Obituaries for Nov. 29, 2023

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Etta Frances Bartlett

Etta Frances Bartlett, 71, of Wytheville died Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023.

She was born March 22, 1952, to the late James Junior and Iva Davidson Keith and preceded in death by her sister Muzette King.

Bartlett is survived by her daughters and son-in-law, Amanda Bartlett of Wytheville, Frances and Sam Lautenschleger of North Carolina; sons James Bartlett of Wytheville and Mark Bartlett of Austinville; sisters and brother-in-law, Charolette Keith of North Carolina and Rogie and Walter Kennedy of Wytheville; grandchildren, Stephen and Kelly Reed of Wytheville, Adam Reed of Wytheville, Ryan Burchette of Marion and Maxwell Brown of Wytheville;  and five great-grandchildren.

Burial was at Bethany Church Cemetery, Poplar Camp. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 

Hugo V. Bascope

Hugo V. Bascope, 82, formerly of Wytheville, died Friday, Nov. 17, 2023 in Arlington, Virginia.

Born Oct. 18, 1941, in Bolivia, he was the son of the late Mamerto Bascope and Sinforsa Vega de Bascope.

He loved working on cars and enjoyed watching wrestling. He liked working in carpentry. He loved soccer. He was very interested in geology.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Gail Brackens Bascope; one son, Mark Andrew Bascope and his brother, Mario Bascope.

Survivors include his daughter, Mary Alice Bascope; grandchildren, Miranda Turpin and fiancé Trent Oneil, Marisa Turpin, Jackson Turpin and Bella Bascope; brothers Jose Bascope and wife, Linda, Edwin Bascope and wife, Ana, Fremiot Bascope; and sisters, Rosa Santiago, Delia Reuter and husband, Nick.

Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, Dec. 2, at 2 p.m. at the Barnett Funeral Home in Wytheville with Jason Aker officiating. Burial will follow in West End Cemetery.

Friends may call Saturday, Dec. 2, from 1 to 2 p.m. at Barnett Funeral Home.

Barnett Funeral Home of Wytheville is serving the Bascope Family.

Florence “Flo” Edwards Clarke

Florence “Flo” Edwards Clarke, 89, died Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023.

She loved her Lord and served him faithfully from early childhood throughout her journey of life.

She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and wife of the Rev. Robert Clarke who served 35 years of ministry in the Holston Methodist Conference.

Clarke graduated from Hiwassee College, earned a Bachelor of Arts and a BS degree from Tennessee Wesleyan College and master’s degree from Candler Emory in Atlanta. She served two years as Church and community (rural worker) under the Board of Missions, United Methodist Church in Big Stone Gap District. She was the District Lay Leader Abingdon District, three years; two years she was Director Youth Worker at the Decatur United Methodist Church, Decatur, Georgia, one year as Director of Christian Education First United Methodist which later became United with Broad Street to from the First Broad Street United Methodist Church of Kingsport, Tennessee.

Having completed studies at Radford, ETSU, and UVA in Public school education. She earned certification to teach grades K-12 and spent 25 years teaching in various schools of Carrol, Giles and Smyth counties of Virginia, retiring from Smyth County. Her hobbies were reading, helping others, and loving them.

She is preceded by her husband, Rev. Robert Clarke; son, Steve Clarke; daughter Robin Jaylyn Clarke Freeman; parents, James M. and Pearl Edwards; five brothers, Estel, Stanley, Roy Lee, Dale, and Clifford; sister Barbara Love and Mildred Rogers; and infant great-grandson, Bentley Peeples.

Survivors include her grandson, Wesley Clarke and wife, Melissa, of Bristol, Virginia; three granddaughters, Kristen Freeman (Ben), Danielle Perry (Ben) and Carrie Boone; three great-granddaughters, Lexie, Andie Rhea, Gabby, Kobie and Callie Joe; two great-grandsons, Hendrixx and Charlie; two sisters, Madell Bunch and Priscilla Cooper; two brothers-in-law; special friends, Leila Poe and Cynthia Robinson; and several nephews and nieces.

