Obituaries from July 5, 2023

THE SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA SUN NEWSPAPER AND NEWS WEBSITE

Kathy C. Anderson

Kathy C. Anderson, 76, died Sunday July 2, 2023, at Galax Health and Rehab Center in Galax.

She enjoyed drawing and coloring and was a very social outgoing person. She worked in communications as a telephone operator.

Survivors include her daughter, Michelle Wynn and many friends at the Galax Health and Rehab Center.

A special thank you got out to Galax Health and Rehab for the all the care and love given to Kathy. Also thanks to Mountain Valley Hospice for the care given.

All arrangements will be private. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com.  Bradley’s Funeral Home is serving the family.

Joanne Hubble Barton

Joanne Hubble Barton, 89, died Monday, June 26, 2023, at Sacred Journey Hospice in Newnan, Georgia.

Barton was born in Smyth County to the late Ray and Hettie Victoria Blankenbeckler Hubble. She was a resident of Sugar Grove for the majority of her life before moving closer to family in Newnan. Barton retired from the Smyth County Treasurer’s Office where she worked as clerk and bookkeeper. She was a devoted member of Elizabeth Methodist Church serving in various capacities from Treasurer to the lead in Christmas plays. Always willing to volunteer and help where there was a need, Barton was invested in her community.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by 10 older siblings being the youngest of 11. Her husband of 67 years, John William Barton, also preceded her in death. She missed him dearly, not only as a husband, but also as her best friend.

Barton was a mother, grandmother and great-grandmother.

She leaves behind her son, Greg Barton and wife, Libby, of Lancaster, South Carolina; daughter, Ann Barton Hester and husband, Michael, of Newnan; three grandchildren, Erika Barton, Nathan Hester and wife, Haley, and Katie Hester; two bonus grandchildren, Cary Lampkins and Will Rose; two great-grandsons, Grayson Hester and Wyatt Hester; several nieces and nephews; and many special friends.

Burial was at Meek-Scott Family Cemetery, Teas Road, Sugar Grove.

Memorial donations may be made to the Elizabeth Methodist Church Cemetery Fund.

To share memories of Joanne Hubble Barton, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Joanne’s  family has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver-Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion.

Joyce McGhee Blevins

Joyce McGhee Blevins, 88, died Monday, July 3, 2023, at home.

Blevins was preceded in death by her husband, William Earl Blevins; daughter, Lisa Jo Blevins Allison; siblings, Mae Buchanan, Garland McGhee, Richard “Topsy” McGhee, Mary Rachael Buchanan, Dora McAllister, Annie Sanders, William “Buck” McGhee, Laura “Tiny” Blevins, and Betty Sue Bise.

She was a faithful member of Cleghorn Valley Baptist Church and loved spending time with her family. Blevins was such a blessing to everyone who knew her.

Survivors include her daughter, Theresa B. Heidt and husband, Marshall; son, William Matthew Blevins and wife, Sherry; and daughter, Dana B. Sullivan and husband, Randy; seven grandchildren, Amy Heidt, Joseph “Jay” Heidt, Josh Allison, Jesse Allison, Leroy Sullivan, Cory Blevins and Hannah Watson; eight great-grandchildren; sisters Hazel Ford and Mixie McAllister; and several nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be conducted 7 p.m., Thursday, July 6, at Cleghorn Valley Baptist Church with the Revs. Wesley Eller, Josh Allison, Leroy Sullivan and Jordan Watson officiating. Graveside services will be conducted 11 a.m. Friday, July 7, in the Cleghorn Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 5 until 7 p.m. Thursday prior to the funeral service at the church.

In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the Cleghorn Valley Cemetery Fund, PO Box 1067, Marion, VA 24354.

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

Andrew Watson Cassell

Andrew Watson Cassell, 83, of Ceres died July 1, 2023.

He was born March 13, 1940 to the late Andrew Bruce and Ruth Louise Cassell.

Cassell is survived by his wife of 61 years, Joyce Morrison Cassell; son and daughter-in-law Alan Andrew and Kelly Cassell and his grandson, Jack Cassell; daughter and son-in-law Andrea and Kent Tucker and their children Katie Godown, Courtney Tucker and Jarod Tucker; and friends Harden family, Betty, Todd and Angela, Brad, Amie, Trey and Corey, and Gary and Judy Simms.

