Obituaries for May 24, 2024

Lois Stamper Billings

Lois Stamper Billings, 73, died Monday, May 20, 2024, at her home in Marion.

Billings was born in 1950 to the late James and Eleanor Davidson. She was a natural caregiver and worked as a PCA taking care of many in our community. When she wasn’t working, she enjoyed gardening and tending to her flowers, going to flea markets and yard sales, and collecting gnomes. She liked listening to music, with Elvis and Culture Club being two of her favorites. Above all, Billings loved her family – especially her grandchildren, and they will miss her caring and loving way.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Carl “Gene” Billings; grandson, Christopher Stiltner; great-grandson, Aiden Little.

She is survived by her daughters, Angela Harris (Johnny) of Saltville, Susan Stiltner (William Havens) of Glade Spring and Amy Buchanan of Marion; sons Jerry Stamper Jr. of Haysi and David Stamper (Jennifer) of Chilhowie; sister, Barbara Herzig (Tommy) of Front Royal, Virginia; brother, Albert Wayne Davidson of Marion; 18 grandchildren, Brittany Hagy, Andy Harris, Austin Harris, Lindsay Stiltner, Brady Stiltner and Christian Stiltner, Jade Stamper, Nevaeh Stamper, Danielle Stamper, Shane Buchanan (Kelsey), Tommy Buchanan, Alexis Buchanan, Kayleigh Buchanan, Aiden Puckett, Austin Stamper and Amethyst Workman; six great-grandchildren, Noah, Willow, Eloise “Ellie”, Brooklyn, Hadley and Vincent; several nieces and nephews and their families; special friend, Janie George; and a host of many more friends.

Burial was at Mount Pleasant Union Church Cemetery, Saltville.

To share memories of Lois Stamper Billings, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.

Brenda Joyce Johnson Blevins

Brenda Joyce Johnson Blevins, 80, Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at her home in Chilhowie.

Blevins was born in Seven Mile Ford to the late Lewis Britton Johnson and Lora Ellen Heath Osborne Johnson and was preceded in death by her infant daughter, Candace Marie Blevins; brothers Jack Osborne, Ed Johnson, Charles Johnson, LB Johnson and Norman Johnson; sisters, Ellen Greenwood and Janie Ross; son-in-law, Darrell Wolfe; and granddaughter, Stormie Wolfe.

She was a graduate of Chilhowie High School, Marion Business College, and carried the mail for 37 years. She was lovingly known as Wifey, Momma, Mommaw, Grammie, Aunt, Friend, and the Mailman.

Survivors include her husband of 56 years, James Ralph Blevins; son Curtis Johnson; daughters Nanette Davis and husband, Billy, and Kristi Wolfe; grandchildren, Jamie Davis and Megan, Jonathan Davis and Tonya, Michael Davis and Alicia, Matt Davis, Summer Wolfe, Joseph Wolfe and Landon Johnson; great-grandchildren Faith, Grayson, Keagan, Asher, Coleman, Lincoln, Brenley, Emmett, Jordan, Natalia, Chloe, Xander, Braydon, Serenity, Aubrey, Zoey, Saylem and Kamden; and a slew of nieces and nephews that she loved as her own.

Private funeral services and burial will be held Friday May 24. A Celebration of Life service will be held on Sunday May 26, between 3 and 5 p.m. at Chilhowie Christian Church. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Judes Children’s Research Hospital at stjude.org. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie is serving the Blevins family.

Christian Lee Damron

Christian Lee Damron, 24, died Monday, May 20, 2024, at home.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Larry Riggins Sr.

Damron is survived by his parents, Jason and Amanda Damron; sister, Haleigh Damron; brother, Noah Damron, all of Rural Retreat; paternal grandparents, Lori and Phillip Bennett; and maternal grandmother, Linda Riggins.

Family will receive friends Saturday, May 25, from 4 until 5 p.m. at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Chapel, 237 East Main Street, Marion.

To share memories of Christian Lee Damron please visit www.seaverbrown.com.

Howard Clarence “Pete” Dunford

Howard Clarence “Pete” Dunford, 91, of Max Meadows died Sunday, May 19, 2024.

