U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Robert Preston Miller
Robert Preston Miller, age 91 passed away Saturday, November 4, 2006 at his residence.
He was a member of the Greenfield Baptist Church having served as Deacon and teacher of the Adult Men’s Sunday School Class. He retired from Appalachian Power Company after 34 years of service and was a Washington County farmer for many years. He had served in the United States Navy.
Survivors include his wife, Clara Miller, Meadowview, VA, his son and his wife, R. P. and Virginia Miller, Meadowview, VA, his daughter, Nancy Miller Runyon and her husband, Bob, Roanoke, VA, his brother and his wife, Charlie and Agnes Miller, Meadowview, VA, his four grandchildren, Patricia Goldenberg and her husband, Mike, Sherry Falls and her husband, Brian, Jennifer Kimbler and her husband, William, Robbie Miller and his wife, Susan, seven great grandchildren, Courtney Falls, Darryl Falls, Nathan, Drew and Mitchell Goldenberg, Ian Miller and Brennon Kimbler, several brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be conducted Sunday, November 5, 2006 at 8:00 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Pastor Mike Somers and Pastor Tom Capron officiating.
Pallbearers will be William Kimbler, Samuel Lamie, Vernie Eggers, Mardy Clawson, Bobby Miller, Vernie Miller, Johnny Casey, Johnny Garrett and Constantine Popa. Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Stevens, Mark Campbell, Henry Casey and the Deacons of Greenfield Baptist Church.
The committal graveside service will be conducted Monday, November 6, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. in the Greenfield Baptist Church cemetery. Those attending may assemble at the funeral home by 9:30 a.m. for the procession to the cemetery.
Flowers will be accepted or memorials can be made to the Greenfield Baptist Church cemetery Fund c/o Vivian Mock, P. O. Box 335, Meadowview, VA, 24361.
A special thanks to Hospice of Southwest Virginia, Dr. Darlene Litton, Dr. Christopher Pile and the many friends and neighbors.
The family will receive friends Sunday from 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home.
Kirby Dillon Smith
Mr. Kirby Dillon Smith age 80, passed away, Sunday, October 01, 2006, at the Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was born and raised in the Big A Mountain area in Honaker and moved to Abingdon 41 years ago. He was the son of the late Charlie and Maggie Combs Smith. He graduated from the Honaker High School and then attended the University of Virginia and the National Business College. Kirby had been a member of the Abingdon Baptist Church for 41 years where he taught a Sunday School Class and was a Deacon. He was president of Smith and Starnes Builders having completed several developments in the area. He was a World War II veteran serving for the defense of the Philippine Islands and was combat wounded twice and received two purple hearts. He was a member of the Washington County Gideon’s. Kirby was also preceded in death by brothers and sisters, Gaylena Smith, Edwin Smith, Bert Smith, Roy Smith, Ewald Smith and Garnie Smith.
He is survived by: his wife, Eula Starnes Smith; two sons, Garry Dillion Smith and wife, Rosalind of Abingdon and Bryan Finney Smith and wife, Renée Smith of Richmond; three daughters, Sandy Moore of Johnson City, Brenda Hallock and husband, Eddy of Houston, Texas and Terry Christian and husband, Sam of Abingdon; four brothers, Brady Smith and Grady Smith both of Melbourne, Fla., Charles Smith of Knoxville, and Jack Smith of Columbus, Ohio; three sisters, Nola Cooke, Fern Warsham and Ann Slagle all of Bristol, Tenn.; grandchildren, Meishach Moore, Jes Moore, Jai Moore, Seth Smith, Jeremy Hallock, Benjamin Hallock, Gabriel Hallock, Hannah Hallock, Lydia Smith, Logan Smith and Caroline Kirby Smith; three great grandchildren and several step grandchildren and great grandchildren
A funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, October 3, 2006, at 11:00 AM in the Abingdon Baptist Church with Rev. Eddy Hallock, Rev. Dr. Steven Pollard and Mr. Charles Meade officiating. Entombment will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 5 – 8 PM Monday at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Pallbearers will be the sons and grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be Charles Meade, Gene Hearl, Lawrence Slate and the Harry Denton Sunday School Class.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the Abingdon Baptist Church Mission’s Fund.
Joe Frank Fields
Joe Frank Fields, age 85, went to be with his Lord and Savior on Tuesday, April 3, 2007 in Johnston Memorial Hospital and is now reunited with Mabel O. Fields, his beloved wife of 61 years, who passed away in November of 2006.
