Seagle Funeral Home Obituaries

Obituary Preview: Helen Clarencetine Gillespie Hufford, 97, of Pulaski, died on Easter Sunday, her favorite day of the year, April 17, 2022 at her home, surrounded by the love of family and friends.Born April 5, 1925, Palm Sunday, on the Back Fork of Elk River in Webster Springs, WV, she was the second child and first daughter of ten children born to Bertha May Baughman Gillespie and Clarence Ward Gillespie.  Helen’s name at birth was Mary Josephine Gillespie, but before the birth certificate was finalized her paternal grandmother, Mary Gillespie, voiced her disapproval, saying “Oh, please don’t name her Mary – every Mary I’ve ever known had a hard life.” So, for many months the child was simply called “Sister” until a proper name was decided upon – Helen Clarencetine Gillespie.  It was obvious, though, that the County Clerk didn’t recognize Helen’s name to be a feminine derivative of her father’s name, and her middle name was recorded as “Clementine” in the official Webster County birth ledger.  In years to come, Helen was always on the lookout for other girls named Clarencetine, with the thought that they could form a “Clarencetine Club,” but that was many years before the availability of internet searches, and Helen never found any other members for her club. Helen graduated from Webster Springs High School in 1942, and is thought to be the last surviving member of that class.  She was probably the youngest member of her school class, since she never officially went to the First Grade.  When brother Eugene, two years Helen’s senior, started Kindergarten, she begged and begged to go with him.  After Christmas, and with three more younger children in the household, her Mother gave in.  But, when Eugene started First Grade the next year, Mother said Helen hadn’t had a whole year of Kindergarten, so she made her do Kindergarten a full year.  When it was time for Helen to go to First Grade, the teacher said, “No way, Helen doesn’t need First Grade.”  So, she skipped First and caught up with her big brother in the Second Grade.  Helen always wondered if she missed out on anything by not going to First Grade – and if so, what might it have been?Helen always had a loving and caring disposition, and upon leaving high school had three ambitions – to become a wife, a mother, and a nurse.  She applied to and was accepted into the University of Virginia School of Nursing, but she had to wait a while before the School would have openings for any more students.  In the meantime, she worked as a telephone operator, a department store clerk, and was employed at a hotel, where she became proficient in virtually every facet of the operation.With the United States firmly entrenched in World War II, and a critical shortage of nurses in both the private and military services, Congress established the U.S. Cadet Nurse Corps in 1943.  Funding was provided to greatly increase the size of existing nursing programs at colleges across America, and many more spaces opened up in the program at UVa.  Helen finally began her classes at Nursing School in 1944, but her stay there was short-lived.  After only about five months in Charlottesville, she was diagnosed with Rheumatic Heart Disease.  While undergoing treatment there, her mother came to be with her, and rented a room over a local drugstore.  While there, Mrs. Gillespie met Dulcenia Hufford, from Pulaski, who also had taken a room at the same place while her husband, Shirley Hufford, was at the hospital for treatment of a sciatic nerve problem.  The two would meet regularly for breakfast, until the day that doctors told Helen her condition was not treatable, and released her to go home to West Virginia, with a prognosis of having only a few months to live.The Huffords returned home to Pulaski, and Mrs. Hufford told her oldest son, Dean, that she had met a nice woman whose daughter was terminally ill, and suggested that he write her a letter to cheer her up.  Dean was fairly shy, but finally wrote a letter that began, “Dear Helen, You don’t know me from Adam….” which he carried around for several days before mailing.Helen proved the doctors wrong, and survived her illness, although she was bedridden for more than two years.  Dean and Helen wrote back and forth during that time, and each visited the other’s home once, before deciding to get married.  Against the recommendation of Helen’s doctors for her not to marry, the couple became Man and Wife on June 19, 1948 at the First Baptist Church in Webster Springs, WV.  Helen moved to Pulaski to begin her married life, and doctors told her that even though she had survived her illness and had gotten married, she should not have children, as she would not survive childbirth.  In September 1949, Helen and Dean welcomed their first child, son Tom, even though there were indeed complications for both mother and son, and doctors advised against any more pregnancies.  A daughter arrived in December 1951, taking the “Helen Jane” name that Helen had dreamed of for her daughter years earlier, and making their family complete.Helen loved God and her Pulaski church family.  She grew up in the Baptist Church in West Virginia, but joined Dean’s church, the First Christian Church, upon moving to Pulaski in June 1948.  She thought she would rest and get to know the people in the church and in town before getting involved in many activities, but she was wrong.  Within four months, Rev. Francis Hume Scott persuaded Helen to establish and teach a Sunday School Class for the growing number of high school aged girls in the church.  The class started with about a dozen girls, who named the class the Clarencetine Bible Class, in honor of their teacher.  Thus began Helen’s streak of teaching a First Christian Church Sunday School Class for 65 years, with only two one-year respites, when a rotating system was observed to allow the teacher to be a student in the class.  