Lucy Lawson Martin, 77, passed away Sunday, February 1, 2009 at Valley Health Care.  She was of the Christian faith.  She was a native of Kingsport and a survivor of the 1933 tornado that struck West View Park; that also took the life of her father, Dewey Lawson.  She attended Dickson School and Sullivan West High School.  She married her late husband, Charles W. Martin in 1953.  Throughout his career as a journalist and editor of various newspapers throughout the southeast; they lived in many places before returning to this area.  Mrs. Martin worked many years in the retail sales industry.

            She is survived by 2 sons, Charles W. Martin, III of Rural Retreat, and Clifton Martin and wife Patti of Abingdon; 4 grandchildren, Charlie, Casey, Olivia, and Amber; 2 sisters, Gladys Harmon Crawford of Conway, SC, and Patsy Peters Hensley of Kingsport; 1 brother-in-law, Harold Garner of Wytheville, 1 sister-in-law, Sue Lawson Blackwell of Blountville; and several nieces and nephews.

            She was preceded in death by father, her mother, Susan Lawson Peters, her step-father, Rev. Jessie Peters, sister Marie Garner, brother Dewey Lawson, Jr., and daughter-in-law Linda Martin.

            The funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, February 3, 2009 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Bob Neace officiating.  The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 1:00 p.m.  Burial will follow in Roselawn Cemetery, Marion.

            Pallbearers will be Phil Garner, Jason Roberts, Scott Roberts, Shawn Roberts, and Bill Vance.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to The Alzheimer's Foundation, 207 N. Boone St., Ste 1050, Johnson City, TN 37604.

 

Mrs. Gracie Hamby Roark, 91 passed away Sunday February 1, 2009 at her residence.

 

She was a resident of Washington County, VA most of her life and was of the Holiness faith.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Ottis Roark, a daughter, Margaret O’Quinn, a great granddaughter, Vickie Chittester, a grandson, Bradley Roark, a son-in-law, Eddie Reese and a daughter-in-law, Carol Roark.

 

Survivors include a son, William C. Roark, Bristol, VA and a daughter, Shirley Reese, Bristol, VA, six grandchildren, eight great grandchildren and one great- great grandchild.

 

The funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, February 4, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the Knollkreg Memorial Park Mausoleum with Reverend Irvin Wyatt, Jr. officiating.

 

Those attending the service may assemble at the mausoleum by 10:55 a.m.

 

The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

Elcie Oquin, age 79, passed away at the Wellmont Lonesome Pine Hospital in Big Stone Gap, Virginia on Sunday, February 1, 2009.

Born on August 12, 1929  in Buchanan County, Elcie was a daughter of the late Bart Belcher and Dottie Owens Belcher.  She was also preceded in death by her first husband,  Clifford Tolbert, her second husband, Hayes Oquin and her daughter  Claudia (Tolbert) (Oquin)  Love.  Elcie had lived most of her life in Grundy, VA and more recently was a resident of Heritage Hall in Big Stone Gap. She was an active member of the Buchanan County Senior Citizens Center  and a member of the Vansant Baptist Church.

Survivors include her sons  George Joey O’Quinn and   his wife Geneva of Big Stone Gap, VA and Bobby Ervin O’Quin and his wife Alicia of Vansant, VA;  her grandsons, Todd Love and wife Danica  of Nashville, TN, Matthew O’Quin of Vansant, VA and Evan O’Quinn of Big Stone Gap; her granddaughters, Shantih (Love) Crowdis and husband Charles of Chattanooga, TN and Sara O’Quin of Vansant; her step-granddaughters, Megan Varner and Jillian Varner of Big Stone Gap; her great grandchildren, Nathan, Kyra and Emma Love of Nashville and Kinsley and Reece Crowdis of Chattanooga, TN; her brother, Ricky Belcher and wife Ruby of Grundy; her sisters, Lois Strunk and husband Ralph of Ohio, Patsy Shortridge and husband Ray, Velcie Elswick and Mickey Stiltner all of Abingdon, VA and Sue McKinney and husband John of Johnson City, TN and several nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the nursing staff of Heritage Hall for their excellent care and service provided during their mother’s stay. Also a special appreciation goes to the Buchanan County Senior citizens Center and members and to her special caregiver Juanita Jackson.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P. M. Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service (located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens at 19415 Lee Highway in Abingdon, VA). A funeral Service will be conducted at 2:00 P. M. Wednesday in the  Forest Hills Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Bobby McGraw of Vansant Baptist Church officiating.  Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be family and friends.

