Granville J. Owens
Mr. Granville J. Owens, 88, died Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2002, in Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was a native of Dickenson County amd a graduate of Hiwassee College and East Tennessee State University. Mr. Owens was a retired teacher and principal in the Dickenson County and Washington County School Systems, was formerly employed at Harmon Coal Co. and Mid Mountain Foods and was a member of Greendale Chapel Church. He was an avid reader and a fan of the Atlanta Braves baseball team. Mr. Owens was preceded in death by a son, Alex Owens; a grandson, Scott Boatwright; and son-in-law, Steve Wingo. Survivors include his wife, Mrs.Virchel Deel Owens; two sons, Glenn Owens of Haysi and Bryan Owens of Bristol Virginia; three daughters, Joyce Boatwright and Jean Wingo, both of Bristol Virginia, and Mary Minton of Abingdon; one brother, Leon Owens of Palatka, Fla.; two sisters, Gaynell Duty of Palatka and Ruby Deel of Prater, Va.; 10 grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. A funeral service will be conducted at 1:00 p.m., Thursday, December 5, 2002 in the Chapel of Memories Mausoleum at Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Rev. Jerry Eggers officiating. The family will receive friends following the service or anytime at the home. Pallbearers will be grandsons and sons-in-law. Honorary pallbearers will be residents and staff of West Haven Retirement Home and The Men of Greendale Chapel Church. In place of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Greendale Chapel Church.

Sandra S. Coleman
Mrs. Sandra Dee Shortridge Coleman, age 39, passed away Tuesday, December 3, 2002 in the Johnston Memorial Hospital. Sandra was a native of Buchanan County, Va., and had lived there before moving to Abingdon in 1990. She was a member of the West Main Street Freewill Baptist Church and a 1982 graduate of Grundy High School, where she was selected by Who's Who. She was a hairdresser and owned and operated "If It's Hair." Survivors include her husband, Ronnie Coleman; a daughter, McKalia Janelle Coleman; her parents, Dee and Janice Compton Shortridge, all of Abingdon. The funeral service will be conducted Saturday, Dec. 7, 2002, at 1 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow in the Mountain View Untied Methodist church Cemetery. Casketbearers will be Mark Cole, Bill Nunley, Bruce Roberson, Clayton Keen, Tom Watson, Joe Naffah, Paul Taylor and Byron Johnson. Honorary casketbearers will be the congregation of the West Main Street Freewill Baptist Church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the West Main Street Freewill Baptist Church, 1147 W. Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210. The family will receive friends Thursday and Friday after 6 p.m. in the funeral home with a service to be conducted Thursday at 7 p.m. by Pastor Willis Osborne and a service to be conducted Friday at 7 p.m. by Elder Roger Coleman and Elder Frank O'Quinn.

Clayton G. Lockhart
Mr. Clayton G. Lockhart, age 78, of Abingdon, Virginia, died Friday, December 6, 2002 at Johnston Memorial Hospital. Clayton was born March 14, 1924 in Panther, West Virginia and was a resident of Abingdon for thirty years. He was a graduate of Iaeger High School in Iaeger WV and served in the Unites States Army Air Force in World War II, receiving an honorable discharge in October of 1945. Upon his return from the service, Clayton served as a conductor with Norfolk and Western Railway and retired in 1985 with thirty eight years of service. Clayton was a member and deacon of the Victory Baptist Church, where he faithfully attended for twenty years. He was an avid outdoorsman, enjoying hunting and fishing with many of his church and railroad friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Florence and George Lockhart, two brothers, Chilton (Chick) Lockhart and Shirley (PD) Lockhart. Clayton is survived by his wife of fifty years, Chela Ann England Lockhart, two daughters, Rhonda Lockhart of Columbus, NC and Nancy Lockhart McFarland of Spartanburg, SC; two grandchildren, Clayton Blaine Lockhart McFarland and Allison Elizabeth Lockhart McFarland both of Spartanburg, SC. The funeral service will be conducted Saturday, December 7, 2002 at 5:45 p.m. in the Victory Baptist Church, Bristol, VA with Dr. Austin Cook, Rev. Joel Cook and Rev. Howard Robinson officiating. A committal graveside service will be conducted Sunday, December 8, 2002 at 2:30 p.m. in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Those attending the service Sunday are asked to assemble in the Colonial Chapel Mausoleum at the cemetery for the service. Casketbearers will be Roger McCracken, George Price, Lloyd Duty, john Brewer, J.B. McReynolds and Garland Taylor. Honorary Casketbearers will be Charlie Hawkins, Dale Cook, Bob Guffy, Raymond Barrett, Ray Edwards, Harrison James, Charles Brooks, Howard Roop, Clinton Asbury. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, P.O. Box 246, Abingdon, VA 24212 or to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 2680, North Canton, Ohio 44720. The family will receive friends Saturday from 4:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. in the Victory Baptist Church.

Marveen N. Marbury
Mrs. Marveen N. Marbury, 73, died Friday, Dec. 6, 2002, at the Bristol Wellmont Hospice House in Bristol Tennessee. She was a native of Pennsylvania and was a daughter of the late David C. Coleman and Theresa Tross Coleman. She was preceded in death by her sister, Virginia. Mrs. Marbury was a member of the Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church and was a longtime volunteer with Johnston Memorial Hospital's Blood Drive Program and the Depot Artist Association as well as numerous other volunteer organizations. She is survived by her husband, Ralph E. Marbury Jr.; a daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Jim White of Abingdon; a son and daughter-in-law, Robert and Cathy Marbury of Alpharetta, Ga.; a brother, David Coleman of Florida; a sister, Dorothy DeStout of Florida; and three grandchildren, Jane, Daniel and Steven. A memorial service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, Dec. 9, 2002, in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Pastor Robert Tolar officiating. In place of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations in memory of Mrs. Marbury be made to the Bristol Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele's Road, Bristol, Tenn., or Sinking Spring Presbyterian Church, 136 E. Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210. The family of Ms. Marbury wishes to thank the nurses and staff of Bristol Wellmont Hospice House for their kindness and dedication that they provided to Mrs. Marbury and her family.

