Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: WEDNESDAY, April 12, 1995                   TAG: 9510040016
SECTION: VIRGINIA                    PAGE: C2   EDITION: METRO 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE:                                 LENGTH: Long

OBIT

BRYANT, Edna Florence Dew, 96 of Fork Farm Road, Iron Gate, died Monday, April 10, 1995 at her residence. She was born in Alleghany County on June 10, 1898, daughter of the late John H. and Nancy Bush Dew. She was the widow of Okey Cainen Bryant who preceded her in death in January 1995. Mrs. Bryant was a homemaker and was of the Baptist faith and a former Sunday School Teacher. She is survived by two daughters, Mrs. David (Carol) Frango, Iron Gate, Mrs. Roy (Ruby) Painter, Blue Ridge; one son, Chlenford H. Bryant, Kingsport, Tenn.; 12 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and one step-great-great- grandson. She was preceded in death by four sisters and one brother. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, 11 a.m. from the Chapel of Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge with Rev. Richard Painter and Rev. Wayne Sellers officiating, interment to follow in the Central Advent Christian Cemetery. Active pallbearers will be grandsons and great-grandsons. Memorial gifts may be made in her name to The Rescue Mission of Roanoke, Inc., P. O. Box 525, Roanoke, Va. 24003. Arrangements by Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge.

CALDWELL, Thomas Davis, 69, of Roanoke, died Monday, April 10, 1995. He was retired from Valley Steel in 1988, was a member of the Blue Ridge Knife Club and was preceded in death by his wife of 41 years, Rebba Jeanette Caldwell, in April 1994. He is survived by one son and his fiancee, Thomas David Caldwall and Rita West, both of Roanoke; a daughter, Cherie Sledd, North Carolina; two grandchildren, William Sledd, Jr. and Carey Sledd, both of Salem; also surviving are three sisters and one brother; and his Boston Terrier Bulldog, Lady. Funeral services will be conducted 11:30 a.m. Thursday, April 13, 1995, with the Rev. Frank W. Feather officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Oakey's North Chapel.

DOWDY, T. Lucille, 75, of Christiansburg, passed away early Tuesday, April 11, 1995, in Roanoke Memorial Hospital. She was born September 9, 1919 in Giles County to the late John Albert Hypes and Maggie Hughes Hypes. She and her husband, Samuel C. (Buster) Dowdy, who preceded her in death, were merchants, operating ""B"" Market in the Cambria area of Christiansburg. She was a member of Park United Methodist Church i n Christiansburg and is survived by one son and daughter-in-law, Fred and Carolyn Walters, Christiansburg; a sister, Vannie Williams, Christiansburg; her grandchildren, Kathryn Watts and her husband, Benny of Glasgow, Blaine Walters, Roanoke, Andrea Walters, Winter Park, Florida, Jennifer Crowe, Roanoke and Kevin Crowe, Christiansburg; a very special great grandson, Miles Watts, Glasgow; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Don and Nettie Dowdy, Christiansburg; sisters-in-law, Lillian Brown and Catherine Leonard, Roanoke; and numerous nieces and nephews. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to the Park United Methodist Church, 306 Park Street, Christiansburg, Va. 24073. The funeral will be 11 a.m., Thursday from the Park United Methodist Church, conducted by Pastor Mark Christian with burial in Sunset Cemetery. Following the graveside service, family and friends are requested to assemble at the Park United Methodist Church Fellowship hall. Friends may call after 12 noon Wednesday at the Richardson-Horne Funeral Home and the family will receive friends there Wednesday evening from 6 until 8 p.m.

FULCHER, Cairy Tatum, (``Check''), 89, of Rt. 1, Blue Ridge, passed away Tuesday, April 11, 1995, at his residence. He was retired from Dr. Pepper Bottling Company. Surviving are his wife, Geneva Pickeral Fulcher; five sons and daughters-in-law, W. Maynard and Amada Fulcher, Pueblo, Colo., Billy Lee and Betty Galliher, Blue Ridge, Daniel W. and Louise Galliher, Santa Cruz, Calif., Douglas E. and Delores Galliher, Vinton, Richard A. and Lynn Fulcher, Moneta; three daughters and sons-in-law, Marie A. and Ray Via, Blue Ridge, Judy G. and Clark Brown, Goodview, Mindy A. and Greg Thurman, Blue Ridge; one sister, Estelle Martin, Collinsville; 17 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Thursday, April 13, 1995, from the Lotz Vinton Chapel. The Rev. Billy Leonard will officiate. Burial to follow in Old Dominion Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at Lotz Vinton Chapel.

