U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Ruby June Boyd Cook McAllister
Mrs. Ruby June Boyd Cook McAllister died March 23, 2007, at the age of 75. She was a native of Buchanan County and had lived there most of her life before moving to the Bristol area in 1984. Ruby worked tirelessly with her family in Christ at the State Street Church of Christ in Bristol.
She was preceded in death by her parents, George Dorsen Boyd and Alice Pearl Shortridge Boyd; her daughter, Lonia Lue Cook Matney; her first husband, Alonzo Cook; her brothers, James Burton Boyd and Raymond Dewey Boyd; and her grandsons, Clinton James Cook and Jared Michael Joyce.
Ruby is survived by her husband, Robert McAllister; her daughters: Brenda June and husband Denny Matney, and Linda Sue and husband Terry Long of Paducah, KY; sons Jim Cook and Jerry Cook, both of Vansant, VA; son-in-law John Matney and wife Becky of Bristol, VA; step-daughters: Barbara McAllister of Oakwood, VA, and Susan and husband John Whitt of Richlands, VA; step-sons: Robert Barry McAllister and wife Connie of Lebanon, VA, and David McAllister of Meadowview, VA; twelve grandchildren, six great-grandchildren and many friends and relatives.
Funeral services for Ruby June Boyd Cook McAllister will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday, March 25, 2007, at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon. Services will be led by Evangelist Jim Hill and Dan Bailey, Minister. Entombment will follow in Colonial Chapel Mausoleum at Forest Hills. Pallbearers will be the Men of State Street Church of Christ. The family will receive friends Saturday, March 24, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Forest Hills Chapel.
Robert "Bob" Lowell Thomas
Robert “Bob” Lowell Thomas age 64 was born in Washington County, Virginia and went to be with the Lord March 24, 2007 at 12:00 a.m. He had his caregiver Nancy Lowe standing at his bedside when Bob went to be with the Lord.
He is preceded in death by his father, Robert L. Thomas and his mother, Virgie Bowman Thomas, three brothers and two sisters.
Survivors include a dear friend and caregiver Nancy Lowe, Abingdon, VA, one daughter, Wanda Thomas, Bristol, VA, and one sister, Bester Hillard, Damascus, VA, several nieces and nephews and close friends, Jerry and Debra Hargrove.
The funeral service will be conducted Monday, March 26, 2007 at 8:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel with Evangelist Eugene Miller and Pastor Floyd Nelson and Evangelist Rick Lester officiating. The family will receive friends Monday from 5:00-8:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
Pallbearers will be Jerry Otey, Mike Burke, Jerry Hargrove, C. J. Tate, Jackie Hargrove and Dwight Hillard. Honorary pallbearers will be Diane White, Dr. Jonathan Swank, Regina Reanis, Wanda Kennedy, Debra Hargrove and Betty Carson.
The interment service will be conducted Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in the Greenwood cemetery. The procession will leave the funeral home at 1:20 p.m. Tuesday.
Thank you to the nurses on 3rd floor at Johnston Memorial Hospital, home health nurse Regina Ranis, CNA Betty Carson, Dr. Jonathan Swank, Diane White and friends and neighbors who spent time visiting and helping with his care.
John E. McCroskey
Mr. John E. McCroskey passed away at his home Saturday, March 24, 2007 following a lengthy illness.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Beecher and Margaret McCroskey, was a member of the Abingdon United Methodist Church and was a lifelong resident of Abingdon.
He is survived by his sister Sheila Boyd and her husband Joe Boyd, Abingdon, VA, his nephew, Tyler and his niece Rachel and several other relatives.
A graveside service will be conducted Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Rev. Jerry Eggers officiating. In case of inclement weather, the mausoleum chapel will be utilized for the service. There will be no visitation in the funeral home although the family will greet friends at the cemetery. Those attending the service are asked to assemble at the cemetery by 10:45 p.m, Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Faith In Action, 798 Hillway Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210 or to The Cancer Research Foundation, 206 Abingdon Place, Abingdon, VA 24211.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks and express their sincere gratitude to Claudette Asbury and friends for all their love and support.
Lois Purcell Vaughan
Mrs. Lois Purcell Vaughan, a resident of Grace Healthcare in Abingdon, VA, and formerly of Ft. Walton Beach, FL, went to be with her Lord on Monday, March 26, 2007. Lois was preceded in death by her husband, Staff Sgt. Leonard B. Vaughan; her parents; a sister, Anna Mae Dunston; and a brother, John Dunston.
She is survived by a sister, Adeline “Toni” Webb of Damascus, VA; and a nephew and his wife, Dennis and Blanche Webb, who have been her caregivers since she left Florida. She is also survived by a sister-in-law, Violet Dunston; nieces: Darlene, Ada and Lois Anna; and nephews: John. Jr., Frank, Walter, and Vernon, all of Hawaii.
