BRISTOL HERALD-COURIER

2012 Obituaries

ABNER, David Wayne  BRISTOL, Tenn. David Wayne Abner, age 45, passed away on Saturday, Oct. 13, 2012. He was preceded in death by his father, Ray Abner; his paternal grandparents, Milton and Edna Abner; his maternal grandparents, Robert and Emma Thompson; niece, Cathi Jo Abner; and a nephew, Conner Tate. Survivors include his mother, Cathy Eastwood; two sisters, Kim Drake and Kristy Southard, both of Bristol, Tenn.; two brothers, Jeff Abner of London, Ky., and Greg Abner of Bristol, Tenn.; five nieces, Magen Whitney, Raven, Tiffany and Hannah; nephews, Hunter and Gage; special survivor, Renee Cardwell, Sheena Kilgor and Cindy Coulter. A memorial service will be conducted at 5 p.m., Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012, at Akard Funeral Home Chapel, with Rev. Michael Booker officiating. The family will receive friends from 3 to 5 p.m., Thursday, prior to the service. Akard Funeral Home, 1912 W. State St., Bristol, TN 37620, 423-989-4800, is serving the family of Mr. Abner. Published in Bristol Herald Courier on October 17, 2012

ABSHER, Curtis Ray KINGSPORT, Tenn. Curtis Ray Absher, 74, was called home at 8 p.m. Saturday, June 9, 2012, at Holston Manor following an extended period of poor health. Curtis was born in Scott County, Va., and resided in Kingsport for most of his life. Curtis was a retired employee of A & L Construction. He was saved at Victory Baptist Church where he became a member. Curtis enjoyed fishing, watching wrestling and playing horseshoes. He was preceded in death by his parents, Charlie and Ada Absher; one sister; and six brothers. Curtis is survived by his wife, Blanche Absher of Kingsport; daughter, Brenda Baker of Kingsport; two grandchildren; one brother, Mack Absher of Kingsport; two special nephews, Matthew Absher and McArthur Roberts; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday and services will be held at 8 p.m. following the visitation at Hamlett-Dobson in Kingsport with the Rev. Larry Morelock and the Rev. Raymond Hammonds officiating. Interment will be at Old Kingsport Presbyterian Church Cemetery at 11 a.m. Wednesday. Please visit www.hamlettdobson.com to leave an on-line condolence for the family. Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes, Kingsport, is serving the family of Curtis Ray Absher. Published in Bristol Herald Courier on June 12, 2012

ADAIR James E. James E. Adair passed away on Nov. 25, 2012. He is the son of the late John Henry and Hazel Smithson Adair. He was also preceded in death by a sister, Thersia Jane Adair. He served in the 278th Army and National Guard for 30 years and by retirement was a Sergeant First Class. He was a member of Three Springs Baptist Church. He loved his church and always was ready to lend a helping hand to anyone. He is survived by his wife, Barbara Leonard Adair; brothers and sisters, William, Johnnie, John, Hazel, Charles, Mary, Freddie, and Connie Adair; two step-children, Rufus Woodard and Carol Clausel; four grandchildren Rebecca Woodard, Christina Woodard, Michael Thomas and Rachel Blackmore; one great-grandchild, Jason Ryan Thomas; and three special great-nieces and nephews, McKenzie, Nathaniel and Jonah. The funeral service will be conducted at 7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012, at Akard Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Mark Vestal officiating. The committal service and interment will be conducted at 10 a.m., Friday at Susong Cemetery with military rites conducted by the Bristol VFW Honor Guard. Honorary pallbearers will be family and friends. The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m., Thursday prior to the service. E-mail condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@akardfuneralhome.com Akard Funeral Home, 1912 W. State St., Bristol, TN (423) 989-4800 is serving the family of Mr. Adair.  Published in Bristol Herald Courier from November 28 to November 29, 2012

ADKINS, Shirley Ann Ewald  BRISTOL, Tenn. Shirley Ann Ewald Adkins, age 73, passed away Tuesday, March 6, 2012, at the Cambridge House. She was born Feb. 2, 1939, in Dayton, Ohio, a daughter of the late Edward and Helen Wurtz Ewald. She was a resident of the Bristol area since 1959 and retired from Hill's Department Store. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Adkins and brothers, Edward and Robert Ewald. Survivors include her daughters, Cheryl Harlow and husband, Gerald, and Kim Rossow and husband, E.J.; sons, Michael Adkins and Scott Adkins and wife, Sonya; 10 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; sister: Mary Catherine Turner and caregivers, Angel Fields, Andrea Johnson, Pam Taylor, Felicia Thomas, Dorothea Fersner and Thad Gudger. A funeral service will be held Thursday, March 8, 2012, at 8 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Bobby King officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-7:45 p.m. prior to the service. The burial will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in the Adkins Family Cemetery with Pastor Jack Stevens officiating. Friends will serve as pallbearers. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net Arrangements have been made with Weaver Funeral Home. Published in Bristol Herald Courier on March 7, 2012

