Burton Eugene Bise Jr.
Burton Eugene Bise Jr., 66, died Sunday, May 28, 2023, at Johnston Memorial Hospital.
He was born Sept. 13, 1956, to the late Ruth Nutter Bise and Burton Eugene Bise Sr. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Janice Armstrong Bise and brother, Jeffrey Lynn Bise.
He loved fishing, hunting and camping. He and his son, Josh, made many memories doing these activities.
He is survived by his only child, Burton Joshua Bise(Christina); one grandson, Xavier James Bise; a sister-in-law, Carol Bise; and a nephew and many cousins and aunts.
Funeral services will be held at 4 p.m. Saturday, June 3, at Bradley’s Funeral Home in Marion with the Rev. Mike Sage officiating. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 3-4 p.m. prior to services. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home is serving the Bise family.
Frank Warwick Chandler III
Frank Warwick Chandler III, 83, of Wytheville died Thursday, May 25, 2023.
He was born Dec. 12, 1939, in Richmond, the son of the late Frank Warwick Chandler II and Evelyn Smith West. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Sandra Mahoney and brother, James Samuel.
Chandler is survived by his wife of 45 years, Joan Umbarger Chandler; daughter, Lynne Beninghove; sons Kenny Chandler and John and wife, Ann Chandler; brother, David West; four grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and many friends.
Chandler had several careers but the one he enjoyed the most was being a police officer. He loved to sing gospel music and sang at numerous events.
Online condolences may be extended to the family at www.highlandfuneralservice.com Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, is serving the Chandler family.
Raymond Jake Davis
Raymond Jake Davis, 84, died Thursday, June 1, 2023, at his home in Marion.
Davis was born in Saltville to the late William Davis and Ocie Stillwell Davis and was preceded in death by his son, Charles Davis; brother, Bill Davis; sisters, Shirley Quillen and Betty Sue Blevins.
Davis was retired from the Smyth County Vocational School after 30 years of service. He loved tinkering in his shop and fishing with his grandson and friends.
Survivors include, his wife of 64 years, Patsy Davis; daughter, Patty Turilli and husband, Tony; grandson, Corbin Turilli; and several nieces and nephews to include a special nephew, Billy Davis.
Graveside services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 4, at Wassum Valley Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Wade Kestner officiating. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital at www.stjudes.org. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Davis family.
Herman Bruce Dillon
Herman Bruce Dillon, 80, died Sunday, May 28, 2023.
Dillon was preceded in death by his father and mother, Herman Tarter Dillon and Elizabeth Shepherd Dillon, as well as his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Howard and Dorothy Price.
He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Phyllis Price Dillon; a son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Zella Dillon of Wytheville; daughter and son-in-law, Kay and Ray Blevins of Wytheville; four grandsons, Graham Dillon of Fairfax, Maxwell Dillon of Roanoke, Channing Blevins of Wytheville, and Benson Blevins of Wytheville; brother-in-law and his wife, Tommy and Brenda Price; a sister-in-law and her husband, Becky and Roger Hudson; a nephew, a niece and several cousins.
In the grocery business for more than 55 years, Dillon began his career at Shepherd’s Grocery before joining his father in ownership of Dillon’s IGA Foodliner and Dillon’s IGA Foodette. When his employment began in 1965, a loaf of bread cost 20 cents, a gallon of ice cream 59 cents, and a pound of coffee 89 cents. While the grocery business experienced continuous change throughout the years, nothing compared to the overwhelming transformation created when Virginia Lottery ticket sales began in September 1988. The Lottery created its own unique share of obstacles, but Dillon welcomed the challenge and in 1995, Dillon’s IGA enjoyed a newsworthy day as they proudly announced the sale of a million-dollar winning ticket. In his extensive career, Dillon displayed resiliency to overcome complicated challenges, flexibility to integrate modern innovations, and a steadfast devotion to serve the needs of his customers and the Wytheville community.