FUNK, Edgar C., (``Pat''), 82, of Galax, died Monday, April 10, 1995. He is survived by his wife, Virgie Cox Funk, of the home; one daughter and son-in-law, Naomi and Clinton Conner, Stuart; two sons and daughters-in-law, Larry and Brenda Funk, Graham, N.C., John and Sarah Funk, Radford; sister, Mary Hill, Winston-Salem, N.C.; sister-in-law, Hazel Funk, Galax; five grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday in the Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Kenneth Perkins officiating. Interment in the Summerfield Cemetery. Masonic rites will be preformed at the graveside by the Oldtown Lodge #68. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at the Vaughan-Guynn Funeral Home, Galax.

GAINES, Robert L., 83, of Roanoke, passed away Monday evening, April 10, 1995, at Friendship Manor. He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Anderson Gaines. He is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Dr. and Mrs. Robert A. Gaines, Montgomery, Ala.; daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Dennis M. (Dana) Heeger, Utica, Mich.; four grandchildren, Robert R. Gaines, Elizabeth L. Gaines, Dennis L. Heeger, Chester L. Heeger; sisters, Ruth G. McClaugherty, Elizabeth G. Ott, both of Roanoke, Mary G. Patterson, Huntington Beach, Calif.; a niece, Mrs. Carlton E. (Peggy) Saul, Daleville. Also surviving are other nieces and nephews. He was a charter member and first chairman of the official board of Woodlawn United Methodist Church. He was a member of the Boy Scouts of America for 71 years, earning his Eagle Badge as a boy. He later served as Assistant Scout Master of Troop 37 and earned the Wood Badge and the Silver Beaver Award, which is the highest award that an adult can be awarded in the Boy Scout Council. He was a member of the Cave Spring Lions Club since 1945, serving as president in 1955 and 1956. He was a Master Mason of the Virginia Heights Lodge #324 AF & AM. Funeral services will be conducted at Woodlawn United Methodist Church, 11 a.m. Thursday. The Rev. Arthur E. Grant will officiate. Interment will follow in Evergreen Burial Park with Masonic grave rites. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Woodlawn United Methodist Church, 2922 Corbieshaw Rd., Roanoke, VA 24018. Friends may call at Oakey's South Chapel from 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday.

GARLAND, Mamie Carter, 85, of Roanoke, died Tuesday, April 11, 1995. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel.

GLADDEN, Marvel, 83, of Salem, died Tuesday, April 11, 1995. Arrangements by John M. Oakey & Son, Salem.

HANKINS, Frances Coleman, 83, of Salem, entered the gates of a larger life on April 10, 1995. She taught at St. Anne's-Belfield School for many years in Charlottesville. She was a former member of the D.A.R.; former member of Christ Church, Charlottesville and currently was a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Salem. Surviving are a daughter and son-in-law, Mary Coleman Hankins Arnold and James Frederick Arnold; two grandchildren, David Frederick Arnold, Frances Wilson Arnold, all of Salem. A memorial service will be held Thursday, April 13, at 10 a.m. at the Chapel of Richfield Retirement Center, Salem. Interment will follow at Riverview Cemetery in Charlottesville at 3 p.m. Contributions may be made to St. Paul's Episcopal Church, 42 E. Main Street, Salem, Va. 24153 or the Fort Lewis Rescue Squad, P. O. Box 446, Salem, Va. 24153. Hill and Wood Funeral Home in Charlottesville is in charge of arrangements.

