U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Curtis Ray Barrells
Mr. Curtis Ray Barrells was reunited with his beloved wife Mae on their 70th Wedding Anniversary, April 17, 2007. He was born on October 5, 1918 in Jackson, TN and was also a veteran of World War II serving in the Army. He was employed for 36 years with General Motors and was a steward of the United Auto Workers Union.
Mr. Barrells was preceded in death by sons Kenneth Ray (Sonny) and Gerald David and leaves behind his daughters and sons-in-law Linda and Kemper Rasnake and, Debbie and Roger Jones all of Abingdon. A son Robert (Bob) Barrells of Tampa, FL; a daughter-in-law Margaret Barrells of Madison Heights, MI. Additionally, he is survived by: Eight grand Children: Elizabeth (Jack) Crager; Melissa (Michael) Sautters; Scott (Lora) Rasnake; Steven (Angela) Rasnake; Jennifer (Dana) Towne; Jason (Kelly) Jones; Jasmine (Jim) Williams and Julia Jones Smith. Eight Great Grandchildren: Kaylee Rasnake, Madison Rasnake, Erin Crager, Darby Burson, Alexa Rasnake, Reed Rasnake, Ellen Sautters and Patrick (Ducky) Smith. One sister, Virginia Reiman of Arizona and, numerous nieces, nephews, brother and sister-in-laws and friends.
Known affectionately as the Colonel, Dad loved working with his hands using all kinds of found items. He was creative and believed paint covered it all. Daddy was a big man and leaves behind an even bigger void in the lives of those who knew and loved him.
Services for Curtis Ray Barrells will be conducted Saturday, April 21, 2007 at 11:00 am at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Hwy, Abingdon with Pastor Roger Williams and Pastor William Spann officiating. Interment will follow in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens with military graveside rites conducted by the Highlands Fellowship Color Honor Guard.. The family will receive friends on Friday, April 20, 2007 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at the Forest Hills Chapel. Pallbearers will be grandsons Scott Rasnake, Steve Rasnake, Jason Jones, Michael Sautters, Eric Vanover, and son-in-laws Kemper Rasnake and Roger Jones.
Karen Lee Hess
Mrs. Karen Lee McNew Hess, 52 passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2007.
She was a native of Alaska and had been a resident of the Abingdon area for some 35 years. She was a Pentecostal and was preceded in death by her father, Lee A. McNew.
Survivors include her husband, Billy Hess, Abingdon, VA, her son, Carter Thomas and wife Becky, Abingdon, VA, her daughter, Carolyn Carbary and husband Billy, Meadowview, VA, her mother, Betty McNew, Saltville, VA, her brothers, Gary McNew and wife Robin, Bristol, VA, Dean McNew and wife Donna, Saltville, VA, her grandchildren, Tiffany Carbary, Derek Carbary and Robert Riley Thomas, Jr., several nephews including Jonathan McNew.
The family will receive friends Friday, April 20, 2007 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Service Forest Hills Chapel. Brother Ronnie Matney will have prayer at the conclusion of the visitation. There will be no funeral service. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens.
Mae R. Tate
Mae Robinson Tate, age 95, died Tuesday, April 17, 2007 at her home.
Born on September 15, 1911 in Russell County, Virginia, Mae was a daughter of the late Ben Robinson and Mary Ellen Boardwine Robinson. She was also preceded in death by her husband William C. Tate. She was the last surviving child of her parents, including 3 brothers and 2 sisters who also preceded her in death.
Survivors include her son Vernon R. Tate and wife Kathleen of Sykesville, MD; her daughters, Retha Harvey and husband Lewis of Meadowview, VA and Rhonda Scully and husband John of Wyomissing, PA; her grandchildren, Becky Procopio, Allison Tate, Randy Nevens, Lewis Harvey IV, Stephen Hock and Theresa Bauer; seven great grandchildren; 2 brothers-in-law and 4 sisters-in-law; 2 special nieces, Sharon Kestner and Estelle Boothe as well as several other nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 9:00 P. M. Friday, April 20, 2007 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P. M. Saturday, April 21, 2007 in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Chad Johnson officiating. Burial will follow in the Hockett cemetery in Meadowview. Nephews will serve as active pallbearers and great grandchildren will serve as honorary pallbearers. The family would like to give special thanks to the Wellmont Hospice Staff for their care and support shown to Mae and her family.
