Obituaries for the week of Jan. 26, 2024

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David Wayne Bise

David Wayne Bise, 53, of Chilhowie died Saturday, Jan. 20, 2024, at Twin County Hospital in Galax.

Bise was born Oct. 23, 1970. In his childhood, his favorite activity was either swimming, or living room “wrastling.” He-Man was his hero. He was the most thoughtful gift-giver and he loved being able to mail a card to someone under the weather. He loved arts and crafts and it thrilled him to be able to give his creations to family and friends. He also loved games – especially a rousing game of Gin Rummy. Bise was always up for a good shopping trip, especially if it started with a trip to Cracker Barrel. He looked forward to receiving the Sears Catalog each Christmas. He loved taking pictures at family gatherings, and family was the most important thing to him. Bise worked at IDC both in Atkins and in Hillsville for many years, and had lived at Grayson House in Independence for the past 19 years.

Bise was preceded in death by parents, Billie Lee and Betty Sue Bise.

He is survived by siblings, Songia (Andy) Widener, Doug (Rachel) Bise and Betsy (Mike) Meade; nieces and nephews, Leigh Ann (Vincent) Adams, Cody (Ruth) Sturgill, Brook (Derrek) Martin, Kasie (Curtis) Rhea, and Daniel (Jennifer) Bise; and great-nieces and -nephews, Heidi Adams, Harper Adams, Hadley Adams, Ian Sturgill, Hudson Sturgill, Titus Martin, Macey Martin, Makenna Rhea, and Marley Rhea.

Burial was at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, in Rich Valley.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Grayson House, 110 Bedwell Street Independence, VA 24348, specifically designated for recreational activities. Williams Funeral Home of Chilhowie is serving the Bise Family.

Patsy Ann Clemons

Patsy Ann Clemons, 71, of Wytheville died Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024.

She was born Dec. 2, 1952, to the late James Prater and Ethel Mae Davis Clemons.

Clemons is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, James Lee and Mary Graybeal; grandsons James David Graybeal (wife) Jessica, John Paul Graybeal (wife) Cheyenne, Samuel Charles Peak; granddaughter, Lonnie Ann Ketterman (husband) Johnathan; great-grandkids, Braxton Graybeal, Trentyn Graybeal, Camron Graybeal, Natalee Ketterman, Haylee Ketterman, Hannah Peak, Kortnie Peak, Brooklyn Peak, Taigen Peak, Jayden Peak and Anthony Watkins; special nieces and nephews, Tony Waller, Susie Buck, Matt Scifo, Doug Davis, Carol Martin; special friend, Sharon Cregger; and extended family.

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

Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Ray L. Fowler

Ray L. Fowler, 68, died Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, at Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, Tennessee.

Fowler was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Martha Fowler; his brother, Steve; and numerous aunts and uncles whom he dearly loved.

He was a kind and generous man who never met a stranger. He was a happy-go-lucky guy who loved to talk to people and amuse them with all his “stories.” He was “Santa” for many children throughout the years. He dearly loved Christmas and enjoyed making children happy. He considered himself Santa all year round, and if a child needed something, he would try his best to provide it for them. He also had a special love for animals. Fowler donated to multiple charitable organizations, including the ASPCA. He worked all his life in the area of manufacturing industries until he was forced to retire at 63 years old due to illness.

He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Kathy Fowler; son and daughter in law, Tim Fowler and wife, Jamie; grandson, Brendyn and wife, McKensey; one brother, Mike Fowler and wife, Donna; several nieces and nephews whom he dearly loved; sister-in-law Alma Henderson and husband, Mike; and two precious cats, Sissy and Sassy.

Burial was in Rose Lawn Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home is serving the Fowler family.

Amanda “Mandi” Richardson Grubb

Amanda “Mandi” Richardson Grubb, 41, died Sunday, Jan. 14, 2024, at Roanoke Memorial Hospital, Roanoke.

Grubb enjoyed people and especially talking to them, she loved her kids, family camping trips and living on the farm, with all of the animals. According to her sister, Grubb wasn’t much of a cook, but she could really decorate a beautiful home! She enjoyed photography, fixing hair and putting people at ease. She worked with the Bank of Rural Retreat for several years, took time off to spend with her children and then went back to work, helping people, with Carrington Place. She will be missed by all who knew and love her.

Grubb is survived by her husband, Allen Grubb; daughter, Lilly; sons, Clayton, Layne and Chase; her father, Rick Richardson; sister, Cari Richardson; and special friend, Donnie Tibbs.

To share memories of Amanda Richardson Grubb, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.

Eric Anthony Hansley

Eric Anthony Hansley, 35,of Wytheville died Jan. 19, 2024.

He was born May 11, 1988, to Jackaline Simpson.

