Mr. Haley Thomas Webb, Sr., 78, died Sunday June 1, 2008 at the Select Specialty Hospital.  Mr. Webb was born and raised in Franklin County, Virginia and had lived in Washington County for 48 years.  He was a member and deacon of First Baptist Church in Meadowview.  He retired from U.S. Gypsum with 30 years of service.  He was preceded in death by his wife, Gardenia Webb, his parents, and a son Tim Watkins.

            He is survived by 5 sons; Fred Watkins of Washington D.C., Richard Watkins of Bristol, VA, Haley Thomas Webb, Jr. and Mark Webb both of Bristol, TN, and Stanley Webb of Johnson City; 2 daughters; Delores Fullen of Bristol, TN and Barbara Webb of Johnson City; 1 brother; Edward Webb of Franklin Co, VA; 14 grandchildren and 15 great grandchildren.

            The funeral service will be conducted Saturday, June 7, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with the Rev. William Austin officiating.  The family will receive friends immediately prior to the service beginning at 11:00 a.m.  Burial will follow in the Meadowview Cemetery.  Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Blanche Leota Fraley Anderson, age 96, died Monday, June 2, 2008  at Grace Healthcare center in Abingdon., VA. after a lengthy illness.

Blanche was born on May 23, 1912 in Washington County, Virginia. She was a daughter of the late William H. Fraley, Sr. and Nora Long Fraley. She was also preceded in death by her husband Alexander C. Anderson; her brother, W. H. Fraley, Jr. and her sister, Nina Fraley.

She had worked with the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Washington D. C. for 35 years and had lived in Fairfax, VA until her retirement at which time she moved to Bristol, VA. While living in Bristol, she was a member of State Street United Methodist Church  where she attended faithfully until her illness prevented her from doing so. She had formerly resided at the Westhaven Retirement Center in  Abingdon for 8 years.

Blanche is survived by her sister-in-law, Ollie Fraley of Abingdon; her nephew, James W. Fraley and wife Eveleen of Abingdon; her nieces, Laurice Hayton and husband Stanley of Kingsport, TN and Annette F. Lester and  husband Roger of Abingdon, VA; 5 great-grand nieces and nephews and 7 great-great grand nieces and nephews. 

A cryptside funeral service will be conducted at 3:00 P. M. Wednesday, June 4, 2008 in the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum at Knollkreg Memorial Park with Rev. Jerry Eggers officiating. Entombment will follow the service. The family will receive friends Wednesday in the Mausoleum Chapel  from 2:00 P. M. until the time of the funeral  service.

 

Daniel Nelson Hensley passed away on June 5, 2008 at his home.  He was born on February 22, 1982 in Havre de Grace, Maryland.  He was a graduate of Abingdon High School and Virginia Highlands Community College.

Daniel was preceded in death by his mother, Connie Stahler.

He is survived by his father, Lester Neal Hensley, Abingdon, VA, two brothers, Lester Neal Hensley, Jr., Myrtle Beach, SC and Eugene Bascom Hensley, Florida, one sister, Melissa Ann Adams, Thief River Falls, Minnesota.

Funeral services will be held on Sunday, June 8, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. in the Valley View Freewill Baptist Church in the Spoon Gap Community with Pastor Greg Dingus and Rev. Ken Holmes officiating. Burial will follow in the Valley View Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Brad Bailey, Eric Bailey, Will Ennis, Brandon Hensley and Kenneth Ray Hensley, Jr. Adam Roark, Tony Roark, Jr., and Derrick Smith. Honorary pallbearers will be Daniel Jones, Tony Roark, Heath DeBusk and Danny Rowe.

The family will receive friends Saturday from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. in the Valley View Freewill Baptist Church or anytime at the home of Goldie Roark.

Jacob Tyler Bowers, age 18, died Thursday, June 5, 2008, as a result of an accidental drowning.  Tyler was a 2008 graduate of John S. Battle High School.  He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, James C. Bowers, Sr., and Ray Moretz, and by his great-grandfather, Clarence James Bowers.

Tyler is survived by his mother Melissa Viers and step-father Eric Viers of Bristol; his father James C. Bowers, Jr. of Bristol; his grandparents:  Shirley Moretz, Floye Tester and Roy Tester, all of Bristol; his sister, Heather Bowers of Bristol; his aunts: Lisa Blackson of Abingdon; Teresa Johnson of South Riding, VA; Carla King of New Mexico; and Wanda G. Rouse of Bristol; and several cousins.

