ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1997, Roanoke Times
DATE: Monday, March 17, 1997 TAG: 9703170087
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-2 EDITION: METRO
BRIM, Claude G., 73, of Walnut Cove, N.C., died Sunday, March 16, 1997. Funeral 2 p.m. Tuesday, Old Well Christian Church, Spencer, Va. Arrangements by Moody Funeral Services, Stuart, Va.
COYNER, Fillmore Eakle, 86, a resident of Friendship Manor Retirement Community, Roanoke, for nearly six years, passed away Saturday, March 15, 1997, in a Roanoke hospital. A native of Waynesboro, he and his wife were former residents of Homestead, Fla. He attended Roanoke College and was retired from the E. I. DuPont plant in Waynesboro after 42 years of service. Being a former member of Bethany Lutheran Church, Waynesboro, he was currently a member of Grace United Methodist Church, Roanoke. He was predeceased by his father, Theodore Coyner; his mother, Annie Koiner Coyner; a brother, Cecil Marion Coyner, and sisters, Evelyn C. Garst and Phylis Coyner. Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Dorothy Edman Coyner; a daughter and son-in-law, Sharon C. and Joseph H. Gillock Jr.; a granddaughter, Kimberly G. Righter; a grandson, Joseph H. (``Jay"") Gillock III; a great-granddaughter, Cassandra L. Righter, all of Roanoke; a niece, Eugenia G. Smith (Mrs. C. W.) of Waynesboro; great-nieces, Amy S. Callaway (Mrs. Bryan) of Roanoke and Katey S. Lewis (Mrs. Troy) of Sheppard AFB, Texas, and a great-great-nephew, Declan Lewis of Texas. Memorials may be made to Grace United Methodist Church, Roanoke; Bethany Lutheran Church, Waynesboro, or Friendship Manor Chapel Fund, Roanoke. Funeral services will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, 1997, from Oakey's North Chapel. The Rev. Emory N. Tarpley Sr. will officiate. Interment services will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, 1997, in Riverview Cemetery, Waynesboro. The Rev. Dr. Jon Diefenthaler will assist Rev. Tarpley for that service. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Oakey's North Chapel.
DAVIS, Frank Mason, Sr., Chief Hospital Corpsman, U.S. Navy Retired, 75, of 1153 Davis Lane, Vinton, departed this life on Saturday, March 15, 1997 after a valiant battle with cancer. Funeral services will be conducted by Rev. Dennis Moore and Rev. Holly Phillips at 1 p.m. Monday, March 17, 1997 at Beaverdam Baptist Church in Chamblissburg.
DUGGER, Eugenia B., 61, of Buena Vista, died Sunday, March 16, 1997. Arrangements by Harrison Funeral Home, Lexington.
FITZGERALD, Ruth Arlene Coffey, 78, of Fairfield, died Friday, March 14, 1997. Graveside services 10 a.m. Monday, Fairfield Cemetery. Arrangements by Williams Funeral Service, Lexington.
GOAD, Jessie Willard, 79, and his wife, GOAD, Katie Fortner, 68, of 505 South Street, Bedford, died Saturday, March 15, 1997, due to injuries received in an automobile accident. Jessie was born in Carroll County on August 20, 1917, a son of the late Lee Goad and Mary Elizabeth Huff Goad. Jessie was preceded in death by two brothers, Fred Goad and Wilmer Goad, and a sister, Ocie Goad. Katie was born in Galax on May 24, 1928, a daughter of the late Lester Minitor Fortner and Maggie Pearl Roberts Fortner. Katie was preceded in death by three brothers, Howard Fortner, Bill Fortner and Sid Fortner, and two sisters, Frances Bennett and Kathleen Lowe. Mr. Goad was a retired employee of the City of Bedford, and Mrs. Goad was a former school bus driver and was currently employed by Linda's Hair Fashions. Jessie and Katie were married for 52 years, and they are survived by four daughters and sons-in-law, Louise and Lewis Thompson of Floyd, Linda and Marshall Knox of Bedford, Brenda and Earl Krantz Sr. of Lynch Station, and Tammey and Jim Barefoot of Denton, N.C.; six grandchildren, Jackie Reeves, Earl Krantz Jr., Jamie Krantz, Mandy Pruitt, Afton Miller and Michael Barefoot, and one great-granddaughter, Bethany Brook Krantz. Jessie is also survived by a brother, Carl Goad of Pulaski, and two sisters, Hazel Mooney of Pulaski and Ruth Harrell of Radford. Katie is also survived by a brother, Robert Fortner of Bedford, and three sisters, Ethel Mae Stike of Kenneth Square, Pa., Irene Goad of Woodlawn and Helene Whitaker of Galax. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, 1997, at the Carder-Tharp Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Ralph E. Lawhorn officiating. Burial will follow in the Leftwich Family Cemetery, Huddleston. Memorials may be made to Huddleston Life Saving Crew. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Carder-Tharp Funeral Home, Bedford.
