U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
GUNNELL
Mrs. Virginia Mabrey Gunnell entered eternal rest on Friday, August 23, 2002. Cherished memories remain with her devoted husband of 47 years, Deacon James B. Gunnell; two loving and devoted children, Soraya A. Gunnell of Sterling, Va., and James Bryan Gunnell and his wife, Sarah of Richmond; grandson, Brandon Jamal Gunnell; loving sister and best friend, Lenard Tucker of Ettrick, Va.; two devoted cousins, Catherine Barnes of Boykins, Va., and Sallie Robinson of Emporia, Va.; sister-in-law, Agnes Gunnell; three brothers-in-law, Mansfield Q. Gunnell, Robert A. Gunnell and Rev. McKinley R. Tucker Sr.; five nieces, one nephew, and many faithful friends, and her devoted church family. Her remains rest at the W.S. Watkins & Son Funeral Home, 2700 North Ave. After 12 Noon Tuesday. Her remains will rest at Fifth Street Baptist Church, 2800 Third Ave., where her family will receive friends from 1 to 2 p.m. Funeral services will begin at 2 p.m. Rev. F. Todd Gray officiating. Interment Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
HALL
William S. Hall, 89, of Richmond, died August 23, 2002. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ocie Hall; and his son, Bill Hall. Survivors include his daughter, Bobbie Bultje; three grandsons, three great-grandchildren; one brother, Donald Hall; and one sister, Virginia Packer. Mr. Hall was a retired employee with E.I. DuPont. He was a member of Ramsey Memorial United Methodist Church, the Globetrotters at Friendship Baptist Church, and the Senior Group at Providence United Methodist Church. His remains rest at the Bliley Funeral Home's Chippenham Chapel, 6900 Hull Street Road, where the family will receive friends from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, and where funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Monday. Interment Dale Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Friendship Baptist Church.
HATAWAY
Claude P. Hataway Sr., 62, of Richmond, departed this life on Thursday, August 22, 2002. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Martha J. Hataway. He also is survived by his father, Claude A. Hathaway of Georgia; two sons, Claude Jr. and Charles Hataway of Richmond; daughter-in-law, Michelle Hataway; and granddaughter, Ayshia; two brothers, Clyde and Dwayne Hataway; two uncles, Patrick H. Robinson and Walter Cowans; aunt, Audrey B. Robinson; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at Ebenezer Baptist Church, August 27, 2002 at 12 Noon. Prior to services, viewing of the remains will be from 11 to 11:55 a.m. in the church sanctuary. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Ebenezer Baptist Church Mortgage Reduction Fund. Professional services are given by W.S. Watkins & Son Funeral Home, 2700 North Ave. Interment Forest Lawn Cemetery.
LARGE
Daniel L. Large, beloved husband of Heather, father of Connor Daniel and Chloe Rae Large, and cherished son of Dan and Kathryn Large, passed away on August 23, 2002. Dan was born September 11, 1970. The Large family resides in Glen Allen, Va., and are members of Shady Grove United Methodist Church in Short Pump. At the time of his death, Dan was the global business manager for performance fuels with Ethyl Corporation. Dan received his B.A. from the University of Missouri in international finance and had just received his M.B.A. from VCU this year in their fast track program. Dan was a member of the American Petroleum Institute and Society of Automotive Engineers, and a member of SAE Fraternity at the University of Missouri. His wife, Heather survives him with two children, Connor and Chloe; parents, Daniel and Kathryn Large; and sister, Kristen Large Maggio and husband, Adam, all of the Atlanta area. Daniel is also survived by his wonderful grandparents, Fred and Virginia DeFelice of Roanoke, Va. Daniel leaves behind a large, extended family who loved him: Ann and Ray Gudum, Traci and Jules Nottolini and Nicole and Danny; Brenda and Tim Simmons and Matt and Grace; Esther Gudum, Don and Barbara Large; Doug and Pam Large; Lindsay, Ashley and Katie; David and Bea Large, Tim and Sarah; Doris and Herb Dixon, Allen and Angie; Linda and Bill Rouse, David and Brad, Charles and Ann DeFelice and Elizabeth. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday evening at the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 West Broad St. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Tuesday, August 27, 2002, at Shady Grove United Methodist Church, 4825 Pouncey Tract Rd., Short Pump. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions for the education of Connor and Chloe Large be given in care of Ray Gudum at: Ray Gudum, 10821 Cherry Hill Dr., Glen Allen, Va. 23059.
