U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Ruby (Bush) Miller
Ms. Ruby (Bush) Miller, age 92, died Monday, December 15, 2008 at Johnston Memorial Hospital. She was born October 17, 1916 in Holston, Va. She was a lifelong resident of Washington County and the daughter of the late Ida P. Clifton Miller and B.H. Miller, Sr.
Since 1996, she resided in the home of her niece, Donna Bise. Ms. Miller worked in the healthcare field for over 20 years. Over the years, she gently cared for the sick and brought daily sunshine into their lives. After her retirement, she spent several years tirelessly caring for her sick, elderly mother until her death. Some years later, she moved her brother, Hobert Miller into her home and provided care for him until his death. She was always a person who thought of others before thinking of herself.
Bush will be long remembered by anyone who knew her for her extraordinary kindness, caring, and thoughtfulness. All who had the good fortune to meet her were inspired by her. With the loss of Ms. Miller, the earth has truly lost a saint and Heaven has gained an angel.
Ms. Miller was also preceded in death by her brothers, Hobert Miller and Carl Miller, brother-in-law, R. F. Latham, and sister-in-law, Nadine Miller.
Survivors include her niece, Donna Bise and husband Charles of Abingdon; brother: B. H. (June) Miller of Abingdon; sister, Lucille Latham of Abingdon; dear friend Arzelle Warren; two very special dog friends, Jimmy and Pip; two nieces, Judy Miller and Patricia Latham; and one nephew, David Miller.
A graveside service will be conducted Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Dr. Thomas R. Peake officiating. The family will receive friends immediately prior to the service in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Hwy., Abingdon, beginning at 1:00 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Charlton Tiller, John Moore, Wayne Thayer, Mike Hagy, Bobby Thomas, and Mark Farris.
Rick (Beau) Baumgardner
Rick (Beau) Baumgardner, 35, went to start his new life with God, in whom he had unshakeable faith, on Monday, December 15, 2008 at Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center with his loving family by his side.
He was a resident of Damascus, Virginia his entire life.
He was preceded in death by very special grandparents, Walker and Mary Sweet, and Everett Sr. and Eulala Baumgardner.
He is survived by his father and step-mother, Everett Jr. and Kim Baumgardner of Damascus; his mother and step-father, Nancy and Jim Mathews of Richmond, Virginia.
In addition to his parents, he is survived by the love of his life, his wife, Debra, and the joy of his life, his son, Walker; a half brother, Matthew Baumgardner of Damascus; and a step brother, Nick Woodall and wife, Kim of Bristol, Virginia. Along with cousins too numerous to mention, he is also survived by his aunts and uncles who never left his side during his brief illness; they are Roy and Ruby Baumgardner, Clarence and Phyllis Baumgardner, Don and Sue Baumgardner, Mark and Wanda Baumgardner, David and Lisa Baumgardner, Violet and Baxter Hicks, Velvet and Phillip Salyers, Karen and Darrell Kestner, Rhoda Stuart, and Georgia Adams.
Rick was a very special man, who touched the lives of everyone he met. As a friend once said, “he has a heart bigger than the world”. To have known him was truly a gift from God, and the world is a better place just to have known him.
Funeral services for Rick Baumgardner will be conducted at 8:00pm Wednesday, December 17, 2008 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Pastor Mike Stuart officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00pm until 7:45pm Wednesday.
A graveside service will be held at 2:00pm Thursday, December 18, 2008 in the Baumgardner Family cemetery on Denton Valley Road in Abingdon, Virginia. Pallbearers will be Bob Mitchell, Brad Baumgardner, Arian Kestner, Shawn Lawson, Trampus Mitchell, and Duff Parks. Honorary Pallbearers will be all of his many cousins and friends who he loved dearly. Those wishing to attend the graveside service are asked to assemble at Farris Funeral Service in Abingdon by 1:15pm Thursday.
Thomas Clifford Andrew, Jr.
Thomas C. Andrew, Jr., Col. USMC (ret.), 76, died Monday, December 15, 2008 at Valley Health Care after a lengthy illness of primary progressive aphasia and Parkinsonism.