HARRIS, Eric A., (""Tony""), 35 of Roanoke, passed away Saturday, April 8, 1995. Funeral services will be Thursday 11 a.m. at the Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Chapel. Dr. Noel C. Taylor will officiate with the interment in Williams Memorial Park. The family will recieve friends Wednesday 7 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

HILL, Kenneth T., 66, of Troutville, passed away Monday, April 10, 1995. He retired from the U.S. Postal Service and was a member of Shenandoah Baptist Church. Surviving are his wife, Lucy Trent Hill; daughter, Dawn Estell, Pembroke Pines, Fla.; grandchildren, Tim and Todd Fisher; brother, Kermit Hill, Norfolk; sister, Mae Sigmon, Vinton. Funeral services will be conducted 10 a.m. Thursday at Oakey's North Chapel by the Rev. Robert L. Alderman. Interment will follow in Mountain View Cemetery, Vinton. The family will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. Wednesday at Oakey's North Chapel.

HOGAN, Buford Bryant, 64, of Huddleston, passed away Tuesday, April 11, 1995. Arrangements by Updike Funeral Home, Bedford.

HUBBARD, Ann, 38, of Gretna, died Tuesday, April 11, 1995. Funeral 2 p.m. Thursday, St. Andrews United Methodist Church. Arrangements by Colbert-Moran Funeral Home.

JONES, Virgie Wray, 85, of Rocky Mount, died Tuesday morning, April 11, 1995, in the local hospital. She was born in Franklin Co. on March 11, 1910, a daughter of the late Oat and Claudia McNeal Wray. She was a member of Central Baptist Church and was well known for her work as a seamstress. Mrs. Jones was preceded in death by her husbands, Berkley Wray an d Lucian Jones. Surviving are one daughter and son-in-law, Elizabeth W. and Kennis Mills, Ridgeway; one son, Herbert H. Wray, Valencia, Calif.; daughter-in-law, Elizabeth S. Wray, Arlington, Va.; seven grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; stepchildren, Adrian and Polly Jones, Martinsville, L. H. Jr., and Hazel Jones, Redwood, Delphine and Clifford Swanson, Redwood, Wincel and Charlene Jones, Boones Mill; brothers and sisters- in-law, H. Cecil and Julia Wray, Rocky Mount, Marvin G. and Dorothy Wray, Chambersburg, Pa., Paul C. and Ruby Wray, Angola, Ind.; sisters and brothers-in-law, Queenell and Howard Campbell, Redwood, Mattie and Tom Johnson, Rocky Mount. Funeral services will be conducted from Flora Funeral Chapel, 11 a.m., Friday with Rev. Paul Mahan officiating. Interment will follow in Furnace Creek Baptist Church Cemetery. Flowers will be appreciated or memorials may be made to Central Baptist Church. Friends may call after 2 p.m. Thursday with the family receiving friends from 7 to 9 p.m. at Flora Funeral Service and other times at the home of Mrs. Jones on Witten Street, Rocky Mount.

KEITH, Hattie Hylton, 96, of Willis, passed away Monday, April 10, 1995, at Skyline Manor Nursing Home. She was born February 5, 1899 and was preceded in death by her husband, Jabe Keith. Survivors include five daughters and four sons-in-law, Margie Keith, Irving, Texas, Melva and James Largen, Pulaski, Ruby and Dyer Reed, Willis, Katy and Lee Reed , Glenn and Wilma Reed, both of Floyd; two step-daughters, Nova Shelor, Blackstone, Elizabeth Weir, Christiansburg; one brother, Frank Hylton, Martinsville; 9 grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; 5 step-grandchildren; 7 step great-grandchildren; and 1 great great grandchild. Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Wednesday, April 12, 1995, at Topeco Church of The Brethren with Rev. William Stovall and Rev. Ralph Spradling officiating. Burial will follow in the Keith Cemetery. Maberry Funeral Home, Floyd is in charge of arrangements.

LAWSON, George Bilton, Jr., passed away Monday, April 10, 1995. He is survived by his wife, Helen; one daughter, Hayward Mitchell; one son, George, III; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; two sisters, Julia Goodridge, Katherine Lawson. The family requests that all food and flowers please be omitted. Funeral arrangements will be private.

