U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
Robert Lee Holmes
Robert Lee Holmes, 70, passed away Thursday, October 2, 2008 at his home.
He was born September 25, 1938 in Russell County, Virginia a son of the late Leonard and Susie Goff Holmes. He had lived in North Carolina for 37 years until moving to Washington County 6 years ago. He served his country in the U.S. Army.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by eight brothers and two sisters. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Survivors are his wife, Agnes Venable Holmes; his daughter, Donna Holmes of the home; as well as several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service for Robert Holmes will be conducted at 1:00pm Saturday, October 4, 2008 at the Holston Conference cemetery in Emory, Virginia with Pastor John E. Massey, Jr. officiating. Interment will follow. Those wishing to attend the committal are asked to assemble at the cemetery by 12:45pm. The family will receive friends at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm Friday.
Roy Lee Keith
Roy Lee Keith, 58, passed away Thursday, October 2, 2008 in Johnston Memorial Hospital.
He was born May 23, 1950 in Saltville, Virginia and was a son of the late Alvin Lee and Faye Marie Widener Keith. He was a lifelong resident of Smyth and Washington Counties and was a proud graduate of R.B. Worthy High School. He had been a Cub Scout Master for Pack #119 during the late 80’s and was a member of the Fire Brigade at American Furniture in Marion, Virginia. He was an active and lifetime member, and loved his work with the Glade Spring Volunteer Life Saving Crew as well as the Saltville Life Saving Crew years ago. He was a member of Galilean Baptist Church in Meadowview, Virginia.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, James Keith and brother-in-law, George Holley, Jr.
Survivors are his loving wife, Kathy Doss Keith; his sons, William “Billy” Keith of the home, and girlfriend Emily Franklin, and Mark Keith and fiancée, Lilly Wright of Saltville, Virginia; a brother, Ivan Keith and wife, Joyce of Saltville; three sisters, Elwanda Holley of Meadowview, Virginia, Hazel Porter and husband, Bob of Roanoke, Virginia, and Patricia Armstrong and husband, James of Rich Valley, Virginia; three granddaughters, Vella Marie, Maxine Amelia, and Zaylee Nikole Keith; and an extremely special Aunt and Uncle, Marvin and Audie Widener. Several nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral Services for Roy Keith will be conducted at 8:00pm Saturday, October 4, 2008 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with the Rev. John Surber and the Rev. Charles Williams officiating. The family will receive friends after 6:00pm until time of the service on Saturday. A graveside service will be held at 4:00pm Sunday, October 5, 2008 in Elizabeth cemetery in Saltville. Interment will follow. Pallbearers will be Chester Holley, Brad McNew, Larry Keith, Blaine Doss, Blake Doss, Jackie Doss, Jimmy Doss, Jed Owens, Ricky McNew, and Bob Porter. Honorary Pallbearers will be the Men of Glade Spring Volunteer Life Saving Crew, Brad Buchanan, Marvin Widener, and Dwayne Stanley. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions to the Keith family are appreciated.
Margaret Proffitt Crowgey
Margaret (Margie) Proffitt Crowgey, 92, passed away at her home on Saturday, October 4, 2008.
Interment will be at 10:30 a. m. Wednesday, October 8, 2008 at Holston Conference cemetery, Emory, VA.
A memorial service will be held at 11:30 a.m. at the Emory United Methodist Church. A reception will follow in the church fellowship hall.
Mrs. Crowgey was born in Burnsville, NC. She attended Weaver and Brevard Colleges, received an A. B. Degree in English from Emory and Henry College, and received an M. A. Degree in education from Appalachian State Teachers College. She taught English and French in schools in Micaville, NC, Taylorsville, NC, and Wilmington, NC.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Althea Hampton Proffitt and Fredrick Fulton Proffitt, her sister Mary Vance Proffitt Orr, and her son-in-law Joe S. Rowe.
Survivors include her husband of sixty-seven years Henry G. Crowgey, son Danny Crowgey and daughter-in-law Carol Crowgey, daughters Margaret Rowe and Jeanne Crowgey, granddaughter Gundry Rowe, grandson Caleb Rowe, sisters-in-law Elizabeth Young, Rita Crowgey, Rosalind Campbell, and brother-in-law Boyd Campbell.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that memorials be made to Global Health Outreach, c/o Grat Correll, MD, Mountainview Medical, 109 Meadow View Road, Bristol, TN 37620, (423) 968-2446 or the Crowgey Family Scholarship, P. O. Box 950, Emory and Henry College, Emory, VA 24327, (276) 944-6119.