Cassell graduated from Ceres High School in 1957. He proudly served his country for 35 years and retired from the US Army Reserves as Command Sergeant Major. Cassell held a successful career for numerous years with the Commonwealth of Virginia prior to retiring from the Virginia Department of Transportation. He was a proud member of the Kazim Temple and a 59 year member of the Wytheville Masonic Lodge 82. Cassell was an active member of the Red Oak Church and greatly enjoyed his commitment to his church and his church family.

Cassell strongly believed in supporting his community and all those who lived within his community. He was quick to offer a helping hand whether it was plowing gardens or clearing snow from his neighbors’ driveways. He often checked on neighbors and enjoyed sharing vegetables from his own garden as well as purchasing his favorite items to deliver to others. Memories of Andrew are held in the hearts of many but none as great as those in the hearts of his family. 

On line condolences may be sent to www.highlandfuneralservice.com

Bland Funeral Chapel, Bland, is serving the Cassell family 

Helen Myers Dempsey

Helen Myers Dempsey, 91, died Monday June 26, 2023, at Valley Health Care Center in Chilhowie. 

Dempsey was born in Smyth County and was preceded in death by her husband, Neal, and her mother, Ella Mae Myers.  She was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Survivors include her daughter, Judy; sons Dennis Wayne and Ralph, all of Marion; sister, Ruth Adams of Winter Haven, Florida; brothers Neal Myers of Cleveland, Ohio, Bobby ( Brenda) Myers of Daleville, Virginia; many special nieces and nephews; and one very special niece, Tammy Hill and husband, Greg.

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

Emma Jean Gilley

Emma Jean Gilley, 59, died at home.

Gilley was a wonderful daughter with a kind heart. She would do anything to help those in need and loved her two cats. Her loving way will be missed.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Joanne Myers; and brother, Timothy Wayne Gilley.

Gilley is survived by her father, Earl Gilley (Louise) of North Carolina; half-sister, Drema Myers; half-brother, Eddie Myers; several nieces and nephews; and special friend, Jimmy.

Memorial services will be announced soon.

Care for Emma Jean’s family has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion.

Jason Dale Hall

Jason Dale Hall, 47, died Tuesday June 27, 2023 at Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, Tennessee.

Hall was born in Marion and graduated from Marion Senior High School.  He worked at the Mount Roger’s IDC for more than 23 years and enjoyed reading newspapers and magazines and watching movies and sports. 

Survivors include his father and stepmother, Jackey and Betty Carol Hall of Marion; mother, Patricia Lynn Nichols of Atkins; and sister, Karen Jones of Atkins.

All services will be private.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com.  Bradley’s Funeral Home is serving the Hall family.

Felicia Atkins Hayton

Felicia Atkins Hayton, 92, of Ceres died June 29, 2023.

She was predeceased by her husband, Cecil Leon Hayton, and her six siblings.

Survivors include her daughter, Rhonda Hayton Clary; son-in-law, Thomas Ozlin Clary; grandsons, Michael Alan Clary and Jason Thomas Clary, and their spouses; and stepdaughter, Carol Ann Hayton. Throughout her life, her siblings blessed her with numerous nieces and nephews, especially Hilda Parks whose grace never wavered through many decades.

As a child of the Great Depression, she overcame many adversities that shaped her into the wonderful person she became. She was instilled with a life of hard work, service to others, and commitment to the community she loved. Throughout her many years, she perfected her skills in gardening, quilting, and cooking for those around her – each with a dedication admired by many.

A graveside service will be held Saturday, July 8, at 11 a.m. at Bethany United Methodist Church with the Rev. Neal Hammons officiating.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bland Ministry Center https://www.blandministrycenter.org/donate or by phone at 276-688-4701.  Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com

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

Charles Gordon “Harry” Hoback Jr.

Charles Gordon “Harry” Hoback Jr., 79, died June 30, 2023. 

He was born on March 9, 1944 in Wytheville to the late Charles Gordon Sr. and Mary Bell Wolfe Hoback. 

He was retired from Longwood Elastomers.  Hoback was a Sunday school teacher and Superintendent of Bethel Methodist Church; Lifetime Member of Wytheville Masonic lodge 82, Ivanhoe Masonic Lodge 235, Rural Retreat Masonic Lodge 226 and Shriners Kazim Temple in Roanoke. 