The family would like to express their appreciation to Grace Healthcare and to Hospice, who provided care for Lois.
Graveside services for Ms. Vaughan will be held Thursday, March 29, 2007, at 1:00 p.m., at the Woodlawn cemetery in Knoxville, TN. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the charity of your choice.
Edward Pierce "Pete" Salyer, Sr.
Edward Pierce “Pete” Salyer, Sr. passed away Monday March 26, 2007 at age 83.
He was born to the late Marion Salyer and Elsie Sexson Salyer in Dante, VA in Russell County on December 7, 1923. He served in the United States Army Air Corp during World War II in China, Burma, and India and was decorated with several medals including the Bronze Service Star. He was employed for nearly 40 years at Electro-Mechanical/Line Power Corporation in Bristol, VA where he served as the Vice President of Transportation. He was an elder and treasurer of the Spring Creek Presbyterian Church of Abingdon, VA.
He was preceded in death by his first wife Betty Louise Mays Salyer, his second wife Irene Keen “Toots” Salyer, his brothers Sterling Odell Salyer and Branzil Guy King.
Survivors include his daughters Barbara Ann Salyer, Delores Louise Sutton and Patricia Gayle Stollberg, his beloved niece Brenda Gay Bryant, son Edward Pierce Salyer, Jr., his grandchildren Denise Salyer, Michael Salyer, Amelia Sutton, Michael Stollberg, and David Stollberg, granddaughter-in-law Tammy Brown, and great granddaughter Presley Gayle Stollberg.
A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 30, 2007 at 2 pm at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Mr. Stephen Talbert, church lay speaker, officiating. Burial will follow the service at Temple Hill Memorial Park in Castlewood, VA. Pallbearers will be Mike Stollberg, David Stollberg, James Miller, Jeff Fuller, Ken Leonard and Jason Gilbert. Honorary pallbearers will be Frank Leonard, Jack Gent and Scott Bullock. The family will receive friends on Thursday, March 29, 2007 from 5-8 pm at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations honoring Mr. Salyer may be made to the Bristol Humane Society, P. O. Box 1586, Bristol, VA 24203 or to the ASPCA Tributes Program, 110 Fifth Avenue, 2nd Floor, New York, New York, 10011.
Minnie M. Cullop
Mrs. Minnie M. Cullop, age 78, passed away Tuesday, March 27, 2007 at her residence
Mrs. Cullop was born May 24, 1928 in Washington County, Virginia to the late Lewis and Mary Brannon Widener. She had been employed by Johnston Memorial Hospital as a ward clerk. Mrs. Cullop was of the Baptist faith. Mrs. Culloip was preceded in death by her parents and one son, David Paul Cullop.
The family wishes to give special thanks to Johnston Memorial Home Care, Hospice of Southwest Virginia and Angie Dixon.
Mrs. Cullop is survived by her husband of 60 years, Paul E. Cullop, two sons, Jerry W. Cullop and Larry L. Cullop and Tracy Cullop all of Abingdon; three grandchildren, Bryan Cullop of West Palm Beach, Florida, Jeffrey Cullop of Bentonville, Arkansas, Angela Poe of Okalahoma City, Okalahoma, Five great-grandchildren, Tyler Cullop, Jesse Poe, Amber Poe, Haven Poe, and Brayden Cullop. One brother, Gordon Widener of Abingdon and three sisters, Edna Delp of Meadowview, Virginia, Betty Deel of Damascus, Virginia and Violet Rossie of Yakima, Washington.
Funeral Service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 31, 2007 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. John Price and Pastor Bob Neace officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends in the funeral home on Friday, March 30, 2007 from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M.
Pallbearers will be Bryan Cullop, Jeffery Cullop, Stuart Thomas, Tim Graham, Rick Widener, Mark Fulton, Gene Miller, Mike Murray. Honorary pallbearers will be, Dr. Denton, Dr. Baker, Dr. Armstrong, Ray Jones, Mike Necessary, Jeff Necessary, Chris Carter, Andrew Dolinger, James Blevins, and Rick Henry.
Zola A. Price
Mrs. Zola A. Price, age 72 of the Spoon Gap Community passed away Wednesday, March 28, 2007 in the Johnston Memorial Hospital.
She was a lifelong resident of Washington County and was of the Baptist faith. She was preceded in death by her parents, Glenneth Price and Edith Pope Price, a brother, Billy Price and a sister, Shirley Hurd. She was a very loving wife and mother.