Robert S. Richardson
Mr. Robert Sawyers (Bobby) Richardson, age 72, of Abingdon, died Saturday, December 7, 2002 at Grace Healthcare in Abingdon. Mr. Richardson was a native of Washington County. He served in the United States Marine Corps and was a member of American Legion Post #136. Survivors include one son, Stephen Atwood Richardson of Somersville, FL; three grandchildren; one brother, Thomas S. Richardson of Meadowview; three sisters, Cora Lee Richardson Faust of Bristol, Janie W. Richardson Reynolds of Miamisburg, OH, and Lois Joann Richardson Casey of Abingdon; several nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held Sunday, December 8, 2002 at 8:00 p.m. at Farris Funeral Chapel with Rev. Stephen Ray Richardson officiating. The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Sunday prior to the service. Interment will be private at a later date.

Ronnie W. Osborne, Sr.
Mr. Ronnie Wayne Osborne, Sr., age 61, of Abingdon died Tuesday, December 10, 2002, at Johnston Memorial Hospital. A native and lifelong resident of Washington County, Mr. Osborne was a graduate of Damascus High School and was a member of Abingdon Baptist Church. Survivors include his wife, Judy Osborne; father, Robert Millard (R. M.) Osborne of Damascus; one son, R. W. Osborne, Jr. and wife Patricia of Edgewater, FL; one daughter, Ronda Phillips and husband Charles of Bristol, TN; two brothers, Bob Osborne of Damascus and Danny Osborne of Meadowview; three sisters, Claudine Owen of South Boston, VA, Peggy Osborne of Damascus and Kay Seymore of Abingdon; one granddaughter, Whitney Danielle Osborne. Funeral Services will be held Thursday, December 12, 2002 at 2:30 p.m. in the Abingdon Baptist Church with Dr. Steven W. Pollard, pastor of Abingdon Baptist Church, Rev. Joe W. Chandler of Knoxville, TN, and Rev. Russell Cole, Minister of Education and Youth of Abingdon Baptist Church officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends Wednesday, December 11, 2002 beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Farris Funeral Service. Pallbearers will be Michael Seymore, Mike Osborne, David Osborne, Darren Akers, John Crigger, Sr., Ray Eskew, Charles Grogan and James Fullen. Honorary pallbearers will be members of all Sunday School classes of Abingdon Baptist Church, doctors and nurses in Abingdon and Charlottesville who ministered to Ron, and his friends and neighbors. Floral arrangements are welcomed or contributions may be made to Abingdon Baptist Church, Building Fund, 361 West Main St., Abingdon, VA 24210.

Clarence C. Martin
Mr. Clarence Clayton "Petey" Martin, age 50, passed away Tuesday, December 10, 2002, in the Johnston Memorial Hospital. He was born in Loudon County, VA and was a lifelong resident of Washington County. He was preceded in death by his father, Charles Martin, Jr. and a brother, Danny Charles Martin. Survivors include his mother, Lucille Martin of Abingdon; two brothers, Rick Martin and Kenny Martin both of Abingdon; two sisters, Shirley Denton of Bristol, TN and Tammy Martin of Abingdon. The funeral service will be conducted Thursday, December 12, 2002 at 12:30 p.m. at the graveside in the Mountain View Methodist Cemetery with Mr. Bill Denton officiating. Those attending the service may assemble at the cemetery. There will be no visitation at the funeral home.

Bobby H. Kestner
Mr. Bobby Harold Kestner, 62, died Tuesday at Bristol Regional Medical Center. A native of Damascus, Mr. Kestner worked as a machine operator in the furniture business. He was of the Baptist faith. Survivors include two sons, Tim Kestner and Randy Kestner, both of Granite Falls, N.C.; one daughter, Denise Miller of Claremont, N.C.; two brothers, Doug Kestner and Roger Kestner, both of Damascus; three sisters, Anne Kestner of Glade Spring, Linda Prunner of Bristol Tennessee and Brenda Kestner of Randleman, N.C.; eight grandchildren; one great-grandchild. Funeral services will be held Friday, Dec. 13, 2002, at 2 p.m. at Farris Funeral Chapel. Bill Hamm will officiate. Interment will follow in Old Glade Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bobby Morrison, David Kestner, Henry Kestner, Chris Kestner, Bruce Kestner and Sam Kestner. The family will receive friends from 6-9 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home.

Verlin G. Altizer
Mr. Verlin Grant Altizer, 77, died Tuesday, Dec. 10, 2002, in the Johnston Memorial Hospital. Mr. Altizer was born on Oct. 3, 1925, in Berwind, W.Va., to his parents, G.H. and Blanche Altizer. He was a 1942 graduate of Tazewell High School and in February 1943, volunteered for the U.S. Navy, receiving an honorable discharge in 1946. He attended the University of Chicago and the National Trade School in Kansas City, Mo. He was a member of the Shady Grove United Methodist Church, Abingdon. Verlin spent 50 plus years with the Pocahontas Fuel Company, Consolidation Coal Company and the Pittston Company, retiring in 1988, and then remained a consultant until 1998. He married Anna Jean Owens on Dec. 17, 1948. Survivors include his wife, Anna Jean Owens Altizer; his children and their spouses, David and Carol Altizer, Tazewell, Va., Nancy and Buell Cook, St. Louis, Mo., Mark and Ann Altizer, Abingdon and Greg and Kim Altizer, Gastonia, N.C.; his mother, Blanche Altizer, Tazewell; his sisters, Catherine Karnes and Cleo Bradley, both of Tazewell; his grandchildren, Riley Altizer Flynn and husband, John, Leslie Altizer, Grant Cook, Kate Altizer, Corey Altizer, Amelia Altizer and Alexis Altizer. The funeral service will be conducted Saturday, Dec. 14, 2002, at 1 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Reverend William Fowler and Reverend Don Watkins officiating. Entombment will be private. Honorary pallbearers will be Dr. Ellison Conrad, Jack Chambers, Harold Deitz, Dr. Alan Grantham, Dr. Thomas Johnson, Tyler Nuckols, Dr. William Nuckols, Dr. Emory Robinette, Oscar Vecellio and Robert White. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Johnston Memorial Hospital Administrative Office, 351 Court St., N.E., Abingdon, VA 24210. (Please mark CCU on your check). The family will receive friends Friday from 4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. and immediately following the service on Saturday in the funeral home.

