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Sunday, Oct. 21
John N. Adsit, 78, Orange Park, Fla. John N. Adsit, 78, Orange Park, Fla. ORANGE PARK, Fla. - John N. Adsit, 78, of Orange Park, Fla., died at home on Wednesday morning (Oct. 10, 2001). He was born in Pawtucket, Rhode Island on Jan. 29, 1923. Mr. Adsit graduated from Penn State University with a B.S. degree in chemical engineering in 1948 after serving in Europe in WWII. He had a long career in chemical sales and retired from Union Camp Corp. in 1990. An active environmentalist, Mr. Adsit was a founding member of the Stewards of the St. Johns River and chairman from 1991-1994. As a member of the Orange Park Presbyterian Church, John Adsit served on the Session as an Elder and as a beloved Sunday School teacher. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Rowena Hoge Adsit; his brother, Ray M. Adsit; and his children, Edith May Roberts, Harry Brooks Adsit II, John Frederick Adsit and Rowena Katherine Spector and nine grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to: Community Hospice of Northeast Florida or The Stewards of the St. Johns River, P.O. Box 54123, Jacksonville, Fla. 32245-3123. Dr. H.B. Dearman, 80, Fall Branch. FALL BRANCH - Dr. H.B. Dearman, 80, died Thursday (Oct. 18, 2001) at Wexford House after a brief illness. Dr. Dearman was born in Winggate, Miss., and was a resident of Fall Branch for the past four years. He was a U.S. Navy and U.S. Army veteran serving during World War II. He was a graduate of Mississippi Southern University, University of Mississippi, University of Tennessee and the University of Virginia at Charlottesville, Va. Dr. Dearman was medical director for Western Mental Health Institute of Boliver, Tenn. He had his own practice in Johnson City, Fall Branch and Kingsport. Surviving are one daughter and son-in-law, Fran and Howard Q. Davis, Indianola, Miss.; two sons and daughters-in-law, Bill and Nan Dearman, Glasgow, Ky., and Jeff and Kenitha Dearman, Fall Branch; four grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; one sister and brother-in-law, Zena and Bill Blair, Thomasville, N.C.; one brother and sister-in-law, Bob and Nita Dearman, Gulf Shores, Ala.; and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Fall Branch Chapel of Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home. A memorial service will be conducted at 8 p.m. Monday in the Fall Branch Chapel of the funeral home with the Rev. Chris Castle officiating. Memorials may be given to the American Cancer Society, c/o Wanda Grills, 1217 Radcliffe Avenue, Kingsport, Tenn. 37664. Scott DeFriece, 80, Kingsport. KINGSPORT - Mr. Scott Eugene DeFriece, 80, passed away Saturday (Oct. 20, 2001) in the Brookhaven Nursing Home in Kingsport. Mr. DeFriece was born in Meadowview, Va., and was a son of the late Vance DeFriece and Rose Wheeler DeFriece. Mr. DeFriece was a longtime resident of Kingsport and was a former resident of the Saltville, Va., area. He was a retired employee of the Daniel's Construction Company. Surviving are his wife, Edith Shreeves DeFriece; a daughter and son-in-law, Kay and Bob Crabtree, Kingsport, a sister, Mary Lewis, Kingsport; a brother, Raymond DeFriece, Bluefield, Va.; grandchildren, Steve Crabtree and wife Melissa, Kingsport, Lisa Young and husband Derry, Morristown; great-grandchildren, Madeleine Young and Grant Young, Morristown. Calling hours are from 7 to 9 p.m. Monday at Farris Funeral Service, Abingdon, Va. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. Tuesday at the graveside in the Mount Pleasant Cemetery in Saltville. Those attending the graveside service are requested to meet at the cemetery. Those wishing to express sympathy on-line may do so by visiting www.farrisfuneralservice.com Juanita M. Edwards, 81, Kingsport. KINGSPORT - Services for Juanita M. Edwards, 81, who went to be with the Lord Thursday (Oct. 18, 2001) will be conducted at 3 p.m. Monday in the chapel of East Lawn Funeral Home with the Rev. Malcolm Shelton officiating. Calling hours are from 5 to 8 p.m. today at the funeral home. Graveside services will follow in the East Lawn Memorial Park in the garden of the Apostle's. Grandsons will serve as pallbearers. Email