Washington County Obituaries

Mary Widener Bryant
Mrs. Mary Widener Bryant, 78, is safe in the arms of Jesus after passing on Sept. 12, 2007.
She was born on Aug. 14, 1929, to the late Andrew D. and Minnie P. Widener. She had made her home in Bristol for 50 years. She was a charter member of Norfolk Avenue Baptist Church. Her joy in life was her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and sewing.
Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Dorothy Mae and two brothers, Preston and Otis Widener.
She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Lee E. Bryant; two daughters, Joyce (Mike) Arnold and Melissa (Victor) Norwood; one son Terry Bryant and wife, Sandy;  eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; three sisters, Josie (Odis) Dyson, Grace Widener and Anna Widener; and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
The funeral service was conducted Sept. 14 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with the Revs. Bill Arnold and David Sizemore officiating.  The committal service was conducted Sept. 15 in Mountain View Cemetery in Bristol, Va. Pallbearers were Darrell Dyson, Randy Jones, Travis Arnold, Travis Andrews, Jackie Thurston, and David Hall.
Those wishing to send memories or messages of sympathy online may do so by visiting http://www.farrisfuneralservice.com.
The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service 427 East Main Street is serving the family of Mrs. Mary Widener Bryant.

Bucky Eugene Burke
Mr. Bucky Eugene Burke, 36, passed away suddenly on Tuesday, Sept. 18, 2007, in Brunswick, Ga.
Mr. Burke was born in Michigan and was a 1988 graduate of Jenkins Independent High School in Jenkins, Kentucky and had attended East Tennessee State University in Johnson City, Tenn.  Bucky was also very active in the communities he lived in and had served his country and fellow man in many capacities, he was a veteran of the U.S. Army having served in the 82nd Airborne during both Operation Desert Shield and in Desert Storm.  In 1993 he became the Deputy Sheriff of Letcher County, Ky.  Mr. Burke also served as the Chief of Police for Loyall, Ky., and was a Police Officer with the Veterans Administration Police in Danville, Ill.  After having served in Illinois he was transferred to Veterans Administration Police in Mountain Home, Tenn.  In 2003 he joined the United States Marshals Services stationed in the District of Columbia with the District Court. He was of the Baptist faith.
He is survived by his wife, Renattia Burke of Bristol, Tenn.; son, Logan Burke; parents, Jerry and Dora Farley of Abingdon; two stepsons, Caleb Gilliam and Justin Gilliam; one half-brother, Jerry Ray Farley; and a host of friends and fellow members of the United States Marshals Services.
Funeral services for Mr. Bucky Eugene Burke were conducted Sept. 23 in Highlands Fellowship Church. Interment followed in the Forest Hills Memory Gardens with Full Military Honors accorded by The Highlands Fellowship Honor Guard.  Active pallbearers were members of the United States Marshals Services.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials in his memory be made to the American Heart Association, P.O. Box 5216, Glen Allen, VA 23058.
Online condolences may be expressed to the Burke Family at http://www.frostfuneralhome.com.  Frost Funeral Home, Abingdon, is serving the family of Mr. Bucky Eugene Burke.
William Harvey Coulthard
William Harvey Coulthard, 92, passed away at his home on Friday, Sept. 14, 2007.
Harvey was born on Oct. 7, 1914, in the Chatam Hill community to the late Charlie L. Coulthard and Viola Little Coulthard.
Harvey was formerly employed by Tennessee Eastman, Olin-Matheson and the Y12 Plant of Oak Ridge, Tenn. He was an original owner of Hubs and Wheels of Saltville. He has been a member of Byars-Cobb United Methodist Church of Glade Spring for 53 years. During this time he served the church in various capacities and had taught Sunday school for many years.  Harvey was a 32nd degree mason.
Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Fayetta Lamie Coulthard; his sons Charles Coulthard and wife, Roxann, of Bristol, Va., Harold Coulthard and wife, Anita, Don Coulthard and wife, Anne, and Sam Coulthard and wife, Merilyn, all of Emory; his grandchildren, Tim Coulthard of Kingsport, Tenn., Chad Coulthard of Portland, Tenn., Torr Coulthard of Cleveland, Tenn., Catie Coulthard House of Glade Spring, Va., Jon Coulthard of Los Angeles, Calif., Ken Coulthard of Nashville, Tenn., Dale Coulthard and Renee Coulthard both of Charlotte, N.C., and 10 great grandchildren.
The funeral service for Harvey Coulthard was conducted Sept. 16 in the Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service with Pastor Paul Griffith of Byars-Cobb United Methodist Church officiating. Interment followed the service at Holston Conference Emory & Henry Cemetery.  Pallbearers were the six grandsons and grandson-in-law Dylan House, husband of Catie Coulthard House.  In lieu of flowers, the family has asked that memorials be made to Byars-Cobb United Methodist Church, P. O. Box 667, Glade Spring, VA 24340 or to the Cancer Outreach Foundation, 206 Abingdon Place, Abingdon, VA 24211.
The family of Harvey Coulthard wishes to express their deep appreciation to his care giver Thelma Williams, the Staff of Wellmont Hospice Services as well as the staff of Aid & Assist for all their special care shown to Harvey and them.
Those wishing to send memories or messages of sympathy on line may do so by visiting http://www.farrisfuneralservice.com.
The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 427 E. Main Street, Abingdon, is serving the family of Mr. William Harvey Coulthard.

