Obituaries - Oct. 28, 2009

Joyce Morris Burke

Joyce Morris Burke, 70, of Lynchburg, went to be with the Lord on Oct. 19 at Lynchburg General Hospital. She was the wife of Ronald Eugene Burke Sr. for 53 years.

Born July 4, 1939, in Lynchburg, she was the daughter of the late Vincent Nowlin Morris and Eloise Walden Keatts and was also preceded in death by a brother, Preston Lee Morris. Mrs. Burke was a loving and devoted wife, mother, grandmother and homemaker. She was a longtime and faithful member of Thomas Road Baptist Church.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by one son, Ronald E. Burke Jr. of Forest; three daughters, Vicki Burke Wood and husband, Wayne, of Lynchburg, Debby B. Farish and husband, Craig, of Forest and Windi Burke Dowdy and husband, Asa, of Lynchburg; seven grandchildren, Jill, Dylan, Hunter, Jason, Kinzi, Asa Jr. and Taylor; one great-grandson, Brian; and a half-brother, Ricky Keatts of Madison Heights.

A graveside service was conducted Oct. 22 in Fort Hill Memorial Park with the Rev. Jonathan Falwell and Dr. Jim Moon officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made to Thomas Road Baptist Church.

To send a condolence to the family, please visit http://www.whittenfuneralhome.com. Whitten Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Timberlake Chapel, is serving the family.

Sadie Wootton Carroll

Sadie Wootton Carroll, 87, of Buckingham, died Oct. 23 at her home.

She was born in Amherst County on June 13, 1922, a daughter of the late Edward Hill Wootton and Mary Catherine Branch Wootton.

She was the widow of Reese Edward Carroll Sr. She was preceded in death by a son, Delmas A. Carroll; two brothers, George and Herman Wootton; two sisters, Agnes W. Carroll and Macie Wootton Taylor.

She is survived by a son, Reese E. Carroll Jr. and a special devoted daughter-in-law, Mary; two grandsons, Michael Carroll and Mark Carroll of Charlottesville; a sister, Gertrue W. Carroll and her husband, Percy, of Buckingham.

Sadie was active for many years in the Mount Vinco Extension Homemakers Club as well as many community activities. She was a member of Mount Tabor United Methodist Church for 64 years where she served as treasurer for 27 years as well as many other offices.

Funeral services were held Oct. 25 at the Dunkum Funeral Home in Dillwyn with interment in Buckingham Community Cemetery.

The family received friends Oct. 24 at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to Mount Zion United Methodist Church, c/o Lucille Moniuszko, 309 Fitzpatrick Road, Buckingham, VA 23921.

A special thanks to Southern Albemarle Family Physicians.

Myrtle Elizabeth Flint

Myrtle Elizabeth Flint, 89, of Lynchburg, died Oct. 13. Twice widowed, she was the wife of the late Cecil O’Dell Flint.

Mrs. Flint was born Dec. 30, 1919, in Buckingham County, a daughter of the late Clyde and Nettie Stinson Adcock. She was a member of Boonsboro United Methodist Church.

She is survived by two children: Marion Palczynski and husband Joseph of Lynchburg and Ralph W. Bryant of Beaumont, Texas; her grandchildren, Randy, Teresa, Lyn, Wayne, David, and Mary Beth, 13 great grandchildren, a brother, Harry Adcock, and a sister, Lucille Fulcher, both of Madison Heights.

In addition to her husbands and parents, she was preceded in death by a son, Earl Bryant, two brothers and two sisters.

The family received friends Oct. 16 at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg. A graveside service followed in Fort Hill Memorial Park with the Rev. Charles Stinson officiating.

Memorial contributions may be sent to Alzheimer’s Association, P.O. Box 823, Lynchburg, VA, 24505.

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting http://www.tharpfuneralhome.com.

Benny Maynard Gillispie

Benny Maynard Gillispie, 74, of Lynchburg, passed away Oct. 18 after a long illness.

Born March 25, 1935, in Amherst County, he was a son of the late Maynard Carrington Gillispie and Minnie Frances Lawhorne Thacker. Benny was a U.S. Navy veteran, having served during the Korean War and was a retired employee of Lorillard Tobacco Co. He coached little league baseball and enjoyed playing in the senior softball league. He was recognized statewide for his participation in the literacy program and enjoyed playing his guitar in area nursing homes. He was a mentor in programs for broken families and an active member of Unity in the Seven Hills Church, having served on the board of directors.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Irving and Lloyd Gillispie. He is survived by four children, David A. Gillispie of Fern Park, Fla., Michael C. Gillispie of Lynchburg, Katherine Lynn Gillispie and husband, Chris Wiese, of Missoula, Mont., and Charles Steven Gillispie of Tucson, Ariz.; his brother, Carlton “Buddy” Gillispie; four grandchildren, Benjamin Gillispie of Lynchburg and Emma Wiese, Claudia Weise and Max Wiese, all of Missoula; and his special friend and companion, Arlene Cudney of Brookneal.

