U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
William Canless Parks
William Canless "Bill" Parks, 87, of Bastian, died Saturday, Jan. 31, 1998, in the Bluefield Regional Medical Center.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 11 a.m. at the Bastian Church of God with the Rev. William Hand officiating. Interment followed in the Rose Hill cemetery.
He was a son of the late Foster and Mary Parks. He was a member of the Bastian Church of God.
He was preceded in death by three sisters, Jean Colley, Dorothy Lundy, and Edith Fulton; and a brother, Dewey Parks.
Survivors include his wife, Josephine Parks of the home; two daughters, Patsy Jean Weydemeyer of Mountain Pine, Ariz., and Peggy Sue Hylton of Cumming, Ga.; two sons, Freddie Parks Covington, and Eddie Parks of Leesburg; two sisters, Mamie Estep of New Castle, Del., and Virginia Vaught of Huntington, W.Va.; and seven grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.
Newberry Funeral Home in Bland was in charge of the arrangements.
Margaret Chandler Sawyers
Margaret Chandler Sawyers, 79, a resident of Asbury Center at Birdmont, died Monday, Feb. 2, 1998, in the Wythe County Community Hospital.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Feb. 5, at 2 p.m. at the Barnett Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. William D. Dale Sr., and the Rev. Penny Dale officiating. Interment will follow in the Rosewood Memorial Gardens in Rural Retreat.
She was born in Bland County, a daughter of the late Charles Franklin and Lisa Jane Kimberland Chandler. She was a member of the Original Church of God.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. William D. Sawyers; and a son, Thomas Sawyers.
Survivors include two sisters and brother-in-law, Josie Alberta Earhart of Hanover, Pa., Dorothy Irene and Clifford Ferguson of Taylorsville, N.C.; a brother and sister-in-law, Chalmer C. and Ola Chandler or Rural Retreat; three step-grandchildren, Neda "Libby" Lester of Glade Springs, Chip Ferguson, and Mike Ferguson, both of Wytheville; and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends Thursday, Feb. 5, from noon until 2 p.m. at Barnett Funeral Home.
Barnett Funeral Home in Wytheville is in charge of the arrangements.
Bessie Mae Lambert Sexton
Bessie Mae Lambert Sexton, 79, died Sunday, Feb. 1, 1998, in the Wythe County Community Hospital.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Feb. 3, at 3 p.m. at the Bland Community Church with the Rev. Leroy Long, the Rev. Claude Dove, the Rev. Ron Hutzel, and the Rev. Bill Dale officiating. Interment followed in the Stowers cemetery.
She was a member of the Bland Community Church.
She is survived by two daughters, Sally Edward, and Ana Stiltner, both of Bland; three stepsons, Olen Sexton of Bland, Curtis Sexton, and Wythe Sexton, both of Fredericksburg; two grandchildren, Betty Elmore of Wytheville, and Joe Stiltner of Bland; four great-grandchildren, Christy Stiltner, Charlie Stiltner, both of Bland, Audra Repass, and Tina Repass, both of Wytheville; and one sister, Kate Hancock of Bastian.
The family suggest that those who prefer may make memorial donations to the Bland County Rescue Squad.
The family suggest that those who prefer may make memorial donations to the Bland County Rescue Squad, Route 1, Box 75, Bastian, VA 24314.
Newberry Funeral Home in Bland was in charge of the arrangements.
Walter Irvin Shockley
Walter Irvin Shockley, 69, of Ivanhoe, formerly of Salisbury, Md., died Wednesday, Jan. 21, 1998, at a North Carolina Hospital as a result of a previous accident which left him a quadriplegic.
A memorial service was held Friday, Jan. 23, at his home, Shalom Farm in Ivanhoe. Funeral services were held Sunday, Jan. 25, at 3 p.m. at Holloway Funeral Home in Salisbury, Md., with Bishop Raymond Kohl of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints officiating. Interment was in Springhill Memory Gardens, near Hebron, Md.
Born in Parsonsburg, Md., May 15, 1928, he was a son of the late Lelia Perdue Shockley and Walter D. Shockley. He was a prominent farmer in Wythe County, as well as Wicomico County, Md. He received many recognitions for his outstanding contributions to agriculture. He was also a carpenter.
He was preceded in death by a sister, Elnora Shockley; and a great-grandson on Jan. 16, 1998, Dustin Todd Ellis.
Survivors include his wife, Hilda Rayne Shockley of Ivanhoe; a brother, Linwood Shockley of Salisbury, Md.; two daughters and sons-in-law, Cheryl and Albert Davis of Rosenberg, Texas, and Wanda and Steve Ellis of Salisbury, Md.; three sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Penny Shockley, and Andy and Carole Anne Shockley, all of Ivanhoe, and David Shockley of Park City, Utah; and 12 grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren, and many nieces, nephews and friends.
Contributions may be made in memory of Walter Shockley to Lead Mines Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 502, Austinville, VA 24312.