William Roosevelt Royston, III
Mr. William “Sonny” Roosevelt Royston III, age 56, died Sunday, April 15, 2007.
Born on January 5, 1951 in Bristol, VA, Sonny was a son of the late William Roosevelt Royston II and Doris Carrier Royston. He was also preceded in death by his son, Anthony Mitchell Royston. Sonny was an avid outdoorsman and loved to fish and hunt, especially hunting for deer and duck. He had served in the U. S. Air Force and was a member of Rosedale Baptist Church.
Survivors include his loving wife of 30 years, Linda Royston; his son, Chris Royston of Chilhowie, VA; his sisters: Carolyn Morris of Bristol, VA, and Teena Paxton and husband Dr. Don Paxton of Abingdon, VA; several nieces and one nephew.
A funeral service was held on Monday, April 16, 2007, at Rosedale Baptist Church with Dr. Don Paxton officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery. The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, is serving the family of Mr. William “Sonny” Royston III.
David Lewis Gillespie
Mr. David Lewis Gillespie, age 50 passed away Wednesday April 18, 2007 in Johnston Memorial Hospital.
David’s friends will conduct a memorial service in the Chapel of Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, Virginia on Tuesday April 24, 2007 at 11:00 A.M.
The Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements.
Kitty M. Wagner
Mrs. Kitty M. “Miss Kitty” Wagner, age 96, passed away Saturday, April 21, 2007 at the Wellmont Hospice House.
Miss Kitty was a native of Mountain City, TN and had been a resident of Washington County for most all of her life. She was a graduate of Mountain City High School and East Tennessee State University. She started her teaching career in Mountain City, after moving to Washington County she taught at Wallace Elementary for over twenty-eight years. She was a member of the Suburban Christian Church.
Preceded in death by her husband, Ray Wagner and daughter-in-law Sandra “Tick” Wagner. Survivors include her son, John Ray Wagner, Bristol, VA. She was the loving grandmother of Karen LeeAnn Wagner, Driggs, Idaho and John Bradley Wagner and special friend Amy Phillips, Charlotte, NC, sister-in-law Beverly Nichols and husband Jim, Johnson City, TN, and eight nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at 8:00 P. M. in the Farris Funeral Service Main Street Chapel with Pastor Rich Pannell and Dr. Henry Webb officiating.
The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be John Kegley, Jim Cook, Jerry Musick, Merle McVey, Clyde Kiser and Mickey Bowman.
The committal service will be conducted Thursday, April 26, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. in the Mountain View cemetery, Bristol, VA. Please assemble at the funeral home by 9:15 a.m for the procession to the cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Suburban Christian Church Building Fund.
Tina Hardison
Mrs. Tina Hardison, widow of Freeman Hardison has passed away in Detroit, Michigan.
Burial will be in Knollkreg Memorial Park, Abingdon, VA.
Nancy Faye Mitchell Buchanan
Nancy Faye Mitchell Buchanan, 42, went to be with the Lord, Monday, April 23, 2007 in the Johnston Memorial Hospital.
She was a resident of Abingdon all of her life and was a member of the Mountain View Baptist Church. She was a Certified Nursing Assistant and was preceded in death by a sister, Patricia Ann.
Survivors include her father, Roy Mitchell and wife Willie Mitchell, Abingdon, VA, her children, Tasha Mitchell of Honaker, VA and David Mitchell of Boydton, VA, sisters and brothers, Darlene Statzer, Jimmy Whaling, Dallas Whaling all of Abingdon, VA, Sue Yowell of Wilmington, NC, Vickie Whaling of Palm Coast, Florida, grandchildren, Caitlin Mitchell, Celeste Mitchell, Dylan Miller and Gracie Talbert.
The funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, April 25, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service (located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens) with Pastor Sherrell Dunn and Pastor Scott Price officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday prior to the service in the funeral home. The committal service will be conducted Thursday, April 26, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Ernie Fuller, Billy Fuller, Wayne Fuller, Dallas Whaling, Jimmy Whaling and Tony Miller.
Doris I. Tolliver
Doris I. Tolliver of Doraville, GA died April 25, 2007.
Mrs. Tolliver was a life long member of the Church of Christ and attended Campus Church of Christ. She was a 1951 graduate of Greendale High School in Virginia, attended Bristol Business College and worked in the business community prior to marriage. She loved her neighbors and was a minister to them until her illness. Preceded in death by her parents Carl and Amanda Duncan; sister, Lela Owens; and brothers, Clayburn and Denton Duncan.
She is survived by her husband of 54 years, Earl “Jack” Tolliver of Doraville, GA; daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra and Chip Allen of Roswell, GA, Darcus and Dewayne Smith of Talladega, AL; son, Randy Tolliver of Doraville, GA; granddaughters, Cindy Allen Patterson and husband, David of Umatilla, FL, Penny Allen of Umatilla, FL; Devon Smith of Talladega, AL; grandsons, Jack Allen and wife Cathy of Woodstock, GA, Dustin Smith of Talladega, AL, great-grandchildren, David, Jr., Robyn and Cassandra Patterson, Brandy and John Randall, Jolyne LaRue, Shaw and Payton Allen, sisters; Opal and Vernon Davis, Abingdon, VA, Ruth Albert, Marion, VA, Helen Barlow of Abingdon, VA; brothers, Claude Duncan of Abingdon, VA, Johnny and Ella Mae Duncan of Charleston, WVA, and sister-in-law, Peggy Tolliver Duncan. On line condolences may be expressed at www.crowellbrothers.com.
The funeral will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, April 28, 2007 at Crowell Brothers Peachtree Chapel Funeral Home in Norcross. Interment will follow in Peachtree Memorial Park. The family will receive friends Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
Arrangements by Crowell Brothers Peachtree Chapel Funeral Home, Norcross, GA 770-448-5757 is serving the Tolliver family.
Farris Funeral Service, Abingdon, VA is supplying obituary information.
Velma Carlette Ferguson Worley
Velma Carlette Ferguson Worley, age 75, passed away Thursday, April 26, 2007, at her home. She was born August 8, 1931, in Washington County, Virginia, daughter of the late Ellis Dewey “Pop” Ferguson and Nora Belle Ferguson. She was married
to Edward “Pat” Worley, who died on February 1, 2003.
In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Jessica Wampler; her sister, Beryl Peoples; and her brothers, Dean Ferguson and Irby Ferguson.
Carlette was a devoted wife and caring mother, and she was known by her grandchildren as “the world’s best Granny.” She expressed her care and concern for others through letters and cards that she faithfully sent to those she loved.
Carlette’s husband Pat was the former owner of Abingdon Grading & Paving. They had many friends in the Abingdon area. In their later years, they enjoyed the winters at their second home in Okeechobee, FL. This was a special time in their life where they spent a very relaxed and enjoyable time with a great group of friends who became like family.
Carlette was a member of Victory Baptist Church in Bristol, VA.
She is survived by her daughters, Brenda W. Wampler and husband Randy Wampler of Abingdon, and Loretta Vance and husband Landon “Tip” Vance of Cleveland, VA; her grandchildren: Lisa Minton of Kingsland, GA; Christi Caywood of Spartanburg, SC; Philip “P.J.” Vance of Cleveland, VA; and Erica Crider of Abingdon; her great-grandchildren: Alyssa Minton of Kingsland, GA; Kendall Minton of Kingsland, GA; Dalton Gilbert of Cleveland, VA; and Cody McClure of Spartanburg, SC; her sisters: Vada Scyphers of Bristol, TN, and Edith Garrett of Abingdon; and her brother, Virgil Ferguson of Abingdon; several nieces and nephews, including a special nephew Wayne Ferguson and wife Glenna and great-niece Caity, who claimed Carlette as her “Granny.”