William F. Tate
Mr. William Fred Tate, 70, passed away Monday, Dec. 9, 2002, in the Grace Health Care of Abingdon. Fred is survived by several brothers and sisters. The funeral service will be conducted Thursday, Dec. 12, 2002, at 10:30 a.m. at the graveside in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Mr. Bill Reece officiating. Those attending the service on Thursday are asked to assemble at the cemetery. There will be no visitation in the funeral home.

Paige Fletcher
Paige Fletcher, age 39, died Thursday, December 12, 2002 at the Wellmont Bristol Regional Medical Center. She was born in Abingdon and had lived most of her life in the Abingdon area. Paige was a graduate of Abingdon High School, Class of 1981 and attended Ferrum College where she participated in many activities, including cheerleading. She was a caring and loving person and will be remembered for her great love of children, animals and flowers. Paige was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Holland and Mable Fletcher. She is survived by her mother, Vicki Harris Fletcher of Charlotte, NC; father and step-mother, Tom & Betsy Fletcher of St. Paul, VA; sister, Josie Holland Fletcher of Raleigh, NC; her maternal grandparents, J.C. Harris, Jr. and Kathryn Puckett Harris of Abingdon; uncles, Kyle Fletcher and wife Doris of St. Paul, VA, Jason C. Harris III and wife Judy of Abingdon; aunts, Gloria J. Harris of Charlotte, NC, Barbara Harris Farris and husband David M. Farris of Abingdon; special cousins, Kimberly Farris Luke and family, David M. Farris II and family, Kelly Farris and family, Brooke Harris Bunn and family, Jason C. Harris IV, Jennifer Harris, Hubert Fletcher and family, Michael Fletcher and family and Kevin Fletcher and family. The funeral service for Paige Fletcher will be conducted at 3:00 p.m., Sunday, December 15, 2002 in the Abingdon United Methodist Church with Rev. Bill Rowland, Rev. Betty Reiff and Rev. Mike Moore officiating. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Casketbearers will be Kelly Farris, David Farris II, Jason C. Harris IV, Kevin Fletcher, Bob Luke and Jimmy Gentry. Honorary casketbearers will be Hubert Fletcher, Michael Fletcher, Tim Morgan, Tim Cox, Patty Canonico, Erica Dye, Virginia Fullen and Sheila Hill. Flowers are welcome and memorial gifts may be made to Ecumenical Faith in Action, P.O. Box 2419, Abingdon, VA 24212. The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m., Saturday, December 14, 2002 at the funeral home.

Thomas E. Thomas
Mr. Thomas Earl Thomas, 68, died Friday, December 13, 2002. Mr. Thomas was a native and lifelong resident of Washington County. He was a member of the Church of God of Prophecy in Glade Spring and was retired from Westinghouse. He was preceded in death by his parents, Samual Thomas and Lucy Thomas; and his brother, Freddie Thomas. Survivors include his wife, Claudine Sweat Thomas, and one son, Randall Earl Thomas, both of Glade Spring; one daughter, Rebecca Gayle and husband, Billy Pavlick of Myrtle Beach, S.C.; one grandson, Randall Scott Thomas of Glade Spring; three brothers, Stewart Thomas of Marion, Jerry Thomas of Abingdon, and Larry Thomas of Glade Spring; sisters, Earnestine (Tennie) Thomas and Frances Thompson, both of Glade Spring, Anna Mae (Frog) Cardwell of Saltville and Wanda Harris of Saltville; a sister-in-law, Ollie Thomas of Glade Spring; and a special aunt, Lottie Holley of Glade Spring. Funeral services will be held Monday, December 16, 2002 at 1 p.m. at Farris Funeral Chapel. Rev. Geary Jonas, Rev. Robert Lanter and Rev. Jerry Anders will officiate. Interment will follow in Mount Rose Cemetery in Glade Spring. Pallbearers will be his nephews, Nathan Thomas, Steve Thomas, Ronald Thomas, Jeff Sweat, Frankie Gregory and Jesse Fore. The Mens Bible Class of the Church of God of Prophecy will form an honorary escort. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 6-9 p.m. at Farris Funeral Service.

Roberta T. Eastridge
Roberta Terry Eastridge passed away at her residence on Saturday morning, Dec. 14, 2002, after an extended illness. She was a caring wife, mother and grandmother. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. Heaven just received another angel. She was a life-long resident of Washington County, Va. She was the daughter of the late King Terry and Mattie Terry Curd Poston. She was preceded in death by her husband, Timothy James Eastridge; a brother, Charlie Terry; and a sister, Doris Smith. She is survived by five daughters, Dorothy Davenport of Abingdon, Mrs. Daniel (Peggy) Bishop of Richmond, Mrs. Michael (Mary Rachel) Collum of Houlton, Maine, Mrs. Ernest (Laura) Davenport of Abingdon and Mrs. Shawn (Jeanie) Morgan of Glade Spring; two sons and daughters-in-law, Roy and Linda Eastridge and James Elmer and Debbie Eastridge, all of Charlotte, N.C.; and five brothers, Stuart Terry of Bristol Virginia, John Terry of Meadowview, Epperson Terry of Rural Retreat, J.D. Terry of Castlerock, Wash., and Morris Curd of Meadowview. She is also survived by 20 grandchildren; and 23 great-grandchildren. A funeral service for Roberta Terry Eastridge will be conducted Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2002, at 3 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Rev. Leonard Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be her grandsons, Joey Davenport, Timmy Eastridge, David Casey, Josh Morgan, Gary Thomas and David Pollard. Honorary pallbearers: Michael Davenport, Adam Eastridge, Allen Eastridge, Lee Eastridge, Justin Morgan, Walter Pollard and Kevin Campbell. A very special thanks goes to Hospice of Southwest Virginia, most especially to Tom Peery, Louise Slone, Sandy Rife, Stephanie Hall and Deborah Watkins. Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Diabetes Association.

