Obituaries - Dec. 2, 2009

James ‘Bumpy’ Roger Coffey

James “Bumpy” Roger Coffey, 62, of Roseland, died Nov. 22 at the Augusta Medical Center. Born Nov. 27, 1946, he was the son of the late Elsie Coffey Truslow. He was a self-employed logger for many years and was a member of Beech Grove Christian Church. “Bumpy” loved his pet and companion, “Yellow,” his horses and working on old trucks.

He is survived by three sisters; Patricia Napier of Nellysford, Frances Whitesell of Lyndhurst, and Rebecca Shively of Amherst; uncles, Pat Coffey of Waynesboro and Paul Coffey (Katherine) of Afton; cousin and caretaker, Marie Napier and husband Norman of Nellysford and their son Harold Wayne; cousins, Joe Coffey (Faye) of Orange and Patsy Glass (John) of Waynesboro; a life-long buddy Roger Viar (Beth); and numerous cousins and nieces.

In addition to his mother he was preceded in death by his grandmother, Susie Coffey, and Aunt Elizabeth “Sis” Coffey who raised him.

A graveside service was conducted Nov. 27 in Beech Grove Cemetery by Robert Mansfield. Active pallbearers were Donald Dinkie Fitzgerald, Mike Taylor, Raymond “Baby Ray” Fitzgerald, Bennie Bryant, Keith “Bo” Dodd, and Greg Lipscomb.

Robert Asa Eagle

Robert Asa Eagle, 79, of Lynchburg, passed away Nov. 9 at Lynchburg General Hospital. He was preceded in death by his wife, Frances Tempelton Eagle.

Born July 6, 1930, in Appomattox, he was the son of the late John Asa and Tencie Martin Eagle. He was also preceded in death by his daughter, Cheryl Staton, three brothers, Thomas Eagle, John Dillard Eagle and Charlie Jamerson, and a sister, Cissy Ford Cannon.

He was retired from General Electric after more than 40 years of service. He was a member of the Concord Volunteer Fire Department for 48 years, and of Tyreeanna United Methodist Church.

Mr. Eagle is survived by his son, Stanley Eagle and wife, Carol, of Madison Heights; two sisters, Gracie Campbell and husband, Kinkle, and Ann Campbell and husband, Thell, both of Lynchburg; two brothers, Jessie Leonard Eagle and wife, Loretta, of Forest and Lloyd Foster Eagle and wife, Evelyn, of Lynchburg; a son-in-law, James A. Staton of Texas; one grandchild, Tracy Klein, and husband, David, of Norfolk; four great-grandchildren, Adrianna, Makalya, Logan and Chloe; a special friend, Jennie Toller of Winfall; and other relatives and many friends.

A funeral service was conducted Nov. 12 at Whitten Monelison Chapel, by the Rev. Chris Hrabosky. Interment followed in Spring Hill Cemetery. The family received friends Nov. 11 at Whitten Monelison Chapel and other times at the residence of Stanley Eagle.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Concord Fire Volunteer Fire Department.

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

Helen Switzer Peters

Helen Switzer Peters, 78, of Faulconerville, died Nov. 7 at her home. She was the wife of the late Charlie Lewis Peters.

Born Jan. 7, 1931, in Covington, she was the daughter of the late Henry Jackson and America Ball Switzer and was also preceded in death by one brother, Charles Switzer; and one sister, Lilly Bowling. Mrs. Peters was a loving and devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother.

Mrs. Peters is survived by one son, Wesley Peters and wife, Cynthia, of Madison Heights; two daughters, Linda Williams of Amherst and Vivian Houston, of South Boston; three sisters, Henrietta Cash and Marie Branham, both of Amherst, and Jane Martin and husband, Leonard, of Madison Heights; seven grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

A memorial service was conducted Nov. 10 at Whitten Monelison Chapel with the Rev. Greg Tyree officiating.

The family received friends following the service.

To send a condolence to the family, please visit www.whittenfuneralhome.com.

Whitten Funeral Homes and Cremation Services, Monelison Chapel, is serving the family.

Louise Davis Platt

Louise Platt, of 501 VES Road, died peacefully Nov. 7 at Westminster Canterbury. Born Aug. 10, 1919, in Amherst County, she was a daughter of the late Katherine Amonette and Dallas Montellion Davis.

In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, Joseph Lawson Platt, M.D. and her sister, Katherine D. Davidson

She was a graduate of Randolph Macon Woman’s College and earned her certificate in radiology from the University of Virginia. She was a lifelong member of Centenary United Methodist Church, a member of the Lynchburg Woman’s Club and the Lynchburg Medical Auxiliary.

