Laurence Angelo Cavallini, 90, passed away on Tuesday, June 2, 2009 in Grace Healthcare in Abingdon following a brief illness.

He was born August 8, 1918 in Windsor Locks, CT and was a son of the late Peter and Marggiornia Cavallini. Laurence served in the Navy during WWII and was on the U.S.S William T. Porter, surviving an attack by a Japanese Kamikaze which sank the ship. He and Mrs. Cavallini enjoyed many wonderful years together performing in their own band for special occasions.

Survivors are his wife, Christine Cavallini; a daughter, Patricia and son-in-law, David Despard, with whom he lived for the past seven years; and two sons, Thomas Lawlor and daughter-in-law, Zorrie of Puerto Rico, and Michael Lawlor and daughter-in-law, Julie of Cocoa Beach, Florida. He has five grandchildren, David Despard and wife, Sarah of Simsbury, CT, John Despard and wife, Bobbi of Bristol, TN, Julie Broglio and husband, Kevin of Wilmette, IL, and Joseph and Kayla Lawlor. He also has seven great-grandchildren, Robin and Andy Despard, Tyler and Grace Despard, and Luke, Samuel, and Audrey Broglio.

A private memorial mass will be celebrated on Friday, June 5, 2009 at St. Anne Catholic Church in Bristol, VA by Father Timothy Keeney.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Anne’s Catholic School, 300 Euclid Ave., Bristol, VA 24201.

Paul Cowan Kennedy, age 83, passed away Tuesday, June 2, 2009 in the James H. Quillen Veterans Hospital, Mountain Home, TN.

Paul was a Veteran of World War II and the Korean War serving in the United States Army where he served his country proudly.

He was born in Amonate, VA, April 8, 1926 to Elmer and Fannie Dee Kennedy.

Survivors include his wife of fifty-two years, Patricia Gay Kennedy, a daughter, Anita Dye and husband, Ronnie Dye, eight sons, Tom Kennedy, Steve Kennedy, Wayne Kennedy, Mark Kennedy and wife Amy Kennedy, Scott Kennedy, Tim Kennedy, Mike Kennedy and Robbie Kennedy and wife Shawna Kennedy, sisters, Marie Reynolds and Ethel Adkins, several grandchildren.

The funeral service will conducted Thursday, June 4, 2009 at8:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel with Reverend Paul Stanley officiating.

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

The family will receive friends Thursday from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the funeral Home or anytime at the residence at 12439 Reedy Creek Road, Bristol, VA.

 

Beecher Russell Gobble, 97, died Thursday, June 4, 2009 at Johnston Memorial Hospital.  He was a lifelong resident of Washington County and had attended Chestnut Grove Community Church his entire life.  He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  He was preceded in death by one son, Leslie Gobble and one son-in-law, Morgan Wise.  He was the last surviving of 13 children to the late Elbert and Rachel Reynolds Gobble.

He is survived by his loving wife of 78 years, Ardelia Wise Gobble; 4 daughters, Henrietta Wise, Dorothy Lucille Wise and husband Dallas, Evlie Leonard and husband Bill, and Nanabee Andis and husband Joe, all of Abingdon; 1 daughter-in-law, Jayne Gobble Rouse of Abingdon; 17 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, and numerous great, great grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.

The funeral service will be conducted Saturday, June 6, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. at the Chestnut Grove Community Church with the Rev. Olen Cassell, the Rev. Ed Davis, and the Rev. Jerry Eggers officiating.  Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens.

Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers will be Barry Willis, Charlie Galliher, Bill Osborne, and men of Chestnut Grove Community Church.

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

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

The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service is serving the family of Beecher Gobble.

Thomas Clinton “T. C.” Gentry, 91, of 31158 Fincastle Lane, went to be with the Lord on Saturday, June 6, 2009 at his home. 

            T. C. was born in Washington County on October 5, 1917 to the late Thomas Clinton Gentry and Roxie Suits Gentry.  He was a well-known farmer for many years.  He was preceded in death by his brothers, Hill, Don, Gene, Kenneth, and Paul Gentry; and his sisters, Ruth McVey, and Gay and Gladys Gentry.

