Robert Lee Holmes, 70, passed away Thursday, October 2, 2008 at his home.

He was born September 25, 1938 in Russell County, Virginia a son of the late Leonard and Susie Goff Holmes. He had lived in North Carolina for 37 years until moving to Washington County 6 years ago. He served his country in the U.S. Army.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by eight brothers and two sisters. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Survivors are his wife, Agnes Venable Holmes; his daughter, Donna Holmes of the home; as well as several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service for Robert Holmes will be conducted at 1:00pm Saturday, October 4, 2008 at the Holston Conference Cemetery in Emory, Virginia with Pastor John E. Massey, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow. Those wishing to attend the committal are asked to assemble at the cemetery by 12:45pm. The family will receive friends at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm Friday.

Roy Lee Keith, 58, passed away Thursday, October 2, 2008 in Johnston Memorial Hospital.

He was born May 23, 1950 in Saltville, Virginia and was a son of the late Alvin Lee and Faye Marie Widener Keith. He was a lifelong resident of Smyth and Washington Counties and was a proud graduate of R.B. Worthy High School. He had been a Cub Scout Master for Pack #119 during the late 80’s and was a member of the Fire Brigade at American Furniture in Marion, Virginia. He was an active and lifetime member, and loved his work with the Glade Spring Volunteer Life Saving Crew as well as the Saltville Life Saving Crew years ago. He was a member of Galilean Baptist Church in Meadowview, Virginia.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Keith and brother-in-law, George Holley, Jr.

Survivors are his loving wife, Kathy Doss Keith; his sons, William “Billy” Keith of the home, and girlfriend Emily Franklin, and Mark Keith and fiancée, Lilly Wright of Saltville, Virginia; a brother, Ivan Keith and wife, Joyce of Saltville; three sisters, Elwanda Holley of Meadowview, Virginia, Hazel Porter and husband, Bob of Roanoke, Virginia, and Patricia Armstrong and husband, James of Rich Valley, Virginia; three granddaughters, Vella Marie, Maxine Amelia, and Zaylee Nikole Keith; and an extremely special Aunt and Uncle, Marvin and Audie Widener. Several nieces and nephews also survive.

Funeral Services for Roy Keith will be conducted at 8:00pm Saturday, October 4, 2008 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with the Rev. John Surber and the Rev. Charles Williams officiating. The family will receive friends after 6:00pm until time of the service on Saturday. A graveside service will be held at 4:00pm Sunday, October 5, 2008 in Elizabeth Cemetery in Saltville. Interment will follow. Pallbearers will be Chester Holley, Brad McNew, Larry Keith, Blaine Doss, Blake Doss, Jackie Doss, Jimmy Doss, Jed Owens, Ricky McNew, and Bob Porter. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Men of Glade Spring Volunteer Life Saving Crew, Brad Buchanan, Marvin Widener, and Dwayne Stanley. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to the Keith family are appreciated.

 

Robert Charles Kestner, Sr., age 78, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 5, 2008. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.

Mr. Kestner was preceded in death by his loving wife of 36 years Sylvia Jane Gates Kestner; his parents, Rev. Martin Luther Kestner and Mary Elizabeth McFadden Kestner; his brothers, Kermit and Cecil and his sisters, Lockie, Rachel, Roxie and Wanda.

He was a U. S. Army Veteran of the Korean War and  had retired from Burns Security after 25 years.

Survivors include his son Robert (Toby) Charles Kestner, Jr. and his wife Karen of Abingdon; his daughters, Lisa Kestner and Linda Frye  both of Meadowview; his grandchildren, whom he loved more than anything, Joey Fry, Josh Kestner, Jordon Kestner, Ashley Kestner, Jenni Kestner and Brandon Kestner; his brother James Kestner of Abingdon;  his sisters, Leona Sandoe and Viola Williams both of Bristol and Marie Little of Kentucky.

A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 P. M. Wednesday, October 8, 2008 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with  Dr. Steven Pollard and Brother Bob Spears officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Military graveside rites will be provided by the Highlands Fellowship Veteran’s Honor Color Guard.  The family will receive friends from 7:00 – 9:00 P. M. Tuesday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be  his  four grandsons Brandon Kestner, Joey Fry, Josh Kestner and Jordon Kestner and friends James Dougherty and Jeff Jackson. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Gates, Joseph Canter, Jesse Blevins and  Joe Fry.  Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes , 1701 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311.