Kathryn S. Lester
Mrs. Kathryn Steele Lester, 90, died Friday, Dec. 13, 2002, at the Sunnyside Presbyterian Retirement Center in Harrisonburg. Born in Tazewell County, Va., she was a daughter of the late Edgar Steele and Bennie Thompson Steele. She was preceded in death by her husband, Fred B. Lester Sr. She was a former resident of Washington County before moving to Sunnyside Retirement Center in 1985. She was a member of the Maple Grove Presbyterian Church. Mrs. Lester is survived by her children, Fred B. Lester Jr. of Bristol Virginia, James Lester of Bristol Tennessee and Linda Sutherland of Abingdon; three sisters, Margaret Moneymaker of Williamsburg, Va., and Louise Watt and Virginia Farmer, both of Sunnyside Retirement Center in Harrisonburg; a brother, Edgar Steele of Richmond; three grandchildren, Kevin Lester, Shawn Lester and Scottie Lane and four great-grandchildren, Jared, Audra, Zachary and Shauna. The funeral service will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2002, in the Maple Grove Presbyterian Church with Rev. Stephen Talbert officiating. Interment will follow in the Church Cemetery. Casketbearers will be David Wilson, Wilburn Necessary, John Bowers Jr., Kevin Lester, Scottie Lane and Jared Lester. Honorary casketbearers will be Paul Countiss, James Wilson, Warren White, John K. Lester, Charlie McReynolds and Fred Sutherland Sr. In place of flowers, the family asks that memorial donations be sent to the Sunnyside Retirement Center, 100 Sunnyside Lane, Harrisonburg, VA 22801. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home or any time at the home of her daughter, Linda Sutherland, 21011 Hall Road, Abingdon, Va.

Jerry K. Fullen
Jerry Kenneth Fullen, 57, passed away Saturday, Dec. 14, 2002, at the Grace Healthcare Center. He was a native of West Virginia and had lived most of his life in Bristol Tennessee. He was loved by all he met because of his kindness, gentleness and love for all. Jerry was a loving brother and a very special uncle. He is survived by two brothers, Ben Fullen of Ohio and J.B. Fullen of North Carolina; special sister-in-law and caregiver, Frances Fullen of Bristol Tennessee; and several nieces and nephews, including, Debbie Gaminde and Donna Fogleman of Abingdon, Diana Gaminde of Charlotte, N.C., Mark Fullen of Eastern Virginia, Blake Fullen of Atlanta, Tim, Darlene and Jamie Fullen of North Carolina, and J.B. Fullen Jr. of England; and a very special friend, Louise Anderson. A funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2002, at 11 a.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Richard Gaminde, minister, officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 7-9 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be James Ling, Chris Reynolds, Junior Williamson, Ricky Tester, Doug Carrier and Jim Fogleman.

Virginia M. Buckles
Mrs. Virginia Moore Buckles went to be with the Lord, Tuesday, Dec. 17, 2002. She was the daughter of the late Samuel Moore and Lilly Ester Moore of Meadowview, and was preceded in death by her husband, William R. Buckles; and a son, William S. Buckles. Survivors include her husband, W.D. Young Jr.; daughters, Barbara Woodward, Kissimmee, Fla., and Bettie Minton, Abingdon; a son, Joe Buckles, Abingdon; sisters, Mable Hagy and Margaret Jones, both of Chilhowie, Beulah Hilliard, Kingsport; a brother, Samuel V. Moore, Raleigh, N.C.; seven grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be conducted Thursday, Dec. 19, 2002, at 2 p.m. at the graveside in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Dr. Carl Young officiating. Pallbearers will be Bill Buckles, Josh Buckles, Jonah Buckles, Adam Buckles, Erik Hinchey and Gino Vindetti. Those attending the service on Thursday are asked to assemble at the funeral home by 1:30 p.m. The procession to the cemetery will leave the funeral home at 1:45 p.m. There will be no visitation in the funeral home but friends may call at the home of the son, Joe Buckles, 15116 Cloudview Road, Abingdon, following the service on Thursday.

Kimberly T. Popp
Kimberly Susan Townes Popp died Saturday, Dec. 14, 2002. She was a member of the St. Paul Episcopal Church and was preceded in death by her father, Thomas "Mutt" Townes; a sister, Teresa Harrison; her grandparents, Harvey and Martha Fogleman; and her aunt, Joyce Anderson. She is survived by her mother, Anna Lee Laws of Abingdon; special friends, Paul Pyle of Bristol Virginia and Jim Smith of Abingdon; stepsister, Lisa Laws of Atlanta; an aunt, Patty Allison of Bristol Tennessee; cousins, Joel Allison of Bristol Tennessee, Jason Allison of Knoxville, David Anderson of Lebanon, Va., and Jennifer Anderson of Johnson City. A memorial service will be conducted at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, 2002, in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Rev. John E. Massey Jr. officiating.