Dillon’s favorite travel destinations included Miami Beach, Las Vegas, and of course, Myrtle Beach where he and Phyllis vacationed several times each year. As the grandchildren came along, a mid-summer beach trip became a family tradition which continued for more than 25 years. The group enjoyed countless beach adventures including deep sea fishing, parasailing, “Top Golfing,” and Pontoon navigating along the Intercoastal Waterway. Perhaps the most treasured family memories were offered by simple pleasures including daily walks to the pier, competitive beach games and nightly dinner excursions.
Burial was at East End Cemetery. Flowers are appreciated or please consider a donation to Wythe Hospice of SWVA, 1155 North 4th Street, Wytheville.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com. The Dillon family is in the care of Grubb Funeral Home in Wytheville.
Jackie Dean Finley
Jackie Dean Finley, 83, died Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at Mountain Laurel Nursing Home in Rural Retreat.
Finley was born in Grayson County to the late Victor and Jane Wingler Finley.
Along with his parents, he is also preceded in death by sisters Mary Fitzko and Nettie Kaufman, and brothers Herman Finley, Archie Finley, Bill Finley and Harold Finley.
He is survived by four children, Debra Bowling and husband, Doug, Christa Howell and husband, Duane, Jacqueline Smith and husband, Jeremiah, and Jamie Finley and fiancé Maria Atkins; sister Carol Hartman; grandchildren Natasha Bowling, Santana Taylor, Kayla Charles, Candice Howell, Jacob Howell, Joshua Charles, Victoria Saufley, Valerie Guinn, Vanessa Saufley, Vincent Saufley, Vivica Saufley, Vianna Saufley, Lonnie Smith, Declan Smith and Jayde Finley; great-grandchildren London O’Conner, Braxton Aker, Cassie Nunley, Jade Nunley, Elijah Taylor, Sadie Guinn, Samuel Guinn, Warren Charles, Miles Charles and Isabella Strouth; and several nieces, nephews, and other loving family and friends.
Burial was at the Wingler Family Cemetery in Whitetop. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Finley Family.
Nora Ruby Poston Hoover
Nora Ruby Poston Hoover, 97, died Monday, May 29, 2023, at Valley Healthcare Center in Chilhowie.
Hoover was born in Saltville on Aug. 5, 1925. She worked many years in the local sewing factories and farming. Hoover loved her Lord and was a faithful member at Chatham Hill First Church of God for many years. Before her health declined, she enjoyed spending time at the Wellness Center.
She is preceded in death by her parents Alonzo and Alice Worley Poston; her husband, Herbert A. Hoover; and all her siblings Gordon Poston, Richard Poston, David Poston, Howard Poston, Gertie Clear and Louise Mitchell.
She is survived by her two children, Andrew Hoover and Darlene Hoover; grandchildren Chris Hoover and Elizabeth Steves; seven great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 2:30 p.m., Saturday, June 3, at Ridgedale UMC Cemetery with the Rev. Jeremy Dunn officiating. The family will receive friends from 1 -2 p.m. on Saturday at Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Hoover Family.
Lucille Griffitts Kinkade
Lucille Griffitts Kinkade,101, died Friday, May 26, 2023, at home.
Kinkade was born on April 23, 1922, in Teas to Roy and Martha Griffitts; she was the fourth of six daughters. Like many of her era, she joined the World War II effort and ended up working in a lab in Tennessee where she met Christy Paul Kinkade, whom she married in March of 1944. Following the war, Lucille and Paul moved to Damascus, where their two children, Richard Paul and Martha Jane, were born. The family resettled in Teas in 1951, following the death of Lucille’s brother-in-law, Hix Pugh, and she began teaching at Teas school.
Kinkade resumed her post-secondary education at Radford College and graduated in 1964 with honors. She earned a Masters’ Degree at UVA in 1971 and soon began working as an Elementary Supervisor for Smyth County Schools. Her dedication to teaching and resilience brought several changes to that position and to the continuing education of teachers. In 1972 she helped found the Chi Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma Teachers’ Sorority.