He was born March 5, 1932 to the late Thomas Clifford Andrew, Sr. and Rowena Phipps Andrew in Bluefield, WV. As a student/athlete at Pulaski High School, he was captain of the basketball team and quarterback on the football team, where he lettered in both sports. He enlisted in the Marine Corps while a freshman at Virginia Tech, feeling a strong call to serve his country.
Following service in Korea, he became a Naval Aviation Cadet. In U.S. Naval School Preflight, Pensacola, he was awarded the Outstanding Student Award. His career in the Marine Corps spanned more than 33 years from 1952-1985, including service in Korea and Vietnam. Piloting the UH-1E attack helicopters in Vietnam, he provided close air support to emergency evacuation helicopters in the mission of extracting casualties. During his tour, he flew 389 missions. He was a highly decorated Marine with awards that included the Legion of Merit, The Air Medal Bronze Star for Heroism, the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal Strike/Flight with Numeral “19”, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
The awards were given on the basis of action while then-Maj. Andrew was stationed with Marine Light Helicopter Squadron 167. During a mission, he deliberately drew fire to his own aircraft by turning on his lights in the night so that the medical evacuations could safely be made. “Maj. Andrew’s courage, superior airmanship and unwavering devotion to duty in the face of great personal danger were instrumental in accomplishing the hazardous mission and were in keeping with the highest traditions of the Marine Corps and the United States Naval Service, ” the citation read. In service as in life he conducted himself with selfless and steadfast devotion to duty.
Significant duty stations included MAG-12, Pyongtaek, Korea, HMR-363 Bikini Atoll, VMF-114 Cherry Point, NC, VMF-334 El Toro, CA, and Marble Mountain, Vietnam. He was a member of the Mustang Association and Phi Beta Kappa. He graduated with honors from Auburn University in 1972 following his Vietnam service.
Col. Andrew was a member of the Marion First United Methodist Church and was affiliated with the Emory United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his aunt and uncle, Una Phipps Crowell and Rufus Crowell, who were like second parents to him; his sister Jeanne Andrew Pace on November 24, 2005; and his son Thomas Clifford Andrew III on July 24, 1975.
He is survived by his wife, Katherine Greer Andrew of Emory; nephews Mike Pace and wife Nancy of Salem, VA, and Jon Pace and wife Elen of Charlotte, NC, and other family members Melissa J. Brister, Edwin “Skip” Jackson, Chris Jackson, and Noel West.
A memorial service will be conducted on Monday, December 22, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at the Emory United Methodist Church with the Rev. David Jackson officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 6:00 p.m. Col. Andrew’s final resting place will be in Arlington National cemetery beside his beloved son. Services at the Old Chapel, Ft. Meyer, Arlington, VA, will be at a later date. Memorial contributions may be sent to the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund, 825 College Blvd, Suite 102, PMB 609, Oceanside, CA 92057
Sarah Rachel Reynolds
Mrs. Sarah Rachel Reynolds, age 94, passed away Wednesday, December 17, 2008, at Johnston Memorial Hospital. She had lived in Washington County, Virginia, for most of her life. She was a daughter of the late David Jasper Clark and Nannie Elizabeth Clark. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Reynolds was preceded in death by her husband, William R. “Bill” Reynolds; her children: Robert Reynolds, Cecil Reynolds, Carolyn Oliver and Mary Lee Abballe; her sister, Mattie Odum; and her brothers: Roy, Roby, Cyphus, John, Henry, Riley and Jesse Clark.
She is survived by her sons: William “Junior” Reynolds, Ronald Reynolds, and David Reynolds, all of Abingdon; her daughters: Volga Anderson of Cincinnati, OH; Nannie Cox, Regina McCracken, Cecilia Rierson, and Darlene Ramsey, all of Abingdon; eighteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and nine great-great-grandchildren.
The funeral service for Mrs. Sarah Rachel Reynolds will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, December 20, 2008, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Pastor Bob Neace officiating. Burial will follow at Sinking Spring cemetery. Pallbearers will be James Clark, James Holloway, Kevin Castle, Bill Snodgrass, Darrell Snodgrass, and David Clark.
The family will receive friends Friday, December 19, 2008, from 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Lula Rose Steffey
Lula Rose Steffey, age 90 of Mendota, VA passed away Friday, December 19, 2008 at her residence.