He was born Aug. 19, 1932 in Wythe County, the son of the late Ellis P. and Luella Akers Dunford. He was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Bailey M. Dunford; a daughter-in-law, Belisa Dunford and ten siblings. Dunford attended St. Paul Pentecostal Holiness Church.

Survivors include his wife, Faye Dunford; five sons and daughters-in-law, Donald Ray and Carolyn Dunford of Max Meadows, Dennis L. Dunford of Max Meadows, Curtis and Jenny Dunford of Piney, Paul S. Dunford of Pulaski and James Keith and Pearl Dunford of Pulaski; 10 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and many extended family and close friends.

Burial was in St. Paul Church Cemetery.

Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, is serving the Dunford family.

Gladys Dillow Epperson

Gladys Dillow Epperson, 76, of Wytheville died Thursday, May 23, 2024.

She was the daughter of the late Estel A. and Myrtle Pauley Dillow she was preceded in death her son, Charles Epperson.

Epperson is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Bobby and Susan Epperson of Max Meadows, Billy and Kristin Epperson of Wytheville, Marvin “Dougie” and Brooke Cox of Pulaski; sisters and brothers-in-law, Brenda and Andy Cuff of Bland, Connie and Mike DeWilde of Bland and Debbie Blankenship of Wytheville; brother, Donnie Ray Dillow of Bland; seven grandchildren; a great-grandchild; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Sunday, May 26, at Grubb Funeral Home Chapel conducted by the Rev. Danny Helmondollar, with interment to follow in Bethany Lutheran Cemetery. The family will receive friends Sunday, May 26, from 1 p.m. until service time. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Carolyn Fay Gilbert

Carolyn Fay Gilbert, 56, died Saturday, May 18, 2024.

Gilbert was a one-of-a-kind, headstrong and stubborn mule with a beautiful crazy personality. There was never a dull moment and her stories can vouch for that. She was so selfless that she would forget her problems to fix someone else’s. If there was one thing you knew for certain, you weren’t going to win an argument with her; and it didn’t matter if you were a stranger, she would tell you what was on her mind. She was a CNA for several years taking care of others as she did her entire life being a mother to many. Carolyn loved crossword puzzles, keeping an immaculate home, camping, swimming and church. There is a comfort that her daily talks with Jesus are now face with face.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Hiram and Bretta Gilbert; sisters, Karen Gilbert and Catherine Mullins; brother, Bill Gross.

Surviving are her daughter, Candy Gilbert; son, Matthew Gilbert (Catie); step–children, Sherman “Mus” Stumbo, Michael Spears, Jessica Spears and Michelle Spears; brother Junior Gross; Nevaeh Gilbert, Rayven Diggs, Temperance Hayslette, Dajwan Diggs, Gabriel Hayslette, Isiah (ike) Hayslette; nieces, Flora, Nickey, Amanda, Stephanie, Katie Short, Leann; nephews, Joey, Mickey, David, Little David, Zackery and a host of many other beloved family; her two special cowboys, Ethan Jones and Dale Jones; many babies not by blood but out of a heart of love.

A Memorial Service to honor her life will be held Friday, May 24, at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Chapel beginning at 6 p.m.

To share memories of Carolyn Fay Gilbert, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.

Mary Kathleen Gilley

Mary Kathleen Gilley, 83, died peacefully at her home on Wednesday, May 22, 2024.

Gilley was born on May 3, 1941, in Smyth County. She dedicated 24 years of her career to working in the cafeteria at Marion Senior High School. her greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who meant the world to her. She loved traveling and never missed a chance to watch any sports they participated in. As an outstanding mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she will be profoundly missed by all her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents William Lee Hampton and Lela Nora Morris Hampton; her husband Gale Rex Gilley; son Earnest Gilley; granddaughter Erin Puckett Breedlove; and several brothers and sisters.