condolences may be sent via email to [email protected] John Fortner, 78, Robbins Chapel, Va. ROBBINS CHAPEL, Va. - John Fortner, 78, went peacefully to be with his Lord on Saturday (Oct. 20, 2001) at the home of his son, Johnny M. Fortner in Robbins Chapel. He was a veteran of the U.S. Army Air Corps, having serving during World War II. He was a member of Masonic Lodge No. 165 of Dryden, Va. Mr. Fortner was an active member of the Robbins Chapel United Methodist Church. He was preceded in death by his parents, Daniel and Mary Margaret Fortner; and eight brothers and sisters. Survivors include his wife, Ruby Fortner, of Robbins Chapel; three sons, Lonnie Fortner and wife Terri, Mount Carmel, Ronnie Fortner and wife Nyoka, Dandridge, Tenn., Johnny M. Fortner and wife Alice, Robbins Chapel; one daughter, Vicki Fortner, and special friend of the family, Mary Lewis, Pennington Gap, Va.; eight grandchildren, Lisa and Jessie Fortner, Dreama and Dylan Fortner, Michele Davis and husband Steve, Valarie Ewing and husband Barry, and Johnny Darrell Fortner; five great-grandchildren, Steven and Derek Wesley Davis, Ashley, Skyler and Dalton Ewing; two sisters, Jane Donaldson of Maryland, and Bertha Burchett of Indiana; and a host of other relatives and friends. Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Province Funeral Home of Pennington Gap, Va. Services will be conducted at 8 p.m. today in the sanctuary of the funeral home with the Rev. Roy Corbin officiating. Graveside services will be held at 12 noon on Monday at the Robbins Chapel Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be conducted by the Charles DeWitt Byrd Post No. 3382 of the VFW. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Family and friends are asked to meet at the funeral home at 11:15 a.m. Monday to go to the cemetery. Perry Francis, 88, Johnson City. JOHNSON CITY - Perry William Francis, 88, 2836 South Roan Street, died Saturday (Oct. 20, 2001) in Johnson City Medical Center. He was a native of Mitchell County, N.C., and had lived in Johnson City for the past 55 years. Son of the late George and Bertha Troutman Francis, Mr. Francis was owner of Francis Motor Sales and grocery store on South Roan Street in Johnson City. He was a member of Church of Jesus. He was preceded in death by his wife, ILO Street Francis in 1997; and by two brothers; four sisters; three children; and one stepson. Survivors include two sons, Perry Francis Jr. of Jonesborough, and Robert L. Francis of Johnson City; one daughter, Jo Ann Ledford of the home; one brother, Lonis Francis of Kingsport; three sisters, Vesta McDonald of North Point, Fla., Lucy Rider of Eldora, Ill., and Mae Davis of Kingsport; eight grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. The body will be taken to Church of Jesus, 809 W. Main Street, Johnson City, this afternoon where calling hours will be from 2 to 3 p.m. Services will be conducted at 3 p.m. today in the church with Pastor George Hall and Pastor D.C. Byrd officiating. Family and friends will meet in Roselawn Memory Gardens at 11 a.m. Tuesday for the graveside service. Pallbearers will be David Francis, Rickey Francis, Gordon Ledford, Elbert De Witt, Harold Davis and Dennis Davis. Woodall-Anderson Funeral Home, Johnson City, is in charge of the arrangements. Eckel Fuller, 84, Kingsport. KINGSPORT - Hugh Eckel Fuller, 84, Lochridge, died Friday (Oct. 19, 2001) at Holston Valley Medical Center. A son of the late John L. and Kate Alley Fuller, he was a native of Robinette Valley, Hancock County. He was preceded in death by his wife of 54 years, Juanita Horton Fuller; his brothers, Guyle and W.D. Fuller; and his sister, Opal Fuller. He received his early education in Hancock County and Church Hill, graduating from Dobyns-Bennett High School in 1936. