U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Mary B. Gobble Weber
Mrs. Mary B. Gobble Weber, age 96, passed away Saturday, October 21, 2006 in Johnston Memorial Hospital.
Mrs. Weber was born May 30, 1910 to the late William H. and Eliza Adams Johnson and was preceded in death by her husbands, Albert Weber and Clyde Gobble. She was a member of the Abingdon Baptist Church.
Mrs. Weber is survived by two sons; William C. Gobble and wife, Lil of Big Stone Gap, Virginia, James E. Gobble and wife Charlene of Crawfordsville, Indiana; two daughters, Betty DeBusk of Abingdon, and Carolyn Blazzard and husband, Bruce of Potlatch, Idaho. Thirteen grandchildren, forty-two great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren also survive.
A funeral service for Mrs. Weber will be conducted Tuesday October 24, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Dr. Stephen Pollard officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Nick Abel, Dee Widener, Melvin Shelton, Mark Gobble, Drew Wilson, Ted Julian.
The family will receive friends Monday from 7-9 p.m. in the funeral home or anytime at the home of Donna Abel, 310 Edmond Drive, #3, Abingdon, VA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Abingdon Baptist Church, 361 W. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210.
Richard Edwin Rhea
Mr. Richard Edwin Rhea, age 76 of the Rhea Valley Community, passed away Sunday October 22, 2006. He was a graduate of Bethel High School and Virginia Tech, the Class of 1951. He was a devoted Hokie fan. He taught agriculture at Pearisburg High School and Castlewood High School and retired from the Soil Conservation Service in 1994 after 32 years of service.
He was a member of the Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church serving as elder and participated in the Fellowship of the Senior Men’s Breakfast. Being active after retirement, he served on the Washington County Planning Commission, was Treasurer of NARFE and served on the Holston River District Board.
Mr. Rhea was preceded in death by his parents, Robert Justin and Annie Laurie Rhea.
Surviving is his wife of 54 years, June Kitts Rhea, his daughter and son-in-law, Terri and Leo Webb, Cullowhee, NC, his son and daughter-in-law, Bob and Kathy Rhea, Richmond, VA, his two grandchildren, Krystina and Lee Barksdale, his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, John and Faye Cuddy, Bluefield, VA, and several cousins also survive.
The funeral service for Mr. Richard Edwin Rhea will be conducted Wednesday, October 25, 2006 at 11:00 a.m. in the Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church with Rev. Robert Tolar officiating. Interment will follow in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Jeff Warren, John D. Cuddy, Robert Wolfe, John Roberts, Fred Copenhaver, Wayne Turley and William Rosenbaum. Honorary pallbearers will be Bob May, Kenneth Shoun, Joe Derting and John Copenhaver.
The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home.
Carlton William "Bud" Bjerke
Mr. Carlton William “Bud” Bjerke, age 71, died Monday, October 23, 2006, at the Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, was raised in Buffalo, New York and had lived in Abingdon since 1973. He was an active member of the St. John Lutheran Church where he had served as Treasurer. Bud graduated from the University of Buffalo with a Mechanical Engineer degree. He worked in the engineering and purchasing departments at Columbus-McKinnon and had worked in purchasing at Bristol Compressors before retiring in 1999. He was a member of the National Association of Purchasing Management.
He is survived by his wife of 46 years, June Bjerke; a daughter, Barbara Bjerke of Bristol, Va.; a sister, Mary Huseby of Silver Lake, Ohio; one niece, five nephews and a granddog, Gretel.
A funeral service will be held Thursday, October 26, 2006 at 11:00 AM in the St. John Lutheran Church with Rev. Kent Peterson officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 7 – 9 PM Wednesday at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. Pallbearers will be Kenny Dockery, Chris Fluitt, Barry Proctor, Sammy Caudill, Ed Davis and Bob Wolfe.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the St. John Lutheran Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 675, Abingdon, VA 24212 or the charity of your choice.
Deanna Marsh Ratliff
Mrs. Deanna Marsh Ratliff, 46, passed away Wednesday, October 25, 2006, at her home. A native of Lynchburg, Virginia, she had lived in the Abingdon area for twenty years. She was a member of Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church and was owner of Michelle’s Bridal & Formal Wear in Abingdon.
Deanna is survived by her husband, Rick Ratliff; two sons, Ian Ratliff and Miles Ratliff, both of Abingdon; one daughter, Marianne Harvey and husband Ben of Abingdon; her parents, Clyde Everett and Ann Martin Marsh of Lynchburg; and one brother, Clyde E. Marsh, Jr. of Lynchburg.
Funeral services for Mrs. Deanna Marsh Ratliff will be held at 4:00 p.m. Saturday, October 28, 2006, at Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church, 136 East Main Street, Abingdon, with the Rev. Robert Tolar, Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends following the service at the church.
Deanna will be taken to the Whitten Funeral Home, 1336 Park Ave. Lynchburg, Virginia where a funeral service will be held Monday, October 30, 2006, at 1:00 PM with Pastor Wayne Hudson officiating.
