Audrey Cox, 82, Fall Branch.
FALL BRANCH - Audrey Mae Fink Cox, 82, died Wednesday (June 12, 2002) in Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center after a brief illness.
Mrs. Cox was a member of First Baptist Church of Fall Branch.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Bruce and Matilda Fink; her husband, Oscar Cox; two sons, Johnny and Billy Cox; one brother and three sisters.
Surviving are three daughters and sons-in-law, Dorothy and Bill Hammonds, Kingsport, Anna Ruth and Frank Darnell, Fall Branch, Karen and Talmadge Bridges, Kingsport; two sons and daughters-in-law, James and Teresa Cox, Kingsport, Wayne and Janice Cox, Fall Branch; 17 grandchildren; several stepgrandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; one sister, Minnie Jones, Kingsport; several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at the Fall Branch Chapel of Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes.
Services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Friday in the Fall Branch Chapel with the Rev. Eugene Hammonds officiating.
Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday in East Lawn Memorial Park.
Grandsons will serve as pallbearers.
Jerry Lynn Cox, 53, Kingsport.
Graveside services with full military honors for Jerry Lynn Cox, 53, of 304 South Phoenix Court, Kingsport, who went to be with Jesus on Tuesday (June 11, 2002), will be at 11 a.m. today in the East Lawn Memorial Park in the Garden of David.
Pallbearers will be Kyle Chase, Clarence Crawford, Johnny Light, Marty Phillips, Randy Phillips, David Cline, Kenneth Conkin and Rudy Jones.
East Lawn Funeral Home is serving the Cox family.
Jesse M. Davis, 93, Rogersville.
ROGERSVILLE - Services for Jesse M. Davis, 93, of Choptack Road, born May 9, 1909, who passed this day 2002, 10th day of June, will be conducted at 11 a.m. today at Pleasant Hill Baptist Church with the Rev. Rex Morelock, the Rev. Robert Mallory and the Rev. Myers Davis officiating.
The body will lie in state one hour prior to the services at the church.
Committal services will follow at Highland Cemetery.
Honorary pallbearers will be Hawkins County Rescue Squad, Rogersville Fire Department, Lakeview Fire Department and the Rogersville Shrine Club.
Pallbearers will be Larry Southam, Ben Southam, Tim Davis, Dana Adkins, Patrick Carver, Johnny Lee and Wes McBrayer.
Colboch-Price Funeral Home, Rogersville, is in charge of arrangements.
Granville Dean, 88, Ewing, Va.
EWING, Va. - Granville Thompson Dean, 88, son of the late Grover and Mimmie Mink Dean, was born Sept. 8, 1913 and passed away Monday (June 10, 2002) at Lee Regional Medical Center in Pennington Gap, Va.
A lifelong resident of Lee County, Va., he was a retired farmer and furniture upholsterer. He was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church.
Mr. Dean was a veteran of World War II, serving in the U.S. Army and was the recipient of the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with four Bronze Stars and the Good Conduct Medtal.
He was preceded in death by two sons, James Louis Dean in 1992 and Harold Thompson Dean in 1995.
Surviving are his wife, Captolia Dean of Ewing, Va.; one daughter, Audra Sue and husband Roger Thomas of Rose Hill, Va.; three daughters-in-law, Margie Dean of Whiting, Ind., Millie Dean Lacket of Lockport, Ind., and Shirley Dean of Cicero, Ill.; two local grandchildren, Billy Thomas and Sharon Fee; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.
Military graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. today by the Charles DeWitt Byrd VFW Post #3382 of Kingsport in the Lee Family Cemetery in Rose Hill, Va.
Family and friends will meet at the cemetery.
Arney-Mullins Funeral Home, Rose Hill, Va., is in charge of arrangements.
William R. Ford, 84, Gray.
GRAY - William R. Ford, 84, of 801 Liberty Church Rd., went home to be with the Lord on Monday (June 10, 2002).