A celebration of Benny’s life was held Oct. 24 at Diuguid Waterlick Chapel with the Rev. Nancy L. Purcell officiating.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions please consider Unity of the Seven Hills Church.

For online condolences, please visit diuguidfuneralservice.com.

Catherine C. Gunn

Catherine Criser Gunn, 87, of Fishersville, died Oct. 15 at the Shenandoah Nursing Home in Fishersville.

She was born on May 26, 1922, in Bath County, the daughter of Ernest Franklin and Etta Stinnett Criser.

She was a member of Smyrna Presbyterian Church.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Robert E. Gunn; a son, Paul Smith; a daughter-in-law, Linda Gunn; and her two brothers. She was the last surviving member of her immediate family.

Surviving are two daughters, Robin Gunn of Staunton and Joyce Huffman and her husband, Nolan, of Waynesboro; two sons, James B. “Jim” Gunn and his wife, Ann, of Lyndhurst, and William E. “Billy” Gunn of Madison Heights; nine grandchildren; 14 great- grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

A service was conducted Oct. 17 at McDow Funeral Home by the Rev. Will Heyward. Interment followed at Augusta Memorial Park.

Active pallbearers were Wallace Back, Calvin Clements, Monk Davis, Fred Huffman, Robert Meek and Ronnie Meek.

The family received friends at the funeral home prior to the service Oct. 17.

Family and friends may sign the guest register at http://www.mcdowfuneralhomeinc.com.

Billy Wesley Mason

Billy W. (Big Daddy) Mason, 81, of Gladys, went home to be with his heavenly father on Oct. 19. He was the husband of the late Grace B. Mason for 58 years.

Mr. Mason was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on Oct. 13, 1928, son of the late Leonie S. Mason and Warner W. Mason and the late Nannie and Elbert Mason. He was a lifelong member of Sharon United Methodist Church and was retired from farming tobacco on his family farm, the Mason Plantation, which was established in 1876. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Brookneal Lodge 267 and a veteran of both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Air Force.

He is survived by five children, Billy R. Mason, Nancy L. Mason and fiancé, John Mason, Coretta Davidson and husband, Bruce, Sonja Mann and husband, John, and Nita Pillow; six grandchildren, Mandy Pugh and husband, Bobby, of Gladys, Dana Elder and husband, Matt, of Nathalie, Holly Rudder and husband, Matthew, of Forest, Kelly Mason and wife, Robin, of Gladys, J.W. Mann of Brookneal and Wesley Pillow and friend, Adrian, of Madison Heights; five great-grandchildren, Mason L. Pugh, Emily Mann, Amber Mann, Aaron Mason and Meagan Mason; and one sister, Ella M. Wright.

He was preceded in death by a great-granddaughter, Glenna Grace Pugh; three brothers, Alex Ray Mason, James L. Mason and William Elbert Mason; and two sisters, Margaret Staples and Coretta Stephens.

A funeral service was conducted Oct. 21 at Sharon United Methodist Church by the Rev. Charles Haley and the Rev. Doug Pillow with interment following in the church cemetery. Military rites were performed at the grave by American Legion Post 16 of Lynchburg. The family received friends Oct. 20 at the Mason Plantation.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be made to Sharon United Methodist Church cemetery fund or the Hospice of the Hills.

Lester Earl McCray

Lester Earl McCray, son of the late James H. and Mildred L. McCray was born on May 15, 1960. He was called home to be with the Lord Oct. 14. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, James and Freddie McCray; and two sisters, Irene McCray and Virginia Dempsey.