He was preceded in death by his sister, Shirley Rupe and a brother, Carlos Hoback.

He survived by wife of 60 years, Gloria L. Simms Hoback of Wytheville; two sons and daughters-in-law, Keith and Tena Hoback of Max Meadows and Gordon and Tammy Hoback of Wytheville; four grandchildren, Kayla Lyons, Joshua Hoback, Lynn Hoback and Cody Hoback; six great-grandchildren, Carter Hoback, Palyn Hoback, Isabella Lyons, Blake Lyons, Hollis Rigney and Paxton Rigney; sister and brother-in-law, Mary Frances and Mike Miller of Christiansburg; brother and sister-in-law, Wendall and Susie Hoback of Wytheville; sister-in-law, Rebecca Walters of Wytheville; special family member, Alyssa Pauley of Wytheville; and several nieces and nephews.

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

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

Jeffrey Lin Long

Jeffrey Lin Long, 58, died Tuesday, June 27, 2023, at the SWVA Mental Health Institute in Marion.

Long was born in Illinois on Oct. 10, 1964. He is preceded in death by his mother Sandra Mae Long. Long was a simple man that enjoyed watching his movies.

He is survived by his wife, Angel L. Long; his dad Willie E. Long; brothers John E. Long of California, Jason D. Long of Pennsylvania, and Scott Felker of Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

The family will have private services. Memorial donations can be made to the Multiple Sclerosis Association of America. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Long Family.

Jamie Marlon McRoberts

Jamie Marlon McRoberts died June 30, 2023.

He was born July 4, 1980.

He was never afraid of death, but he was afraid of never being able to live his life. So that is exactly what he did, live. He appreciated and took the opportunities given him right up until he made the decision to transition peacefully into his other life cycle.

His devoted wife, Amber Fiorini, was by his side just as he wished, to hold his hand an offer the care, comfort and love that only she could. Also, as he requested, Amber was able to provide him a moment to spend with his dogs and loyal companions, Brodie and Ebo, one more time before he said goodbye to this chapter and all those that he loved. Jamie was always eager to get outside and enjoy nature in any capacity, be it trail running or mountain biking, hiking or anything that got him moving in the mountains. He and Amber loved doing these things together with the dogs and savoring every moment they shared. He never began a day without a good cup of coffee, and he never turned one down. He loved to travel and especially loved trying different food on all his adventures. He found peace in good music and the simpler, more soulful things that life had to offer. Jamie was passionate about living life on his own terms and his sheer will to be here and experience life was fierce.  Jamie was always appreciative of the help, love and support; special relationship he had with Kevin and Linda Fiorini.  Amber would like to extend a special thanks to Somic America and Barter Theatre for their continuing support. Also, much gratitude to Dr. Mary Beth Seegars and the staff at Wake Forest Cancer Center for providing compassion and excellent care.

Memorial service will be held at 6 p.m. Friday, July 7, at Grubb Funeral Home with the Rev. Kevin Fiorini officiating.  The family will receive friends on Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. at Grubb Funeral Home in Wytheville.

 In lieu of flowers, Jamie and Amber would be honored if memorial donations are made to the Barter Theatre, as they have supported their journey through these difficult times. Please send to Barter Theatre, PO Box 867, Abingdon, VA 24212 or online at Bartertheatre.com. 

Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com                                            

Connie Lynn Crews Midkiff

Connie Lynn Crews Midkiff, 81, of the Cripple Creek area of Wythe County died Thursday June 29, 2023.

She was born Jan. 23, 1942, in Bluefield, West Virginia, to the late Earl Harry and Eloise Cumbie Crews.

Midkiff was a retired Wythe County School teacher with 39 years of service, teaching at Max Meadows and Sheffey Elementary schools.

Midkiff was a 1960 graduate of Bluefield High School, and a 1964 graduate of Concord University. Teaching was her calling.  She loved her kids as she called them. She made learning fun and was many students’ favorite teacher, as the family has heard many times over the years. She mentored many new teachers and student teachers instilling in them “the fun of teaching.” Midkiff also enjoyed flowers and gardening. She loved shopping and would spend all day doing it.

She was a faithful member of Calvary Church for 55 years.

Midkiff was preceded in death by her parents, brothers and sister in-laws, Julian and Colleen Midkiff, Juan and Betty Midkiff, Rita Midkiff, Dennis Midkiff, and nephews Powell and Eldridge Midkiff.

