Minnie Fritz, 96, Big Stone Gap, Va.
BIG STONE GAP, Va. - Minnie Fritz, 96, passed away Wednesday (Jan. 30, 2002) at Lonesome Pine Hospital, Big Stone Gap, Va.
Born in Lee County, Va., she had resided in Big Stone Gap, Va. since 1925. She attended the West End Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew J. Fritz in 1982.
Surviving are one sister, Ruth Shetley, Spartanburg, S.C.; one brother, Ray Estep, Dayton, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Holding Funeral Home, Big Stone Gap, Va.
Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Garry Arnett officiating.
Burial will follow in Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, Big Stone Gap, Va.
Billy ‘Bill' Gibson, 60, Kingsport.
KINGSPORT - Billy "Bill" Con Gibson, 60, entered into rest Thursday (Jan. 31, 2002).
He was born in Scott County, Va. on Sept. 10, 1941 to the late Kate Gibson Light.
Including his mother, he was preceded in death by his stepfather, Orine "Ike" Light; half-sister, Shirley Morelock; and one brother, Roger Dale Light.
Survivors include two daughters, Crystal Gibson and Mrs. Joe (Lora) Sexton, all of Kingsport; two sisters, Mrs. Jerry (Shelby) Light, Rogersville and Mrs. Junior (Norma) Smith, Gate City, Va.; six brothers, Charles "Slick" Light and Junior Light, Sullivan Gardens, Chuck Sawyers, Ohio, Gene Sawyers, Jimmy Sawyers and Glen Sawyers, all of North Carolina; grandchildren, Ashley, Joseph "Bo", Justin and Amber Sexton; and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are from 5 to 7 p.m. today at Gate City Funeral Home and other times at the residence of Norma and Junior Smith's residence.
Services will be conducted at 7 p.m. today in the Gene Falin Memorial Chapel of the funeral home with Rev. Lewis Meade officiating.
Music will be provided by Junior Smith and the Family Tradition.
Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at Lawson Confederate Cemetery.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
The family will be meeting at 10:45 a.m. Saturday at the cemetery for graveside services.
The family request that in lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Gate City Funeral Home, P.O. Box 427, Gate City, Va. 24251 to help with funeral expenses.
Howard Harr, 75, Blountville.
BLOUNTVILLE - Howard L. Harr, 75, 324 Ethel Beard Road, died Thursday (Jan. 31, 2002) at Bristol Regional Medical Center.
Born Oct. 10, 1926, he was a lifelong resident of Sullivan County and a son of the late Henry and Ella Harr. Mr. Harr was a retired employee of the Sullivan County Board of Education. He was a carpenter, a brick mason and a U.S. Army and Navy veteran of World War II.
He was of the Baptist faith.
He was preceded in death by a son, Marty Kenneth Harr; a brother, Claude Allen Harr; and a sister, Margaret Hicks.
Surviving are his wife of 46 years, Eletha Harr; two sons, David Lee Harr and Jackie Wayne Harr, both of Kingsport; two daughters, Donna Kay Greear, Blountville and Tina Thacker, Bluff City; seven grandchildren; one great-granddaughter, Alexa Faith Greear; sister, Rosie Willen, Piney Flats and Kathline Ketron, Kingsport; and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are from 6 to 7:45 p.m. today at Weaver Funeral Home, Bristol.
Services will be conducted at 8 p.m. today in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Billy Gragg officiating.
Committal service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday at Gunnings Cemetery with military honors conducted by VFW Patton-Crosswhite Post No. 6975.
Pallbearers will be Clarence Blackburn, Gordan Harr, Gary Cross, Jim Leonard, David Beverly and James Pope.
E-mail condolences may be sent to www.weaverfuneralhome.net.
Martha J. Ison, 91, Kingsport.
KINGSPORT - Martha Jane Elkins Ison, 91, went to be with the Lord Thursday (Jan. 31, 2002) at the Greystone Health Care Center after a period of declining health.
Martha was born Dec. 27, 1910 in Partridge, Ky., a daughter of the late Bob and Pearly Mullins Elkins. She was of the Baptist faith and a homemaker.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Marion Ison in 1989; a son, James Dewey Ison in 1992; and a daughter, Polly Widener in 1999.
Surviving are her sons, Junior Ray Ison, Kingsport and Earnest Ison, Virginia; three daughters, Mary Sapp and Margie Stephens, both of North Carolina and Sallie Widener, Virginia; one sister, Rosie Mullins, Weber City, Va.; 25 grandchildren; 38 great-grandchildren; and two great-great-grandchildren.
Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. today in East Lawn Funeral Home.
Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Grady Lee officiating.
Burial and graveside services will follow in the East Lawn Memorial Park in the Garden of Everlasting I.
Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Leonard Lambert, 74, Rose Hill, Va.
ROSE HILL, Va. - Leonard (June) Lambert, 74, Cincinnati, Ohio, formerly of Harlan, Ky., passed away Wednesday (Jan. 30, 2002) at Deacon Hospital in Cincinnati, Ohio.
He was a retired factory worker for Chevrolet Motor Co. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army and served in Germany during World War II.
Mr. Lambert was a member of the Hide Park Bethlahem Methodist Church.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred Lambert.
Surviving are one daughter, Jenny Lynn Hoff and husband, Ron, Cincinnati, Ohio; two grandchildren, Doug and Amy Hoff; one great-grandson, Tyler Hopkins; one brother, the Rev. John D. Lambert, Harlan, Ky.; one sister, Elma Price, Fairborne, Ohio.
Calling hours are from 12 noon to 2 p.m. Saturday at Arney-Mullins Funeral Home, Rose Hill, Va.
Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. John D. Lambert officiating.
Burial will follow in the Morgan Cemetery in Rose Hill, Va. There will be a military graveside service.
Stewart Owen Light, 78, Kingsport.
KINGSPORT - Stewart Owen Light, 78, died at 9:40 a.m. Wednesday (Jan. 30, 2002) at Holston Valley Medical Center after a long illness.
Born in Sullivan County, Mr. Light graduated from Sullivan High School and attended Maryville College. He served in the U.S. Navy as a Naval Pilot during World War II.
He retired from Tennessee Eastman Company after 43 years and was a resident of Altera The Place of Kingsport for the past two years.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Nellie Mae Brown Light; parents, Rev. Roland Light and Mary Kate Light; one sister, Edith Light Cox; and one brother, Melvin G. Light.
Surviving are one brother, Harold R. Light and wife, Wanda Light, Kingsport; a sister-in-law, Valdene Light, Cookeville, Tenn.; two nieces, Melba Edwards and Pat Douthat, both of Kingsport.
Calling hours are from 6 to 7 p.m. today at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport.
Services will be conducted at 7 p.m. today in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. David Phipps officiating.
Graveside services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday in the Liberty Hill Cemetery in Mt. Carmel.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Pactolus United Methodist Church, 170 Pactolus Road, Kingsport, Tenn. 37663.
Honorary pallbearers will be relatives and friends.
Arlen E. Owens, 77, Kingsport.
KINGSPORT - Arlen E. "PeeWee" Owens, 77, died at 5:45 a.m. Thursday, (Jan. 31, 2002).
Born Dec. 13, 1924 in Ft. Blackmore, Va., he had been a resident of Kingsport for many years.
He was the son of the late Charlie and Lula Owens.
Mr. Owens served in the U. S. Navy during World War II. He retired from Blackburn News Agency in 1979 after 26 years service.
He was a faithful member of Macedonia Freewill Baptist Church where he had served as choir director and church clerk for several years.
He was preceded in death by his father on Oct. 9, 1982; his mother on Oct. 31, 1988; his first wife, Edna Owens on Oct. 24, 1986; an infant son, Russell in February 1950; and two sisters, Ina Owens and Ruth Owens.
Surviving are two daughters and a son-in-law, Linda and Bob Russell, Kingsport and Patti Hann, Jacksonville, Fla.; four grandsons, Robbie Russell, Church Hill, David Russell, Fall Branch, Marty Russell, Kingsport and Brad Hann, Jacksonville, Fla.; five great-grandchildren, Tyler, Jenny, Haley, Kayla and Marc; eight sisters, Mrs. Paul (Mary Lee) Dunn, Kingsport, Mrs. R.B. (Laura Kate) Lane, Weber City, Va., Mrs. Pat (Irene) Dingus, Rye Cove, Va., Mrs. Bill (Nina) Cox, Clinchport, Va., Mrs. Juanita Bledsoe, Rye Cove, Va., Mrs. Jay (Blanche) Gillenwater, Gray, Mrs. Carl (Clyde) Gillenwater, Midway, Va., and Mrs. Eddie (Ruby) Hass, Gate City, Va.; one brother, Paul Owens and wife, Ina Faye; ex-wife and special friend, Thelma Miller; several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, downtown.
Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday at Macedonia Freewill Baptist Church with Rev. Orville Rogers and Rev. Robert L. (Junior) Parker officiating.