            He is survived by his wife of 23 years, Betty R. Gentry; four step-daughters, Susie Fields and husband Kenneth of Lebanon, Patricia Thomas and husband Paul of Abingdon, Mary Ann Reynolds and husband Lynn of Glade Spring, and Betty Jo Widener and husband Joe of Glade Spring; 1 sister, Dorothy Ratliff of Glade Spring; 1 brother, Sandy Gentry of Glade Spring; 7 step-grandchildren, 9 step great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

            A graveside service will be conducted Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in Mount Rose Cemetery with Pastor William D. Hamm, Jr. officiating.  Those wishing to attend are asked to assemble at the funeral home by 10:30 a.m.

            Pallbearers will be Kenneth Fields, Luke Ratliff, Kenneth Ratliff, Jason Hunter, Keith Roberts, and Doug Kestner.  Honorary pallbearers will be Roger McGhee, Leonard Hunter, Joe Widener, Paul Thomas, Lynn Reynolds, Eugene Osborne, and Steve McCready.

            There will be no visitation at the funeral home; however, the family will receive friends at the home.

            The family would like to express thanks to Johnston Memorial Home Care nurses and to Dr. James Gardner.

Thomas Dewey Wright, 64, died Saturday, June 6, 2009.  He was a native of Washington County and had lived in Maryland most of his life prior to returning to Washington County in 1993.  He was the son of the late Tom and Ella Mink Wright.  He was a retired carpenter.  He loved to hunt and fish, work puzzles and play checkers.  He enjoyed talking with people and making new friends.

            He is survived by his wife, Imojean Wright; his son, Richard Wright of Abingdon; 1 half-sister, Elsie Gentry of Shady Valley; 3 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

            The funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Guy Testerman officiating.  Burial will follow in Zion Cemetery.

            The family will receive friends Monday from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home.  Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Acquilla “Kit” Eldreth, 78, a loving mother and friend of many, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on June 6, 2009. She was born in Saltville, VA to the late Rev. James H. Call, Sr. and the late Anna B. Call.  She was predeceased by her husband, Jim Eldreth; one sister, Anna Leigh Wright; and three brothers, Curtis Call, Jim Call, and Paul Call.  Kit was a member of Grace Baptist Temple in Chesapeake.

Left to cherish her memories are her son, Jim Estep, and wife Lane of Dayton, OH; daughter, Tonda Pruitt, and husband Eric of Kill Devils Hills, NC; six beloved grandchildren, Catlin, Carly, Beth, Kera, Grace, and Amy, along with four great grandchildren; two sisters,  Dorothy Haynes of Cleveland, TN, and Millie Mansfield of Chesapeake, VA; two brothers, Roy Call of Newport News, VA, and Arthur “Whitey” Call of Yorktown, VA; many nieces and nephews; and a very dear friend, Bonnie Levine.

The family wishes to thank Allzwell Assisted Living for their loving care. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Union Mission, 130 Brooke Ave, Norfolk, VA 23510 or Alzheimer Foundation, Southeastern VA Chapter, 6315 N Center Drive, Suite 233, Norfolk, VA 23502. 

The funeral service for Mrs. Eldreth will be held on Wednesday, June 10, 2009 at 11 am at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Marvin Howard officiating. Burial will follow at the Eldreth family cemetery. The family will receive friends on Tuesday, June 9, 2009 from 6-8 pm at the funeral home. 

Doris B. Fowlkes of Bristol, VA, died Sunday, June 7, 2009, at Wellmont Hospice House after a brief illness.  She was a native of Ouachita Parish, LA, and valedictorian of her graduating class at Calhoun LA High School.  She later graduated from one of the two year colleges in the LSU system.  After graduation from college, she worked for her uncle in the sawmill business.  Soon thereafter, she married Hal Fowlkes and the two lived in St. Louis, MO, Dallas, TX, and New Orleans, LA before settling in Wiggins, MS, where they made their home until Hal’s death in 1968.  They were co-owners and partners in a farm equipment and home appliance business as well as a pecan farm and timber operation.

Mrs. Fowlkes moved to Bristol in 1991 and immediately became an active volunteer in numerous organizations in the region, including Respite Care at Central Presbyterian Church, Sullins Academy, and the Friends of the Washington County VA Library.  In 1994, she was named Volunteer of the Year by the Sullins Parent-Student Association for her work as a teacher’s aide for Linda Riley’s third grade class.  Her volunteer efforts continued well into the 86^th year of her life.  She was a member of Central Presbyterian Church and in 2005 had the distinction of being the only member of the congregation to have perfect attendance.  Throughout her life, she was an avid reader, splendid conversationalist, experienced international traveler, and exceptional cook, specializing in Deep South cuisine.

