckley. He received his B.S. degree in engineering from West Virginia Institute of Technology and his Master's of Science in engineering from the University of Cincinnati. Darb was an analyst in the Foreign Technology Division at WPAFB. He was a member of Hope United Methodist Church and active with Potters Clay Small Group. Survivors include his wife of 43 years, Delores Darby; two daughters, Andrea Darby of Columbus, Ohio, and Mindy and her husband, Dr. Jeff Loughead, of Darien, Ill.; four grandchildren, Brittany, Molly, Connor and Graham Loughead; three sisters, Wilma and her husband, Jim Perry, of Beckley, Mary Bucklin of Birmingham, Ala., and Barbara and her husband, Robert Manning, of Dallas; and lifelong friends Dennis and Rose Ellison of Columbus. Service will be 11 a.m. Friday at Routsong Funeral Home, 2100 E. Stroop Road, Kettering, with the Rev. Tom Brown officiating. Burial will follow in David's Cemetery. Friends may call 4 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton, P.O. Box 3509, Dayton, OH 45401. Condolences may be sent to the funeral home's Web site, via the guestbook, at www.routsong.com. Arrangements by Routsong Funeral Home, Kettering.
Mildred Louise Lilly Barton, 84, of Beckley, formerly of Crab Orchard and Salem, Va., died Sunday, Jan. 6, 2002, in a Beckley hospital following a long illness. Born Feb. 17, 1917, at Pemberton, she was the daughter of the late Charles M. and Minnie Bare Lilly. Mrs. Barton spent her childhood in Beckley. She lived in Crab Orchard for a number of years where she raised her children. She resided in Salem, Va., for 20 years with her late husband, the Rev. John Barton, who died on June 24, 1986. She and the Rev. Barton were members of the Greenhill Church of the Brethern at Salem. Due to ill health, she has resided in Beckley for several years. She was the last survivor of her immediate family. In addition to her husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law, Norma Thomp-son. Survivors include a daughter, Debbie Booth of Greensboro, N.C.; four sons, David Thompson of Shady Spring, Benny Thompson and his wife, Hope, of Lafayette, Ga., Charles Thompson and his wife, Linda, of Crab Orchard, and Gary Thompson and his wife, Vickie, of Crab Orchard; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. Committal service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Sherwood Memorial Park Mausoleum at Salem, Va. Burial will follow in the Memorial Park. Friends may call 6 to 8 p.m. today at Melton Mortuary, Beckley. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Melton Mortuary, Beckley.
Alfreda Louise Cook Saks, 82, of Beckley, died Wednesday, Jan. 2, 2002, in a local hospital following a long illness. Born May 31, 1919, in Pineville, she was the daughter of the late Wendell Theodore and Grace Honaker Cook. Mrs. Saks was employed by Montgomery Ward and Beckley Psychiatric Services, and was former sales clerk and bookkeeper for Saks Jewelry, Beckley. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Beckley, and Beckley Moose Lodge No. 1606. She was a former member of the Beckley Art Group, Black Knight Country Club, Beckley Quota Club and Beta Sigma Phi sorority. She was preceded in death by her husband, Daniel M. Saks, in 1989; and a sister, Naomi Jewell Cook Pickus, in 1993. Mrs. Saks was a lifelong resident of Beckley and her grandfather, William Henry Harrison Cook, was the found-er of Wyoming County. Survivors include Cynthia Wendell Pickus of Marthon, Fla., Robert and Barbara Saks of David, Fla., and Stephen and Carolyn Wilbourne of Bridgeport. Service will be 11:30 a.m. Saturday at Calfee Funeral Home Chapel, Beckley, with the Rev. Robert Coburn officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call 10:30 a.m. until time of the service Saturday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Dick Klaus, Cy Williams, Lew Savi-sky and Bernie Kluesner. Arrangements by Calfee Funeral Home, Beckley.
Robert Frye Lilly, 67, [WWHS Class of 1952] of Beckley, died Saturday, Jan. 12, 2002, in a Beckley area hospital following a long illness. Born Aug. 20, 1934, at Beckley, he was the son of the late Clifford E. and Leona F. Lilly. Mr. Lilly was a businessman and of the Protestant faith. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Barbara E. Lilly. Survivors include his wife, Deana L. Lilly; a daughter, Sharon Miller of Beckley; a son, Robert F. Lilly II of Beckley; two brothers, Edward Lilly of Virginia and his twin, Thomas P. Lilly of Florida; and seven grandchildren. Service will be 2 p.m. Tuesday at Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley, with Paul Zutaut officiating. Burial will follow in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley. Friends may call one hour before the service Tuesday at the funeral home. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.
MARYVILLE, Tenn. - Mary Bell Gillian Bales, 67, [WWHS Class of 1953] died Friday, Jan. 4, 2002, at Fort Sanders Park West Hospital. Mrs. Bales was a member of Memorial Baptist Church and an associate broker in real estate. She enjoyed reading, cooking and spending time with family. She was a reservation agent for Cedant Corp. She was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Pamela; and her parents, Isaac S. and Eva Blanche Gillian. Survivors include her husband, Arvel Bales; two sons, Alan Brent Bales of Milton, Del., and Craig Wayne Bales of Maryville; six grandchildren; and a brother, James T. Gillian of Armuchee, Ga. Service will be 6 p.m. today at Smith Mortuary, Maryville, with John Lowe officiating. Interment will be 3 p.m. Monday at Grandview Cemetery, Maryville. Friends may call 4 to 6 p.m. today at the funeral home (865-983-1000; www.smithmortuary.com). Arrangements by Smith Mortuary, Maryville.
Roy Eugene Walker, 83, of Alderson, formerly of Beckley, died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2002, at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center in Fairlea, following a sudden illness. Born Sept. 6, 1918, in Beckley, he was the son of the late Eugene and Myrza Hurt Walker. Mr. Walker was a 42 year resident of Alderson and was a retired truck driver and salesman having retired from Corley Distributing Co. in Beckley. Mr. Walker was a 1937 graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School and a decorated World War II veteran, having served with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the South Pacific and the European Theater. Mr. Walker was a member of the Tri-County Memorial VFW Post No. 6723, Alderson, and a member of the First Christian Church in Beckley. He was widely and fondly known as the "flea market tool man." Survivors include his wife of 62 years, Nora Harper Walker of Alderson; his daughter, Nancy Cueto and her husband Tony of Hines; five sons, Roy C. Walker and wife Carolyn of Raleigh, N.C., Gary Walker and wife Sandy of Ripley, Laten Walker and wife Gail of Alderson, Sam Walker and wife Ginny of Alderson, Todd Walker and wife Loretta of Alderson; two brothers, Florian Walker of Bloomington Ind., and Jack Walker of Beckley; three sisters, Imogene Miller of Beckley, Dorothy Arndt of Beckley, Margaret Warden of Bluff City, Tenn.; 16 grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be Thursday, Jan. 3, 2002 at 1 p.m. at the Lobban Funeral Home Chapel, Alderson, with the Rev. Howard Harper and Rev. Frank Jones officiating. Burial will be at the Wallace Memorial Cemetery in Clintonville. Friends may call today from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. at the Lobban Funeral Home. Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers and honorary pallbearers will be the members of Tri-County Memorial VFW Post No. 6723, Alderson. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Gauley Bridge VFW Post No. 8366, Gauley Bridge and Tri-County Memorial VFW Post No. 6723, Alderson. Arrangements by Lobban Funeral Home, Alderson.