Lester leaves to mourn and to cherish his loving spirit, six brothers, Charles, George, and Andrew (Patricia) McCray, all of Lynchburg, Richard McCray (Robin), of Madison Heights, Arthur McCray (Harriet), of Carnegie, Pa., and Henry McCray (Cynthia); four sisters, Barbara “Mama” McCray, of Lynchburg, Linda Parks (Warren), of Grifton, N.C., Shirley Bailey (Alvin) and Bessie Johnson (Bernard), both of Pittsburgh, Pa.; two devoted nieces, also known as sisters, Wanda Thomas (Warren), of Lynchburg, and Wendy Brown, of Madison Heights; a devoted nephew, Jerome Dempsey (Denise), of Lynchburg; Evangelia Thomas, Sherard and Tamara McCray, Sammantha Brown, Christopher Dempsey and Atlee McCray; three aunts, Thelma Robinson, Ludie Slaughter and Irene McCray, of Lynchburg; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

A funeral service was conducted Oct. 18 at Rose Chapel Baptist Church with the Rev. Donald W. Hamlette officiating. Interment was in the church cemetery. The family received friends Oct. 17 at Community Funeral Home and other times at the residence 205 Front St. The cortege assembled at the residence. Condolences may be e-mailed to . Community Funeral Home directing.

Lena Young Nuckles

Lena Young Nuckles, 95, of Lynchburg, died Oct. 17. She was the wife of the late Roy Lee Nuckles.

Born in Bedford County, she was a daughter of the late Otha Lee Young and the late Annie Fariss Young.

Mrs. Nuckles was of the Baptist faith.

She is survived by a daughter, Nancy Elliott (Roger Hudson), of Lynchburg; a brother, Edward Young (Aileen), of Madison Heights; five grandchildren, E. Dean Nuckles (Brenda), Dale Lee Nuckles, Tammy Porterfield (Ron), Mark Elliott (Esther), and Candace Ogden (Larry), a son-in-law Floyd Elliott Jr. (Helen), nine great-grandchildren; and three great-great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a son, Edward Lee Nuckles; two brothers, Robert Young, and Dennis V. Young; and a sister, Melvinnie Y. Johnson.

Mrs. Nuckles family would like to thank Hospice of the Hills, Team Nurse Home Health, for their compassion and care and especially Quanesha. A special thanks to Lynchburg Station No. 6 for their professionalism and care each time we dialed 911.

A private service was conducted.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.

Tharp Funeral Home and Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting http://www.tharpfuneralhome.com.

Van Oscar Rose

Van Oscar Rose (Bro), of 102 Jubilee Drive, Lynchburg, passed away on Oct. 13. He was born March 20, 1952, to the late Van Lee and Dorothy Rose. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister Roberta Sherrell and a son, Jesus Christ Rose. He attended Amherst County High School and later joined the U.S. Army, where he learned his cooking skills and became a great chef.

He leaves to cherish his memory a devoted friend of 21 years, Lettrelle Bradshaw; two daughters, Shiangela Watkins, of Hopkinsville, Ky., and Nicole Bradshaw, of Lynchburg; two sons, Demetrius Rose and Jessie Bradshaw, both of Lynchburg; five sisters, Rebekah Ward and Betty Garland (William), both of Lynchburg, Mary Thomas of Madison Heights, Martha Feliciano, of Columbus, Ohio and Rojina Tinsley (James), of Columbia, Md.; one brother, Jessee Rose (Robin), of Amherst; his grandmother, Annie Bell Turner, of Amherst; four grandsons; and a host of relatives and friends.

Funeral services were conducted Oct. 19 at St Peters Baptist Church, Clifford. His remains were in state prior to the service. The Rev. Margaret Nelson officiated.

Services entrusted to Franklin-Hutcherson Funeral Home.

Eugene Alfred Walter Jr. W2CP

Eugene Alfred Walter Jr., W2 CP, 86, of Madison Heights, passed away Oct. 14.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years Elizabeth (Betty) Walter; two beloved daughters.

The Rev. Liz Ecklund and Joyce Lifshin; a loved son-in-law, Rev. Richard Ecklund; grandson, Christopher Ecklund; granddaughter, Erin Ecklund; and a great-granddaughter, Briannah Ecklund.

He served in the U.S. Navy and then the U.S. Merchant Marine during World War II. He was an avid amateur radio operator. He served for 70 years in the National Association of Radio Operators. He was a life member of the American Radio Relay League, a member of the Long Island, N.Y., Owls Radio Club and was a member of the General Federation of Radio Members of Virginia and a member of the Lynchburg Radio Club. He worked in television and radio operation work in New York. After he retired he went to college, graduated from Central Virginia Community College, Lynchburg College and Longwood College. Then he taught at CVCC for more than three years.

A celebration of his life was held Oct. 24 at Rustburg United Methodist Church. The Rev Richard Ecklund will officiate. There was a luncheon immediately following the service. Instead of flowers please give to the Elijah Fund care of Rustburg United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 336, Rustburg, VA 24588.

Whitten Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Monelison Chapel, is assisting the family. To send a condolence to the family, please visit, http://www.whittenfuneralhome.com.