Her tenure as teacher of the Emma Byrd Women’s Sunday School Class began on October 6, 1963 and continued until March 17, 2013, when illness forced her to stop teaching.Helen was very active in the Christian Women’s Fellowship, holding numerous offices at the local, district, and state levels, and held other offices of responsibility in the church, including serving as Departmental Chair in several groups. In 1974, Helen researched and authored a book, “Christian Women’s Fellowship – Then and Now, 1874-1974.”  While focused on the work of women in the church, the book was also a history of the First Christian Church in Pulaski.  It was updated and republished in 2010.Helen served several years as a Deacon before being elected as one of the church’s first female Elders.  On July 6, 1980, Dean and Helen served as Elders, the first husband and wife team to be at the communion table together.She was also a long-time member of Church Women United in Pulaski, and served two terms as that group’s President.  She was honored to receive that organization’s Woman of Valor Award, for long and loyal service.Helen loved children, and her devotion to family and church brought many rewarding experiences, including leadership roles in Girl Scout Junior and Cadette Troops, and by foster parenting children in crisis situations through Volunteer Emergency Foster Care.  She and Dean received the RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteer Program) Presidential Lifetime Award in 2004.  The residents of the Boys Home of Virginia in Covington were very special to them, also, and they actively supported the Boys Home programs for over 30 years.In the 1980s, Helen and Dean enjoyed providing summertime housing for minor league Atlanta Braves baseball players who were playing their rookie seasons for the Pulaski Braves.  In later years, they enjoyed keeping in touch with “their boys” as some went on to Major League careers and others found success in other professions.Helen loved to give.  She and Dean spent many years working as Santa’s Helpers, throughout Pulaski and in surrounding areas, to make sure that no child was forgotten or overlooked, especially at Christmastime.Helen worked with Dean to produce heirloom quality pieces of counted cross-stitched work, an art that he had learned in 1984 as rehabilitation therapy following an extensive illness.  Over the next two decades, they made more than four thousand Chrismon ornaments, which featured gold and white monograms of Christ, for children at church and others across town and in several states. They helped children understand Christianity, as the Chrismons became a Christmas tradition for those who received the special gifts. Helen loved her family, and took joy in the lives and accomplishments of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  She knew two of her own great-grandmothers, one born in 1843 and one in 1853, who lived into the 1930s.  As a youth, she listened to their stories, and passed them down to future generations.  She meticulously kept notes and information about her family, but always by hand, not with the aid of a computer.  She never had any desire to have a computer, saying “If I had one of those, I’d never get anything else done.”Helen was predeceased by her parents; her loving husband of 57 wonderful years, Shirley Dean Hufford on January 10, 2006; a great-grandson, Lincoln Matthew Herman; four brothers and their wives, Eugene Harry Gillespie (Helen Gray), Edmond James “Jimmy” Gillespie (Nancy Cool), Elijah Bernard “Bunny” Gillespie (Aretta Summers), and Paul Felix Gillespie; two sisters and their husbands, Willa Louise Gillespie Varney (Bill Ray Varney) and Marietta Lucille Gillespie McCoy; a brother-in-law Rev. Robert Grayson Hufford; two former brothers-in-law, Chester “Cubby” McCoy and Jackie Lee Queener; a sister-in-law Beverly Campbell Hufford, a former sister-in-law Sue Pobst Hufford; and a nephew, Terry Lee Queener.She is survived by her son and his wife, Thomas Dean Hufford (Nanette Lynn Peacock) of Marietta, GA, and her daughter and her husband, Helen Jane Hufford Herman (Rev. Glen Alan Herman) of Pulaski, VA.; two granddaughters and their husbands, Bethany Joy Herman Archer (Lucas Lee Archer) of Findlay, OH, and Sarah Rebekah Herman Kiesling (Jarrod Dean Kiesling) of Huber Heights, OH; and a grandson and his wife, Dr. David Matthew Herman (Lauren Ashley Castle) of Centerville, OH; eight grandchildren, Mackinaw Dean Archer, William Fisher Archer, River Thomas Archer, Jace Dean Kiesling, Cody Alan Kiesling, Trey Walker Kiesling, Sarah-Kate Joy Herman, and Malachi Luke Herman; two sisters and their husbands, Samueline Rebecca Gillespie Allman (Robert Day Allman) of Buckhannon, WV and Bertha Caroline Gillespie Cochran (Melvin Wayford Cochran) of Webster Springs, WV; her brother, Dr. David Marston Gillespie of Webster Springs, WV; a former sister-in-law, Frances Yvonne Row Gillespie Beal of Frostburg, MD; four nieces, Jennifer Louise Varney Sturm, Suetta Jean McCoy, Erica Sue Gillespie, and Susan Quinn Hufford Smith; and ten nephews, Jonathan Ray Varney, James Ward Varney, James Michael McCoy, Jeremy Ward Gillespie, Gilbert Vane Gillespie,  Jack Perry Queener, James Scott Queener, Max Wayne Cochran, Robert Grayson Hufford Jr., and Timothy Brian Hufford; one cousin, Patricia Sue Gillespie; one cousin-in-law Carol Sutphin Golladay, and many other family members and friends.The Hufford family is grateful to the staff of Medi Home Health & Hospice of Pulaski for their kind and gentle care of Helen over the past few months, and especially to her special caregivers Lori, Greg, Mike, and Tina, whose loving care helped Helen to be able to stay in her home through her illness.The family will receive friends at the First Christian Church, 524 N. Jefferson Avenue, Pulaski, VA from Noon until 2:00 p.m. on Thursday April 21, 2022.  Funeral services will follow at the Church with the Rev. Randy Winn, Pastor Timothy Moore, and Chaplain Robbie Vance officiating.  Entombment will follow in Highland Memory Gardens, Dublin.  Therefore the family requests that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Christian Church, PO Box 1007, Pulaski, Va. 24301, or to Boys Home of Virginia, 414 Boys Home Rd., Covington, VA 24426.