Loana May (Connie) Becker passed away February 4, 2009 at Westhaven Retirement Living, taking her trademark smile with her to Heaven.  Connie joins her husband of 50 years, Karl, daughter, Merna Norton, son, Wayne Becker, and 3 grandchildren.

She is temporarily separated from daughters: Minnie (Dennis) Karsten of Golden, Colorado, Helen (Dick) Gardner of Abingdon, Virginia, Cheryl (Chris) Long of Savannah, Illinois; 14 grandchildren, 44 great-grandchildren, and 6 great, great-grandchildren.

She attended Greendale Chapel and memorial contributions may be sent there to the following address: 17468 Rich Valley Road, Abingdon, Virginia 24210.

In keeping with her wishes, cremation was chosen and disposition will be with Karl at the Gardner home by family members.

The family wishes to thank Westhaven, Total Home Care, and Dr. Mark Handy for their special care.

Samuel Hutton McCracken, age 87 passed away Thursday, February 5, 2009 in the Valley Health Care Center, Chilhowie, VA.

He was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Virginia and was preceded in death by his wife, Clara McVey McCracken.

He was a member of the Mountain View Baptist Church, was a farmer and he retired from Emory and Henry College.

Survivors include his step-son and his wife, Daniel and Patsy McVey, Meadowview, VA, two sisters, Lula Wheeler and Marie Miller both of Abingdon, VA, two grandchildren, Ricky McVey and Karen Turner, a great grandson, Andrew Turner, a special friend, Brenda Clark, several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be conducted Saturday, February 7, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in the Mountain View Baptist Cemetery, (on Old Saltworks Road) with Pastor Scott Spence officiating. Interment will follow the service.

Pallbearers will be Harvey Helton, Travis Boardwine, Jimmy Wheeler, Billy Dunn, Tim Turner and Ricky McVey.

A special thanks to Hospice of Southwest Virginia and the Staff of Valley Health Care Center.

The family will receive friends Saturday from noon until 1:30 p.m. in the funeral home.

Rev. William R. Pickels, 78, departed this life on Friday, February 6, 2009 at his home.

He was born March 28, 1930 in Pittsburgh, PA and was the son of the late William and Clythera Barrett Pickels. He moved to Abingdon in 1972 from Miami, FL and was a retired Episcopal Priest. He attended Penn State and graduated from Florida Southern. He received his Masters in Theology from the University of the South in Sewanee, TN. He was a licensed professional counselor and did mental health work with Highlands Community Services for 25 years. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War. He loved big band music, was an avid Pittsburgh Steelers fan, and a true lover of history.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson, Zachary Taylor Pickels.

Survivors are his wife of 49 years, Mary Ann Pickels; children, Mary Elizabeth Bruce and husband, George of Roanoke, VA, Mark Francis Pickels of Abingdon VA, Joan Margaret Mitchell and husband, David of Conover, NC, and Catherine Ann Moretz and husband, John of Abingdon; and three grandchildren, Erica Brittany Mitchell, Alexis Danielle Mitchell, and Sarah Elizabeth Lawhorn.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11:00am Monday, February 9, 2009 at St. Thomas Episcopal Church in Abingdon with Bishop F. Neff Powell, Bishop Heath Light, and Father Craig Wylie officiating. The family will receive friends at Farris Funeral Service in Abingdon from 6:00pm until 8:00pm Sunday.

Flowers will be accepted but those who wish may make memorial contributions to the University of the South, School of Theology, 735 University Ave. Sewanee, TN 37383; or the Animal Defense League of Washington County Inc. P.O. Box 2099. Abingdon, VA 24212.

 

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Ovella S. (Tootsie) Osborne passed away Saturday, February 7, 2009.

She was a daughter of the late Garfield Snead and Willie Mae Puckett Snead Jackson. She was of the Holiness faith.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her first husband, Corporal McKinley Charles Osborne.