Hansley was a very special person to many, and he was definitely a mommas boy! We find comfort in knowing that he has made it home to her! Eric was always the jokester! He loved to fish! He loved his family! He is going to be missed so very much!

He was proceeded in death by his mother Jackaline Simpson, grandmother Mary Blevins, several aunts and uncles!

He is survived by a daughter Gracelyn Hansley; brother Allan Simpson; many aunts and uncle; lots of cousins; and a special cousin, Michelle Blevins “Sissy.”

Service date and time to be announced upon finalization of arrangements.

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

Charles Douglas Hash

Charles Douglas Hash, 73, died Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, at home.

Hash is survived by his wife of 49 years, Vicky Atwood Hash of Atkins.

Per Doug’s wishes, go see a friend or adopt a dog or cat – all services will be private.

To share memories of Charles Douglas Hash, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.

Eva Marie Houchins

Eva Marie Houchins, 90, of Max Meadows died Friday, Jan. 19, 2024.

Born Nov. 19, 1933, in Richlands, she was the daughter of the late Lee and Virgie Blankenship Ray

She was a loving wife, mother and grandmother. She loved flowers, the beach, and being with people. Her biscuits and gravy were the best because of the love she put into it. She was happiest around people and celebrations. We celebrate her life.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Peery Raymond Houchins; four brothers, Cecil, Chester, Rufus and Bill Ray, sisters Jean Jackson, Bonnie Hill, Janice Richardson and Edith Hess; one son Michael Houchins; and daughter Debbie Harvey.

Survivors include, her daughters Judy Russell, Jeanie Darrow and husband, Tim, Elaine Flanary and husband, Mitch, and Georgia Shepherd; sons Danny Houchins and wife, Brenda, and Larry Houchins, and wife, Donna; son-in-law Gary Harvey; 14 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

Burial was at the Draper Valley Pentecostal Holiness Church Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Legacy Church.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.highlandfuneralservice.com

Barnett Funeral Home is serving the Houchins Family.

Gayle Osborne Jackson

Gayle Osborne Jackson, 73, died Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, at Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion.

Jackson, a native of Switchback, West Virginia, was born to the late Melvin William Osborne and Nellie Gertrude Taylor Osborne. She was preceded in death by her son, Paul Jackson Jr., and siblings Daphna McCollum, David Osborne, Bill Osborne, Edith Snider, Sam Osborne, Patsy Osborne, Clara Atwell and John Osborne.

In 1969, she graduated from Marion Senior High School. She was deeply engaged with the Girl Scouts, serving as both a leader and trainer. She had a passion for cooking, ensuring that anyone who visited her home never left hungry.

Survivors include her husband of 50 years, Paul Jackson; daughter, Angela Meadows and husband, Michael; grandchildren, Tyler Combs, Justin Rouse, Rachel Ward and husband ,Christian, Tanner Jackson and fiancee Morgan White, Ethan Jackson and wife, Brianna, Katherine Ramsey and Trevor Jackson; great-grandchild, Jarrett Combs; siblings, Mary Thompson, Glenn Osborne and wife, Rose, and Nellie Battaglia; and many nieces and nephews.

Expressions of sympathy may be sent. To the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home is serving the Jackson family.

Marion Jackson “Popeye” Lawson Sr.

Marion Jackson “Popeye” Lawson Sr., 91, of Max Meadows died Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024.

He was born May 28, 1932, in Wythe County, the son of the late Virgil Dyre Lawson and Sally Martin Lawson. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Ruby Mabry Lawson; a sister, Alice Taylor and three brothers, Malcolm “Ted” Lawson, Franklin Lawson and Robert “Tuffy” Lawson.

Survivors include his son, Marion “Jack” Lawson Jr.; two daughters, Cindy and Mike Kitts, Kathy and Gerald McPeak; a brother, Foster Lawson; three sisters, Addy Viars, Mary Goodman and Ruth Anderson; six grandchildren and their spouses, Adam Lawson, Shannon and Yamile Lawson, Marion Jackson Lawson III, Jacklyn Marie Lawson, Brandon and Rhonda Kitts, Logan and Carol Kitts; two great-grandchildren, Parker Kitts and Sophia Lawson; and several nieces, nephews and many extended family and friends.

Burial was in Foster Falls Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial donations be made to the Foster Falls Church.

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

Charles Roy Morris Jr.

Charles Roy Morris Jr., 75, died Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2024, at Mountain Laurel Nursing and Rehab in Rural Retreat.

Morris was born in Marion and was preceded in death by his mother, Martha Lou Quesenberry Gates. He was a well-known disc jockey throughout SWVA and East Tennessee, having started in radio when he was 16 years old. He played in the band, The Destinations, in Marion and collaborated with several local musicians. He was an avid collector of music and old cars. Morris was a loving father and grandfather who enjoyed watching Family Guy and the Tennessee Vols.