Howard C. Ritter
Mr. Howard Cameron Ritter, 62, went to be with the Lord after a lengthy illness on Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2002, at the Wellmont Holston Valley Hospital and Medical Center in Kingsport. Born in McDowell County, W.Va., Mr. Ritter was a son of the late Bramelett Ritter and Faye Hurt Ritter. He was also preceded in death by a brother, Dickie Roy Ritter. He is survived by his wife, Lola Elizabeth Ritter; a daughter and son-in-law, Tammy Renee Gentry and Kim Allen Gentry of Bristol Tennessee; a very special grandson, Allen Scott Gentry of Bristol Tennessee; two brothers, David Ritter and Daniel Ritter, both of Bristol Virginia; and two sisters, Patricia Cumbo and Lois Perrigan, both of Bristol Tennessee. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 21, 2002, at the graveside in Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Rev. Walter Statzer officiating. Casketbearers will be Allen Gentry, George Houser, David (Spider) Owens, Jason Fields, Eddie Fields and Jake Faust. Honorary casketbearer will be Dr. David H. Franzus. The family would like to give thanks to all the special nurses and support staff at the Wellmont Holston Valley Hospital and Medical Center in Kingsport. Family, friends and pallbearers attending the service are asked to assemble at the cemetery by 1:50 p.m. Saturday. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Friday at the funeral home

Mattie Ellen Lester
Mrs. Mattie Ellen Lester, 97, died Thursday, Dec. 19, 2002, in the Johnston Memorial Hospital. She was preceded in death by her husband, Hunter V. Lester; a son, Hunter V. "Pee-Wee" Lester Jr., a daughter, Rose Marie Porter; and a son, John R. Lester. Survivors include two sons, Francis T. Lester, Calleo, Va., and Delmar W. Lester, Gainesville, Va.; three daughters, Virginia Neish, Abingdon, Ruth E. Hawes, Purceville, Va., and Rachel A. Johnson, Alexandria, Va.; a sister, Virginia Franklin, Harrisonburg, Va.; 20 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren and three great-great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be conducted Sunday, Dec. 22, 2002, at 1 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Reverend Mahlon Wyatt officiating. Interment will follow in the Old Glade Presbyterian Cemetery, Glade Spring. The family will receive friends Saturday from 7-9 p.m. in the funeral home.

Shelvia J. Garrett
Mrs. Shelvia Jean Johnson Garrett, 65, of Bristol, died Friday, Dec. 20, 2002, after a brief illness. She was born in Clinchco, Va., to the late Everett Wythe Johnson and Pherba Elizabeth Bond Johnson. She was a native of Dickenson County, Va., and had made her home in Bristol Virginia since 1961. She was an active member and worker of Spring Creek Presbyterian Church where she served as an elder. She was also a teacher's assistant at Spring Garden Pre-School in Bristol Virginia. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Freddie Don Garrett. Her survivors include sons, Freddie Don Garrett Jr. and wife Teresa Gail Garrett of Bristol Virginia, Billy Wayne Garrett and wife Debbie Harrison of Elizabethton, Tenn.; one daughter, Katrenia E. Foster and husband, Steve W. Foster of Bristol Virginia; grandchildren, Lauren and Ashley Foster and Derek Harrison; and she was happily anticipating the arrival of her newest grandchild, Garrett Andrew Foster in February of 2003. Also surviving are a brother, Billy (Coffee) Johnson of Columbus, Ohio; three sisters, Judy Bryant of Granville, Ohio, Norma Tipton of Greensboro, N.C., and Nancy Linkous of Hampton, Va.; several nieces, nephews; and a special friend, Mr. E.P. (Pete) Salyer of Abingdon. A graveside funeral service will be held Sunday at 3:30 p.m. at Temple Hill Memorial Park in Castlewood. Rev. Steve Talbert will officiate. Pallbearers will be Freddie Garrett Jr., Bill Garrett, Steve Robinson, Dave Dierks, Steve Foster and Billy Jones. Honorary pallbearers will be the congregation of Spring Creek Presbyterian Church. The procession will assemble at 2 p.m. at Farris Funeral Service. The family will receive friends Saturday evening from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Roxie P. Lewis
Mrs. Roxie Allene Pierce Lewis, 61, died Friday at Johnston Memorial Hospital in Abingdon. A native of Smyth County, Mrs. Lewis spent most of her life in Washington County. She was a member of Macedonia Church of Christ. She was preceded in death by her parents, Durwood and Ruby Pierce and her brother, Ernest Pierce. Survivors include her husband, Jimmy E. Lewis of Damascus; one son, Jackie L. Lewis and wife Karen of Abingdon; one daughter, Kathy Henderson and husband, Darian Henderson of Abingdon; one son, Wayne Pierce of Abingdon; sisters, Jean Reed of Abingdon, Shirley Sailor of Abingdon, Martha Kestner of Chilhowie, May Crouch of Alabama, and Nevie Miller of Damascus; one grandchild, Michael Gage Lewis. Funeral services will be held Monday, Dec. 23, 2002, at 1 p.m. at Farris Funeral Chapel. Rev. R.J. Cullop will officiate. Interment will follow in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Robert Cornett, Wayne Henderson, Shawn Henderson, Mark Bordwine, Rusty Lewis and Larry Brown. The family will receive friends Sunday evening from 7-9 p.m. at the funeral home.