Obituary Preview: Richard Lamont Smith, age 43 of Pulaski, departed this life on April 12, 2022 at Lewis Gale Hospital – Pulaski.  He was born in Radford on October 12, 1978, and is the son of Terressa Ann Pearson Smith and Richard Lamont Hickman.  Richard attended the United Holiness Church in Pulaski, and loved his music, family, and especially his mother.Richard is survived by his loving mother and best friend:  Terressa Ann Pearson Smith of Pulaski:  his father; Richard Lamont Hickman of Pulaski:  two brothers; Marcus T. Hickman of Pulaski, and Tevin (Heather) Mattox of Stuarts Draft:  two sisters; Tonya D. Smith of Statesville, NC, and Ieshia D. (Moses) Hickman of Richmond:  Uncles;  Michael Hickman, David Hickman, E.D. Smith, Christopher Smith, Leon Smith, Andre Relford, Mickey Hickman, grandparents; Doris Smith, David and Clara Hickman:  great-grandparent; Margarett Webb all of Pulaski;  great uncles; Neil Thompson, and Troy Ruff:  aunts; Marva Hickman, Johann Relford:  great aunt; Victoria Ruff: special cousins:  Angela Plummer, Victoria Ruff, II, Roberto Ruff and Koko.Homegoing Celebration for Richard will be held, Saturday, April 23, 2022 at 12 noon in the chapel of Seagle Funeral Home, with the Rev. Doug Patterson officiating.  The family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 10:00 a.m. until 12 Noon.

Obituary Preview: Joy Alice Miller Tibbs, age 58,  of Bland, died Monday, April 11, 2022 at Carrington Place in Wytheville. She was born November 10, 1963, in Crossnore, NC, and was the daughter of the late Alice June Mabe Miller and Earl Matson Miller, Jr.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Jared Tibbs.She is survived by her husband, Darrell Linton Tibbs: two sons, Joshua Linton Tibbs of Arizona, and Caleb Evan Tibbs of Willow Springs, NC; two sisters, Sarah Elizabeth (Terry) Miller Davis of Fredericksburg, and Melissa Miller of Dublin; two grandchildren, River Kelsey Tibbs and Griffin Tibbs.A Celebration of Life service will be held Saturday, June 11, 2022 at 1 p.m. at Bland Leyburn/St. Matthews Lutheran Church in Bland. Burial of cremains will be in Temple Hill Cemetery in Bland.

Obituary Preview: William “Bill” Columbia Byrd, Sr, son of the late James Osborne Byrd and Mary Rosetta Clark Byrd was greeted in heaven by his Savior, Jesus Christ and his many loved ones on Wednesday, April 06, 2022.In addition to his parents William was predeceased by his twin brother, James Roby Byrd and his youngest brother, Ronald Allen Byrd as well as his granddaughter, Susan Diane Whitt Dickerson and granddaughter-in-law, Pamela Cox Whitt.He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Ruth “Marie” Combs Byrd, daughter Ruth “Diane” Byrd Whitt and husband Calvin “Cabby” Curtis Whitt, son William “Bill” Columbia Byrd, JR and wife Jill Byrd.  Also survived by grandchildren, Curtis (Candy) Whitt, Craig Whitt, Robbie (Angie) Whitt, Krystal D, Whitt, Mandy (Daniel) Watson, Misty (Brian) Chadwick, and Michelle (Jimmy) Kiyimba.  He is also survived by 21 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great grandchildren.Bill was a Certified Master Electrician and many homes and businesses in the New River Valley carry the stamp of his excellent workmanship.  He was employed by Virginia Maid, Executive Director of Maintenance ( Playtex International) for 25 years and Harlan -Sprague in maintenance for 18 years.Graveside services were held for immediate family on Sunday, April 10, 2022.  The family wishes to extend a special thank you to the staff at Pulaski Health and Rehabilitation Center for their living kindness and compassion.