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from East Tennessee State in 1940 and his Master's degree in 1953. He taught school at Independence and Wake Forest Elementary Schools in Hancock County, Hancock County High School and Rye Cove High School in the late 1930's and early 1940's. He was an U.S. Army veteran, serving at bases in Georgia and Mississippi during World War II. He returned to Kingsport in 1946 and began teaching Tennessee history at John Sevier Junior High School. He continued to teach there until his retirement in 1978. He was saved at an early age and for many years he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. He was a member of Colonial Heights Baptist Church. Mr. Fuller was an avid musician and was skilled in playing the banjo, guitar, mandolin, concertina, piano and other instruments. While in college, he performed locally with two other students and in later years he performed with his brothers-in-law and close friends, Luke and York Horton. Surviving are his daughter and son-in-law, Carol and Randall Overbey of Knoxville; son and daughter-in-law, Noel and Martha Fuller of Kingsport, with whom he had made his home in recent years. He is also survived by two granddaughters, Mrs. Thomas (Julie) King, Jr., Cary, N.C., and Jamie Fuller, Kingsport; two grandsons, Bryan Fuller, Knoxville and Robert Overbey, New York, N.Y.; two great-grandsons, Cameron and Thomas King III, Cary, N.C. He is also survived by a brother-in-law, Luke Horton, Eidson and sisters-in-law, Betty Horton, Eidson, Nancy Horton, Blountville and Elizabeth Fuller, Weber City, Va.; and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours are from 1 to 2:30 p.m. today at Colonial Heights Baptist Church. Services will be conducted at 2:30 p.m. today at the church with the Rev. Ronald D. Hicks, the Rev. Bobby Russell and Dr. Roland Brown officiating. Burial will be at Oak Hill Cemetery with military rites conducted by the American Legion Hammond Post No. 3. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial gifts may be made to Colonial Heights Baptist Church, 108 Colonial Heights Road, Kingsport, Tenn. 37663 or to the Gideons International, P.O. Box 571, Kingsport, Tenn. 37662. Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, downtown, is serving the Fuller family. Gordon George, 74, Suffolk, Va. SUFFOLK, Va. - Gordon Edward George, 74, died on Friday (Oct. 19, 2001) at Obici Hospital, Suffolk. He was born in Russell County, Va., the son of the late Joe and Anna George. Mr. George was a veteran of the U.S. Army and retired from the Virginia Department of Highways. He was a member of Bethlehem Christian Church in Suffolk. He was preceded in death by two brothers, D.W. George and Herbert George; one sister, Clara George. Surviving are his wife of 47 years, Shirley George; one son, John Danny George, Richmond, Va.; one grandson, Haley George; two sisters, Hazel Baker, Gray, and Helen Shell, Kingsport; and several nieces and nephews. Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in Castlewood Funeral Home Chapel, Castlewood, Va. Services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Monday in the chapel of the funeral home. Committal services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday in Temple Hill Memorial Park in Castlewood. The family will meet at the funeral home and go in procession to the cemetery at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday. Family and friends will serve as pallbearers. Memorials may be made to Bethlehem Christian Church, 1549 Holland Road, Suffolk, Va. 23434. Condolences may be sent to the George family via e-mail to [email protected] Bobby Gray, 68, Kingsport. Graveside services for Bobby Wayland Gray, 68, Sullivan Gardens, Kingsport, who went to be with the Lord Friday morning (Oct. 19, 2001) will be conducted at 2 p.m. today at Zion Cemetery, Baileyton. The family will meet at the cemetery. Pallbearers will be Matthew Vance, Daniel Gray, Eddie Robinette, Kevin Brooks, Christopher Davis, Rusty Smith and Eric Brooks. Memorials may be made to the Church Hill EMS, P.O. Box 265, Church Hill, Tenn. 37642. An on-line guest book may be signed at www.legacy.com. Oak Hill Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Peggy Hensley, 68, Gray. GRAY - Betty Peggy Hensley, 68, of 213 Lake View Street, passed away in the Johnson City Medical Center on Saturday (Oct. 20, 2001). She was a native of Washington County, and daughter of Sarah Milne of Gray and the late Chris Larimer. Mrs. Hensley was a member of the Gray United Methodist Church and past president of the Gray Community Chest. She