Smyth County obituaries for Jan. 5, 2008

Blevins

Clifton Franklin Blevins Sr., 76, died at his home in Cleghorn Valley on Monday, Dec. 31, 2007.
He was born to the late William Harvey and Mattie Suzanne Blevins. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathy Louise Blevins, in 2004 and his sister, Esther Greer, in 2006.
He was a lifelong resident of Smyth County and a member of the Cleghorn Valley Baptist Church and a retiree of the Brunswick Corporation after 42 years of employment.
Survivors include his loving wife of 54 years, Shirley Aker Blevins; son and daughter-in-law, Rev. Clifton (Frank) and Debbie Blevins of Marion; two daughters and sons-in-law, Sandra (Sandi) Jean and Ellis Rouse and Barbara (Bobbi) Rebecca and Jimmy Cornett, all of Marion; son-in-law, Jonithan Lynn Blevins of Marion; six brothers and sisters, Lowell Blevins and wife, Betty, Cecil Blevins and wife, Loretta, Yvonne Sturgill and husband, Paul, Sylvia Freeman and husband, Henry, Maxine Olinger and husband, Tom, and Dolores Greer; grandchildren, Melanie Baxter and husband, Bryan, Valerie Yarber and husband, Tracy, Stevi Rouse, Levi Rouse and wife, Samantha, Tonya Hall and husband, Artie, Marisa Blevins, Christen Cornett, Michelle Blevins, Nakeeshi Rouse, Lindsey Cornett; great-grandchildren, Jacob Blevins, Klayton Yarber, Olivia Rouse, and Carrington Baxter; brother-in-law, Homer Phillip Aker and wife, Carroll; sister-in-law, Elizabeth Blevins and husband, Vernon; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Wednesday evening, Jan. 2, 2008, at Cleghorn Valley Baptist Church. The Rev. Bob Steel, the Rev. Jerry Creasy and the Rev. Wesley Eller officiated the services. Graveside services were held at the Cleghorn Valley Baptist Church Cemetery Thursday morning, Jan. 3, 2008.
Expressions of sympathy may be forwarded to the family at http://www.bradleysfh.com.
The family received friends Wednesday evening, Jan. 2, 2008, at the Cleghorn Valley Baptist Church.
Bradley’s Funeral Chapel in Chilhowie was in charge of arrangements.

Buchanan

James Wayne “Buck” Buchanan, 66, died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, at Wayne Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family.
He was born in Bland County on Nov. 28, 1941, to the late James M. Buchanan and Mattie Ferguson Buchanan. He retired from the U.S. Air Force with 26 years of service and with tours of duty in Vietnam, Philippines, Thailand and Germany. While serving his country, he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal and received a Purple Heart. He was a lifetime member of the Francis Marion Veterans of Foreign War Post #4667 in Marion.
Following his military career, he worked with Bridgestone-Firestone in Wilson for 19 years. He was a member of Adamsville Baptist Church, where he was currently serving as a deacon. He was an avid golfer and was a member of the Southeastern Golf Association.
Survivors include his wife of 46 years, Betty Johnson Buchanan; sons and daughters-in-law, Mark and Diane Buchanan and Steven and Shannon Buchanan, all of Goldsboro, N.C.; his sisters, Ila Thompson of Wytheville, and Carolyn and Bob Stamper of Marion; his grandchildren, Dustin, Alexis, Curtis, April, Mason and Michael; several great-grandchildren; and several loving nieces, nephews and friends.
Graveside services were held Friday morning, Jan. 4, 2008, at Middlefork Cemetery in Chilhowie. Full military honors were rendered by Francis Marion V.F.W. Post #4667.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Adamsville Baptist Church, 1302 N. Berkeley Blvd., Goldsboro, N.C. 27534. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at http://www.bradleysfh.com.
The family received friends Thursday evening, Jan. 3, 2008, at Bradley’s Funeral Home.
Bradley’s Funeral Home in Marion was in charge of arrangements.