He was the son of the late Walter and Mae Fields and was preceded in death by two brothers, three sisters and a foster sister. He was born in Russell County but lived most of his life in Washington County. As a young man, Joe served in the Civilian Conservation Corps and later joined the U. S. Navy, serving in the Philippines during World War II. He retired in 1983 from the Virginia Department of Highways with 33 years of service. After retiring Joe enjoyed gardening and volunteering at the Washington County Department of Social Services. He thrived on helping others and being a good neighbor. He was a member of Victory Baptist Church.
He was a devoted husband and loving father and grandfather and is survived by two daughters, Jerri Mitchell and husband, Alan, Patricia (Chris) Fleenor and husband Curtis both of Abingdon, two sons, Joe S. (Steve) Fields and wife Trenna of Dalton, GA and Dennis F. Fields, Sr. and wife Glenna of Abingdon and one sister, Lorraine Burke of Montvale, VA, eight grandchildren, six great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held at the Farris Funeral Service Forest Hills Chapel from 7:00-9:00 p.m. Wednesday, April 4, 2007 but friends may call at the homes of the individual children at any time.
Graveside services will be conducted Thursday, April 5, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. in Forest Hills Memory Gardens in the Garden of Peace with Rev. Jerry Eggers officiating with military rites conducted by Highlands Fellowship Honor Guard. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to gather at the cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial contributions be made to any chosen charity. The family wishes to express their gratitude to all the staff at Grace Healthcare for the loving care given to Joe during his stay there. We would also like to thank all the staff on the 3rd floor of Johnston Memorial Hospital for all the courtesies extended to our family during this most difficult time.
Roy Emerson Stephenson
Roy Emerson Stephenson, 93, went home to Heaven on Thursday, January 1, 2009 after a lengthy illness.
He was born October 10, 1915 and was a son of the late Hugh and Lydia Stephenson. Roy served in the U.S. Army during World War II and retired as 1st Lieutenant after 11 years. He owned and operated Holston River Store in Clinchburg for 25 years. He also retired from Hapco Co. in Abingdon. He was a long standing member of Glade Spring Baptist Church where he had served as Sunday School Teacher, deacon, and trustee.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Beulah Blankenship Stephenson; his brothers, Hugh and James Stephenson; and his sister, Pauline Stamas.
Survivors are, his loving wife of 33 years, Oleta Woolwine Stephenson; his daughters, Cheryl Lacy and husband, Jack of Moneta, Virginia, Barbara Dundlow and husband, Jerry of Virginia Beach, Virginia, and Jane Cruey and husband, Gene of Meadowview, Virginia; five grandchildren, Matthew Smith and wife, Christina of Ashburn, Virginia, Ross Dundlow and wife, Kate of Virginia Beach, Virginia, Amanda Kent and husband, Ben of Chesapeake, Virginia, and Cody and Travis Cruey of Meadowview, Virginia; three great grandchildren; his brother, William Stephenson and wife, Nancy of Oak Ridge, Tennessee; four sisters, Verna Schmidt of Hampton, Virginia, Kathleen Orr of Knoxville, Tennessee, Hallie White of Bristol, Virginia, and Evelyn Hurley and husband, Charles of Blountville, Tennessee; and a host of nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Roy Stephenson will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Sunday, January 4, 2009 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Dennis Blazier and Rev. Greg Hensley officiating. Interment will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park in Abingdon. Pallbearers will be Deacons of Glade Spring Baptist Church. Highlands Veteran Honor Guard will conduct military honors.
The family will receive friends at Farris Funeral Service from 6:00pm until 8:00pm Saturday, January 3, 2009.
The family would also like to thank the staff of Valley Health Care in Chilhowie, Virginia for their loving treatment.
Patricia Edwards Sheffey
Patricia Edwards Sheffey, age 82, passed away on Saturday, January 3, 2009 at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, VA.
Patricia obtained a B.S. in Home Economics in 1948 from West Virginia University. In 1981, she attended Appalachian State University and graduated from their Master’s program in Counseling Education and Research.
Her employment history encompassed many career directions. She held a Home Economist position at Appalachian Power Company. Patricia was self-employed as a Placement/Travel Specialist for Alpha Omega. She was a Director for the Abingdon Senior Center as well.
After obtaining her Master’s degree, she provided counseling services for the Woodrow Wilson Rehabilitation Center and also for Central Virginia Independent Living Center.
