Obituaries
Obituaries - February 25, 2010
Danny Ray ‘Buck’ Adkins
Danny Ray “Buck” Adkins, 56, of Danese, died Feb. 13, 2010.
Danny was born April 11, 1953, in Beckley. Danny was preceded in death by his loving mother, “Ma Elsie” Smith; best friend, Keith “Wolfie” Wolford; and two sisters.
Danny enjoyed playing football, basketball, softball and pitching horse shoes. He loved hunting, bird watching and riding motorcycles.
Danny was a retired coal miner who always provided for his family even in hardship. He was of the Protestant faith and was loved by everyone who knew and met him. He had an unforgettable smile.
Surviving: his wife, Deborah Shuck Adkins of Danese; son, Danny Lee Adkins and wife Tara of Beckley; daughter, Connie Marie Adkins and fiance Seth of North Carolina; grandchildren, Xavier Adkins, Serenity Hope Avis, Dustyn Dodson, and Michael Bowyer; and a host of loving brothers and sister from the Smith family.
In keeping with Danny’s wishes he was cremated. A memorial service to celebrate Danny’s life was held Feb. 22 at White Oak Church in Danese.
Memorial contributions can be made to the family to be used toward the funeral expenses.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blueridgefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Blue Ridge Funeral Home, Beckley.
Juanita Akers-Peyton
Juanita Akers-Peyton, 85, of Lewisburg, formerly of Fayetteville, died Feb. 15, 2010, following a short illness.
Born Jan. 15, 1925, in Charleston, she was the daughter of the late Robert Hyatte Henson and Ella Gunnoe Henson. She also was preceded in death by her first husband, Robert Burke Akers; brothers, Sylvestus Henson, Robert Henson, and Chad Hanson; and sisters, Frances Everman, Pauline Robb, and Sylvia Pell.
Mrs. Akers-Peyton was a noted West Virginia watercolorist, sculptor, author, past vice president of the West Virginia Watercolor Society and a member of the Beckley Art Group.
She attended Old Stone Presbyterian Church in Lewisburg.
Surviving: her husband, James F.B. Peyton of Lewisburg; a sister, Vestella Frink; sons, David Akers and wife Kandy of Fayetteville, and Daniel Akers and wife Susan of Daniels; daughter, Jan Perry of Fayetteville; grandchildren, Julie Blankenship and husband Shawn, Robert H. Akers and wife Shannon, Daniel R. Akers and wife Sarah, Kim Parrish and husband Steve, Josh Akers and wife Ann, Erin Akers, Sean Perry and wife Angie, and Scott Perry; and great-grandchildren, Clara Blankenship, J.D. Mauritz, Chase Mauritz, Dylan Perry, Dakota Perry, Autumn Akers, Ryan Smith, and Robert Kirkland Akers.
A private family celebration of Mrs. Akers-Peyton’s life will be held by the family and private graveside services will be held at a later date.
A memorial service will be held at a later date.
Online condolences and other information available at www.doddpaynehessfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home, Fayetteville.
Charles Baughan
Charles Baughan, 65, of Wooster, Ohio, formerly of Beckley, died Feb. 20, 2010, at Summa Barberton Hospital, Barberton, Ohio.
Born Sept. 4, 1944, at Beards Fork, he was the son of the late James and Edith Justice Baughan. He also was preceded in death by brothers, Jim Baughan and Tommy Baughan; and sisters, Alice, Polly, Betty Ann, and Mary.
Following his graduation from Oak Hill High School in 1964, he served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam Era. He attended Robson Freewill Baptist Church at Robson, Chestnut Knob Christian Church at Layland, and Oak Grove Chapel at Crab Orchard.
Mr. Baughan was a disabled truck driver for Hansford Coal Company at Kingston.
Surviving: his devoted wife of 42 years, Shirley Skaggs Baughan of Wooster; daughters, Donna Cornett and husband Steve of Elgin, Ill., and Michelle Casey and husband Carl of Wooster; adopted son, Johnny Baughan and wife Karen of Shreve, Ohio; grandchildren, Tiffany Marie Cornett, Logan Tanner Cornett, and Charles Thomas Casey; sisters, Jo Ann Bragg of Oak Hill, and Janet Justice and Beverly Baughan, both of Wooster; and brothers, Johnny Baughan and wife Opal of Cleveland, Ohio, and Curtis Baughan and wife Penny of Marietta, Ohio.
