U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Ernestine Thomas
Ernestine 'Tennie' Thomas, 80, died Saturday June 7, 2008 at Valley Health Care in Chilhowie. She was a lifelong resident of Washington County and a daughter of the late Samuel and Lucy Thomas. She was preceded in death by her husband, W. Graham Thomas; two brothers, Earl Thomas and Freddie Thomas; and two nephews, Freddie and Teddie Thomas. She loved to spend time gardening and enjoyed cooking and flowers. She was a member of Trinity Baptist Church in Abingdon.
She is survived by her children, Edith Thomas Yaney of Jacksonville, NC, Opal Kestner and husband Jim, Ronald G. Thomas and wife Carol, both of Glade Spring; six grandchildren, Joey Caywood of Aiken, SC, Jennifer South Zajac of Denver, CO, Amy Kestner Pickle of Saltville, Jimmy 'Bo' Kestner, Ryan Annette Thomas and Jacob Graham Thomas, all of Glade Spring; three sisters, Anna Mae Cardwell and Wanda Harris, both of Saltville, Frances Thompson of Glade Spring; three brothers, Stewart Thomas of Marion, Jerry Thomas of Abingdon, Larry Thomas of Glade Spring; one aunt, Mrs. Lottie Holley of Glade Spring; eight great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, June 10, 2008 at 8:00 p.m. in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with the Rev. Bob Steele, the Rev. Ronnie Blevins, and the Rev. Junior Hamm officiating. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 6:00 p.m.
The committal service will be Wednesday, June 11, 2008 at 2:00 p.m. in Mount Rose cemetery. Those wishing to attend are asked to assemble at the funeral home by 1:30 p.m.
Pallbearers will be Joey Caywood, Patrick Caywood, Jacob Thomas, Kodi Pickle, Leo Pickle, Jr., and Russ Yaney. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy 'Bo' Kestner, Jr., Jim Kestner, Sr., Kole Pickle, Isaac Zajac, Steve Zajac, Gary South, and members of Trinity Baptist Church.
The family will also receive friends at the home of Ronald Thomas, 33034 Mayberry Lane, Glade Spring.
Carolyn Sue Johnson
Mrs. Carolyn Sue Johnson, age 59, passed away Sunday, June 8, 2008 in her home.
She was born October 4, 1948 in Russell County, Virginia and had resided in Washington County most of her life. She was a member of Valley Chapel and enjoyed mushroom hunting and spending time with family and friends.
Mrs. Johnson was preceded in death by her parents, Leman Harold Stamper and Olive Rhea Stamper. Besides her parents she is also preceded in death by her husband, Benny Frank Johnson, two sisters, Kathy Lee and Becky Mutter.
Mrs. Johnson is survived by three daughters, Janet Rasnake and husband, Adam, Tammy Jo Johnson and Trish Johnson all of Abingdon. Two brothers, Sherman Earls and wife, Sandra Gail of Abingdon and Harold Stamper and wife, Ivory of Meadowview. One sister, Treva Roberts and husband, Jim of Bristol, Va. Three grandchildren, Benny Burke of Abingdon, Samantha Mitchell and Chris Price of Abingdon, and Lia Watson and husband, Keith of Abingdon. Two great-grandchildren, Skyler Price and Zachary Burke all of Abingdon and a third great-grandchild due in November. Many nieces and nephews also survive.
A graveside service will be conducted at 2 P.M. on Tuesday, June 10, 2008 in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Pastor Ronnie Matney officiating. Everyone wishing to attend the service is asked to assemble at the cemetery by 1:45 P.M. Honorary pallbearers will be Scott Wolfe, Carlos Wolfe, and Lacius Earls.
Norma Cannon Kestner
Norma Cannon Kestner, 67, passed away Friday, June 6, 2008. Born in Saltville, VA, she was the daughter of the late Tillit Paul Cannon and Blanche Sessor Cannon. She was a member of Platt Springs United Methodist Church. Mrs. Kestner retired from the South Carolina Department of Revenue in 2001. She was an associate member of the SC Telephone Pioneers. She loved gardening and her flower gardens; she also enjoyed her trips to Folly Beach.
She is survived by her husband of 43 years, John Calvin Kestner of West Columbia; sons and daughters-in-law, Jeffery Duane and Millie Kestner, and Richard and Amy Kestner, all of West Columbia; her four grandchildren: Samantha, Jonathan, Michael and Brandon; and sister Joan Woodward of Lynchburg, VA. She was preceded in death by three brothers, Erful Akers, James Akers, and John Cannon, and by her sister, Doris Eastridge.
Services were held on Monday, June 9, 2008, at Platt Springs United Methodist Church, and burial was in Celestial Memorial Gardens.
Bruce Talmadge Horne
Mr. Bruce Talmadge Horne, 86, died Sunday June 15, 2008 at his home. He was born and raised in Wise, Virginia, a son of the late Thomas Clinton and Sally Culbertson Horne. He retired from Pittston Coal Company in 1984 as an accountant and later started Horne Business Service where he was self-employed for 15 years. He was a member of Pleasant View United Methodist Church, a Mason, and very active in the Lions Club.