A native of Washington County, he was the son of the late William Samuel Ford and Evaline Barnes Ford. He retired from Tennessee Eastman Chemical Co. after 35 years of service on the guard force and was also a farmer.
Mr. Ford was a member of the Old Buffalo Ridge Baptist Church.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Elizabeth Ford Fitzgerald and Lucy Ford Carr.
Survivors include three daughters, Gladys Casey of Johnson City, Melva Harold and Lena Marshall, both of Gray; one son, Samuel Ford of Johnson City; 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are from 6 to 7 p.m. Friday in Gray Funeral Home Chapel, Gray, and other times at his residence, 801 Liberty Church Rd.
Services will be conducted at 7 p.m. Friday in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Gene Lasley officiating.
Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. Saturday in Gray Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Steve Oglesby, Hurley Jackson, Darrell Fitzgerald, Robert Hartley, Gary Edson, Scott Buckingham, Hack Arnett and Brice Light.
Ulysses Houston Jr., Norfolk, Va.
NORFOLK, Va. - Ulysses Houston Jr., born June 12, 1940 in Big Stone Gap, Va., passed from his earthly battle with diabetes on Saturday (June 8, 2002) at his residence in Virginia Beach.
Ulysses was the son of Kate Houston of Big Stone Gap, Va., and Ulysses Houston Sr. of Beckley, W.Va. He was medically retired March 16, 1972 at the rank of Staff Sergeant from the U.S. Air Force. He was a member of Davison's Chapel Methodist Church.
He joined the work force of Norfolk Naval Shipyard, Supply Department, Contracts Branch in November 1983 as a purchasing agent where he contracted for the supplies and services required to repair Navy vessels. In March 1999, he was promoted to supply technician in the Material Control Division where he continued to support the shipyard's requirements for ship repair and alterations. He was a professional throughout his career and never refused any work assigned to him. His family of friends and co-workers at the shipyard will miss his quiet but determined demeanor. He was the last true gentleman.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Shirley Houston.
Surviving are his daughter, Chanel Simpson of Norfolk, Va.; a son, Shaun T. Simpson of Williamsburg and their mother, Shirley Houston of Norfolk, Va.; sister, Carolyn Withers of Big Stone Gap, Va.; brother-in-law, Charles Simpson of Norfolk, Va.; three nieces, Penny, Dayna and Kayla; three nephews, Robert, William and Charles; a great-niece, Raina; two great-nephews, Robert and Nicholas; and many other friends and relatives.
Friends may call from 12 noon to 1 p.m. Saturday at Holding Funeral Home in Big Stone Gap, Va.
Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Saturday in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Sandra Jones and the Rev. Ronnie Mutter officiating.
Burial will be in the Oak View Cemetery with military graveside services conducted by the Norton VFW Post 4301 and the Wise DAV Chapter 56.
David Edward Jones, 26, Kingsport.
KINGSPORT - David Edward Jones, 26, born May 21, 1976, left this earthly existence for his heavenly existence unexpectedly Tuesday (June 11, 2002).
His kind heart and loving soul is now with the angels and in the arms of the Lord, and we thank Him for the time that he gave to us with him on this earth.
Surviving are his parents, Van and Vickie Jones, Kingsport; one sister, Lori Jones, Kingsport; one very special niece, Gabrielle Jones; maternal grandparents, Leslie and JoAnn Gilley, Mount Carmel; paternal grandparents, Paul and Anna Lee Jones; uncle, David Gilley, Church Hill; several other aunts and uncles; several cousins; several very special friends who have been here to support him through the last several months.
Calling hours are from 7 to 9 p.m. today at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport.
Services will be conducted at 9 p.m. today in the funeral home chapel with Dr. Phil Hoskins officiating.
Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday in Oak Hill Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Bo Corum, Drew Holbert, Hunter Holbert, Travis Baker, Shane Pierson, Jason Pless, Brian Barnette and Ben Smith.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Project Hope, 1701 Virginia Street, The Dickson Center, Suite 39, Kingsport, Tenn. 37664.