Burial will be in Presbyterian Church cemetery in Lynchburg.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Outreach Foundation, 104 Abingdon Place, Abingdon, Virginia 24211.
Roscoe Elbert Blackwell
Mr. Roscoe Elbert Blackwell, age 76, of 101 Bentley Road, died Wednesday, October 25, 2006 in the Wellmont Hospice House.
Born on November 30, 1929 in Washington County, Roscoe was a son of the late George Blackwell and Sally Helton Blackwell. He was also preceded in death by his son, Roscoe Lynn Blackwell, and three brothers, Jim Blackwell, Clarence Blackwell, and Ernest Blackwell. Roscoe was a U. S. Army Veteran of the Korean War and a member of the Bristol V. F. W. Patton - Crosswhite Post #6975. He was of the Baptist Faith.
Survivors include his wife, Mable Whiteaker Blackwell; a son Mark Blackwell and wife Teresa of Bristol, TN; two grandsons, Austin Blackwell and Zachary Blackwell; four sisters, Lucille Snodgrass and Virgie Crabtree both of Abingdon; Mary Martin of Emory, VA and Polly Hoback of Roanoke, VA. Also surviving are several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for Roscoe Elbert Blackwell will be conducted at 2:00 P. M., Saturday, October 28, 2006 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Scott Price officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Graveside Military Rites will be provided by the Highlands Fellowship Honor Color Guard.The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P. M. Friday at the funeral home. Nephews will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorial donations in Roscoe’s honor be made to the Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele’s Road, Bristol, TN 37620.
Robert Sutton Cowan
Mr. Robert Sutton Cowan, age 92 passed away Thursday, October 26, 2006 at his home.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Christopher Edward Cowan and Hattie Fleenor Cowan and a brother, Boyd Cowan. He was a machinist and had been employed with Bristol Equipment Co., Vance Supply, Raytheon, Monroe Calculator Co., Lockheed Marietta Corp. and was a lifelong farmer. He was a member and Deacon of the Pine Grove Baptist Church.
Survivors include his wife of almost 71 years, Irene Dixon Cowan, his daughter and son-in-law, Mary and Jack Thacker, Mendota, VA, his grandson, J. R. “Rob” Thacker and his wife Joy, Bristol, VA, his great grandson, Evan Thacker, his great granddaughter, Morgan Thacker and his buddy, Muffin.
The funeral service will be conducted Sunday, October 29, 2006 at 8:00 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Scott Price and Rev. Clarence Lewis officiating. Nephews and friends will serve as pallbearers.
The committal graveside service will be conducted at 11:00 a.m. Monday, October 30, 2006 in the Greendale Chapel cemetery.
A funeral procession will leave the funeral home at 10:30 A. M. Monday to go to the cemetery for the burial service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Pine Grove Baptist Church, Barn Rock Rd, Mendota, VA.
The family will receive friends Sunday from 6:00 p.m. until 7:45 p.m. in the funeral home or anytime at the home.
James Edward Odum
James Edward “PopPaw” Odum, age 75, died unexpectedly on Saturday, October 28, 2006 at Johnston Memorial Hospital.
A lifelong resident of Abingdon, he was born on August 5, 1931, to the late John Henry and Susie Webb Odum. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers, Vasco Odum, Harold “Preach” Odum, Henry “June” Odum and Meredith “Mert” Odum and also by his sisters, Naomi Clark and Isabelle “Lizzy” Arnold. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and friend. Jim was employed by Vance Supply and had retired from Bristol Compressors in 1996. He attended Victory Baptist Church and Abingdon First Church of God.
Jim is survived by his wife of 55 years, Irene Campbell Odum; one daughter, Kathy Odum Lowe and husband David Leroy Lowe of Abingdon; three brothers, Lloyd Odum of Meadowview, VA, Sylvester “Hank” Odum and wife Eunice of Roanoke, VA, and Calvin “Cowboy” Odum and wife Barbara of Abingdon; four sisters, Marie Campbell of Bristol, VA, Virginia “Jenny” Clifton and husband Mike of Abingdon, Sue Roe and husband Roland of Abingdon, and Elizabeth “Topsy” Dixon and husband Arvin of Raleigh, NC; three grandchildren, David “Ro Ho” Lowe and wife Kimberly of Blacksburg, VA, Amy Lawson and husband Brian and Ashley Lowe and fiance’ Drew Hembree all of Abingdon; three great-granddaughters who were his pride and joy, Ali and Amanda Lowe of Blacksburg, VA and Abby Lawson of Abingdon, VA. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews and dear friends.
The funeral Service for James Edward “PopPaw” Odum will be conducted at 2:00 P. M., Tuesday in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Pastor Bob Neace and Dr. Austin Cook officiating. Entombment will follow in the Mausoleum at Forest Hills Memory Gardens in Abingdon. The family will receive friends after 5:00 P. M. Monday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be Lee Hines, Dennis Blalock, Mark Barrett, Drew Hembree, Brian Lawson and David “Ro Ho” Lowe.
Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations in his honor may be made to the Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steel’s Road, Bristol, TN 37620.
