U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
William Ralph Byington
William Ralph Byington, 50, passed away Sunday, January 6, 2008 from injuries received in an ATV accident.
Ralph was preceded in death by his foster father, Claude B. Cole and his son, William Greg Byington. He was the owner and operator of the Have Cat, Will Scratch Excavating Company.
Survivors include his wife, Treicia L. Byington, Abingdon, VA, his son, Thomas Adam Byington, Abingdon, VA, his daughter, Jessica Thach, Georgia, his two step-sons, Jacob A. Rhoten, II, Richmond, VA and J. Wesley Large, Abingdon, VA and several brothers and sisters.
The funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, January 9, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Service Main Street Chapel with Rev. Rick Cuddy officiating. Ralph’s wishes were to be cremated following the funeral service.
Honorary pallbearers will be family and friends.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Cleveland Community Center, c/o Bobby Smeltzer, 25247 Watauga Road, Abingdon, VA 24211.
The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home.
Evelyn Pauline Orfield
Evelyn Pauline Orfield, age 73, went to be with the Lord on Monday, January 7, 2008 while a patient at the Wellmont Hospice House in Bristol, Tennessee,
Mrs. Orfield was born on April 12, 1934 in Russell County, Virginia. She was preceded in death by her mother Pearl Gobble and her son Darrell Gobble. She was of the Baptist Faith.
Survivors include her husband of 41 years, Hulen Yokley Orfield, Sr.; her sons, Hulen Yokley Orfield, Jr. and his wife Tammy, Jim Gobble and wife Wanda of Bristol, VA and Johnny Brooks and wife Fern of Pennsylvania; her daughters, Trula Crigger and husband Roger of Abingdon, VA, Millie Lawrence and husband Charles of Abingdon and Doris Mabe of Abingdon; 10 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.
The family will receive friends from 5:00 – 6:45 P..M. Wednesday at the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service (located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens, 19415 Lee Highway in Abingdon). The funeral service will follow at 8:00 P. M. Wednesday with Rev. Paul Price and Junior Gobble officiating. The committal and burial service will be at 10:00 A. M. Thursday in the Bethel Presbyterian Church cemetery. Those attending the burial service are asked to meet at the cemetery by 9:50 A. M. Thursday. Pallbearers will be Don McCray, Donnie McCray, Roger Crigger and Christopher Jessee.
Virginia P. Preston
Virginia P. Preston, 96, passed away Thursday, January 10, 2008 in Valley Health Care Center, Chilhowie, Virginia.
She was a resident of Abingdon for many years and later at Grand Court, Bristol prior to becoming a patient at Valley Health Care Center.
She was born in Damascus, Virginia, the daughter of the late E. B. and Martha Berry Phillippi. She graduated from the Damascus Rock School and attended Radford State Teachers College. She was a lifelong Lutheran and a charter member of St. John Lutheran Church, Abingdon where she was active for many years.
In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband, Lewis Summers Preston and a sister, Clarice P. Edmondson.
Survivors include her daughter, Patricia Blackwell, Abingdon, VA, two grandchildren, Jeff (Becky) Blackwell, Abingdon, VA and Lynn (Dave) Williamson, Roanoke, VA, four great grandchildren and three great great grandchildren. Also surviving are two nieces, Martha Anne (Paul) Hurley, Bristol and Mary Jayne (Gary) Hall, Pulaski, VA.
A graveside service of committal will be conducted Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Rev. Kent Peterson officiating.
The family will receive friends Sunday, January 13, 2008 from 2:00-3:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Service, Forest Hills Chapel, 19415 Lee Highway (located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens).
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to St. John Lutheran Church, 807 E. Main Street, Abingdon, VA 24210 or P. O. Box 657, Abingdon, VA 24212.
Mary Ruth Duty
Mrs. Mary Ruth Duty, age 79, passed away at her home on Friday, January 11, 2008 after a short illness.
Mrs. Duty was born October 27, 1928 in Holston, Virginia and had lived most of her life in Washington County; to the late Frank Kennedy and the late Maxie Lilly Kennedy.
Mrs. Duty was preceded in death by her husband, Tommie Duty, four brothers and one sister.
Mrs. Duty is survived by three sons; Ronnie Duty and wife, Carolyn of Abingdon, VA, Jerry Garrett and wife, Sandy of Maryland, and Larry Groseclose and wife, Terri of Abingdon, VA and one daughter; Patty Jean Reynolds and husband, Gene of Abingdon, VA. Two brothers, Jack Kennedy of Pontiac, Michigan and Bob Kennedy of Bristol, TN. One sister, Elsie Vittoe of Bristol, TN. Seven grandchildren and several great-grandchildren also survive.
The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A.M. Monday, January 14, 2008 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Pastor Les Ketron officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Giles Burke, Wayne Orr, Ray Bowman, Jack Mitchell, Jason Kennedy, and Bobby Sullins. Honorary Pallbearers will be Aaron Almany, Jack Almany, Adam Wampler, and Mack Gray.