Robert Charles Kestner, Sr.
Robert Charles Kestner, Sr., age 78, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, October 5, 2008. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather.
Mr. Kestner was preceded in death by his loving wife of 36 years Sylvia Jane Gates Kestner; his parents, Rev. Martin Luther Kestner and Mary Elizabeth McFadden Kestner; his brothers, Kermit and Cecil and his sisters, Lockie, Rachel, Roxie and Wanda.
He was a U. S. Army Veteran of the Korean War and had retired from Burns Security after 25 years.
Survivors include his son Robert (Toby) Charles Kestner, Jr. and his wife Karen of Abingdon; his daughters, Lisa Kestner and Linda Frye both of Meadowview; his grandchildren, whom he loved more than anything, Joey Fry, Josh Kestner, Jordon Kestner, Ashley Kestner, Jenni Kestner and Brandon Kestner; his brother James Kestner of Abingdon; his sisters, Leona Sandoe and Viola Williams both of Bristol and Marie Little of Kentucky.
A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 P. M. Wednesday, October 8, 2008 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Dr. Steven Pollard and Brother Bob Spears officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Military graveside rites will be provided by the Highlands Fellowship Veteran’s Honor Color Guard. The family will receive friends from 7:00 – 9:00 P. M. Tuesday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be his four grandsons Brandon Kestner, Joey Fry, Josh Kestner and Jordon Kestner and friends James Dougherty and Jeff Jackson. Honorary pallbearers will be Larry Gates, Joseph Canter, Jesse Blevins and Joe Fry. Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations may be made to the American Diabetes, 1701 North Beauregard Street, Alexandria, VA 22311.
Saundra Louise Bailey
Saundra “Sonny” Louise Bailey died October 1, 2008 after a lengthy illness.
She was born December 28, 1961 and was preceded in death by her husband, Sean Comerford and one grandson, Jayden.
Surviving is one son, Trevor Jackson Comerford and a daughter, Mackenzie Elise Ridsdale, her parents, Ron K. and Eileen M. Bailey of Abingdon, VA, two sisters, Lizbeth Phillips and husband, Curtis, Abingdon, VA, Lianna Lawson, Jonesboro, TN, several nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, friends too numerous to count and special friends who helped and encouraged us all. In lieu of flowers, those wishing may donate to their favorite charity. Thank you.
Private services were held in Stuart, Florida.
Hillard Harold Fuller
Hillard Harold Fuller, 75, passed away Wednesday, October 15, 2008 in Smyth County Community Hospital in Marion, Virginia.
He was born September 6, 1933 in Dickenson County, Virginia and was a son of the late Perry S. and Elsie Perrigin Fuller. He had spent most of his life in Alexandria, Virginia before moving to Washington County 17 years ago. He served his country in the U.S. Army and was veteran of the Korean War. He had retired from Williams Enterprises with 30 years of dedicated service and was a member of the Ironworkers Union Local #5. He loved to be outdoors whether he was working in the garden or just taking a walk, but most of all he loved to fish and he was an avid fisherman. He will be missed by all who knew him.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Helen Fuller, and a brother, Otis Fleming.
Those who survive him are his daughter, Brenda Mullins of Martha’s Vineyard, Massachusetts; his sons, Dennis Fuller and wife, Debra of Woodbridge, Virginia, and Sammy Fuller and fiancée, Jadina Blankenship of Glade Spring, Virginia; eight sisters, Gladys Smith and husband, Douglas of Richmond, Virginia, Hazel Morrissey of Jacksonville, Florida, Faye Alexander and husband, John of Henrico, Virginia, Mary Ann Deel and husband, Benny of Whitsett, North Carolina, Lucille Townsend of Florida, Joyce Fuller and Jon Jennings of Centerville, Virginia, Polly McMahon and husband, Dan of San Antonio, Texas, and Janie Fuller and Dennis Bechtol of Palm City, Florida; a brother, Cecil Fuller and wife, Donna of Fredericksburg, Virginia; special companion, Kathleen Canter of Glade Spring, Virginia; Sister-in-law, Willa Mae Fleming of Clinchco, Virginia; Grandchildren, Stacy Hibbetts of Harpers Ferry, Virginia, John Michael Gibson of West Palm Beach, Florida, Chloe Shea Fuller of Bristol, Virginia, Elaina Marie Fuller, Sean Perry Fuller, and Justin Thomas Fuller all of Glade Spring, Virginia; and great grandchildren, Brandon, Nikia, and Victoria. Numerous nieces and nephews also survive.