She was born October 15, 1918 in Mendota, VA and was a member of the Mendota Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Walter and Susie Rose, her husband, Henry Steffey and a grandson, Randy Chaffin.
Survivors include three daughters, Alma Brummitt and husband Archie, Patsy Chaffin and Josephine Williams all of Mendota, VA, four grandsons, Charlie Williams, Darrell Chaffin, David Brummitt and Jerry “Buck” Chaffin, three granddaughters, Susan Powers, JoAnn “Missy” Vanover and April Ryder. Seven great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, two special friends, Ernest Holman and Bill McCracken.
The service and burial will be private conducted by Rev. Clinton Ryder.
Friends may call at the home at anytime.
James Morris Davis
Mr. James “Jim” Morris Davis, age 81, passed away on Friday, December 19, 2008 at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, VA.
Born September 21, 1927 in Paintsville, KY to the late James & Lena Reed Davis; & preceded in death by his brother, Robert Keith Davis. Jim served in the Philippines with the United States Army during World War II. He graduated (1951), with distinction, from the University of Kentucky, with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Accounting & Finance at which he was a member of Beta Lambda Sigma & was awarded a key for mathematics. Jim worked in the coal industry, in finance, throughout his long career – starting (1952) as payroll clerk in David, KY; then going to Princess Coal in Huntington, WV, where he started as Chief Accountant & ultimately became Controller & Tax Manager. Jim moved to Abingdon (1967) & worked for Clinchfield Coal in Dante as Manager (Audit & Systems); progressing to Pittston Group Treasurer, where he orchestrated the Coal Group’s move to Lebanon. Jim moved in 1977 to New Canaan, CT with Pittston & became Executive Vice-President. He returned to Abingdon in 1988 as Vice-President Finance of Pyxis Resources Co. until retirement in 1992.
Jim & his wife shared the honor of being Kentucky Colonels. Jim was a member of Abingdon Baptist Church & the Harry Denton Sunday school class. He was formerly active in Kiwanis & American Management Society – serving as officers in both. Jim was a 50 year member of the Zebulon Lodge #273 of F&A Masons of Prestonsburg, Ky. He served as a Troop Committeeman of former Boy Scout Troop 164. He was a former member of Glenrochie Country Club, President’s Club & Highlands Dance Society. Jim was also a proud member of the “Lunch Bunch” – a local men’s group. He enjoyed reading & spending time with his family. Jim was a devoted husband & dutiful father. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him as a true Southern Gentleman whose word was his bond.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Waynoka “Duke” Davis of 60 years; two sons, Ronald Lee Davis, Sr. & wife, Mary of Sandy Hook, CT; James Romeyn Davis & wife Joy of Keene, NH; six grandchildren, Ronald Lee Davis, Jr., Jessica Lynne Davis, Sara Elizabeth Davis, Rebecca Joy Davis, Emily Ruth Davis, & Daniel Romeyn Davis; & his nephew Michael Davis.
A funeral service for will be held on Monday, December 22, 2008, at 10:00 am at the Abingdon Baptist Church with Dr. Steven Pollard officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday, December 21, 2008 from 6-8 pm at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Entombment will follow the funeral at Forest Hills Memory Gardens, Colonial Chapel Mausoleum. Pallbearers will be Roby Stewart, Drew Wright, Tim Hall, Charlie Grogan, Ronald Lee Davis, Jr., & Daniel Romeyn Davis. Honorary pallbearers will be the Harry Denton Sunday school class. In lieu of flowers the family requests contributions be made to Abingdon Baptist Church Building Fund, 361 W. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 or to the charity of your choice.
Paul Gray Wiley
Paul Gray Wiley, 73, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2008 at the Johnson City Medical Center following a long illness. Born April 11, 1935 in Henry Clay, Kentucky, he was the son of the late Russell Andrew Wiley of Elkhorn, KY and Virgie Potter Wiley Herron of St. Paul, VA. He was preceded in death by a son, Jeffery Mark Wiley and a sister Lois Jean Wiley Smith.
He enlisted in the U. S. Air Force after graduating from Clinchco High School in 1954. He worked in the aerospace industry in Huntsville, AL and Cape Kennedy, FL before retiring from IBM in Manassas, VA in 1991.
Mr. Wiley was an avid golfer, woodworker, and had completed 51 years of membership in the Masonic Fraternity. He was a member of Clintwood, VA Lodge #66.