The family will receive friends in the funeral home on Sunday, January 13, 2008 from 6-9 P.M.
The family would like to thank Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center, Lee Armstrong, Jack and Pam Mitchell, and Valley Rescue Squad.
William Hobert Johnson
Mr. William Hobert Johnson, age 84, passed away Friday, January 11, 2008, at Wellmont Hospice House. He was born in Chilhowie, Virginia, son of the late Andrew Johnson and Ida Crouse Johnson. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia P. Johnson.
Mr. Johnson served in the United States Army and was a veteran of World War II. He retired as Division Manager for World Book - Child Craft. He had been a faithful member of Pleasant View United Methodist Church for over 40 years, where he served as a Sunday School teacher.
Survivors include his daughters, Ricky S. Johnson of Abingdon, and Teresa A. Johnson of St. Petersburg, FL; and his brother, Alvin P. Johnson of California.
A memorial service for Hobert Johnson will be conducted at 6:00 p.m. Sunday, January 13, 2008 in the Pleasant View United Methodist Church.
Charles Haskel Campbell
Mr. Charles Haskel Campbell, age 89, of the Alvarado Community in Abingdon, passed away on Friday January 11, 2008 in Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center.
Mr. Campbell was born January 9, 1919 in Washington County, VA to the late Robert White Campbell and the late Rhoda Edmondson Campbell. He was a World War II veteran having served at the rank of Sergeant in the 116th Infantry, 29th Division, Company B. His company was active in battles fought in France, Germany, and the Normandy Invasion in June of 1944. Mr. Campbell was retired from Marion Mold and Tool Company as a welder. Mr. Campbell was a faithful member and Deacon of Alvarado Bible Church.
Mr. Campbell was preceded in death by his wife of 65 years, Olla Delphine Campbell, two sisters, Mille Shaw and Thelma Campbell; also by two brothers, Isaac Campbell and Stanley Campbell.
Mr. Campbell is survived by two daughters; Charlene Milhorne and husband, Joe of Abingdon and Sandy Cook and husband, Joe of Abingdon. One brother, Clyde Campbell of Laurel Bloomery, TN and one sister, Zelma Smith of Damascus, VA. Grandchildren; Jason Cook and wife, Betty; Josh Milhorne and wife, April; Anthony Milhorne and wife, Teresa; and Craig Milhorne and wife, Crissy. Great-grandchildren; Sierra Milhorne, Hannah Milhorne, John Milhorne, Chesney Milhorne, Andrew Milhorne, Natalie Cook, and Dalton Young. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
The funeral service will be conducted at 2 P.M. Monday, January 14, 2008 at Alvarado Bible Church with Bro. Anthony Milhorne, Bro. Clyde Campbell, and Bro. Warren Wilson officiating. Burial will follow in the Bethel Presbyterian Church cemetery with military graveside rites preformed by Highlands Veteran’s Honor Guard. Pallbearers will be Jason Cook, Josh Milhorne, Andrew Milhorne, Craig Milhorne, Anthony Milhorne, and Larry Campbell. Honorary Pallbearers will be Joe Cook, Joe Milhorne, John Milhorne and Dalton Young. The family will receive friends Monday, January 14, 2008 from 12 Noon until 2 P.M. in the church.
Homer Ralph Alley
Homer Ralph Alley, age 82, died Sunday, January 13, 2008 at the Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon, VA.
Ralph was born on August 21, 1925 in War, West Virginia and was a son of the late James Alley and Narcie Lankford Alley. He was also preceded in death by his first wife, Anne Plaster Alley and his brothers, Midford Alley and Homer Sylvester Alley.
Ralph had owned and operated the former Gulf gasoline and service station in Cedar Bluff, VA for approximately 25 years before his retirement. He was a U. S. Army Veteran of WW II, reaching the rank of Staff Sergeant and seeing duty in the European Theatre operations. Ralph was a member of the Free Pentecostal Assembly Church in Abingdon.
He is survived by his wife, Novella Bell Reed Alley; his son and daughter-in-law, Tim Alley and Brenda McGlothlin Alley of Lebanon, VA; his brother, John H. Alley of Cedar Bluff, VA; his sisters, Freda Rose and Olivia Bokish both of Bluefield, VA; his step-daughter, Sharon McCracken of Abingdon; his step-sons, David Reed of Abingdon and Billy Reed of Bristol, VA; his step-grandchildren, Brian Reed, David Reed, Jr. and Amanda Childress; his step-great granddaughter, Brooklyn Reed and his special friend, his dog Penny.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 9:00 P. M. Tuesday, January 15, 2008 at Farris Funeral Service Main Street Chapel in Abingdon. The funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 P. M. Wednesday, January 16, 2008 in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Paul Stanley officiating. Entombment will follow the service at the Green Hills Memory Gardens Mausoleum in Cedar Bluff, VA. Pallbearers will be Billy Reed, David Reed, Christopher Alley, Jerry Maggard, John R. Alley and Jason Maggard. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Timothy Davis, Greg Herrell, Charlie McCracken and Kevin Alley.