She was predeceased by her beloved Hal and is survived by three sons:  Tem Fowlkes of Biloxi, MS; Tom Fowlkes of Bristol, VA; and Dana Fowlkes of Chapel Hill, NC; daughters-in-law Susan Lord, Donna Fowlkes, Rachel Fowlkes and Sharon Myers; grandchildren Merrill Hoopengardner, John Fowlkes, Jenni Sullivan, Jill Fowlkes, Allison Fowlkes, and Joy Fowlkes; and five great-grandchildren including her newest, Ella Hoopengardner.  Her husband, three sons, grandson and one grandson-in-law are all Eagle Scouts.  Her life was richly blessed by long-time devoted caregivers Robin Chapman and Sheila Reynolds.  She also developed a long and lasting friendship with neighbors and friends from Pebble Creek Property Owners Association, Grand Court of Bristol, and Central Presbyterian Church.

The family of Doris Fowlkes will receive friends at Central Presbyterian Church in Bristol, VA, on Saturday, June 13, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. followed by a memorial service in the sanctuary of the church at 4:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to Central Presbyterian Church, 301 Euclid Avenue, Bristol, VA 24201; BSA Troop 222, c/o Abingdon United Methodist Church, 101 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA  24210; or the Stone County MS Education Foundation, PO Box 670, Wiggins, MS  39577.

Mr. Jimmy Cecil Artrip, age 70, passed away Sunday, June 7, 2009, at his home.  He was originally from Russell County, Virginia and had lived in Abingdon since 1990.  He was a coal miner and member of United Mine Workers of America.  Mr. Artrip was of the Freewill Baptist faith.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Elizabeth Artrip, and by his brother, Joe Artrip.

Survivors include his wife, Mary Alice Artrip; three sons:  Rick Artrip of Kingsport, TN; Tim Artrip and wife Denise of Pulaski, VA; and Mike Artrip and wife Reba of Cedar Bluff, VA; one daughter:  Selena Self and husband Danny of Bristol, VA; ten grandchildren:  Jimmy Artrip, Stephanie Artrip, Kelly Reed, Megan Artrip, Justin Artrip, Cory Artrip, Dakota Artrip, Nick Artrip, Rielly Self and Alicyn Self; two great-grandchildren:  Maddex Artrip and Emma Reed; three sisters:  Shirley Crabtree and husband Willis of Lebanon, VA; Peggy Hess and husband Gene of Honaker, VA; and Judy McGuire and husband Eddie of Bristol, VA; and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral service for Mr. Jimmy Artrip will be held at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, June 10, 2009, in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Claude Rose officiating.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home Wednesday from 6:00 p.m. until 7:45 p.m.  The graveside service and burial will be at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, June 11, 2009, at Russell Memorial Cemetery in Lebanon.  Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.  Those attending the graveside service may meet at the funeral home for a procession to the cemetery leaving at 1:15 p.m.

Mrs. Maye Randall Hill, 88, died Sunday, June 7, 2009 at Johnston Memorial Hospital.

            A memorial service will be conducted in July at the Emory Chapel, Emory & Henry College.  A complete obituary and service arrangements will be published at that time.

Amanda Catherine Booth, 69, died Tuesday, June 9, 2009 at Smyth County Community Hospital.  She was a lifelong resident of Washington County, a daughter of the late Herman and Ada Woodward.  She was of the Baptist faith and attended Trinity Baptist Church.  She was preceded in death by her husband, David Leo Booth, Sr.; 1 son, Daniel Lynn Booth; 1 brother, Jim Woodward; and 1 great granddaughter, Morgan Danielle Davenport.

            Her hobby was her family, especially her grandchildren and great grandchildren.  She also enjoyed playing the piano.

            She is survived by 2 sons, David Leo Booth, Jr. and wife Connie of Abingdon, and Timothy Scott Booth and wife Katrina of Abingdon; 1 daughter, Sandy Venable and husband Mark of Meadowview; 2 sisters, Helen Shortt and husband Havard of Emory, and Betty Crenshaw and husband Fred of Edgewood, MD; 3 grandchildren, Erik Davenport and wife  Missy, Jacob Booth, and Cody Whitt; 1 great granddaughter, Zoe Davenport; her mother-in-law, Estelle Booth of Abingdon; special friend, Bonnie Henley; and several nieces and nephews.