Burial was in the Holston Conference Cemetery in Emory. In lieu of flowers, the family asked that donations be made to St. Jude’s 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Condolences can be made online at www.wfhchilhowie.com. Williams Funeral Home is serving the Clarke Family.

Paul Davis

Paul Davis died Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023.

He was preceded in death by his parents, several brothers and sisters, and step-grandson, Will Walker.

He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Libby Davis; three daughters, Lisa Davis, Kim Walker and husband, Daniel, and Pam Mixon and husband, Mike; grandchildren Lauren Keen, Tyler Keen and wife, Sara, Taylor Mixon, Ashley Mixon, Lindsey Walker and fiancé Alex Robinson, and Gavin Walker; step-granddaughter, Fallon Grinstead and husband, Tyler; great-grandchildren Bryleigh Salyer, Harlow Nash, Gentry Keen and Coy Keen; step-great-grandchildren, Emory Walker and Gracie and Walker Grinstead; and step-granddaughter-in-law, Ashley Walker.

Burial was in Westwood Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the United Methodist Mens Group, C/O John Britton, PO Box 367 Chilhowie, Va. 24319.

Condolences can be made to the family online at www.wfhchilhowie.com. Williams Funeral Home of Chilhowie is serving the Davis Family.  

Charlie “Harlow” Gates

Charlie “Harlow” Gates, 86, died Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, at the Mountain Laurel Nursing Home in Rural Retreat.

Harlow grew up in the “Black Hill” area of Smyth County. He graduated from Rich Valley High School and later attended Danville Community College. He retired in 1997 from Danville’s Corning, Inc. plant after 30-plus years of service. He moved from Danville to Rural Retreat in 2000 to be near family. He was a loving and caring husband to Shirley W. Gates for 63 years. He volunteered with the Danville Rescue Squad for 23 years and with the Rural Retreat squad for five years. In both squads, his peers honored him with “Crewman of the Year” awards. He was faithful to his church, East End Baptist, and had many good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Georgia Gates; brothers Stanley and Harvey Gates; and  brother-in-law, Roy Harris.

Harlow is survived by his wife of 63 years, Shirley W. Gates of Rural Retreat.; sister Goldie Gates Harris of Ceres; brothers Cecil Gates and wife, Elaine, of Littlestown, Pennsylvania, and Bill Gates and wife, Anita, of Hanover, Pennsylvania; brother-in-law, Bill Wyrick of Bristol, Tennessee; sisters-in-law Jackie Gates of Rural Retreat and Brenda Wyrick of Bristol, Tennessee; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Brian Simons, plus many more.

Burial was at at Rosewood Memorial Gardens.

Send your memorials to East End Baptist Church, 414 Groseclose St., Marion, VA 24354; or to Rural Retreat Rescue Squad 219 E. Railroad Ave., Rural Retreat, VA 24368; or to your favorite charity.

To share memories of Charlie “Harlow” Gates, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.

Jimmy Dale “Jimbo” Gentry

Jimmy Dale “Jimbo” Gentry, 51, died Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023, after a brief illness and hospital stay, at Norton Community Hospital, Norton.

Gentry was a kind man who never met a stranger. It didn’t matter who the person was, he was going to draw them into conversation and have a new friend by the end of it. He had a pure heart that never ceased to grow and encompass all of those that he loved. He loved to play pool and was very talented. In truth, he treasured any activity that involved people. He was the definition of a people person. As a local to the area, he attended many Rhythm & Roots Reunions; and relished the opportunity of wading in the crowds and making new friends. He was an avid Texas Hold’em poker player at Stateline Bar & Grill, and was part of a league there. He never lost his love for animals – dogs and cats especially. It didn’t matter where he lived, Gentry would find a cat to take in and would make a companion of it by the end of the day. In the last few years, he acquired an appreciation for creating art. This became his chosen outlet for dealing with life’s stress; and as with everything else, he was fantastic at creating. Gengtry was a precious human who had the trusting heart of a child that was the size of Texas. He touched so many lives and made more of a difference than he could possibly ever know. The world was a brighter place with him in it.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Hazel Gentry of Bristol, Virginia.