The funeral service for Tyler Bowers will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, June 9, 2008, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Jimmy Epperson and Rev. Howard Leonard officiating.  Burial will follow in Mt. View Cemetery in Bristol.  Friends will serve as pallbearers.  The family will receive friends Monday at the funeral home from noon until the time of service.

Mary Louise (Mary Lou) Moxley Fitzpatrick, age 83, died Saturday, June 7, 2008 at the Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, TN.

 

Mary Lou was born on May 2, 1925 in Mount Vernon, Ohio, a daughter of the late Clarence Moxley and Grace Poole Moxley.  She was a graduate of Mt.  Vernon High School and graduated   with a major in psychology from Columbian College  in Washington D. C. which is now known as  American University.

 

Before her marriage, she had worked  at the Review and Herald Newspaper in Tacoma Park, MD, the Chief of Naval Offices at the Pentagon in Washington D. C and the Federal Communications Commission also.  It was during this time that she had a blind date with George R. Ftizpatrick, who would later become her husband of 52 years. He would retire as Lt. Colonel with the United States Air Force. He had a distinguished career in which he served during WW II, Korea and Vietnam.   Lt. Colonel Fitzpatrick was responsible for developing the first “ground-traffic” radar system.

 

She was very proud of her ancestry  and more specifically that she descends from four of the Mayflower Pilgrims, Miles Standish, John Alden, Pricilla Mullins and William Mullins.

 

Mary Lou was active in supporting her husband’s military career and raising their family  Upon his retirement form the military, they made their home in McLean, Virginia where Mr. Fitzpatrick continued his working career with  Page Northrup and Corland Communications.

 

Survivors include her daughters, Karen Marleen Fitzpatrick Hall and husband Harold Raymond Hall, Jr. and Colleen Fitzpatrick Batsakis and husband George John Batsakis; her son, John Thorpe Tyler, Jr.; her grandchildren, Morgan Fitzpatrick Hall, Brittany Nicole Hall, William Phillips (Phillip) Bass III; Ryan Walsh, Dustin Walsh, Georgie Grace Batsakis, Mary Margaret (Maggie) Basakis and Christopher Thorpe Tyler; her great grandchildren, John Terry Tyler and Sarah Tyler.

 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be conducted at 7:00 P. M. Monday, June 9, 2008 at St. Anne’s Roman Catholic Church  in Bristol, Virginia with Rev. Timothy E. Keeney as celebrant. The family will receive friends at the church from 6:00 P. M. until the time of the service.

 

Mary Lou will be taken to the Adams-Green Funeral Home in  Herndon, Virginia. A service will be conducted at 11:00 A. M. Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at the funeral home chapel. Burial beside her husband will take place at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery.

 

In place of flowers, the family has asked that those wishing to honor Mary Lou’s memory to please consider memorial donations to the Education Fund of St. Anne, Roman Catholic Church, 300 Euclid Avenue, Bristol, VA 24201.

 

The family wishes to recognize the nursing staff of 2 West at Bristol Regional Medical Center for their kindness shown to Mary Lou and her family.

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Ernestine “Tennie” Thomas, 80, died Saturday June 7, 2008 at Valley Health Care in Chilhowie.  She was a lifelong resident of Washington County and a daughter of the late Samuel and Lucy Thomas.  She was preceded in death by her husband, W. Graham Thomas; two brothers, Earl Thomas and Freddie Thomas; and two nephews, Freddie and Teddie Thomas.  She loved to spend time gardening and enjoyed cooking and flowers.  She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Abingdon.

            She is survived by her children, Edith Thomas Yaney of Jacksonville, NC, Opal Kestner and husband Jim, Ronald G. Thomas and wife Carol, both of Glade Spring; six grandchildren, Joey Caywood of Aiken, SC, Jennifer South Zajac of Denver, CO, Amy Kestner Pickle of Saltville, Jimmy “Bo” Kestner, Ryan Annette Thomas and Jacob Graham Thomas, all of Glade Spring; three sisters, Anna Mae Cardwell and Wanda Harris, both of Saltville, Frances Thompson of Glade Spring; three brothers, Stewart Thomas of Marion, Jerry Thomas of Abingdon, Larry Thomas of Glade Spring; one aunt, Mrs. Lottie Holley of Glade Spring; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

            The funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with the Rev. Bob Steele, the Rev. Ronnie Blevins, and the Rev. Junior Hamm officiating.  The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 6:00 p.m.