Kinkade continued to be an active member well into her retirement. After Paul passed way in 2007, she continued living in her home in Teas for the majority of the year and spending the winter months in Green Valley, Arizona, where her daughter Jane and husband, Charles Smith, had retired. In 2015, her granddaughter, Virginia Smith RN, moved in with Kinkade, which enabled her to continue to live in her home, despite vision loss. In April 2022, Kinkade celebrated her 100th birthday at her home with many friends, family, sorority sisters and community members in attendance. Marion’s mayor presented her with a key to the city and the President of the United States sent her a birthday card.
Kinkade is survived by her son, Richard, and wife, Teri of Taos, New Mexico; daughter Jane and husband, Charles, of Green Valley; two granddaughters, Virginia of Teas and Katherine and spouse, Amber, of Oakland, California; as well as numerous extended family.
The family will receive friends Saturday, June 3, from 10 until 11 a.m. at Elizabeth United Methodist Church, 788 Teas Road, Sugar Grove VA. Funeral services will begin at 11 a.m. with burial following in Meek Family Cemetery, Teas Road, Sugar Grove.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Meek Family Cemetery Fund or Elizabeth UMC c/o Treasurer, 788 Teas Road, Sugar Grove VA 24375; or the charity of your choice.
To share memories of Lucille Griffits Kinkade, please visit www.seaverbrown.com. Care for Lucille’s family has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street, Marion.
Mildred Juanita Levitt
Mildred Juanita Levitt, 90, died Wednesday, May 31, 2023, at Valley Health Care Center in Chilhowie.
Levitt was born in Saltville to the late Thomas Dinsmore and Annie Tolbert Dinsmore and was preceded in death by her husband, Kermit Levitt; son, Perry Levitt; sisters, Mary Ellen Surber and Elizabeth Fields; brothers, Roy Dinsmore, Clarence Dinsmore, William Dinsmore, Calvin Dinsmore, Jimmy Dinsmore and Charles Coe.
Levitt graduated from Rich Valley High School and was one of the first 10 employees at Merillat in Atkins retiring after 30-plus years of service having never missed a day of work.
She was a beloved mother and grandmother who was a great cook and a member of the Wassum Valley Baptist Church in Marion.
Survivors include her son, Gary Levitt and wife, Charlotte; grandson, Adam Levitt; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday June 5, at Bradley’s Funeral Home in Marion with the Rev. Josh Pickett officiating. The family will receive friends on Monday from noon to 1 p.m. Interment will follow in Mt. Rose Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home is serving the Levitt Family.
Virginia Edith “Ginny” Russo Myers
Virginia Edith “Ginny” Russo Myers, 78, died Tuesday, May 30, 2023, at Bristol Rehab and Memory Care Center in Bristol, Virginia.
Myers was born in Baltimore, Maryland, to the late Joseph Russo Sr. and Virginia Pope Russo. Along with her parents, she is also preceded in death by her husband, Howard Wayne Myers; son Gregory Lewis Myers; brother Joseph Russo Jr.; and sisters Anna Voglesong, Linda Gavins, Barbara Oster and Carolyn Diamond.
She was an active member with the Chilhowie Lion’s Club for many years. Ginny and Howard were also faithful members at Chilhowie Christian Church throughout the years.
She is survived by her stepdaughter Kimberly Sue Hager and husband, Mel; grandchildren Michael Hager, Jason Hager, Heather, Shannon and Brittany Lewis; brother Bill Russo and wife, Karen; and many nieces, nephews, and special caregiver Jay Overbay.
Entombment services will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, June 5, at Rose Lawn Cemetery Mausoleum with the Rev. Frank Branson officiating. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Myers Family.
Kathleen “Kathy” Bartlett Nicholson
Kathleen “Kathy” Bartlett Nicholson, 79, died May 30, 2023, at Bristol Rehab and Memory Care Center in Bristol, Virginia.
Nicholson was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on Oct. 8, 1943, and was raised in Trappe, Maryland. She attended BYU for a year and worked for the SCALE program. She was a dedicated and faithful member of the LDS Church for more than 60 years. She was very active in theater productions and the youth in many different elementary schools throughout the years. Nicholson worked for over 20 years at Best Western and was affectionately known by many as Ms. Kathleen. Kathy married the love of her life, Chet, on Sept. 6, 1963. They were married for 60 years. Her love and devotions to her Lord and family was most important in her life. She will be deeply missed by all that knew her.