Survivors include the love of his life for 54 years, Jamie Brookman Morris; children Tracy Stephenson and Jason Hutton of Marion, Charlie Morris and Katrina of Rural Retreat, Amanda Hensley of Rural Retreat, and Beverly Huskey and Mark of Clearwater, Florida; brother Dennis Morris; sisters Sue Tinker of Morristown, Tennessee, and Karen Lunsford of White Pine, Tennessee; grandchildren, Joshua Eller and Jessie, Kendra Marshall and James, Jonathan Stephenson and Nicole, Haley Crigger and Dillon, Tyler Stephenson and Whitney, Lucas Morris, Kaitlyn Hamm and Josh; great-grandchildren, Claire, Kate, Adley, Miles, Warren, Jensen; several nieces, nephews, and other family members.

Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, at Bradley’s Funeral Home in Marion, with the Revs. Mike Sage and Henry Thomas officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday from 5-7 p.m. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home is serving the Morris family.

Donald L. Morrow Jr.

Donald L. Morrow Jr., 70, died Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024, at his home in Saltville.

Morrow was born in New York on Nov. 7, 1953. He was a proud veteran of the U.S. Navy. After the Navy, Morrow retired with 30 years of service from Watervliet Arsenal in New York. He was an avid fisherman, and very charming with the ladies.

He is preceded in death by his father Donald L. Morrow Sr.; and three sisters, Cheryl Hammel, Lynn Steward and Laurie Morrow.

He is survived by his mother Marilyn Morrow; brother Richard Morrow; daughter Michele and Ben Blair; son James and Alicia Morrow; daughter Catherine Morrow; four grandchildren, Payton Wilson, Julia Blair, Christian Morrow and Riley Denny.

In keeping with his wishes, there will be no services. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Morrow Family.

Lannon Howard Richardson

Lannon Howard Richardson, 90, died at his daughter’s home in Stovall, North Carolina, on Thursday, Jan. 18, 2024.

Richardson was born in Grayson County to the late John and Molly Dolinger Richardson. He lived in Sugar Grove for 40-plus years with his late wife, Lucy. Lannon and Lucy were faithful members of Maranatha Church in Sugar Grove. Despite his move to North Carolina to live with his daughter, Richardson was always dedicated to think of and support his church. Throughout the years he was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed deer and squirrel hunting, and trout fishing.

Along with his parents, and his wife, he is preceded in death by a son-in-law Timothy Davidson Sr.; his brothers Blaine Richardson, Lee Richardson, Lester Richardson, Delmar Richardson and Wetsel Richardson; and sisters Pearl Richardson, Nerva Richardson, Georgie Richardson, Lura Richardson, Lucille Richardson and Hazel Richardson.

He is survived by his three children, Mary Sue Davidson, Anthony “Jack” Richardson and Ricky Richardson and wife Debbie; grandchildren Timothy Davidson Jr., Kathy Davidson, Derek Richardson, and Amy Richardson; great-granddaughters Skylar and Kayllen; stepdaughters Nancy Stamper and Debbie Cox; and numerous nieces, nephews, step grandchildren, and step great grandchildren.

Burial was at Slemp Cemetery in Sugar Grove. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Richardson Family.

Dolores Robbins

Dolores Robbins, 82, of Marietta, Georgia, died Wednesday, Jan. 17, 2024.

Born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, Robbins moved to Marietta in 2017. She worked as a Secretary at Woolworth’s in Atlanta for 20 years. Afterwards, she worked as a Hairdresser at the Cobb Beauty College for 5 years. She loved flowers and crocheting, and was also deep in her faith, volunteering as a church treasurer, enjoying Christian music (especially the Gaithers), and truly loved spending time with her family.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Eugene Robbins, in 1989.

Survivors include three children, Martin (Debbie) Robbins of Jasper, Georgia, Lisa Gail Anderson and fiancé Norman Pierce of Marietta and Michael (Barbara) Robbins of Palmyra, Virginia; three siblings, Sylvia Speed of Gulfport, Mississippi, Murray Edwards of Fort Worth, Texas, and Linda Rust of Greenville, South Carolina; grandchildren, Matt Robbins, Morgan Robbins, and John Marshall; and special “adopted son”, Lee Weeks.

Burial was in Ridgedale Cemetery, 1112 Ridgedale Road, Saltville.

To share memories of Dolores Robbins, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.

Claude Allen Taylor

Claude Allen Taylor, 74, died Jan. 16, 2024, at Bristol Regional Medical Center, Bristol, Tennessee.

Taylor loved his life – especially his family; he was a loving dad, brother, and friend who always enjoyed a good laugh. He was a proud Navy Veteran and cherished his time at the American Legion with the other Veterans. When he wasn’t working, he loved to play golf and spend time at the beach. His absence will be felt by many for years to come.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Robert and Gerthel Taylor; brothers, Robert Taylor Jr. and Eddie Taylor; stepdaughter, Tina Reed.