            The committal service will be Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in Mount Rose Cemetery.  Those wishing to attend are asked to assemble at the funeral home by 1:30 p.m.

            Pallbearers will be Joey Caywood, Patrick Caywood, Jacob Thomas, Kodi Pickle, Leo Pickle, Jr., and Russ Yaney.  Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy “Bo” Kestner, Jr., Jim Kestner, Sr., Kole Pickle, Isaac Zajac, Steve Zajac, Gary South, and members of Trinity Baptist Church.

            The family will also receive friends at the home of Ronald Thomas, 33034 Mayberry Lane, Glade Spring.

Mrs. Carolyn Sue Johnson, age 59, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2008 in her home.

She was born October 4, 1948 in Russell County, Virginia and had resided in Washington County most of her life. She was a member of Valley Chapel and enjoyed mushroom hunting and spending time with family and friends.

Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by her parents, Leman Harold Stamper and Olive Rhea Stamper. Besides her parents she is also preceded in death by her husband, Benny Frank Johnson, two sisters, Kathy Lee and Becky Mutter.

Mrs. Johnson is survived by three daughters, Janet Rasnake and husband, Adam, Tammy Jo Johnson and Trish Johnson all of Abingdon. Two brothers, Sherman Earls and wife, Sandra Gail of Abingdon and Harold Stamper and wife, Ivory of Meadowview. One sister, Treva Roberts and husband, Jim of Bristol, Va. Three grandchildren, Benny Burke of Abingdon, Samantha Mitchell and Chris Price of Abingdon, and Lia Watson and husband, Keith of Abingdon. Two great-grandchildren, Skyler Price and Zachary Burke all of Abingdon and a third great-grandchild due in November. Many nieces and nephews also survive.

A graveside service will be conducted at 2 P.M. on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Pastor Ronnie Matney officiating. Everyone wishing to attend the service is asked to assemble at the cemetery by 1:45 P.M. Honorary pallbearers will be Scott Wolfe, Carlos Wolfe, and Lacius Earls.

Norma Cannon Kestner, 67, passed away Friday, June 6, 2008.  Born in Saltville, VA, she was the daughter of the late Tillit Paul Cannon and Blanche Sessor Cannon.  She was a member of Platt Springs United Methodist Church.  Mrs. Kestner retired from the South Carolina Department of Revenue in 2001.  She was an associate member of the SC Telephone Pioneers.  She loved gardening and her flower gardens; she also enjoyed her trips to Folly Beach.

She is survived by her husband of 43 years, John Calvin Kestner of West Columbia; sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffery Duane and Millie Kestner, and Richard and Amy Kestner, all of West Columbia; her four grandchildren: Samantha, Jonathan, Michael and Brandon; and sister Joan Woodward of Lynchburg, VA.  She was preceded in death by three brothers, Erful Akers, James Akers, and John Cannon, and by her sister, Doris Eastridge.

Services were held on Monday, June 9, 2008, at Platt Springs United Methodist Church, and burial was in Celestial Memorial Gardens.

Mr. Bruce Talmadge Horne, 86, died Sunday June 15, 2008 at his home.  He was born and raised in Wise, Virginia, a son of the late Thomas Clinton and Sally Culbertson Horne.  He retired from Pittston Coal Company in 1984 as an accountant and later started Horne Business Service where he was self-employed for 15 years.  He was a member of Pleasant View United Methodist Church, a Mason, and very active in the Lions Club.

            He was a very special and loving husband to his wife of 53 years, Dorothy Horne who preceded him in death.   He was also preceded in death by his precious granddaughter, Monique A. “Nikki” White, two brothers and two sisters.  Mr. Horne was a sweetheart of a Daddy and a devoted grandfather.  Bruce was an independent and strong man with a deep love for the Lord. He was also an avid fan of Virginia Tech football and Atlanta Braves baseball.

            He is survived by his daughter, Gail H. Deal and husband Tony of Bristol, TN; and 2 brothers, Nile T. Horne of Roanoke, Virginia and T. J. Horne of Fort Myers, FL.