Saundra “Sonny” Louise Bailey died October 1, 2008 after a lengthy illness.

She was born December 28, 1961 and was preceded in death by her husband, Sean Comerford and one grandson, Jayden.

Surviving is one son, Trevor Jackson Comerford and a daughter, Mackenzie Elise Ridsdale, her parents, Ron K. and Eileen M. Bailey of Abingdon, VA, two sisters, Lizbeth Phillips and husband, Curtis, Abingdon, VA, Lianna Lawson, Jonesboro, TN, several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends too numerous to count and special friends who helped and encouraged us all. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may donate to their favorite charity. Thank you.

Private services were held in Stuart, Florida.

 

Mrs. Ruth McVey Dunn, age 80, passed away on Friday, October 17, 2008, at her home.

Ruth was a well known resident of Glade Spring. She enjoyed traveling and working crossword puzzles. She was preceded in death by her husband Jim Dunn; daughter, Cindy Dunn Mattox; sisters, Bonnie Eades, Sarah O’Dell, Claire McCracken; Brothers, Ray McVey, Sam McVey, Richard McVey, Clyde McVey; son-in-laws, Jimmy Boardwine and Perry Hogston.

She is survived by one son, Billy Dunn, Meadowview, VA; five daughters, Linda Boardwine, Meadowview, VA, Susan Hogston, Emory, VA, Kathy Tate and husband Blaine, Abingdon, VA, Monica Perkins and husband Jackie, Cleveland, VA, Pamela Morphew and husband Ernie, Lincolnton, NC; step-children, Betty Heath and husband Tommy, Hickory, NC, Judy Hull and husband Frank, Marion, VA, James Dunn and wife Angela, Saltville, VA; one brother Louis McVey and wife Carolyn, Meadowview, VA; ten grandchildren, one great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.

A graveside service for Mrs. Ruth Dunn will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2008, at 2 pm at the Mt. View Baptist Cemetery with Pastor Bob Neace and Pastor Tommy Wilson officiating. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to assemble at the cemetery by 1:50 pm. Pallbearers will be Gary McVey, Billy Dunn, Christopher Cook, Jeremy Cook, Travis Boardwine and Jared Hogston. The family would like to express special thanks to caregivers, Carrie Trent, Rita McVey and Hospice of Southwest Virginia. In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorial contributions be made to either the American Cancer Society, PO Box 246, Abingdon, VA 24212 or the American Heart Association, 208 Sunset Drive, Suite 113, Johnson City, TN 37604.

Arthur Floyd Morrison, 91, died at his residence on Saturday, October 18, 2008 after an extended illness. He was the youngest of three children born to Mamie and Fletcher Morrison in Inverness, Florida on April 8, 1917 (Easter Sunday). He came to Bristol as a young adult from Asheville, NC. In addition to his parents, Mr. Morrison was preceded in death by his two sisters Lila Morrison and Lucille Currence. After 45 years in sales and management, Mr. Morrison retired from Enterprise Fabricators and in 1977 founded the Morrison School for Learning Disabled Students where he remained as Administrator until recently. He was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Bristol Virginia for 40 years and in the latter years attended First Baptist Church of Bristol.

 

Throughout his life, Mr. Morrison was devoted to the service of others. Through his extensive civic, Church and other community service work in the region as well as the dedication of his last 31 years to his beloved Morrison School, he has made a significant contribution to this community. Bristol is, indeed, a good place to live and Mr. Morrison is one of those who helped make it so. Mr. Morrison was also a loving and devoted father, and of all his accomplishments he considered his children as his greatest contribution to society.

 

Survivors include his wife, Sharon to whom he was deeply devoted; his daughter Susan Delong, granddaughter Elizabeth Finneran and great granddaughter Abigail of Greensboro, NC; his daughter Bambi Berry and her husband Robert of Rome, GA and their children Lowry and Natalie; his son James Fletcher Morrison, II and his wife Cathy of Knoxville, TN and their children James Fletcher Morrison III, Jessica, Jared and Graff. Great grandchildren also include Hadley, Reid, Lydia and Veronica. Mr. Morrison is also survived by his nephew Richard Currence and great grandnephews Richard and John of New Orleans, LA, his mother-in-law Nell Lambert, brother-in-law Larry Greer, aunt-in-law June Bradley and cousin Karen Cook all of Bristol, and his most loving and devoted friends Linda Semones of Roanoke and Linda Barker of Bristol.