Louise is survived by her daughter Katherine Ann and her husband, Joseph P.L. Payne of Lynchburg; three sons, William Lawson Platt and his wife, Susan of Jesup, Georgia, Robert Davis Platt and his wife, Bernadette of Lynchburg, Joseph Baxter Platt and his wife, Elizabeth Ewing of Charlottesville, six grandchildren; Kristin P. Puryear, Susan P. Stokes, Benjamin L. Platt, Karen P. Dominguez, Joseph Lee Platt, David B. Platt, one step-grandchild; Brandon L. Oliver, and five great-grandchildren; a nephew, Charles N. Davidson, and two nieces, Nancy D. Neal, and Rosalind Platt.

A memorial service was held Nov. 14 in the Commons at Westminster Canterbury, with the Rev. Karen Kelly and the Rev. Rick Ecklund officiating. The family received friends at Westminster Canterbury following the service. Additionally, the family wishes to thank the staff and friends at Westminster Canterbury for bringing pleasure and comfort to Mrs. Platt for these past 11 years.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions may be made to Centenary United Methodist Church, 1501 Rivermont Ave., Lynchburg, VA 24503, Westminster Canterbury Fellowship Fund, 501 VES Road, Lynchburg, VA 24503, or the Academy of Fine Arts, Ron Kastner, 600 Main St., Lynchburg, VA, 24504.

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

Elizabeth Campbell Sprouse

Elizabeth Campbell Sprouse, 98, of Amherst, went to be with the Lord Nov. 6. She was the wife of the late Jerry Sprouse.

Born Aug. 2, 1911, in Amherst County, she was the daughter of the late Henry and Nina Coffee Campbell. She was a member of Clifford Baptist Church. She was one of the greatest mothers and grandmothers and those who knew her loved her.

She leaves to cherish her memory a son, Jerry James Sprouse, of Amherst; three, daughters, Susie Lucille Matiply, of Madison Heights, Jean Juanita Hartless and husband, Leonard, of Amherst, and Phyllis Hartless and husband, Guy, of Madison Heights.

Elizabeth was delighted in taking a special role in the lives of her grandchildren and their families. Jerry Wayne Sprouse and wife, Donna, Donnie Sprouse, Teresa Berry, Sherry Lilly and husband, Robbie, Deborah Geisen and husband, Rob, Charles Mantiply, Ronnie Mantiply and wife, DeAnna, Gary Mantiply and wife, Dianne, Tony Mantiply, Shelia Mantiply, Dale Hartless and wife, Sharon, Donna Lash and husband, Allen, Mike Hartless and wife, Bonnie, Kevin Hartless and fiancee, Kami Wilson, and Cindy Walker and husband, Rick.

She is also survived by 21 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; and two sisters, Irene Larson, of San Antonio, Texas, and Nannie Smith, of Amherst.

She was preceded in death by a son, Glenwood Dale (Buddy) Sprouse; a grandson, Harold Wade Sprouse; three brothers, Radford (Red) Campbell, Charles (Bill) Campbell and Jimmy Myers Campbell; and a sister, Bernice Eagle.

She will forever be remembered as a woman who deeply loved her nieces, nephews, family, friends and neighbors. She will be greatly missed.

The family would like to thank the Rev. Dr. Michael R. Fitzgerald for all of his prayers, love and support he gave her and to the family. A special thanks to Mary Nappier for her love, dedication, care and devotion she gave to our mother and also thanks to Hospice of the Hills.

A celebration of her life was conducted Nov. 9 at Driskill Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Michael R. Fitzgerald officiating. Burial followed in the Amherst Cemetery.

The family received friends Nov. 8 at Driskill Funeral Chapel, Amherst.

Carl Edward Thomas

Carl Edward Thomas, 84, of Madison Heights, died Nov. 26. He was the husband of Mitzi Duboise Thomas for 63 years.

Mr. Thomas was born August 17, 1925 in Marion County, Tenn., a son of the late William E. Thomasand Hattie Harwood Thomas. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II. He was retired from Babcock & Wilcox where he was a nuclear engineer for more than 36 years. He was a member of Elon Presbyterian Church.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his three sons: Ronald Edward Thomas of San Francisco, CA, Gary Floyd Thomas of, Fairfax, and Dr. Kenneth David Thomas and wife, Magda, of Sumter, S.C.; a daughter-in-law, Joyce Thomas of Centreville; five grandchildren: Nathan Thomas of Blowing Rock, N.C., Adam Thomas of Palm Bay, Fla., Stacie Thomas of Hilton Head, S.C., Mark Thomas and his wife, Sarah of Hilton Head, S.C., Bridgette Thomas of Centreville; two great-grandchildren: Ashley and Asa Thomas of Hilton Head, S.C.

The family received friends Nov. 28 at Elon Presbyterian Church. A funeral service was conducted Nov. 29 at Elon Presbyterian Church with the Rev. Barry Tucker and Earl Clarkson officiating. Interment followed in the church cemetery.

In lieu of flowers the family suggest contributions be sent to Amherst Gideons Camp , P.O. Box 34, Monroe, VA, 24574.

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