was preceded in death by one daughter and one son. Survivors include her husband, Raymond Fred Hensley of the home; son, Kent Hensley of Gray; sister, Anna Dean of Jonesborough; two brothers, Harold Larimer and Bob Larimer, both of Gray; several nieces and nephews; and a host of friends. Calling hours will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in the Gray Funeral Home Chapel, Gray. Services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Monday in the chapel of the funeral home. The Rev. Ralph Kidd will be in charge of the service and Sandra Good will be in charge of the music. Pallbearers will be classmates and nephews. The family will be leaving the funeral home at 9:15 a.m. Tuesday to go in procession to Monte Vista Memorial Park for the burial service. Nancy Hutson, 53, Mount Carmel. Graveside services for Nancy Jane Hutson, 53, 1440 Wolfe Lane, Mount Carmel, who passed away Thursday (Oct. 18, 2001) will be conducted at 3 p.m. today at McPheeters Bend Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Mark Benton, Keith Benton, David Benton, Lucian Christian, Lynn Hutson and Donald Hutson. Honorary pallbearers will be Jack Puckett, Charles Jarrett, Preston Strange and Justin Patterson. Johnson Funeral Home, Church Hill, is in charge of the arrangements. Bill Johnson, 58, Gray. GRAY - Bill G. "Red'' Johnson, 58, died Friday (Oct. 19, 2001) at Holston Valley Medical Center. He was the son of the late Olin Paul and Lillie Frazier Johnson. He was a native of Sullivan County and had lived in this area his entire life. He was a member of St. Luke United Methodist Church. He was owner and operator of Speedway Motors & Body Shop for 30 years. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by three brothers, Harold T. "Slick'' Johnson, Olin Paul Johnson Jr. and David S. Johnson. Surviving are his wife, Mary Hammond Johnson; daughter, Jennifer Johnson, Gray; foster daughter, Tracie Thomas, Johnson City; sister, Esther Brown (Bill), Fayetteville, Ga.; brother, J.B. "Cotton'' Johnson, Howard Johnson (Dean), Kenneth R. Johnson (Carol) and Joe V. Johnson (Brenda), all of Kingsport; and several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews. Calling hours are from 4 to 6 p.m. today at St. Luke United Methodist Church. The family will also be receiving friends at the home anytime. Memorial services will be conducted at 6 p.m. today at the church with the Rev. Mike Teague and the Rev. Wayne Baker officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Luke United Methodist Church. Snyder's Funeral Home of Gray is in charge of arrangements. Rod A. Jones, 68, Rogersville. ROGERSVILLE - Rod A. Jones, 68, died Friday (Oct. 19, 2001) at Wellmont Holston Valley Medical Center following a brief Illness. He was born June 23, 1933 and was a lifelong resident of Hawkins County. He served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. He was self-employed, owning Rod Jones' Auto Body Repair Shop. He worked in the auto repair industry for many years. Presently, he was employed at the Hawkins County Court House. He was a member of Henard's Chapel Baptist Church and had taken several mission trips to South America. He was preceded in death by his parents, Laura and Luther Jones; brother, Walter Jones; and a sister, Mary Dorothy Cope. Surviving are one son, Steve Jones and wife McKenzie, Rogersville; one granddaughter, Wendy Hicks and husband Rusty, Rogersville; two grandsons, Christopher Steve Jones and wife Stacy, and Dustin Allen Jones, all of Rogersville; four great-grandchildren, Justin Hicks, Cristin Jones, Kaleb Hilton and Zane Allen Hicks; two sisters, Louise Price, Kingsport, and Marion Blackwood, Lincoln, Ill.; several nieces and nephews. Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Colboch-Price Funeral Home, Rogersville, and at the home of Steve and McKenzie Jones, Woodland Estates, Persia community. Services will be conducted at 8 p.m. today in the funeral home chapel. Graveside services will be held at 1 p.m. Monday at Choptack Cemetery. Betty Kreidler, 36, Kingsport. KINGSPORT - Betty Hummel Kreidler, 36, died Friday afternoon (Oct. 119, 2001) due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident on E. Stone Drive. Survivors and arrangements will be announced later by Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport. Dorothy C. Marsden, Kingsport. KINGSPORT - Dorothy C. Marsden passed away Saturday (Oct. 20, 2001) following a long illness. She is survived by her husband of 51 years, James Marsden; daughters, Susan Moreland of Miramar, Fla., and Nancy Jackson of Urbanna, Va.; granddaughters, Wendy and Betsy; and six great-grandchildren. She will be missed. At her request, all services are private. At this time, the family requests no phone calls or visits to the residence. In lieu of flowers or other considerations, Dorothy requested donations to her favorite charity, The Humane Society of Greater Kingsport Building Fund, P.O. Box 922, Kingsport, Tenn. 37662. All her life she dearly loved animals, particularly cats, offering care and refuge to many. Snyder's Funeral Home of Gray is in charge of arrangements. Herman F. McGhee, 78, Fall Branch. FALL BRANCH - Graveside services for Herman Frank McGhee, 78, who passed away at 2:30 p.m. Thursday (Oct. 18, 2001) will be conducted at 2 p.m. today in East Lawn Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Randy Barrett, Jerry Conkin, Jimmy Conkin, Howard Conkin, Wesley Light and Charles Parton. Memorials may be given to the Fall Branch Volunteer Fire Department, c/o Betty Dawson, treasurer, P.O. Box 84, Fall Branch, Tenn. 37656. Fall Branch Chapel of Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Homes is serving the McGhee family. Pauline McKinney, 78, Kingsport. KINGSPORT - Pauline Bullion McKinney, 78, 219 Odessa Road, died at 1:20 a.m. Saturday (Oct. 20, 2001) in Kingsport. She was a lifelong resident of Sullivan County (Kingsport), a devoted wife for 61 years, and a wonderful mother who was loved by all. She was a fine Christian lady who loved the Lord. She was a member of Pleasant View Baptist Church and the Order of the Eastern Star. She was preceded in death by a daughter, Pamela Jo Housewright, grandchild, Joseph Frederick Jones; two sisters, Aileen Adams and Ruth Smith; parents, Eldridge B. and Bertha Bower Bullion. Survivors include her husband, J. Fred McKinney, of the home; three daughters and sons-in-law, Mrs. Mac (Patricia Jean) Jones, Alexandria, Va., Mrs. Mack (Carol) Brown, Lilburn, Ga., and Ms. Judy Taylor, Atlanta, Ga.; five grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; one sister, Mrs. Louise Cox, Kingsport; one brother, Charles L. Bullion, Cascilla, Miss.; several nieces and nephews. Services will conducted at 6 p.m. Monday in the chapel of Carter-Trent Funeral Home, downtown Kingsport, with Pastor Wayne Baker officiating. Music will be provided by Alvin Goins and Opal Salyer. Calling hours will be immediately following the services. Graveside services will be held at 1:30 p.m. Tuesday at East Lawn Memorial Park. Family and friends will meet at the cemetery by 1:20 p.m. Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Wellmont Hospice House, 280 Steeles Creek Road, Bristol, Tenn. 37620, or to the American Cancer Society, c/o Wanda Grills, 1217 Radcliff Ave., Kingsport, Tenn. 37660. Carrie Pratt, 92, Winston-Salem, N.C. WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Services for Carrie Pratt, 92, formerly of Rogersville, who died Thursday (Oct. 18, 2001) will be conducted at 2 p.m. Monday in the chapel of Colboch-Price Funeral Home, Rogersville, with the Rev. Charles Harrison officiating. Calling hours are from 1 to 2 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Interment will be in the Highland Cemetery. Larry O. Ramey Sr., 54, Blountville. BLOUNTVILLE - Larry O. Ramey Sr., 54, 735 Big Hollow Road, died Thursday (Oct. 18, 2001) at his home. A native of Haysi, Va., he was the son of the late Oscar O. Ramey and Stella E. Woods Ramey. He was president and co-owner of Ramey Aluminum and Vinyl Inc. and was a U.S. Army veteran serving during the Vietnam War. He attended the Liberty Baptist Church. He was preceded in death by a brother, Harold Ramey; and a sister, Betty Smith. Surviving are his wife, Caroline M. Cox Ramey; children and spouses, Lisa and Jimmie Dunn, Piney Flats, and Cpl. Monica and Cpl. Eddie Jones, Camp Pendleton, Calif., PO-2 Larry