Obituary Preview: Mark Wendell Grubb, 82 of Max Meadows, died Tuesday, April 5, 2022 at CarilionRoanoke Memorial Hospital.  Mark was a graduate of George Wythe High School, Johnson Bible College, and Lincoln Christian University.  He served the Lord as a minister in Artemus, KY, Toledo, IL, and Richlands, WV.  He also served as an interim minister with Dalton Hill Christian Church in Hillsville, VA.  After ministering several years, he sold life insurance in Wythe and surrounding counties.  Mark was preceded in death by his parents Herbert and Helen Arlene Johnston Grubb, and by one brother, Roger Mason Grubb of Hobart, IN.Left to treasure his memory are his wife of 57 years, Charmaine Lindsey Paulson Grubb; siblings Herbert Warren Grubb of Austin, TX; Julian Brown Grubb of Beckley, WV; Lucy Grubb Mason of Birmingham, AL; Gerald Grubb of Nashville, TN and Mozelle Farmer of Leesburg, VA; three children; Denise Renee (& Cregg) Laws of Newton, NC, Anthony Mark Grubb of Max Meadows, and Michelle Charmaine (& Phillip) Parker of Christiansburg; seven grandchildren, and eleven nieces and nephews.Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Community Christian Church in Newbern, where he has remained an active member since 1974.  Pastor Ritchie Goad will officiate.  The Grubb family will host a graveside service for all to attend, at the Galilee Christian Church Cemetery in Wytheville.  The family will receive friends on Saturday at Community Christian Church from 12:30 p.m. until, 2:00 p.m.

Obituary Preview: Harry Reaford Giles, Sr., age 86 of Parrott, died early Saturday morning March 26, 2022 at his home in Parrott.  He was born in Parrott on September 20, 1935, and was the son of the late Effie Mae Hamiliton Giles and the late Atlas Burnett Giles. He was a founding member of the Twin Community Volunteer Fire Department, and was a long-time employee and supervisor with Poly-Scientific in Blacksburg, a division of Northrop Grumman, and recently acquired by Moog, Inc.   He was a valuable employee, having unbelievable talent when working with steel and wood.  This talent rolled over into his retirement, and he was able to use that talent while being enthusiastic about guns and fishing.  He was also multitalented creating miniature wood carvings and making homemade knifes which could have sold for large amounts, but having a kind heart, he gave them away to family and friends.  A great deal of knowledge and talent has been lost with loosing Harry, but fortunately much of that knowledge and talent will live on with his three grandsons, and his son, Harry, Jr.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his loving wife of 64 years, Shirley Scott Giles:  two brothers; Claude Giles and Herman Giles:  sisters; Josephine G. Bruce, Helen G. Blair, Gerlene G. Bruce, and Cova G. Graham.He is survived by his son:  Harry Reaford Giles, Jr. of Parrott:  his daughter and son-in-law; Robin G. and Jerry Thomas of Fairlawn:  grandchildren; Michael Thomas, Eric (Laura) Thomas, and Dustin (Tiffany) Thomas:  great-grandchildren; Braiden Thomas, Kolton Thomas, Easton Thomas, and Landry Thomas.  Also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins.Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at 2:00 p.m., at the Belspring United Methodist Church with the Rev. Charles Damron and the Rev. Rachel Collins officiating.  Interment will follow in Highland Memory Gardens in Dublin. The family will receive friends on Wednesday at the church from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.

Obituary Preview: Robert “Bob” Edward Davis, age 78 of Pulaski, died Friday, March 25, 2022 at his residence.  He was born on January 21, 1944 in Carroll County, and was the son of the late Ella Sturdivant Davis and Henry Bruce Davis.  Bob retired from Verizon with 32 years of service, and was employed for 12 years at New River Community College, and he honorably served in the United States Army.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother:  William Bruce “Bill” Davis:  sisters and brothers-in-law; Mary and Alfred Gardner, Jean and Joe Ceola.He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years:  Wilma J. Davis of Pulaski:  Sons:  Dean (Carolyn) Cochran of Pilot, Kevin S. (Valarie) Davis of Dublin, and Keith S. (Hayley) Davis of Dublin:  daughter; Donna Sue (Shane) Davis of St. Petersburg, FL:  He is also survived by seven grandchildren:  Samantha Cochran, Chase Cochran, Jacob Cochran, Morgan Isom, Micah Davis, Jackson “Jack” Davis, Presley Davis, and special friend Paul Ratliff, and many nieces and nephews.Memorial services will be held Monday, March 28, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at the Draper Valley Pentecostal Holiness Church.  A private interment will be held at the Southwest Virginia Veterans Cemetery in Dublin.