Interment will be in Oak Hill Cemetery with military graveside rites conducted by the Charles DeWitt Byrd Post No. 3382 of the VFW.
Memorials may be given to Macedonia Freewill Baptist Church, 154 Anco Place, Kingsport, Tenn. 37664.
Pallbearers will be Larry Franklin, Justin Franklin and grandsons.
Honorary pallbearers will be the deacons and trustees of Macedonia Freewill Baptist Church.
Durward Randolph, Melbourne, Fla.
MELBOURNE, Fla. - LtC Durward W. Randolph, longtime resident of Melbourne, died at his home Tuesday (Jan. 29, 2002).
He was a veteran of World War II and the Korean War and was a retired Colonel from the U.S. Army.
He was active in the space coast and National Orchid Societies and a supporter of the Human Society and lover of all animals. He was a member of Pineda Presbyterian Church.
He was a loving husband and father.
Surviving are his wife of 58 years, Naoma P. Randolph; daughters, Denise R. (Mark) Freeman and Ruth Harshaw, Kingsport; sons, Michael of Arizona, Lorin of Kernersville, N.C., Dr. James (Elaine) of Salem, Ore., David (Julie) of Raleigh, N.C., Carl (Peggy) of Longmont, Co.; numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and a sister, Dothroy Linhart, California.
Funeral arrangements are private.
The family has asked that donations be made to the Hawkins County Humane Society in lieu of flowers or gifts.
Helen Kistner Ruth, 66, Kingsport.
KINGSPORT - Graveside services for Helen Kistner Ruth, 66, who passed away unexpectedly at her home on Tuesday (Jan. 29, 2002), will be at 11 a.m. today at East Lawn Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to the James H. Quillen Regional Heart Center, Foundation Department, West Ravine Road, Kingsport, Tenn. 37660.
Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport, is in charge of arrangements.
Wilma Aileen Blair, 80, Andover, Va.
ANDOVER, Va. - Wilma Aileen Blair, 80, passed away Sunday morning (Feb. 10, 2002) at her residence in Andover.
She was a member of the Andover United Methodist Church.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charlie Blair.
Surviving are two sons, Randy Blair, Appalachia, Va., and Rick Blair, Andover; one granddaughter, Fabin Blair, Andover; one grandson, Ryan Blair, Andover; one brother, Ben Smith, Nashville; two sisters, Faye Gillenwater, Hamilton, Ohio, and Jodie Silknitter, York, Pa.; two nieces, Candice Jervis and Becky Miller; one nephew, Mike Silknitter.
Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at the Roy A. Green Funeral Home, Appalachia, Va.
Services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Tuesday in the chapel of the funeral home with the Rev. Tony Nunley officiating.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Glencoe Cemetery, Big Stone Gap, Va.
Family and friends will serve as pallbearers.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Andover United Methodist Church or to the American Cancer Society.
Nellie Blakley, 87, Fall Branch.
FALL BRANCH - Nellie Cross Blakley, 87, Double Springs community, died at 10:30 p.m. Friday (Feb. 8, 2002) at her home after a brief illness.
She was a lifelong resident of the Double Springs community and was a member of Double Springs Baptist Church.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Sam and Maggie Cross; her husband, Orville D. Blakley (June 1999); one sister, Louise Crawford; and four brothers, Paul, Charlie Lee, Clarence and Zora Cross.
Surviving are her daughter, Anna B. Pope, Fall Branch; one son and daughter-in-law, Bobby and Barbara Blakley, Fall Branch; one grandson, Tony Blakley and wife, Gail, Powell, Tenn.; one granddaughter, Tammy Ann Roberts and husband, Eric, Arkansas; two great-granddaughters, Lexi Danielle Blakley and Samantha Kate Roberts; several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Double Springs Baptist Church and anytime at the home of her son, Bobby Blakley, 3100 Rock Springs Road, Kingsport.
Services will be conducted at 8 p.m. today at the church with the Rev. Amos Lockhart and the Rev. Michael Oaks officiating.
Music will be provided by the Servants Heart Trio.
Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday at Double Springs Baptist Church Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Tommy Sells, Dean Sells, Elvin Coffey, Fred Coffey, B.L. Blakley, George Blakley, Jimmy Hite and Leonard Crawford.
Memorials may be given to Double Springs Baptist Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Donald Cox, 2532 Rock Springs Road, Kingsport, Tenn. 37664.
The Fall Branch Chapel of Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes is serving the Blakley family.
Lois Blankenbeckler, 80, Gate City, Va.
GATE CITY, Va. - Lois Harris Blankenbeckler, 80, passed away Saturday (Feb. 9, 2002) at Brian Center.