Her civic group participation included the Random Arts Club and Abingdon United Methodist Church Response Women’s Circle. Patricia was also the founder of the Wolf Hills Quilt Group. Quilting was a tremendous source of fellowship for Pat. She also was Chairperson of the Virginia Highlands Fiber Arts exhibition and competition. She was awarded recognition in 1999 with the James C. Wheat, Jr. Award from the Virginia Board for People with Disabilities. Pat served on the Mount Rogers Planning District for Independent Living.
She was member of the Abingdon United Methodist Church.
Survivors include her sons, Charles P. Sheffey and wife Deborah of Johnson City, TN; William D. Sheffey and wife Janet of Overland Park, KS; John A. Sheffey and wife Maria of Bedford, TX; Robert E. Sheffey and wife Teresa of Gray, TN and Thomas R. Kelley (Lt. Cmdr. USN, Ret.) and wife Maria of Danville, VA; her former husband, Robert A. Sheffey, Jr. of Abingdon; her sister, Jane E. LeRow of Parkersburg, WV; her niece, Elizabeth Rogers; her grandchildren, Natalie & Allison Sheffey, Grace & Ella Sheffey, Caroline, SueAnn & John Robert Sheffey, Monica & Shalamar Sheffey, Robert E. (Ed) Sheffey II, (2nd Lt., U. S. Army), Tobias and Joseph Sheffey, and her eight great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P. M. Monday, January 5, 2009 at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. A funeral service will be conducted at 6:00 P. M. Tuesday in the Abingdon United Methodist Church with Rev. Walter Weikle and Rev. Nicole Hill officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the Muscular Dystrophy Association at www.mda.org.
Ronald Ellsworth Shadley
Ronald Ellsworth Shadley, Sr., 50, died Saturday, January 3, 2009 at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was born and raised in California and moved to Washington County in 1991. He worked as a truck driver for 30 years and loved to fish.
He is survived by his wife, Tammie L. Shadley; 2 sons, Ronald Ellsworth Shadley, Jr. and wife Renee' of Abingdon, and Kenneth Daniel Ezra Shadley and girlfriend Shannon Myers of Abingdon; 1 daughter, Christina Florence Sarai Lewis and husband Robert Lee Lewis, II of Pittsburg, Kansas; 1 step-daughter, Tracy Garrett of Bristol, VA; 3 brothers, Dale Shadley, David Shadley, and Max Shadley; 4 sisters, Linda Wilson, Martha Quinlan, Donna Manuel, and Shirley Grover; 6 grandchildren, Isaiah, Sara, Keegan, Ashlyn, Zachary, Kawlyn; and a future grandson to be born in May.
A memorial service will be conducted Tuesday at 11:00 a.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service.
Connie Mack Farmer
Rev. Connie Mack Farmer, age 70, died peacefully at Grace Health Care in Abingdon on Saturday, January 3, 2009, with his family gathered around him. Connie Mack was born on August 23, 1938 in Pulaski, VA, to Rev. Raymond Farmer and his wife Pauline. He graduated from Hiwassee College, East Tennessee State University and received his Master’s of Divinity degree from Emory University. He served his country in the United States Air Force in Alaska during the Cuban Missile Era.
Before he retired in 2000, Connie Mack served several churches in both the North Georgia and Holston Conference of the United Methodist Church. His church affiliation following his retirement was with the Pleasant View United Methodist Church in Abingdon where he served for a time as Minister of Visitation.
He was a very active member of both the United Emmaus and the Highlands Emmaus communities where he served for many years as a Spiritual Director. Connie Mack’s legacy will be his infectious smile, his quick wit, and his deep faith.
Connie Mack is survived by Barbara, his loving wife and caregiver of 23 years. He is also survived by his former wife, Lou Ann Farmer of Weber City, VA., and their two children, David Farmer (wife Kay) of Blountville, TN, and Susan Edwards (husband Glenn) of Lexington, NC. In addition, he is survived by two step-daughters, Diana Largin of Galax, VA, and Mandi Howard (husband David) of Bristol, VA; two grandchildren, Clayton and Sarah Farmer of Blountville; and four step-grandchildren, Scott and Samantha Howard of Bristol, VA, and Jennifer and Michael Largin of Galax.