Gilley is survived by her two daughters, Kimberly Gail Breedlove and Kathy Aker and husband, John; grandchildren Jeremy Breedlove, Marcus DeBord and April Ellis and husband, Steven; great-grandchildren Fisher Breedlove, Madie Breedlove, Forest DeBord, Jaxon DeBord and Caden Ellis; sister Francis Lorraine Heath and husband, Claude; and several nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m., Friday, May 24, from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion with the Revs. Otis Barker and Dennis Eller officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., on Friday at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday at South Fork Baptist Church Cemetery. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. for the procession to the cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Gilley Family.

Danny Wade Groseclose

Danny Wade Groseclose, 75, of Huddle community died.

He was born in Wythe County on Oct. 10, 1948, to the late Earnest Clinton and Marie Spraker Groseclose. He was a lifetime dairy farmer, avid Atlanta Braves Fan and a veteran having served in the United States Air Force. He was preceded in death by his wife Sharon Lyons Groseclose.

Survivors include his two brothers and sister-in-law, D. Mike and Wanda Groseclose of Wytheville and Craig Groseclose of Wytheville; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Bill and Janet Lyons of Rural Retreat; sister-in-law, Michelle Groseclose of Ivanhoe; niece and husband, Carrie and Chris Umberger of Rural Retreat; nephew, Nathan Groseclose of Ivanhoe; several nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews; and the Breakfast Club.

A graveside service will be held 10 a.m. Friday, May 24, at Virginia Veteran’s Cemetery 5550 Bagging Plant Road – Dublin, VA 24084 with the Rev. Eddie Fry officiating. There will be no visitation. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Huddle Memorial United Methodist Church c/o Teresa Akers 1489 Old School Road Wytheville, VA 24382. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com

The Groseclose family is in the care of Grubb Funeral Home.

John Harvey Grubb Jr.

John Harvey Grubb Jr., 83, of Marion died Monday, May 20, 2024, at Bristol Regional Medical Center, Bristol, Tennessee.

Grubb was born in 1940 to John H. Grubb Sr. and Doris Painter Grubb. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant sister, and his eldest son, John Grubb III.

Grubb is survived by his wife of 62 years, Nancy P. Grubb of Marion; children, Diane Long and husband, Kenny, of Abingdon and Kevin Grubb of Fort Chiswell; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

Grubb died after suffering from serious illness. He was a Christian man whose life is being celebrated by family and friends knowing that he is with Jesus Christ. Grubb was a graduate of Rural Retreat High School and attended Emory & Henry College where he played four varsity sports. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and playing golf with family and friends, creating many fond memories. His greatest contribution to society came from his many years spent serving the public. His career as follows: 20 years as Virginia State Trooper, 8 ½ years Chief of Police – Town of Marion, elected Sheriff of Smyth County in 1991; retired in 1996 after 32 ½ years spent in law enforcement; appointed by Gov. George Allen to the VA Science Services Board, and later to the Comm. Trans. Board, serving over a decade. He had enjoyment in knowing that he had helped to make his community and country a better place. He took pride in the young officers that he helped mentor and train, who have made positive impacts through the decades.

Family will receive friends Sunday, May 26, from 3 until 5 p.m. at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 5 p.m. with the Rev. Emmitt Wilson officiating. Graveside services will be held Tuesday, May 28, at 11 a.m. at Rose Lawn Cemetery, 4410 Lee Highway, Marion.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in John’s name to your local church, or the American Lung Association, National Direct Response, PO Box 756, Osceola WI 54020-0756 or online at www.lung.org.

To share memories of John Harvey Grubb, Jr. please visit www.seaverbrown.com.

Harold R. Mabe

Harold R. Mabe, 86, died Sunday, May 19, 2024, at Abingdon Health & Rehab.

Mabe was born in Burke County, North Carolina, on June 2, 1937, to Carl and Cleota Mabe (nee Abernathy). He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Carl L. Mabe Jr.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty Powell Mabe of Abingdon.; daughter, Cynthia Mabe Goodrich (Kenneth) of King, North Carolina; granddaughter, Amanda Leigh Goodrich Robertson (Michael) of Pfafftown, North Carolina; great-grandson, Parker Blaine Robertson of Pfafftown; sister-in-law, Marjorie P. Akers (William); and several beloved nieces, nephews, cousins and their families.