O. Ramey Jr., Navel Air Facility, Washington, D.C.; sister and brother-in-law, Alice and Lee Deel, Vancent, Va.; brothers and sisters-in-law, Cliff and Greta Ramey and Frank and Judy Ramey, all of Blountville; several nieces and nephew; and special friend, Martindale. Services will be conducted at 2 p.m. today in the chapel of Weaver Funeral Home, Bristol, Tenn., with the Rev. Lynn Smith officiating. Burial will follow in the Tri-Cities Memory Gardens. Pallbearers will be Tony France, Abel Lewis, Dwayne Lewis, Cliff Ramey, J.W. Cox, Bobby Galliher, Brian Cordel and William Nelson. James W. Shaffer, 76, Bristol, Va. BRISTOL, Va. - James W. Shaffer, 76, 776 Wagner Road, died Saturday (Oct. 20, 2001) in Wellmont Hospice House. He was a native of Scott County, Va., and son of the late David and Ossie Clark Shaffer. He was a former employee of Black Diamond and retired from Bristol Compressors. He was preceded in death by brothers, Cecil Shaffer, Harold Shaffer and Eugene Shaffer. Survivors include his wife of 55 years, Georgia Esther Olinger Shaffer; daughters, Brenda Sue Noe and Freda Diane Shaffer, both of Bristol; sons and daughters-in-law, James Ray and Mary Shaffer, Jimmy Wayne and Margie Shaffer, Gary and Patricia Shaffer, all of Bristol; sisters, Ilene Quillen, Shirley Wade and Betty Newland, all of Kingsport, Carolyn Welch, Gate City, Tenn., and June Shaffer, New Jersey; brothers, Willard Shaffer, Garnet Shaffer and Kenneth Shaffer, all of Kingsport, T.J. Shaffer and Fred Shaffer, both of Hiltons, Va., and Donald Shaffer, New Jersey; nine grandchildren; and eight great-grandchildren. Calling hours are from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday in Weaver Funeral Home, Bristol, Tenn. Services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Monday in the chapel of the funeral home with Brother Sam Haynes officiating, assisted by the Rev. Kermit Harper. Graveside services will be conducted at 1 p.m. Tuesday in Mountain View Cemetery. Those desiring may make memorials to Wellmont Hospice House. Arnold Smith, 58, Big Stone Gap, Va. BIG STONE GAP, Va. - Arnold Eugene "Smitty" Smith, 58, died Thursday (Oct. 11, 2001). He accepted Christ into his life and was a member of the Holy Comforter Baptist Church in Maryland. He was born in Stonega, Va. to Earl Smith and Cora Lee Waters who preceded him in death. He was a carpenter and loved working with his hands. He also had a passion for cooking. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He leaves not to mourn him but to cherish his precious memory his beloved wife, Rose Lindsay-Smith; sons and daughters, Arnold Eugene Smith Jr., Cindy Michelle Smith, Tanya Charlene Smith, and Anita Darlene Poore; 19 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; six stepchildren; brothers and sisters, Robert Smith, Don Smith, and Clara Ruth Vernon; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and close friends. Calling hours are from 10 to 11 a.m. Monday at Gilliam Funeral Home West Wing. Services will be conducted at 11 a.m. Monday in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Eddie Clifton ministering. Burial will be in Powell Valley Memorial Gardens, Big Stone Gap, Va. Friends and family will serve as pallbearers. Roger D. Steele Sr., Kingsport. KINGSPORT - Roger Steele Sr. was called home by his loving Lord on Friday (Oct. 19, 2001) during a valiant battle with cancer. He would have been 62 this month. He was preceded in death by his parents, Lloyd L. Steele and Rubye Spaulding Steele. His family and friends mourn the loss of the finest man they have ever known. Roger served in the U.S. Navy and had worked in management for the Wal-Mart Corporation for the past 27 years. His co-workers, who had so unselfishly given their support to the family during Roger's illness, have spoken countless times about the warmth and kindness of Roger's spirit. All who knew him will miss that spirit, his smile, his faith and his compassion. Roger was a well-loved booster for many of the sports programs at Volunteer High School in Church Hill and will be missed by the students, athletes and coaches. Roger worshipped at the Northeast Church of Christ in Kingsport. In fact, it was Roger's