 

The many expressions of love and concern were greatly uplifting to Mr. Morrison and brought much pleasure and contentment during this difficult time of his life. He and the family are so very grateful. Mr. Morrison was richly blessed with a quality of care during the last years of his illness that he has said made being sick a ‘pretty good thing.’ Deep and eternal gratitude is expressed to Linda Barker for providing the extraordinary love, the greatest comfort possible, the fun and happy times that made these last years so worthwhile. Her genuine love, kind and gentle manner, infinite energy and patience and untiring commitment to Mr. Morrison’s care were awe inspiring and a wonderful lesson to us all.

 

Appreciation is also extended to other dedicated health care providers during Mr. Morrison’s illness including Donna White, Larry Greer, Robert Roberts, Sharon Taylor, Drs. Lacyoni Moraes and Shannon Finch and Intrepid and Wellmont Hospice workers as well as dear friends Beverly Bowers, Mary Margaret Herzog, Roger Barker, Nancy Snead, and Jerry and Debbie Powers. Special thanks go to the staff and parents of Morrison School for their patience and understanding during Mr. Morrison’s illness and need for care and their continual show of support and care. Most special thanks go to the students at Morrison School for their demonstration of love and appreciation for this kind, gentle and caring man. Their many handmade cards, written messages and fun visits over the last several years brought many smiles and much pleasure to Mr. Morrison. They made a very positive difference during his illness.

 

According to Mr. Morrison’s wishes he will be cremated and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 4 pm, at the First Baptist Church, 1 Virginia Street, Bristol, VA, with Dr. David Stancil and Rev. Ellie Scofield officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Morrison School Endowment Fund, 139 Terrace Drive, Bristol, VA 24202, First Baptist Church or a charity of choice.

George Marshall Mumpower passed away Sunday, October 19, 2008.

He was born April 21, 1950 in Washington County, VA.  He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Robert Lee and Mandi Marie Mumpower and his grandparents, William and Lula Mae Dollar and Jake and Rowena Mumpower. 

He is survived by two brothers, Larry T. Mumpower, Bristol, VA, William “Bill” Mumpower, Damascus, VA, three sisters, Rowena “Kate” Yancy, Blairsville, GA, Francis Rosalee Sells, Greenville, TN, Vivian Hattie Nelson, Kingsport, TN, several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Free Pentecostal Assembly, c/o Rev. Paul Stanley, 18410 Astor Road, Abingdon, VA 24210.

The family would like to thank the staff at the Renaissance House for their kindness and care shown to George. 

At George’s request, there will be no visitation or service.

For further information, you may contact Larry Mumpower at 276-623-8311.

Mrs. Mabel A. Farmer went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, October 20, 2008.

She was born the youngest daughter of William Harve and Lular Miller Farmer on January 6, 1911 in Hemlock, North Carolina

She moved to West Virginia when she was married. Mrs. Farmer worked for Ritter Lumber Co., Red Jacket Coal Corporation, and Island Creek Coal Company as Club House Manager at Madison, Coal Mountain, and Bartley, West Virginia. She was a charter member of the Coal Mountain Church of Christ and later in Bartley, she attended the Community Church where she taught Sunday School. Upon her return to Virginia in later years, she attended Cedar Bluff Methodist Church and worked at Highlands for a short time and took care of her parents.

She was a wonderful Mother and will be greatly missed. Mrs. Farmer was an excellent cook and was known for her delicious pies and gracious hospitality. She loved the outdoors and working with her flowers.

She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Mrs. Eula Anderson of Damascus, and Mrs. Clara Daugherty of Hemlock, North Carolina; and two brothers, Stan Farmer and Ernest Farmer of Damascus.