            The funeral service will be conducted Thursday, June 11, 2009 at 8:00 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with the Rev. Jerry Eggers and the Rev. Ronnie Blevins officiating.  The family will receive friends immediately prior to the service beginning at 6:00 p.m.

            The committal service will be held Friday, June 12, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in Mountain View Baptist Cemetery.  Those wishing to attend are asked to assemble at the funeral home for the funeral procession leaving at 10:30 a.m.

            Pallbearers will be James Bellamy, Freddie W. Hayter, Steve Helton, Blake Eades, John Yeatts, and Coy Cannon.  Honorary pallbearers will be Fred Crenshaw, Havard Shortt, Joy Hayter, and Deward Clear.

Anna Mae Trivette Fortner, 80, went to be with her Lord on June 10, 2009 in Bristol Nursing Home.

She was born November 9, 1928 to B. and Callie Ward Trivette. She grew up in Poga and Elizabethton, TN where she met and married her husband of 62 years, David C. Fortner. She was an active member of East Side Christian Church of Elzabethton. When she moved to Bristol she was an active member of West Hills Christian Church and Shakesville Church of Christ. She was a soloist in the church choir and was instrumental in starting the ladies group. She was employed by Bristol Nursing Home as activity director.

In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by a sister, Alberta Green, an infant grandson, and an infant great grandson, Lucas Snodgrass.

Survivors include her husband, David C. Fortner of Bristol Nursing Home, a son David E. Fortner and wife, Fran of Abingdon; two daughters, Connie Collins and husband, Joe of Apex, NC, and Janet Burnette of Bristol, VA; six granddaughters, Keresa Clark and husband, Tony of Bristol, VA, Rebecca Price and husband, Michael of Abingdon, Jenni Parker and husband, Chris of Raleigh, NC, Suzanne Necessary and husband, Jeff of Surfside Beach, SC, Amanda Snodgrass and husband, Brandon of Abingdon, and Amy Crabtree and husband, Bobby of Rougemont, NC; and eight great grandchildren.

Funeral services for Mrs. Fortner will be conducted at 3:00 P.M. Saturday, June 13, 2009 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Roger Phelps, Minister officiating. Entombment will follow in Colonial Chapel Mausoleum at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be grandsons-in-law, nephew, Jimmy Hendley, and brother-in-law, Ernie Fortner. Honorary Pallbearers will be Members of Shakesville Church of Christ and the Staff of Bristol Nursing Home. The family will receive friends at Farris Funeral Service for one hour prior to the service on Saturday.

 

 

Hester Elizabeth Jackson Galliher, 93, died Thursday, June 11, 2009 at Abingdon Manor. She was a lifelong resident of Washington County. She was born June 27, 1915 to the late Swanson and Bessie Simpson Jackson. She was preceded in death by her husband Floyd Galliher and her son Michael Galliher.

She is survived by one daughter, Pat Francisco and husband Bob of Marion, VA; two brothers Claude Jackson and wife Eleanor of Goose Creek, SC,  and Herbert Jackson and wife Gloria of Edge Water, FL; three grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service will be held on Monday, June 15, 2009 at 11 am at Knollkreg Memorial Park with Rev. Samuel Johnson officiating. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to assemble at the cemetery by 10:50 am.  In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to Hospice of Southwest Virginia, 301 East Valley Street, Abingdon, VA 24210.

 

 

Margaret Broyles Hogston, 87, passed away Monday, June 15, 2009 at her home in Glade Spring following a lengthy illness.

She was born March 2, 1922 in Glade Spring and was a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. J.A. Broyles. She retired from the Washington County School System after woking as manager of the cafeteria at Glade Spring Elementary School for many years. She was member of Byars-Cobb United Methodist Church in Glade Spring.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, Perry Hogston; sisters, Virginia Broyles, Ella Debusk, and Mildred Bunting; and brothers, Jim Broyles, Frank Broyles, and Jerry Broyles.