HALL, James Robert, 84, of Roanoke, passed away Saturday, March 15, 1997 in the Community Hospital of Roanoke Valley. He was the son of the late R.W. and Bessie C. Hall. He was preceded in death by his sisters, Mrs. Mary H. Harris and Mrs. Helen H. Queen; and his brother, Ward R. Hall. He was a member of Gainsboro First Baptist Church where he had served as an usher and trustee. He was educated in the public schools of Roanoke and served in the U.S. Army for which he received an honorable discharge. He was a charter member of Dinner-Dance Club and enjoyed and looked forward to the comraderie of his Dinner-Dance friends. He was retired from the Dining Car Department of the Norfolk & Western Railroad. Those left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Mrs. Olga H. Brown, Pleasenton, Calif.; daughter and son-in-law, Mrs. Sonja H. Wyatt and Edward W. Wyatt; daughter, Mrs. Constance Randolph; and son, Walter Hall; devoted sisters, Ms. Hazel Hall and Mrs. Louise Lash both of Roanoke; 12 grandchildren; several great-grandchildren; two devoted nephews, Robert Martin and David Martin and other relatives. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, 1997 at the Hamlar-Curtis Funeral Chapel with the Rev. K.B. Wright , pastor of Gainsboro First Baptist Church officiating. Burial will be in Williams Memorial Park. The family will receive friends 10 a.m. Tuesday at the Hamlar-Curtis Chapel.
HAMBLIN, James Luther, (``Bubba""), 34, of Route 2, Wytheville, died Saturday, March 15, 1997, from injuries received in an automobile accident. He was an employee of Amsco Products Inc. He is survived by his wife, Carol Falwell Hambl in; his parents, Louis and Audrey Harrell Hamblin of Austinville; a sister, Sharon H. Sperry of Dublin, and several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, 1997, at the Barnett Funeral Chapel, with the Rev. Eugene Moore officiating. Interment will follow in West End Cemetery. The family will receive friends at Barnett Funeral Home from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday, or at the residence of his parents at any time. The family suggests that those who prefer may make memorials to the American Cancer Society, Relay for Life, in care of Mary J. Wysor, 890 North 16th Street, Wytheville, Va. 24382. Barnett Funeral Home in Wytheville is in charge of the arrangements.
HAMBRICK, Nina C., 76, of Roanoke, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, March 16, 1997. Mrs. Hambrick grew up in Wythe County and graduated from Max Meadows High School. She also was a graduate of Emmanuel Junior College in Franklin Springs, Ga., and Radford College. She was a past president of the Ladies Auxiliary of the Virginia Conference of Pentecostal Holiness Churches. Mrs. Hambrick retired as librarian at Oakland Elementary School in the Roanoke City school system. She was a member of New Life Temple Pentecostal Holiness Church. Surviving are her husband of 54 years, the Rev. Paul W. Hambrick; son, P. Wesley Hambrick Jr. and friend, Terry Bova of Roanoke; daughters and sons-in-law, Martha and Martin Ratcliff of Salem, and Rachel and Jeff Shelton of Roanoke; brother and sister-in-law, Philip Randolph and Peggy Chark of Williamsburg; grandchildren, Gail Sadler and husband, Rodney of Hyattsville, Md., Kelly Shelton and Justin Shelton of Roanoke, and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted at 10 a.m. Tuesday at New Life Temple Pentecostal Holiness Church by the Rev. Walter L. Wood and the Rev. Edward Richardson. A graveside service will be conducted at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday in the Appalachian Conference Cemetery at Dublin. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Simpson-Tharp Funeral Home, 5160 Peters Creek Road, 366-0707.