Elizabeth H. Parris
Mrs. Elizabeth Harvaline Browning Hayter Parris died in an automobile accident on Friday, Dec. 20, 2002. She was born in Augusta, Kan., on Jan. 23, 1922, to the late James Harvey and Harriet Alice Jones Browning. Having resided most of her life in Russell and Washington Counties. She attended Abingdon Bible Church and Rosedale Baptist Church where she was very active in her Christian faith. She was preceded in death by her first husband, Wilmer Ward Hayter. She is survived by her husband, Floyd O. Paris; two children, Rebecca L. Hayter of Abingdon and William H. Hayter and wife Deborah of Bristol; two stepdaughters, Glenda P. Lee of Glade Spring and Shirley P. Atkins of Abingdon; one stepson, Allen R. Parris of Abingdon; three grandchildren, Rebecca Browning Hayter, William Aaron Hayter and Raleigh E. Hayter of Bristol; 13 step-grandchildren; and two sisters, Pauline B. Floyd of Rock, Kan., and Nancy B. Settle of Richmond. Funeral services will be held Monday, Dec. 23, 2002, at 2 o'clock at Abingdon Bible Church. Pastor Paul Bufford and Rev. Don Paxton will officiate. Interment will follow in Holston Conference Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Aaron Hayter, Raleigh Hayter, Chris Lee, Bob Preston, Bill McCall, David Caskey, David Hayter and Bob Kifer. The family will receive friends Sunday evening beginning at 5 p.m. at Farris Funeral Service. Flowers will be accepted or memorials may be made to Mountain Mission School, 1 Hurley Street, Gurndy, VA 24614.

Ralph Taylor Holmes
Mr. Ralph Taylor Holmes, 95, died Saturday, Dec. 21, 2002, in Abingdon Manor. Mr. Holmes was born in Russell County, Va., and moved to the Abingdon area in 1946. He was of the Methodist faith and was a former member of Baker's Chapel and a member of Pleasant View United Methodist Church. He retired in 1968 from the Virginia Department of Transportation as area supervisor at Greendale, Va. After retirement he dealt in produce, restaurants and flea markets. He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel Boone Holmes and Carrie Hancock Fields Holmes; his wife, Sallie Jessee Holmes; two daughters, Vivian Lee and Rebecca Ann Holmes; four sisters, Mary Alice Garrett, Hattie Helton, Verna Snead and Gladys Taylor; and one brother, Coy Holmes. He is survived by one son, Roy Kenneth Holmes and wife, Shirley of Hampton, Va.; two daughters, Helen Holmes Reedy and Mary H. Akers of Abingdon; one brother, Walter Holmes of Lebanon; one sister, Eula Lee Ringley of Bristol Tennessee; six grandchildren, Randy Holmes of Hampton, Kim Slusar of Abingdon, Md., Deborah Reedy of Fredericksburg, Va., Cathy Lee of Aiken, S.C., Joe Reedy of Bristol Tennessee, and Lisa Akers of Abingdon; four great-grandchildren, Jonathan, Melanie, Ken and Derick; a special family, Kelly, Barbara, Sydney and Jake Donegan; and many nieces and nephews. The funeral service will be conducted Monday, Dec. 23, 2002, at 3 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Bishop William Whitlock officiating. Burial will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, 2002, at the funeral home. The family would like to give special thanks to the caregivers of Abingdon Manor.

Cecil S. Vermillion
Mr. Cecil Stanley Vermillion, 86, died Saturday, Dec. 21, 2002, in Johnston Memorial Hospital. Cecil was born in Russell County and lived most of his lfie in Richlands and Abingdon. He had the Pontiac-GMC-Rambler dealership in Richlands for 26 years. He was a member of the Pilgrim Baptist Church, was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II and was preceded in death by a son, Guy H. Vermillion. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge. Survivors include his wife, Georgie Talbert Vermillion; daughters, Joanne Vermillion Francisco and husband, Larry, Johnson City and Beverly Weddle and husband, Johnny, Abingdon; grandchildren, Guy H. "Sonny" Vermillion, Cathy Montgomery and husband, Tommy, Kelly Walker and husband, Jimmy, Karen Lewis and husband, Jackie, Kim Lambert and husband, Todd; and great-grandchildren, Lauren Montgomery, Evan Vermillion, Erin Vermillion, Emily Lambert, Chase Lambert, Kari Walker and Gage Lewis. The funeral service will be conducted Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2002, at 2 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Rev. Elgin Beren and Rev. Robert Buckles officiating. Interment will follow in Shelby Hills Cemetery, Bristol Tennessee, with military honors to be conducted by the Honor Guard of Patton-Crosswhite V.F.W. Post 6975. The family will receive friends Monday from 7-9 p.m. in the funeral home.

Anne M. Haugen
Mrs. Anne M. Haugen, 86, died Friday, Dec. 20, 2002, at her home. Anne was a supervisor at the Minnesota Highway Department for 21 years. When she retired in 1978, she resided in Abingdon with her daughter and son-in-law. She will be loved and missed by family and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband, Roger O. Hauen, who passed away in 1979. She was of the Lutheran faith. Survivors include her son, Alexander Clark McKean Jr. and wife, Elizabeth of Dunnellon, Fla.; her daughter, Kay Ann Beltz and husband, Richard of Abingdon; sister, Ella Robbins of Hurst, Texas; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. A service to celebrate her life will be held at a later date.

