Larry F. Atha, Sgt. 1st Class Ret.
Larry F. Atha, Sgt. 1st Class (Retired), 73, of Beckley, died Jan. 24, 2010.
Born July 8, 1936, he is the son of the late Calvin E. Atha and Hettie Painter Atha. Larry also was preceded in death by his sister, Betty Bailey.
Larry was a member of Calvary Assembly of God where he loved serving the Lord through his projects. He also loved horses and farming. He enjoyed taking care of the land and he was an excellent handy man.
Larry served his country in the U.S. Army; he received the following medals, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Good Conduct Medal with 4th Oak Leaf Cluster, and a Bronze Star Medal with 1st Oakleaf Cluster. He served one tour of duty in Korea and two tours of duty in Vietnam and spent 11 years in Europe. Larry retired from the U.S. Army in 1974.
He then worked for Lewis Chevrolet for 20 years as an auto technician, retiring in 1994.
Larry was a member of the United Grand Lodge of Germany #844 A.F. & A.M.
Surviving: his loving wife of 35 years, Ulla Atha of Beckley; daughter, Deborah Candler of Smithers; grandchildren, Ernie Bragg and wife Jenny of Eccles, and Melanie Whittington and husband Terry of Montgomery; sister, Dixie Atha of Beckley; mother and father in-law, Curt and Wiola Wirgenius of Sweden; sister-in-law, Barbro Wirgenius and her fiancé, Dag Eriksson, of Sweden; five nephews and many cousins, extended family in the U.S. and Sweden and a host of friends.
Services were Jan. 27 at Calvary Assembly of God. Burial followed at Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens. Military graveside rites were conducted by VFW Post #3110.
The family requests that memorials may be made to the Larry Atha Memorial Treatment Scholarship for the Kids at the Autism Recovery Resource Center, 2401 South Kanawha Street, Suite 101, Beckley, WV and to Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Dr. Beckley, WV.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.
Vernon L. Cole
Vernon L. “Smokie” Cole, 65, of Winona, died Jan. 21, 2010.
Born Feb. 6, 1944, in Fayette County, he was the son of the late Vernon and Edith Idell Cole. He also was preceded in death by brothers, Thomas Cole and Andrew Cole, and a sister, Wilma Cole.
Mr. Cole was a very loving, caring person and a special uncle.
Surviving: sisters, Mary Cole and Betty Harrell, both of Winona, Wanda Pridemore of Redding, Calif., and Cheryl Sears of Dacula, Ga.; brothers, Robert (Barbara) Cole of West Seneca, N.Y., Charles (Kathy) Cole of Hamburg, N.Y., and James (Connie) Cole, and Donald M. (Carol) Cole, all of Winona; and many nieces and nephews.
Services were Jan. 25 at Keeney’s Creek Baptist Church, Winona, with the Pastor Joe Shaffer officiating. Burial followed in Jeannette Cemetery, Lookout.
Arrangements by Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home, Ansted.
Bonnie Coleman Davis
Bonnie Coleman Davis, 95, of Dothan, died Jan. 20, 2010, at Hidden Valley Nursing and Rehab Center in Oak Hill.
Born Aug. 2, 1914, at Dothan, she was the daughter of the late Everett and Naomi Payne Coleman. Her husband, Vaden Roy Davis; son, Vaden “Chick” Davis; brother, Arlie West Coleman; and sisters, Delphia Evans and Rosemary Wriston, also preceded her in death.
Mrs. Davis was a member of the Fairview United Methodist Church and a homemaker.
Surviving: son, Roger Davis of Dothan; former daughter-in-law, Marjorie Davis of Oak Hill; sisters, Lessie Wriston of Oak Hill and Dana Wriston of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Keith Davis of Tyro, Va., Amanda Davis of Oak Hill and Joseph Davis of Kenly, N.C.; and great-grandchildren, Jacob, Danielle, Maci and Paisley.
There was no visitation or service.
The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Shriners Hospital for Crippled Children - KY, 1900 Richmond Road, Lexington KY 40502.
Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.
Ronald Lee Harris
Ronald Lee Harris, 38, of Prince, died Jan. 11, 2010, following a short illness.
Born March 26, 1971, in Beckley, he was the son of Paul Harris of Rainelle and Brenda Jeffries of Oak Hill.
Mr. Harris was a Navy veteran and served in Desert Storm.
Surviving, in addition to his parents: his wife, Tara Harris, and a son, River Harris; sister, Michelle Harris of Prince; and brothers, Robert and Rodney Harris, both of Oak Hill.