His family is deeply grateful to the entire staff of Grace Health Care in Abingdon for the loving and excellent care Connie Mack received during his 14 month stay there. They are also indebted to Wellmont Hospice for the care given to him during the last three weeks of his life.
The family will receive friends on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 from 6:00 – 7:45 p.m. at Pleasant View United Methodist Church with the funeral following at 8:00 p.m. The Rev. Jim Goddard and the Rev. Aubrey Whitlow will officiate. The committal service will be Wednesday, January 7, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. in the Serenity Garden Mausoleum located at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Those wishing to attend are asked to assemble at the mausoleum Wednesday by 10:45 a.m.
Pallbearers will be Clayton Farmer, Scott Howard, Dennis Hayes, Jeff Grubb, Tommy Ballard, and Terry Lineberry. Honorary pallbearers will be Fred Adkins and Guy Warner.
Memorial contributions in Connie Mack’s memory may be made to the CADASIL Foundation, 3605 Monument Drive, Round Rock, TX 78681; Wellmont Hospice, 280 Steeles Rd., Bristol, TN 37620; or Pleasant View United Methodist Church, 18416 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210.
Kerry Columbus Henley, Sr.
Kerry Columbus Henley, Sr., 85, passed away Sunday, January 4, 2009, in the James H. Quillen Veterans Hospital, Mountain Home, TN.
Mr. Henley was a Veteran of World War II, having served in the U. S. Army. He was a member of the 101st Division, 1st Infantry, Big Red 1 and was a Prisoner of War
He was preceded in death by his parents, Walter G. Henley and Lular F. Henley; his loving wife, Pauline Clara Henley; five brothers and five sisters.
Survivors include two sons: Kerry C. Henley, Jr. and wife Carma, and Michael Henley and wife Helen, all of Abingdon; three daughters: Janice Price and husband Paul V., Elisa Hartsock and husband Jeff, and Rita Henley Anderson, all of Abingdon, VA; a daughter by heart, Donna Sutherland; twelve grandchildren, four step-grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.
The funeral service for Kerry C. Henley, Sr., will be conducted Wednesday, January 7, 2009, at 2:00 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Pastor Richard Gunn and Pastor Rick Wyatt officiating. Entombment will follow in the Knollkreg Memorial Park Mausoleum with military honors to be presented by Highlands Veterans Honor Guard.
Pallbearers will be Alex Anderson, Chris Anderson, Nat Henley, Curtis Henley, Jeff Hartsock and Ray Freeman. Honorary pallbearers will be Don Carbary and members of the Outreach for Christ Chapel.
The family will receive friends Tuesday, January 6, 2009, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 at the funeral home.
Margery Falkner
Margery “Auntie Maude” Falkner, 92, formerly of Cambridge, passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2008, from a short illness. She was born in St. Ives, England, on December 3, 1916. She was preceded in death by one son, Alistair “Fritz” Falkner, and one granddaughter, Saundra Bailey.
Survivors include one brother, Hugh Smith and wife Naomi; one daughter, Eileen Bailey and husband Ron; two granddaughters, Lizbeth Phillips and husband Curtis, and Lianna Lawson; one grandson, Nick Falkner and wife Katrina; several great-grandchildren, nephews and nieces.
The family extends a very special thanks to Naomi Smith for years of sacrifice and love; to those at Kinross Retirement for the care given far beyond what was expected; especially to Shirley Young for being there when no one else could be; also to everyone at the Portsmouth Hospital. Thank you!
Services for Mrs. Falkner were held in Southsea, England on December 31, 2008. Information provided by Farris Funeral Service, Abingdon, Virginia.
Sara Ellen Goodman
Mrs. Sara Ellen Goodman, 76, passed away Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at the home of her daughter in Mendota.
She was a lifelong resident of Washington County, Virginia and was a daughter of the late Emmitt and Ida K. Burke. She was of the Baptist faith.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, William Harlan Reynolds; sisters, Laura Trimmer, Pauline Kinsley, and Mary Ann Widener; a brother, Bud Burke; and grandchildren, Tassilo Reynolds, Amy Reynolds, and Brian Goodman.
Survivors are her husband of 28 years, B.F. Goodman; son, Randell (Josh) Reynolds; daughter, Martha (Squeaky) Reynolds; Step children, Charlie and Jimmy Joe Reynolds, and Harold, Robert, Johnny, Carl, and Janet Goodman, all of the Tri-Cities area. Three sisters, Nora Lee Gosha of Bean Station, Tennessee, Betty Triplett, and Ginger Fleenor, both of Abingdon, and several grandchildren and great grandchildren also survive.