She is survived by her husband, Harry Midkiff; son and daughter in-law, David and Bridgette Midkiff; granddaughter Laura Midkiff and her fiancé James Meredith; brothers and sisters-in-laws, Jerry and Sara Crews, Mark and Robin Crews, and Steven and Kelly Crews; sister and brother in-law Judy and Richard Scribbins; brother and sisters-in-law, Tom and Jeanie Midkiff and Andrea Midkiff; nephews Mike Midkiff, Andrew Midkiff, Walter Midkiff, Paul Scribbins, Shawn Crews, Clay Crews, and Paul Crews; nieces Velma Alley, Susie Aker, Reenee Jackson, Lisa Stone, Tammy Cooper, Beth Close, and Kathy Disbbio; and several great-nephews and -nieces.

– In lieu of flowers please send donations to Calvary Church in care of Nancy Scott 672 Slate Spring Branch Road, Wytheville, VA 24382

Burial was at Davis Cemetery. Online condolences can be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com  The Midkiff family is in the care of Grubb Funeral Home in Wytheville.

Stella Odham Musser

Stella Odham Musser, 94, died Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at home. 

She was born May 30, 1929 to Daniel B. and Dottie Vipperman Odham in Smyth County.

 She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband of 68 years, George Clinton “G.C.” Musser Jr.

Musser was a beautiful example of a godly mother.  She was blessed with so many wonderful talents and gifts which she was willing to share with others.  God truly gave her a special heart, one that nurtured, understood, taught and loved not only in words, but by example, too.  She walked in the grace of God with a gentleness and positive spirit that made all those around her feel loved and valued.  She extended her motherly love and compassion for others outside of her family and was fondly known as “BaBa” to her own grandchildren and to many children in her church family and community.  She was a mother who was a teacher of faith, a giver of hope and was a precious gift from God.

Musser faithfully served the Lord in several First Church of God congregations in Southwest Virginia.  With her love for children, she served as Sunday School teacher, youth leader and Vacation Bible School teacher, as well as being a preschool teacher at Happy Haven Childcare Center.  She used her musical talents to serve the Lord as the church pianist, organist, choir member and violinist on the praise team.  She was an active member of the Women of the Church of God and served as the state Spiritual Life Director.  She was always willing to serve with her passionate heart for the Lord.

With her enthusiasm for learning, she touched many lives with the gift of education while working with kindergarten children at Atkins Elementary School.  She will always be remembered for loving and nurturing students.  For many years, Musser was known in the community as the “cake lady” as she baked and decorated beautiful birthday and wedding cakes.  She was famous for being a fabulous cook for church and family dinners with her chocolate pies, macaroni and cheese, sourdough bread and potato salad.

Survivors include four daughters and sons-in-law, Angela and Paul Little of Christiansburg, Beverly and Roy Owens of Abingdon, Crystal and Al Deihl of Spotsylvania, Virginia, and Candace and Steve Tilley of Kingsport, Tennessee; five grandchildren and five great-grandchildren, Erin L. and Ronnie Alley and their children, Delia and Quinn Snuffer and Paige and Colton Alley of Christiansburg, Ryan Little of Santa Fe, New Mexico, Joanna T. and Isaac Billings of Ronan, Montana, Margo D. and Daniel Nicholas, and their son, Dexter Nicholas of Roanoke, and Jacob and Christa Tilley of Harrah, Oklahoma; sisters; a brother; and many nieces and nephews.

Burial was in Wassum Cemetery in Atkins.  In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to Heritage First Church of God, 470 Rock Springs Road, Kingsport, TN 37663 which will be designated for the Samaritan’s Purse Operation Christmas Child shoebox missions project.  The family extends their deepest gratitude to Wythe Hospice of Southwest Virginia and Wythe Circle Home Care.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com.  Bradley’s Funeral Home is serving the Musser family.

Emmett Vynston Richardson Jr.

Emmett Vynston Richardson Jr., 89, affectionately known as Pops, died June 29, 2023, in Newton, North Carolina.