HINTON, Donald Wayne, 55, of Martinsville, died Saturday, March 15, 1997. Funeral 3 p.m. Tuesday, McKee Funeral Chapel.
HODGES, Buford, 74, of Rocky Mount, died Saturday, March 15, 1997. Funeral 2 p.m. Monday, Flora Funeral Chapel.
HODGES, Sally Lee, 89, of Roanoke, died Sunday, March 16, 1997 in a Salem hospital. She is survived by a son and daughter-in-law, Ronald J. and Connie Hodges of Roanoke; granddaughter and her husband, Gina and Conan Edwards; great-grandchild, Shayne; two sisters, Mamie Della Hodges of Rocky Mount and Tabi Hodges of Roanoke; number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be conducted from the Lotz Salem Chapel 12 noon Tuesday, March 18, 1997 with the Rev. Dewey Page officiating. Interment will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The f amily will receive friends from 2 to 4 p.m and 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at the Lotz Salem Chapel
HORTON, Julia Annie, 81, of Hillsville, died Saturday, March 15, 1997. Funeral 2 p.m. Tuesday, Vaughan-Guynn-McGrady Chapel.
JOHNSON, James M., (``Monty""), 52, of Vinton, died Sunday, March 16, 1997. Friends may call at Oakey's Vinton Chapel from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday.
KNACK, Mary Ruth, (``Mimi""), 24, of Waynesboro, formerly of Blacksburg, died Saturday, March 15, 1997 in the Augusta Medical Center. A funeral mass will be conducted on Monday, March 17, 1997 at 11 a.m. in St. Mary's Catholic Church with Father Donald L. Lemay officiating. Interment will follow in Westview Cemetery, Blacksburg. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.
LAWSON, Kernie Lee, 68, of Buchanan, died Saturday, March 15, 1997. Born in Wise County, he had served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. He had retired from the Virginia Department of Transportation in 1990. Mr. Lawson began working for the department in 1952, when it was called the Department of Highways. His first job was as a skilled laborer in Wise County. He worked in Abingdon, Jonesville and Christiansburg before coming to Salem in 1963 as an inspector for the construction of Interstate 81. Since 1968, he had been transportation maintenance superintendent for the Buchanan area. He was preceded in death on March 23, 1987, by his wife, Shirley Yvonne Henderson Lawson. Survivors include his daughter and son-in-law, Susan A. and John Manspile of Buchanan; sons and daughter-in-law, Tony and Lee Lawson of Jonesville, Richard Wayne Lawson of Roanoke, and James Michael and Lorisa H. Lawson of Lynchburg; a stepson, Jerry Allen Henderson of San Francisco, Calif.; his mother Mrs. Nanette Sexton Lawson of Jonesville; granddaughters, Jessica Elaine Lawson, Tiffany Paige Lawson and Rachel Ann Lawson; a brother, Grover Norris Lawson of Alexandria; a sister, Mrs. Louisa Lawson Wilson of Jonesville, and several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, 1997, at the Botetourt Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Chester L. Carter officiating. Interment will follow in Fairview Cemetery, Buchanan. Those wishing to make a contribution, please consider Buchanan Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 244, Buchanan, Va. 24066. The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Botetourt Funeral Home, 1046 Main Street, Buchanan.
LUCAS, Darrell D., 64, of Pearisburg, died Sunday, March 16, 1997. Arrangements by Kendall Funeral Home, Pembroke.
MARTIN, Kenneth Ray, 46, of Narrows, died Saturday morning, March 15, 1997, at his home in the Clendennin Community. Born in Giles County on September 16, 1950, he was a son of the late Silven Ray Martin and the late Ethel Marie Wickline Martin Collins. Surviving are two brothers, William Frank Davis of Narrows and John W. Davis of Pembroke; one sister, Patricia D. Klaes of Laurel, Md., and five nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be conducted at 7 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, 1997, at The Jesus Church in Clendennin, with the Pastor, Eddie Kendall, officiating. In the hope of advancing medical science, Kenneth had donated his remains to science. The Kendall Funeral Home in Pembroke is in charge of arrangements
MAYS, Harry A., 76, of Salem, died Friday, March 14, 1997. Funeral service 2 p.m. Tuesday at Lotz Funeral Home, Salem.
