Paul Silas Bailey
Paul Silas Bailey, age 96, died at Wellmont Hospice House Sunday January 21, 2007 and went to meet his beloved wife, Daisy Wilson Bailey and his sons, J. T. Bailey and Jack Edward Bailey in eternal rest.
Mr. Bailey was born March 26, 1910 in Washington County, VA, a son of the late Burl and Bina Norris Bailey. He made his home in the Abingdon area all of his life and retired from the Virginia Department of Transportation with 43 years of service. Additionally, he worked many years as an attendant at Southwest Tobacco Warehouse flea market. Paul enjoyed his garden, daily cigars and loved to play pool.
Survivors include his grandson: Michael E. Bailey, Bluff City, TN; a sister Letha Bea Wise of Clinton, IL and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM Tuesday, January 23, 2007 in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with the Rev. Jerry Eggers officiating. Family and friends are requested to assemble at the funeral home at 1:30 PM Tuesday to process to the cemetery. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Honorary bearers will be: Gary Thomas, Danny Thomas, Larry Thomas, Jerry Thomas, Hank Odum and Tom Bundy.
The family will receive friends from 6 PM to 8 PM Monday, January 22, 2007 at Farris Funeral Service, East Main Chapel. The family gratefully acknowledges the kindness and compassion of the Wellmont Hospice care-givers to Mr. Bailey and also to his son, Jack, prior to his recent death.
Ruth Easterling
Mrs. Anna “Ruth” Ford Easterling, age 85, passed away Monday, January 22, 2007, at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon. She was born in Washington County, Virginia, a daughter of the late Cordia L. Ford and Susie Florence Widner Ford. She lived in Welch, WV for 53 years and had retired as a secretary for an insurance company. She returned to the Friendship Community of Washington County in 2000 and was a member of Mt. Olivet United Methodist Church.
Mrs. Easterling was the widow of Fred Easterling. In addition to her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by one brother, Graham Baker Ford, and by one sister, Janet Ford Blevins.
Mrs. Easterling is survived by one sister-in-law, Hazel Ford; five nephews and one niece.
Funeral services for Mrs. Ruth Easterling will be conducted at 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 24, 2007, at Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel, with Pastor Paul Jones officiating. The family will visit with relatives and friends from 6:00 p.m. until the time of service. The committal service and burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, January 25, 2007, at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Love’s Mill Road, Glade Spring, VA. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery prior to the service.
Flowers are welcome, and memorial contributions may be made to the Mt. Olivet Cemetery Fund, c/o John Copenhaver, Jr., 16311 Monroe Road, Glade Spring, VA 24340.
John Henry Terry
Mr. John Henry Terry, age 78, left his earthly home to go to his Heavenly home on Tuesday, January 23, 2007, after a long illness. He was a lifelong resident of Washington County and was preceded in death by his father, King David Terry; his mother, Mattie McElraft Terry; his sisters, Roberta Eastridge and Doris Smith; and his brother, Charlie W. Terry.
John worked in the timber and logging business most of his life and was also a farmer. He loved the outdoors and mountains and was a member of the Macedonia Church of Christ.
He left behind his wife of 54 years, Cora Mae Terry. He was a loving and devoted husband and father of two children: John Wayne Terry and wife, Patricia, and James Edward Terry and wife, Teresa, all of Abingdon, VA; three grandchildren: Justin Terry, Johnathan Terry and Jason Terry all of Abingdon, VA; many loved nieces and nephews; four brothers: Epperson Terry, Rural Retreat, VA; Stuart Terry, Bristol, VA; J. D. Terry, Castle Rock, Washington; and Morris Curd, Meadowview, VA.
The funeral service will be conducted Thursday, January 25, 2007, at 8:00 p.m. in the Macedonia Church of Christ with Evangelist Michael McCoy officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday from 6-8 p.m. at the church. All florists may deliver arrangements to the church, 25350 Macedonia Road, Abingdon, VA. (Take Hwy. 58 South towards Damascus, VA; turn right on Watauga Road at caution light just outside of Abingdon; church is on left about one mile.)
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cancer Outreach Foundation, 104 Abingdon Place, Abingdon, VA 24211.