Eva E. Campbell
Mrs. Eva. E. Campbell, age 82, passed away Saturday, October 28, 2006, at her home. She was a lifelong resident of Washington County and lived in the Alvarado community. She received an award for 16 years perfect attendance at Alvarado Bible Church.
Mrs. Campbell was preceded in death by her parents, James and Gertrude Stevens Smith; her husband, Stanley E. Campbell; a son, Leonard Whiteaker, a daughter, Linda Caldwell, and a grandson, Kenneth Armstrong.
She is survived by a son, Larry Campbell of Abingdon, Va., a daughter, Ann Head of Bristol, Va.; a brother, Howard Smith, Abingdon, Va.; grandchildren, Sandy Lawson, Judy Snyder, and Tammy Whiteaker; and 5 great-grandchildren.
Funeral services for Mrs. Eva. E. Campbell will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday at the Alvarado Bible Church with the Rev. Guy Testerman officiating. The family will receive friends from 1:00 – 2:00 p.m. Monday at the church and will also receive friends at the home of Larry Campbell, 22185 Campbell Hollow Road, Abingdon, Va. and at the home of Ann Head. Burial will be in the Bethel cemetery. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Carrol Murray Smith
Carrol Murray Smith passed away Sunday, October 29, 2006, after a long illness. She was preceded in death by her husband, Noah F. Smith in 2002 and by her parents, Bessie Shew and Walter F. Murray. Survivors include two brothers: Frank Murray of Brevard, NC and Curtis (Joan) Murray of Bristol, VA; two sisters: Janice (Charles) Long of Rockledge, FL and Nancy Field of Milton, WI; one sister-in-law: Della Mae (Hack) Kinser of Marion, VA; several aunts and an uncle, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Born June 21, 1936 in Marion, VA, Carrol was a long-time resident of Saltville, VA. She and her husband taught and participated in many western square-dancing events. An award-winning artist, she loved sketching and painting and sharing her talent with others. In 1995 she was honored as Saltville's "Mrs. Labor Day". After her husband's retirement, they resided in Glade Spring. In 2005 she moved to Bristol, VA. Carrol's profound faith in Jesus Christ has sustained her through her life and especially through the trials of her illness. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church and of the VFW Auxiliary. Recently she received a 50-year membership pin from the Marion Chapter of the Eastern Star.
A funeral service will be held Saturday, November 4, 2006 at 2 p.m. at Farris Funeral Home Chapel in Abingdon with the Rev. John Markel officiating. Visitation will be at the funeral home Saturday, one hour before the service. A private burial will follow in Mount Rose cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to a favorite charity, to Hospice of SW Virginia, 325 Cummings St., Abingdon, VA 24210, or to the Scleroderma Foundation, Attn: Donations, 300 Rosewood Drive, Suite 105, Danvers, MA 01923
John Clayton Bell
Mr. John Clayton Bell, Sr., age 77, passed away Friday, September 1, 2006 at his home. He was born and had lived in Wise County, Virginia until moving to Abingdon in 1963. He was a member of the Greendale Chapel. John was preceded in death by his parents, Jasper Roosevelt and Thelma Fields Bell; his wife, Lillian Irene Odle Bell and a great grandson, Cameron McClain.
He is survived by One son, John C. Bell, Jr. and wife, Avis of Abingdon, Va.; Two daughters, Rita Anderson and husband, William of Abingdon, Va.; Sue Wyatt and husband, Gerald of Chester, South Carolina; Five grandchildren and four great grandchildren
A funeral service will be conducted Sunday, September 3, 2006, at 3:00 PM in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service (located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon) with Rev. Jerry Eggers and Pastor Chad Johnson officiating. Burial will be private. The family will receive friends from 2 – 3 PM Sunday at the Forest Hills Chapel. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
W. Howard Wright
Mr. W. Howard Wright, age 90, died Sunday, September 3, 2006 at the Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was a lifelong resident of Glade Spring, Virginia where he was a member of the Grace Presbyterian Church. He was the son of the late Robert L. & Margaret Skinner Wright and preceded in death by his wife, Edith Worley Wright.
He is survived by one sister, Rhoda Eller of Johnson City, Tennessee. Also he leaves behind his special friends that were like family, Fred and Darlene Duncan and their children, Brooke Monahan and Ashley Duncan who called him Papaw; King, Jr. and Janie Terry and their children, Michael Terry and Kelly Hurd; Several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service will be conducted Tuesday, September 5, 2006 at 2:00 PM in the Mount Rose cemetery with Rev. Timothy Bird officiating. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Honorary pallbearers will be his neighbors on Forest Hills Drive, Fred Duncan, King Terry, Jr., Robert Smith, Jim Litton, Robert Lincoln, Ralph Lincoln and Ralph Lincoln, Jr. Family and friends are to meet at the cemetery on Tuesday before the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Grace Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 565, Glade Spring, VA 24340.
A special thank you to Howard’s special caregivers, Mary Reynolds and Rita Gravely; his nurse, Angie; the rest of the staff at Valley Health Care Center and the 5th floor staff at Johnston Memorial Hospital.