Along with her husband, she is also preceded in death by her parents William and Reva Bartlett; sister Jeanette White; brother William Bartlett Jr.; grandchildren William Charles Cregger Jr. and Anna Elizabeth Christensen; and a son-in-law Joel “Bucky” Cregger.
She is survived by four children, Danielle Nicholson of Washington, Erin Christensen and husband, Cary of Utah, D’Arcy Owens and husband, Charlie, of North Carolina and Micaela Cregger of Marion; brother John Bartlett and wife, Mary Beth, of Colorado; sisters Bonnie Clements and husband, Randy, of Utah, and Marilyn Brown of South Dakota; grandchildren Johann and Amber Christensen of Utah, Shelby Fitzpatrick and husband, Trevor, of Kansas, Nick and Callie Cregger of Marion and Reva Cregger of Glade Spring; great-grandchild Avery Fitzpatrick; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m., Tuesday, June 6, at the Church of Jesus Christ Latter-day Saints, 100 Water Mill Road, Marion, with President Jack Browning officiating. The services will also be livestreamed via Bradley’s Funeral Home Facebook page. The family will receive friends from 6 to 7 p.m. on Tuesday evening at the church. Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m., Wednesday at Sunset Cemetery in Ceres. Family and friends are asked to meet at the cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the Nicholson Family.
Gale Sluss Parks
Gale Sluss Parks, 61, of Max Meadows died Wednesday, May 31, 2023.
She was born Jan. 5, 1962 in Washington County and was preceded in death by her father, Fred Leonard Sluss.
Survivors include her mother, Elizabeth Kelly Sluss of Wytheville; significant other Steve Nelson of Max Meadows; son and daughter-in-law, Matthew and Ashley Parks of Max Meadows; daughter and son-in-law, Ericka and Jason Lytton of Max Meadows; two sisters and brothers-in-law, Sherry and Daniel Kellett of Wytheville and Teresa and Jeff Shupe of Wytheville; and six grandchildren.
A memorial celebration will be held at 7 p.m. Monday, June 5, at Barnett Funeral Home with the Rev. Nick Genoff officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until service time.
Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville, is serving the Sluss-Parks family
Connie Linkous Testerman Pick
Connie Linkous Testerman Pick, 76, died Tuesday, May 30, 2023, in Marion.
Pick was born in Pulaski to the late Ralph Linkous and Thelma Linkous Smith and was preceded in death by her son, Ralph “Hunter” Testerman; sisters, Terressa Ross and Diana Linkous; brother Barry Linkous; and stepfather, Richard Smith.
She grew up in Sugar Grove and lived in St. Cloud, Florida, where she owned and operated a thrift and antiques shop. She sold insurance and real estate in Marion and did Yellow Page advertising in Bristol and Florida. Pick enjoyed shopping, yard sales and camping. She attended the Marion Church of the Nazarene and truly loved her family.
Survivors include her fiancee, Junior Horne; son, Kevin Testerman and wife, Tina; brother, Ron Linkous and wife, Gina; grandson, Matthew Walling and wife, Wendy; great-grandchildren, Ethan and Summer Walling; stepchildren, Robbie Horne and fiancee, Cassie Wigand and Debbie Horne; step-grandchildren, Emily Blankenbeckler, Cody Horne, Jordon Horne, Justin Horne; half-sister, Tonya Davis; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, June 2, at Bradley’s Funeral Home in Marion with the Rev. Paul Shallenburg officiating. The family will receive friends on Friday from 5-7 p.m.
Graveside services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Rose Lawn Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to Smyth County Humane Society PO Box 1124 Marion, VA 24354 or to St. Judes Children’s Hospital at stjudes.org. Expressions of sympathy will be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home is serving the family of Connie Pick.
Dale S. Richardson
Dale S. Richardson, 88, died Thursday, June 1, 2023, at his home in Marion.
Richardson was born in Smyth County to the late James H. Richardson and Sally Martin White and was preceded in death by his brothers, Gilmer, Ralph and Avery; his sister, Ruth Osborne.