Dr. Scott I. Gorman
Dr. Scott I. Gorman, chiropractor, 50, died Saturday Sept.15, 2007, at Johnston Memorial Hospital.  He was a native of New York and was raised in New Jersey.  He moved to Abingdon in 1996 and opened Gorman Family Chiropractic in March of that year.  He was a magna cum laude graduate of Life Chiropractic College in 1980.  He was a member of Highlands Fellowship where he was active as a bible study leader.  He enjoyed traveling, entertaining, and loved his patients.  He was preceded in death by his parents.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Collins Gorman; 2 daughters, Sylina Brown of Atlanta, and Mary Kathryn “Katie” Brown of the home; 1 sister, Dr. Sharon Gorman and husband Ron of Stroudsberg, PA.; 3 grandsons, Adante’ Aguilar, Octavio Aguilar, and Nykai Aguilar; 4 nieces, Shayna Gorman, Shelby Gorman, Sophie Gorman, and Erin Nicole Collins; 4 nephews, Seth Gorman, Matthew Collins, Christopher Collins, and Jonathan Collins.
A celebration service will be conducted Tuesday, September 18, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at Highlands Fellowship with Dr. Mark Copas officiating.  A committal service will be conducted Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. in Forest Hills Memory Gardens.  The family will receive friends Monday from 7-9 p.m. at the Forest Hills branch of Farris Funeral Service.
Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting http://www.farrisfuneralservice.com.
The Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service is serving the Gorman family.

Virginia Helen Horn
Mrs. Virginia Helen Horn, 80, passed away Sunday, Sept. 16, 2007, at Grace Healthcare in Abingdon. A native of Buchanan County, she was daughter of the late William H. Ward and Alzona (Allie)  Fletcher Ward.  She moved to the Meadowview area in 1978.  She enjoyed gardening and cooking and was known for her fried apple pies. She also enjoyed going to yard sales and was a “people person” who never met a stranger.  She was a member of Full Gospel Church of God.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Hoover Horn, and by six brothers:  Elmer, Leslie, Earl, Claude, Sam and Rufus.
Mrs. Horn is survived by her son, Freddie Horn and wife Sheila of Glade Spring; two daughters,  Virginia Randolph and husband, Fonzo, of Meadowview and Diana Cockerham and husband, Joe, of Marion; one brother, George E. Ward of Pilgrim Knob, Va.; seven grandchildren, Regina Hunt, Ginger Hubbard, Allie Randolph, Crystal Smith, Beth St. John, Ray Osborne and Joey Osborne; 11 great-grandchildren and one great-great grandchild; a special friend, George Bentley; and several nieces and nephews.
The family would like to offer special thanks to Dr. Andrew Rhinehart, Angel Stainkler, and Jennifer Taylor for the special care given to Mrs. Horn.
Funeral services for Mrs. Virginia Helen Horn were held Sept. 18 at Farris Funeral Service, Main Street Chapel with Pastor Tim Norris and Fonzo Randolph officiating.  Burial was in Old Glade Presbyterian Cemetery.  Active pallbearers were Cameron Smith, Kenneth St. John, Ray Osborne, Joey Osborne, Andy Hunt and LeRoy Hubbard.  Honorary pallbearers were Zeb Hunt, Zeke Hunt, Lerex Hubbard, Elroy Hubbard, Levi Hubbard, Morgan O’Quinn, and Seth St. John.
Those wishing to share memories or express sympathy online may do so by visiting http://www.farrisfuneralservice.com.
Farris Funeral Service, Abingdon, is serving the family of Mrs. Virginia Horn.