Funeral services for Mr. Fuller will be conducted at 11:00 A. M. Saturday, October 18, 2008 at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with the Rev. Greg Hensley officiating. Interment will follow in Temple Hill Memorial Park in Castlewood, Virginia with full military honors to be presented by V. F. W. Post #9864, Lebanon, VA. Pallbearers will be family and friends. The family will receive friends at Farris Funeral Service from 6:00pm until 8:00pm Friday evening. In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer memorial contributions to the UMWA-Lorin E. Kerr Scholarship Fund, 8315 Lee Highway, Fairfax, Virginia 22031.
Ruth McVey Dunn
Mrs. Ruth McVey Dunn, age 80, passed away on Friday, October 17, 2008, at her home.
Ruth was a well known resident of Glade Spring. She enjoyed traveling and working crossword puzzles. She was preceded in death by her husband Jim Dunn; daughter, Cindy Dunn Mattox; sisters, Bonnie Eades, Sarah O’Dell, Claire McCracken; Brothers, Ray McVey, Sam McVey, Richard McVey, Clyde McVey; son-in-laws, Jimmy Boardwine and Perry Hogston.
She is survived by one son, Billy Dunn, Meadowview, VA; five daughters, Linda Boardwine, Meadowview, VA, Susan Hogston, Emory, VA, Kathy Tate and husband Blaine, Abingdon, VA, Monica Perkins and husband Jackie, Cleveland, VA, Pamela Morphew and husband Ernie, Lincolnton, NC; step-children, Betty Heath and husband Tommy, Hickory, NC, Judy Hull and husband Frank, Marion, VA, James Dunn and wife Angela, Saltville, VA; one brother Louis McVey and wife Carolyn, Meadowview, VA; ten grandchildren, one great-grandchild and several nieces and nephews.
A graveside service for Mrs. Ruth Dunn will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2008, at 2 pm at the Mt. View Baptist cemetery with Pastor Bob Neace and Pastor Tommy Wilson officiating. Those wishing to attend the service are asked to assemble at the cemetery by 1:50 pm. Pallbearers will be Gary McVey, Billy Dunn, Christopher Cook, Jeremy Cook, Travis Boardwine and Jared Hogston. The family would like to express special thanks to caregivers, Carrie Trent, Rita McVey and Hospice of Southwest Virginia. In lieu of flowers the family would prefer memorial contributions be made to either the American Cancer Society, PO Box 246, Abingdon, VA 24212 or the American Heart Association, 208 Sunset Drive, Suite 113, Johnson City, TN 37604.
Arthur Floyd Morrison
Arthur Floyd Morrison, 91, died at his residence on Saturday, October 18, 2008 after an extended illness. He was the youngest of three children born to Mamie and Fletcher Morrison in Inverness, Florida on April 8, 1917 (Easter Sunday). He came to Bristol as a young adult from Asheville, NC. In addition to his parents, Mr. Morrison was preceded in death by his two sisters Lila Morrison and Lucille Currence. After 45 years in sales and management, Mr. Morrison retired from Enterprise Fabricators and in 1977 founded the Morrison School for Learning Disabled Students where he remained as Administrator until recently. He was a member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Bristol Virginia for 40 years and in the latter years attended First Baptist Church of Bristol.
Throughout his life, Mr. Morrison was devoted to the service of others. Through his extensive civic, Church and other community service work in the region as well as the dedication of his last 31 years to his beloved Morrison School, he has made a significant contribution to this community. Bristol is, indeed, a good place to live and Mr. Morrison is one of those who helped make it so. Mr. Morrison was also a loving and devoted father, and of all his accomplishments he considered his children as his greatest contribution to society.