Funeral services will be held at 12 noon on Friday, Feb. 26 at Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home, Fayetteville, with Rev. Donald Floyd officiating. Entombment with military rites conducted by American Legion Post 149 will follow at Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley.
The family will receive friends from 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25 at the funeral home.
Online condolences and other information available at www.doddpaynehessfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Dodd-Payne-Hess Funeral Home, 350 W. Maple Ave., Fayetteville.
Arthur Clinton ‘Pappy’ Bennett
Arthur Clinton “Pappy” Bennett, 81, of Winona, died Feb. 19, 2010, at his home, following a long illness.
Born Aug. 16, 1928, at Mount Lookout, he was a son of the late Charles Ernest Bennett and Gladys Lilly McClung Bennett. He also was preceded in death by his first wife, Freda, and brothers, Burton, Floyd, Lawrence and John Bennett.
Arthur was a veteran of the Korean war and was retired from Tucumseh Products and Ford Motor Co. in Michigan.
He was a member of The Keeney’s Creek Missionary Baptist Church in Winona.
Surviving: his wife, Doris Hypes Bennett; sons, Kenneth and his wife, Linda, of Alto, Mich., and Kelvin and his wife, Cindy, of Coldwater, Mich.; daughters, Sandy McKeever and her husband, Merle, of Tipton, Mich., Susan Weyher and her husband, Ron, of Iron River, Mich.; stepsons, Charles Bennett and his wife, Rhonda, of Oak Hill, and John Bennett and wife Deborah of Winona; stepdaughters, Nancy Horrocks and husband Tommy, and Margaret Bennett, all of Winona; sisters, May Bennett Noble of Mentor, Ohio, Lucille Bennett Walker of Richwood and Ollie Bennett Kalthegener of Loundonville, Ohio; 15 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.
Services were Feb. 23 at Keeney’s Creek Baptist Church in Winona, with Pastor Joe Shaffer and Pastor Ronald Sears officiating. Burial followed in Highlawn Memorial Park in Oak Hill.
Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace of Ansted.
Debra Joyce ‘Debby’ Riddle Edwards
Debra Joyce “Debby” Riddle Edwards, 56, of Oak Hill, died Feb. 17, 2010, at CAMC-Memorial Division in Charleston, due to complications of diabetes.
Born July 28, 1953, at Beckley, she was the daughter of Norma J. Carter Riddle of Oak Hill and the late Garlin Riddle. Two brothers, David Riddle and Chris Riddle; her mother-in-law, Margaret Edwards; her grandparents and several aunts and uncles also preceded her in death.
Debby graduated from Sophia High School in 1971, third in her class. She was a member of the National Honor Society and the band, head cheerleader and senior vice president.
She began her working career in 1971 as a long distance operator for C&P Telephone Company in Beckley, moved to the position of service representative and then phone center manager in Charleston and back to Beckley with AT&T. After leaving AT&T she worked as a service representative for Appalachian Power Company in Oak Hill until disabled because of her health.
She enjoyed reading, cooking and working outdoors. Debby was especially proud of her home and the way she decorated it. She had fond memories of her cat, C.B., and her other pets and of vacations at Myrtle Beach. Her favorite vacations were the ones spent at Pipestem State Park in the Mountain Creek Lodge on the Bluestone River.
A very loving woman, Debby enjoyed all the good times with her family and friends.
Surviving, in addition to her mother: her husband of 20 years, Don Edwards; stepdaughter, Ashley Wiseman and husband Aaron and their daughter, Kaiden, of Charlton Heights; best friend, Gina Allen; special nieces, Brittany Gouge and Courtney Riddle; nephew, Zachery Riddle; half-brother, Roger Riddle; and numerous aunts, uncles and friends.
Services were Feb. 21 at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill with Pastor Mike Kees officiating. Entombment was at High Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum in Oak Hill.
Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.
‘Sally’ Charlotte Carol Lewis Ellis
“Sally” Charlotte Carol Lewis Ellis, 74, of Fort Pierce, Fla., formerly of Sun, died Feb. 19, 2010, at Kindred Hospital in Riviera Beach, Fla.