Survivors include her loving husband of 53 years, Henry Price, two daughters, Carolyn McDowell and husband Jackie McDowell, North Carolina, Loretta Jones and husband Bart Jones, Abingdon, VA, a son, Alvin Price and wife Janie Price, Abingdon, VA, five sisters,
Gracie Merrit and husband Bill, Bristol, TN, Bonnie Jones, Bristol, VA, Eileen Norris and husband, Earnest of Abingdon, VA, Donna Shaffer and husband Billy Shaffer and Peggy Wright and husband William Wright, all of Abingdon, VA two brothers, Jimmy Price and wife Linda Price and Allen Price and wife Reginia Price all of Abingdon, VA, six grandchildren, Travis Wright, Alycia Wright Crumpton, Crystal Price and Christine Price, Jonathan Jones and Tiffany Jones, one great grandchild, Camryn Wright, two aunts, Janie Norris and Nona Graybeal and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be conducted Saturday March 31, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in the Farris Funeral Service Main Street Chapel with Rev. Mike Scoresome and Rev. Herbert Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow in the Mountain View United Methodist Church cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Tony Roark, Danny Rowe, Andrew Widner, Junior Widner, Travis Wright, Joy Malone.
Cora Lee McCall
Mrs. Cora Lee McCall, age 87, died Wednesday, May 2, 2007 at the Franklin Health Care Center in Franklin Park, New Jersey.
Mrs. McCall was born on July 10, 1919 in Abingdon, Virginia and was a daughter of the late Ed Wright and Cora Mann Wright. She was also preceded in death by her husband Lewis C. McCall, Sr., her granddaughter Karen McCall and had survived her brothers and sisters.
She was a former resident of New Brunswick, New Jersey where she was a member of the United Methodist Church.
She is survived by her sons, Charles McCall and wife Jane of Apple Valley, CA, James (Lindy) McCall and wife Irene of Abingdon and Lewis (Lou) McCall and wife Jenny of Monmouth Junction, NJ; her daughters Cynthia McCall of Phillipsburg, NJ and Deborah Rhoten and husband Charles of Abingdon, VA; 13 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren, 1 great-great grandson and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be conducted at 8:00 P. M. Sunday, May 6, 2007 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Jerry Eggers officiating. The committal and burial service will be at 10:00 A. M. Monday, May 7, 2007 in Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon. Family members will serve as pallbearers. Those attending the service Monday are asked to assemble at the funeral home by 9:30 A. M. to go in procession to the cemetery. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 3:00 P. M. Sunday and prior to the funeral service from 6:00 – 7:45 P. M. Sunday at the funeral home or anytime at the home of her son James (Lindy) McCall, 240 Pippin Street, Abingdon, VA.
Elmer Douglas Cole
Mr. Elmer Douglas Cole, age 73 passed away Friday, May 4, 2007 at his home following a lengthy illness.
He was born in Swords Creek, VA to Bascom Cole and Edna Ball Cole. He had made his home in Bristol, VA for the past ten years after retiring from Milco Mfg. in Detroit, MI.
Survivors include a son Kirby Cole, two daughters, Pam Counts and husband Bill, DeAnna Bucklen and husband Doug all of Abingdon, VA; three sisters, Phyllis Lee of Bristol, VA, Ginnie Sherwood of Cuyahoga Falls, OH and Beulah Kline of Winchester, VA, several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be conducted Sunday, May 6, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Pastor David Wilson and Pastor Bobby King officiating. There will be no visitation in the funeral home. Interment will follow the service. Those attending the service are asked to please assemble at the cemetery.
Pallbearers will Doug Bucklen, Bill Counts, Joe Cole, Bob Phillips, Jim Miller and Darel Cole.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Cancer Outreach Foundation, 104 Abingdon Place, Abingdon, VA 24211.
A special thanks to Dr. Christopher Pile and Hospice of Southwest Virginia, special caregivers, Betty Simms, Kathy Hilliard, Jill Woods and Diane Ramsey for their special care of Mr. Cole.
Verner Osborne
Mr. Verner Osborne, age 92 passed away Friday, May 4, 2007 in Grace Health Care of Abingdon, VA. Verner was born in North Carolina, had lived the majority of his life in Washington County, VA and was a Baptist. He was a farmer all of his life.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wiley W. Osborne and Malissa Sturgill Osborne, a sister, Ella Widener, a brother, Dewey Osborne and a niece, Gladys Widener Poole.
Survivors include a great nephew, Billy Poole and wife Susan Poole, Abingdon, VA.
The graveside service will be conducted Monday, May 7, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. in Knollkreg Memorial Park with Pastor John Wesley Price officiating. Those attending are asked to assemble at the cemetery. There will be no public visitation in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Hospice of Southwest Virginia, 325 Cummings Street, Abingdon, VA 24210.
Henry Taylor Helton
Mr. Henry Taylor Helton, age 69, passed away Tuesday May 8, 2007 at his home.
Mr. Helton was born April 19, 1938 in Washington County, Virginia to the late Claude Henry Helton and Lillian Bell Miller Helton. Mr. Helton moved to High Point, North Carolina forty-five years ago from Abingdon, Virginia.