Richardson was born on June 10, 1934. Richardson was a highly respected, small-town physician who dedicated his life to serving his community. He had a deep love and dedication to his family, and sports served as a way for him to bond with his children. Richardson attended Marion Senior High School before pursuing higher education at Emory & Henry College, the University of North Carolina and Medical College of Virginia. He then served as a United States Army Doctor from 1960 to 1963 where he worked in the Surgeon General’s office in Washington, D.C. Following his military service, Richardson embarked on a fulfilling career as a Family Practice Physician in Marion from 1963 to 1998.  He was in practice with his father for many years at Richardson Clinic. His commitment to his patients and his passion for medicine were truly admirable. Richardson was an extremely loyal and generous person, especially when it came to his family, patients, First United Methodist Church, and Emory & Henry College. In fact, he held one of the longest-serving positions on the board of trustees at Emory & Henry College. His love and dedication to his community were evident in all aspects of his life. Emmett found solace and spiritual guidance at the First United Methodist Church, where he worshiped and found strength in his faith. He enthusiastically loved being a part of the choir with his unique voice. In his free time, Richardson enjoyed various hobbies, including golfing, tennis and taking care of his Rich Valley farm. He was also an avid supporter of Emory & Henry athletics, always cheering on his alma mater. Richardson will be deeply missed by all who knew him. His love for his family, dedication to his community, and contributions to the medical field will be remembered and cherished forever.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Emmett and Gretchen Richardson, and his siblings, Carroll and Billy Richardson.

Richardson is survived by his wife of 63 years Sylvia Richardson; children Ric, Brent, Ryan, and Anne Richardson; grandchildren, Blake, Drew, Kyle, Carter, Griffin, Ainsley, Jack Ryan, Nolan, and Caylynn; great-grandson, Zachary; and Marianne, Melanie, and Carina, and Carly and Jess.

Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Food Pantry at the First United Methodist Church.

To share memories of Emmett Vynston Richardson Jr., please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Emmett’s  family has been entrusted to Seaver-Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion.

William “Willie” Jason Sherwood

William Jason Sherwood “Willie” died June 29, 2023 at The Select Specialty Hospital, a critical illness recovery hospital located on the fifth floor of Bristol Memorial Hospital, after a brief bout with lung cancer.

Sherwood was born in Marion to the late William Frank Sherwood and Winnie Leyula Ward Sherwood. He is preceded in death by his wife, Kitty Preston Jeter, and his sister, Carole Dawn Sherwood Roland.

He is survived by three children, Robert Jeter (Catherine) of Chilhowie, Chrissy Hooker (Alex) of North Carolina, and Richard Jeter of Marion; grandchildren Caitlin Jeter, Brandon Dixon Grant Roark and Victoria Tarpley; great-grandchildren Jeremiah Dixon, Quan Dixon and Bryson Hess; two sisters, Bettie Sherwood McMillan (Denver) of Roswell, New Mexico, and Mary Sherwood Castellow (Ben) of Windsor, North Carolina; a very special first-cousin Arthur Sherwood (Connie) of Marion; brother-in-law Jack Roland (Joyce) of Chilhowie; two nieces, Jackie Sue Roland Taylor (Stacey) of Saltville and Dr. Jane Elizabeth McMillan (Katrina) of Roswell; four nephews, Danny Roland (Lisa) of Chilhowie, Seth McMillan (Jason) of Richmond, Chris Reeves of Greenville, North Carolina, and Dr. Justin Castellow (India) of Suffolk, Virginia; four great-nephews, Kreig Roland (Lisa) of Damascus, Tyler Roland (Hannah) of Chilhowie, Stacey Taylor “Junior” (Lindsey) of Meadowview and Cola Castellow of Suffolk; two great-nieces, Lorna Taylor Cullop (Chase) of Meadowview and Jania Castellow of Suffolk; two great-great nephews Sammie and River Taylor; two great-great nieces, Olivia Roland and Caroline Dawn Cullop.

Sherwood was a devoted member and faithful supporter of Razor Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, Troutdale.

Sherwood  began his career as a licensed plumber working in all areas of Southwest Virginia. He later took on carpentry jobs and was much sought after for his skills. He  was a kind soul and was there to help anybody in need. He loved his neighborhood and his neighbors. He knew many of them and also their extended families

Sherwood was an avid fisherman and hunter.  He loved being outdoors and in nature. He loved riding through the mountains and farm lands looking for turkey and deer.  He knew every mountain, knob, stream and river by name and the kind of fish you could catch there. He could entertain for hours with his true tales of mountain life.