Cochran

Robert Edward Cochran Jr., 47, died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008, in the Valley Health Care Center.
He was born in Johnson City, Tenn., on Feb. 13, 1960. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Edward Cochran Sr. He was a 1976 graduate of Chilhowie High School and had earned his B.S. degree in Business Administration from ETSU in 1980.
Survivors include one daughter and son-in-law, Jessica Cochran and Jeffery Nipper of Sycamore, Ga.; his mother, Jenny Belle Maness Cochran of Chilhowie; one brother, Kevin Cochran of Floyd; one sister, Connie Brewster of Chilhowie; one grandson, Cody Nipper of Sycamore, Ga.; two uncles, Thomas Cochran of Fort Worth, Texas, and William “Deis” Cochran of Oak Ridge, Tenn.; two aunts, Florence Geifer of Springfield, Mo., and Joyce Gardner of Knoxville, Tenn.; niece, Aaryn M.J. Brewster; and nephew, Robert Joshua Sexton.
Funeral services were held Thursday evening, Jan. 3, 2008, at the Bradley’s Funeral
Chapel. The Rev. David St. Clair and the Rev. Gene Little officiated the services. Graveside services were held Friday afternoon, Jan. 4, 2008, at Westwood Memorial Gardens.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Chilhowie United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 367, Chilhowie, Va. 24319 or to Hands On Helpers, c/o Linda Byrd, P.O. Box 566, Glade Spring, Va. 24340. Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at http://www.bradleysfh.com.
The family received friends Thursday evening, Jan. 3, 2008, at the funeral chapel.
Bradley’s Funeral Chapel in Chilhowie was in charge of arrangements.

Doane

James E. “Buddy” Doane, 81, died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008, at his home.
He was a member of the Oak Grove Baptist Church, a veteran of the Korean War, and a member of the Saltville V.F.W. Post.
Survivors include his wife, Ruby W. Doane; three daughters and a son-in-law, Joyce D. Blevins of Chilhowie, Linda D. and Deetsie Wyatt of Saltville and Patty L. Doane of Chilhowie; son and daughter-in-law, Eddie “Bur-lee” and Faith Doane of Saltville; seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Graveside services were conducted Thursday afternoon, Jan. 3, 2008, at the Mount Pleasant Cemetery. The Rev. Wesley Eller and the Rev. Donald Wyatt officiated the services. Saltville V.F.W. Post #7328 conducted military rites.
D.R. Henderson Funeral Home in Saltville was in charge of arrangements.

Goolsby

Joseph Henry Goolsby, 68, died Friday, Dec. 28, 2007, at the home of his sister in Lyndhurst, Ohio.
He was born in Chilhowie on Oct. 23, 1939 to the late James and Josephine Goolsby. His brother, Robert Goolsby, preceded him in death.
Survivors include his sister, Florence Goolsby of Lyndhurst, Ohio; twin nieces, Roberta King of Hampstead, Md., and Rita Cutler of Reisterstown, Md.; twin great-nephews, Shannon King of Chicago, Ill., and Sean King of Hampstead, Md.; two great-nieces, ShaRita King of Hampstead, Md., and Ruth Marie Cutler of Reisterstown, Md.; two great-great-nieces, Miranda King of Hampstead, Md., and Sydney King of Chicago, Ill.; and a host of other relatives and friends.
Funeral services will be conducted Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, at 11 a.m. at the First Baptist Church of Chilhowie, 136 Railroad Ave., Chilhowie.
The family received friends Friday afternoon and Friday evening, Jan. 4, 2008, at Williams Funeral Home.
The family will receive friends Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, from 10 a.m. with services beginning at 11 a.m.
Williams Funeral Home in Chilhowie is in charge of arrangements.