Obituary Preview: Norma Sharp Quesenberry, age 96 of Pulaski, died Friday March 25, 2022 at Lewis Gale Hospital – Pulaski.  She was born in Carroll County on July 30, 1925, and was the daughter of the late Margie Hanks Sharp and the late William Pierce Sharp.  She was a long-time member of the Pulaski Primitive Baptist Church.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband:  Marvin Otis Quesenberry:  her siblings; Mamie Sharp Pennington, Emmett Sharp, Ida Sharp Brindle, Faye Sharp Davidson, Carson Sharp, Avery Junior Sharp and Berlin Sharp.She is survived by her caregivers:  Fay White of Pulaski, Marie Byrd of Pulaski, and her nephew Louis Davidson and his wife Sandy of Pulaski, Wanda Davidson Cook of Fort Myers, FL:  a niece; Cindy Quesenberry Akers of Pulaski, and numerous other nieces and nephews.Funeral services will be held Tuesday, March 29, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. with Pastor Don Singleton officiating.  Interment will follow in Moore Cemetery in Delton.  The family will receive friends on Tuesday a the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.A special thanks to her longtime caregivers, Fay White, Sandy Davidson, and Marie Byrd.

Obituary Preview: Laura Dianne Grimsley Gowen, age 70, died Thursday, March 24, 2022.  Arrangements are pending with Seagle Funeral Home, Pulaski.  www.seaglefuneralhome.com  540-980-1700

Obituary Preview: John William Kingrea, age 71 of Pulaski, died Wednesday March 23, 2022 at his residence.  He was born in Pulaski on March 15, 1951, and was the son of the late Violet Marie Surratt Kingrea, and the late Garnett Algean Kingrea.  John’s greatest passion, playing bluegrass guitar.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife;  Kim Akers Kingrea; a brother; Michael Kingrea, two sisters; Bonnie Goins and Teresa Mickey.  He is survived by his son; Jeremy Kingrea of Pulaski:  daughter; Cherish Suzanne Kingrea of Radford:  sisters; Lou Sutphin of Radford, and Dee Manuel of FL:  sister in-law and brother-in-law, Gary and Rhonda Lindamood of Dublin.  He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Obituary Preview: Zebbie Miller Thompson, 84, of Dublin, VA, passed away on March 20, 2022.  He was a lifelong member of Dublin United Methodist Church and sang in the choir for many years.  He also participated in many service projects including preparing Christmas baskets and the Backpack Program.He was preceded in death by his parents, Zeb and Alma Thompson;  his sister, Sue Thompson Hubble and brother-in-law, Alvin Wayne.Zebbie is survived by his wife Carolyn of 60 years; son Curtis Thompson (Sheri); daughters Diane Marion and Jennifer Shartzer (Scott); grandchildren Ben and Adam Thompson, Mallory, Grayson, Keely and Delaney Finn, and Maggie Shartzer.  He is also survived by sister, Edith Wayne;  brothers-in-law Charles Akers (Patsy), Bill Hubble, Don Akers (Janice); sister-in-law, Joyce Page (Jerry); several nieces and nephews, and lifelong friend, Aubrey Powers.

Obituary Preview: Roger Marshall Kegley, III age 27 of Pulaski County, died Friday, March 18, 2022.  Marshall was born on December 6, 1994, in Pulaski, and is the son of Nikki Rupe Buckner and Roger Marshall Kegley, II.  Marshall was graduate of the Pulaski County High School class of 2013, and was once active with his brother and his father in Boy Scout Troop 48.He is survived by his loving mother:  Nikki Rupe Buckner of Christiansburg:  his father; Roger Marshall Kegley, II of Pulaski:  step-father; Barry Buckner of Pulaski: brother; Barry “Lil Barry” Buckner, Jr. of Pulaski:  sisters; Shyanne Rupe of Pulaski, and Autumn Chandler of Pulaski, and Heather Buckner Jaggers. Grandparents:  Bobby and Rita Rupe:  nieces and nephews; Brittany, Alex and Lexi:  other family members; Richard Chandler, Kenny Mayes, and Sherry Jones.The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 30, 2022 at Seagle Funeral Home, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.  There will not be a formal funeral service. Please come and extend your condolences on Wednesday evening.

