Obituaries for Jan. 18, 2024

THE SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA SUN NEWSPAPER AND NEWS WEBSITE

Ralph Dexter Anderson

Ralph Dexter Anderson, 74, of Wytheville died Tuesday Jan. 9, 2024.

 He was born in Sugar Grove on May 28, 1949 to the late Charlie and Rose Anderson.

Survivors include his wife, Sharon Anderson; brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Kate Anderson; two sisters, Janie Akers and Jodie Power; daughter and son-in-law, Angela and Mark Hester; four grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; multiple nieces and nephews; special friend, Donald “Big Daddy” Wilson; and special cat, Anna Kate.

Burial was in the Slemp Cemetery in Sugar Grove.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com

The Anderson family is in the care of Grubb Funeral Home in Wytheville.

Frances A. Angstadt

Frances A. Angstadt, 85, of Wytheville died Jan. 13, 2024, at New River Valley Medical Center in Radford.

She was born in Reading, Pennsylvania, to the late George R. Haisch and Emily S. Haisch.

Angstadt graduated from Muhlenberg Township High School, Laureldale Pennsylvania, in 1956. Prior to graduation, she started work as a secretary for the Reading Trust Company and stayed there until just prior to the birth of her first son.

In 1974, she moved to Wytheville with her husband and two sons. She soon became PTA president at Spiller Elementary School and a Den Mother in Cub Pack 91. She was also a member of the Wytheville Band Boosters for several years. She worked in new accounts at Sovran bank in Wytheville until 1987 when she started Frans’s Dutch Foods with her husband, Harry. She retired from working in the deli in 1998.

She was a member of St Paul United Methodist Church in Wytheville where she also taught Sunday school.

She is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Harry E. Angstadt; one brother, Richard A. Haisch and wife, Anne, of Woodbridge, Virginia; two sons, Kevin L. Angstadt and wife, Lynn, of Radford  and Christopher A. Angstadt and wife, Sherrie, of Dallas, North Carolina; three grandchildren, Christina K. Angstadt of Sugar Grove, Amanda L. Angstadt of Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and Hunter Q. Angstadt of Dallas; and one great-grandchild Kaylee D. Lineberry of Sugar Grove.

The family would like to extend special thanks to Harry and Fran’s neighbors, the Harmons and the Carters, their good friend Terry Suarez and many members of St Paul for looking in on and helping them over the years.

A celebration of Fran’s life will be held on Saturday, Jan. 20, at 2 p.m. in the sanctuary of St Paul United Methodist Church in Wytheville with the Rev. Larry Ousley officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service in Wesley Hall at the church. In lieu of flowers the family request donation be made to St Paul United Methodist Church, 330 Church St, Wytheville, VA 24382 in honor of Frances Angstadt. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com.

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Jerry David Armstrong

Jerry David Armstrong, 67, died Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, at Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, Tennessee.

Armstrong was born in Smyth County on May 16, 1956. He is preceded in death by his parents Charlie Bill and Neely Bentley Armstrong; sisters Agnes Pruitt and Sherri Ann Armstrong; and a grandson Jacob Armstrong.

He is survived by his daughter, Angelina Chatham; brothers Charlie Armstrong, Jim Hardy Armstrong and wife, Diane Dix, and Bill Mac Armstrong; sister Julia Tate and husband, Teddy; grandchildren Jessie and Chase Chatham; his lifelong pet companion Scooby; and several nieces and nephews.

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

Linda Williams Branscome

Linda Williams Branscome, 82, of Max Meadows died Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024.

She was born July 13, 1941, in Wythe County, daughter of the late Nile H. Williams and Dorothy Richardson Williams.

Survivors include her husband, Bobby Joe Branscome; daughter, Missy Delby; son, David Branscome; grandchild, Morgan Delby; and sister, Phyllis Thacker and husband, Robin, all of Max Meadows.

Burial was at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Ivanhoe.

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

Robert Fieldon Cale

Robert Fieldon Cale, 85, of Wytheville died Tuesday, Jan. 9, 2024.

 He was born in Smyth County on Nov. 13, 1938. He was preceded in death by his parents, the Rev. Fieldon Cale and Viola Goodman Cale, his sister, Martha Cale Aker and his father and mother-in-law, Heath and Belle Semones.

Cale retired as a state inspector for Virginia Department of Transportation. He graduated from Greendale High School, Washington County. He also graduated from Hiwassee College, attended Emory & Henry College and received his B.S. degree from Radford University. After retiring from VDOT, Cale became a licensed insurance agent.