In addition to his mother, he is survived by his wife of 52 years, Lois Sue Kiser Wiley; one son, Paul Gray Wiley, II and wife Beth Crouse of Sewanee, TN; one daughter, Jennifer L. Wiley Hakala and husband Brian of Katy, TX; grandchildren Katherine Daile Wiley and Jacob Kiser Wiley of Sewanee; Rachel Kennedy Hakala and John Paul (Jack) Hakala of Katy, TX.
The funeral service will be conducted Monday, December 22, 2008 at 6:00 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with the Rev. Michael Moore officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service.
The committal service will be Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 10:00 a.m. in Temple Hill Memorial Park, Castlewood, Va. Those wishing to attend are asked to assemble at the cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers will be Brian Hakala, Ivory Steffey, R. D. Dickenson, Mike Marshall, Gregory Marshall, Bill Artrip, Kenneth Clack, Ellis Epling, Sammy Belcher, James Ronald Kendrick, and Wiley Johnson.
Flowers will accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the National Kidney Foundation, 2601 Willard Rd., Suite 103, Richmond, Va. 23297.
Charles Casto Ramsey
Charles Casto Ramsey passed away on December 20, 2008 at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Va. Mr. Ramsey was the son of the late Hilman Ramsey and Flora Stowers Ramsey. He was a veteran of the U.S. Navy and served on the aircraft carrier, USS Antietam during World War II. He gained his naval air wings on the USS Antietam and was a Golden Gloves boxer. He graduated from King College in Bristol, Tennessee and received his masters degree from the University of West Virginia in Morgantown, WV. He was a member of the Sinking Springs Presbyterian Church and the Abingdon American Legion #0012.
Mr. Ramsey was a successful football coach at Dundee High School, Dundee, Ill., Tazewell High School, Tazewell, Va., Abingdon High School, Abingdon, Va., and East High School in Sullivan County, Tenn. He coached football and taught at the University of Houston, Houston, Texas; Emory and Henry College, Emory, Va., Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, Va, and the University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Va.
He was preceded in death by an infant daughter, Rebecca Jane Ramsey; his wife of 64 years, Jane DeVault Ramsey; his sisters-in-law, Fain DeVault, Irma DeVault and Mary DeVault Butcher; and his brothers-in-law, Edward DeVault, Nolan Butcher and Bud Zeig.
Mr. Charles Casto Ramsey is survived by one son, Charles “Skip” Hilman Ramsey, Damascus, Va.; one daughter, Mary Fain Ramsey and her husband Lewis Purifoy, Charlottesville, Va.; one sister, Ruby Zeig, Galion, Ohio; two nieces, Karla Cline, Martha Butcher Crowe; five nephews, Steve Zeig, Randy Zeig, James Butcher, Ed DeVault, Russell DeVault; two grandchildren, Anna Ramsey Purifoy and Layla Anne Smith; and three great grandchildren, Isabella Smith, Solana and Nyellie Valles.
A graveside service for Mr. Charles Casto Ramsey will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2008 at 1:00 p.m. at the Glenwood cemetery in Bristol, Tenn. In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Charles Casto Ramsey Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 950, %Emory & Henry College, Emory, Va. The time and date of a memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Preston L. Wolfe
Preston L. “Pappy” Wolfe, age 80, departed this life on Saturday, December 20, 2008 at the Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center.
He was preceded in death by his beloved wife Willie Elizabeth Overbay Wolfe.
He was a charter member of Glade Spring Church of Christ and a retired employee of Virginia Metals in Abingdon, VA.
Survivors include his sons, Garrett L. Wolfe and wife Susan of Bristol, VA; Ronald P. Wolfe and wife Lucinda of Glade Spring, VA and Paul G. Wolfe and wife Traci of Abingdon, VA; his daughter, Millie A. Turnmire and husband Don of Abingdon; his brothers, Lawrence A. Wolfe of Baltimore, MD; John G. Wolfe of Damascus, VA and Texas O. Wolfe of Cana, VA; his sister Juanita Goad of Hillsville, VA; nine grandchildren, nine great grandchildren; one step grandson and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Monday, December 22, 2008 from 12 Noon until 1:45 P. M. at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service (located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens). A graveside service will follow at 2:00 P. M. in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Don Turnmire officiating.