She is survived by her daughter Joy Bowman and husband, Don of the 4-H Lake Road in Daniels, West Virginia, and by many nephews and nieces. Among them are, Roger Farmer and wife, Carrie of Blountville, Tennessee, Ryan Farmer of Alvarado Road, Virginia, Jim Farmer and wife, Janet of Alvarado Road, Virginia, Donald Farmer and wife, Angie of Damascus, Virginia, Ana Lusk and husband, Joe of Gaps Mill, West Virginia, Iris Edwards and husband, Jerry of Meadowview, Virginia, Paulette Blankenship and husband, Jim of Clear Fork, West Virginia, Virginia Adamson and husband, Greg of Warsaw, Indiana, Patricia Bebber and husband, Rick of Hickory, North Carolina, Wade Farmer and wife, Marina of Damascus, Virginia, Sharon St. Rita and husband, Sam of Butler, Tennessee, and Karen Jones and husband, Ray of Rich Hill, North Carolina.

Funeral services for Mrs. Farmer will be conducted at 11:00am Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Stephen Richardson officiating. Interment will follow in the Zion Church Cemetery near Damascus. Pallbearers will be Wade Farmer, Donald Farmer, Roger Farmer, Ryan Farmer, Jim Farmer, and Jason Bebber. Friends may call at Farris Funeral Service in Abingdon from 10:30am until the time of the service on Wednesday.

Timothy E. Anderson, age 49, went home to be with the Lord on October 24, 2008.

He was born in Radford, Virginia and lived most of his life in Washington County. After his high school graduation, Tim served 8 years in the United States Navy. He was incredibly talented in music and played the organ in his church. He enjoyed playing video games, and he loved spending time with children and older people.  He was baptized at Valley Street Baptist Church.

He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Regina Johnson Anderson; his father, Edward R. Anderson, Jr.; and his brother Garnett Anderson.

He is survived by his daughter, Angela Kaye Anderson, Orange Park, FL; his mother, Eugenia Anderson, Randallstown, MD; three brothers, Charles Anderson, Roanoke, VA; Melvin Anderson and wife Mary, Glade Spring, VA;  and Vincent Anderson, Abingdon, VA; one sister, Vicky Anderson, Randallstown, MD; two grandchildren, Miannah Monae Jackson and Ameia Denise Jackson, both of Orange Park, FL; two aunts, Georgia English and husband Robert and Elrica Parker and husband John; one uncle Paul Snell and wife Julie; three great-aunts Bobbie Flynn, Lorraine Wyms, and Anna Bell Wyms; several nieces and nephew; his special friend Patricia Foster of Emory, VA; and brother-in-law Mike Johnson of AL.

Funeral services for Timothy Anderson will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2008, at 2 pm at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, with Rev. William Weldon officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 from 7-9 pm at the funeral home.

William “Bill” Louis Stroup, 59, passed away Sunday, October 26, 2008.

He was born in Washington County, Virginia and was the son of the late Arthur and Roxie McCracken Stroup. He was a lifelong resident of Meadowview and was an Independent Truck Driver and had driven a truck for over 40 years. He was a member of Greenfield Baptist Church in Meadowview.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Silas McCracken.

Survivors are his wife, Betty Fields Stroup; two sons, Greg Stroup of Meadowview, and Steve Powers and wife, Lora of Meadowview; a daughter, Sarah Laduca of the home; a brother, Tommy Stroup and wife, Tootie of Saltville; grandchildren, Stephanie and Anthony Powers; and lifelong friends, Bobby Raby and Jerry Sheets.

Funeral services for William Stroup will be conducted at 8:00 pm Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Abingdon with Pastor Brian Treadway and Pastor Thomas Capron officiating.  Committal services will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, October 29 in the Greenfield Baptist Church Cemetery in Meadowview. To go in procession to the cemetery, those who wish may meet at Farris Funeral Service at 1:00 pm Wednesday. Pallbearers will be Bobby Raby, Jerry Sheets, Bill Neese, Rick Widener, Joe Blackwell, and Elmer Baldwin.

The family will receive friends at Emmanuel Baptist Church from 6:00pm until the time of the service Tuesday.

Mrs. Hazel Dell Reed, age 85 passed away Sunday, October 26, 2008 in the Greystone Health Care Center, Blountville, TN.

She was a lifelong resident of Washington County, VA and was preceded in death by her  husband, Marion Reed and a brother, John Rosenbaum.