            The funeral service will be conducted Wednesday June 18, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Hwy., Abingdon, VA with the Rev. Jim Goddard and Mrs. Barbara Farmer officiating.  The family will receive friends immediately prior to the service beginning at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Pleasant View United Methodist Church, 18416 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210.

A memorial service for Vernoy Hensley will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 21, 2008 at the Valley View Freewill Baptist Church in the Spoon Gap Community in Abingdon.

Vern and his wife, Darlene, resided in Abingdon from 1989 to 1997, during which time he was employed at Pioneer Chevrolet.  Relatives and friends are invited to the service.

Mr. Carl Hope McConnell, age 64 passed away on Monday, June 16, 2008 at the Johnston Memorial Hospital. Carl was preceded in death by his parents Royal George McConnell and Vivian Bowman McConnell.

Mr. McConnell was a well known resident of the Green Spring community and a member of the Green Spring Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the first graduating class of Abingdon High School and a graduate of East Tennessee State University. He served in the United States Air Force for four years and then worked as an air traffic controller. Carl enjoyed gardening and was also an active member of PATCO.

Survivors include his wife Carolyn C. McConnell; two daughters Hope McConnell Harless and husband Buddy of Abingdon, VA, and Faith McConnell Jennings and husband Dave of Abingdon; one step-daughter Donna Reid Kilgore and husband Jason of Forty Fort, PA; two brothers George Alan McConnell and wife Joyce of Pulaski, VA, and John Preston McConnell and wife Kit of Raleigh, NC; one sister Ann Terry Brady and husband Pat of Richmond, VA; four grandchildren Abigail Elizabeth Harless, Madison Faith Harless, William McConnell Jennings, and Taylor Hope Jennings, and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services for Mr. Carl Hope McConnell will be conducted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 11:00 am at the Green Spring Presbyterian Church with Brother Dewey Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by Highland Honor Guard. Pallbearers are Jay Brady, Robbie Brady, Brad McConnell, John McConnell, Jr., Matthew McConnell, Will McConnell, Chipper Musick, and Robbie Pennock. Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Wise, Jeff McConnell, Jack Johnson, Greg Laughinghouse.  The family will receive friends at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 from 6-9pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post #12, P. O. Box 303, Abingdon, VA 24212.

The family would like to thank Jeff and Doris McConnell, and also brother John McConnell for the love and support shown to Carl.

 

 

Mr. Roy S. Fugate, 72, passed away Thursday, June 19, 2008, at Johnston Memorial Hospital.  He was born in Indian Springs, Tennessee on November 30, 1935, and he was raised by an uncle and aunt, Charlie and Madge Patrick.

Roy graduated from Meadowview High School in 1955.  He served in the United States Army in Korea and was in the Reserves for two years.  Roy retired from United Parcel Service in Bristol after 33 years.  He was a member of Rosedale Baptist Church in Abingdon for 32 years and a member of the Senior Adult Sunday School Class.  He was also a member of the UPS Retired Drivers Breakfast Club.

Roy was preceded in death by his aunt and uncle, Madge and Charlie Patrick; by his sister, Mildred Larkins; and by his brothers, Spencer Lewis and Bill Fugate.

Roy is survived by his loving and caring wife of 40 years, Laquita Ladd Fugate of the home; his son Charlie Fugate of Abingdon; his mother-in-law, Virginia Pearl Ladd of Bristol; his brothers Jim Fugate and J.C. Fugate of Kingsport, TN; Bruce Lewis of Atlanta, GA, and Charles Lewis of Kingsport; an aunt and uncle, and several nieces, nephews, cousins.  Roy also had lots of friends that cared about him.

The funeral service for Roy Fugate will be held at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, June 22, 2008, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Carl Young, Dr. Don Paxton and Rev. John Stapleton officiating.  Music will be by the Rosedale Baptist Church Choir and David White.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The burial will be on Monday, June 23, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. View Cemetery in Bristol, VA, with military graveside rites by the Highlands Veterans Honor Guard.  Those attending the graveside service are invited to meet at the cemetery by 10:45 a.m. on Monday.  Pallbearers will be Jack Clark, Gary Wallace, George Johnson, David White, Gene Ladd and George Hearl.  Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Waters, Darrell Salyers, Bobby Jones, Danny Patrick and UPS drivers.