Survivors are her husband, William E. (Bill) Osborne; sons, Randall Osborne and wife, Deborah of Abingdon, VA, Lionel Osborne and wife, Linda of Meadowview, VA, Dexter Osborne and wife, Carolyn of Meadowview, VA, and Jackie Osborne and wife, Cathy of Abingdon, VA; daughter, Brenda Thompson of Abingdon, VA; sister, Shirley Pafford and husband, Joe of Glade Spring, VA; sixteen grandchildren, and twenty-one great grandchildren. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services for Ovella Osborne will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Monday, February 9, 2009 at Baptist Cemetery (Forest Hills Drive) in Glade Spring, VA with Brother Roger Yuhasz and Pastor Aaron Osborne officiating. Interment will follow. Pallbearers will be grandsons. Those wishing to go in procession to the graveside are asked to assemble at Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA by 1:30 P.M. Monday.

The family will receive friends at Farris Funeral Service from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. Sunday.

 

Virginia (Florence) Arnold, 85, passed away Sunday, February 8, 2009 in Abingdon.

She was a lifelong resident of Washington County, VA and was a daughter of the late Ervin and Elsie Wolfe. She was a member of Gospel Tabernacle.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by three brothers, J.D., Hershal, and Bobby Wolfe.

Survivors are her husband, C.H. Arnold, Jr.; daughter, Mary Elsie Farmer of Abingdon; brothers, Garland Wolfe and wife, Mary of Abingdon, Egbert (Eddie) Wolfe and wife, Lantha of Abingdon, and Kenneth Wolfe of Abingdon; sister, Gladys Whittaker and husband, Willie of Abingdon; grandchildren, Mavis Mullins and husband, Danny of Morristown, TN, Tracy Gray of Abingdon, Ivan Gray and wife, Sarah of Morristown, TN, and Pamela Gray of Abingdon; and great granddaughter, Austyn Mullins of Morristown, TN. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services for Florence Arnold will be conducted at 1:00pm Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at Knollkreg Memorial Park in Abingdon with Pastor David Robins officiating. Interment will follow. Pallbearers will be Ivan Gray, Danny Mullins, Garland C. Wolfe, Jr., Adam Wolfe, Johnny Wolfe, and Darrel Whittaker. Those wishing to go in procession to the cemetery are asked to assemble at Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main St. Abingdon, VA by 12:45pm Tuesday. There will not be a visitation.

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John Thomas Booher, 64 passed away Monday, February 9, 2009 in the Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center.

He was a lifelong resident of Washington County, VA and was of the Baptist faith.  He was an employee of Bristol Steel for thirteen years and the Town of Abingdon for sixteen years.

He is survived by his wife, Linda L. Booher, Bristol, VA, four sons, Johnny F. Booher and wife, Pamela, Abingdon, VA, Gregory W. Booher and wife Darlene, Bristol, VA, Mark A. Booher and wife Sheena, Bristol, VA, Paul E. Booher and wife Cheri, Bristol, TN, three sisters, Lois Spence and husband Harvey, Bristol, VA, Hazel Widener and husband Dale, Bristol, VA, Rachel Davis, Bristol, VA, five grandchildren, Jennifer Martin and husband Daniel, Gregory Booher, Jr., Matthew Booher, Zachary Booher and Joshua Booher, one great grandchild, Abbigail Martin, one step-great grandchild, Korbin Martin.

The funeral service will be conducted Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel, 427 E. Main Street with Pastor Donald Denton and Pastor Tom Campbell officiating.

Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Gregory Booher, Jr., Matt Booher, Zach Booher, Josh Booher, Pete Booher, Jeff Cox, Johnny Davis, Daniel Martin. Honorary pallbearers will be John Doss, Sr., Mr. Booher's nephews and the employees of the Town Shop of Abingdon, VA.     

The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

 

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Mrs. Wanda Lee Ward, 60, died Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at Holston Valley Medical Center.  She was born and raised in Maryland and had lived in this area since 1989.  She was of the Baptist faith and enjoyed spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.  She also enjoyed shopping and loved puppies.  She was preceded in death by her husband James Ward.