Survivors are her brother, William Broyles and wife, Ann of Glade Spring; her sister, Anne B. Ellis of Glade Spring; her sister-in-law, Catherine Broyles of Abingdon; four grandchildren, Derrick Hogston, Jason Hogston, Jarrod Hogston, and Olivia Hogston; one nephew, Danny Broyles; one niece, Karen Swiney; two great nieces, Dana Broyles, and Kelsey Swiney; her special friend for many years, Estell Beverly; and special caretaker, Sue Thomas.

The family would also like to especially thank Hospice of Southwest Virginia for their kindness during Margaret’s illness.

Funeral services for Margaret Broyles Hogston will be conducted at 4:00 P.M. Wednesday, June 17, 2009 in Byars-Cobb United Methodist Church in Glade Spring with the Rev. Paul T. Griffith officiating. Interment will follow in Old Glade Presbyterian Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Ed Thomas, Scotty Arnold, Jimmy Wallace, Richard Buchanan, Frank Darlington, and Danny Broyles. The family will receive friends at the church beginning at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday or at any time at the home, 228 Forest Hills Dr. Glade Spring, VA.

Mrs. Clifton Pauline Noonkester Smelser, age 90 passed away Monday, June 15, 2009 in the Valley Health Care Center, Chilhowie, VA.

Mrs. Smelser had lived most of her life in the Bristol area and was a charter member of West Hills Christian Church, Bristol, TN and a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Appalachia, VA.

She was preceded in death by her first husband, Monroe Arrants, her second husband, George F. Smelser, a daughter, Patricia Dover, a grandson, Mark Dover, brothers, John, Charles, Henry, Clarence, James and J. B. Noonkester, sisters, Beulah Dunn, Gertrude Watson and Susie Bowers.

She is survived by a daughter, Cathy Stephenson and husband Sam, Bristol, VA, a sister, Virginia Sprinkle and husband Jack, Bristol, VA, two grandchildren,  Christopher Dover, Bristol, TN, and Sean Dover, Suffolk,VA five great grandchildren and one great-great granddaughter, sisters-in-law, Pearl Noonkester, Bristol, TN and Hazel Noonkester, Kingsport, TN.

The funeral service will be conducted Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the Mountain View Mausoleum Chapel, Bristol, VA with Pastor Luke Martin officiating. Entombment will follow the service. Those attending the service are asked to assemble at the mausoleum chapel by 10:55 a.m. There will be no visitation in the funeral home.

A special thanks to the third floor staff and CNA’s at Valley Health Care Center for their loving care shown to Mrs. Smelser.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the West Hills Christian Church, 116 Elm Street, Bristol, TN 37620 or to the Midway Baptist Church, 21318 Old Dominion Rd., Bristol, VA 24202 or to the Euclid Avenue Baptist Church 900 Euclid Avenue, Bristol, VA 24201. 

 

Patricia Anne Mullins, 59, went to be with the Lord on Tuesday, June 16, 2009 in Johnston Memorial Hospital.

She was born September 4, 1949 in Front Royal, Virginia and was a daughter of the late Daniel B. and Madeline Margaret Wines Wiseman. Having previously been a resident of Washington County, Virginia, she and her husband, Garry have been back fourteen years since living in Maryland for a time. Patricia was a loving wife, mother, and grandmother and would always put the needs of her family before her own. She especially loved being a grandmother. She saw many beautiful things in her life and she enjoyed making many things nicer, whether she was decorating, gardening or doing other crafts. Most importantly, she was a devout Christian and member of Denton Valley Baptist Church.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 36 years, Garry Mullins; her daughter, Kelly Mullins of Virginia Beach, VA; and her sons, Wayne Mullins and wife, Sandra of Virginia Beach, VA; Danny Mullins and wife, Kimberly of Meadowview; and David Mullins of Meadowview. She also has five precious grandchildren; Amanda, Ethan, Logan, Christian, and Troy, who will deeply miss their grandmother.

Funeral services for Patricia Anne Mullins will be conducted at 7:00 P.M. Thursday, June 18, 2009 at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Pastor Tim Stevens officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 5:00 P.M. until 6:45 P.M. Thursday. A graveside service will be held on Friday, June 19, 2009 at 11:00 A.M. at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be men of Denton Valley Baptist Church.

Mr. Clyde Taulbee Combs, 83, affectionately known as “Big Daddy”, passed away on June 16, 2009 at Hospice House in Rock Hill, SC. He was born in Russell County on March 3, 1926 to the late Taulbee and Leona Combs.