Griffey

George D. “Jake” Griffey, 53, died Monday, Dec. 31, 2007, at Smyth County Community Hospital.
He was preceded in death by his father, George K. Griffey, and brother, Dennis.
Survivors include his wife, Patsy Griffey; son, Kevin Tyler Griffey, of the home; daughter and son-in-law, Kayla and Isaias Silverio of Seven Mile Ford; his mother, Rosie Hayden Griffey of Marion; four brothers and sisters-in-law, Cecil Griffey of Marion, Richard and Angela Griffey of Speedwell, Terry and Ruthie Griffey of Rock Hill, S.C., and Kenneth and Jewel Griffey of Marion; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Mary L. Vanhoozer of Marion and Priscilla and James Fields of Meadowview; one grandson, Markcos Silverio; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were conducted Thursday morning, Jan. 3, 2008, at Henderson Funeral Home. The Rev. Steve Hutton officiated the services. Burial followed in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.
The family received friends Wednesday evening, Jan. 2, 2008, at the funeral home.
D.R. Henderson Funeral Home in Saltville was in charge of arrangements.

Handy

Carlos Michael (Satch) Handy, 56, of Mouth of Wilson, the Grant Community, died Monday, Dec. 31, 2007, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem, N.C.
He was born June 29, 1951 in Marion to the late James H. and Wilma Dell Cornett Handy.
Survivors include two daughters and a son-in-law, Amy Handy of Mouth of Wilson and Sherry and Jamie Osborne of Independence; one brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Brenda Handy of Troutdale; one sister and brother-in-law, Clara and Scott Hart of Mouth of Wilson; two half-sisters and spouse, Becky and Donnie Reedy of Troutdale and Debbie Snow of Fries; stepson, Robby Patton of Troutdale; and one grandson and one step-grandson.
Funeral services were conducted Wednesday morning, Jan. 2, 2008, at Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home Chapel in Independence. Interment was held in Grant Cemetery in Grant. The Rev. Rex Hall, the Rev. Doug Halsey and the Rev. Dusty Reedy officiated the services. Military rites were conducted by Grayson County V.F.W. Post #7726.
Flowers were appreciated or memorials may be made to Rugby Rescue Squad, 1845 Rugby Rd., Mouth of Wilson, Va. 24363 or Little Wilson United Methodist Church, c/o Tammy S. Roberts, 3149 Roberts Cove Rd., Troutdale, Va. 24378.
Reins-Sturdivant Funeral Home in Independence was in charge of arrangements.

Havens

Kelly Franklin Havens, 72, died Thursday, Jan. 3, 2008, in Francis Marion Manor.
He was born in Rich Valley to the late George Kelly and Mary Havens and was preceded in death by a daughter, Peggy Havens; a stepson, Danny Jones; and a brother, John Havens.
Survivors include his wife, Georgia Havens; three daughters, Linda Randolph, Mary Ann Havens and Ashley Wain; two stepdaughters, Shirley Pennington and husband, Buddy, and Betty Copenhaver and husband, Richard; three sisters and brothers-in-law, Mary Rickman, Evelyn and Marion Kell and Doris and Jim Webb; eight grandchildren, eight great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008, at Bradley’s Funeral Home Chapel in Marion with Pastor Mike Sage officiating. Interment will follow in Ridgedale Cemetery in Rich Valley.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at http://www.bradleysfh.com.
The family received friends Friday evening, Jan. 4, 2008, at the funeral home.
Bradley’s Funeral Home in Marion is in charge of arrangements.

Peake

Robert A. “Bobby” Peake, 55, formerly of Chilhowie, died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, in Greenville, S.C.
He was born in Chilhowie to the late William Lewis Peake and Mary Magdalene Peake. He was a graduate of Clemson University and was formerly employed as a mechanical engineer.
Survivors include his wife, Judy Peake; two sons, William Ross Peake of Charlotte, N.C., and Courtney Peake; one daughter, Jessica Lorraine Peake of Greensboro, N.C.; one brother and sister-in-law, William Jr. and Gayle Peake of Greenville, S.C.; two grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Funeral services were held Wednesday evening, Jan. 2, 2008, at the First Church of God in Chilhowie. Pastor Bobby Dunn officiated the services. Interment was held Thursday morning, Jan. 3, 2008, at Mt. View Cemetery.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family at http://www.bradleysfh.com.
The family received friends Wednesday evening, Jan. 2, 2008, at the church.
Bradley’s Funeral Home in Marion was in charge of arrangements.