Services for Gentry will remain private.

To share memories of Jimmy Dale “Jimbo” Gentry, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.

Ruth Smith Greer

Ruth Smith Greer, 90 died Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023, at home.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, Rex L.O. Greer; parents, Alfred and Annie Smith; and two sisters and three brothers.

Greer is survived by two daughters, Gina Greer of New York City and Lesa Keyes of Marion; son, Rex L.O. Greer II and wife, Amy Leigh, of Weddington, North Carolina; two grandchildren, Rex L.O. Greer III and John Thomas “J.T.” Greer; brother, Clarence F. “Con” Smith and wife, Patty, of Bristol, Virginia; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends Saturday, Dec. 9, from 2 until 4 p.m. at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 4 p.m. with the Revs. Mike Sage and Natalie Justice officiating. Private Graveside services will be held Sunday, Dec. 10, at Rose Lawn Cemetery, Marion.

To share memories of Ruth Smith Greer, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.

Archie O’dell Grimes

Archie O’dell Grimes, 92, of Austinville in the Poplar Camp community, died Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, at Hillsville Health and Rehab Center in Hillsville.

He was born July 12, 1931, in Carroll County, the son of the late Robert and Lillie Frazier Grimes.

Grimes loved the Lord and spent his life working and walking close to the Lord. His faith was unbreakable; even in his hardest times, he raised his hands in praise to the Lord. He loved his family and worked hard to provide for them. He always strived to teach them the right way to live and know right from wrong. He loved his church, Shorts Creek Church of God, which he was a member since 1950. During this time at church, he held several positions. He was a Sunday school teacher for several years, the Y.P.E. Director on Wednesday nights for many years. He was the Scout Master to the Shorts Creek Boy Scout Troop and he sang in the church choir. Grimes was a councilman for many years. He worked many hours when the new part of the church was built. He always strived to set an example in his walk and love for the Lord.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Hester Felts Grimes; grandchildren, Eric Grimes and Renae Grimes; son-in-law, Craig Quesenberry; sister, Lois Belton and brother, Wayne Grimes.

Survivors include two daughters, Dreama Grimes Beasley and husband, Vernon, of Austinville and Shelia Grimes Quesenberry of Woodlawn; two sons, Dickie O’dell Grimes of Austinville and Steven D. Grimes of Woodlawn; his sister, Nirell Primm of Austinville; 10 grandchildren, David Beasley and Shelia, Chad Grimes and Stacy, Jody Grimes, Jamie Grimes, Gary Grimes and Crystal, Mitchell White, Carrie Ford and Sean, Regina Beasley, Michele Harrell and Tommy, and Amber Dennis; 16 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and special friend, Jimmy Testerman.

Burial is in Pickett Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be given to Shorts Creek Church of God.

Reese Funeral Home, Austinville, is serving the Grimes family.

James W. Hartsell

James W. Hartsell, 77, died Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023, at Clinch Valley Medical Center, Richlands.

Hartsell was a true gentleman – he was a devout Catholic, devoted husband of 60 years, a loving dad and proud Pops to the grands in his life. He had his life in order and he worked hard in the oil industry for many years, mostly in Oklahoma and Texas. When he wasn’t with his family or working, he enjoyed his participation with The Knights of Columbus. His fair and caring way will be missed by all of his family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Juanita Higginbotham Hartsell; parents, Odie and Opal Hartsell; brothers, Olen Dewitt Hartsell and Charlie Dewayne “Buddy” Hartsell.

Hartsell is survived by his daughter, Lynda Hartsell of Martinsville; son, James D. Hartsell Sr. of Lima, Ohio; four grandchildren, Jack Hartsell, James D. Hartsell Jr., Joshua Hartsell and Jordan Hartsell; two great-grandchildren, Garrett Hartsell and Grey Hartsell; and two puppies, Bear and BooBoo.