LEWIS, James L., (``Junior ""), 40, of Bassett, died Saturday, April 8, 1995. Funeral 2 p.m. Thursday, Collins Funeral Service Chapel.

McKENZIE, Minnie Saunders Cooper, 90, of Glade Hill, died Tuesday April 11, 1995 in a Roanoke hospital. A daughter of the late Thomas David and Mary (Mollie) Poindexter Saunders, Mrs. McKenzie was preceded in death by her husbands, James Lawrence Cooper and Patrick Gordon McKenzie, and a son, Colonel James Lloyd Cooper, USMC. Surviving are one son, Ira Samuel Cooper of Snow Creek; two daughters-in-law, Betty Lee Cooper Jackson of Centreville, Md., and Betty Lou Co oper of Snow Creek; six grandchildren, Carol Ann Morter of Richmond, Catherine Bergstrom, Cynthia Hudson and James Lloyd Cooper II, all of Northern, Va., Amy Chattin of Roanoke, and Julie Parker of Elliston; six great-grandchildren; one sister, Fannie Saunders Dyer of Martinsville. Mrs. McKenzie taught in the public school system for over twenty years and was a member of the Glade Hill Baptist Church, and a previous member of the Snow Creek Christian Church and Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. She was also a member of the Rocky Mount and Snow Creek Chapters of the Order of the Eastern Star. Funeral services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday in Flora Funeral Chapel with Rev. David Long and Rev. Berlin Hanks officiating. Interment will follow in Franklin Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers the family has suggested memorials be made to the Glade Hill Rescue Squad or the Snow Creek Rescue Squad. Friends may call after 2 p.m. Thursday with the family receiving friends from 7 to 9 p.m. at Flora Funeral Service, 342 S. Main St., Rocky Mount.

MELVIN, Michael Vance, 28 of Wytheville, died March 19, 1995. Graveside, Wednesday, 11 a.m. at the Bethel Cemetery, Ceres. Arrangements by Barnett Funeral Home, Wytheville.

PETERS, Carl Bernard, Jr., 64, of Hardy, Va., passed away Monday, April 10, 1995, at the VA Medical Center, Salem. Carl served with the U.S. Marine Corp during the Korean War, was a member of Grandin Court Baptist Church and was retired owner of Cave Spring Amoco Service Center and the Shoppe-In-Between at Towers Shopping Center. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Linda Jean Peters and is survived by his wife of 44 years, Wanda Garnand Peters; his son, Carl B. Peters III, Salem; two grandsons, Ted Allen and Daniel Bryce Peters; a brother, Earl W. Major, Alexandria; two sisters, Barbar a P. Newsom, Anchorage, Alaska, Ida M. Larson, San Diego, Calif.; a beloved aunt, Virginia Bert Peters, Roanoke; his mother-in-law, Ardith R. Browning, Roanoke; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Opal and Dan Dylewsky, Roanoke County; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at Oakey's South Chapel Thursday, April 13, at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Philip Motley and the Rev. Carol Johnston officiating. Interment in Sherwood Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorials to Grandin Court Baptist Church or the American Cancer Society in his memory. The family will receive friends Wednesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Oakey's South Chapel.

PONTON, Delores Jean Price, 64, of Roanoke, passed away Tuesday, April 11, 1995, in a local hospital. Surviving are two sons, Richard C. Ponton, New Castle, Robert M. Ponton, Roanoke; two daughters and a son-in-law, Vickie P. Griffin, Roanoke, Teri P. and Steven Lam, Blue Ridge; two grandsons, Richard L. Ponton, Robert M. Reynolds; two brothers, Ronney M. Price, New Castle, Danny W. Price, Roanoke; a sister, Martha P. Mattox, New Castle; an aunt, Luella Dodd, New Castle; a special cousin, Virginia Damewood, Roanoke; and special friends, Douglas Foutz and Lucy Collins. Funeral services will be conducted from the graveside, Huffman Memorial Park (New Castle) at 2 p.m. Thursday with the Rev. Mark Washington officiating. Friends may call at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel where the family will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday.