            She is survived by her children, Ellen Farmer of Limestone, TN, Alanda Ward of Edgewood, MD, Renee′ Lyles of Broadford, VA, Theola Weaver of Saltville, Glenda Ward of Saltville, Shawne Ward of Saltville, Brooke Ward of Saltville, Valerie Goldberg of Middle River, MD, Brenda Twigg of Westminster, MD, and James Wesley Ward of Warrant, PA; 2 sisters, Carol Ritchie of Murrells Inlet, SC, and Cathy Keyes, Tocoma Falls, GA, 16 grandchildren and 6 great, grandchildren.

            A memorial service will be conducted Friday, February 13, 2009 at 4:00 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Dwayne Dillard officiating.  Following the service the family invites everyone to gather with them at 916 W. Main Street, Saltville.

            In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be extended to the family.

Richard L. Bock, 64, passed away on Tuesday, February 10, 2009 at his home in Chilhowie, VA.

After an accident in 2004, Richard was left a quadriplegic; however his spirit was never broken. He fought a courageous and optimistic fight to live that inspired and touched many lives. He will be forever missed.

Richard left behind many loved ones, including his wife of 40 years, Cheryl Bock and their three children; Michael Bock and wife, Heather and their son, Hootie of Conifer, CO, Tim Bock and wife, Laura and their son, Nathan of Meadowview, VA, and Katherine Hayton and husband, Stacy of Jonesborough, TN; his mother, Margaret Bock of Howland, OH; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Bert and Margaret Jamison of Colorado Springs, CO; Sister, Marilyn Parise and husband, Donald of Howland, OH; Brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Larry and Vickie Jamison of Colorado Springs, CO; and nephews and nieces, David Parise, Donald Parise, Lisa Wells, Daniel Parise, and Melanie Darnell.

“Our family was also privileged to have an extended family of nurses, physical therapists, doctors, and EMTs that cared for and loved Richard. We thank God for sending all of you to our family.”

In the family’s desire to honor Richard’s wishes, no funeral service will be held.

The family requests that in lieu of flowers charitable contributions may be sent to; Shepherd Center, A Catastrophic Care Hospital, 2020 Peachtree Road, NW, Atlanta, GA 30309.

 

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Helen Bussey Fleenor, age 84, passed away on Wednesday, February 11, 2009  at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, VA.

Born on November 24, 1924 in Russell County, Virginia, Helen was a daughter of the late  Lill Bussey and Ellen Cox Bussey. She was also preceded in death by her husband Virgil “Pete” Fleenor; also  her sister Eula Lee; her brothers Charlie Bussey, Henry Bussey, Howard Bussey and Gaines Bussey and  her brother-in-law, C. T. “Junior” Fleenor.

Helen was a  resident of the Wyndale Community of Washington County for seventy years and was a longtime member of the Wyndale United Methodist Church.

Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Barbara Fleenor May and Gary May of Bluff City, TN; her sister-in-law, Lillia Mae Shortt of the Wyndale Community;  her special grandchildren, Tracy and Brian Shumack of Wilson, NC; her special great grandchildren, Meagan, Brooke, Brandon and Brylee Shumack; special family members, Alice Fleenor, Roy Fleenor, Phil Fleenor, Anthony Fleenor, Diana Fleenor, Reba Lane and Chris Lane all of the Wyndale Community; Doug Buchanan, Doris Ann Buchanan and Leslie Buchanan all of Bluff City, TN.

The family wishes to give a special thanks to her caregivers, Tracy Cullip of Johnston Memorial Hospital Home Health Care and Dr. Andrew Chang.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 12:30 – 1:45 P. M. at the Forest Hills Chapel  of Farris Funeral Service (located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens at 19415 Lee Highway in Abingdon). A graveside funeral service will follow  at 2:00 P. M. Sunday in  Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Rev. Amy Bartee and Rev. David Rader officiating.  Pallbearers will be Phil Fleenor, Anthony Fleenor, Jackie Fleenor, Doug Buchanan, Mike Lewis and Boyd Pender. Honorary pallbearers will be  Johnny Warren, Robert Warren, Roy Fleenor, Bud Fleenor,  "Big Eye" Barnett and Dr. Andrew Chang. In place of flowers, the family has asked for memorial donations to the Wyndale Cemetery Fund, % Lloyd & Emily Bailey, 19153 Astor Road, Abingdon, VA 24210.