Clyde married Irene Maxfield in 1945. He joined the U.S. Army during WW II, serving in the Philippines and the South Pacific. After being honorably discharged from the Army at the conclusion of the war, he worked for a short time for the Union Pacific Railroad in Wyoming. Clyde began his banking career in 1948 at the Bank of Damascus (later First VA Bank – Mountain Empire), rising to the level of CEO and President after many years of dedicated service. Clyde retired from First VA Bank in 1991 after 42 years of service. Since retiring, Clyde and Irene have lived in Damascus, VA, North Port, FL, and Rock Hill, SC. Clyde was preceded in death by his twin brother, Claude Combs.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Irene Maxfield Combs; one sister Theda White and husband Ralph; two children, Jimmy Combs and wife Gail, Joyce Wyatt and  husband Jim; five grandchildren, Shauna Sigmon and husband Matt, Summer Howdy and husband Trey, Amy Myers and husband Chris, Christy Goodnight and husband Jay, Greg Combs and wife Angela; sixteen great-grandchildren, Gabrielle, Grace, Caleb and Abraham Sigmon; Annabelle and Ward Howdy; Matthew, Emma, Abigail, and Hanna Myers; Jack, Nicholas, Madison and Luke Goodnight; Avery and Brady Combs.

The funeral service will be conducted Thursday, June 18, 2009 at 7:00 p.m. in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens (19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA) with Reverend Leonard Smith officiating. Entombment will follow in the Colonial Chapel Mausoleum.

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

The family will receive friends Thursday from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. in the funeral home.

The Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA is serving the Combs family.

 

Home Page     Our History     Our Staff     Current Services     Obituaries     Send Condolences     Request Information     Directions     Advanced Planning     Local Florists     Consumer Advocacy     Veterans Care     Grief Resources 

 

 

 

Ernest James Statzer   

Rev. Ernest James Statzer, 100, went to be with the Lord Wednesday, June 17, 2009 at his residence.  He had lived in Washington County since 1943, coming from Appalachia, Virginia.  He was a longtime minister of several United Methodist churches in Southwest Virginia and a member of Pleasant View United Methodist Church.  He was the former owner/operator of Statzer’s Cafeteria.

            He was preceded in death by his son Eddie Statzer; his adopted son Fred Mays; and his great grandson Kevin Smith.

            He is survived by his wife, Ruby Statzer; his daughter, Tena Stout and husband Jack of Abingdon; his granddaughter, Ellen Smith of Abingdon; 2 daughters-in-law, Velma Statzer of Abingdon, and Viola Mays of Las Vegas, NV; 3 grandsons, Tim Statzer and wife Anita of Wichita, KS, Jack Statzer and wife Sheila of Abingdon, and Joe Statzer and wife Vickie of Laurel Bloomery, TN; 1 great grandson, Aaron Statzer of Abingdon; 1 great granddaughter, Christy Brooks and husband Chris and great great grandson Kendal Brooks of Bristol, TN.

            The funeral service will be conducted Saturday, June 20, 2009 at 1:00 p.m. in the Chapel of Memories mausoleum on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens with the Rev. Jerry Eggers officiating.  There will be no visitation at the funeral home.

Carl Fields, 79, passed away Friday, June 19, 2009 in Wellmont Hospice House in Bristol, TN.

 

He was born August 19, 1929 in Washington County, VA and was a son of the late Robert M. and Ollie Gobble Fields. He had lived in Bristol, VA after retiring in 1994 but had previously lived and worked in Dante, VA for 10 years in the mines. Most of his working life was spent in Roanoke and Richmond, VA. He had attended Assembly of God Church in Bristol.

 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty Whitlow Fields, two sisters, Kay Harris and Bertie Sanders; and two brothers, Henry Fields and Dale Fields.

 

Survivors are his brothers, Robert Fields and David Fields; sister, Mary Lou Wise; his step mother, Bonnie Fields; and very dear friend, Mary Martin and Lonnie and Dianne Long.

 

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Monday, June 22, 2009 in the Knollkreg Memorial Park Mausoleum in Abingdon. Entombment will follow. Pallbearers will be Robert Allen Fields, Matt Fields, Bruce Atkins, Tony Bryan, Mark Bryan and Lonnie Long. The family will receive friends at Farris Funeral Service from 3:00 until 4:30 p.m. Sunday, and again from 7:00 until 8:30 p.m. Sunday.