MILLS
Margie J. Mills of Goochland, Va. departed this life Sunday, August 25, 2002. Her remains rest at the Robert Mealy Funeral Home, Goochland. Funeral notice later.
NERO
Mr. Lucius C. Nero, age 64, of Powhatan, Va., departed this life on Friday, August 23, 2002 in Richmond, Va. He is survived by his devoted friend, Geraldine Phillips; stepmother, Bertha Nero; two sons, Genesis (Renee) and Carl (Terri); two daughters, Terrie N. Monroe and Tammy Nero-Stewart (Casey); 11 grandchildren; a brother, Albert Nero Jr.; two sisters, Fannie Edwards and Betty Nero; a stepsister, Jessie Mae Singleton; two aunts, one uncle, nine sisters-in-law, three brothers-in-law, and a number of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends, two devoted, Roger Taylor and Mack Pettaway. His remains rest at Marian Gray Thomas Funeral Home, Cumberland, Va. Funeral services will be held Wednesday, 1 p.m. at Hollywood Baptist Church, Powhatan. Rev. Marvin L. Gilliam, pastor, officiating, with interment in the church cemetery. Family is asked to assemble at the church at 12:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Central Virginia.
PRINDES
Stephen Prindes Jr., 67, of Chesterfield, died Friday, August 23, 2002 in Chippenham Medical Center. He was a proud and loyal member of the Heat & Frost Insulators & Asbestos Local 88 and an active member of the Chester Moose Club. He was a loving son, father and grandfather survived by two sons, Michael S. Prindes and Kenneth R. Prindes; mother, Peggy Holub; grandson, Eric S. Prindes; sister, Marie Manning; niece, Karen Manning; four stepsons, Ken, Donnie, Michael and David Ledford; and eight stepgrandchildren. The family will have a time of remembrance and celebration of his life tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. at J.T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home, Chester. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Supreme Secretary, Moose International, Mooseheart, Illinois 60539.
RANSON
Samuel Trent Ranson II, died Saturday, August 24, 2002 at the age of 76. He was a son of William Howard and Hazel Ancell Ranson of Bremo Bluff, Va. Mr. Ranson served in the Army during World War II. He was a graduate of Richmond Professional Institute (now VCU). For many years, he taught chemistry at Highland Springs High School, where he also served as Chairman of the Science Dept. He is survived by his sisters, Margaret Ranson Wallace of Baltimore, Md., and Gertrude Ranson White of Bremo Bluff; his brother, Howard Winn Ranson of Richmond; and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service will be held at 3 p.m. on Tuesday, August 27, at Grace Episcopal Church, Bremo Bluff. Memorial donations may be made to the church. Sheridan Funeral Home of Kent Store, in charge of arrangements.
RIGNEL
Rosalie Koenig Rignel, 98, of Richmond, died Sunday, August 25, 2002. She is survived by a son, Paul Randall Mounts of Blacksburg; a daughter, Elizabeth (Libby) Mounts of Richmond; two granddaughters, Tara Elise and Lindsey Blair Mounts; devoted daughter-in-law, Patricia Anne Mounts; and other close devoted friends. Remains rest at the Central Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 3215 Cutshaw Ave., Richmond, Va. 23230, where family will receive friends 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday, and funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, with interment to follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery. The family would like to give special thanks to Bon Secours Hospice, 8520 Magellan Pkwy., Building IV, Richmond, Va. 23227.
SMITH
Annie Louise Smith, 96, of New Kent, passed away Friday, August 23, 2002. She is survived by four sons and three daughters, Elsie Allen and husband, Herman, W. Calvin
Smith Jr. and wife, Mary Anne, all of Glen Allen, Mary Lou Rowe and husband, Joseph, Carolyn Washburn and husband, Claude, all of Mechanicsville, Warren
Smith and wife, Jean, James W.
Smith and wife, Carolyn and Charles M.
Smith and wife, Esther, all of New Kent; 18 grandchildren, and 16 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, Walter Calvin Smith, one grandchild, and one great-grandchild. Mrs.
Smith was a lifelong member of Corinth Baptist Church in New Kent. Remains rest at the Mechanicsville Chapel of the Bennett Funeral Home, 8014 Lee-Davis Rd., where family will receive friends Sunday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. and where services will be held 2 p.m. Monday, August 26. Interment Corinth Baptist Church.