Redford R. “Don” Hatfield passed away on February 12, 2009 at 4:00pm while a patient at Cary Rehabilitation Center in Cary, NC.

Mr. Hatfield was preceded in death by his wife of 58 years Clara Cassell Hatfield.

He was a 1^st Lieutenant and a member of the Army Corp of Engineers in World War II. He served in Southeast Asia and was a head engineer on the Burma Road. Mr. Hatfield was a 60 year member of the Masons with his home lodge in Beckley, WV. He was a civil engineer and helped with the engineering and construction of  highway projects on the West Virginia Turnpike, Florida Sunshine State Parkway, and Interstate 77 in Bland, VA. He later became a business man within the coal industry of Southwest VA where he owned and operated Haysi Coal Docks, Inc. in Haysi VA.

Mr. Hatfield is survived by his daughter, Jackie Hatfield Potter of Garner, NC; his granddaughters, Karen Potter Naylor & her husband Rob of Cary, NC, and Heather Potter Burr & her husband E.G. of Garner, NC and his great-grandchildren, Kassidy Fay Burr & Peyton McKinley Burr of Garner, NC.

A funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 P. M. Sunday, February 15, 2009 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main Street Abingdon, VA with Rev. Randy Fielder as officiating clergy . Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Military Graveside Honors will be provided by the Highlands Fellowship Honor Color Guard. The family will receive friends prior to the funeral service  from 1:00 – 2:45 P. M. Sunday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers will be Rob Naylor, E. G. Burr, Steve Fielder, and Randy Fielder and friends

 

 

 

Mr. Donald Meade “Jack” Campbell, 81 passed away Saturday, February 21, 2009 at his residence.

He had been a member of the Friendship Baptist Church since 1951 and had served as a Deacon for forty-five years. He farmed all of his life and had retired from the Brunswick Corporation, Marion, Virginia.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, Henry Horton Campbell and Bertha Anderson Campbell, three brothers, Charles, Henry and Herbert.

Survivors include his wife, Betty Norris Campbell, Chilhowie, VA, two sons, Donald Meade Campbell, Jr. and wife Janet, Glade Spring, VA, Dennis Wayne Campbell, Farmville, VA, a daughter, Sharon Lou Barker and husband Joey,  Chilhowie, VA, a brother, Robert Franklin “Bob” Campbell, Abingdon, VA, grandchildren, Danielle Campbell, Jack Tucker Dorsey, Jennifer Lynn Dorsey, Justin Hunter Campbell, DVM and Thomas Horton “Rusty” Campbell, two great grandchildren, Alyssa Marie and Campbell Grace, brother-in-laws and sisters-in-law, Burl and Eileen Norris, Bristol, TN, Mary and Telsie Haga, Bedford, VA, Bill and Wilma Norris, Chesterfield, VA, Carolyn and Bob Rouse, Gainsville, GA, Irma and Charles Reedy, Manassas, VA, Martha and Bill Moore, Rural Retreat, VA, Beverly and Mark Eason, Abingdon, VA,  several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service will be conducted Sunday, February 22, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel with Dr. Jack Garland and Pastor David Gary officiating. The committal graveside service will be conducted Monday, February 23, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the Mt. Olivet Cemetery.  Those attending are asked to assemble at the cemetery by 10:55 a.m.

Pallbearers will be Telsie Haga, Bill Norris, Mark Eason, Bob Rouse, Jack Dorsey, Rusty Campbell, Justin Campbell, Tony Sullivan, Larry Davenport, Mike Gaultney. Honorary pallbearers will be the Deacons and Trustees of the Friendship Baptist Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Friendship Baptist Church Men’s Brotherhood

The family will receive friends Sunday from 6:30 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the funeral home. 

A special thanks to Dr. William Baker, his nurse Belinda, Johnston Memorial Hospital Home Health Care and Wellmont Hospice.

 

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Willie Junior Aistrop, 76, passed away Friday, February 20, 2009 at his home.

He was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Virginia and was a son of the late Lorenzo and Lula Venable Aistrop. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by sisters, Lucille Aistrop Ellis, Ruby Helton, Mozelle Helton, Maude Armstrong, and Susie Price; and brother, Fullen Aistrop.