He was a very special and loving husband to his wife of 53 years, Dorothy Horne who preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by his precious granddaughter, Monique A. 'Nikki' White, two brothers and two sisters. Mr. Horne was a sweetheart of a Daddy and a devoted grandfather. Bruce was an independent and strong man with a deep love for the Lord. He was also an avid fan of Virginia Tech football and Atlanta Braves baseball.
He is survived by his daughter, Gail H. Deal and husband Tony of Bristol, TN; and 2 brothers, Nile T. Horne of Roanoke, Virginia and T. J. Horne of Fort Myers, FL.
The funeral service will be conducted Wednesday June 18, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Hwy., Abingdon, VA with the Rev. Jim Goddard and Mrs. Barbara Farmer officiating. The family will receive friends immediately prior to the service beginning at 3:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial contributions be made to Pleasant View United Methodist Church, 18416 Lee Highway, Abingdon, VA 24210.
Vernoy Hensley
A memorial service for Vernoy Hensley will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, June 21, 2008 at the Valley View Freewill Baptist Church in the Spoon Gap Community in Abingdon.
Vern and his wife, Darlene, resided in Abingdon from 1989 to 1997, during which time he was employed at Pioneer Chevrolet. Relatives and friends are invited to the service.
Carl Hope McConnell
Mr. Carl Hope McConnell, age 64 passed away on Monday, June 16, 2008 at the Johnston Memorial Hospital. Carl was preceded in death by his parents Royal George McConnell and Vivian Bowman McConnell.
Mr. McConnell was a well known resident of the Green Spring community and a member of the Green Spring Presbyterian Church. He was a member of the first graduating class of Abingdon High School and a graduate of East Tennessee State University. He served in the United States Air Force for four years and then worked as an air traffic controller. Carl enjoyed gardening and was also an active member of PATCO.
Survivors include his wife Carolyn C. McConnell; two daughters Hope McConnell Harless and husband Buddy of Abingdon, VA, and Faith McConnell Jennings and husband Dave of Abingdon; one step-daughter Donna Reid Kilgore and husband Jason of Forty Fort, PA; two brothers George Alan McConnell and wife Joyce of Pulaski, VA, and John Preston McConnell and wife Kit of Raleigh, NC; one sister Ann Terry Brady and husband Pat of Richmond, VA; four grandchildren Abigail Elizabeth Harless, Madison Faith Harless, William McConnell Jennings, and Taylor Hope Jennings, and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services for Mr. Carl Hope McConnell will be conducted on Thursday, June 19, 2008 at 11:00 am at the Green Spring Presbyterian Church with Brother Dewey Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military honors provided by Highland Honor Guard. Pallbearers are Jay Brady, Robbie Brady, Brad McConnell, John McConnell, Jr., Matthew McConnell, Will McConnell, Chipper Musick, and Robbie Pennock. Honorary pallbearers are Bobby Wise, Jeff McConnell, Jack Johnson, Greg Laughinghouse. The family will receive friends at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service on Wednesday, June 18, 2008 from 6-9pm. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the American Legion Post #12, P. O. Box 303, Abingdon, VA 24212.
The family would like to thank Jeff and Doris McConnell, and also brother John McConnell for the love and support shown to Carl.
Brenda Rhoton Waters
Mrs. Brenda Rhoton Waters, age 47, passed away Tuesday, June 17, 2008 in Holston Valley Medical Center after a courageous battle with cancer.
Mrs. Waters was employed by the Virginia Department of Transportation as Public Affairs Manager of the Bristol District. She was a graduate of Tennessee Technical University and attended Maple Grove Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Waters was the recipient of the VDOT Commissioner's Excellence Award and a graduate of the VDOT Executive Leadership Program.
Mrs. Waters is survived by her husband Gary Waters and her faithful dog and friend, Freddy and her family and friends.
The funeral will be conducted 1 P.M Friday, June 20, 2008 in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service (located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens 19415 Lee Highway Abingdon) with Pastor Stephen Talbert officiating. Entombment will follow in the Colonial Chapel Mausoleum in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Jim Givens, Ken Brittle, Mike Branham, Donnie Necessary, David Morrison, and Claude Worrell. The family will receive friends in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service on Thursday, June 19, 2008 from 6-9 P.M. In lieu of flowers the family asks that contributions be made to the Tennessee Technical University School of Agriculture-Research Farm, P.O. Box 5034, Cookeville, TN 38505.
The family would like to thank Dr. Shipstone, Leigh Hobbs, Sandy Patrick, nurses at Kingsport Oncology and W-3 at Holston Valley Medical Center.
Roy S. Fugate
Mr. Roy S. Fugate, 72, passed away Thursday, June 19, 2008, at Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was born in Indian Springs, Tennessee on November 30, 1935, and he was raised by an uncle and aunt, Charlie and Madge Patrick.
Roy graduated from Meadowview High School in 1955. He served in the United States Army in Korea and was in the Reserves for two years. Roy retired from United Parcel Service in Bristol after 33 years. He was a member of Rosedale Baptist Church in Abingdon for 32 years and a member of the Senior Adult Sunday School Class. He was also a member of the UPS Retired Drivers Breakfast Club.