Obituary Preview: Randolph “Randy” Fravil Smith, Jr., age 75 of Pulaski, died Thursday, March 17, 2022 at his home, surrounded by his family.  He was born on August 19, 1946 in Pulaski, and was the son of the late Virginia Cynthia Roseberry Smith and the late Randolph Fravil Smith, Sr.  After high school, he married Connie Lawson, and their marriage was a loving example and inspiration to their children.  Later in 1991, Randy went to Virginia Tech and obtained a Bachelor of Education degree.  His love for Virginia Tech and Virginia Tech sports, never ceased.  Upon graduation from Virginia Tech, his employment, as Paralegal, with Allen Groseclose, Attorney At Law, divinely came together in a flash.  He remained with Allen until Allen retired and closed his office, shortly before Allen’s death.He is survived by his loving wife of 52 years, Connie Lawson Smith of Pulaski:  son; James Randolph (Nicole) Smith of Pulaski: daughter; Traci Smith (Bryant) Boyd of Rock Hill, SC: brothers; Terry (Jane) Smith of Ridgeway, VA, and Tony Smith of Pulaski: sister; Dana (Bill) Patton of Pulaski:  grandchildren; Bryant A. Boyd, Bailli M. Boyd, Carter J. Smith, Jaxon J. Smith, Liliana A. Smith.  He is also survived by his mother-in-law: Joan Lawson of Draper: Brother-in-laws; Larry Lawson of Draper, and Terry Lawson of Draper. Aunt;  Jackie (Herb) Ritchie of Salem.  Several nieces and nephews also survive. My father was no ordinary man.  I got to be “his favorite little girl”.  I got to dance on his feet.  I got to race up the hill and watch him win every time.  I am so thankful for the special time I had with him.  TRACI Not only did I call my dad, “My Dad”, but I also called him my best friend. I was truly blessed to have him as a strong role model and guiding light in my life.  His sense of humor and stories will be forever missed.  I love you, Fravil!  JAMES RANDOLPHRandy’s family warmly celebrated his life privately,  several days ago.  There will be no public memorial service.The family would like to give thanks to the nurses at the infusion center, Carilion Hospice, and home health.

Obituary Preview: Dorothy Krauchuck Smith, Beloved wife of Rev. Edward Smith for over 76 years has claimed her Heavenly reward. She was no doubt welcomed into the gates of Heaven with ‘Well done, my good and faithful servant’. Dorothy - affectionately known by thousands across the world in her church family as Sister Smith, was a devoted spouse, loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother and god grandmother.   Always quick with stories and recollections of her life, Dorothy was a prayer warrior and her wise counsel will be sorely missed by many. She was a supportive and dedicated minister’s wife, providing prayers and guidance whenever and wherever it was needed. With a servant’s heart for missions and those in need, she worked tirelessly through the Women of the Church of God to raise monies in support of those passions. Born in Philadelphia, she never quite lost her accent even though Virginia was her home for more than 50 years. Her laugh and keen insights will be held in our hearts until we meet again. Psalms 37:4 was her favorite scripture and speaks to her faith and hope for all who knew her. “Take delight in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.’’ If you wish to honor Dorothy’s memory, the family suggests a donation to Gideon’s International in lieu of flowers.Dorothy is survived by her husband, Rev. Edward Smith, daughters Judy Joness and Joy Smith, grandsons Jonathan Parsons, Seth Parsons and wife Julie, great grandchildren Leira and Daxton Parsons, god grandchildren, Lee Ann Arnold, Devin and Megan Altizer and ‘adopted’ son, Terry Altizer.A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, March 18 at 2:00pm at the First Church of God at 6330 Courtney Lane, Dublin, VA. The family will receive friends at 1:00pm before the service. Interment will follow in Highland Memory Gardens in Dublin.