Besides his parents Mr. Helton is preceded in death by two sisters, Polly Hawkins and Katie Helton.
Mr. Helton is survived by his wife, Helen Dix Helton, one son, Anthony Dale Helton of Columbia, South Carolina, four daughters, Joyce Ellen Boyer and husband, Robbie of Altavista, Virginia, Lisa Tringle and husband, David of Bristol, Virginia, Angela Denise Fulton and husband, Brad of Bristol, Virginia, and Pamela Patrice Sage of Glade Spring, Virginia. Two brothers, Richard Helton of High Point, North Carolina and Melvin Lynwood Helton of Tampa, Florida. Two sisters, Marie Davenport of Meadowview, Virginia and Barbra Elam of Chilhowie, Virginia. Seven grandchildren and two great-grandchildren also survive.
A graveside service will be conducted at 2:00 P.M. Friday May 11, 2007 in Talbert cemetery Meadowview with Rev. John E. Massey, Jr. officiating. Everyone wishing to attend may assemble at the cemetery by 1:45 P.M. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Karen Sue Smith
Karen Sue Smith went to be with her Lord and Savior on Tuesday, May 8, 2007, at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon.
Mrs. Smith is survived by her husband of 26 years, Johnny Smith; her son Matthew “Matt” Smith and fiancée Kari Allison; her parents, Carl and Gail (Whited) Fritz; her aunts and uncles; several nieces and nephews; and many other special family members and friends.
Karen was a member of Roberts Chapel Baptist Church all of her life, where she played piano. She was a dedicated employee at Highlands Union Bank for 12 years.
The family wishes to thank Dr. Lawler and all the staff at Johnston Memorial Hospital; all of her special friends at Highlands Union Bank; Ruth Bennett and Sandy Justice; and the members of the Damascus Rescue Squad.
Funeral services for Karen Sue Smith will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, May 12, 2007, at Roberts Chapel Baptist Church with Rev. Curtis King and Rev. Tim Greer officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Damascus. Active pallbearers will be D. A. Lambert, Todd Cooper, David Cox, Paul Denton, Brandon Denton, and Larry Denton. Honorary pallbearers will be Wayne Chafin, Dave Greer, Dee Stillwell, Lee Stillwell, and Heath Denton.
The family will visit with friends and relatives from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Friday, May 11, 2007, at Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210.
George Braxton Coe, Sr.
George Braxton Coe, Sr., age 79, went to be with the Lord on May 9, 2007 at his home in Marion. He was the son of the late James Edward Coe and Maggie Olivene Sprinkle. He was also preceded in death by twins, a son and a daughter, in 1948; and two brothers, James Edward, Jr. and Marshall Lee.
Mr. Coe was born May 14, 1927, in Plasterco, VA. George was a loving husband to his wife of 59 years, proud father to seven boys, and an admired grandfather and great-grandfather. He served his country in both the U.S. Army and Navy, with five sons and one grandson also contributing military service. His life long service in law enforcement included work as a police officer, Police Chief, and then as a Security Lieutenant at Radford Arsenal for over 30 years.
He is survived by his loving wife, Laura Ernestine "Teeny" Farris Coe; seven sons, Steve and his wife, Kaye, of Midlothian, VA; George Jr, and wife, Hande, of Maryville, TN; Tim and wife, Frances, of Bristol, VA; Kim and wife, Delores, of Abingdon, VA; Mark and wife, Melissa, of Phillipsburg, NJ; Jeff and wife Debby, of Raleigh, NC; and Kevin and wife Trish, of Abingdon, VA.
He is also survived by 13 grandchildren: Greg, Stefanie, and Gabe Coe, of Midlothian, VA; Laura Coe of Maryville, TN; Crystal Coe Miller of Emory, VA; Jennifer Coe of Maryville, TN; Amanda and Abbey Coe of Phillipsburg, NJ; Andy, Amy, and David Coe, of Raleigh, NC; and Ashley and Sandy Coe of Abingdon, VA. Also 2 great grandchildren, Drew Braxton and Zoe Miller of Emory, VA, and one expected great grandchild.
Also surviving are 3 brothers, Everett Coe and wife Beulah, of Troutdale, V A; Charles Coe and wife Eula of Saltville, VA; Roger Coe and wife Betty of Bluefield, V A, and one sister Barbara Coe Gilliland of Marion, OH. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P. M. Friday, May 11, 2007 at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. The funeral service will be at 11:00 A. M. Saturday, May 12, 2007 in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Scott Spence officiating. Entombment will follow in the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Grandchildren will serve as pallbearers. Military honors will be provided by the Highlands Fellowship Veterans Honor Guard. Those who wish may make memorial donations in honor of Mr. Coe to your local Salvation Army Chapter.