Survivors include his wife, Patricia Semones Cale; daughter Melissa and Dimitri Krinos; sons John Cale and Mark Cale; grandchildren, Arianna and Luke Quinn, Larissa, Sophia, Angelina and Niko Krinos; and nephew Greg and Peggy Aker.

Burial was in West End Cemetery.

Donations may be made to West End Methodist Church in memory of Robert.

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

Bonita L. Crisp

Bonita L. Crisp, 81, of Wytheville died Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024.

Born June 27, 1942, in Wythe County, she was the daughter of the late Archie W. Nester and Elizabeth Smith Hunter.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Samuel Crisp Jr., one brother Kenneth W. Nester and a sister Theresa N. Bouldin.

Survivors include two daughters, Christi Martin and Sherri Sketchley and husband, David; four grandchildren, Leila Martin, Kelly Martin, Micah Martin and wife, Margaret, and Henry Sketchley; three great-grandchildren; two sisters, Lucinda Dalton and Linda St Clair and husband, Michael, and several nieces and nephews.

Memorial Services will be conducted at a later date.

Barnett Funeral Home is serving the Crisp family.

Naomi Ruth Dean

Naomi Ruth Dean, 82, died Wednesday, Jan. 10, 2024, at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon.

She was born on July 18, 1941, to the late Oscar Ray Peake and Martha Jane Hall Peake. Dean accepted Jesus Christ at a young age and spent her life devoted to her Savior. She was a member of Abundant Life Christian Center.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her loving son, David Osborne; siblings Paul Peake, Elmer Peake, Earl Peake, Jim Peake, Irene Peake, John Peake, Hazel Lyles, Gladys Hanks and Charles “Mack” Peake; stepmother, Edna Peake, and stepsister, Linda Guy.

She is survived by her children Tammy Roberson (Allen) of Danville, Virginia, Joseph Keith Osborne (Sandy) of Marion and Tony Osborne (Bobbie) of Palm Coast, Florida; grandchildren Melodee Osborne (Anthony) of Taylorsville, North Carolina, Shabanna Andrews (Jason) of Savannah, Georgia, Phillip Osborne of Marion and Bethany Powell of Roanoke; great-grandchildren Brayden, Bryley, Brynley, Aidan and Benaiah; half-sister, Diane Haga; two stepsisters, Inez Worrell and Barbara Crouse; and many nieces and nephews.

Burial was at the Cleghorn Valley Baptist Church Cemetery in Chilhowie. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion, VA is serving the family of Naomi Dean.

Dwight Hensel Funk Jr.

Dwight Hensel Funk Jr., a proud veteran of the United States Army, died Jan. 16, 2024, after battling many health afflictions.

Funk was a brave and loyal soldier, as well as a patient and loving father, husband, grandfather and brother. He married Paula Aileen Dunagan in Pulaski in 1974. They would be celebrating their 50-year anniversary this May. He loved his “Lady” with all of his heart and taught his children the significance of love. His pride and joy was his children and grandchildren. He was so proud of each and every one.

 Funk was born Nov. 2, 1954, to Dwight Hensel Funk and Mary Jane Fain in Pulaski. After serving in the Army, he graduated from New River Community College in 1981 with his associate degree. A natural working man and salesman who loved heavy equipment, he owned his own business, Southwest Equipment, for many years.

 He is survived by his children Brittany Aileen (Sammy) Songer, Dwight Hensel (Melissa) Funk III, Christina Lee (Ricky) Byrd, and Michelle Marie (Stanley) Smith; special brother-in-law Phillip (Trey), (Victoria) Dunagan; 14 grandchildren, Landyn, Lilyanna-Aileen, Natalie, Adam, Dakota, Austin, Jimmy, Justin, Matthew, Chelsea, Nicholas, Walter-Alexander, Macy and Sadie; two sisters, Linda and Kathy; two brothers, Mark and Timothy; one half sister, Carla; and his special love and puppy Gracie Aileen.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dwight Sr. and Mary Jane Funk.

A graveside service will be held in the near future at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin with a special Celebration of His Life.

If you would like to honor Dwight, he would have loved to have donations sent to St. Jude Children’s Hospital. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Martha Ann Underwood Gunter

Martha Ann Underwood Gunter, 74, of Wytheville died Friday, Jan. 12, 2024.