Roy was preceded in death by his aunt and uncle, Madge and Charlie Patrick; by his sister, Mildred Larkins; and by his brothers, Spencer Lewis and Bill Fugate.
Roy is survived by his loving and caring wife of 40 years, Laquita Ladd Fugate of the home; his son Charlie Fugate of Abingdon; his mother-in-law, Virginia Pearl Ladd of Bristol; his brothers Jim Fugate and J.C. Fugate of Kingsport, TN; Bruce Lewis of Atlanta, GA, and Charles Lewis of Kingsport; an aunt and uncle, and several nieces, nephews, cousins. Roy also had lots of friends that cared about him.
The funeral service for Roy Fugate will be held at 8:00 p.m. Sunday, June 22, 2008, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Carl Young, Dr. Don Paxton and Rev. John Stapleton officiating. Music will be by the Rosedale Baptist Church Choir and David White. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Sunday from 6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
The burial will be on Monday, June 23, 2008, at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. View cemetery in Bristol, VA, with military graveside rites by the Highlands Veterans Honor Guard. Those attending the graveside service are invited to meet at the cemetery by 10:45 a.m. on Monday. Pallbearers will be Jack Clark, Gary Wallace, George Johnson, David White, Gene Ladd and George Hearl. Honorary pallbearers will be Tom Waters, Darrell Salyers, Bobby Jones, Danny Patrick and UPS drivers.
The family would like to thank Dr. William Baker and Dr. Ernest Henry for their care of Mr. Fugate, and they also thank Roy's special friend, Tara Salyers.
Carson R. Halsey
Carson R. Halsey, 74, passed away peacefully at his home Saturday June 21, 2008. Born in Colora, Maryland to the late Bayard and Zenna Waddell Halsey, he grew up in the Grassy Creek community of Ashe County, N.C. He graduated from Virginia-Carolina High School and Appalachian State University.
He served in the U. S. Navy during the Korean War. After military service, he was a math teacher and basketball coach in Ashe County. He worked for the United States Department of Agriculture as a county office manager and district director throughout the state of Virginia.
After his retirement, he enjoyed working in his nursery business and took special pleasure in the accomplishments of his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Linda Young Halsey; one daughter, Pamela Truxell and husband Dale of Staunton, VA; three sons, Greg Halsey of Billings, Montana, Chris Halsey and wife Teresa of Abingdon, and Mitch Halsey and wife Laurie of Knoxville; five grandchildren, Tyler Truxell, Hanna Truxell, Ryan Halsey, Reid Halsey, and Kevin Halsey; one brother, Alden Halsey and wife Ruth of Bel Air, MD; one sister, Carolyn Little and husband Jerrell of Boone, NC; and several nieces and nephews. Mr. Halsey was preceded in death by a daughter-in-law Jennifer Keys Halsey of Billings, Montana.
The funeral service will be conducted Tuesday June 24, 2008 at 4:00 p.m. in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, with the Rev. Luther Roberts officiating. The family will receive friends immediately prior to the service beginning at 2:00 p.m. Entombment will follow in the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum at Forest Hills with military rites by the Highlands Veteran's Honor Guard.
Pallbearers will be Eddie McConnell, Jack Blevins, Dale Truxell, Tyler Truxell, Ryan Halsey, and Reid Halsey.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Abingdon Baseball Field House Fund, in memory of Carson R. Halsey, 705 Thompson Drive, Abingdon, VA 24210.
Helen H. Reynolds
Helen Harless Reynolds, age 86, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, June 22, 2008 at her home.
Helen was a mother, grandmother and friend to all who knew her.
She was one of the last honorary members of Shady Grove Pentecostal Holiness Church and was preceded in death by her husband of 57 years, Bernard R. Reynolds; her son-in-law, Bill Sharrett; her parents, John Henry Harless and Rebecca Chapman Harless; her brothers, John, Epson, R. C., Ellis and Dick Harless; her sisters, Ardell Dunn, Emily Price, Elsie Rosenbalm and Rosie White.
Survivors include her sons, Bobby Reynolds and wife Brenda, Junior Reynolds and wife Linda, and Billy Reynolds and wife Kavida; two daughters, Joan Sharrett and Janie McCray and husband Danny; her sisters, Frances Crane and Betty Hughes; 10 grandchildren, 17 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
A funeral service will be conducted at 7:00 P. M. Tuesday, June 24, 2008 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Gary Harless, Rev. Mike Scoresome and Rev. Les Ketron officiating. The family will receive friends from 5:30 - 6:45 P. M. Tuesday before the funeral service. The committal and burial service will be conducted at 10:00 A. M. Wednesday, June 25, 2008 at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Those attending the service are asked to assemble at the cemetery by 9:45 A. M. Wednesday. Pallbearers will be grandsons and a special friend Anthony Harless. Honorary pallbearers will be Kerry Jenkins, Jimmy Ramsey, Eddie Christmas, Marcus Johnson, and Andy Grady.