Funeral services for Mrs. Sara Goodman will be conducted at 11:00 am Thursday, January 8, 2009 in the Mausoleum at Knollkreg Memorial Park in Abingdon with Elder John Beeler officiating. Interment will follow. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Those attending are asked to meet at the cemetery.
The family will receive friends at Farris Funeral Service in Abingdon from 6:00pm until 8:00pm Wednesday, January 7, 2009.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Singingwood Baptist Church, 16560 Singingwood Lane, Bristol, Virginia 24202.
David C. Coleman
David “Big Dave” Carson Coleman, age 45, passed away on Tuesday, January 6, 2009 at his home.
David was born on April 25, 1963 in Smyth County, Virginia and was a son of the late Don and Frances Coleman. He was also preceded in death by his sister, Pamela Coleman.
David was a 1981 graduate of Patrick Henry High School and a member of the Byars-Cobbs Memorial United Methodist Church in Glade Spring. David was an active member of his church and had served on several committees there. He was employed by Evans Distributing Company of Marion before his illness. David was an avid sportsman and especially loved playing a round of golf or watching or playing football.
Survivors include his wife Brittany Coleman; his daughter Emma Coleman; his brothers, Jerry Coleman and Donnie Coleman both of Abingdon, VA and Joe Coleman and wife Robin of Glade Spring, VA; his sisters, Bonnie Owens of Meadowview, VA, Sandra Richardson and husband Charles of Piney Flats, TN and Donna Broyles and husband Danny of Glade Spring, VA; his mother & father-in-law, Glenn and Susan Weller of Chilhowie, VA; his brother and sister-in-law, Nick and Cara Weller of Chilhowie, VA; several nieces and nephews and several great nephews.
A funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A. M. Friday, January 9, 2009 in the Main Street chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Todd Adams, Rev. David St. Clair and Rev, Paul Griffith officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Rose cemetery in Glade Spring, VA. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8: 00 P. M. Thursday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Tony Byrd, Charlie Byrd, Danny Buck, Jim Hall, Randy Thompson, Jeff Johnson, Bill Evans and Rick Testor. Honorary pallbearers will be Chris Jones, Mike Harmon, Jim Owens, David Helms, Rob Sampson, Mark Davenport, William Yarber, Brian Burkett and Billy Evans, Jr.
In place of flowers, a trust fund for his daughter Emma has been established. Those wishing to contribute to this may do so by contacting Wachovia Bank, 102 E. Main Street, Marion, VA 24354.
Eula Victoria Gates Burnett
Eula Victoria “Vickie” Gates Burnett passed away Thursday, January 8, 2009, at the Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Virginia.
Mrs. Burnett was born on September 4, 1924, in Glade Spring, Virginia. She attended Clinchburg United Methodist Church, and she was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, and friend.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, William Robert Burnett, a son, Michael Walter Burnett; her mother and father, Alta Moore and John Walter Gates; a brother, John Graham Gates; and two sisters, Evelyn Gates Johnson and Stella Gates Scott.
Survivors include her son, William Robert Burnett, Jr. and his wife, Peg, Greenville, NC; three grandsons, Charles Robert Burnett and his wife, Tori, Michael David Burnett and his wife, Jenny, and William Albert Burnett; and one great-grandson, Charles William Burnett. Other survivors are sisters Ruth Sheffield and husband, John, of Glade Spring, and Janie Patterson and husband, Chuck, of Wytheville, Virginia, and brothers, James F. Gates and wife, Eleanor, of Galax, Virginia, and George F. Gates and wife, Janice, of Bedford, Virginia.
The family wishes to express sincere appreciation to her wonderful care givers, Ruby White and Dorris Chapman, as well as the employees at Grace Nursing Home in Abingdon and Johnston Memorial Hospital.
The pallbearers will be Mrs. Burnett’s grandsons and nephews.
Flowers are acceptable or memorial contributions may be sent to the American Lung Association, P. O. Box 1249, Abingdon, VA 24212 or a charity of your choice.
Visitation with the family will be on Saturday, January 10, 2008 from 9:30 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. at Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main St., Abingdon, Virginia, followed by a funeral service at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Greg Hensley officiating. The soloist will be Tori Burnett. The burial will follow at East Lawn cemetery, Kingsport, Tennessee.