Edna S. Cumbus
Mrs. Edna Frances Shortt Cumbus, age 60, of Abingdon, VA, died Saturday, December 21, 2002. A native of Washington County, Mrs. Cumbus spent most of her life here. She was a homemaker and of the Baptist Faith. Survivors include her husband, Bobby Cumbus of Abingdon; three daughters, Dorothy Wise of Abingdon, Wanda Lewis of Asheville, NC and Bobbie Thomas of Abingdon; two brothers, Roy Sylvester Shortt and Henry Ernest Shortt both of Abingdon; six granchildren and one great-grandchild. A graveside service will be conducted Tuesday, December 24, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at Greendale Chapel Cemetery with Rev. Roger Hearl officiating. The family will receive friends Monday, December 23, 2002 from 6 -8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Uba F. McDilda
Our sweet, gentle mother went to be with God at 4:15 a.m., Sunday, December 22, 2002. Uba Fletcher McDilda, age 64, passed away at Wellmont Hospice in Bristol with all her children by her side. She was born in Jewel Ridge, VA to the late Clarence and Mary Elswick Fletcher. She was a member of Trigg Street Church of God. She was employed with Long John Silvers since 1979 where she worked as assistant manager. She was preceded in death by her husband, Robert Charity McDilda; a brother, Ollis Fletcher and sisters, Helen F. McGlothin and Ceila F. Stinson. Survivors include two sons, Robert C. McDilda, Jr. of Corvallis, OR and Clarence (David) McDilda of Bristol, VA; two daughters, Martha (Arlene) McDilda of Knoxville, TN and Mary M. Millsap of Abingdon; one brother, Waldon Fletcher of Plant City, FL; two sisters, Fern F. Hutson and Effie F. Davis both of Tampa, FL; four grandchildren, Chris Besse McDilda, Alyssa McDilda, Corey Logan McDilda all of Bend, OR and Traci Millsap of Abingdon. Funeral services will be conducted Thursday, December 26, 2002 at 6:00 p.m. in Farris Funeral Chapel with Rev. Chuck Trent officiating. The family will receive friends immediately following the service. A graveside service will be held Friday, December 27, 2002 at 11:00 a.m. at Green Hills Memory Gardens in Claypool Hill, VA with Rev. Wayne F. Chant officiating. Pallbearers will be Ike Thomas, Junior Blevins, Charlie Perkins, Brian Mercer, Fred McGlothin, Jr., Winfred McGlothin, Frazier McGlothin and Glen Coffman.

Naomi Morelock
Naomi Morelock, 90, died Saturday, Dec. 21, 2002, at the Bristol Nursing Home. There are no known survivors. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2002, at 4 p.m. in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens. There will be no viewing or visitation.

Charles G. Campbell
Mr. Charles G. Campbell, 77, died Monday, Dec. 23, 2002, at the Wellmont Hospice House. He was a native of Abingdon and had lived in Bristol Virginia for 23 years. He was a member of the High Point Presbyterian Church. Survivors include his wife, Marie Odum Campbell; one daughter, Kay Pippin of Bristol Virginia; one son, Allen Campbell of Kingsport; two sisters, Margaret McIntyre and Nancy Morefield, both of Abingdon; one brother, J.W. Campbell of Abingdon; seven grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. A graveside service will be conducted Thursday, Dec. 26, 2002, at 11 a.m. in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Rev. Bob Neace Jr. officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday night at the funeral home. Pallbearers will be James W. Clark, Rowland Roe, Edward Campbell, Wayne Campbell, J.R. Gilmer and Calvin "Cowboy" Odum. Honorary pallbearers will be Mike Clifton, Johnnie Payne, Ted Callahan, Gary Kennedy and Michael Pippin. The family requests that friends omit flowers and those who wish may make a memorial contribution to the Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steele's Road, Bristol, TN 37620.

Eulah G. Slutz
Mrs. Eulah Goff Slutz, age 84, died Monday, December 23, 2002, at a nursing home in Charlottesville, Virginia where she had been in failing health for some time. Mrs. Slutz was born in Saltville, Virginia on January 15, 1918, a daughter of the late Rosie Mae Cuddy Goff and Arthur Lee Goff, Sr. She was a graduate of Johnston Memorial Hospital nursing school in Abingdon and served as a registered nurse for approximately forty years at Memorial Hospital in Chattanooga, TN. She was a member of the White Oak United Methodist Church, Chattanooga. She was preceded in death by her husband, the Reverend Dr. J. Homer Slutz, four brothers and one sister. She is survived by one brother, Dr. Robert Oscar Goff and his wife Florence or Luray, VA and several nieces and nephews. A graveside service will be conducted Friday, December 27, 2002 at 11:30 a.m. in the Mount Rose Cemetery with Rev. Timothy W. Graham officiating. There will be no visitation at the funeral home. Memorial contributions may be made to the Emory & Henry College, Emory, VA 24327.

Minnie G. Mitchell
Mrs. Minnie Gay Mitchell, age 93, died Thursday, December 26, 2002 at the NHC Healthcare Center in Bristol. She was a lifelong resident of Washington County and was a daughter of the late James Larimer and Margaret Ellen Hyler Larimer. Mrs. Mitchell was a member of the Abingdon Baptist Church and was preceded in death by her husbands, Mount Vernon Bowman and Clint Mitchell; and a son, Robert Bowman. She is survived by three daughters, Doris Umberger of Abingdon, Betty Carol Hurd of Knoxville and Ruth Annette Collier of Kingsport; three sons, Pete Bowman of Jonesborough, Tenn., Mack Bowman of Johnson City and George Bowman of Bristol Virginia; grandchildren, Nancy B. Jackson, Rachel Bowman, Harold Hurd Jr., Michael Collier, Matthew Bowman, Cindy Perkins, Alice Albro, Kenneth Bowman, Kara Sundermeyer, Monty Collier and Candace Mitchell; and 12 great-grandchildren. The funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 29, 2002, in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Dr. Steven Pollard officiating. Interment will follow in Knollkreg Memorial Park. Casketbearers will be the following grandsons, Alex Perkins, Matthew Bowman, Kenneth Bowman, Michael Collier, Monty Collier and Harold Hurd Jr. The family will receive friends from noon until 1:45 p.m. Sunday before the funeral service.

Sheila R. Thursam
Sheila Ann Rasnake Thursam, 39, passed away Monday, Dec. 30, 2002, at the Johnston Memorial Hospital. She was born in Warren, Mich., and had lived most of her life in Madison Heights and Hazel Park, Mich., before moving to Abingdon in June 2001. She was a member of the Abingdon First Assembly of God. She is survived by two sons, Jacob Tautz and Blake Thursam, both of Abingdon; four daughters, Kristina Tautz, Vanessa Tautz, Dezerae Thursam and Mikyia Thursam, all of Abingdon; her parents, Cliff and Louise Rasnake of Hazel Park; two sisters, Susan Geist and Sandra Judd, both of Madison Heights; paternal grandmother, Mable Rasnake of Abingdon; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be conducted Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2003, at noon in the Farris Cremation & Funeral Center Chapel, 19415 Lee Highway, (located on the property of Forest Hills Memory Gardens) with Pastor Roger Williams officiating. Burial will follow in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens. The family will receive friends from 11 a.m. until the time of service at the chapel. Pallbearers will be cousins. A memorial fund has been established for the children in lieu of flowers. Contributions may be made to the Abingdon First Assembly of God, 250 Phillips St., Abingdon, VA 24210.