Mabe was the valedictorian of Glenn Alpine High School’s Class of 1955. He furthered his education at NC State University in Raleigh where he received his bachelor’s degree in engineering in 1962. He retired at the age of 60 after 40 years of employment with Brunswick Defense as a Mechanical Engineer.

An engineer by trade and at heart, Mabe took great joy in finding the precise solution to many of life’s puzzles. He could often be found deciphering the jumble or cracking the Cryptoquote in the daily newspaper, calculating the perfect distance between place settings to fit the entire family around the dinner table, and even determining just the right angles to make a perfect slice of pie.

Mabe had a passion and a talent for card games. An avid bridge player, he was a member of the Duplicate Bridge Club in Marion for 49 years. Mabe was also a skilled poker player and participated in numerous World Series of Poker events in Cherokee, North Carolina, and Tunica, Mississippi, during his retirement. In his younger years, Mabe also enjoyed playing golf, bowling and traveling.

Mabe will be remembered by those close to him for his quick wit and his keen sense of humor; for the delight he took in a good meal shared with his loved ones; and for his delicious and meticulously-crafted coffee milkshakes, through which he turned his love of food into an act of love for those around him. He will be remembered for his good character, his kindness, and his warm, welcoming smile. He will be immensely missed by his family and friends who loved him dearly.

Immediate family will hold a Celebration of Life at a later date.

To share memories of Harold Mabe, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.

Richard Allen Murphey

Richard Allen Murphey, 72, died Thursday, May 16, 2024, at Johnston Memorial Hospital, Abingdon.

Murphey was a veteran of the U.S. Army.

Services will be private.

To share memories of Richard Allen Murphey, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.

Ruby Jean Olinger

Ruby Jean Olinger, 90, died Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon.

Olingerwas born in Broadford to the late John and Carrie Olinger. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her daughter, Lori Ann Olinger; her brothers, Charles Olinger, John Olinger, and Donald Olinger; and her sisters, Betty Jernigan, Dorothy Clear, and Mary Emma Carter.

Olinger was a devoted caregiver to her family, always prioritizing their needs above her own and being available whenever they needed her. She played a crucial role in raising her four grandsons, taking immense pride in watching them grow and play football over the years. She also enjoyed sewing and watching her favorite game shows in her spare time.

She is survived by four grandsons, Jonathan Turley, Brennan Turley, Nathan Godsey and Josh Godsey; brother Sgt. Maj.(RET) Robert Olinger; sisters Shirley Olinger and husband, Ern, Polly Sue Woodard and husband, Ken, Brenda Hancock, and Carol Davis; great-grandchildren Gracie, Mason, Callie Jo, Adaleen and Skylie; brother-in-law Jim Carter; sister-in-law Clattie Olinger; numerous nieces, nephews, and a special friend Susie Armstrong.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m., Friday, May 24, from the Bradley’s Funeral Chapel in Chilhowie. Graveside funeral services will be held at noon on Saturday, May 25, at Ridgedale UMC Cemetery in Rich Valley. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie is serving the Olinger Family.

Mary Stevens

Mary Stevens, 90, died Wednesday May 22, 2024, at the Valley Health Care Center in Chilhowie.

Roger Dale “Rabbit” Tilson

Roger Dale “Rabbit” Tilson died Wednesday, May 22, 2024, at his home on Scratch Gravel in Marion.

Tilson was very loved by his community. He was a loving and kindhearted person that everyone loved. He never met a stranger. He always said speak to everyone you see because you don’t never know what kind of day that person is having. Tilson graduated from Marion Senior High School in 1989.

He was a member of the Marion Fire Department EMS for 23-plus yrs. He enjoyed driving around at Christmas with the Santa sleigh with the Mayor David Helms, and the Grinch. He loved watching the faces of kids and even adults.

He started working at Kmart. And then went to Visdor (Coffman stairs) where he spent 20 plus years. Later he went off to living his dream of driving a truck for Kegley Trucking. He worked four years at General Dynamics. Then to the Town of Marion. He had made forever friends at all places. He was known as the trash truck driver, and he loved going around blowing the horn at everyone. Most of all he enjoyed seeing the kids getting excited and waiting on the trash truck. Tilson also enjoyed helping with the VFW Post 4667 with putting flags out on the courthouse lawn for Memorial Day.