Survivors include three sons, Issac Reed of Rocky Mount, VA; Junior Reed and Robert Reed, both of Greensboro, NC; four daughters, Virgie Thomas of Chilhowie, VA; Cordelia Reynolds of Greensboro, NC; Lula Arnold of Bristol, TN; and Vivian Canter of Roanoke, VA; a special friend, Elsie Carr of Abingdon, VA; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel with Pastor Roger Ball officiating.  The family will receive friends Tuesday from 5:00 p.m. – 7:45 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.

Interment will be conducted Wednesday, October 29, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in the Bethel Presbyterian Cemetery.  Those attending are invited to assemble at the funeral home by 10:30 a.m. for the procession to the cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Frankie Canter, Kermit Thomas, Jr., Dwayne Campbell, Tommy Arnold, Dennis Canter, Jr., and Jimmy Reynolds.

Pauline Hester McCray Jackson, age 81 passed away on Tuesday, October 28, 2008 in the Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion, VA.

Born on October 9, 1927 in Washington County, Virginia, Pauline was a daughter of the late Dale McCray and Ruby Johnson McCray. She was also preceded in death by her husband William L. Jackson, her daughter, Teresa Griffey  and her brothers James McCray and Charles McCray.  Before her illness, she attended the Lighthouse Baptist Church in Saltville, VA.

Survivors include her daughters, Brenda Jackson  and Carolyn Call and husband David all of Chilhowie, VA; her sons, Charles Jackson and wife Jackie and Eddie Jackson and wife Joy all of Meadowview, VA; her brother, Garnett McCray of Ocala, FL; her sisters, Hassie Webb of Abingdon and Edith Sanders of Melbourne, FL; several grandchildren and great grandchildren as well as several nieces and nephews.  

A funeral service will be conducted at 8:00 A. M. Thursday, October 30, 2008 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Pastor Benny Frye officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 -7:45 P. M. prior to the service on Thursday.  The committal and burial service will be conducted at 11:00 A. M. Friday at the graveside in Knollkreg Memorial Park in Abingdon. A procession will leave at 10:45 A.M. Friday going to the cemetery. Pallbearers will be selected from family and friends.

Lorraine Conley, age 68 passed away Sunday, October 26, 2008 in the Johnston Memorial Hospital.

There are no known surviving family members.

A graveside service will be conducted Thursday, October 30, 2008 at 11:00 a.m. in Forest Hills Memory Gardens.

Gregory “Greg” Alex Cole, 55, passed away October 27, 2008 in Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, Tennessee.

He was born October 3, 1953 in Washington County, Virginia and was a son of the late William A. “Bill” and Lillian Nadine Musick Cole. He was a lifelong resident of Washington County and Bristol. Greg was a Graduate of John Battle High School Class of 1972 and had graduated from Virginia Highlands Community College and East Tennessee State University in 1977.  He was a member of the national honor society for Boy Scouts of America called the Order of the Arrow and had served his country with the Army National Guard and later with the U.S. Army Reserves. He had worked with Holbrook Surveyors in Bristol and Cole Nurseries and was on the planning committee that helped establish 911 Emergency Services in Washington County. Greg was a collector of military memorabilia and was an avid outdoorsman who loved to hike and camp. He will be missed by all who knew him.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Willard L. and Vennie Kiser Musick, and paternal grandparents, Arthur and Pauline Stark Cole.

Survivors are his wife, Betsie Anderson Cole; Sisters-in-law, Anna Jo Mesler and husband, Bill of King, North Carolina, Ouida Sexton of Kingsport, Tennessee, and Anita Pierce and husband, Ed of Kingsport; Brother-in-law, Cleve Anderson and wife, Becky of Kingsport; Aunts, Ace Lester and husband, Jim of Bristol, Tennessee, and Joyce Cole of Bristol, Virginia; Uncles, Clyde Cole of Bristol, Virginia, and Dan Cole of Roanoke, Virginia. Numerous Nieces, Nephews, and Cousins also survive.

A celebration of the life of Greg Cole will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2008 at 3:00pm at Suburban Christian Church, 20290 Wood Howell Road, in Bristol, Virginia with the Minister Richard Panell officiating. Family and Friends are welcome to gather and share fond and fun memories of Greg. Those wishing to attend are asked to meet at the church on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made as memorial contributions to either, Suburban Christian Church, Haven of Rest Ministries, 624 Anderson Street, Bristol, Tennessee 37621, or the American Diabetes Association, PO Box 11454, Alexandria, Virginia 22312.