Visitation was Jan. 14 at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Ansted. Mr. Harris’ request was that his body be cremated after visitation.
Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Ansted.
Jackson ‘J.T.’ Jennings Jr.
Jackson Theodore “J.T.” Jennings Jr., 81, of Summersville, died Jan. 19, 2010.
Born Jan. 31, 1928, at Cunard, he was the son of Mary Gertrude Epperly Jennings, of Fayetteville, and the late Jackson Theodore Jennings Sr. He also was preceded in death by his daughter, Debra M. Ganek on Sept. 28, 2002; brothers, Lawrence J. Jennings, Joseph A. Jennings, and Paul D. Jennings; sisters, Ellen M. Rahall and Nancy P. Ashcraft; and his grandson, James Cline.
He was the husband of Freda Maxine Hudnall Jennings, the love of his life whom he married in Chicago, Ill., on Sept. 1, 1950.
Mr. Jennings was a former U.S. Air Force Sergeant, serving in post-World War II Japan for two years.
He was a retired tool-die-caster for AM International in Mt. Prospect, Ill.
Surviving, in addition to his wife, Freda, and his mother, Mary G. Epperly Jennings: sons, Charles K. Jennings, Jackson T. Jennings III, and Joseph L. Jennings, of Illinois; his daughter, Regina L. Small of Wisconsin; brothers, Ted J. Jennings and Billy R. Jennings; sister, Polly J. Hoffman; six grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
Funeral services were Jan. 23 at Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home, Fayetteville, with Rev. Robert “Doc” Michaels officiating. Burial followed at Huse Memorial Park, Fayetteville, with military rites conducted by American Legion Post 149, Fayetteville.
Memorials may be made in Mr. Jennings’ memory to American Diabetes Association, 644 Linn Street-Suite 304; Cincinnati, OH 45203 or call 888-342-2383.
Online condolences and other information available at www.doddpaynehessfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home, Fayetteville.
Robert Edward ‘Bobby’ Kincaid
Robert Edward “Bobby” Kincaid, 45, of Beckley, died Jan. 22, 2010, at a Beckley hospital following a long illness.
Born Feb. 5, 1964, in Beckley, he was the son of Juanita Bragg Kincaid of Beckley and the late Virgil Edward Kincaid. In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a brother, Claude Bragg.
Mr. Kincaid grew up at Lawton and attended Meadow Bridge High School. Later, he moved to Florida where he worked for his brother at B & B Painting as a painter.
He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman. He would lend anybody a hand and never met a stranger.
Surviving, in addition to his mother: children, Shanna and Bobby Jr., both of Florida; a sister, Carolyn Kincaid and companion Jackie Hager Adkins of Danese; brother, Floyd Bragg and wife Joanie of Vero Beach, Fla.; nieces, McKinzie and Jaclyn; nephew, Virgil, and a special nephew and his wife, James and Mary, who took care of him; and a great-nephew, Trevor, with whom he spent a lot of time.
Graveside services and burial were Jan. 27 at the Bragg Cemetery near Sandstone Falls with Mr. Dale Brady officiating.
Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace, Rainelle.
Opal L. Norton
Opal L. Norton, 95, formerly of Pratt, died Jan. 23, 2010, at her residence in Briarcliffe Acres.
Born April 1, 1914, in Mount Hope, she was the daughter of the late Samuel Franklin and Eva Hess Legg. Her husband of 67 years, Nile Edward Norton, predeceased her on Feb. 28, 2000. She also was preceded in death by her daughter and son-in-law, Ann H. and Roger O. Ross; her sister, Oretta Withrow; and a great-grandson, Ian Chek.
Mrs. Norton earned a B.S. degree in elementary education at Morris Harvey College in Charleston, and a Master’s degree in elementary education at West Virginia University in Morgantown. She was a member of the Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority and was a retired teacher, having taught in the Kanawha County School System for 36 years.
She was a member of Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church and she was a 50-year member of Montgomery Methodist Church in Montgomery. Opal was an avid quilter and made many beautiful quilts. She was also a gifted artist. Painting was her passion and she tried to paint some each day and, until her recent illness, she attended monthly art classes as a member of the Coastal Carolina Decorative Painters.
She enjoyed reading American history novels, traveling and collecting antiques. She helped establish the historic district in Pratt while living there.
Opal will be remembered for her good nature and independence. Her life was an inspiration to many people, most especially her family.