Born Oct. 18, 1935, at Meadow Creek, she was the daughter of the late Raymond and Nina Ayers Lewis. Her husband, Brady Clifford Ellis; sisters, Louise Lattie, Phyllis Roop and infant Dreama Lewis; and her oldest brother, Jack Lewis, and brother, Alton Lewis, also preceded her in death.
She was a retired waitress and cook and caregiver.
Mrs. Ellis was a member of the Christian Fellowship Ministries, Fort Pierce.
Surviving: sons, David Hall and wife Ruth, and Victor Lewis Hall and wife Doris, all of Port St. Lucie, Fla.; sisters, Dora Vest of Summerlee, Joy Dobbs and husband Al, and Joan Terry and husband Charles, all of Sun, and Judith Shehan and husband Vincent, and Diane McKinney and husband Danny, all of Oak Hill; brothers, Willard Lewis and wife Charlene of Panama City, Fla., Billy Lewis and wife Kathy of Adrian, Mich., and Rabon Lewis of Somerset, N.J.; and a special nephew, Pannell Lewis and wife Patty of Pineville.
Services will be 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 25 at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill with Rev. Jessie Parker officiating. Burial will be at High Lawn Memorial Park in Oak Hill.
Friends may call two hours prior to the service on Thursday.
Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.
Elder Jack Moore
Elder Jack Moore, 100, of Summerlee, died Feb. 13, 2010, in CAMC Memorial Division following a sudden illness.
Born Jan. 1, 1910, in Thomaston, Ala., he was the son of the late Henry and Bethena Moore. He also was preceded in death by his wife, Bessie Tyler Moore; and seven sons and two daughters.
He was a member of the Glorious Church of God in Christ, Mt. Hope, and was a retired coal miner with 35 years of service. Called to ministry in 1953 under Elder P.T. Curtis, he served as District Overseer of WV District #1 under the leadership of Bishop John Grant; he was a member of the Board of Elders of Believers under Christ in Harlem Heights; he pastored churches in Lanark, Scarbro and Harlem Heights; and was awarded an honorary doctorate from Morning Star School of Evangelism under Bishop Thomas McMillion in August of 1993.
Elder Moore was a former professional baseball player with the Raleigh Clippers and played against Jackie Robinson.
Surviving: his children, Gereinda Moore, Charles Moore, Robert Leon Moore, Jacquelyn Moore, Rodrigo Moore and Segio Moore; adopted children, Charles Riggins, Robert Furrow, Charles Johnson and David Pitt; 46 grandchildren; 68 great-grandchildren; 39 great-great-grandchildren; beloved helpers, Takya and Ciara Johnson; cousins, the McClauney and Jefferson families of Harlem Heights; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were Feb. 20 at the Glorious Church of God in Christ, Mt. Hope, with Bishop John P. Grant officiating. Burial followed in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Beckley.
Condolences may be e-mailed to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail. com.
Arrangementsby Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.
Arthur McCoy Morton
Arthur McCoy Morton, 90, of Lizemores, died Feb. 20, 2010, at home with his loving wife by his side following a long illness.
Born Jan. 29, 1920, in Lizemores, he was the son of the late Luther and Flora Morton. He also was preceded in death by his first wife, Ernestine; son, Ron; brothers, Curtis and Homer; sisters, Reba Dorsey, Georgia Dorsey and Ottovie Ramsey; and stepson, Fred Grose.
Mr. Morton was a former trustee and a member of the Lizemores United Methodist Church and retired from Union Carbide Mines after 34 years of service. He was a World War II Army veteran.
Arthur was a devoted Christian; he was a quiet and soft spoken man who had two families that loved him very much.
Surviving: his loving wife of 15 years, Jeanette Morton; daughter, Susan (Norris) Ellison of Sebring, Fla.; sons, Rick (Sandra) Morton of Lizemores, and Kermit (Faye) Morton of Winfield; sisters, Dena Fitzwater of Dixie, Flora Jo Kilburn of Kanawha Falls, and Arlene Slusher of Bedford, Ind.; stepchildren, Pamela (David) Wilson of Victor, Roger (Sharon) Grose of Marietta, Ohio, and Bob (Debra) Grose of Bentree; eight grandchildren; 10 stepgrandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren and 14 stepgreat-grandchildren.