Walter E. Lohoefener
Walter E. Lohoefener passed away Sept. 17, 2007.  He had been a five-year resident of Valley Health Care Center in Chilhowie.
Walter was born in Alma, Missouri in 1926.  After serving in the Armed Services during World War II, he worked as an auditor for the Western Auto Company.  He resided in the Seattle, Wash., area until moving to Damascus in 1997.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Helen.  He is survived by one sister, Carol Behm of Butler, Mo.  His nephew is David Tebbenkamp, D.D.S., of Konnarock.
A memorial service is scheduled at St. Matthew Church in Konnarock on Sept. 30, 2007 at 3 p.m.  In lieu of flowers, a donation to the American Diabetes Association would be appreciated.
Those wishing to share memories or express sympathy online may do so by visiting http://www.farrisfuneralservice.com.  Farris Cremation & Funeral Center is serving the family of Walter Lohoefener.
Marie Pickle
Marie Pickle, 76,  who had served God for 62 years, was called to her heavenly home   Thursday, Sept. 20, 2007.
Marie was a member of the Fletcher’s Chapel Church and was preceded in death by her father Charlie Felty.
Survivors include her husband Harman Pickle; her mother, Hettie Perkins Felty; her children, Brenda Edmondson and husband Dennis of Abingdon; Roger Pickle and wife Phyllis of Woodbridge, Va., Mark Pickle of Mosheim, Tenn., Tim Pickle and wife Freda of Richmond and Kirby Pickle of Abingdon; two brothers; four sisters; eight grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
The committal and burial service was in Forest Hills Memory Gardens.  Pallbearers were Mark Pickle, Kirby Pickle, Doug Findley, Blaine Findley, Ike Thomas, Jimmy Cutshaw and Hunter Melvin. Honorary pallbearers were the Men of Fletcher Chapel Church, Dr. Henry, Donnie Melvin and Robbie Martin. In lieu of flowers, the family has asked for memorial donations to the Fletcher Chapel Church, c/o Rev. Ronnie Matney, 23182 Brumley Gap Road, Abingdon, VA 24210.  Those wishing to send memories of messages of sympathy on line may do so by visiting http://www.farrisfuneralservice.com. The Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon is serving the family of Marie Pickle.

Charles A. Stout
Mr. Charles A. Stout, 69, died Wednesday Sept. 19, 2007, at Johnston Memorial Hospital.  He was born in Washington County and had lived in Roanoke several years before moving to Abingdon twenty-two years ago.  He was a veteran of the U. S. Air Force, he loved to fish, and was a former truck driver for Hancock Steel Co. in Salem.  He was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Hazel Walden Stout.
He is survived by three sons, Mark Stout, Ricky Stout, and Bryan Stout all of Roanoke; one daughter Faye Conner of Roanoke; one sister Ann S. Poole of Abingdon; 11 grandchildren, 7 great grandchildren, 1 nephew and 1 niece.
Graveside services was conducted Saturday, Sept. 21, 2007, in Knollkreg Memorial Park with the Rev. Jerry Eggers officiating.  Pallbearers were friends and family.
Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting http://www.farrisfuneralservice.com.
The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service is serving the family of Mr. Stout.