Pallbearers will be Chad Andis, Brad Andis, Ron Hearld, Steven Keller, Nathan Campbell, Don G. Turnmire, Dustin Turnmire and Romeo Mora. Honorary Pallbearers will be Joe and Bee Andis.
The family wishes to give special thanks to the nursing staff of the second floor west wing of Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center.
Henry Dean Statzer, Jr.
Henry Dean Statzer, Jr., 49, of Abingdon passed away Monday, December 22, 2008 at his home.
He was born September 17, 1959, and is a son of Henry Dean Sr. and Doris Roark Statzer of Abingdon. He was a lifelong resident of Washington County. He was an avid sportsman and conservationist, and was a member of the North American Hunting Club.
In addition to his parents, survivors are his wife, Darlene Whaling Statzer; his son, Derek (Laura) Johnson; daughters Adriananna Statzer, and Sasha (Jesse Ray) Smoot; step son, Jeremy McCloud; brothers, Kenneth (Cynthia) Statzer, and David (Allison) Statzer; sister, Brenda (Steve) Eades; grandchildren, Savana Johnson and Nicholas McCloud; best friend and hunting buddy, Tim Herndon; and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service for Henry Statzer, Jr. will be conducted at 2:00pm Wednesday, December 24, 2008 at Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon with the Rev. Bob McCormick officiating. Interment will follow. Pallbearers will be Tim Herndon, Jesse Ray Smoot, Allen Hudler, Phillip Blevins, James Crusenberry, and Paul Sullins, Jr.
The family will receive friends at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service from 12:00pm until 1:45pm Wednesday.
Marjorie Cozzens Roush
Mrs. Marjorie Cozzens Roush, 82, passed away Tuesday, December 23, 2008 in the NHC Healthcare, Johnson City, TN.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Elmer Louis Roush, a son, Robert Roush, a brother, Marion E. Cozzens and a sister, Cheryl R. Brickner.
Survivors include two sons, Elmer Louis Roush, Jr. and wife, Lynda, Brasstown, NC, Richard Roush and wife Melissa, Columbia City, Indiana, two daughters, Linda A. Simmerly and husband, Dave, Hamptonville, NC, Kathryn R.. Spence and husband Robert, Gray, TN, a brother, Francis R. Cozzens, Chesapeake, VA, two sisters, Jacqueline C. Tarpley, Franklin, VA and Ann C. Sonneman, St. Louis, MO, eight grandchildren, Laura, Elmer III, Joel, Kristine, Elizabeth, Christopher, Carolyn and Trey, two great grandchildren, Mariana and Ian, several nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be conducted Sunday, December 28, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Service Main Street Chapel with Rev. John E. Massey, Jr. officiating.
A graveside service will be conducted Tuesday, December 30, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the Woodlawn cemetery, Virginia Beach, VA.
Beulah Poston Duncan
Mrs. Beulah Poston Duncan, age 80, passed away Wednesday, December 24, 2008, at NHC HealthCare of Bristol. She was born October 3, 1928, in Washington County, Virginia, the daughter of the late Stuart and Eva Poston. She was a life-long resident of Washington County and was a member of Mt. Carmel Christian Church.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Duncan, and her son, Randy Duncan.
Survivors include her sons: Bill and wife Sue of Bristol; Ralph and wife Nancy of North Augusta, SC; Fred and wife Darlene of Glade Spring; and Bobby of Meadowview; her daughter Jean Musick and husband Ronnie of Meadowview; her daughter-in-law Carol Duncan of Roanoke; eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.
The funeral service for Mrs. Beulah Poston Duncan will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, December 27, 2008, at Mt. Carmel Christian Church in Meadowview, Virginia, with Minister Clay Bailey officiating. Burial will follow at Holston Conference cemetery in Emory, Virginia. Pallbearers will be Bill Mullins, Dan Crowe, Evan Monahan, Steven Cannon, Lance Brewer, Randy Hyde, Brandon Duncan and Adam Duncan. The family will receive friends Friday, December 26, 2008, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Mt. Carmel Christian Church.
Mrs. Duncan’s family would like to extend a special thank-you to the staff at NHC HealthCare in Bristol.