She was born Jan. 12, 1950 in Pulaski County and was preceded in death by her husband, James C. “Buck” Gunter; her father, Millard Underwood; her mother, Velma Slaughter Perdue; a sister and brother-in-law, Mary and Billy Tallent.

Survivors include two daughters, Pamela Dowdy and fiancé Chapin Burks of Wytheville and Teresa and Joe Sheppard of Tazewell; and two sisters, Marie Doss of Little Creek and Melinda Goodwin of Riner.

A memorial service will be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 24, at Barnett Funeral Home.

The family will receive friends one hour before service time or at the residence at any time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Barnett Funeral Home to assist the family with funeral expenses.

 Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, is serving the family.

Edwin “Eddie” Phillip Hart

Edwin “Eddie” Phillip Hart, 68, died Jan. 8, 2024, at Bristol Regional Medical Center.

Born on Dec. 7, 1955, in Marion to the late French and Gay Hart, Hart proudly served as a veteran in the United States Army. Known for his skillful steel guitar playing, Hart actively contributed his musical talents to numerous bands and churches over the years. A dedicated member of Freedom Tabernacle Baptist Church, he also had a passion for the outdoors, finding joy in activities such as hunting and fishing.

Survivors include his brother, Keith Hart and wife, Glenda Hart; companion and friend, Dani Moore; and special pups, Scoot and Skip.

A Memorial Service will be held at a later date at Freedom Tabernacle Baptist Church. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the family of Eddie Hart.

Hunter Lee Houseman

Hunter Lee Houseman, 29, of Roanoke died Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024.

Born Nov. 1, 1994 in Roanoke, he was the son of Vickie Dare Houseman and the late Eddie Houseman.

He liked hunting and fishing. He loved old cars.

He was preceded in death by his father, Eddie Houseman and his grandmother, Shirley Houseman.

Survivors include his mother, Vickie Houseman of Roanoke; grandfather Jerry Houseman of Wytheville; sister, Hayley Houseman (Joey Toler) of Roanoke; several cousins and extended family; and his dog Stella.

Burial was at Mt Ephraim Cemetery.

Barnett Funeral Home is serving the Houseman family.

Nancy Elizabeth Edmonds Kegley

Nancy Elizabeth Edmonds Kegley, 90, died Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, after a brief illness.

She was born in Wytheville to William Garnett and Mae Nelson Edmonds. She graduated from Max Meadows High School and trained as a Registered Nurse, receiving her certificate in 1954 and working at Lewis-Gale Hospital in Roanoke and Virginia’s Rest Home in Wytheville.

She was predeceased by her parents, brothers, Carl and Paul; husband, James Kegley, with whom she had a daughter, Sally Kegley of Gate City; and previous husband, Randy Armbrister with whom she had a son, Dan Kegley, of Chilhowie, where he lives with wife, Sara. Nancy’s grandson, John Kegley Little, also survives her.

She was a member of Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Wytheville, where a celebration of her life will be held Sunday, Jan. 21, , with visitation at 1 p.m. and the service at 2 p.m. Burial will follow at Old St. John Lutheran Church cemetery, Wytheville. In place of flowers, the family requests donations in Nancy’s memory be made to Helping Overcome Poverty’s Existence (H.O.P.E.) online at www.wythehope.org or by mail at PO Box 743, Wytheville VA 24382.

Nancy’s family thanks the staff of Grubb Funeral Home, Wytheville, for their kind assistance. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Daniel Wayne McThenia Sr.

Daniel Wayne McThenia Sr., 74, died Jan. 11, 2024, at Abingdon Health and Rehab Center in Abingdon.

McThenia was born in Washington County in the Lodi Community to the late Bertha Hurley McThenia and Barton Baxter McThenia.

 Serving his nation with honor, McThenia dedicated four years of his life to the Air Force, from 1969 to 1973. Following his military service, he chose to return to the Southwest Virginia area, where he embarked on the journey of raising his family.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Mary Jane Grinstead; and brothers Andy Pat McThenia, Dean McThenia, Barton “Buster” McThenia and David McThenia.

Survivors include, his sons, Daniel Wayne McThenia and Matthew Cole McThenia; brothers Dewey McThenia of Marion, Clayton “Cork” McThenia of Rock Falls, Illinois, and Charles McThenia of Waynesboro, Virginia; sisters Rachel Wilday of Stuarts Draft, Virginia, Nancy Mottern of Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and JoDelle Purcell of Waynesboro; special cousin, Nancy Jo Waters of Damascus; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.