The family would like to thank Dr. William Baker and Dr. Ernest Henry for their care of Mr. Fugate, and they also thank Roy’s special friend, Tara Salyers.

Carson R. Halsey, 74, passed away peacefully at his home Saturday June 21, 2008.  Born in Colora, Maryland to the late Bayard and Zenna Waddell Halsey, he grew up in the Grassy Creek community of Ashe County, N.C.  He graduated from Virginia-Carolina High School and Appalachian State University.

            He served in the U. S. Navy during the Korean War.  After military service, he was a math teacher and basketball coach in Ashe County.  He worked for the United States Department of Agriculture as a county office manager and district director throughout the state of Virginia.

            After his retirement, he enjoyed working in his nursery business and took special pleasure in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.

            He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Linda Young Halsey; one daughter, Pamela Truxell and husband Dale of Staunton, VA; three sons, Greg Halsey of Billings, Montana, Chris Halsey and wife Teresa of Abingdon, and Mitch Halsey and wife Laurie of Knoxville; five grandchildren, Tyler Truxell, Hanna Truxell, Ryan Halsey, Reid Halsey, and Kevin Halsey; one brother, Alden Halsey and wife Ruth of Bel Air, MD; one sister, Carolyn Little and husband Jerrell of Boone, NC; and several nieces and nephews.  Mr. Halsey was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law Jennifer Keys Halsey of Billings, Montana.

            The funeral service will be conducted Tuesday June 24, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, with the Rev. Luther Roberts officiating.  The family will receive friends immediately prior to the service beginning at 2:00 p.m.  Entombment will follow in the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum at Forest Hills with military rites by the Highlands Veteran’s Honor Guard.

            Pallbearers will be Eddie McConnell, Jack Blevins, Dale Truxell, Tyler Truxell, Ryan Halsey, and Reid Halsey.

            In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Abingdon Baseball Field House Fund, in memory of Carson R. Halsey, 705 Thompson Drive, Abingdon, VA 24210.

Helen Harless Reynolds, age 86, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 22, 2008 at her home.

Helen was a mother, grandmother and friend to all who knew her.

She was one of the last honorary members of Shady Grove Pentecostal Holiness Church and was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Bernard R. Reynolds; her son-in-law, Bill Sharrett; her parents, John Henry Harless and Rebecca Chapman Harless; her brothers, John, Epson, R. C., Ellis and Dick Harless; her sisters, Ardell Dunn, Emily Price, Elsie Rosenbalm and Rosie White.

Survivors include her sons, Bobby Reynolds and wife Brenda, Junior Reynolds and wife Linda, and Billy Reynolds and wife Kavida; two daughters, Joan Sharrett and Janie McCray and husband Danny; her sisters, Frances Crane and Betty Hughes; 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be conducted at 7:00 P. M. Tuesday, June 24, 2008 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service   with Rev. Gary Harless, Rev. Mike Scoresome and Rev. Les Ketron officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:30  -  6:45 P. M. Tuesday before the funeral service. The committal and burial service will be conducted at 10:00 A. M. Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Those attending the service are asked to assemble at the cemetery by 9:45 A. M.  Wednesday.  Pallbearers will be grandsons and a special friend   Anthony Harless.  Honorary pallbearers will be Kerry Jenkins, Jimmy Ramsey, Eddie Christmas, Marcus Johnson,  and Andy Grady. 

Virgie Mary VanDyke, age 87, passed away Thursday, June 26, 2008 at her home.

She was the daughter of the late George Floyd and Alta Mae Coleman Meadows and had been a resident of the Abingdon for the past 31 years moving here from the Tazewell, Richlands area of Virginia.  She was a member of the House of Prayer in Limestone, TN and was preceded in death by her husbands, Harlen VanDyke, William Caudle McCoy and Nathan Sanson, a son, Earl, one sister and six brothers.

Survivors include her sons, Sunney McCoy and wife Sue, Abingdon, VA, Perry McCoy and wife  Sue, Walhalla, SC, Oakley McCoy and wife Betty, Limestone, TN and Hayes Sanson and wife Wilma, Walhalla, SC, her daughters, Clara Cordle and husband Bobby, Lockport, NY and Evelyn Collier, Johnson City, TN, a sister, Nellie Presley, Michigan, three step-children, twenty-one grandchildren and thirty-six great-grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews and many friends.