Funeral services were Feb. 24 at the Lizemores United Methodist Church, with Rev. Carl Burrows and Rev. Don Dobbins officiating. Burial followed in the Clay Memorial Gardens with military graveside rites conducted by Clay VFW Post #4419.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.carlwilsonfuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Pennington Funeral Home, Gauley Bridge.
Nellie Ruth Norris
Mrs. Nellie Ruth Norris, of Manassas, Va., formerly of Greentown in Oak Hill, died Feb. 16, 2010, at Manassas Nursing and Rehab Center.
Born Aug. 29, 1917, in Monroe, Ga., she was the daughter of the late Fletcher and Pearl Ora Silmon Baccus. She also was preceded in death by her husband, Grover C. Norris Jr., and nine siblings.
Mrs. Norris was a member of First Baptist Church of Greentown, where she served as president of the Missionary Society and treasurer of the Usher Board.
She was a member of Silver Leaf Chapter No 24 Order of Eastern Star, the New River Ushers Federation and the Homemakers Club of Fayette County.
Surviving: sister, Cleo Eaves of High Point, N.C.; sons, Lester J. Norris of Beckley, and Edward G. Norris of Bostic, N.C.; and daughters, Loretta A. Bridgeforth of Savannah, Ga., Sondra K. Holmes of Chicago, Ill., Vanessa G. Hammett and Drema D. Veney of Manassas, Va.
A remembrance and celebration of life service were held Feb. 22 at First Baptist Church of Greentown, Oak Hill, with Rev. Essie C. Ford Jr. officiating. Burial followed in Greenwood Memorial Park, Beckley.
The family would appreciate donations made in memory of Mrs. Norris to the Alzheimer’s Association, 1111 Lee Street East, Charleston, WV 25301.
Condolences may be e-mailed to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com.
Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie and Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.
George Howard Phillips
George Howard Phillips, 84, of Kincaid, died Feb. 16, 2010, at Bowers Hospice House in Beckley.
Born Sept. 3, 1925, at Lick Fork, Wriston, he was the son of the late Abe and Lula Darlington Phillips. Three brothers, James Goode, Leo Goode and Maxon Phillips, also preceded him in death.
Mr. Phillips was a retired coal miner having worked for Central Appalachian Coal at Morris Creek. He was a member of the UMWA and the NRA.
Surviving: his wife, Ethel Bell “Beulah” Kincaid Phillips; sons, Gregory Phillips of Douglasville, Ga., and Stewart Phillips of Marietta, Ohio; daughters, Judith Casto of Poca, Shari Vest of Salem, Va., and Tammy Phillips of Roanoke, Va.; a brother, Virgil Phillips of Ashland, Ohio; grandsons, William Leon Franklin Jr. of Hinton and Christopher Phillips of Greer, S.C.; and great-grandchildren, Joshua Franklin, Eli Franklin, Gabriel Franklin and Alexander Phillips.
Services were Feb. 20 at Tyree Funeral Home in Oak Hill with Rev. William Slates officiating. Burial was at High Lawn Memorial Park in Oak Hill.
Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.
Ramona B. Prichett
Ramona B. Prichett, 78, of Simms Mountain Road, Meadow Bridge, died Feb. 13, 2010, at Greenbrier Valley Medical Center, Ronceverte, following a long illness.
Services were Feb. 21 at Wallace & Wallace Funeral Chapel of Rainelle, with the Rev. Reginald Berry officiating. Burial followed in the Springdale Cemetery, Springdale.
Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace of Rainelle.
Scotty Dwayne Redden
Scotty Dwayne Redden, 49, of Loops Road, Rainelle, died Feb. 17, 2010, at home following a short illness.
Born Dec. 27, 1960, in Greensboro, N.C., he was the son of Mildred Irene Redden and the late Delbert Paul Redden. He also was preceded in death by his brothers, Tommy and Kevin Redden.
Scotty was a former participating member of Seneca Mental Health Services and a graduate of McIver School in Greensboro, N.C.
Surviving: his mother, Irene of Rupert; sisters, Deborah Sims of Loops Rd., Rainelle, Nancy McGhee and Gail Bunch, both of Clinton, Tenn.; brothers, Keith Redden of Charmco and Willis Redden of Oxford, N.C.; as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.
Services were Feb. 20 at the Wallace & Wallace Funeral Home in Rainelle with Rev. Troy George officiating.