Virginia Gertrude Arnold
Mrs. Virginia Gertrude “Peggy” Arnold, age 73, passed away at her home on Sunday, January 13, 2008. A native of Washington County, she was the daughter of the late W. A. Widener and Isabelle Francis Anders Widener. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Milt Arnold; her son, Kenny Arnold; her brothers, Lewis Widener and Harley Widener; and her sisters, Myrtle Leffel and Bertha Warren.
Peggy lived her life through the Lord. Her favorite scriptures were Matthew 25:21 – “His lord said unto him, Well done, thou good and faithful servant: thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will make thee ruler over many things: enter thou into the joy of the lord.” and II Timothy 4: 6-8 – “For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” She was a member of Gospel Tabernacle Church and also attended Outreach for Christ Church. She had worked as a nursing assistant at Johnston Memorial Hospital, but her life’s love was being a grandmother.
The family offers special thanks to Hospice of Southwest Virginia, Dr. Jonathan Swank and Nurse Diane Wise; Dr. James Denton, and special friends Mike and Sheila White.
Mrs. Arnold is survived by her sons: Donnie Arnold, Mark Arnold and wife Missy, Joe Arnold and wife Vickie, and Kenny Gerard, all of Abingdon; her daughters: Patty Chafin and Lisa Phipps and husband Bo, all of Abingdon; her sister, Ethel Arnold and husband Hugh “Doc”, of Abingdon; her special friends, Mary Sproles and Helen Holbrook; eight grandchildren, five great-grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service for Mrs. Peggy Arnold will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, January 17, 2008, at Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel, with Pastors Tim Norris, Rick Wyatt, Jimmy Nichols and Kerry Henley officiating. Entombment will follow at Colonial Chapel Mausoleum at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, January 16, 2008, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., at the Main Street Chapel, and a song service will be held at 7:00 p.m. The family will also receive friends anytime at the home of her son, Joe Arnold, 436 Trigg Street, Abingdon.
Active pallbearers will be Larry Thomas, Gary Brown, Junior Henley, Ralph Wilson, Jerry Arnold and Carlie Fuller. Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Widener, Earl Farmer, Ed Story, Clarence Robbins, Paul David Leffel, Garland Wolfe, Bobby Arnold, Dennis Arnold, Otis Arnold and Jerry Little.
Margie Carolyn Mitchell
Mrs. Margie Carolyn Mitchell, 73, passed away Monday, January 14, 2008.
Margie was preceded in death by her parents, Garnet and Melissa Crusenberry Leonard, her husband, Woodrow M. “Woody” Mitchell and a nephew, Jeffrey Leonard. She worshiped at the East Bristol Baptist Church and sang with the Bristol, Virginia Parks and Recreation Senior Show Choir for 15 years.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Kathy and Jimmy Singleton, Blountville, TN,
two brothers and sisters-in-law, Nelson and Betty Leonard, Bristol, VA, Battie and Carolyn Leonard, Abingdon, VA, a sister and brother-in-law, Elizabeth “Liz” and Jim Harper, Hiltons, VA, two grandchildren, Amanda Singleton, Winton-Salem, NC and Melissa Laseter and husband, Bryan, Hermitage, TN, nephews, Terry Leonard, Bristol, VA, Greg Leonard and wife, Rhonda, Cummings, GA, Todd Leonard, Cummings, GA, Scott Harper and wife, Shawna, Blountville, TN, nieces, Angela Leonard, Bristol, VA, Kim Vineyard and husband, Roger and their son, Jared Vineyard, Hiltons, VA, her many close friends and neighbors where she resided for 30 years and the members of the Bristol, VA Parks and Recreation Senior Show Choir and many dear friends. She deeply loved all of you so very much.
The funeral service will be conducted Thursday, January 17, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in the Valley View Baptist Church, Route 700, Abingdon, VA with Reverend Kenneth Widner and Reverend Dan Birchfield officiating.
Interment will follow in the Valley Baptist Church cemetery.
Pallbearers will be William “Dub” Bott, Roger Vineyard, Scott Harper, Bryan Laseter, Gordon Clark, Stevie Bridgeman, Jared Vineyard, Greg Leonard and Todd Leonard.
Honorary pallbearers will be Alvin Smiley and Charlie Breeden.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Bristol, VA Parks and Recreation Senior Show Choir, 1501 Euclid Ave., Bristol, VA, 24201.
The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6-9 p.m. in the funeral home or anytime at Margie’s home, 141 Reedy Street, Bristol, VA.