 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele's Road, Bristol, TN 37620 (423) 844-5252 are preferred.

 

Dallas Devere Hutchinson, 77 years of age, died June 19, 2009.  He was born to Edgar Benton Hutchinson and Effie Belle Morrison Hutchinson on June 16, 1932, at Lookout in Pike County, Kentucky.  He lived most of his life in Buchanan County, Virginia.  He was the last surviving member of his family.  He had made his home in Bristol, Virginia, since 1977.

 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Genevieve Justice and Etta Veragayle Thomas, and eight brothers, Cecil Call, Cleo D., Edgel Amos, William Audrey, Edgar Benton, Jr., Robert Lorenzo, Wanson Ray, and Franklin Delano Hutchinson,.  He was also preceded in death by three nephews, Dewey David Thomas, Roger Allen Hutchinson, and Donald Hutchinson.

 

Dallas was a retired coal miner and served as International Teller for the United Mine Workers of America.  He worked at Island Creek Coal Corporation, a division of Beatrice Pocahontas at Keen Mountain, Virginia.  He was a UMWA executive for Local 1374 in Buchanan County.

 

He worked for Nello Teer Construction Company, which built the Rt. 495 expressways around Washington, D.C., and Baltimore, Maryland.  Dallas was commissioned as a Kentucky Colonel.  He was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge in Grundy, Virginia.

 

Dallas was baptized into the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.  He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.  He was known for his friendly nature and humble manner.

 

He is survived by his wife of 59 years, Delilah Ellen Smith Hutchinson; two sons, Wanson Devere Hutchinson and wife Sharon Lee McCoy Hutchinson, and Robbie Darin Hutchinson; two granddaughters, Amy Jocelyn and husband Billy Roberts, and Sara Kate Hutchinson; two grandsons, Jason Kirk Hutchinson and Shannon Luke Hutchinson and wife Rachael; one great-granddaughter and two great-grandsons, all of Bristol, Virginia, and Bristol, Tennessee.  He is also survived by four sisters-in-law and three brothers-in-law.

 

Funeral services for Mr. Dallas Devere Hutchinson will be conducted at 7:00 p.m. Monday, June 22, 2009 and at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 23, 2009 at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Interment will follow the service on Tuesday in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with nephews serving as pallbearers. The family will receive friends at the Forest Hills Chapel from 6:00 until 8:00 p.m. Sunday, June 21, 2009 and from 6:00 p.m. until 6:45 p.m. Monday, June 22, 2009. 

Vern Williams, 86, passed away Wednesday, June 24, 2009 at his residence.  He was born in Carter County, Tennessee and had lived most of his life in Washington County.  He was a member of the First Baptist Church in Damascus and loved his Sunday school class very much.

            He served his country proudly and with honor in the U. S. Navy during World War II.  While in the Navy, he was a featherweight boxing champion.  He was a retired fitter welder with Bristol Metals.  While employed there, he was very instrumental with the construction of the Bristol VA/TN sign on State Street. 

            He was a farmer that loved to garden and enjoyed going to the Farmer’s Market.  He was an avid reader that enjoyed reading Appalachian history.  He also loved his faithful Labrador retriever, Foxxy.

            He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Nannie L. Williams; and 2 sisters and 11 brothers.

            He is survived by his son, Vernie Williams and wife Sue of Meadowview; 4 daughters, Jane Day and husband Randall of Sparta, TN, Donna Fuller and husband Jimmy of Damascus, Suzanne McGlocklin of Bristol, VA, and Kim Parks of Bristol, VA.; 1 brother, Lester Williams of Londonberry, NH; 1 sister, Pauline Richardson of Grand Prairie, TX; 11 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

            The funeral service will be conducted Friday, June 26, 2009 at 6:30 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Pastor David Matlock officiating.  The family will receive friends immediately following the service.

            The committal service will be conducted Saturday, June 27, 2009 at 2:00 p.m. in the Greenfield Baptist Church Cemetery with Pastor Wayne Guinn officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the Highlands Veteran’s Honor Guard. 

            Those wishing to attend the committal service are asked to assemble at the cemetery.  Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.  Honorary pallbearers will be members of the First Baptist Church men’s Sunday school class.