She was born in Wise County on Sept. 26, 1921, and was the daughter of the late John C. Harris and Laura Mae Blankenbeckler Harris. She was a homemaker and a volunteer for Holston Valley Ladies Auxiliary.
Mrs. Blankenbeckler attended Faith Bible Tabernacle.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Ralph C. Blankenbeckler (Nov. 22, 2000); son, Larry G. Blankenbeckler; sisters, Mary Jane Hartsock and Sue Neal; and brothers, Roy C. Harris and Glen C. Harris.
Surviving are daughters and son-in-law, Judy and Ivan Peters, Gate, City, Va., Joyce Gose, Nickelsville, Va.; sons and daughters-in-law, Charles W. and Erica Blankenbeckler, Rio Rancho, N.M., Gary W. and Debbie Blankenbeckler, Morrison City, Va.; special daughters-in-law, Louise Kilgore Blankenbeckler, Hiltons, Va., Ann Salyer Blankenbeckler, Gate City, Va.; 13 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren; sisters, Beulah Lane, Clinton, Tenn., Hazel Charlton, Baileyton, Ellen Wyatt, Greeneville, and Ruby Arington, Knoxville; brothers, James C. Harris, Fall Branch, and Kyle Fred Harris, Greeneville; special caregivers, Helen McConnell and Nancy Lane; several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are from 6 to 9 p.m. today at Colonial Funeral Home, Weber City, Va., and anytime at the residences of Judy Peters and Gary Blankenbeckler.
Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Buford Blankenbeckler officiating. Music will be provided by Nancy and Donald Lane.
Burial will follow at Henry Family Cemetery (Snowflake community), Gate City.
Grandsons and grandsons-in-law will serve as pallbearers.
Honorary pallbearers will be Gene Davidson, Hank Rasnic, Glen Nickels, Mack Gilliam, Boyd Meade and Junior Jessee.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Faith Bible Tabernacle Fellowship Fund, Route 1, Box 21, Hiltons, Va. 24258.
Albert L. Dixon, Kingsport.
KINGSPORT - Graveside services for Albert L. Dixon, who went to be with the Lord Friday (Feb. 8, 2002), will be conducted at 11 a.m. today at Oak Hill Cemetery.
An on-line guest book may be signed at www.legacy.com.
Oak Hill Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Pearl Eaton, 92, Kingsport.
KINGSPORT - Pearl Eaton, 92, passed away Sunday (Feb. 10, 2002) at Wexford House.
Mrs. Eaton was born in Hawkins County and spent most of her life in Sullivan County. She was a member of Morrison Chapel United Methodist Church, a lifetime member of the PTA, and worked with the Republican Women's Organization.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Virgil Eaton; and son, Kenneth Eaton.
Survivors include her daughters, Nell Rose Flanary and husband Lawrence, Kingsport, Judy Coomer and husband Harry, Lafayette, La., Janie Kennedy, Kingsport; one son, C.D. Eaton and wife Debbie, Kingsport; daughter-in-law, Jean Eaton, Augusta, Ga.; 12 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; one sister, Nell Phillips, Church Hill; and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be from 1 to 2 p.m. Tuesday at Oak Hill Funeral Home.
Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday in the chapel of the funeral Home.
Graveside services will follow in Oak Hill Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial donations be made to Morrison Chapel United Methodist Church.
An on-line guest book may be signed at www.legacy.com
Ezra Gibson, 79, Kingsport.
KINGSPORT - Ezra Gibson, 79, of 1100 Robertson St., Apt. 15, went to be with the Lord Saturday (Feb. 9, 2002) at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center.
Born in Coeburn, Va., on Oct. 3, 1922, he was a retired coal miner.
Mr. Gibson was a member of the Full Gospel Church of Jesus Christ in Yuma, Va.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Wade and Elizabeth Gibson; brothers, L.D., Alan and Herd Gibson; and sisters, Vernie Harvey and Ethel Collins.
Surviving are his wife, Annie Mae Gibson, of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Carolyn and Eddie Hall of Church Hill; son, Roy Gibson of the home; grandchildren, Vicky Gibson of Florida, Stacy Gibson, Casey Gibson, Amanda Gibson, Dustin Gibson, Tommy Gibson, Missy Derrick, Tammy Derrick and Danny Hall, all of Kingsport; 14 great-grandchildren; sister, Susy Mae Gibson, Coeburn, Va.; and several nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the family at 1100 Robertson St., Apt. 15, Kingsport, Tenn. 37660.
Arrangements are incomplete and will be announced later by Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, downtown.