He worked for the Town of Marion for 39 years and three months, starting as a laborer and retiring as Superintendent of Public Works. Richardson raised tobacco, cattle, pigs, honeybees, and the perfect garden. He was also the owner and operator of Richardson Stripping. He was a very hardworking man and enjoyed doing activities with his family.
Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Lois Greer Richardson; sons Jeff Richardson and wife, Karen, and Mike Richardson and wife, Donna all of Marion; grandchildren Kelly Richardson of Roanoke, Dr. Adam Richardson and Ashley Fulton of Richmond and Holly Lipscomb and Nolan of Marion; great-grandchildren, Hadley and Emery Bowen of Roanoke; and his fur companion, Ruby Sue.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, June 4, at Bradley’s Funeral Home with the Revs. Steve Hutton and Justin Hall officiating. Interment will follow in Cleghorn Valley Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Saturday from 6:30 -8:30 p.m. at the funeral home in Marion. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home is serving the Richardson family.
Barbara Malcolm Sproles
Barbara Malcolm Sproles, 83, died Tuesday, May 23, 2023, at home.
Sproles loved and enjoyed her family, especially the ones who called her Mamaw. She attended Wallace Schools and later became a beautician for 29 years. From there she was a deputy at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office for 18 years. After retiring she liked crafts, quilting, and embroidery in her spare time.
She was preceded in death by her parents, JW and Julia Malcolm; sisters, Lois Calhoun, Francis Milam, Dororthy Freese, and Jessie Malcolm.
Sproles is survived by her husband, Bill Sproles; daughter, Deborah Owens (Mike); sons, Steven Sproles (Glenda), Rex Sproles, and David Sproles; sister, Sandra Williams; brothers, Carl Malcolm (Sebanell) and Cecil Malcolm (Billie); seven grandchildren, seven great- grandchildren, several nieces and nephews; and special friends, Joyce Shaffer and Judy Shutters.
Burial was at Hendrick’s Cemetery, Mendota.
Care for Barbara’s family has been entrusted to Fraziers’ Seaver Brown Funeral Service & Crematory, 237 East Main Street.
Thomas Franklin Weaver
Thomas Franklin Weaver, 67, of Wytheville died Thursday, May 25, 2023.
Weaver was born Oct. 21, 1955, to the late Wayne A. and Nancy Simmerman Weaver, and was a long-time mechanic.
He is survived by his sister, Nancy Shumate of Wytheville and other extended family.
Burial was in West End Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.grubbfuneralhome.com
Grubb Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.
Bobby Wayne Williams
Bobby Wayne Williams, 61, died at home on May 29, 2023. He was born on March 21, 1962, to the late R.L. and Nettie Blevins Williams. Williams was also preceded in death by his brother, Roy Michael Williams, and sister, Brenda Mae Lester.
Williams was a simple man who enjoyed hunting and fishing and classic cars. He retired after many years of service from General Dynamics in Marion. He especially adored his wife, Teresa, and had a big heart for his family.
Survivors include, his wife of 40 years, Teresa Williams; children Jason Williams and Brylan Williams; brothers Ron Williams and wife, Kathy, Johnny Williams and Paul Williams and wife, Pam; sister, Francis Harris and husband, Gary; and grandchildren, Elijah, Faith, Emaleigh, Nadalyn, and Paxton.
Burial was at Rose Lawn Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Marion is serving the family of Bobby Williams.
Brenda Carol Wormser
Brenda Carol Wormser, 65, died May 31, 2023 at Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion.
Wormser was born Feb. 5, 1958, to the late Clifton Graham and Bonnie Tolbert Lester. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Donald Wormser; daughter, Sandra Darlene Griffin; sisters, Barbara Lester and Patsy Lester.
Survivors include granddaughter, Kimberly Griffin; grandson, Brandon Griffin; great-granddaughter, Brooklyn Anderson; sisters,= Joyce Ward, Mildred Lester, Marsha Richie; and special nephew, Billy Lester.
In keeping with Brenda wishes, all services will be private. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the. family at www.bradleysfh.com. Bradley’s Funeral Home of Chilhowie is serving the family of Brenda Carol Wormser.