The family would like to offer special thanks to Susan Powers and Christine Huddler, who have been such a blessing to Mom and the family.
Funeral services for Carlette Worley will be conducted at 8:00 p.m. Saturday, April 28, 2007, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, with Dr. Austin Cook officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 prior to the service at the funeral home.
Committal services and burial will be at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, April 29, 2007, at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be P.J. Vance, Ray Worley, Paul Worley, Lynnwood Garrett, Wayne Ferguson, Bill Lewis, and Dean Price. Those attending the graveside are invited to meet at the cemetery Sunday by 1:50 p.m.
Charles Donald Reese, Sr.
Charles Donald “Don” Reese, Sr., age 66, died Friday, April 27, 2007 at Johnston Memorial Hospital. He had lived most of his life in Washington County, Virginia.
Don was preceded in death by his father William Robert Reese, Sr.; one brother, William Robert Reese, Jr.; and two sisters, Katherine Reese Hall and Patsy Reese Henry.
Don had worked for Washington County Public Schools at John S. Battle High School and Abingdon High School. He attended Wallace United Methodist Church.
Don is survived by the love of his life, Joe Ann Castle Reese; his mother, Willie Kate Fields of the Wallace Community in Washington County; his son, Charles Donald “Chuck” Reese, Jr. and wife Karyn of Abingdon; his daughter, Donna Reese Lowe and husband James of Richmond, VA; five brothers: Terry Reese and Bob Reese of the Wallace Community, Jerry Reese of Bristol, Jimmy Reese of Knoxville, TN, and Ed Reese of Bristol; and four grandchildren: Cain Atkins and Brandon Reese of Abingdon, and Nicholas Kennedy and Ryan Kennedy of Richmond.
Graveside funeral services for Don Reese will be held at 11:00 a.m. Sunday, April 29, 2007, at Knollkreg Memorial Park in Abingdon with the Rev. David Rader officiating. Those attending the service are invited to meet at the cemetery by 10:50 a.m. Pallbearers will be Keith Linkous, Travis Quesenberry, Nicholas Kennedy, Ryan Kennedy, Brandon Reese, John Hall, Jonathan Reese and Tim Hall.
The family will visit with friends and other relatives from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Saturday, April 28, 2007, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the University of Virginia Lung Transplant Center, P.O. Box 800191, Charlottesville, VA 22908.
James "Buster" Guinn
James “Buster” Guinn, age 76, died Thursday, April 26, 2007 at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, VA.
Buster was born on August 10, 1930 in Washington County, Virginia to the late Jasper Casey and Maggie Guinn. He was also preceded in death by a sister and his wife Helen.
Buster had worked as a farmer until illness forced him to retire and had attended the Barnes’ Chapel Church while his health allowed him to do so.
Survivors include his sons, William Guinn and wife Anna and Bobby Guinn all of Meadowview, VA; his daughters, Darlene Guinn of Meadowview and Sylvia Guinn of the Clinchburg Community in Meadowview; six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 12 Noon until 1:45 P. M. Sunday, April 29, 2007 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. The funeral will be conducted at 2:00 P. M. Sunday with Rev. Roger Hearl officiating. Burial will follow in the Knollkreg Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Kelly Tilson, Michael Phillips, Roscoe Guinn, David Guinn, Dayton Harmon, Jonathan Guinn and Howard Binsmorn.
Edgar Carter, Jr.
MR. EDGAR CARTER, JR., 61, passed away Thursday August 2, 2007 at Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was a native of Munfordville, Kentucky, lived in Coeburn from 1996-2000 and had been residing in Washington County since 2000. He was an ordained Deacon and member of the New Birth Gospel Singers as well as a member of the New Zion Faith Center in Johnson City. Mr. Carter was a veteran of the U. S. Army serving at the rank of Sergeant in Germany as a medic. He worked thirty-three years as a Business Community Liaison with the U. S. Forestry Service. His passion was to work with children to ensure they have productive lives. He loved to help anybody in need especially the “underdog”. He loved to play golf and basketball. He was an honest family-oriented man who loved his family, animals, and people in general. Everyone was family to him. He was a foster parent; a member of the NAACP; and he loved to cook and write poetry. Mr. Carter worked with the Flatwoods Job Corps Center in Coeburn and local businesses to foster agreements to provide employment for graduating youth. He was preceded in death by his father Edgar Carter, Sr.