Arrangements by Wallace & Wallace, Inc. of Rainelle.
Robert ‘Bob’ Alden Skaggs
Robert “Bob” Alden Skaggs, 78, of Oak Hill, died Feb. 20, 2010, at his home.
Online condolences may be sent at www.tyreefuneralhome.com.
Arrangements by Tyree Funeral Home, Oak Hill.
Elder Sandra Kay Smith
Elder Sandra Kay Smith died Feb. 14, 2010, at Beckley Appalachian Regional Hospital.
Born Jan. 14, 1959, she was the daughter of Mrs. Faye Yvonne Roché of Harlem Heights, and the late John Henry Preston. In addition to her father, she was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Thomas and Elsie Howard; stepfather, Harry M. Roché; brother, Kenneth Roché; and sister, Cynthia M. Bownes.
She owned and operated “The Rainbow Center” day care for many years. After closing the day care she was employed by Ryan’s. Yearning for the need to serve and help others, she joined the staff of ResCare, Beckley.
Sandra was a member and served on the usher board at Living Waters Apostolic Tabernacle.
Surviving: her son, Christopher Lee Preston of Beckley; daughter, Ebony Charmion Smith of Beckley; brothers, Demetrice Johnson of Alderson, and Harry Roché Jr. of Charleston; sisters, JoAnn Palmer (Dennis) of Beckley, Lisa M. Roche of Falling Waters, and Rebecca Roché of Charleston; 11 grandchildren; a great-grandchild and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services was Feb. 21 at Living Waters Apostolic Tabernacle, Beckley, with Pastor Yvonne Law officiating. Burial followed in Sunset Memorial Park, Beckley.
Condolences may be e-mailed to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com.
Arrangements by Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.
Augustine Wallace Sr.
Mr. Augustine Wallace Sr., 82, of Crouse St. Oak Hill, died Feb. 6, 2010.
Born Aug. 20, 1927, in Lowe, he was the son of the late Watson Wallace Sr. and Marie Byrd Wallace. He also was preceded in death by his daughter, Brenda; son, Randall; brothers, Charles, William, Watson Jr., Delmar, Emory Sr. and Frederick; and sister, Juanita.
Mr. Wallace was a retired coal miner.
Surviving: his wife, Queen Esther Randall Wallace; sons, Augustine Jr. (Connie) of College Park, Ga., Derrick (Laura) of Beckley and Michael (Dianna Cox) of Mt. Hope; daughters, Deidra and Leah, both of High Point, N.C., Charlotte of Alsip, Ill., Wanda (Brad) of South Charleston and Demita (James) of Oak Hill; brothers, Judson (Bertha) of Montgomery, Joseph (Erma) of Buffalo, N.Y., and John of Oak Hill; a sister, Lonzetta of Flint, Mich.; adopted brother, Guiseppie of Summerlee; adopted sister, Maria Hall of Detroit, Mich.; 18 grandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were Feb. 13 at Outreach for Christ Christian Center, Beckley, with Rev. Thomas Steelman, Rev. Joseph Wallace and Minister Brad Williams officiating. Burial followed in High Lawn Memorial Park, Oak Hill.
Condolences may be e-mailed to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com.
Arrangements by Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.
Robert E. Zimmerman
Robert E. Zimmerman, 84, died after a long illness on Feb. 20, 2010.
Born Dec. 14, 1925, at Jenky, he was preceded in death by his wife, Betty J. Zimmerman, and a son, David E. Zimmerman.
Mr. Zimmerman was a member of Summerlee Baptist Church of Oak Hill. He was a retired coal miner.
Surviving: daughters, Nancy Compton of Oak Hill, Cynda Gill of Pennsylvania, and Rose Carte, Jeanie Cole, Diana White, and Melody Simms, all of Hico; sons, Randy Zimmerman and Rick Zimmerman, both of Hico; brothers, A.D. Hawkins and David Hawkins, both of Marion, Ohio; sister, Lois Hawkins of Marion, Ohio; 20 grandchildren; and 35 great-grandchildren.
Funeral service was Feb. 24 at Wallace and Wallace Funeral Home in Ansted with Pastor Paul Allen and Pastor Bob Piotrowski officiating. Burial followed in Legg Cemetery on Stringtown Road, Hico.
Arrangements by Wallace and Wallace of Ansted.
- Obituaries