STEVENS
W. Robert "Bobby" Stevens, 51, of Powhatan, died August 24, 2002. He is survived by one son, Dustin Stevens of Kansas; his mother, Audrey S. Stevens; one brother, Henry Ogle; two sisters, Shirley Grant, all of Powhatan, and Ellen Morris of Harrisonburg. The family will receive friends tonight from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Bennett & Barden Funeral Home, 3215 Anderson Hwy. (Rt. 60), Powhatan, and where services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday. Interment Powhatan Community Cemetery, Powhatan.
THOME
Robert David Thome departed this life on Friday, August 23, 2002 at home in the comfort of his family after a courageous battle with a brain tumor. David was preceded in death by his father, Robert Frederick Thome Jr., and is survived by his mother, Connie Morgan Thome; a sister, Laura T. Bartnicki of Richmond; a brother, Eric Morgan Thome of Stuttgart, Germany; and his best buddy, his niece, Olivia Kathleen Bartnicki. David, an inspiration to everyone who knew him, was a graduate of V.C.U., a former employee of Capital One, and a participant in Habitat for Humanity. His family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, August 27, at the Parham Chapel, Woody Funeral Home, 1771 Parham Rd., where a memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, August 28. Interment private. Contributions may be made to V.C.U. Brain Tumor Research, MCV Foundation, Box 980234, Richmond, Va. 23298-0234.
WADDELL
Roy A. "Butch" Waddell, 53, of Richmond, passed away August 24, 2002. He was preceded in death by a brother, Robert Lee Waddell. He is survived by his wife, JoAnne; children, Kelly and his wife, Amy, Scott and his wife, Tonya, and Catie Waddell; one brother, Irvin Kelly Waddell Jr.; three grandchildren, Hunter, Hannah and Tyler Waddell; one niece, Brandi Nichole Bower; and one nephew, Irvin Kelly Waddell III. Mr. Waddell was a longtime member of Curls Neck Hunt Club, avid fisherman, hunter and bowler. His remains rest at the Nelsen Funeral Home, 4650 S. Laburnum Ave., where the family will receive friends 12 Noon to 8 p.m. Monday, and where services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, with interment to follow in Washington Memorial Park. NELSEN FUNERAL HOME
WHITE
Nancy Estis White, 51, of 2023 Elon Rd., Madison Heights, died Friday, August 23, 2002 in University Hospital, Charlottesville. She was the wife of William Eugene White. Born February 1, 1951 in Richmond, she was the daughter of Thomas F. and Hattie Wilson Estis of Richmond. Nancy was a school teacher with the Amherst County School System for 25 years. She was a member of Smyrna Christian Church in Bruington. In addition to her husband and parents, Nancy is survived by one sister, Mary E. Shepherd and her husband, Cecil of Glen Allen; two brothers, Frank L. Estis and his wife, Norma of Arlington and Paul W. Estis of Richmond; five nieces, one nephew, and two great-nephews. A funeral service will be conducted at 7 p.m. Monday at Whitten Monelison Chapel by the Rev. L. Grant
Carter III. The family will receive friends following the service until 9 p.m. A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Smyrna Christian Church in Bruington with interment to follow in the church cemetery. Those wishing to make memorial contributions are asked to consider the American Cancer Society. To send a condolence to the family, go to www.whittenfuneralhome.com.
ZAHN
Gary H. Zahn, age 55, of Goochland, died Saturday, August 17, 2002 at MCV Medical Center. Mr. Zahn was born in California on January 19, 1947 and moved to Goochland in 1985 from Lake Tahoe, Calif. He served in the U.S. Army for seven years and did two tours in Vietnam. Survivors include his daughter, Bonnie Zahn; and granddaughter, Brianna of Concord, Calif.; his sister, Joan Havens; nieces, Debbie and Theresa; and nephews, Frank and Edward, all of Salenas, Calif.; a stepsister, Kathy Cisernos of Cotati, Calif.; and devoted friend, Diane Parker of Columbia, Va. A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Thursday, August 29, at the West Chapel of Bennett Funeral Home, 11020 W. Broad St. Interment will be held at a later date in California.
Editorialist Ken
Smith dies
Jul 04, 2001
Kenneth D. Smith, a conservative commentator and deputy editorial page editor of the Washington Times and a former editorialist for The Times-Dispatch, died at his home in Alexandria Tuesday. He was 44.
The cause of death was liver cancer.
Mr.
Smith spent his entire career in the newspaper business, starting as a part-time reporter for the Lexington News-Gazette while studying at Washington and Lee University, from which he graduated in 1979 with a bachelor's degree in English literature.