AKERS, Frances I.  BRISTOL, Va. Frances I. Akers, age 71, passed away on Jan. 25, 2012, at her home. She was born in Bristol a daughter to William and Emma Trinkle and was a lifelong resident of the area. Survivors include, daughters, Lisa Akers and Connie Akers; granddaughter, Elizabeth Royal; brother, Herbert Trinkle; sons-in-law, Ernest Dickey and Kim Royal. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2012, at 4 p.m. in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Catherine Fox officiating. Online condolences may be registered at www.Weaverfuneralhome.net Arrangements have been made with Weaver Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Published in Bristol Herald Courier from January 27 to January 28, 2012

ALDRIDGE, George Perry  BRISTOL, Tenn. George Perry Aldridge, age 58, passed away on Dec. 20, 2012, at Bristol Regional Medical Center. He was born in Bristol a son to the late Roger and Marie Runyan Aldridge. He was the director of operations with R.W. Edwards Equipment Company and was a United States Navy Veteran. Survivors include wife of 38 years, Mary Ann Aldridge; son, Jim Reynolds and wife Tammy; sister, Treva Lady and husband Don; brothers, Windell Aldridge and wife Linda, and Wayne Aldridge and wife Deb; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 10 a.m. to 12 noon on Saturday, Dec. 22, 2012, at Weaver Funeral Home. Burial will be private. Online condolences may be registered at www.Weaverfuneralhome.net. Arrangements have been made with Weaver Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Published in Bristol Herald Courier on December 22, 2012

ALEXANDER, Mark Wayne  BRISTOL, Va. Mark Wayne Alexander, age 48, passed away at his residence Friday, Aug. 24, 2012. He was born April 10, 1964, a son of the late George and Elsie Austin Alexander, and was a lifelong resident of the Bristol area. He was a member of the East End Christian Church. He was preceded in death by his wife, Judy Alexander; brothers, Glen Alexander, Michael Alexander and George Alexander Jr. He is survived by his son, Benjamin Alexander; brother, Dariel Alexander and wife, Vicky; sisters, Regina Riley, Daphine Alexander, Shirley Aaron and husband, Tom; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, in the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel, with the Rev. Sam Murray officiating. The burial will follow in Mountain View Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Steve Riley, Cody Cropper, Josh Scarberry, Roger Roberts, Janie Bowers and Ed Wilson. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m., Monday evening at the funeral home. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net Arrangements have been made with Weaver Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Published in Bristol Herald Courier on August 27, 2012

ALLEY, Gaylord Lee BRISTOL, Tenn. Gaylord Lee Alley, age 76, passed away on Thursday, March 22, 2012, at Wellmont Hospice House. He was born March 14, 1936, to the late Roscoe Alley and Eva Jackson Alley. He had lived in the Bristol since 1965 and drove a truck for Umberger Trucking, Mason Dixon and ABF Trucking. Mr. Alley had a love of steam train whistles and was a member of the Watauga Railroad Historical Association. He was of the Methodist faith. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Diane Lavelle Alley; two sons, Dennis Alley and John Alley and by a brother, Drayton Alley. Survivors include children, Mike Alley and wife, Rosemary, Sharon "Sherry" Dowell and husband, David, Melinda Bowlin and husband, Neil; brothers, Russell Alley and wife, Janie, Jackie Alley and wife, Elma; sisters, Betty Lou Creger, Charlene Brooks, Margie Lawson and husband, Harlan; grandchildren, Matthew Alley, Shelly Fuel, Lauren Davis, Sarah Owens, Seth Alley, Shanna Alley, Brody Thomas, Gracie Dowell; great-grandchildren, Ellie Davis, Brooklyn Fuel, Kensley Owens, Kipp Davis, Baby Fuel on the way; and several nieces and nephews; his special friends, his dog, Penny and his cat, Miss Mollie. Funeral services will be conducted at 8 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, 2012, from the Weaver Funeral Home Chapel with the Rev. Estel Williams officiating. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. prior to the funeral service. The interment service and burial will be in Rural Retreat, Va. at 12 noon on Monday. Online condolences may be registered at www.Weaverfuneralhome.net. Weaver Funeral Home and Cremation Services is in charge of arrangements. Published in Bristol Herald Courier on March 24, 2012