Tilson was proceeded in death by his parents, Stanley and Pauline Tilson; and one brother, George Allen Tilson.

Surviving are his wife of 17 years, Donna H Tilson; sons Tyler Tilson and wife, Jessica, of Chilhowie and Junior Hall and wife, Meranda, of Marion; grandchildren Brock, Myndee, Autumn, Rizia Bentley, Lee, Brylee and Jynna Hall, all of Marion; his miracle grand-baby Hadleigh Tilson of Chilhowie; two fur baby’s Chewbacca and Lola; brother and sister-in-law Clark and Tonya Tilson; nephew Cooper Tilson from Caramel Indiana; special uncle Bill Gullion; and aunt Frances Cassell and husband, Jimmy.

We would like to thank the doctors and nurses at WCCH for taking good care of him. Wythe Hospice of SWVA for their support. His wife would like to thank the family and Fire/EMS for all they did, and all the friends and family that came to see him.

Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m., Sunday, May 26, from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion with the Revs. Ernie Powers and David Bise officiating. The family will receive friends from 3 to 6 p.m., on Sunday at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Tuesday, May 28, at Rosewood Memorial Gardens in Rural Retreat. Full Fire/EMS Honors will be rendered by the Marion Fire and EMS. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10:30 a.m. for the procession to the cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Tilson Family.

Raymond Russell “Rusty” Umberger Jr.

Raymond Russell “Rusty” Umberger Jr., 47, of Wytheville died Tuesday, May 21, 2024.

He was born Oct. 2, 1976 in Wythe County.

Survivors include his parents Raymond Russell Umberger Sr. and Connie B. Umberger; a daughter, Kenda Rosenbaum of Abingdon; a grandchild on the way; a sister and brother-in-law, Tina and David Jarvis of Rural Retreat; two nephews, Cameron and Kaden Jarvis; and several aunts, uncles and special friends.

The family will receive friends from noon to 2 p.m. Tuesday, May 28, at Barnett Funeral Home. A graveside service will follow at 2:30 p.m. at Rosewood Memorial Gardens with the Rev. Craig Caylor officiating.

Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, is serving the Umberger family.

Robert Wymer

Robert Wymer, 84, died Monday, May 20, 2024, surrounded by family.

Wymer was born and raised on Park Street in Marion. Not only did he grow up there, but he also spent his entire life living on that street and raising his family. A hardworking man, Wymer never seemed to rest. He retired after 35 years as a custodian at Marion Senior High School. Known by everyone and never meeting a stranger, Wymer was well-respected in the community and always ready to lend a helping hand, especially to his neighbors. He was an avid hunter and loved the outdoors, often visiting his cabin, The Mouse Hole, in Troutdale. Wymer treasured the times spent with his family, creating countless cherished memories. A devout Christian, he exemplified Christ in his daily life and was an active, faithful member of the Marion Church of the Nazarene. Wymer was also very patriotic and proud of his country, as well as a strong supporter of Donald Trump!

He is preceded in death by his parents Roscoe and Nevada Williams Wymer; brothers Gene Wymer and Bud Wymer; and sisters Lilly Carney, Helen Taylor, Violet Slagle, Joy Williams and Peggy Harris.

Wymer is survived by his wife of 62 years, Betty Jean Wymer; two children, B.J. Wymer and Shrimp Wymer and wife, Chelle; grandchildren Josh Taylor and wife, Taylor, Laken Shaffer and husband, Timothy, Jon Wymer and wife, Allie, and Sarah Ellis and husband, Matthew; great grandchildren Spencer Shaffer, Holly Ellis, Rowan Taylor, Jonah Ellis and Mason Taylor; his beloved dog Toby; brother-in-law James Walls; sisters-in-law Nancy English and husband, Dennis, and Trish Sousa and husband, Jackie; and several nieces and nephews to include special nephews Walter Taylor and Kenny Taylor.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Wymer Family.