He joined the Danville Register, now owned by Media General Inc., parent company of The Times-Dispatch, in 1980. Mr.
Smith initially was a feature writer for the Register, but soon found his niche as an editorial writer.
Commentary writing suited Mr. Smith's forceful conservatism, which he inherited from his late father, a professor of French history at Miami University of Ohio. One of Mr. Smith's brothers, Brenton, recalled that the Philadelphia-born Mr.
Smith - as a youngster growing up in Oxford, Ohio, in the mid-1960s - was regaled by his father on the views of Barry Goldwater, the conservative Republican icon.
In 1984, Mr.
Smith moved to the editorial staff of The Times-Dispatch. Hired by then-editorial page editor J. Edward Grimsley, Mr.
Smith wrote memorable editorials and columns challenging Richmond's real estate tax rates and the opposition of environmentalists to a proposed uranium mine in Pittsylvania County.
"Ken expressed his views confidently and clearly, and without any trace of the arrogance that self-assurance can sometimes generate," Grimsley said.
After five years on The Times-Dispatch, Mr.
Smith departed for the Washington Times. There, he initially wrote on Virginia affairs, often shunning the editorialist's ivory tower for visits to Richmond, where he met with the politicians and policy-makers whom he'd skewer or support in his essays from the capital.
Among the honors received by Mr. Smith: the 2001 Mark Twain Award from the Chesapeake News Association for his editorial on disputed Civil War murals in Richmond, and the Dateline Award in 2000 from the Washington chapter of the Society of Professional Journalists.
Mr. Smith's work also appeared in the National Review, The Wall Street Journal and Reader's Digest.
Easygoing with a hearty laugh, Mr.
Smith often found himself on the outs with both conservatives and liberals in the Washington area on the few subjects on which they seem to agree: the Redskins. Mr. Smith, a defensive end on the W&L football team, delighted in fashioning quirky nicknames for the Redskins.
An inveterate traveler, Mr.
Smith had recently returned from India and Nepal. He was also an Anglophile, with a special interest in British writers whose conservatism echoed his own, among them, P.G. Wodehouse, Evelyn Waugh and C.S. Lewis.
Mr.
Smith was a member of the University Club in Washington.
In addition to his brother, Brenton C.
Smith of Atlanta, Mr.
Smith is survived by another brother, Philip A.
Smith of Darien, Conn.; his sister in-law and two nieces.
A funeral will be private.
A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday at St. Andrew & St. Margaret of Scotland Anglican Catholic Church, 402 E. Monroe Ave., Alexandria.
L.K. Stepanian Sr. dies at age of 92
Apr 09, 2003
For most of us, a cold glass of beer means a laugh with friends, a juicy burger straight from the grill or the crack of a baseball bat in the summer heat.
But for Leon K. Stepanian Sr., a frothy cold one was the stuff of which dreams are made.
Mr. Stepanian, a former beer distributor and chairman of the board of Loveland Distributing Co., died Monday. He was 92.
"Beer was his whole life," said his son, Leon K. Stepanian Jr., of Manakin. "He devoted his entire life to his business."
A lifelong Richmond resident, Mr. Stepanian began his career in the theater, managing Loews Theater Co. But the day after Prohibition ended, he started a new job traveling the area as a salesman for Guenther Brewing Co., based in Boston.
"He's always been involved in something that means a good time," his son said.
After working for Guenther Brewing for two years, Mr. Stepanian moved to Richmond's Home Brewing Co., where he worked for 21 years and eventually became sales manager.
In 1958, he bought Loveland Brewing Co., where he oversaw the growth of the business from 10 employees to 152. The company distributes Miller, Coors, Corona and Sam Adams beers, among others.
After becoming chairman of the board, Mr. Stepanian retired when he was 89.
His son said Mr. Stepanian kept an ever-ready supply of beer stored in a small refrigerator in his office - a practice that helped win friends hoping to quench a thirst during a long day.
"When you're the beer man, you've got lots of friends," his son said.
Although Stepanian said his father's straightforward manner and friendly ways will be missed, he suggested an alternative to the typical grieving process in honor of his father's passion.
"He'd prefer that we salute him with a cold one," said his son.
In addition to his son, survivors include his wife, Margaret K. Stepanian; one daughter, Loena Maria Stepanian, of Richmond; four grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A funeral Mass will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at St. Benedict Catholic Church in Richmond. Burial will be at Holy Cross Cemetery.