ALLISON, Carol Ann Howington  KNOXVILLE, Tenn. Carol Ann Howington Allison, age 70, passed away on Tuesday, March 20, 2012, at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center, Knoxville. She was born in Bristol, Tenn. to the late Charles and Mary Sue Nave Howington. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 45 years, Paul Wayne Allison. Survivors include her loving daughter, Rebecca J. Hudson and husband, Tim, of Radcliff, Ky.; two sisters, Sue Mobley and Marie Wyatt; one granddaughter, Natasha Hudson; one grandson, Stephen Hudson and wife, Shana; six great-grandchildren, Madison McQuillen, Tayler, Ryan, Joey, Lincoln, Gavin Hudson; and several nieces and nephews. The family wishes to thank her special friend, Greta Phillips. The graveside services will be conducted at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, March 24, 2012, at Glenwood Cemetery Mausoleum with the Rev. Dennis Burnette. The family will receive friends from 11 to 1 p.m., Saturday at Akard Funeral Home. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the American Heart Association , 3101 Browns Mill Road, Ste. 6, PMB 321, Johnson City, TN 37604. Email condolences may be sent to the family at akardfh@akardfuneralhome.com Akard Funeral Home, 1912 W. State St., Bristol, TN, (423) 989-4800, is serving the family of Mrs. Allison. Published in Bristol Herald Courier from March 23 to March 24, 2012

ALLISON, Elizabeth Grace  BRISTOL, Tenn. Elizabeth Grace Allison, age 94, went to be with the Lord at her residence on Friday, May 4, 2012. She was a daughter of the late Hugh Taylor and Mollie Gentry Flick and wife, of the late Paul William Allison. She was preceded in death by a son and daughter-in-law, Paul Wayne and Carol Allison; son, Mack Leon Allison and sisters, Jenny Lee Allison, Akard Wyatt and Charlotte Boyd. Survivors include sons, Eddie and wife, Tootsie, Jerry and wife, Theresa, Kenny and wife, Charlotte, Steve and wife, Brenda, Monty and wife, Joanette Maurice "Lou"; daughters, Jane Pridemore and husband, Ralph, Joyce Long and husband, Paul, Alice Richards and husband, Ernie, Dottie Luxmore and husband, Larry, Gail McConnell and husband, Roger, Susie Wiseman and husband, Gordon, Cathy Doss and husband, Preston; brothers, Oscar Flick, Ople Flick and Everett Flick and wife, Sylvia; sister, Marie Wilson; 37 grandchildren; 41 great-grandchildren; nine great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews; special friends, Wiley and Susie Hickman, Johnny and Diane Necessary, George and Brenda Gross, Cindy Adams, Randall Johnson, Callie Booher and Virginia Hutton. Graveside services will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Monday, May 7, 2012, in Glenwood Cemetery. The family will receive friends on Sunday, May 6, 2012, from 5 to 8 p.m. at the Weaver Funeral Home. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. The family will leave in procession at 1:45 p.m. on Monday from Weaver Funeral Home to Glenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steeles Road, Bristol, TN 37620. The family would like to send special thanks to Dr. Raymond Feierabend and staff at ETSU Family Physicans, caregivers, Candace Maiden and LaTanya Chestnut and staff of Mountain States Home Care. Condolences and memorials may be shared with the family and viewed by visiting www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Arrangements were made with Weaver Funeral Home and Cremation Services. Published in Bristol Herald Courier from May 5 to May 6, 2012