At his request, there will be no services. Memorial remembrances may be made to the Moore Family Cemetery Fund, C/O Ronnie Heath, 17077 Edmondson Lane, Glade Spring, VA 24340. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home is serving the McThenia family.

Polly Prince Miller

Polly Prince Miller died Jan. 12, 2024 at home.

She was born in Charlottesville, Virginia, to the late William D. Prince Jr. and Esther (Chessie) L. Prince on Aug. 8, 1947. She was preceded in death by her two brothers, Dr. William Daniel Prince III and Scott Dugger Prince.

 She is survived by her husband of 52 years, Garnett S. Miller Jr. of Wytheville; son and daughter-in-law, William G. Miller and Emily May Miller of Virginia Beach, Virginia; sister Anne Prince Deuchler of Winter Park, Florida; and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

Miller grew up in Emporia, Virginia. After high school, she attended Longwood University and became an active member of Zeta Tau Alpha sorority.  She met many lifelong friends with whom she shared life’s joys and tribulations.

Upon graduation from Longwood, she spent a summer in Tazewell and moved to Wytheville to become a 4-H Extension Agent.  She immediately joined St. John’s Episcopal Church and was involved in church activities her whole life.

Her whole career revolved around meeting people and trying to help them.  From 4-H to teaching at Fort Chiswell High School, she loved meeting and getting to know people.  Upon retirement, she became active with Delta Kappa Gamma and with the Stuart – Wilderness Road Chapter Daughters of the American Revolution where she held

No tale could be told by Miller without full details of the cast of characters: who they were, where they were from and who they were related to.  It gave her immense joy to know where you were from and for you both to know someone in common. 

Memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 27, at St John’s Episcopal Church with the Rev. Paul Hicks officiating.  Inurnment will follow in the church columbarium.  The family will receive friends on Friday from 5 to 7 p.m.  at St John’s Episcopal Church.  In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to St. John’s Episcopal Church, Wytheville, VA.  Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com. The Miller family is in the care of Grubb Funeral Home, Wytheville.

Loren Edwin Mosier

Loren Edwin Mosier, 73, died Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, at Wythe County Community Hospital in Wytheville.

Mosier was born in Detroit, Michigan, on July 12, 1950. A diligent individual not afraid of work, he dedicated over two decades to the Detroit City Police Dept. before concluding his career with 18 years at the Fort Myers USPS. His passion for bowling was evident through his nearly 22-year tenure with the Whiner Brothers Team. Beyond his professional pursuits, he was a committed husband, father, and grandfather, treasuring the moments spent with his family. Additionally, he found joy in the companionship of his beloved pet, Gus.

He is preceded in death by his parents Edwin and Nell Anderson Mosier.

Mosier is survived by his wife of 54 years, Linda Faye Mosier; daughter Jenna Weaver; son Gabriel Mosier and wife Jennifer; grandchildren Lillian Weaver, Autumn and Ethan Goodpasture and Ivy Mosier; sister Joan Dodd; and brothers-in-law Ronald Wilder and wife, Hiroko, and Larry Wilder and wife, Katherine.

Honoring his wishes, the family will host a celebration of life, participating in the activities Mosier cherished, and being in the company of those who held a special place in their hearts for him. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Mosier Family.

Ruth Roberts Palmer

Ruth Roberts Palmer, 89, of Wytheville, died Jan. 14, 2024.

Born in Roberts Cove, Virginia, she wanted to be a surveyor but was prevented by the misogyny of the times and taught math instead, serving most of her career at Wytheville Community College.

Widow of Dr. Walter W. Palmer, Palmer is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth and Michael Hadaway; brother and sister-in-law Scott and Cleta Roberts, sister-in-law Anna Ray Roberts, brother-in-law Richard Ballard, their families, and devoted friends including Terri and Tony Corvin.

As she wished, an outdoor service is scheduled for 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 23, at West End Cemetery in Wytheville, with the Rev. Elizabeth Hadaway presiding.

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

Kenneth Bruce Plowman

Kenneth Bruce Plowman “Kenny” of Chilhowie died Jan. 10, 2024, after a two-year battle with cancer.

Plowman is survived by his wife, Sherreye Plowman; daughters Gina Davis (John) of Murfreesboro, Tennessee, and Kelley Crenshaw (Brock) of Sneads Ferry, North Carolina; sons Kevin Plowman (Dr. Melissa Plowman) of Meadowview and Karri Plowman (Paul) of Minneapolis, Minnesota; grandchildren Drew Plowman, Taylor Welisevich (Michael), Kyle Plowman (Rebecca), Kyndra Plowman (Forrest) and Emma Crenshaw; great-grandson, Emery Plowman; sister Gwenda Slifer; his special boys, Max and Henry; several close friends that he considered family.

