Bland Messenger Obituaries

Benjamin L. Bird
Benjamin Lee Bird, 74, of Miami, Fla., formerly of Princeton, W.Va., died Sunday, April 27, 2008, in Miami, Fla.
In keeping with his wishes, the body has been cremated. A memorial service will be held Saturday, May 3, at 3 p.m. at the George W. Seaver Chapel of Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton, W.Va. Interment in the Bland Cemetery will be held later.
He was born Jan. 2, 1934, in Bland County, a son of the late Ben L. and Rosa Jones Bird. He was a retired salesman for the Dial Corp., formerly Armour Inc.
He was a member of the Carr Memorial United Methodist. He loved and enjoyed his family and friends. As a graduate of Bland High School, he always returned for the reunions.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Jane Barger Bird; and two sisters, Rosa Mann and Nancy Sawyer.
Survivors include his loving wife, Margarette Cardwell Bird; daughter and son-in-law, Linda and Ron Peak of Princeton, W.Va.; two sons and daughter-in-law, Robert Lee and Barbara Bird of Scottsmoor, Fla., and Ben Allan Bird; four grandchildren, Sarah B. Woodring and her partner Brian Bowers, Samantha Bird, Jessica Peak Park and husband Matt, and Benjamin “B.J.” Bird; great-grandson, Edward Thomas Woodring; and a sister and brother-in-law, Carolyn B. and Robert Bain of Bland.
The family will receive friends Sunday, May 3, from 2 to 3 p.m. (service time) at the Seaver Funeral Home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Bland Cemetery Fund, c/o Jane Hall, 2141 East Bluegrass Trail, Bland, VA 24315; or the Carr Memorial United Methodist Church, 1544 Glenwood Park Rd., Princeton, WV 24740.
Seaver Funeral Home in Princeton, W.Va., is in charge of the arrangements.

George K. Morehead
George K. Morehead, 74, of Callaway, formerly of Bland, died Wednesday, April 16, 2008.
A graveside service was held Saturday, April 19, at 11 a.m. at Dale Memorial Park in Chesterfield.
He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. He was preceded in death by his parents, Glen K. and Fannie L. Morehead; and a brother, Ryland “Buzz” Morehead.
Survivors include his wife, Carol C. Morehead of Callaway; daughter, Lee Ann Johnson of Lenoir, N.C.; son, Glenn Morehead of Richmond; and three sisters, Bernice Hanks of Radford, Nancy Collins of Dublin and Jean Ann Davidson of Rocky Gap.
Flora Funeral Service in Rocky Mount was in charge of the arrangements.

M. Clayton Nelson
M. Clayton Nelson, 88, of Bland died Monday, April 14, 2008.
Funeral service was held Thursday, April 17, at 7 p.m. at the Highland Bland Funeral Chapel with Pastor Miriam Dakin officiating. A graveside service was held Friday, April 18, at 11 a.m. at the Muncy Family Cemetery.
He was born June 19, 1919, in Bland County, a son of the late Ira and Lavinia Hull Nelson. He was preceded in death by his wife, Effie Leota Nelson; son, Edward Clinton Nelson; several brothers; and a sister.
Survivors include a daughter and son-in-law, Margie and Dwight Cox of Bland; special son, Timmy Baxley of Bland; brother, Bernard Nelson of Louisville, Ky.; grandchild, Ashley Cox; several nieces and nephews; and other relatives and friends.
Highland Bland Funeral Chapel in Bland was in charge of the arrangements.

Luther B. Townley
Luther B. “L.B.” Townley, 70, of Kingston, Tenn., died Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at Rockwood Care and Rehab Center.
Funeral service was held Friday, April 25. A graveside service was held Saturday, April 26, at Roan County Memorial Gardens in Rockwood, Tenn., with Roan County Military Memorial Honor Guard conducting military rites.
He was a 1956 graduate of Bland High School. Coached by Victor Gilley during high school, he contributed greatly to one of Bland High School’s most impressive baseball records.
After high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1956 and was trained in the medical field. His medical career included tours of duty in Ethiopia and Vietnam. His tour in Vietnam was with the 3rd Marine Division.
Throughout his Navy career, he received several medals to include the Purple Heart. He served on the recovery team for the Apollo flight with a letter of commendation from the president.
His medical career extended into civilian life to include eight years with a medical clinic in Knoxville, Tenn., and 17 years with the Department of Corrections in Tennessee. He retired from both places as health administrator.
He was a member of the Church of God of Harriman, Tenn., and attended with his family for 25 years. During the last 20 years before his death, he served the Church of God as an evangelist.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Edna Townley of the Crandon community of Bland County.
Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Mary A. Townley of Kingsport, Tenn.; daughters, Angelia, Rhonda and Darla; two grandchildren, Jessica Murphy and Quenten Kolski; three brothers, Bill Townley of Ripplemead, Sherman Townley of Marion and Jim Townley of South Boston; and a sister, Virginia Woodfin of Amelia.
Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory in Marion made the local courtesy announcement.