A Mass of Resurrection will be celebrated Saturday, Dec. 9, at noon at St. John’s Catholic Church, 124 Park Boulevard, Marion with Father Chris Masla  officiating. Burial will follow in Round Hill Cemetery, Cemetery Street, Marion.

To share memories of James W. Hartsell, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.

Gregory Todd Hash

Gregory Todd Hash, Greg or “Duke” as most knew him, but his favorite name was Pawpaw, 57, died Monday evening Nov. 27, 2023, at his home. 

He was born Dec. 21, 1965, to his Peggy Hash and the late Vance Hash of Rural Retreat.

Hash was known for his generous spirit, his barbecue recipe, and his Joop Cologne. He was proud to be a Shriner for many years along with his dad.  He was a member of the Mt Airy Masonic Lodge 226 in Rural Retreat and a member of the Rural Retreat Volunteer Fire Department  since he was 17 years old.

Along with his mother, Hash is survived by his wife of 18 years, Cheryl Dix Hash; Meghan and Chase Musser of Orlando, Florida, Tyler Hash (dog Sampson), Jordan and Blaine Wheeler, Wyatt Sowers and RheaAnn Havens, all of Wytheville; in addition to his children he was blessed with four grandchildren, Kamryn and Declan of Orlando and Kaden and Kylie of Wytheville; sister and brother-in-law, Theresa and Allen Dix of Crockett; brother and sister-in-law, Joe and Kim Hash of Rural Retreat; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Gary and Becky Dix of Wytheville;  nephew, Jared and Rachel Dix of Wytheville; nieces, Jenna and Isaac Hayes of Knoxville, Tennessee, Brinkley and Mykenna Hash of Rural Retreat;  great-nephews Hutch, Colson and Shepherd; special friends, Brandi Pruitt (Justin Spraker) and Tony Sult and Kevin Cregger; and his best friend Terry “Red Eye” Irvin.

Masonic services will start at 6:45 P.M. Thursday, Nov. 30, followed by a funeral service at 7 p.m. at the Grubb Funeral Home with the Rev. Jonathan Hamman and Steve Yates officiating.  Graveside service will be held 2 p.m. Friday at the Mt View Cemetery in Rural Retreat.  The family will receive friends from 4 to 6:45 p.m. Thursday at the Grubb Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers the family request donation be made to the Rural Retreat Volunteer Fire Department, Wythe County Relay for Life, Shriners Children’s Hospital or children’s organization of your choice.

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

Cathy Paschal Jones

Cathy Paschal Jones of Asheboro, North Carolina, died Nov. 25, 2023, in High Point, North Carolina.

Born to the late Pete and Kate Paschal on Oct. 17, 1952, Jones’ journey was marked by an unwavering dedication to helping others. A proud graduate of Marion Senior High School, her academic pursuits led her to Wytheville Community College and later to VCU MCV School of Nursing, where she earned her Bachelor’s degree in nursing with honors. Her illustrious 50-year career was a testament to her versatility and commitment. She seamlessly transitioned from roles as an ER nurse to nurse manager, policy maker and educator. Notably, she provided critical care in a makeshift tent hospital, living in a tent herself for several weeks in Florida post-Hurricane Andrew. However, it was in mental health nursing that she found her true calling, believing firmly in making connections with those who seemed unreachable. Her  life philosophy, “You have to meet people where they are,” and “Love everyone, and as for the unlovable you must love them even more” was evident in every aspect of her life. Her empathy and skill in nursing allowed her to touch countless lives profoundly. Described as vibrant with an infectious laugh, Jones’ presence was a source of joy. Her sharp wit, passion for navy blue shoes, and in-depth knowledge of football, especially as a Hokie fan, were among her many endearing qualities.

Jones was preceded in death by her parents, Pete and Kate Paschal.