He particularly enjoyed placing trail cams in remote areas of the Taylor farm and watching the wildlife he captured on film. He delighted at the sight of a big buck or a big bear or a buck in velvet that was going to have an especially large rack of horns.

A memorial service will be held July 15, at 5 p.m. at Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion.  The family will receive friends on Saturday July 15, 2023 from 4-5 prior to services. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Razor Ridge Missionary Baptist Church, c/o Donnie Privett, 296 Testerman Trail, Troutdale, VA 24378 or to any organization of your choice.  Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com.  Bradley’s Funeral Home is serving the Sherwood family. 

William Wayne Shupe

William Wayne Shupe, 77, died Saturday, July 1, 2023, at his home in Atkins.

Shupe was born in Rich Valley to the late Bill and Edith Shupe. In addition to his parents, he is also preceded in death by 12 siblings and his son-in-law Don Clifton.

Shupe was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather and he loved his family. He also loved being a truck driver. He drove a truck for 54 years and cherished every minute of it. He visited every state in the country except Hawaii and Alaska. He was a “walking road atlas” and could literally give detailed directions to anywhere. He also knew all the best places to eat! Truck driving was his passion and also his ministry. He was inspired by his travels to write songs and testimonies.

Shupe is survived by his wife of 35 years, Loretta Shupe; his son Tyler Shupe and fiancé Amanda, Atkins; two daughters, Dr. Renee Clifton of Abingdon and McKenzie Gates and husband, Dr. Justin Gates, of Marion; a brother, Ralph Shupe and wife, Tonya, of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma; two sisters, Joanne Tauch and husband, Arnold, of Houston, Texas, and Jean Quinn of Houston; 10 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, July 6, at 4 p.m. at the Freedom Tabernacle in Atkins, with the Rev. Mike Sage officiating. Interment will follow in Resurrection Gardens cemetery. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends from 2-4 p.m. at the church. Services will be live streamed via Bradley’s Funeral Home Facebook. Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home, Marion is serving the family of Wayne Shupe.

Richard Simmons

Richard Simmons, 94, of Rural Retreat died Sunday, July 2, 2023.

Born Sept. 13, 1928, in Roanoke County, he was the son of the late Roy J and Ethel Dudley Simmons.

He enjoyed people he filled in as a preacher and teacher at times and was a former Boy Scout leader. He enjoyed spending time outdoors and loved God very much.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Barry Lewis Simmons, foster parents John and Annie Minnix, his mother and father-in-law Ira and Emma Jane Stilton.

Survivors include his wife, Dorothy Simmons; five children, Darrel Simmons and wife, Vicki, of Rural Retreat, Ted Simmons of South Carolina, Ray Simmons of Buchanan, Christel Kelley of Marion and Lita Regan and husband, Bill, of South Carolina; one half-sister Mary Dillon; good friend Peggy Moore; and church friends and extended family.

Memorial services will be held at a later date.

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

Clarence Sturgill

Clarence Sturgill, 83, died Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at his home in Chilhowie.

Survivors and funeral arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Bradley’s Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie.

Mary Lynn Vanhoozer

Mary Lynn Vanhoozer, 67, died Sunday, July 2, 2023, at Valley Healthcare Center in Chilhowie.

Vanhoozer was born Dec. 7, 1955, to the late George and Rosie Hayden Griffey. She is also preceded in death by her husband, Tommy Vanhoozer; two brothers, Jake Griffey and Dennis Griffey; and a sister-in-law Jewel Griffey.

She is survived by sons Will Vanhoozer and wife, Mandi, Michael Vanhoozer, and David Vanhoozer and Heather; grandson Tommy Vanhoozer; granddaughters Brittani and Katie Vanhoozer; great-granddaughter Elliana Vanhoozer; brothers Richard Griffey and wife, Angie, Terry Griffey and wife, Ruthie, Cecil Griffey and Kenny Griffey; sister Priscilla Fields and husband, James; several nieces, nephews a special cousin Kyra Ward; and her special friend and roommate Elsie Galliher.

Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m., Wednesday, July 5, from the Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Chilhowie with the Revs. Bob Surber and Eddie Foster officiating. The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. on Wednesday evening at the funeral chapel. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Thursday at Sunset Memorial Park in Damascus. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home at 10 a.m. for the procession to the cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Chapel of Chilhowie is serving the Vanhoozer Family.