Holloway Funeral Home in Salisbury, Md., was in charge of the arrangements.
Ethel Bourne Sumner
Ethel Bourne Sumner, 85, of Wytheville died Saturday, Jan. 31, 1998, in the Wythe County Community Hospital.
Funeral services were held Tuesday, Feb. 2, at 2 p.m. at the Wytheville Presbyterian Church. Interment followed in the West End cemetery.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fletcher Kahle Sumner; a sister, Elizabeth Bourne Brown; and a brother, Henry G. Bourne.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Mary Frances and Harold L. Beamer of Oakridge of Oregon; three grandsons, Mark Stuart Beamer of Dallas, Texas, Harold Lee Beamer of Albany, Ore., and Benjamin Sumner Beamer of Oakridge, Ore.; three great-grandchildren, Jonathan Kahle Beamer, Alyssa Ann Beamer, and Nathaniel Stuart Beamer; two sisters, Dorothy Bourne Lacy, and Scottie Bourne Kegley, both of Wytheville; and a brother, Benjamin M. Bourne Jr. of Wytheville.
In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to Wytheville Presbyterian Church Building Fund.
Gillman Funeral Chapel in Wytheville was in charge of the arrangements.
Charles Edward Barnitz Tothill
Charles Edward Barnitz Tothill, 62, died Friday, Jan. 30, 1998, in Corpus Christi, Texas.
Funeral services were held Monday, Feb. 2, at 3 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Portland with Dr. James Doty officiating. Burial followed at San Patricio Memorial Gardens.
He was born Jan. 19, 1926, in Wytheville, to Richard F.K. and Frances Tothill. He graduated from high school in Old Greenich, Conn. During World War II he served in the Navy in the V-12 program at UNC at Chapel Hill, N.C. He graduated from the University School of Mines in Rolla, Mo. He worked as a petroleum engineer with Texaco, Murphy Corporation (Arkansas), Coastal States and as vice president of Tejas. He later formed Portland Energy, where he worked until he was forced to retire for health reasons. As a resident of Portland, he served on the Portland City Council and as mayor for three terms. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Portland where he had served as an elder.
He is survived by his wife of 47 years, Martha Preston Tothill; his son and daughter-in-law, Charles and Trish Tothill of Sun River, Mont.; three daughters and sons-in-law, Martha and Rock Woody, Jane and Lee Granberry, all of Portland, Texas, and Ann and Jim Nelson of Crosby, Texas; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard and Marleen Tothill of Midland, Texas, and Hugh and Shirley Tothill of Salem; and 13 grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Portland, or to a charity of your choice.
Maxwell P. Dunne Funeral Service in Portland, Texas was in charge of the his arrangements.
Hester Elizabeth Crockett
Hester Elizabeth Crockett, 90, of Wytheville died Wednesday, Oct. 23, 1996, in the Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Oct. 26, at 2 p.m. at the Gillman Funeral Chapel, conducted by Rev. Curtis Stoots. Interment will follow in the St. Peter's Lutheran cemetery.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Major Wythe Crockett; and a daughter Hazel Bianchi.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, the Rev. Penny and Rev. Bill Dale of Wytheville; six brothers and sisters-in-law, Roy and Lois Taylor, Troy and Norma Taylor, Fullen and Janie Taylor, Jeff Taylor, Silas and Mildred Taylor, and Andrew and Patty Taylor, all of Saltville; four sisters and brothers-in-law, Thelma and Joe Gallahan of Fredricksburg, Bonda Jackson, Loretta and J.D. Mitchell, Juanita Chappel, all of Saltville; and 14 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren, and 34 great-great-grandchildren.
Gillman Funeral Chapel in Wytheville is in charge of the arrangements.
Robert Clay Frazier
Robert Clay Frazier, 73, of Wytheville died Monday, Oct. 21, 1996, in the Carillion Roanoke Memorial Hospital.
Memorial services were held Friday, Oct. 25, at 11 a.m. in the chapel of the Grubb Funeral Home conducted by the Rev. Thomas Braxton.
He is survived by his daughter, Wilma Frazier of Marion; and several friends.
The Grubb Funeral Home in Wytheville was in charge of the arrangements.
Lethia Sayers Ratcliffe
Lethia Sayers Ratcliffe, 69, of Wytheville died Friday, Oct. 25, 1996, in the Wythe County Community Hospital.
Funeral services will be held Monday, Oct. 28, at 11 a.m. at the Draper Valley Pentecostal Holiness Church with the Rev. Ed Richardson and Dr. Charles C. Burnett officiating. The body will be taken to the church one hour before service time.
She was a member of the Draper Valley Pentecostal Holiness Church.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Elizabeth Sayers; and a son, Garland J.D. Ratcliffe.