Survivors are his wife, Ottolene Aistrop; daughters, Janel Aistrop and Johnny Trent of Meadowview, VA, Freda Johnson of Anna, OH, Jennifer Self and husband, James of Meadowview, VA, Lula Mae Aistrop of Anna, OH; Step daughter, Geraldine Mash and husband Ed of Glade Spring, VA; step son, Floyd Russell of Chilhowie, Virginia; brother, Bernard Aistrop and wife, Dorothy of Saltville, VA; grandchildren, Angie Schaub and husband, Hans, Tonya Wooten, David Shawn Wooten, and LeAnn Russell; great grandchildren, Mason Riggs, Kiersten Hassenhauer, and Lexie Schaub; and several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral services for Willie Aistrop will be conducted at 1:00pm Monday, February 23, 2009 in the Farris Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Paul Stanley officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon. Pallbearers will be Mac Lester, Andy Trent, Russell Trent, Robbie Harris, Johnny Spencer, Jeremy Remine, and Ed Mash.

The family will receive friends at Farris Funeral Service from 6:00 until 8:00pm Sunday.

Emory Henry Ratliff, 72, passed away Friday, February 20, 2009 in Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center.

He was born December 2, 1936 in Buchanan County, Virginia and was a son of the late Earl P. and Pearl Vandyke Ratliff. He had spent the last twenty years of his life in Washington County and had retired from Norfolk and Western Railway after 37 years. He was a member of Painter Creek Church of Christ and had served as a deacon there for 15 years.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Elmer and Charles Ratliff.

Survivors are his wife of 52 years, Peggy Belcher Ratliff; daughters, Sandy Prater and husband, Ronnie of Keene Mountain, VA, and Patricia Ratliff and husband, Randy of Hudson, NC; brother, Bascom Ratliff of Myrtle Beach, SC; four sisters, Stella Boyd of Grundy, VA, Ruby Keene of Grundy, VA, Nell Belcher of Tazewell, VA, and Helen Elswick and husband, Everett of Grundy, VA; six grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and four nieces and four nephews.

Funeral services for Emory Ratliff will be conducted at 11:00am Monday, February 23, 2009 at Painter Creek Church of Christ (24579 Green Spring Road, Bristol, VA) with Minister Mark Gamindy and Minister Richard Gamindy officiating. Entombment will follow in Clinch Valley Memorial Cemetery Mausoleum in Richlands, VA. Pallbearers will be grandchildren. Honorary Pallbearers will be Men of Painter Creek Church of Christ.

The family will receive friends at Painter Creek Church of Christ from 6:00 until 9:00pm Sunday.

Mr. Cleatys Homer Scarborough, age 78 passed away Saturday, February 21, 2009 at his residence.

He was a Veteran of the Korean War having served in the U. S. Army.

Survivors include his wife, Maryanne Scarborough, Abingdon, VA, four sons, Richard Scarborough and Kevin Scarborough both of Glade Spring, VA, Jerry Scarborough, Brookesville, Florida and Bobby Scarborough, Meadowview, VA, two daughters, Karon Lee, Meadowview, VA, Barbara Scarborough, Abingdon, VA, two brothers, Eschol Scarborough, Pasadena, TX, W. B. Scarborough, Bartow, Florida, a sister, Erma Harless, Meadowview, VA, seven step-children, thirteen grandchildren and sixteen great grandchildren.

A memorial service will be conducted Monday, February 23, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Service Main Street Chapel with Rev. Richard Collins officiating. Interment will follow at a later date in Florida.

The family will receive friends Monday from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

James Robert Wise, Sr., 89, passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2009, at Johnston Memorial Hospital.  He worked in sales most of his life, retiring from Singer Company as a sales manager.  He was a member of First Assembly of God in Bristol.  He was a veteran of World War II, serving as a Corporal in the U.S Marines in the South Pacific with the Fighter 213 Squadron, 3^rd Marine Airwing.