The committal and graveside service will be conducted Friday, January 26, 2007, at 11:00 a.m. in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Those attending the graveside service are invited to assemble at the church by 10:30 a.m. Friday for the procession to the cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Gary Terry, King S. Terry, Jr., Jason A. Terry, Jim Carbary, Gregory Curd and Bert Watson. Honorary pallbearers will be James Parcell, Kenneth Carbary, Edward Moore, Howard Carbary, Lloyd Ward and the men of Macedonia Church of Christ.
The family would like to thank all of the 5th floor nursing staff of Johnston Memorial Hospital and Claire Lambert for all they did for John and the family.
Kathleen Duncan Willis
Kathleen Duncan Willis, age 57 passed away Tuesday, January 23, 2007 at her residence.
She was born in Saltville, VA and had resided in Meadowview, VA most of her life. She was a Christian and was preceded in death by her parents, Lawrence B. Duncan and Nelda Roberts Duncan.
She had been employed with the Washington County, VA Sheriffs Department as a Lieutenant with thirteen years of service. She was also co-owner/operator of Pioneer Services.
Survivors include her husband, Roger Willis, Meadowview, VA, a daughter and son-in-law, Shannon and Patrick Hawkins, Bedford, VA, two brothers and sisters-in-law, Robert and Ann Duncan, Saltville, VA and Jack W. and Betty Duncan, Sun City Center, Florida, a sister and brother-in-law, Robin and John Garnand, Abingdon, VA, a granddaughter, McKenzie Hawkins, special family friends, Dave and Judy Harris, Emory VA, several nieces and nephews.
Honorary pallbearers will be Bill Harless, Charlie Duty, Dave Harris, Ben Mink, Dave Harless, Billy Colley, Scott Garnand, Eric Garnand.
The family will greet friends Friday, January 26, 2007 from 7-9 p.m. in the funeral home.
Terry Wayne Wright
Terry Wayne Wright, age 48, died Wednesday, January 24, 2007 at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon.
Terry was born on August 12, 1958 in Bristol, Virginia. He was preceded in death by his father Wayne Ernest Wright.
Terry was of the Baptist faith, was an electrician by trade and co-owner of Wright Electrical Company. He was also a big racing enthusiast and owned his own race team, W II Racing for which he also served as crew chief.
Survivors include his loving companion of 13 years, Marie Akers of Abingdon; his daughter, Laura Leigh Wright of Bluff City, TN; his mother, Ruth Wright of Abingdon; his brothers, Jim Wright of Abingdon, Steve Wright and Joe Wright both of Bristol, VA and Jeff Sproles and wife Sue of Bristol, TN; his sisters, Debbie Wagner and husband Jack; Lisa Gardner and husband Chris and Leslie Stout and husband Eric all of Bristol, VA and his sister Connie of Florida; special nieces, Jenna and Carrington and well as several other nieces and nephews.
The family of Terry Wayne Wright will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 P. M. Friday at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P. M. Saturday, January 27, 2007 in the High Point Presbyterian Church with Rev. Bill Pealer officiating. Interment
will follow in the church Cemetery, Pallbearers will be Larry Akers, Tommy Akers, Jack Wagner, Anthony Ammons, James Ammons, Jeff Roark, Darrell Holman and Steve Wright. Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Phelps, Caleb Holman, Jessee Wagner, Marty Manual, Jack Wagner III and Walter Keller. Flowers will be accepted or memorial donations in Terry’s memory may be made to the American Heart Association, 208 Sunset Drive, Suite 113, Johnson City, TN 37604.
Edwin Marceau Fitzgerald
Edwin Marceau Fitzgerald, beloved father and grandfather passed peacefully on Friday morning, January 26, 2007. Born December 22, 1915 in Roanoke, Virginia, where resided until his move to Bristol, Virginia in February 1960.