The funeral service will be conducted Saturday, June 28, 2008  at 1:00 p.m.  in the Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel with Rev. Oakley McCoy and Rev. Sonny Thomas officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens.

Pallbearers will be Robert Adams, Oakley McCoy, Sunney McCoy, Matt Lowe, Randall McCracken, Justin McCracken, Scottie Ball and Cecil Holcombe.

Those wishing to express sympathy on line may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com.

The family will receive friends Friday from   6:00 -9:00 p.m.  in the funeral home.

Elizabeth Doss Widener Worley, age 75, of 805 Orchard Hill Road, died Wednesday, June 25, 2008 in the Wellmont Hospice House in Bristol, TN.

She was preceded in death by her first husband L. B. Widener; her second husband, Robert Worley; her son, David Widener;  her mother and father, Delmer and Minnie Doss; her grandmother Larie Thomas; her brothers, Henry, Graham, Jim and Walter Doss; her sisters, May Lee Thomas, Lakie Thomas, and Mary Smith and several nephews.

She is survived by her beloved friend, Gerald Trivett; her daughters and sons-in-law, Patsy & Junior Thomas of Bristol, TN; Pauline & Authur McCracken of Meadowview, VA; Polly & Roger Sullivan of  Damascus, VA; Kathy Widener & Allen Buckner of Elliston, VA; Janet & Randy Baber of Mt. City, TN; Patricia & Michael Stanley and Jamie & Shelton Smith all of Bristol, VA;  14 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren; 1 great-great grandchild and  and several nieces and nephews.  SHE LOVED THEM ALL!

A  funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 P. M. Saturday in the Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church with Rev. Carl Riner officiating. Interment will follow tin the Church Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Benji Widener, Jimmy Cox, Jr., Luke Cox, Jason Barlow, Harold Perry and Tommy Hicks. Honorary Pallbearers will be C. J. Thomas, Carroll Doss, John Nickols, Billy Nickols and Joey Proulex.

The family will receive friends on Saturday at Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church from 11:00 A. M. until the time of the funeral service. 

Dennis  Frankin  Fields, Sr., 61 of  Abingdon, VA, died suddenly on June 27, 2008.

He was the beloved husband of Glenna Roberts Fields since 1965.  They have two children, Dennis, II (wife, Sonya), and Miriam Ruth Fields Price (husband, Robbie).  Dennis and Glenna have two grandchildren, Lillian Price, age six, and Ian Price, age four.  Dennis is also survived by two sisters and a brother.

Dennis spent more than three decades serving God, either as pastor, administrator in missions, or administrator at Liberty University.  He was a learned Bible scholar, teaching in the college and seminary there.  He earned his bachelor’s and master’s at Liberty and his Doctor of Ministry at Trinity University of Deerfield, IL. His life’s verse was Psalm 27:1, “The Lord is my light and my salvation.” He lived a life of integrity, honesty, and honor of God and others.  His greatest desire was to share the Gospel with those he met and to insure that they came to know Jesus Christ as personal Savior.

The funeral service will be conducted Sunday, June 29, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. in the Victory Baptist Church, 11101 Island Road, Bristol, VA with Dr. Austin Cook and Reverend Dennis F. Fields, II officiating.  Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens, Abingdon, VA.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Samaritan’s Purse, P. O. Box 3000, Boone, NC 28607 or to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 246, Abingdon, VA 24212.

The family will receive friends Sunday from 4:00-5:00 p.m. at the Victory Baptist Church.

Emma Gay Gibson Johnson was born on September 12, 1913 at Bee, Virginia to the late Beauregard and Susie Rasnake Gibson and died at age 94 on June 28, 2008 at Johnston Memorial Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Hurshel Edward Johnson; an infant daughter, Sharon Wandalee Johnson; a special son-in-law, Cleason Farmer; great-grandson, J.J. Froelich and several brothers and sisters.

She is survived by her daughter whom she lived with for the last year, Delores J. Farmer of Abingdon, Virginia; two sons, Robert B. and wife, Ruth Johnson; and Mickey and wife, Sue Johnson both of Nokomis, Florida. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, 23 great-great-grandchildren and several step grandchildren. two sisters: Irene Hall of New Port, Ritchie, Florida and Kathleen Shoemaker of Nicholsville, Virginia, two brothers: Tommy Street of Bee, Virginia and Joe Street of North Carolina.