Pike

Sally O’Rita Bralley Pike, 78, of Wytheville, died Sunday, Dec. 30, 2007, in Wythe County Community Hospital.
She was born March 12, 1929, in Austinville, daughter of the late Rev. David and Roberta Fields Bralley. She was preceded in death by a sister, Maggie Belle Bralley; a brother, David E. Bralley Jr.; a grandson, Jeremy Brandon Pike; and a son-in-law, Howard Wayne “Click” Davis.
Survivors include her husband, Lee Pike of the home; two daughters and a son-in-law, Reta Gayle Davis of Mt. Airy, N.C., and Donita and Allen Hoback of Wytheville; four sons and daughters-in-law, Carlton and Roberta Pike of Gaithersburg, Md., James K. Pike of Max Meadows, Robert and Jamie Pike of Marion and Derrick and Teresa Pike of Christiansburg; one sister and brother-in-law, Novella and the Rev. Jerry Riggins of Louisa; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Ralph and Sally Bralley of Max Meadows and Harry Dewayne Bralley of Dobson, N.C.; 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.
Funeral services were held Thursday morning, Jan. 3, 2008, at the Barnett Funeral Chapel. Interment followed in West End Cemetery.
The family received friends Wednesday evening, Jan. 2, 2008, at the funeral home.
Barnett Funeral Home in Wytheville was in charge of arrangements.

Sexton

Laura Shupe Sexton, 86, of Rising Sun, Md., died Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2008, at her granddaughter Cathy’s home.
She was born Aug. 10, 1921, in Damascus, the daughter of the late James Henderson and Cecilia Jane Tester Shupe.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Fletcher; two sons, Scott and Paul; and her brothers and sisters.
She worked for nearly 25 years at the Fawn Grove Sewing Factory and for over 13 years at Perry Point Veterans Hospital in the linen department. She also volunteered for Dr. Dalia Hirsch in Havre de Grace and was an active volunteer at Union Hospital in Elkton. She was a long-time member of Calvary Missionary Baptist Church.
Survivors include her daughter, Janet Isennock of New Port Richey, Fla.; her eight grandchildren, Cathy Fanus, Matthew and Daniel Isennock, Geoff, Raymond and Brian Sexton, and P.J. and Gregg Everett; 14 great-grandchildren and a great-great-grandson, John Kinder.
Funeral services will be held at Calvary Missionary Baptist Church on Telegraph Road in Rising Sun, Md., on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008 at 11 a.m. Burial will be held in the church cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Union Hospital Auxiliary or Northern Chesapeake Hospice Foundation, c/o of the funeral home. To send condolences visit http://www.rtfoard.com.
The family received friends Friday evening, Jan. 4, 2008, at the funeral home or at the church, or one hour prior to the funeral service on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2008.
R.T. Foard Funeral Home in Rising Sun, Md., is in charge of arrangements.
This is a courtesy announce by Bradley’s Funeral Home in Marion.

Stamper

Joe Stamper, 71, died Monday, Dec. 31, 2007, in Smyth County Community Hospital.
Survivors include three sons, Joe Stamper of Chilhowie, Jeff Stamper and Jimmy Stamper, both of Rural Retreat; two sisters, Eva Hutton of Rock Falls, Ill. and Wanda Teaters of Ocala, Fla.; one brother, Roy Stamper of Seven Mile Ford; two grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. 
Funeral services were held Thursday afternoon, Jan. 3, 2008, at Seaver-Brown Chapel. The Rev. David Neitch officiated the services. Burial followed in South Fork Baptist Church Cemetery. 
Expressions of sympathy may be made to the family at http://www.seaverbrown.com.
The family received friends Thursday afternoon, Jan. 3, 2008, until time of the service at Seaver-Brown Chapel.
Seaver-Brown Funeral Service and Crematory in Marion was in charge of arrangements.