REYNOLDS, Barbara Jane, 69, of Abingdon, died Tuesday, April 11, 1995. Arrangements by Campbell Funeral Home.

RICE, Glive Irvin, 69, of Altavista, died Tuesday, April 11, 1995. Funeral 2 p.m. Friday in the Christian Memorial Ministries Church. Arrangements by Finch & Finch Funeral Home.

ROBERTSON, Gladys Miller, 86 of Thessalia, Va., died Monday, April 10, 1995 in Heritage Hall Nursing Home, Blacksburg. Miss Robertson was a member of the Thessalia United Methodist Church. She was a member of the Thessalia Homemakers Extension Club and a member of the Giles Senior Citizens Association. She is survived by three sisters, Elva Saville, Blacksburg, Dorothy Stafford, Blacksburg, Alma Robertson, Thessalia; one niece; eight nephews. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, April 13, 1995, at 2 p.m. in the Thessalia United Methodist Church with the Rev. Wayne Monroe officiating with burial in the Thessalia Cemetery. The family will receive friends at the Givens Funeral Home Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 p.m.

ROBERTSON, Virginia D., 83, of Buena Vista, died Tuesday, April 11, 1995. Arrangements by Lomax Funeral Home.

ROCK, Margaret V., 88, of Roanoke, died Tuesday, April 11, 1995. Arrangements by Oakey's North Chapel.

SESSION, Ruby I. Dearing, 78, of Salem, died Tuesday, April 11, 1995, in Lewis Gale Hospital. She was a longtime member of Tabernacle Baptist Church and was preceded in death by her husband, Lewis Elmore Sisson. Survivors include two daughters, Linda Kay George, Wanda Sue and husband, Douglas N. Hale, all of Salem; grandchildren, Brian D. Hale, Amy N. Hale, P. I. George; sister, Edna D. Anderson; stepsister, Louise Spencer; stepbrothers, David R. Meador, Carper Meador; brother-in-law, Harvey and his wife, Thelma Sisson; sisters-in-law, Norma Sisson, Pauline Dearing Turner. Funeral services will be held on Thursday at 2 p.m. in the John M. Oakey & Son Chapel, Salem, with the Rev. Charles Watkins and Rev. Billy E. White Jr. officiating. Burial will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park. The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Wednesday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Tabernacle Baptist Church.

SMITH, Frank A., Sr., 82, of Geneva, Indiana, formerly of Bland, died Friday, April 7, 1995. Funeral, Thursday, 11 a.m. at the Newberry Funeral Home, Bland.

WALLACE, Elsie Wright Lesko, 73, of New Castle, passed away Monday, April 10, 1995, in a Roanoke hospital. She was preceded in death by her parents, Houston and Viola Wright and her first husband, John Lesko. She is survived by her husband, John Wallace, New Castle; two brothers, Houston Wright Jr., New Castle, Charles (Bob) Wright, Salem; and three nephews. Memorial donations may be made to the Craig Co. Rescue Squad. Private memorial services will be held at a later date. Arrangements by Lotz Salem Chapel.

WALTON, Bobbie Vernon, 61, of Marion, died Monday, April 10, 1995. Funeral 11 a.m. Friday, Seaver-Brown Chapel.

WEST, James William (""Bill""), 81 of Millboro, Va. died Monday, April 10, 1995, in the Stonewall Jackson E.C.F. Mr. West was born July 11, 1913 in Rockbridge County, a son of the late Tom West and Cora Vanness West. He attended the Calvary Baptist Church in Millboro. Mr. West retired from B.A.R.C. He was preceded in death by his wife, Minnie Campbell West. Surviving are two sisters-in-law, Mrs. Letha West, Mrs. Frances McKemy, both of Lexington; a brother-in-law, Claude Kirby, Harrisonburg; and a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted 11 a.m. Thursday, April 13, 1995, at the Harrison Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Robert M. Leonard and Rev. John Simmons officiating. Burial will follow in the Bethesda Presbyterian Cemetery. The family suggest memorial donations be made to the Calvary Baptist Church in Millboro, Va. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m., Wednesday at the Harrison Funeral Home, Lexington, Va.