He was the son of the late Alexander and Bertha Price Wise and was preceded in death by a daughter Ann Wise Hutchins, 2 sons, James Robert “Bobby” Wise, Jr. and Don Wise, 2 grandchildren, James R. Wise, III and Janet Barnes Hickerson, 1 great granddaughter, Melanie Brooke Morrell, and 1 sister, Mabel Childress.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Lou Fields Counts Wise; 1 daughter Betty Barnes of Abingdon, and 1 son, Curtis Lee Wise of Johnson City; 11 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, and 5 great, great grandchildren.

The funeral service for James Robert Wise, Sr. will be conducted Saturday, February 28, 2009, at 1:00 pm in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Hwy, Abingdon, with Pastor Jeffrey Carrico officiating.  The family will receive friends immediately prior to the service, beginning at 12:00 p.m.  Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with military graveside rites provided by the Highlands Veterans Honor Guard.  Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.   

Grace Elizabeth Walsh, 81, passed away Wednesday, February 25, 2009 at Johnston Memorial Hospital.  She had lived in this area for the last 23 years and was a member of Rosedale Baptist Church.  She was preceded in death by her husband the Rev. Allen B. Walsh, Sr.

            She is survived by her son, Allen B. Walsh, Jr. of Lebanon; 2 daughters, Joy Miles and husband Dan, and Jan Hamric of Winston-Salem, N.C.; and her sister Rachel Sadler, of Bedford, VA.

            The family will receive friends Friday from 6-8 p.m. at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service.

            There will be a private graveside service on Saturday.

            In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Salvation Army, P. O. Box 887, Bristol, Tn. 37621, or to Gideons International, P. O. Box 1992, Abingdon, Va. 24212.

Lena Mae Wolfe, 60, passed away Thursday, February 26, 2009 in Johnson City Medical Center.

She was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Virginia and was a daughter of the late, Samuel Paul and Laura Elizabeth Bellamy Lewis. She had been employed by Columbus-McKinnon for over 30 years.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two brothers, Ronnie Thomas Lewis and Paul Odell Lewis, Jr.

Survivors are her sister, Ruth Anne Stroupe and husband, Stephen C. of Wytheville, VA; her brother, Jesse Wayne Lewis and wife, Daphne of Saltville, VA; a sister-in-law, Judy Lewis of Marion, VA; a niece and nephews, Rachel, Paul Wayne, and Sammy Lewis; and special cousins, Mary Anne Jones and Curtis Musick.

Funeral services for Lena Mae Wolfe will be conducted at 2:00pm Sunday, March 1, 2009 in the Knollkreg Memorial Park Mausoleum with Pastor Leonard Bellamy officiating. No visitation will be held.

Joyce Eileen Troitino, age 77, passed away on Friday, February 27, 2009 at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon.

Born on November 1, 1931 in Washington County, VA, Joyce was a daughter of the late John Thomas Clark and Lena Mae Bailey. She was also preceded in death by her husbands, Claude J. Arden and Joseph M. Troitino; her son, William Joe Arden; her brother, John T. Clark, Jr.  and her brother-in-law Bill Groseclose. She attended  Abingdon Bible Church.

Survivors include her children, Dorothy Worley and husband Paul of Abingdon, David Arden and wife Denise of Damascus, VA and Michelle Reynolds and husband Todd of Abingdon; her sisters, Mary Calandros and husband Tom of Piney Flats, TN, Eleanor Groseclose of Bristol, TN, Sara Groseclose and husband Darrell of Damascus, VA and Becky Worley of Knoxville, TN; her grandchildren, Paul W. Worley, Jr., Travis Worley, Joey Arden, Stephen Reynolds, Phillip Reynolds, Nicholas Reynolds Cyndi Woodward and husband Jeff, Nicole Sweet and husband Jon and Katie Reynolds; her great grandchildren, April Worley, Ashton Worley and Luke Worley and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A. M. Monday, March 2, 2009 in the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum at Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Dr. Paul Bufford officiating. Entombment in the mausoleum will follow the service. A funeral procession will leave the funeral home going to the mausoleum at 10:40 A. M. Monday.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P. M. Sunday at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service.

Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Paul W. Worley, Jr., Travis Worley, Joey Arden, Stephen Reynolds, Philip Reynolds and Nicolas Reynolds. In place of flowers, the family has asked for memorial donations to honor Joyce’s memory to be made to the Abingdon Bible Church, 16210 Elementary Drive, Abingdon, VA 24210.