Edwin was a man of integrity and faced life with great courage. His wit, sense of humor and strength graced all of his days even up to his passing at age 91. His love of his family, love of reading and the art of being a true gentleman characterized his life.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 55 years, Irene Clara Fitzgerald. He is survived by his two daughters who were his joy, Sandra F. Parsell and Donna R. Fitzgerald. He was the father figure to his three grandchildren, Julie P. Marion, Chuck E. Parsell, & Bryce E. Fitzgerald. Also surviving, 5 great-granddaughters: Jordana M. Chambers, Jaclyn Marion, & Jillian Marion, Chloe Parsell, Celia Parsell, 2 great-grandsons: Christopher Parsell, Carter Parsell, 3 great, great-grandsons: Tobin, Josiah and Jude Chambers. He is also survived by grandson-in-law John I. Marion, Jr., granddaughter-in-law, Kathy Parsell and great-grandson-in-law, Matthew Chambers.
Edwin served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, retired from Gulf Oil Corp. after 31 years of service. He was the Charter President and life time member of the Bristol Goodson Lions Club and a member of Redeemer Lutheran Church.
A celebration of his life will be held Sunday, January 28, 2007 at 4:00 p.m. in the Forest Hills Chapel (located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens, 19415 Lee Highway) with Rev. Matthew Chambers officiating. Interment
will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Bryce Fitzgerald, John Marion, Jr., Hunter Perrin, Chuck Parsell, Philip Hutson, Rob Case, Jeff Stout. Honorary pallbearers will be the members of the Goodson Lions Club.
The family will receive friends Sunday, January 28, 2007 from 3:00-4:00 p.m. in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service.
Audrey Ensminger
Audrey Ensminger was born on May 10, 1926 to Edward and Ethel Cooke Bach in North Tonawanda, NY. She married Howard Ensminger, from Tonawanda, NY on September 14, 1946. The family moved to Abingdon in 1957 so that her husband could assume the role of Plant Manager for the Abingdon and Damascus plants of the Columbus McKinnon Corporation. She began working outside the home in the late 1960’s as Abingdon’s Welcome Wagon Hostess. She then worked as a receptionist at the Johnston Memorial Clinic until 1981. She was a long time member of the Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church followed by regular attendance at the Highlands Fellowship Church. She was a loving sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother and friend who will be missed and loved forever.
She was preceeded in death by her Father, Edward Charles Bach, mother, Ethel Cooke Bach, husband, Howard Ensminger, daughter – Sandra Lee Ensminger, sisters, Sally Kuczkowski and Betty Jane Tremble.
She is survived by: her brother, David Bach of Niagara Falls, NY; sister, Barbara Lehman of Niagara Falls, NY; daughter, Pam Siragusa of Commerce, GA; son, Mark Ensminger of Scappoose, OR; grandchildren, Christopher Siragusa of Commerce, GA and Lindsey Ensminger of Scappoose, OR; son-in-law, Charles Siragusa; daughter-in-law, Cherie Ensminger and her faithful dog, Sandy.
The funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, January 30, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. in the Farris Funeral Service Main Street Chapel with Pastor Jimmie Davidson officiating. Interment
will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park.
The family will receive friends Monday from 6:00-8:00 p.m. in the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be sent to the American Cancer Society, 230 Charwood Drive, Abingdon, VA 24210 or to the Valley Harvest Ministries, c/o the Ed & Kathy Bowers Mission, 161 McCarty Lane, Winchester, VA 22602.
Sheila Coleman
Sheila Ann Coleman, 48, went home to be with the Lord, Sunday, January 28, 2007, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was preceded in death by her father, Bradley D. Owens, Sr. and had been employed by Bristol Compressors and the Food City Deli.
She will always be remembered in our hearts as she was a loving wife, mother, nana, daughter and sister.
Survivors include her husband, Craig B. Coleman, Abingdon, VA; her son, Donnie Melvin, Abingdon, VA; her daughters, Cora Lee Melvin, Abingdon, VA and Heather Lynn Coleman of the home; her mother, Dorothy King, Abingdon, VA; her brothers and sisters-in-law: Brad and Wendy Owens, St. Petersburg, Florida; Johnny and Doris Owens, Newport News, VA; and Roger and Nancy Owens, Abingdon, VA; her grandchildren, Hunter Melvin and Belle Melvin; several nieces and nephews.
The funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, January 31, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Service Main Street Chapel with Rev. Jerry Eggers and Brother Ronnie Matney officiating. Interment
will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Donnie Melvin, Hunter Melvin, Stacy Bowers, Dennis Farmer, Greg Owens, Bryan Coleman, Barry Coleman, Tony Owens. Honorary pallbearers will be Brad Owens, Johnny Owens, Roger Owens, Albert Owens.