Obituary Preview: Keri Schrader Vass, age 68 of Pulaski, passed away peacefully Tuesday, March 15, 2022 at Lewis Gale Hospital – Pulaski.  She was born on February 22, 1954 in Pulaski, and was the daughter of the late Lorena C. Schrader and the late Kelly R. Schrader.Keri led an interesting life.  She studied drafting and design at New River Community College, and was self taught in computer operations pertaining to her employment.  She worked several years in the engineering department for the Town of Pulaski, and retired from the Town of Wytheville where she served as the Assistant Town Engineer.  Keri enjoyed reading, eating put and traveling to flea markets. But, her biggest passion was crocheting.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband: James P. Vass, and several brothers and a sister.  She leaves behind to cherish her memory, by Bill Johnston and her beloved cat Foxi, along with several friends and colleagues.Funeral services will be held Monday, March 21, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at Seagle Funeral Home, with Pastor Todd Garwood officiating.  Entombment will be privately held on the following day in Highland Memory Gardens.  The family will receive friends on Monday evening from 5:30 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Obituary Preview: Rex Allen Hall, age 57 of Pulaski, died Saturday, March 12, 2022 at his home.  He was born on April 18, 1964 in Pulaski, and was the son of the late Viola Emma Eads Hall and the late Frank Walter Hall.He is survived by his daughter; Krista French and Jessie Coffey:  granddaughter; Gabby Coffey, and grandson; Cameron French:  Brothers; Jerry (Ann) Hall, Frankie Hall, Jon (Buck) Hall:  Sisters; Linda Akers, Thelma Hall, Helen Dean (Bill Porter), Robin (Reggie) McGinnis.  Also survived by many neices and nephews, and friends.Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 16, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. at Seagle Funeral Home with Pastor Josh Arnold officiating.  Pallbearers will be Greg DeHart, Victor Hernandez, Parker Dalton, Jessie Coffey, Jr., Jack Taylor, Jr. and Jerry Dean.  Interment will follow in Hufford Cemetery on Mt. Olivet.  The family will receive friends on Wednesday at the funeral home from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. Online Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.seaglefuneralhome.com  Arrangements by Seagle Funeral Home, Pulaski.  540-980-1700

Obituary Preview: Douglas Allen Sayers, age 61 of Pulaski, passed away on March 9, 2022 at Lewis Gale Hospital – Pulaski, after a long illness.  Douig was born on December 10, 1960 in Pulaski, and was the son of the late Fred Allen Sayers, and the Late Elma Christley Sayers.  He was employed at CVG for several years as a water jet operator.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother; Eddie Lee Sayers, and a sister; Joanna Snavely.He is survived by his wife, Virginia Whitaker Sayers of Pulaski:  children;  David Whittaker, Eula Rittle, Faith Christian:  one step-daughter; Tammy Whittaker, step-sons, James Whittaker, and John Whittaker, brother; Walter Glen Sayers:  sisters; Cora Louise Linkous, Wanda Sue Lawson, and other family members who loved and cared for him:  Robin Taylor, Jody Lawson, Russell Lawson, Pete Stuart, Michelle Wright, Jessie Payne, and Airion Lawson, 5 grandchildren, and  3 great-grandchildren Also remembering his very best friend, who helped take care of him during his illness; Kevin P. Riffe.Funeral services for Doug, will be held at a later date.

Obituary Preview: Howard Hubert Cannoy, Sr., age 82 of Pulaski, died Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at Lewis Gale Hospital – Pulaski.  He was born on May 9, 1939 in Wythe County.  Howard’s unique personality enabled him to be very well  known in his community, especially at sporting and school events surrounding his children.  Howard worked for many years for Burlington Industries.He is survived by four sons:  Howard Hubert Cannoy, Jr. of Wythe County, Ricky Cannoy of Wythe County, Tony (Carla) Cannoy of Wythe County, and Shane (Melanie) Woodrum of Lexington, VA:  daughters; Britta Renee Cannoy of Pulaski, Amber Sue Hodge of Pulaski, and Sherry (Eddie) Dillon of Roanoke.  He is also survived by ten grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.Funeral services will be held Monday, March 14, 2022 at 7:00 p.m. at Seagle Funeral Home.  The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at the funeral home.

Obituary Preview: There will be no service or visitation.

Obituary Preview: Franklin “Frank” Bernard Farmer, Sr., age 91 of Dublin, died Saturday, March 5, 2022 at Highland Ridge Rehabilitation Center.  He was born in Dublin on April 18, 1930, and was the son of the late Mazie Simpkins Farmer Horton, and George Crockett Farmer.  Frank was a life-long insurance agent, having had his own agency called Farmer’s Insurance Agency.  He was a member of the Pulaski Church of God.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a grandson:  Matthew Akers, and three brothers and four sisters.He is survived by his loving wife of 67 years, Betty McNew Farmer of Dublin: a son:  Franklin Bernard (Cathy) Farmer, Jr. of York, PA:  daughter; Sabrina (Dirk) Farmer Akers of Pulaski:  grandchildren; Adam Ryan Farmer, Cam (Ashlan) Akers, and Jason Farmer:  great-grandchildren; Madison Akers, Cameron Akers, Camden Akers, and Blake Akers.Funeral Services will be held Wednesday, March 9, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Seagle Funeral Home, with visiting from 1:00 p.m. until 2:00 p.m.  Pastor Donald Jones will officiate.  Interment will follow in Newbern Cemetery.

Obituary Preview: Funeral services for William Michael Harriman will be private.