McDANIEL, Leona B., (``Granny""), 85, of Salem, died Sunday, March 16, 1997 in a Roanoke hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband, Claude E. McDaniel and son, Charles W. McDaniel. She is survived by two sons and daughter-in-law, Carl and Ola McDaniel Sr., Roanoke, Richard D. McDaniel Sr. of Montvale; three daughters and sons-in-law, Geneva M. Huffman of Salem, Vivian and Sonny Kessler of Shawsville, Geraldine and Henry Conner of Salem; sister, Delphia M. Carroll of Salem; 20 grandchildren; 32 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; three stepgreat-grandchildren; one stepgreat-great-granchild; a dear and close family friend, Wanda Faw; special nephew and wife, Eugene and Pat Maxey; and more nieces and nephews. Funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, at the Lotz Salem Chapel with the Rev. Larry Atkins officiating. Interment will be in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Friends may call at Lotz Salem Chapel after 12 noon on Monday.
OYLER, Mary Jane, of Roanoke, died Sunday, March 16, 1997. Arrangements by Oakey's South Chapel.
PETERSON, George E., (``Sam Pete""), 95, of Buena Vista, died Sunday, March 16, 1997. Arrangements by Lomax Funeral Home.
PICKETT, Mary Frances Hale, 69, of Wytheville, went to be with Jesus, Sunday, March 16, 1997. She was born in Wythe County, the daughter of the late William P. and Bessie Frances Parks Hale. She was a retired respiratory therapist, having been employed at the Wytheville Hospital and Wythe County Community Hospital. Mrs. Pickett was a member of the West End United Methodist Church and Evansham Chapter No. 97, Order of the Eastern Star and was preceded in death by her husband, Charles W. Pickett Sr. and two brothers, Straley and June Hale. She is survived by three daughters, Theresa Dalton of Hillsville, Shirley Puckett of Rural Retreat, Kimberly F. Spraker of Wytheville; four sons, James Allen Valko of Lexington, N.C., Frederick R. Pickett Jr. of Greensboro, N.C., Gary Edward Pickett of Richmond, David W. Pickett of Gloucester; a foster daughter, Gail Pickett of Richmond; one sister, Louise Brinson of Norfolk; one brother, Graham Hale of Sugar Grove; 16 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held Monday, March 17, 1997 at 8 p.m. at the Barnett Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Fred Jennings officiating. The family will receive friends at the Barnett Funeral Home from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday. The family suggests that those who prefer may make memorials to the American Diabetes Association, Virginia Affiliate, Inc., 1290 Seminole Trail, Suite 2, Charlottesville, Va. 22901. Arrange ments by Barnett Funeral Home.
PRESTON, Robert Bowyer, longtime resident of Botetourt Co., died Saturday morning, March 15, 1997 at the age of 94. He is best remembered for his costumed portrayal of his paternal ancestor Revolutionary War hero, Colonel William Preston in the 1974 Bicentennial Reenactment of the drafting of the Fincastle Resolutions, which anticipated the Declaration of Independence. He was the last surviving member of his family to be born at Greenfield, the ancestral home of the Prestons built in 1763 and destroyed by fire in 1959. He was born April 6, 1902, an Army Veteran of World War II, Mr. Preston had prior to the war worked for the American Box and Lumber Company of Macon, Ga., owned by his maternal uncle, William Murrell Brockenbrough of Lynchburg, Va. Later he was associated with the Evans Products Company of Detroit, Mich., whose President was Edward Evans another maternal relative. His mother, Alice Brockenbrough Preston was the granddaughter of Judge John White Brockenbrough founder of the Law School at Washington & Lee University. After the war, he served for several years with the U.S. Department of Agriculture as an inspector. He met and married Jay Gundry, a widow with two children of Waco, Texas. Together they owned and operated the Mexican Craft Shop near Hollins College for the next 20 years. In retirement he and his wife lived on a farm in Botetourt Co. where they were known for their vegetable and flower gardens. At the time of his death, his wife and two stepchildren had predeceased him. He is survived by four grandsons which include Devin Moeller of Botetourt Co. and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, 1997 at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Fincastle with the Rev. Gene Anderson officiating. Interment will follow in Godwin Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Troutville Rescue Squad. Rader Daleville Chapel is in charge of arrangements.