Agnes Potter Nelson, 87, Christiansburg, Va.
CHRISTIANSBURG, Va. - Agnes Potter Nelson, 87, formerly of Big Stone Gap, Va., died Tuesday (June 11, 2002) at Skyline Manor Nursing Home in Floyd, Va.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles R. Nelson; parents, Willie and Hattie Potter; and brother, Bill Potter.
Mrs. Nelson retired from Central Supply Company of Andover, Va., after 36 years of service. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church, Big Stone Gap, Va.
Survivors include her daughter and son-in-law, Shirley and Tom Studebaker, Christiansburg, Va.; two sons and daughters-in-law, John and Hattie Nelson, Lincoln, Maine, Rob and Michelle Nelson, Centreville, Va.; 10 grandchildren, Kelly and wife, Laura, Belinda, Lisa, Nicholas, Matthew, Jennifer, Colleen, Johnnie Lynn and Charlie; a sister, Nell Wright, Raleigh, N.C.; a brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Margaret Potter, Big Stone Gap, Va.; a sister-in-law, Marie Potter, St. Mary's, Ga.; a sister-in-law, Helen Nelson, Arcadia, Fla.; special friend, Jessie Rose, Big Stone Gap, Va.; and many nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Holding Funeral Home, Big Stone Gap, Va.
Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Saturday from Glencoe Cemetery, Big Stone Gap, with the Rev. George Aichel officiating.
Creed E. Osborne, 77, Weber City, Va.
WEBER CITY, Va. - Creed E. Osborne, 77, of Dogwood Drive, departed this life Wednesday (June 12, 2002) at Indian Path Medical Center.
Survivors and arrangements will be announced later by Scott County Funeral Home, Weber City, Va.
Barbara Jenne Ray, Hiltons, Va.
HILTONS, Va. - Barbara Jenne Ray died at 3 p.m. Thursday (June 6, 2002) at Holston Valley Medical Center after a long illness.
Born July 12, 1936, she was a native of San Diego, Calif., and had resided in the Hiltons, Va., area for 19 years.
She was of the Protestant faith.
Surviving are her husband, Kenneth Ray; two sons, Kenneth Lee and Steven Lee Ray; a daughter, Debra Lee Ray; several grandchildren.
Services will be conducted at 3 p.m. Friday (June 14, 2002) at Mountain Home Veteran's Cemetery in Johnson City.
John Rivera, 74, Fall Branch.
FALL BRANCH - Graveside services for John Paul Montero Rivera, 74, who died Sunday (June 9, 2002), will be held at 11 a.m. today at Mountain Home National Cemetery with military rites conducted by Charles DeWitt Byrd Post #3382 of the V.F.W.
The Fall Branch Chapel of Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes is in charge of arrangements.
Beulah Robinette, 98, Myrtle Beach S.C.
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - Beulah Beatrice Chesnutt Robinette, 98, formerly of Rogersville, went to her heavenly home Monday (June 10, 2002) at Conway Hospital, Conway, S.C.
She was born Nov. 7, 1903 in Hawkins County, Tenn. She was a graduate of East Tennessee Teachers College. She retired from the Hawkins County School System after 36 years of service.
She was a member of Marion Robinette Memorial Primitive Baptist Church.
Mrs. Robinette had made her home for the last 15 years in Myrtle Beach, S.C., with her daughter and family.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Hillery Robinette; parents, Charles and Eliza Chesnutt; sisters, Mary Lee Mays, Gertrude Haynes and Alisa Walker; and brother, Roy Chesnutt.
Surviving are daughters and sons-in-law, Judy and Virgil Ferrell, Myrtle Beach, S.C., Suella and Vergil Pope, Kingsport, and Karlene Robinette Herther, Abingdon, Va.; son and daughter-in-law, I.H. (Ike) and Mary Robinette, Kingsport; eight grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Polly Ward, Maryville, Tenn.; and several nieces and nephews.
Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Colboch-Price Funeral Home, Rogersville.