Plowman was born in Shelbyville, Illinois on June 30, 1947, to Kenneth B. and Hilda Plowman, the baby boy in a family of five girls. He spent his youth generally making mischief with his childhood friends and carried on with that behavior his entire life, always quick with a joke or inappropriate comment. He loved to laugh and shared that trait with all his family and friends. He spent his life working hard as a cattleman, known as a wheeler and dealer who was an expert in the field and a mentor to many. He never knew a stranger and quickly turned customers into friends. He took great pride in his garden each year and enjoyed sharing its bounty with family and friends. One of his favorite pastimes was spending time on his porch with his dogs and a good book.

  Per Kenny’s wishes, there will not be a memorial service. A celebration of life will be held in the near future. We encourage family and friends to share their favorite story or memory in the guestbook.

 Condolences can be made to the family online at www.wfhchilhowie.com. Williams Funeral is serving the Plowman Family.

Ruby Louise Snow Reed

Ruby Louise Snow Reed, 92, of Max Meadows died Thursday, Jan. 10, 2024.

 She was born in Speedwell on Nov. 11, 1931 to the late Andy and Maude Snow. She was preceded in death by her sister, Margaret Sayers. She was a retiree of EIS Brakes in Rural Retreat.

Survivors include her husband, John Reed of Max Meadows; niece, Patsy Sayers of Speedwell; two great-nephews, Rusty and Rocky Sayers of Speedwell; and two grandchildren, A.J. Jordon and Beth Rabee.

Burial was at the Speedwell Methodist Church Cemetery. 

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com   The Reed family is in the care of Grubb Funeral Home in Wytheville.

Linda Sue Richardson

Linda Sue Richardson, 68, died Saturday, Jan. 13, 2024, at Mission Hospital, Asheville North Carolina.

Richardson was a loving wife, mom and grandma. She loved her Lord and was a good Christian lady who adored her family. Before her illness, she was a talented pianist, avid reader, and she loved to paint – she was very artistic. It’s a comfort to know there is no more pain or sickness for Linda; just Heavenly sunlight until her family is with her for eternity.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jimmy and Mildred Layman.

Richardson is survived by her husband of almost 40 years, Herschel Richardson of Marion; son, Keith Richardson and wife, Whitney, of Sugar Grove; special stepdaughter, Shelli Richardson and special friend, Chris Grant of Spotsylvania, Virginia; stepdaughter, Becky Richardson of Utah; stepsons, Danny Richardson and wife, Lorrie, and E.J. Richardson and wife, Melissa, all of Utah; two grandchildren, Hannah and Garrett Richardson; six step-grandchildren, Ashley, Robbie, Megan, Nathan, Steven and Sarah; and numerous cousins and their families.

The family will receive friends Thursday, Jan. 18, from 5 until 7 p.m. at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 7 p.m. with the Rev. Rex Carter officiating. Graveside services will be held Friday, Jan. 19, at 11 a.m. at Rosewood Memorial Gardens, 7764 Lee Highway, Rural Retreat. Family and friends are asked to meet at 10:30 a.m. at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown for procession to the cemetery.

To share memories of Linda Sue Richardson, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.

Billy Joe Testerman

Billy Joe Testerman, 62, died Thursday, Jan. 11, 2024, at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon.

Born on June 13, 1961, in Smyth County, Testerman had a genuine passion for work and the outdoors. An annual tradition for him was cultivating a garden and generously sharing the harvest with neighbors and friends. Known for his selflessness, Testerman consistently prioritized others. He was a dedicated family man, attending to their every need with a giving heart. Testerman concluded a remarkable 40-year career with the Town of Chilhowie before retiring. He possessed a resilient spirit, cherishing life, yet always saying, “if God gives me another day, that’s okay, but if he takes me on home, that’s okay too.”

He is preceded in death by his father Elmer Lee Testerman Sr.; loving grandparents Fred and Hazel Wyatt; and a sister Judy Ann Hash.