RATCLIFFE, Frank Jackson, 67, of Radford, died Saturday, March 15, 1997. Funeral 11 a.m. Tuesday, DeVilbiss Funeral Chapel.
REYNOLDS, Flora M., of Bedford, passed away Friday, March 14, 1997. Funeral services will be private. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Lotz Vinton Chapel handling arrangements.
RUNIONS, Annabelle Oliver Gallion, 70, of Narrows, died Saturday morning, March 15, 1997. She was born in Blacksburg, Va. on March 1, 1927 and was the daughter of the late Kent Black and Irene Isabell Perdue Oliver. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Alvin Carlyle Gallion and her second husband, Avery H. Runions. She was a member of the V.F.W. Post #6000 Auxiliary in Narrows, Va. Surviving are three daughters and their husbands, Kay and Frank Torres, Oklahoma City, Okla., Charlotte and Roy Mutter, Mt. Carmel, Tenn., Mary and Jim Gautier of Narrows, Va.; two stepsons, Larry Runions, N.C., Avery Lee Runions, Christiansburg; two stepdaughters, Diane Burnes and Ava Warner both of Narrows; three brothers, Marshall Oliver, Blacksburg, Tommy Oliver, Dublin, Theodore Oliver, Columbia, S.C.; two sisters, Aleene Whittaker, Maybrook, Va. and Dorce Sweeney, Blacksburg; seven grandchildren and their spouses, Frankie and Tammy Torres, Lisa Torres, Alvin and Patty Gautier, Stephanie and John Davis, Anthony and Adam Crabtree, and Kathy Jo Burnes; six great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held 2 p.m. Tuesday, in the chapel of Riffe's Funeral Service in Narrows with the Rev. Steve Leonard officiating. Burial will follow in Birchlawn Burial Park in Pearisburg. The family will gather with their friends at Riffe's in Narrows Monday from 6 to 9 p.m.
SHEPHERD, John Thurman, 78, of Roanoke, died Saturday, March 15, 1997, in a Salem nursing home. Mr. Shepherd was a veteran of the U. S. Army in World War II. Surviving are three sisters, Mabel Battin of Roanoke, Alma S. Dickson of Covington and Glenna Jones of Roanoke, and a number of nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be in Cedar Lawn Cemetery at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, 1997, with the Rev. Gary Kingery officiating. Friends may call at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel, where the family will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday.
SMITH, Harry G., 68, of Ridgeway, died Wednesday, March 12, 1997. Funeral 2 p.m. Monday, McKee Funeral Chapel.
SPRADLIN, Henry, 83, of Blacksburg, died Friday, March 14, 1997 at Montgomery Regional Hospital. Graveside services will be conducted 10 a.m. Monday, March 17, 1997 in Westview Cemetery, Blacksburg, with the Rev. Lynne Alley-Grant officiating. Arrangements by McCoy Funeral home, Blacksburg.
SPURLOCK, Bernard Borden, 68, of Salem, passed away on Thursday, March 13, 1997. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday at Shiloh Baptist Church in Salem with the Rev. Adrian Dowell and the Rev. E. H. Glaspie officiating. Burial will follow in Williams Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 7 to 8 p.m. Monday at the church. Hamlar-Curtis, Morticians.
STULTZ, Ruby Young, 74, of Collinsville, died Sunday, March 16, 1997. Funeral 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oak Level Baptist Church, Bassett. Arrangements by McKee Funeral Service, Martinsville.