Survivors include her husband, Ervin C. Ratcliffe of the home; four daughters and sons-in-law, Patricia and George Huddle of Wytheville, Evelyn and Bobby Pritt of Rural Retreat, Shelby Ratcliffe of Winston-Salem, N.C., and Amy and Randy Shelton of Wytheville; one son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Sheryl Ratcliffe of Hillsville; one sister, Callie Ratcliffe of Dublin; one brother-in-law, Roy Ratcliffe of Sheboygan, Wis.; and eight grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.
The family will receive friends Sunday, Oct. 27, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Barnett Funeral Home.
Barnett Funeral Home in Wytheville is in charge of the arrangements.
Ruby Leigh Mabe Clark
Ruby Leigh Mabe Clark, 81, formerly of Max Meadows, died Saturday, Oct. 26, 1996, in Dixon, Calif.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, Nov. 2, at 11 a.m. at the Barnett Funeral Chapel in Wytheville with the Rev. Vaughn Earl Hartsell officiating. Interment will follow in the Rosewood Memorial Gardens in Rural Retreat.
She was a member of Anchor of Hope Presbyterian Church where she served as elder.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Cecil Clark.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Nyrelle and Richard Shaw of Dixon, Calif.; a son and daughter-in-law, Marvin Cecil Jr. and Betty Clark of Bay Town, Texas; four grandchildren, Kenny Clark, Mike Shaw, Matthew Shaw, and Jason Shaw; five great-grandchildren; a sister, Willie Jackson of San Diego, Calif.; one brother and sister-in-law, Walter and Edna Mabe of Route 2, Wytheville; and several nieces and nephews.
Barnett Funeral Home in Wytheville is in charge of the arrangements.
James Repass Clyne
James Repass Clyne, 87, of New Ulm, Minn., died Sunday, Oct. 20, 1996, at the Oak Hills Living Center, New Ulm, Minn.
Funeral services were held Thursday, Oct. 24, at St. Marys Catholic Church. Burial was in the New Ulm City cemetery, New Ulm, Minn.
A son of Samuel and Edna Harris Clyne/Cline, he was born Feb. 2, 1909, at Wytheville. As a child, he moved with his family to Clay County, Iowa and later to New Ulm, Minn. He married
Leona Florence Rubey Sept. 7, 1929, at Holy Trinity Cathedral in New Ulm, Minn., where they lived all their lives. He worked for Claus Motors for many years, then for Haunstein Brewery until it closed in 1961, and then for Schells Brewery until his retirement in 1974. He had been a resident for the past two years and nine months at Oak Hills Living Center in New Ulm, Minn.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Leona in March of 1992; two daughters, Mrs. Louie (Doris) Lindmeyer Sr. in 1982, and Mrs. Jack (Barbara) Luckhardt in 1993; seven brothers, Golden "Bill", John, Kenneth "Pete", Joseph, Martin, William "Willie", and Oscar; and one sister, Mrs. Charles (Nita May) Paa.
Survivors include two sisters, Mrs. Lester (Hattie) Bolduan, and Mrs. Otto (Lily) Postel; four sons and daughters-in-law, Donald and Marlene Clyne of Phoenix, Ariz., Kenneth and Elva Jane Clyne, James and Barbara Clyne, and Dennis and Marge Clyne, all of New Ulm, Minn.; a daughter, Dorothy "Sis" Clyne of New Ulm, Minn.; and 16 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
Eva Crockett Frye
Eva Crockett Frye, 81, of Cripple Creek died Tuesday, Oct. 29, 1996, at her residence.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Oct. 31, at 1 p.m. at the Crockett's Chapel United Methodist Church conducted by the Rev. Joe Carrico. Interment will follow in the Crockett Family cemetery.
She is survived by a brother and a sister-in-law, Howard F. and Ethel Crockett of Rural Retreat; one sister, Beulah Youngblood of Fries; and several nieces, nephews and many friends.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Gillman Funeral Chapel. The body will be taken to the church on hour before service time.
Gillman Funeral Chapel in Wytheville is in charge of the arrangements.
James C. Roberts
James C. (Charlie) Roberts, 84, of Route 1, Crockett, died Monday, Oct. 28, 1996, in the Wythe County Community Hospital.
Funeral services will be held Thursday, Oct. 31, at 2 p.m. at the Lindsey Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Jerry Creasy officiating. Interment will follow in the St. Paul Lutheran Church cemetery in Rural Retreat.
He is survived by his wife, Ethel Wynn Roberts; one daughter and son-in-law, Barbara Chapman and Ralph E. Bonham of Sugar Grove; two sons and daughter-in-law, James "Jim" Roberts of Crockett, and John R. and Joyce Chapman II of Chilhowie; two grandsons, Ralph E. Bonham II and Joseph P. Bonham; two sisters, Mrs. Okie Hand of Damascus, and Betty Oliver of Pulaski; and one brother, Thomas B. Roberts of Mt. Airy, N.C.
The family will receive friends Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Lindsey Funeral Home or at the residence at any time.
Lindsey Funeral Home in Rural Retreat is in charge of the arrangements.