Services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Friday in the funeral home chapel with Elder John Arnott officiating.
Interment will follow in Providence (County Line) Cemetery.
An on-line sympathy card may be sent at judyrferrell@hotmail.com.
Homer Skelton, 80, Church Hill.
Services for Homer Charles Skelton, 80, 220 Fern St., Church Hill, who passed away Tuesday (June 11, 2002), will be conducted at 8 p.m. today in the chapel of Johnson Funeral Home, Church Hill, with the Rev. Bud Beverly officiating.
Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home, and anytime at the residence.
Graveside services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Friday at Church Hill Memory Gardens by the Hawkins County Color Guard.
Contributions may be made to the Church Hill Healthcare activity fund (bird aviary).
Pallbearers will be Roger Bailey, Tim Simpson, Jimmy Arnold, Ralph Blair, Gene Bradshaw, Ron Skelton Jr., Timmy Simpson, Johnny Skelton, Dale Hannah, Dick Wallace and Greg Skelton.
To leave an online message or sign guest registry for the Skelton family, please visit www.johnsonfuneralhome.org.
Raymond Strickler, 61, Gray.
GRAY - Raymond G. (JR) Strickler, 61, passed away at 1 a.m. Tuesday (June 11, 2002) at the Johnson City Medical Center Emergency Room after an apparent heart attack.
Raymond was born November 16, 1940 in Kingsport, a son of the late Raymond G. Strickler Sr., who passed away June 10, 1991, and Margaret Chase Strickler of Kingsport. He was employed by Weyerhaeuser of Kingsport and was a member of Fall Creek Baptist Church.
He was an avid fisherman, hunter, carpenter and a hard worker.
In addition to his father, he was preceded in death by a sister, Ora Whitman.
Survivors include his wife, Nancy Hobbs Strickler of the home; daughters and sons-in-law, Kimberly Carol and Rev. Brian Hollaway of Clinton, Tenn., Leslie Kathleen and Philip Charles Kosinski of Powell, Tenn.; a son and daughter-in-law, Rick and Donna Strickler of Erwin; three grandchildren, Brandon Douglas Hollaway, Britney Carol Hollaway and Alexandra Kathleen Kosinski; his mother, Margaret Chase Strickler of Kingsport; sisters, Barbara Robinette of Kingsport, Linda Johnson of Gate City, Va., and Carolyn Hobbs of Kingsport; a brother, James (Steve) Strickler of Kingsport.
Calling hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at East Lawn Funeral Home.
Services will be conducted at 8 p.m. today in the funeral home chapel with the Rev. Danny West officiating.
Graveside services will be at 11 a.m. Friday in the East Lawn Memorial Park in the garden of the Mausoleum. Family and friends will meet in the chapel of the funeral home for a service.
Ronald Widner Sr., Abingdon, Va.
ABINGDON, Va. - Ronald "Ron" Widner Sr. died Tuesday (June 11, 2002) at his home.
He had lived most of his life in the Bristol area and was the son of the late Paul H. Widner and Violet Mullins Widner.
He was a former employee of Bristol Compressors and a veteran of the U.S. Army, serving during the Vietnam War.
He was of the Baptist faith.
Survivors include his wife of 16 years, Katherine Widner; son, Ronald Widner Jr.; three daughters, Lee Isaacson, Rebecca Mitchell and Jennie Lowe; nine grandchildren; one daughter-in-law, Deidra Widner; stepson, Eric Wadell; sisters, Sally Melnick and Kathy Morton; brother, Paul Widner; and 14 other sisters and brothers; very special cousin, Lois Slagle.
Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. today at the Weaver Funeral Home, Bristol, Tenn.
Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Friday at the graveside in the Mountain Home National Cemetery with the Rev. Gary Garland and the Rev. James Statzer officiating. Military honors will be conducted by the VFW Patton Crosswhite Post No. 6975 of Bristol.
Condolences may be sent to the family via e-mail to www.weaverfuneralhome.net.