The family will receive friends Tuesday from 6-8 p.m. in the funeral home or anytime at the home of her mother, 16427 Southwood Drive, Abingdon, VA. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society, P. O. Box 246, Abingdon,VA 24212.
The family extends a special thanks to the 5th floor Nursing Staff at Johnston Memorial Hospital and to cousin Dennis Farmer and his wife Delores.
Claude Henry Sword
Claude Henry “Pokey” Sword, age 89, went to be with his Lord on Monday, January 29, 2007 while he was surrounded by his loving family.
Born on August 15, 1917 in the Cedar Bluff Community of Tazewell County, VA, he was a son of the late Marion Sword and Cora Kinder Sword. Claude had lived in Russell County before moving to Washington County.
Claude was a faithful husband to his wife of over 50 years, Ruth Taylor Sword, who preceded him in death. He was a wonderful father and Papa, a true and faithful friend, and Christian gentleman.
He served his country by serving in the U. S. Army during WW II and then retired from the U. S. Naval Service, Civil Service Division, as an aircraft mechanic.
He is survived by his family members: a son, Randy Sword and wife Sharon of Meadowview, VA; his daughters Judy Varnes and husband Jeff of Las Vegas, NV and Cheryl Harrison and Morris Yoder of Chesapeake, VA; his sisters, Hazel Cox of Richlands, VA and Irene Barnette of Leroy, MI; his grandchildren, Heather Zecher, Brian Sword and Amber Sword; and several nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to give a special thank you and recognition to the following for all their kindness, help and care shown to Claude during his illness over the past several months: Margaret Taylor, Margaret Helms, Chris Tester, Patti Wright and Morris Yoder; Intrepid Home Health Care especially Louise and Carl; Pastor Bob Neace; the staff of Michael’s Pharmacy; Naomi and Lisa and the staff of Hospice of Southwest Virginia; Damascus Volunteer Rescue Squad and everyone who kept him in their prayers.
The family will receive friends from 7:00 – 9:00 P. M. Tuesday, January 30, 2007, at the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. The funeral service will be conducted at 11:00 A. M. Wednesday, January 31, 2007 in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Bob Neace officiating. The graveside committal and burial service will follow at Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Military Graveside Honors provided by the Highlands Fellowship Honor Color Guard. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.
In place of flowers, the family suggests that those wishing to honor Claude’s memory make memorial donations to the Fundamental Missions, Inc. P. O. Box 6247, Norfolk, VA 23508.
Edith Spears Rasnake
Edith Spears Rasnake, age 84, died Monday, January 29, 2007 at her home.
Born on December 23, 1922 in Wise County, Virginia, Edith was a daughter of the late William Spears and Martha King Spears. She was also preceded in death by her beloved husband of over 60 years Leslie Remire Rasnake and her loving daughter-in-law, Mary Rasnake.
Edith was a loving mother, grandmother and great grandmother and was a beloved member of her community. She retired from the Statzer-Stout Cafe where she had been employed for over 30 years.
The family would like to give a special thank you to Dr. Martin Monahan and the staff of Johnston Memorial Hospital, the staff of Hospice of Southwest Virginia and the volunteers and staff of Meals on Wheels for the contribution they gave towards the care and quality of life for Edith.
Survivors include her daughters, Sherry Rasnake of Abingdon and Ginger Holmes and husband Preston of Damascus; her sons, Robert Spears and wife Dollie, Ronald Rasnake, Curtis Rasnake and wife Diana and Danny Rasnake and wife Nancy all of Abingdon; her brothers-in-law, Homer Honaker, Carson Rasnake and Dewey Rasnake; her sisters in-law Helen Spears and Lettie Perry; 15 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P. M. Wednesday, January 31, 2007 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service. A graveside funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 P. M. Thursday in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Pastor Bob Neace officiating. Burial will follow the service. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. In place of flowers the family has asked that memorial donations be made to the Abingdon Senior Citizens Center, 300 Senior Drive, Abingdon, VA 24210 or to the Hospice of Southwest Virginia, 325 Cummings Street, Abingdon, Virginia 24210.