THOMPSON, James Ray, (``Pete""), of Galax, died Saturday, March 15, 1997. He was born in Smyth County, the Chatham Hill comm unity, on January 6, 1914. He graduated from Sugar Grove High School in Sugar Grove, and was a 1951 graduate of Southern Retail Furniture Association School in Chicago, Ill. He was vice president and assistant manager of Porter Furniture Company in Galax, and had retired after 31 years of faithful service. He was a member of VCT for 51 years, a former Jaycee member and a charter member of Fairview Ruritan Club. Mr. Thompson is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Mable Stone Thompson; a sister-in-law, Ella Ruth Thompson of Knoxville, Tenn.; a brother-in-law and wife, Thomas H. and Zoee Stone of Roanoke; several nieces and nephews, and a special buddy, ``Charlie Cat." The funeral will be at 2 p.m. Monday, March 17, 1997, at Vaughan-Guynn Chapel, with interment in Asbury United Methodist Church Cemetery. The family requests that memorials be made to American Heart Association, American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.
TRINKLE, Alva K., 89, of Roanoke, passed away Sunday, March 16, 1997. She was preceded in death by her husband, Frank J. Trinkle; her son, George E. Dieber Sr.; and her daughter, Carolyn A. Swinford. She was a member of Northminster Presbyterian Church. She was retired from First National Exchange Bank and a prominent member of the Elks Lodge. She was also active in many other community organizations. She is survived by seven grandchildren, Sally Swinford Egland, West Linn, Oregon, Ben R. Swinford Jr., Roseburg, Oregon, Jack W. Swinford, Portland, Oregon, Susan Swinford Elliott, South Dakota, Craig A. Swinford, Portland, Oregon, Candace Diber Foley, Vinton, and George E. Diber Jr., Forest; 14 great-grandchildren; and many special lifelong friends. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, March 18, 1997 at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel with the Rev. David Kirk officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at Oakey's Roanoke Chapel Monday from 7 to 9 p.m. Alva will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.
TROY, John Henry, 79, of Roanoke, passed away Saturday, March 15, 1997. Funeral 2 p.m. Tuesday, Serenity Funeral Home.
WALTERS, Lucy Woolwine, 79, of Christiansburg, died Sunday, March 16, 1997. Arrangements by Richardson-Horne Funeral Home.
WALTERS, Lucy Woolwine, 79, of Christiansburg, died Sunday, March 16, 1997. Arrangements by Richardson-Horne Funeral Home, Christiansburg.
WHITLOCK, Paul Vernon, 77, of Salem, died Sunday, March 16, 1997. Arrangements by Lotz Salem Chapel.
WOOD, Ronald M. Sr., 56 of Salem, died Friday, March 14, 1997 at his home. He was a former Tri Lakes resident in Indianna. He had been in failing health. He was born April 9, 1940 in Fort Wayne, Ind. a son of Ballard J. and Cecil Paulin Bowsher Wood. His formative years were spent at Big Lake. He completed his education at Wolf Lake High School. He was employed at Essex International for 10 years and also at the Allen County Memorial Coliseum for five years as an electrician. On April 10, 1963 he was united in marriage to Brenda Carole Taylor. They spent most of their married life at Tri Lake until 1992 when they moved to Salem, Va. He was a member of the First Freewill Baptist Church, Roanoke, Va. He is survived by his wife, Brenda; daughter, Rhonda Otis of Columbia City, Ind.; two sons, Ronald Wood Jr. of Roanoke and Ballard Wood of Columbia City, Ind.; four grandchildren, Bethany Otis, Christian Otis, Chasity Wood and Micah Wood; a sister, Virginia Hatfield of Corpus Christi, Texas; two brothers, Duane Wood and Dale Wood both of Columbia City, Ind. The funeral service will be held 10 a.m. Wednesday, March 19, 1997 at Columbia City Freewill Baptist Church, 203 East Ellsworth with Pastor Jerry Gray, Pastor Randal Brashear and Pastor Bill Smith officiating. The burial will be in Blue River Cemetery, north of Columbia City. The visitation will be from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday and 5 to 9 p.m. Tuesday at Smith and Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City, Ind. For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Freewill Baptist Home Missions, Jeff Crabtree Acc. A memorial service will be held 3 p.m. Sunday, March 23, 1997 at the Freewill Baptist Church, 1019 Gus Nicks Blvd., N.E., Roanoke, Va.
LENGTH: Long : 353 lines ILLUSTRATION: PHOTO: (headshots) Davis, Hall.by CNB