She is survived by her children, Christy J. Moss (Andrew) of Marion; son Aaron Jones of Las Vegas, Nevada; sisters Melissa Beth Paschal and Harriet Howell (Scott) of Marion; niece Shanna Orr (Stuart) and special nieces Lindsey Orr and Ciera Orr, all of Marion; her dear friend and chosen family, Joanne Bennevides of Texas; and her beloved furbaby Hazel.

In honoring Jones’ life, her children request that instead of flowers, individuals carry forward her legacy of kindness, compassion, and care. They encourage everyone to practice understanding, meet people where they are, and especially to love those who seem unlovable even more. Jones’ life was a journey of love, care, and laughter, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who knew her

Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 30, at Rose Lawn Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home is serving the Jones family.

James Robert Mabe

James Robert Mabe, 68, died Nov. 25, 2023.

Survivors and arrangements will be announced soon. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion, is serving the family of James Mabe.

Dennis Gale Moore

Dennis Gale Moore, 77, died Tuesday, Nov. 21, 2023, at his home in Rich Valley.

Moore was born in Smyth County on Sept. 2, 1946.

 He lived in Maryland for 22 years and worked for Glen Construction. Moore retired as superintendent and helped build many high-rise office buildings throughout the years. In 1993, Dennis and JoAnn returned to Rich Valley, where he spent his remaining years doing what he loved, farming. Moore was a hardworking man and truly loved being out on the farm. He also enjoyed playing golf in his spare time. Moore also spent many years with the U.S. Army Reserves.

Hes preceded in death by his parents James Homer Moore and Gay Cordelia Anderson Moore; sister Loretta Moore Fisher; and brother Clarence Eugene Moore.

He is survived by his wife of 53 years, JoAnn Atwell Moore; sisters Nancy Livesay and Lee Etta Buchanan; nephews and nieces Phillip and Laurie Thompson, Tim and Crystal Moore, Dede and Rodney Hagerman and Julie Moore; special companion PeeWee; and many other loving family and friends to include Ronnie Bowman, Jack Campbell and Tommy Kegley.

Burial was at Ridgedale UMC Cemetery in Rich Valley

Donations can be made to the St. Jude Children’s Hospital in memory of Dennis.

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

Becky Carol Perkins Pierson

Becky Carol Perkins Pierson, 56, died Friday, Nov. 24, 2023.

Pierson was a loving Mom and Nana. She loved her family and enjoyed being with them. She loved her flowers, and meeting people. She never met a stranger, and with her outgoing personality – you couldn’t help but smile when you were with her. As hard as she loved her family, Pierson also worked very hard and took great pride in her ability to build. She is loved and missed by all of her family and friends.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Charles and Almedia Perkins; father, Jerry W. Horton; cousin, Charles Roberts.

Pierson is survived by her son, Aaron Antone and fiancée, Melissa Ellis; daughter LaNesha Perkins, all of Sugar Grove; mother, Ruby Johnson of Troutdale; sisters Kathy Perkins of Atkins and Shawn Penny Martin; brothers Jeffery Horton and Roderick Roger Horton, all of Detroit, Michigan; nine grandchildren, Tylee Antone, Skyler Dalton, Serenity Antone, Charity Holman, Mahaylie Perkins, Aaliyha White, Colby Blevins, Riley Mattingly and Torey Mattingly; nephew and nieces, Eric Parks, Ashley Parks and fiancé, Austin Long; great-nephews and great-niece, Nevaeh James, Hunter Jones, Mason Jones and Ryan Long; aunts and uncle, Brenda Alford, Carol Ann Roberts and Bill Perkins; special friends, Jessica Weir, Angie Sheets, P.J. Jones, Brenda Armstrong and Aliene; as well as a host of beloved cousins and their families.

The family will receive friends Saturday, Dec. 2, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Chapel. Funeral services will begin at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Lance Turner officiating. Burial will follow in Slemp Cemetery, Sugar Grove.

To share memories of Becky Carrol Pierson, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.