Hazel D. Booth
Mrs. Hazel Duncan Booth, 86, of Wilmington, NC, formerly of Abingdon. died Monday, December 30, 2002 at Cornelia Nixon Health Care Center in Wilmington, NC. Mrs. Booth was a graduate of Emory & Henry College and was a retired school teacher with the Washington County School system. She was a long time member of Abingdon Baptist Church and had lived her entire life in the Washington County area before moving to Wilmington, NC. Mrs. Booth was preceded in death by her husband, James Booth, Jr. Survivors include two sons, James A. Booth, III and wife Cindy of Wilmington, NC and Leon D. Booth of Falls Church, VA; three grandchildren, Jacki Booth, Alex Booth and Nicole Booth. A graveside service will be held Friday, January 3, 2003 at Mountain View Baptist Church Cemetery with Dr. Steven Pollard officiating. Interment will follow the funeral service. The family will receive friends from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m., Thursday, January 2, 2003 at Farris Funeral Service, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA.

Lura F. Hale
Lura Frances Hale (called Frances and Poss by family and friends), 93, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2002, at Maple Grove Health Care Center in Lebanon. She was born in Washington County, Va., and lived in Abingdon until February 1996 when she was admitted to Maple Grove Health Care Center suffering from advanced dementia. She was a devoted mother to her four children, Gene, Mary, Kay and Laine (deceased). She is survived by one son, Joseph Eugene Hale of Hope Mills, N.C.; two daughters, Sandra Hale Hough of Knoxville and Mary Hale Wood of Stevensville, Mich.; six granddaughters; one grandson; three great-granddaughters; five great-grandsons; a very special cousin, Mrs. Betty Mae Ferrier; a dear friend, Mrs. Katherine F. Baker; and a host of other family and friends. A special thank you to the excellent staff at Maple Grove Health Care Center for the wonderful care given to our mother. A home going celebration will be held Saturday, Jan,. 4, 2003, at 12:30 p.m. in the Farris Funeral Chapel with Rev. Brian Relford, Pastor of Logan Temple A.M.E. Zion Church, Knoxville, officiating. Burial will follow in the High Point Cemetery. The family will receive friends at noon Saturday until the time of the service.

Roy L. Baumgardner
Mr. Roy Lee Baumgardner, 55, passed away Tuesday, Dec. 31, 2002, at Johnston Memorial Hospital. Roy was of the Baptist faith and had attended the Alvarado Bible Church. He was preceded in death by his father, Ed Baumgardner; two brothers, Jerry Linville Baumgardner and Gary Eugene Baumgardner; and a sister, Susie Harr. Survivors include his wife, Janie Montgomery Baumgardner; three daughters, Lisa Marie Baumgardner of the home, Tanya Lynn Emmett and husband Jamie, Bristol Tennessee, and Jana Michelle Stitt and husband Greg, Bristol Tennessee; two sons, Stephen Roy Baumgardner and wife Amy, Abingdon and Anthony Dale Baumgardner of the home; two grandchildren, Lauren Deneise Baumgardner and Stephen Lane Baumgardner; his mother, Ella Mae Baumgardner, Bristol Tennessee; a sister, Dorothy Parks, Bluff City; 18 nieces and nephews; and 19 great-nieces and great-nephews. The funeral service will be conducted Saturday, Jan. 4, 2003, at 2 p.m. in the Alvarado Bible Church with Pastor Larry Bales and Rev. Mark Baumgardner officiating. Interment will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery. Casketbearers will be Donnie Fritz, Fernando Castro, Sam Blevins, Cliff Woods, Randy Neal, Graham Sweet, Dewey Sweet and Roger Parks. Honorary casketbearers will be Bob Mitchell, Travis Fritz, Bud Roe, Marshall Wright, Richard Rutherford, Dave Sweet, Wayne Rutherford, Arian Kestner, Robert Montgomery, Daryl Montgomery, Bob Baumgardner, Jimmy Lewis, Rev. Mahlon Wyatt, Dewayne Montgomery, Tim Montgomery and Richard Robins. The family will receive friends Friday from 6-9 p.m. in the funeral home, 427 East Main Street, Abingdon, VA.

Gardner R. Smith
Gardner Rayford Smith, 37, of 16015 Northwest Schendel, Beaverton, Oregon, departed this life Tuesday, December 31, 2002 Gardner Smith was born in Abingdon. He moved to Oregon after attending college there. He was a member of the Beaverton Police Force. Survivors include: one son, Dominique Smith, 10 years of age, of Oregon; one brother, Charles James Smith III of Roanoke; one sister, Thaiese Syvette Smith of Salem, Va., his mother, Opal Smith of Glade Spring; his father, Gardner William Smith of Salem, Va.; and a host of family and friends. The funeral service and visitation will be conducted Saturday, Jan. 11, 2002, at the Fairview Baptist Church, Glade Spring, beginning at 1:30 p.m. The Reverend Danny B. Belcher Sr. will officiate. Interment will follow in Mt. Rose Cemetery. The Washington County Sheriff's Department Honor Guard will perform a 21-gun salute at the cemetery. Pallbearers will be Major Canty, Gary Coleman, Dennis Hill II, Daryl Coleman, Gary Wayne Coleman Jr. and Ronnie Montgomery. Honorary pallbearers will be Prince Coleman, Elmer Johnson, Robert Hill and Curtis Montgomery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Fairview Baptist Church.