James Elbert Vannoy

Glade Spring, Va. James Elbert Vannoy 7/28/1942 – 10/5/2015 James Elbert Vannoy of Glade Spring, Va., passed away unexpectedly at his home on the 5th of October 2015. He was preceded in death by his parents, John Franklin Vannoy and Della Heath Vannoy; his son, Timothy Brian Vannoy; brothers, John Vannoy, Jr., Frank Vannoy, George Vannoy, Jack Vannoy, and Billy Vannoy; and sisters, Betty Jo McKaughan, Louise Hamm, and Etta Mae Havens. He was retired from Bonham Oil Company in Glade Spring, where he spent countless winter nights keeping the heat on for folks in the area, all the while giving two young brothers the time of their lives riding shotgun. He never met a joke he couldn’t top, a tall tale he couldn’t make taller, or a stranger he didn’t tell one of the two. He shared stories, memories, and unsolicited advice…”If he was you,” he’d have done whatever you just did differently…and God help you if he was right. He is survived by his sisters, Mary Dunn (Harold) of Glade Spring, Sue Anne Tuell of Dalton, Ga., Becky Dunn of Abingdon, Va., and Roberta Vannoy of Bristol, Va.; son Gregory Wayne Vannoy and “grand-dog “ Rusty, both of Meadowview, Va. (If you’re so inclined, please bring Rusty some chicken nuggets…Greg doesn’t feed him enough.) He loved his family, his dog, and his faith, and his memory will linger long after it’s worn. Visitation/Tall Tale-telling will be Thursday, October 8, 2015, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service in Abingdon, Va., with a memorial service to follow. Those wishing to share memories and express sympathy online may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The Vannoy family is in the care of Farris Funeral Service and Crematory, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 (276-623-2700).