He is survived by his wife, Cindy Jo Testerman; two daughters, Lacie Jo and Sarah Jo Testerman; son Billy Wayne Testerman and wife, Lacey; grandchildren Natalie, Savannah and Emma; his mother Betty Jo Wyatt Testerman; special close brother and friend Jerry Testerman; brother Elmer “Petey” Testerman Jr.; sisters Retha Jackson and husband, David, and Becky Williams and husband, Dennis; special uncle Larry Wyatt and wife, Brenda; brother-in-law Matt Whitt and wife, Christy; along with numerous nieces, nephews, friends and co-worker over the years.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie is serving the Testerman Family.

Joseph Earl Watkins

Joseph Earl Watkins, 73, born Jan. 19, 1950, died Jan. 10, 2024.

He was preceded in death by his parents Houston Watkins Sr. and Helen Smith Watkins, sisters, Velva Thacker, Dorma Grubb, Mary Mcfarlin and Lilly Bell Getting and brother, Houston Watkins, Jr.

He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer Allison; grandchildren Cortney Jo Carter and Rodney Carter III  and fiancé Chasilyn Clayburn; great-grandson Rodney Dale Carter IV; brothers James Watkins, Lee Roy Watkins, John David Cregger and Robert Lee Kading; one sister, Edna Sutrblin; and special friend, Brenda Martin.

Burial was in the Speedwell Methodist Church Cemetery. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Paul David Webb

Paul David Webb, 76, died Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, at Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion.

Webb was born in Morganton, North Carolina, to the late Jack and Lura Mull Webb. Along with his parents, he is also preceded in death by his siblings Jaqueline Webb Pearson, Alvin Webb and Shirley Roberson.

He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Army, where he served in Vietnam. He retired with 30 years from the NC Dept. of Transportation.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Phyllis Hensley Webb; two sons, Paul D. Webb II and wife, Teresa, and Derek Webb and wife, Chasity; grandchildren Britney Harkey and husband, David, Mitchell Webb, Grayson Webb, Holden Webb and Daniel Metcalf; two great grandchildren Emelynn and Brynlee Harkey; and several other loving family and friends.

In keeping with Paul’s wishes, all services will be held privately. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Webb Family.

Casey B. Wood

Casey B. Wood, 73, died Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at home.

Wood was a family man – he loved traveling with his family. He was an avid outdoorsman and camper; enjoying much of that time with Nadine Rasnake. Wood was an outstanding auto mechanic. He was employed by United States Alliance for more than 10 years, and was supervisor in the Space Shuttle Vehicle Recovery Program; the vehicle that put the shuttle on the 747. Most important to Wood, was being a loving grandfather to Nathan, and he was just that.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Alice Wood; sister, Laurie Wood.

Wood is survived by his brothers Roger T. Wood (Laura T.) of Greensboro, North Carolina, James R. Wood (Jennifer) of North Brunswick, New Jersey, and J. Scott Wood (Mary Beth) of Orlando, Florida; daughter, Kelly L. Wood; grandson, Nathan Young; and several nieces, nephews, and their families.

Memorial services will be held Sunday, Jan. 21, at 12:30 p.m. at Grassy Creek Community Church, 479 Grassy Creek Road, Grassy Creek, North Carolina.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Casey’s memory may be made to the Grassy Creek Community Church.

 To share memories of Casey B. Wood, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.

Clinton Dare Wright Jr.

Clinton Dare Wright Jr., 82, died Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon.

Wright was born in Washington County on Jan. 1, 1942. A seasoned carpenter in the local community, he displayed a strong work ethic and achieved true mastery in his craft. Not only was he diligent in his profession, but he also devoted himself to his family and faith. As a committed member of the Adwolfe Freewill Baptist Church, he was loyal and devoted to the church. Over the years, he found joy in activities such as golf, hunting, and fishing. His affectionate and yet simple nature will forever linger in the hearts of those who knew him.

He is preceded in death by his parents Clinton and Edna Roark Wright; two children, Jonathan and Stephanie Wright; sisters Virginia George, Willie Fields, Irene Woods and Jean Hayter; andbrothers Bobby Wright and Jerry Wright.

Wright is survived by his wife of 57 years, Bertha Lou Wright; two children, Mark Wright and wife, Debbie, and Sarah Parris and husband, Jason; grandchildren Bradley and Kara Parris, Steve Lewis, Aleshia Widener, Richard Cox and Amanda Dennison; brothers William Wright and wife, Peggy, and David Wright; sisters Mary Wimmer and husband, Jim, Sandra Wise and husband, Bobby, and Thelma Wright; 11 great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and his church family.

Burial was at Mountain View UMC Cemetery in Abingdon. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Wright Family.