Survivors include his wife, Sharon to whom he was deeply devoted; his daughter Susan Delong, granddaughter Elizabeth Finneran and great granddaughter Abigail of Greensboro, NC; his daughter Bambi Berry and her husband Robert of Rome, GA and their children Lowry and Natalie; his son James Fletcher Morrison, II and his wife Cathy of Knoxville, TN and their children James Fletcher Morrison III, Jessica, Jared and Graff. Great grandchildren also include Hadley, Reid, Lydia and Veronica. Mr. Morrison is also survived by his nephew Richard Currence and great grandnephews Richard and John of New Orleans, LA, his mother-in-law Nell Lambert, brother-in-law Larry Greer, aunt-in-law June Bradley and cousin Karen Cook all of Bristol, and his most loving and devoted friends Linda Semones of Roanoke and Linda Barker of Bristol.
The many expressions of love and concern were greatly uplifting to Mr. Morrison and brought much pleasure and contentment during this difficult time of his life. He and the family are so very grateful. Mr. Morrison was richly blessed with a quality of care during the last years of his illness that he has said made being sick a ‘pretty good thing.’ Deep and eternal gratitude is expressed to Linda Barker for providing the extraordinary love, the greatest comfort possible, the fun and happy times that made these last years so worthwhile. Her genuine love, kind and gentle manner, infinite energy and patience and untiring commitment to Mr. Morrison’s care were awe inspiring and a wonderful lesson to us all.
Appreciation is also extended to other dedicated health care providers during Mr. Morrison’s illness including Donna White, Larry Greer, Robert Roberts, Sharon Taylor, Drs. Lacyoni Moraes and Shannon Finch and Intrepid and Wellmont Hospice workers as well as dear friends Beverly Bowers, Mary Margaret Herzog, Roger Barker, Nancy Snead, and Jerry and Debbie Powers. Special thanks go to the staff and parents of Morrison School for their patience and understanding during Mr. Morrison’s illness and need for care and their continual show of support and care. Most special thanks go to the students at Morrison School for their demonstration of love and appreciation for this kind, gentle and caring man. Their many handmade cards, written messages and fun visits over the last several years brought many smiles and much pleasure to Mr. Morrison. They made a very positive difference during his illness.
According to Mr. Morrison’s wishes he will be cremated and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at 4 pm, at the First Baptist Church, 1 Virginia Street, Bristol, VA, with Dr. David Stancil and Rev. Ellie Scofield officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Morrison School Endowment Fund, 139 Terrace Drive, Bristol, VA 24202, First Baptist Church or a charity of choice.
George Marshall Mumpower
George Marshall Mumpower passed away Sunday, October 19, 2008.
He was born April 21, 1950 in Washington County, VA. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, Robert Lee and Mandi Marie Mumpower and his grandparents, William and Lula Mae Dollar and Jake and Rowena Mumpower.
He is survived by two brothers, Larry T. Mumpower, Bristol, VA, William “Bill” Mumpower, Damascus, VA, three sisters, Rowena “Kate” Yancy, Blairsville, GA, Francis Rosalee Sells, Greenville, TN, Vivian Hattie Nelson, Kingsport, TN, several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer contributions be made to the Free Pentecostal Assembly, c/o Rev. Paul Stanley, 18410 Astor Road, Abingdon, VA 24210.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Renaissance House for their kindness and care shown to George.
At George’s request, there will be no visitation or service.
For further information, you may contact Larry Mumpower at 276-623-8311.
Mabel A. Farmer
Mrs. Mabel A. Farmer went to be with her Lord and Savior on Monday, October 20, 2008.
She was born the youngest daughter of William Harve and Lular Miller Farmer on January 6, 1911 in Hemlock, North Carolina
She moved to West Virginia when she was married
. Mrs. Farmer worked for Ritter Lumber Co., Red Jacket Coal Corporation, and Island Creek Coal Company as Club House Manager at Madison, Coal Mountain, and Bartley, West Virginia. She was a charter member of the Coal Mountain Church of Christ and later in Bartley, she attended the Community Church where she taught Sunday School. Upon her return to Virginia in later years, she attended Cedar Bluff Methodist Church and worked at Highlands for a short time and took care of her parents.
She was a wonderful Mother and will be greatly missed. Mrs. Farmer was an excellent cook and was known for her delicious pies and gracious hospitality. She loved the outdoors and working with her flowers.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two sisters, Mrs. Eula Anderson of Damascus, and Mrs. Clara Daugherty of Hemlock, North Carolina; and two brothers, Stan Farmer and Ernest Farmer of Damascus.