Ernest Epperson (E. E.) Terry
Mr. Ernest Epperson (E. E.) Terry, 81, died Tuesday Sept.18, 2007, at his home following a long illness.  He was born in Washington County and had farmed in Washington, Smyth, and Wythe counties.  For the past 37 years he had owned and operated the Cedar Springs Dairy at Cedar Springs.  He served with the U. S. Army in the Philippines during World War II and also with the U. S. Air Force during the Korean War.  Epperson will long be remembered by family and friends for his love of farming and the outdoors as well as his assistance and generosity to friends and members of the community.  He was preceded in death by his first wife, Lydia Litton Terry and son Timmon Jerome Terry.
He is survived by his wife, Marsha Poston Terry; one daughter, Linda Ruble; one son, David Terry, both of Rural Retreat; three brothers, Stewart Terry of Abingdon, J. D. Terry of Castle Rock, Wash., and Morris Curd of Meadowview; six grandchildren, Jacob Terry, Jason Terry, Levi Terry, and Brittanie Terry all of Rural Retreat, Ashleigh Brown of Bland, and Jessica Bible of Roanoke; and several great;grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
A graveside service was conducted Sept. 21 at the Terry family cemetery in Cedar Springs. Pallbearers were Jacob Terry, Jason Terry, Levi Terry, Jimmie Davidson, Gary Terry, and Mark Terry.
Those wishing to express sympathy online may do so by visiting http://www.farrisfuneralservice.com.
The Main Street Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, Abingdon, is serving the Terry family.

Emory Widener Jr.
The Honorable Hiram Emory Widener Jr., 84, of the Green Spring community, died at his home on Wednesday, Sept.r 19, 2007, at 11:10 a.m.  He was born in Abingdon on April 30, 1923.  He had been the longest-serving active United States Court of Appeals judge in the nation.
Judge Widener attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute from 1940-41 and then received an appointment to the United States Naval Academy, from which he graduated in 1944.  His active service in the United States Navy included the Philippines and Okinawa during World War II, and the Persian Gulf during the Korean War.  He was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat V.  After retiring from active duty with the U. S. Navy and entering the Naval Reserves, he received an LL.B. degree from Washington and Lee University in 1953.  He was awarded membership in the Order of the Coif, Washington and Lee Law Review, and Phi Alpha Delta.
He was in legal practice in Bristol, Va., with his father and later David Frackelton from 1953-69.  He served as a U. S. Commissioner for the Western District of Virginia from 1963-66 and was also Chairman of the Republican Party, 9th District of Virginia, during those years.  In 1969, President Richard Nixon appointed him as United States District Judge for the Western District of Virginia, and in 1972 appointed him as United States Circuit Judge.  He was also a member of the Virginia Election Laws Study Commission from 1968-69, the American Law Institute, the Virginia State Bar, the Virginia Bar Association, and was a Trustee of Virginia Intermont College.  He was an adjunct teacher at Southern Seminary and Junior College, and the law schools of the University of Texas, Washington and Lee University, and the College of William and Mary.  He was a member of Green Spring Presbyterian Church.
Judge Widener was preceded in death by his parents, Hiram Emory Widener, Sr. and Nita Douglas Peck Widener, and his sister, Mary Groselose.  His survivors include his daughter and her husband, Molly Berentd Widener Thompson and Glenn Thompson, of Charlotte, North Carolina; his son, Hiram Emory Widener, III, of Abingdon, Virginia; his brother-in-law, Henry Groseclose, of Hampstead, North Carolina; his nephew Warren Groseclose and children William, Michael and David, of Richmond, Virginia; and his niece, Ginna Atkinson, her husband Michael, and their son Dalton of Richmond, Virginia.
Funeral services for the Hon. H. Emory Widener Jr., were held at Green Spring Presbyterian Church on Sunday, Sept. 23.
A private burial service was at Knollkreg Memorial Park in Abingdon with military honors provided by Highland Fellowship Veterans Honor Guard.  Honorary pallbearers will be George Warren, William Wampler Sr., Fain Goodpasture and Frank Goodpasture Sr.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Honorable H. Emory Widener Jr. Memorial Fund at Washington and Lee University Law School, Lexington, VA 24450.
Those wishing to share memories or express sympathy online may do so by visiting http://www.farrisfuneralservice.com.  Farris Funeral Service, Abingdon, is serving the Widener family.