Lois Eileen Puckett Ring

Lois Eileen Puckett Ring, 88, of Wytheville died Saturday, Nov. 25, 2023.

Ring was born Oct. 27, 1935, to the late Roy Gilmer and Nora Monk Puckett.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Rankin Theodore Ring Sr.; sisters Betty Walls, Nancy Dye and Wilma Elswick; and brother Roy G. Puckett Jr.

Ring is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law, Rankin and Linda Ring Jr., Michael and Vicky Ring, Gregory and Kimberly Ring; daughters and sons-in-law, Brenda and Michael Fielder, Deborah and Roger Stroupe; brother Bob Puckett; grandchildren Jenny, Ted, Kenny, Kevin, Haneka, Alicia, Marci, Robbie, Tasha, T.J. and Sherry; 22 great-grandchildren; eight great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 30, at Grubb Funeral Home Chapel conducted by the Rev. Charles McPeak with interment to follow in West End Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Grubb Funeral Home Thursday from noon until service time. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Edward Talmadge Sharitz

Edward Talmadge Sharitz, 87, of Wytheville died Tuesday, Nov. 28, 2023. 

He was born in Virginia on Nov. 11, 1936, to the late DeWitt Talmadge and Alice Pearl Hutchinson Sharitz.  He was preceded in death by his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Wanda and Gene Jones, and a niece Wanda Jones Matthews. 

Sharitz was a member of the United Mine Workers of America and served in the United States Army.

Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Geraldine “Gerry” Haga Sharitz; daughter Tammy S. Sharitz; great-nephews, Chad and Mark Matthews; and special cousin, “Tug” Clemons and family, all of Wytheville.

Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 1, at Grubb Funeral Home with the Revs. Joe Mack Taylor and Paige Wimberly officiating. Graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday with the American Legion Post 9 conducting military rites at the Fairview Methodist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the Grubb Funeral Home.  In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made to the Mt. Pleasant United Methodist Church Music Fund – 200 Mount Pleasant Drive – Wytheville, VA 24382 or to the American Heart Association.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com The Sharitz family is in the care of Grubb Funeral Home, Wytheville.

Grat Martin Smith

Grat Martin Smith 73, died Wednesday, Nov. 22, 2023, at home.

At this time, no services are planned.

To share memories of Grat Martin Smith, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.

Kathy Storman

Kathy Storman, 67, died Monday, Nov. 20, 2023, at her home in Marion.

Storman was born in Welch, West Virginia, on March 8, 1956. She is preceded in death by her loving partner for more than 20 years, Luanne Meadows; her father Thomas Edward French; mother and step-father Mary and Richard Goff; son Tony Storman; and half-brother Gunner French.

She is survived by two brothers, Randall Goff and wife, Bonny, and Michael Goff and wife, Tammy; step-mother Joyce French; special cousins Denny Walker and Angie Walker; and several other loving family, friends, nieces and nephews to include a special niece Shelby Ann Goff.

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 Storman Family.

Alvah Lee Waddle

Alvah Lee Waddle, 80, died Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon.

Waddle was born in Smyth County to the late Alvah “Monk” and Mary Ruth Waddle. He is also preceded in death by his wife Corene Waddle and a stepdaughter Pam Testerman.

He retired after 37 years with General Dynamics in Marion. He was a proud member of the Nebo Fire Department for more than 30 years. Waddle  enjoyed spending his time hunting and farming. Most of all, he loved being around his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

He is survived by his son Ronnie Waddle and wife, Shirley; daughter Sherri Hernandez; grandchildren Zachary Waddle and wife, Jessica, Kelsey Waddle, Santana Cochran and husband, Jason, and Breyanna Hernandez and fiancé Eric; great-grandchildren Jasper Zayden Waddle, and Jonah and Jeremiah Hernandez; brother Tommy Waddle; step-grandchildren Jacob Testerman and Stephanie Kinder; and several step-great-grandchildren and other loving family and friends.

Burial was in the Ridgedale UMC Cemetery

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