She is survived by her daughter Joy Bowman and husband, Don of the 4-H Lake Road in Daniels, West Virginia, and by many nephews and nieces. Among them are, Roger Farmer and wife, Carrie of Blountville, Tennessee, Ryan Farmer of Alvarado Road, Virginia, Jim Farmer and wife, Janet of Alvarado Road, Virginia, Donald Farmer and wife, Angie of Damascus, Virginia, Ana Lusk and husband, Joe of Gaps Mill, West Virginia, Iris Edwards and husband, Jerry of Meadowview, Virginia, Paulette Blankenship and husband, Jim of Clear Fork, West Virginia, Virginia Adamson and husband, Greg of Warsaw, Indiana, Patricia Bebber and husband, Rick of Hickory, North Carolina, Wade Farmer and wife, Marina of Damascus, Virginia, Sharon St. Rita and husband, Sam of Butler, Tennessee, and Karen Jones and husband, Ray of Rich Hill, North Carolina.
Funeral services for Mrs. Farmer will be conducted at 11:00am Wednesday, October 22, 2008 at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Rev. Stephen Richardson officiating. Interment will follow in the Zion Church cemetery near Damascus. Pallbearers will be Wade Farmer, Donald Farmer, Roger Farmer, Ryan Farmer, Jim Farmer, and Jason Bebber. Friends may call at Farris Funeral Service in Abingdon from 10:30am until the time of the service on Wednesday.
Timothy E. Anderson
Timothy E. Anderson, age 49, went home to be with the Lord on October 24, 2008.
He was born in Radford, Virginia and lived most of his life in Washington County. After his high school graduation, Tim served 8 years in the United States Navy. He was incredibly talented in music and played the organ in his church. He enjoyed playing video games, and he loved spending time with children and older people. He was baptized at Valley Street Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by the love of his life, his wife, Regina Johnson Anderson; his father, Edward R. Anderson, Jr.; and his brother Garnett Anderson.
He is survived by his daughter, Angela Kaye Anderson, Orange Park, FL; his mother, Eugenia Anderson, Randallstown, MD; three brothers, Charles Anderson, Roanoke, VA; Melvin Anderson and wife Mary, Glade Spring, VA; and Vincent Anderson, Abingdon, VA; one sister, Vicky Anderson, Randallstown, MD; two grandchildren, Miannah Monae Jackson and Ameia Denise Jackson, both of Orange Park, FL; two aunts, Georgia English and husband Robert and Elrica Parker and husband John; one uncle Paul Snell and wife Julie; three great-aunts Bobbie Flynn, Lorraine Wyms, and Anna Bell Wyms; several nieces and nephew; his special friend Patricia Foster of Emory, VA; and brother-in-law Mike Johnson of AL.
Funeral services for Timothy Anderson will be held on Thursday, October 30, 2008, at 2 pm at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, with Rev. William Weldon officiating. The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 from 7-9 pm at the funeral home.
William Stroup
William “Bill” Louis Stroup, 59, passed away Sunday, October 26, 2008.
He was born in Washington County, Virginia and was the son of the late Arthur and Roxie McCracken Stroup. He was a lifelong resident of Meadowview and was an Independent Truck Driver and had driven a truck for over 40 years. He was a member of Greenfield Baptist Church in Meadowview.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Silas McCracken.
Survivors are his wife, Betty Fields Stroup; two sons, Greg Stroup of Meadowview, and Steve Powers and wife, Lora of Meadowview; a daughter, Sarah Laduca of the home; a brother, Tommy Stroup and wife, Tootie of Saltville; grandchildren, Stephanie and Anthony Powers; and lifelong friends, Bobby Raby and Jerry Sheets.
Funeral services for William Stroup will be conducted at 8:00 pm Tuesday, October 28, 2008 at Emmanuel Baptist Church in Abingdon with Pastor Brian Treadway and Pastor Thomas Capron officiating. Committal services will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday, October 29 in the Greenfield Baptist Church cemetery in Meadowview. To go in procession to the cemetery, those who wish may meet at Farris Funeral Service at 1:00 pm Wednesday. Pallbearers will be Bobby Raby, Jerry Sheets, Bill Neese, Rick Widener, Joe Blackwell, and Elmer Baldwin.
The family will receive friends at Emmanuel Baptist Church from 6:00pm until the time of the service Tuesday.