Obituary Preview: KENNETH CECIL CLAPPI am saddened to say my dad passed away last night. He had several health issues in his later years but I firmly believe he died of a broken heart. He never recovered from the loss of my mom in 2013 and I told people 75% of him died that day with her.He was a good man born and raised in Saltville, Va. He met my mom when they both worked at Hercules back in the day after being introduced by his brother Roger. He married my mom in 1970 when I was five years old and gave us a much better life than we probably would have ever had. I witnessed the power of their bond with how well he took care of her during her battle with cancer. He had cancer by proxy with being by her side through everything and never once complained or faltered in his devotion. Her passing was the only time in the 52 years I knew him that I ever saw him cry.I am sitting here writing this with tears in my eyes but I know that today is the happiest day for him becasue he is with his one and only love. And for those of you who knew him and his crutch "Angel" their Jack Russell Terror (because she was a terror) has passed away too. I believe she grieved herself to death over him passing so it's all so comformting to know the three of them are together for eternity.He was my stepdad but I called him dad. It takes a special kind of man to adopt and raise a child that biologically isn't yours but I'm so thankful he did.My dad was a very simple guy and I know what his wishes would be and therefore I won't be having a service for him. He will be put to rest next to my mom where he's been wanting to be for the last eight and a half years. Special thanks to my rocks David and Matt and thank you to the Pulaski County Sheriffs office for all they did last night.  Your son TommyFuneral service will be private.

Obituary Preview: Patricia Ann (Susie) Dowdy of Pulaski, passed away on Tuesday March 2, 2022 with complications of COVID, at the age of 59.  She was born on February 13, 1963 in Montgomery County, and was the daughter of  Wallace Warden Dove and the late Marsha Ann Trump Dove.Most of Susie’s life, she spent taking care of her elderly mother, and raising her beloved son.  Susie was able to cherish her last days with her husband, Donald Dowdy.She is survived by her husband, Donald Dowdy of Pulaski:  a son; Daniel Joseph Poff of Pulaski:  brothers; Wallace Wayne Dove of Blacksburg, Kyle (Jessica) Dove of Blacksburg, and Jason Dove of Christiansburg:  and a sister; Mylinda (Mike) Reid of Salem, and a grandchild; Danielle “Tator Bug” Poff, and her father, Wallace Warden Dove.Her memorial service will be held at Roselawn Memorial Gardens in Christiansburg on Wednesday, March 23, at 2:00 p.m. in the mausoleum. Arrangements by Seagle Funeral Home, Pulaski.  www.seaglefuneralhome.com 540-980-1700

Obituary Preview: Hallie Mae Carlton French, age 91 of Pulaski, died Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at Pulaski Health and Rehabilitation Center.  She was born in Pulaski on August 18, 1930, and was the daughter of the late Olive Maude Quesenberry Carlton and the late Beverly David Carlton, Sr. Hallie worked for many years Jefferson Mills and later enjoyed the nursing profession, while working at the former Pulaski Retirement Center.In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband:  Samuel Jackson French, Sr.:  son; Ervin Wayne Smith:  brother Beverly David Carlton, Jr.:  sisters; Evelyn Nellie Carlton DeHart, Hazel “Ruth” Spears.She is survived by three sons:  Samuel Jackson French, Jr. of Pulaski, Terry Anthony French of Pulaski, and Jerry Duane (Treassa Mitchell) French of Pulaski:  daughter; Joan Thomas of Pulaski:  brother; Franklin “Scutter” Carlton of Draper:  Sister; Etta Lee Carlton Rossman of Rockville, VA.  Hallie is also survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews.Funeral Services will be held Thursday, March 3, 2022 at Seagle Funeral home at 11:00 a.m.  Interment will follow in Highland Memory Gardens.  The family will receive friends on Thursday at the funeral home from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.Flowers are appreciated, but for those who wish, may make memorial contributions to the local charity of your choice or to the American Cancer Society.

Obituary Preview: Betty Sue Justice (nee Moffitt), age 79 of Pulaski, died Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at her residence.  She was born in Pulaski, VA on September 6, 1942, and was the daughter of the late Mary Kathleen Dalton Moffitt, and the late Lou Moffitt.Betty Sue was a retired Librarian at the Pulaski County Library.  Betty Sue enjoyed the love and support and effection of a large and extended family.Among her immediate relatives, Betty Sue is survived by her brother, Philip Umansky (Moseley, VA), and three sons, Paul Ferguson (Tacoma, WA), Dale Ferguson (Woodstock, GA), and Scott Ferguson (Pulaski, VA). Additionally, she is survived by four grandchildren, Joshua Ferguson (Pulaski, VA), Adam Ferguson (Christiansburg, VA), Katie Andrews (Menifee, CA), and DJ Ferguson (Woodstock, GA).Funeral services will be held Saturday, 5 March 2022 at 12:00 noon at Seagle Funeral Home in Pulaski, VA, followed by funeral procession and brief graveside committal service at Highland Memory Gardens in Dublin, VA.