He is survived by his loving wife of 15 years Judy Carter; his mother Alice Carter of Munfordville, KY; 2 sons: Lee Cook of Illinois and Faisal Carter of Abingdon; 3 daughters: Natalie Gorman and husband Michael of California, Shelly Cook of Virginia, and Patricia Carter of Virginia; 4 brothers: William Carter of Louisville, KY., Timothy Carter of Munfordville, KY, Mark Carter and wife Cindy of South Carolina, and Phillip Carter of Walbridge, OH; 1 sister: Charlotte McClellan and husband Matthew of Radcliff, KY; 5 Grandchildren: Michael Davis, Darris Gorman, Mykal Cook, Kyla Gorman, and Kenyae Carter; and a host of nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be conducted Tuesday August 7, 2007 at 4:30 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Pastor Ernest Widby officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Lee Cook, Faisal Carter, William Carter, Mark Carter, and Phillip Carter. Honorary pallbearers will be Terrell Thornton, Matthew McClellan, Micah Carter, and Darris Gorman. The family will receive friends Monday from 7-9 pm at the funeral home.
George Roger Pierce
Mr. George Roger Pierce, 64, passed away Thursday, August 2, 2007, at his home. He was born in Grayson County and had lived in Washington County most of his life. He was a U.S. Army veteran, having served in Vietnam. He was self-employed as a painter and was of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by his father, Burl Ray Pierce; his brother, Clyde Pierce; and his sister, Margaret Burke.
Mr. Pierce is survived by his mother, Mamie Pierce Hicks; his brothers, Ray Pierce of Meadowview, VA, and James Roy Pierce of Baltimore, MD; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for Mr. George Pierce will be held Sunday, August 5, 2007, at 3:00 p.m. in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, with Rev. John Surber officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Chester Holley, J. W. Holley, John Surber, Jr., Ricky McNew, Bradley McNew and Brian Porter.
The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. Sunday at the Forest Hills Chapel prior to the service.
Madeleine "Lynn" Jane Tooker
Madeleine “Lynn” Jane Tooker, age 57, died Wednesday, August 1, 2007, at her home. She had lived in Bristol for the past 16 years, coming from Vernon, NJ. She was an avid animal rights activist and co-founded People United for Animals (PUFA). She presented the Pet of the Week segment for WCYB News Center 5. Mrs. Tooker was an active volunteer for the United Way, the Red Cross, and the Humane Society. She was of the Catholic faith.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth George Carr and Madeleine Lemken Carr, and by her husband, John J. Tooker.
Survivors include her daughters: Traci Kostelnik and husband Tom of Hamburg, NJ; Melissa Routzon and husband Matt of Lakewood, CO; and Jyll Tooker and partner Heather Deacon of Denver, CO; her son, Joseph Tooker of Fairfax, VA; her sister, Kathy Alfaro of Clayton, GA; and her grandchildren: Ryan and Eric Kostelnik; and Patrick, Aidan and Samuel Routzon.
A funeral mass for Madeleine Jane Tooker will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, August 6, 2007, at St. Anne’s Catholic Church with Father Paul Maier officiating. The family will receive friends on Sunday, August 5, 2007, from 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel, in Abingdon. They will also receive friends from 10:00 a.m. - 10:55 a.m. Monday at St. Anne's prior to the service. The burial will be on Wednesday, August 8, 2007, at Christ the King cemetery in Franklin Lakes, NJ.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Margaret B. Mitchell Spay and Neuter Clinic, 16222 Lee Highway, Bristol, VA 24202-3803.