Ed Wilson
Ed “Big Ed” Wilson, 68, Mountain City, passed away Friday, Sept. 7, 2007, in Sycamore Shoals Hospital.  He was born on Aug. 31, 1939, in Johnson County to the late Charles and Victoria Gentry Wilson.  He was a retired carpenter, which he enjoyed.  He liked hunting and fishing and Cade’s Cove was his favorite place.  He was a member of Corinth Baptist church and loved his Lord, his family and his friends.  In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Nellie Rouse and a nephew, Jackie Rouse.
Survivors include his wife of 30 years, Codelia “Tom” Wilson; two daughters, Lynn Wilson, Butler, Lisa Woodward and husband Gary, Mountain City; one son, Glenn Wilson, Jr. and wife Judy, Damascus; eight grandchildren, Nicole Wilson, Megan Wilson, Jeremy Greene, Daniel Greene, Dustin Greene, Anthony Hall, Adrian Hall and Gary Woodward; four great-grandchildren, Colton, Hope, Parker and Brooke; uncle, Roy Carl Wilson; four sisters-in-law, Linda Brown, Nancy McNatt, Pat Stout and Marie Williams; six brothers-in-law, Jack Rouse, Willie, Johnny, Steve, Stacy and Jackie Williams; special brothers, Earl Lewis, Dr. Donald Walters and Keith Wilson; very special cousin, Clay Wilson; three nieces, Gladys Reynolds, Lois Stophel and Debbie Smith; and three nephews, David Brown, Terry Brown and Donald McNatt.
Funeral services were conducted Sept. 9 at Corinth Baptist Church with Billy Morefield officiating.
Pallbearers were Terry Brown, Terry Reid, Jerry Greer, Daniel Greene, Jeremy Greene and Dustin Greene.  Honorary pallbearers were members of Corinth Baptist Church. 
Committal service and interment were conducted at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, September 10th in State Line Cemetery.
Condolences may be made online at http://www.mountaincityfuneralhome.com.  Mountain City Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Branson Kent Wright Jr.
Mr. Branson Kent Wright Jr., 75, died Saturday, Sept. 15, 2007, at Wellmont Hospice House.
Mr. Wright was born Feb. 23, 1932, to the late Branson Kent Wright Sr. and Goldie McClanahan Wright. He founded Wright Equipment Co. with his father and was joined in the business a few years later by his brother Harold.
Besides his parents Mr. Wright is preceded in death by his wife, Thada Arrington Wright.
Mr. Wright is survived by two daughters, Cynthia Rees and husband, George of Atlanta, GA, and Leisa Wright Moseley of Raleigh, NC. Three grandchildren, Cameron Rees and Courtney Rees both of Atlanta, GA and Lauren Moseley of Raleigh, NC.
The funeral service was conducted, Sept. 19 in the Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service (Located on the grounds of Forest Hills Memory Gardens) with Rev. Warren Wilson officiating. Burial was in Forest Hills Memory Gardens. Pallbearers were Jimmie Arrington, A.D. Whitt, Tim Arrington, Dean Arrington, George Rees, June Roark, and Jim Stump.
Special thanks to Mr. Wrights care givers Shirley Patrick, Shirley Shortridge, and friends and neighbors.
Contributions may be made to American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 11454 Alexandria, VA 22312, National Kidney Foundation, 2601 Willard Road, Suite 103 Richmond, VA 23286, or Wellmont Hospice House, 208 Steel’s Road, Bristol, TN 37620.
Those wishing to send memories or messages of sympathy may do so online by visiting http://www.farrisfuneralservice.com.
The Forest Hills Chapel of Farris Funeral Service, 19415 Lee Highway, Abingdon, Virginia is serving the family of Mr. Kent Wright.