ALMANY, Virginia M. BRISTOL, Va. Virginia Mae Almany, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, at Wellmont Hospice House, Bristol, Tenn. She was born in Russell County, Va., on May 25, 1915, a daughter of the late Stuart Meade and Lillie Farmer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Glen Edward Almany; four brothers; and three sisters. Virginia was a graduate of Lebanon High School and Realtors School. She was awarded "Highest Home Ec. Achievement" Awards for four years straight as well as being a Brownie and a Girl Scout Leader.Virginia was a long time business woman. She was involved in the grocery business and a construction firm. She was the previous owner of Stardust Motel, Stardust Restaurant and the Stardust Fabric Shop. She was partner in Glenory Golf Course and Country Club (now Tri-Cities Golf Course). Virginia was also a landlord for over 10 years. She bought and sold land in Oklahoma and was a land appraiser for many years. Her most recent venture was her antique business on Lee Highway. Virginia was an accomplished seamstress and loved to do crafts. She loved to dance and had been known to "dance the night away". Virginia is survived by her two daughters, Lilly Ann Dutton and Dolores Gay Garrett and husband, Russell; sisters, Shirley Chafin and husband, R.C., and Maida Hawkins; brother, Marshall Meade and wife, Phylis; grandchildren, James M. Naimo and wife, Khristian, Michael Wayne Garrett and wife, Vickie, Daniel Lee Garrett and wife, Jeanie, Natasha Ann Garrett and Jamie Rouse; step-grandchildren, Jack Dutton and his wife, Karen, Dennis Dutton and his wife, Jenny, and Steve Dutton and his wife, Mary; 15 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren. The family will receive friends from 6 until 8 p.m., Friday, March 2, 2012, at Blevins Funeral and Cremation Services. The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 3, 2012, at Blevins Funeral and Cremation Services with Scott Price officiating. The committal service and interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery. Condolences for the family may be sent and viewed by visiting www.BlevinsCares.com Mrs. Almany and her family are in the care of Blevins Funeral & Cremation Services.

Published in Bristol Herald Courier from March 1 to March 2, 2012

ALMAROAD, Bertha "Judy" Elizabeth Lunsford  Bertha "Judy" Elizabeth Lunsford Almaroad, age 83, went home to be with the Lord and all her loved ones, on Jan. 3, 2012. She was born on June 3, 1928, to Ben and Nannie Lunsford. Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Mr. Verlin Almaroad; and their daughter, Mrs. June Ellen Eaton; and all of her many brothers and sisters. Mrs. Almaroad loved the Lord and was a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. While living in Blountville she helped her husband on the farm. She later found a love for quilting and made many quilts. She leaves behind the remainder of her family, her son-in-law, Eugene Eaton and wife Janice; grandchildren, Teresa Stevens and husband David, Melvin Eaton and wife Laura and Denise Brooks; four great-grandchildren, Christopher, Chad Allen Brooks, Lucas and Olivia Eaton; sister-in-law, Bonnie Riner and husband Leon; and several nieces and nephews. A funeral service will be held Thursday, Jan. 5, 2012, at 7 p.m. at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church with Pastor Dwayne Locklear officiating. The family will receive friends from 6-7 p.m. prior to the service. The burial will be held Friday at 11 a.m. in New Hope Church Cemetery. Online condolences may be registered at www.weaverfuneralhome.net. Arrangements have been made with Weaver Funeral Home. Published in Bristol Herald Courier on January 4, 2012

ANDERSON, Anne Carter BRISTOL, Va. Georgia Anne Carter Anderson, 82, went home to be with her Lord on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012, with her loving family by her side. Born on Sept. 9, 1930, she was a daughter of the late W. George Carter and Ardis Hensley Carter. Anne was a loving mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend. She was an astute businesswoman and played the piano throughout her life. She loved her church, St Luke United Methodist Church, where she also played the piano for many years. She was a Nutrition Manager at Edgemont Towers. Survivors include her daughter, Janne Anderson Dorsey and husband, David; two sons, George Anderson and wife, Dale, and Andy Anderson; seven grandchildren, Matthew Dorsey, Sara May, Hannah Hill, Chad Anderson, Britany Anderson, Adam Anderson and Melissa Anderson Cox; 14 great- grandchildren; sisters, Jeanelle C. Sutterlin, and Sue Marie Hall; and cherished friend and caretaker, Mary Phillips. The family would like to extend a special thanks to Wellmont Hospice and Denise Brewster, Dr. Shelby Olds and Dr. Freddie Martin. The funeral service will be held at 4 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 1, 2012, at Oakley-Cook Funeral Home, with the Rev. John Thrasher officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. The committal service and interment will be held at 2 pm, Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012, in Shelby Hills Cemetery, Bristol, Tenn. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be sent to St. Luke United Methodist Church Choir, 105 North Street, Bristol, VA 24201. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed by visiting www.oakley-cook.com Arrangements especially for Anne Anderson and her family have been made through Oakley-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory. Published in Bristol Herald Courier on December 1, 2012