faith in God that sustained him, and became such a blessing and a witness to family and friends. Roger never met a stranger and was always ready to lend a helping hand to his neighbors. He was a respected and beloved member of the Church Hill community. Because of his strong and faithful heart, Roger had a host of friends who loved him, will miss laughing with him, and who truly feel blessed to have had such a hero in their life. Roger Steele leaves a most wonderful legacy in the form of his family, who made his life complete: Nancy Steele, his wife and beloved angel of 26 years; and his three sons, Roger (Denny) Steele Jr., Kellen Steele and Kreston Steele, all of the home. Also surviving are his mother-in-law, Mary Crosby of Memphis; half brother L.D. Steele of Paris, Tenn.; two special aunts and an uncle, Teet Steele and Pauline Spaulding and Dick Spaulding; along with several nieces, nephews and cousins; and many, many co-workers, neighbors and friends who will miss Roger and his exuberant joy in life, his love of all people and his seemingly endless faith in God. Calling hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. Monday at Carter-Trent Funeral Home of Church Hill. Services will be conducted at 8 p.m. Monday in the funeral home chapel by Pastor Joey Swafford. Interment will be at 1 p.m. Tuesday at East Lawn Memorial Park with military graveside rites provided by the American Legion Hammond Post No. 3. Pallbearers will be Jim Swoager, Bill Swoager, Jody Pierce, Jason Derrick, Mike Ford and Coach Todd Whittemore. Honorary pallbearers will be members of the Carters Valley Volunteer Fire Department. Friends are invited to a special memorial service to celebrate Roger's life, his bravery, his character and his accomplishments at the Northeast Church of Christ at 7 p.m. on Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be made to The American Cancer Society, c/o Mrs. Wanda Grills, 1217 Radcliffe Ave., Kingsport, Tenn. 37664, or the Northeast Church of Christ, 2217 Beechnut Dr., Kingsport, Tenn. 37660. James Taylor, 54, Kingsport. KINGSPORT - Mr. James Donald Taylor, 54, of Oceanside, Calif., died Wednesday (Oct. 17, 2001) in Kingsport following a brief illness. A native of Ft. Worth, Texas, Mr. Taylor was a son of Mrs. Hazel Elizabeth Roten Taylor of Oceanside, and the late Edwin Monroe Taylor. Mr. Taylor was self-employed in the residential construction industry, and was a U.S. Army Vietnam Purple Heart-recipient veteran. Mr. Taylor was of the Baptist faith. Survivors in addition to his mother include brother, Gary Taylor, Kingsport; and sister Jessie Reed, Oceanside. Several nieces and nephews also survive. Announcement is courtesy of Mountain Empire Cremation, Elizabethton. Alpha Vermillion, 96, Gate City, Va. GATE CITY, Va. - Alpha Blanche Vermillion, 96, of Route 2, departed this life Friday evening (Oct. 19, 2001) at her residence. Survivors and arrangements will be announced later by Scott County Funeral Home, Weber City, Va. Jerry Winstead Jr., 42, Chattanooga. CHATTANOOGA - Jerry Winstead Jr., 42, passed away Friday (Oct. 19, 2001) in a local hospital. He was a devoted husband, father, brother, son and grandson, and will be deeply missed by all. He was a member of Jasper Church of the Nazarene, where he was a Sunday School teacher and served on the church Board. He was employed by Yellow Book, U.S.A. and was formerly employed by Bruce Baird and Company, and WDEF-TV 12. Surviving are his wife, Pam Casseday Winstead; son, Blake Casseday Winstead, Chattanooga; parents, Gerald Edgar Sr. and Dorothy Jean Wilder Winstead, Rogersville; grandmother, Etta B. Wilder, Kingsport; brothers, Randy L. Winstead, Gray, Michael S. Winstead, Knoxville, and Jason B. Winstead, Rogersville; sister, Traycee Maynard, Knoxville. Calling hours are from 3 to 8 p.m. today in the North Chapel of Chattanooga Funeral Home, Chattanooga. Services will be conducted at 11:30 a.m. Monday in the chapel of the funeral home with the Rev. Lynn Casseday and the Rev. William Bruce Wilder officiating. The interment will follow in Hamilton Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Published October 20, 2001
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