Surviving: her daughters, Jane Kennedy and husband Bob, and Eleanor Sue Knight and husband Jim, all of Briarcliffe Acres; grandchildren, Robert Kennedy of Little River, S.C., Scott Kennedy and wife Hope of Safety Harbor, Fla., Lori Chek and husband Daniel of Fuquay-Varina, N.C., Mary Grisson and husband Dave of Denver, Colo., Andrew Knight and wife Julie of Albuquerque, N.M., Deborah Altamirano of Tucson, Ariz., Diane Roberson and husband Glen of LaFayette, Ind., and Delores Dellenbach and husband Wally of Delphi, Ind.; great-grandchildren, Lauren and Alec Altamirano, Danielle, Ethan and Nicholas Chek, and Aidan and Savanna Kennedy; sister, Olive Jane Smallwood of Tallahassee, Fla.; and nephews, Steve and Mark Smallwood and Bob Withrow.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28 at the Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church in North Myrtle Beach, S.C., with Dr. Lewis Johnson and Rev. Bo Yates officiating. Burial will follow in Ocean Woods Memorial Cemetery in Myrtle Beach, S.C.
Memorials may be made to Agape Hospice, 223 Laurel Street Conway, SC 29526 or to Ocean Drive Presbyterian Church, 410-6th Ave. South, North Myrtle Beach, SC 29582.
An online guest book is available at www.msfh.net.
Arrangements by McMillan-Small Funeral Home.
Iva June Persinger
Iva June Persinger, 79, of Dunbar, died Jan. 19, 2010, at Thomas Memorial Hospital, South Charleston.
Born Sept. 2, 1930, in Fayette County, she was a daughter of the late Delbert and Iona Donnely Cameron. She also was also preceded in death by her husband, Douglas Lonnie Persinger Sr.
Surviving: sister, Karla M. Hood of Charleston, S.C.; children, Virginia F. Benson, Paula J. Dickens, Kimberly K. Eckert, Douglas L. Persinger Jr., Mollie M. Fringer, Kenny R. Persinger and Bridget L. Price; 22 grandchildren and 31 great-grandchildren.
Services were Jan. 23 at the Davis Creek Church of the Nazarene, Davis Creek, with the Rev. Dr. John Anderson officiating.
Arrangements by Armstrong Funeral Home in Whitesville.
Genevieve Maxine Settle
Genevieve Maxine Settle, 66, of Rainelle, formerly of Robson, died Jan. 22, 2010, at CAMC — General Division in Charleston.
Born April 21, 1943, at Robson, she was the daughter of the late Troy and Carrie May James Settle. Genevieve was the last surviving sibling from her immediate family.
Mrs. Settle was a homemaker and a nursing home worker.
Surviving: companion, Robert Vickers of Kincaid; sons, Kenneth Vickers of Robson, Daniel Vickers of Ansted and Thomas Vickers of Rainelle; daughter, Michelle Settle of Cleveland, Ohio; five grandchildren and six great-grandchildren.
Ms. Settle was cremated. There was no visitation or service.
Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.
Eunice Irene Thompson
Eunice Irene Thompson, 85, of Mount Hope, died Jan. 26, 2010, at the Raleigh General Hospital in Beckley, following a short illness.
Born Feb. 21, 1924, at Lillybrook, she was the daughter of the late Bud and Ether Board Archer. She also was preceded in death by husbands, Walton Darlington and Fred Thompson.
Mrs. Thompson was a retired employee of Richmond Cleaners and Laundry with 50 years of service.
Mrs. Thompson was a resident of Mount Hope since 1970. She enjoyed Bingo, and being in the company of her friends.
Surviving: her children, Diana Lynn Bone and her husband, David, of Beckley, and Larry Darlington and his wife, Pat, of Beckley; sisters, Freda Almond and her husband, Bill, of Beckley, and Hilda Smith and her husband, Raymond, of Coal City; grandchildren, Karen Lynn Aldridge and her husband, Michael, of Spring Hill, Tenn., and Shannon Frederick Kiser and his wife, Angie, of Orlando, Fla.; great-grandchildren, Hayden Christopher Aldridge, and Brandon Patrick Aldridge of Spring Hill, Tenn.; a step-granddaughter, Crystal Bone of Crab Orchard; a step-great-grandchild, Hannah Brown of Neola; and several nephews.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 28 at the Rose and Quesenberry Peace Chapel in Beckley, with Pastor Larry Halsey officiating. Entombment will follow at the Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens Mausoleum, Beckley.
Online condolences may be sent at www.roseandquesenberry.net.
Donations may be made to the Bowers Hospice House, 454 Cranberry Drive, Beckley, in memory of Mrs. Thompson.
Arrangements by Rose and Quesenberry Funeral Home, Beckley.