Emma was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Bristol, Virginia. She and her husband served as missionaries for one year in Madison, Indiana. She also taught the primary Sunday school class in Lima, Ohio for many years.

She retired in 1976 from Murphy’s Department Store in Defiance, Ohio.

The funeral service will be conducted at Tuesday, July 1, 2008 at 2 P.M. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with William Whitlock and Sean McMurray officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon, Virginia. Pallbearers will be grandsons and grandsons-in-law. The family will receive friends in the funeral home from 6-9 P.M. on Monday, June 30, 2008.

 

Robert Lee Phillips, Sr., 76, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 29, 2008 following a lengthy illness.

Mr. Phillips was born October 11, 1931 in Meadowview, Va. to the late Dallas F. and Eulalah N. Phillips. He was a graduate of Meadowview High School and was a U.S. Air Force Veteran of the Korean War. He was a life member of the James E. Peters Chapter 57 Disabled American Veterans and a member of American Legion Post 0012. He retired from the Defense Department, U.S. Civil Service Commission, Fort Eustis, Va. He was a member of Victory Baptist Church, Bristol, Virginia.

Mr. Phillips zest for life was characterized by his appreciation for all the marvelous handiwork of his Creator and Savior. When his health permitted, he loved attending church, gardening, hunting, fishing, and just spending time outdoors. Most of all, he cherished the opportunities to fellowship with others. Whether it was vegetables from his garden or seeds of truth that God had sown in his heart, he always loved sharing with others.

Surviving are his devoted and caring wife of 51 years, Gloria Belcher Phillips; a daughter, Sharon M. Phillips, Bristol, Va.; sons, Robert L. Phillips, Jr. and wife Kellie, Abingdon, Va., and Steven M. Phillips and wife Sharon, Bristol, Va.; sisters, Elizabeth Snead and husband Irby, Abingdon, Va., Rachel Baker and husband Richard, Blountville, Tn., and Beulah Blankenship, Goldsboro, N.C.; brother, Dallas F. Phillips, Jr. and wife Ann, Alvarado, Va., grandchildren, Robert “Robbie” L. Phillips, III and wife Leanne, Bristol, Va., Tiffany N. Cousins, and husband Alex, Bristol, Tn., and Cameron A. Phillips, Abingdon, Va.; great-grandchildren, Reagan B. Phillips and Noah Cousins; nieces, Rita Phillips, Connie Reed, and Lisa Cullipher.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a son, Bryan K. Phillips.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 1, 2008 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main St., Abingdon, Va.

A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m., Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel, 427 E. Main Street., Abingdon, Va. with Pastor Austin Cook and Reverend Robert G. Lane officiating. Interment will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park, Abingdon.

 Pallbearers will be Dale Cook, Danny Damron, Charles Hawkins, Kenneth Hilliard, Roy Mays, J.B. McReynolds, Bryan Moore, and Dave Short.

A special thanks and heartfelt appreciation to: Dr. Martin F. Monahan and nurse Betty Gayle McCall, Home Nursing of Southwest Virginia, Hospice of Southwest Virginia, Wellmont Hospice, Mac’s Medical, and Washington County Fire and Rescue #1.

Mrs. Canzis C. Horn Rude, age 85, died Sunday, June 29, 2008 at the Valley Health Care Center in Chilhowie, VA.

She was born on April 9, 1923 in Buchanan County, Virginia and was a daughter of the late William Vinson Horn and Susan Catherine Van Dyke Horn. She was also preceded in death by her sisters, Nelly Keen , Polly Horn, Eva (Tennessee) Cantell and Charity Blankenship and her brothers, Harrison Horn, Hoover Horn, Coy Horn and Howard Horn.

Survivors include her sisters, Donie Ferrel  of Meadowview, VA; Lida Godbey of Abingdon, VA and Onie Brown of Indiana; her brothers, Claude Horn of Glade Spring, VA and Jay Horn of Marvin, VA as well as several nieces and nephews.

A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 P. M. Thursday, July 3, 2008 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with  Pastor Luther Bowman officiating. Burial will follow in the Esaw Riffe Cemetery in Grundy, Virginia. Friends and family members will serve as pallbearers.  The  family will receive friends from 6:00 – 9:00 P. M. Wednesday  at the funeral home. A song service will be held during this time.

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