Taylor is survived by his daughter, Dawn Taylor; son, Eddie Taylor, both of Marion; stepdaughter, Teresa Reed of Damascus; sisters JoAnn Del Carmen of Chesapeake, Virginia, Erma Bradley and husband, Malcolm, of Mechanicsville, Virginia, and Dianna Foster of Marion; brothers Harvey Taylor and wife, Carolyn, of Amelia, Virginia, Jim Taylor of Concord, North Carolina; several nieces, nephews and their families; and special friends, Freddie Jackson, Frank Willard, George Morris and Gary Frazier, all of Marion.

To share memories of Claude Allen Taylor, please visit www.seaverbrown.com.

Tammie Lynn Taylor

Tammie Lynn Taylor, 63, died Sunday, Jan. 21, 2024, at her home in Marion.

Taylor was born on Dec. 22, 1960, in Smyth County. She is preceded in death by her mother Ruby Richardson Taylor; father and stepmother Gilbert and Shirley Taylor; granddaughter Maleigh Roberts; sister Kathy Oakes; and brother-in-law Punk Bowman.

She is survived by her partner Robin Burgess; daughter Bambi Compton and Lynn; son Josh Roberts and Leslie; sisters Jan Bowman and Cindy Combs and Paul; brother Junior Taylor; grandchildren Finley, Aven, Austin, Meah and Karmen; and many nieces and nephews.

Honoring her wishes, the family will have private services. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Taylor Family.

Janice Mae Testerman Thompson

Janice Mae Testerman Thompson, 51, died Monday, Jan. 22, 2024, in Bristol, Tennessee.

Thompson was born in Smyth County, VA on March 22, 1972. She is preceded in death by her father Douglas Testerman; stepson Bradley Thompson; grandparents William and Osie Robinson and Earl and Bertha Testerman; uncle William Robinson; and mother-in-law Patsy Thompson.

Thompson loved her family and enjoyed spending time with them. She loved spoiling her grandbabies, and riding and looking for deer with her husband. She was devoted to her Lord and was faithful in her worship. Thompson was a travel bug, especially her trips to the beach and Pigeon Forge. She was so proud of her daughter, Tasha, and cherished all the adventures they embarked on. She worked for Sam’s Club and loved her work family there.

She is survived by her husband, Steven Thompson; mother Doris Testerman; daughter Natasha Fuller and husband, Justin; stepson Chad Thompson and wife, Megan; sisters Pam Haga and husband, Rick, Kristi Totten and husband, Ryan; her grandbabies Kayleigh, Ethan, and Ariah; special nephew Dusty “Ducky” Haga and many other nieces and nephews; her father-in-law Bobby Thompson; and brother-in-law Randy Thompson and wife, Pam.

Graveside services will be held at 4 p.m., Friday at Wassum Cemetery in Atkins. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home at 3:30 p.m. for the procession to the cemetery. Flowers will be accepted, or 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 Thompson Family.

Ellen Christine Horne Wohlford

Ellen Christine Horne Wohlford, Granmommy to her grandchildren, died Jan. 19, 2024.

She was born on July 31, 1947, in Richlands, to Dorothy and Otis Horne. A dedicated nurse throughout her life, Wohlford touched countless lives with her compassion and care.

Wohlford is survived by her husband of 54 years, William Wohlford; three daughters, Susan (DeSale) Lyon, Karen (Scott) Barton and Jill Benoit; six grandchildren, Jackson (Mary) Sowers of Christiansburg, Emily (Jared) Richardson of Marion, Ben (Hannah) Sowers of Wytheville, Madison Bishop of Rural Retreat, Nick Barton of Rural Retreat, Nate Barton of Rural Retreat, and three bonus grandchildren, Tommy, Austin and Haley Lyon; two sisters, Connie (Cody) Harman of Cedar Bluff and Pat Smith of Cedar Bluff; and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her mother, father, and her brother-in-law, Larry Smith.

Wohlford loved being a grandmother and shared special songs with each of her grandchildren. She was a faithful member of Rural Retreat Baptist Church and always told her girls that she wanted to be a Godly woman. She leaves behind a legacy of warmth and kindness and will be remembered fondly by all who knew her.

Burial was at Mountain View Cemetery in Rural Retreat.

Lindsey Funeral Home, Rural Retreat is serving the Wohlford family. Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.highlandfuneralservice.com

Casey B. Wood

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

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 over 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, J. Scott Wood (Mary Beth) of Orlando, Florida; daughter, Kelly L. Wood; grandson, Nathan Young; and several nieces, nephews, and their families.

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.