ANDERSON, David Bruce  BRISTOL, Tenn. David Bruce Anderson, 82, died on Friday, Feb. 17, 2012, at the Bristol Regional Medical Center in Bristol, Tenn. He was a son of the late Robert Wallace Anderson and Virginia Buchanan. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Betty Zane Anderson; sister, Katherine Koty; and brother, Wallace Anderson. David is survived by his loving wife of 22 years, Letha Anderson; son, Robert Bruce Anderson and his wife, Cathy, of Kennesaw, Ga.; step-daughter, Carolyn Bullion and husband, Bob, of Franklin, Tenn.; granddaughters, Gracie and Abby Anderson; two step-grandchildren, Craig Fleenor and Charlotte Lucas; three great-grandchildren, Even, Kellen, Stella; brother, Donald E. Anderson, and Betty Lou; and five nieces and nephews, Alan Anderson, Debbie Shelly, Wayne Anderson and Karen Bock and John Koty. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 6:45 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 19, 2012, at Edgemont Presbyterian Church. The funeral service will follow at 7 p.m. with Rev. Aaron Bartmess officiating. Committal and interment will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 20, 2012, at Glenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to Edgemont Presbyterian Church. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed by visiting www.oakley-cook.com Arrangements especially for Anderson and his family have been made through Oakley-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory. Published in Bristol Herald Courier on February 19, 2012

ANDERSON, Herman C. Jr. BRISTOL, Tenn. Funeral services for Mr. Herman C. Anderson Jr. will be conducted Tuesday, Dec. 11, 2012, at 12 noon, with the Rev. W.A. Johnson officiating at Lee Street Baptist Church. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by two sisters. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 44 years, Rebecca Anderson. Also surviving are his three children, Herman Anderson III, Shawn Anderson and Angela Anderson, all residing in Bristol, Tenn.; one special grandson, Marquis Anderson; one brother, Danny and Yong Anderson of Charlotte, N.C.; Diane and Harold Johnson, Bonnie and James Cabiness, Valie Mae Tolliver, Pinky Franklin, and Brenda MC Giver, all residing in El Paso, Texas; Susan Long of San Antonio, Texas; Patricia Minnifield of Killeen, Texas. Viewing with family and friends will be at 11 a.m. until the time of service. Online condolences may be sent to the family at raclarkfuneralservice@yahoo.com Professional services and care of Mr. Herman C. Anderson Jr. and family are entrusted to R. A. Clark Funeral Service, Inc. 423-764-8584 www.raclarkfuneralservice.com.  Published in Bristol Herald Courier from December 8 to December 11, 2012

ANDERSON, Letha "Tiny" Young Rhudy  BRISTOL, Va. Letha "Tiny" Young Rhudy Anderson, 84, formerly of Welch, W.Va., passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 22, 2012, at NHC of Bristol, Va. She was a daughter of the late Samuel William Young and Emma Kent Lamie Young. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Jonas B. Rhudy; second husband, David B. Anderson; sisters, Ruth Lambert, Mary Carolyn Young and Martha Young; and brother, Samuel "Butch" Kent Young. Letha was a graduate of McLain's Business College of Bluefield, W.Va. and worked for the Social Security Administration for 27 years. She was a member of Beech Grove Methodist Church and regularly attended Edgemont Presbyterian Church. She played the piano and organ. She enjoyed travel and organized travel for senior groups with her husband, David. Letha is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Bullion and husband, Robert; stepson, Bruce Anderson and wife, Cathy of Kennesaw, Ga.; granddaughter, Charlotte Lucas and husband, Darrin; grandson, Craig Fleenor and wife, Jennifer, all of the Nashville area; step-grandchildren, Gracie and Abby Anderson of Kennesaw; great- grandchildren, Evan Fleenor, Kellen Lucas, and Stella Lucas; sisters-in-law, Eunice Rhudy Jones of North Tazewell, Va., Nonye Rhudy LaRue of Chattanooga, Tenn., and Annis Rhudy Conn of Tazewell, Va.; brother- in-law, Paul Rhudy of Delaware; and several nieces and nephews. The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 5:45 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012, at Edgemont Presbyterian Church. The funeral service will follow at 6 p.m. with the Rev. Aaron Bartmess officiating. The committal service and interment will be held in Maplewood Cemetery in Tazewell, date and time will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be sent to Edgemont Presbyterian Church. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family and viewed by visiting www.oakley-cook.com Arrangements especially for Mrs. Anderson and her family have been made through Oakley-Cook Funeral Home & Crematory. Published in Bristol Herald Courier on February 24, 2012